Fading nova

Chapter 1

It was a peaceful day at Ponyville. The sun was shining on Sugarcube Corner, the bakery that was resting on the cliff overlooking the pink sea. All was announcing that it will be a nice, peaceful day//

BOOOM

An explosion happened in Sugarcube Corner and a thick column of smoke came out of the window. Followed by a chibi Pinkie Pie, coughing like no tomorrow.

‘’*cough**cough* Wow. When I had said I will make a recipe that would make taste buds explode, it is not really what I had in mind.’’

‘’Pinkie darling, you are sure you are alright?’’

Have say a chibi Rarity, busy polishing her hooficure. Pinkie was not deterred at all by that predicament.

‘’Bah, nothing to worry, I will just...’’

Fast as lightning, she went into the broom closet and took from it a fan of super-giga size that was as high as the ceiling. And also way higher than the door from which it came by.

‘’Hum, strange. How did it fit in there?’’

She pushed the switch on and all the smoke of her burning oven was pushed out from the open window through the outside air. Or more like it was ejected at high speed as a geyser of smog. Right into the town.

‘’There. Problem solved. And Ponyville should probably be fine. Pro... bably.’’

Once the deed was done, the chibi pink pony sat down at a round table where her five other chibi friends were sitting. Twilight, Applejack, Rarity, Rainbow and Fluttershy. Speaking of her, she let it go off her tablet to look at something with a lot of worry.

‘’Hum, Pinkie. You're sure it's a good idea to leave it alone like that? That doesn't seem safe.’’

She was talking about the oven that was still burning as if it was a campfire.

‘’Oh yeah, no need to worry. It will eventually go out by itself.’’

The belly of Rainbow Dash made a growl.

‘’Ah shoot. I was really looking forward to those cupcakes. I'm sooo hungry.’’

‘’Don't fret Dashie. I got us cover.’’

From her puffy mane, Pinkie took a plate with dozens of cupcakes with all kinds of colorful frosting. To which Twilight was flabbergasted.

‘’What! But but, where are they coming from?’’

‘’Oh silly, I always have a few at hoof reach.’’

‘’But then, what was the point to bake more if we have them already?’’

‘’Well, hum... come to think of it... I am not quite sure. Oh well, who care. Sometimes my actions are a mystery even to me. Anyway, let's eat.’’

She distributed the cupcakes to all. Rainbow did not wait for the other and dived head first on her pastry. Pinkie looked at the table and felt that it was missing something. Then, it hit her.

‘’Aha! Do you know what would be the best drink with that?’’

She ran towards her mini fridge on her kitchen wall and opened it.

‘’It's a bunch of potions to double the fun. So take your shovels because it's time to dig in huhhh!! Wait, what!’’

To her disappointment, she saw that her mini fridge was empty. There was not a single bottle. Pinkie blue eyes were becoming big and watery as she was looking at those shelves devoid of anything. Except maybe quite a shame.

‘’Aww that shucks. How can we have our fun wacky day then?’’

But to the surprise of all, a cheery voice came out of nowhere.

‘’Did somepony say fun and wacky in the same sentence?’’

Everypony turned their heads towards the direction of the newcomer voice. It was coming from beyond the front door. Say door opened up itself and from the doorway came a blinding and divine white light. They expected that something unbelievable will come out of it. But instead, what came out was just a chibi unicorn mare, casually galloping inside and waving a greeting at them. A very mundane sight.

‘’Hello you all. Did you miss me?’’

That unicorn was of a pristine white. Her gorgeous mane was made of all strips of magenta and was sparkling on all her surface. That unicorn was Potion Nova. Applejack lifted her hat as a salute.

‘’Howdy Nova. Say, usually yer entrances are more spectacular.’’

‘’Yes, sorry about that, I wanted to do more. It's just that the rest of my special effects are in the wash.’’

‘’Ahhh... ah see. Is it me or today's gags are all over the place?’’

The unicorn walked towards the table and with a shimmering of her horn, bottles of all shapes and colors appeared out of thin air in front of everypony. All mares shouted for joy at those potions that are sure to be more fun than the others. They said their thanks at Nova. Said Nova was amusing herself balancing a round bottle on her forehead.

‘’Aww that's sweet of you. But there is no need to thank me. Making potions is what I live for. No matter how many I make, I just never get tired of it. Hum, how should I explain? It is as if the concept of fun and wonder had taken a liquid form that you could put into a bottle. A bottle that you could hold with your hooves and share with others. I just want my babies to be used and that everypony tastes the joy they bring. Literally in that case. ... Sorry, I did not want to bother you with a speech. I don't know what came through me. We are not here to be serious. Enjoy the drinks.’’

‘’Nova.’’

‘’No no, I had said it's not necessary to sing my praises. Oh, okay, maybe just a little.’’

Twilight was very confused.

‘’Huh! But... nopony had said anything.’’

‘’Really! But I was sure I'd heard//

‘’Nova.’’

Surprised, Potion Nova dropped her bottle. It would have broken if Twilight did not intervene and caught it with her magic.

‘’Be more careful with those. If I was not here, it could have been a mess.’’

‘’I'm sorry. But I feel... I mean... I have the strange feeling that I am forgetting something. Something... important.’’

‘’NOVAAAA.’’

‘’GYAAAAH!!!’’

The regular size Potion Nova jumped back in fright and turned around to look at the regular size pony who screamed at her. A unicorn stallion of imposing size and gruffly mustache. By the way, that stallion was her boss.

‘’Will you stop daydreaming and get back to work. The cooler device of that fridge should have been done by now.’’

‘’Huh! Oh! Yes, yes boss. It will be finished in a jiffy.’’

She had said while making a nervous salute.

‘’And straight-up your uniform. We are suppose to look like professionals, not slobs.’’

‘’Yes boss, right now boss.’’

Potion Nova readjusted her blue shirt and her blue cap hat. Both of them were wearing the logo of the company: Fresh Fridge.

‘’Good. Now can I count on you to finish the job?’’

‘’Don't worry. A few adjustments and it will be good to go.’’

With her magic, she took two screwdrivers and then used them on the machinery located behind a fridge. She worked them slowly with a deep concentration, her tongue sticking out. The fridge soon came alive and started purring. A sound that made Nova very proud.

‘’There we go. That baby is good to go.’’

‘’Good. COME ON BOYS AND GIRLS. PUT IT ON THE CART. NOW’’

Pegasi, wearing the same uniform, grabbed the fridge and went across the open hatch leading to the warehouse of the company where there were other ponies working on various tasks and shelves full of fridges ready to go. The flying fridge was deposited on a cart along with another already on it. The boss of the company went towards the cart and shouted:

‘’NOVA.’’

The unicorn, eager to please, dashed in one instant towards her boss, saluting like a soldier.

‘’Potion Nova ready for duty. What is it?’’

‘’You will be in charge of delivering those two fridges to their new owners. Both of their residences are in Ponyville.’’

‘’Oh! Ponyville, where I live!’’

‘’Yes, that's why I figured out you will be the best for that task. Since you already know the layout, it should be an easy job for you.’’

Ignoring the insinuation, Nova instead made a beaming smile at that responsibility given to her. Her boss levitated a sheet of paper in front of her.

‘’Here. Their address are written there.’’

She was about to take it but her boss flew it away from her at the last second.

‘’Don't disappoint me. One of those delivery is a very important one.’’

‘’You can count on me. Our dearest customers would have the... 'coolest' service there could be possible to have. Huh huh, get it?’’

‘’... ... ... Just get on with it, please.’’

‘’Right away sir.’’

She grabbed the paper and it is with enthusiasm that she ran like a racing car toward the outside, leaving a trail of smoke behind her.

Once she was gone, her boss made quite a sigh. While looking at the cart with its load. The cart that was still there.

Potion Nova came back inside, walking sheepishly with an embarrassing smile.

‘’Right, right. The fridges, the fridges. Difficult to make a delivery without them, hehehe... heh.’’

The sun was shining brightly on the town of Ponyville. Butterflies were peacefully flying in the air and ponies were casually doing their daily lives. On a hill, overlooking the whole town and covered in green and fresh grass, a unicorn had just barely reached the summit, dragging with her the cart she had pulled. Her deed accomplished, she unbuckled from the harness and allowed herself to enjoy the view. It was breathtaking. Potion Nova had moved to Ponyville for just one month but it was more than enough to understand how great it is to live there.

‘’So beautiful. Ponyville is really a special place. No matter where I go, I always see smiles. And everypony is so nice toward each other. I could not have chosen a better town to live in. I hope that one day I could be as its image and become a pony that could bring happiness to many.’’

She pumped her hoof toward the sky to show her confidence.

‘’And I will. I just know I will. Yes, one day I will realize my dream to be an unicorn that is sweet, magic, fast, posh, fun, cute, and... and so much more. Well, I know a good way to start. ’’

She held her hoof at her side to grab the harness.

But found it strange when the only thing she was grabbing... was thin air.

She turned around and to her horror, saw her cart rolling down the hill along with her precious cargo. To which she naturally went running after it.

‘’Ah wait, no please, come back, come back!’’

Inside one of the many homes of Ponyville, one pegasus mare was washing her dishes in her sink full of soapy water while humming a tune. Her work was interrupted by the sound of knocking at her door. She first dried her hooves and went towards her door to open it. At first, she was surprised to see that nopony was there. But then, in quite an entrance, the fridge, on a hoof truck, came into view, rolling from the side. And what's more, to compliment the whole show, a unicorn with a shining magenta mane jumped out before her in an exaggerated dramatic pose.

‘’Fresh Fridge at your service ma'am. Are you Morning Daisy?’’

‘’Huh? Yes. Yes, it's me.’’

‘’Splendid. I am here to deliver the fridge you have been waiting for.’’

With quite a skillful gesture, she made a bow while at the same time, taking her cap off with one hoof while with the other, opened up the fridge door, letting out its cool air display as pretty fog with the help of the interior light of the fridge.

‘’... ... Oh my! That quite the service.’’

‘’What can I say ma'am? Always eager to please. Please allow me to install it.’’

She entered the house, pulling the fridge with her magic. Her job did not take that long. After barely twenty minutes, she went out, levitated her tools back into her saddlebag while her client waved her goodbye.

‘’Thanks again. You really were helpful.’’

‘’All the pleasure was for me. And remember. If you have any problems with it, call us. Because with me, all your problems will be water under the fridge.’’

‘’... ... That was ba, hum I mean suuure. Have a nice day.’’

‘’Have a nice day.’’

The mare went back into her house while Potion Nova trotted back to her carriage, quite delighted to have made her customer happy and put back the hoof truck inside the carriage.

‘’Ah nothing more can lift-up your day than making a pony smile. Alright. Now let us see who is next on the list.’’

She levitated the paper sheet with the addresses in front of her.

‘’So, written there, it is said that my next delivery should go to... to... ... what!’’

Suddenly, she grabbed the sheet with her hooves. She re-read and re-read and re-read again and she could not believe her eyes. Her hooves were shaking and she was putting the paper so close to her face that she could nearly tear it with her eyes.

‘’It... it can't be! I am daydreaming? The, the, the... THE CASTLE OF FRIENDSHIP!’’

She screamed at the top of her lungs, scaring all passersby and not caring at all of all the odd looks they were giving her.

‘’No, no way, it can't be real, oh but of course it is real, it's written right there but I mean it can't be real! ''The'' Castle of Friendship. What once used to be their place of residence! My lifelong heroes.’’

She took something from her saddleback. A scrapbook of pink color with glitter on it which she opened. Revealing pages full of scotch taped photos and cut of newspaper articles and various other things. And the common theme was they were all about six particular ponies.

‘’Well technically, it was more the home of Twilight Sparkle, the princess of friendship, but all the bearers of the Elements used it as a base to spread friendship over Equestria and beyond. And now it is used as home for Starlight Glimmer, the headmare of the school of friendship and oh my gosh oh my gosh, I'm going to go there!’’

She just continued to jubilate on the street, blissfully unaware of the attention she was dragging. She even forcefully grabbed a random stallion passing by and shoved her scrapbook on both of their muzzles.

‘’I am talking about them. Them! Twilight Sparkle. Applejack. Pinkie Pie. Rarity. Rainbow Dash. And Fluttershy. Those are the six ponies that I admire the most. I had followed their every step and I knew everything about them. It has always been my dream to meet them since they bring joy and harmony wherever they go. Aren't they just the best?’’

‘’Ma'am, you are scared me.’’

‘’You think that maybe one day, I may become even just a tiny bit like them?’’

‘’If I say yes, you will let me go?’’

‘’Huh? Oh... oooooh.’’

Potion Nova came back to her senses and realized what she had done. She did what he asked and let him go and giggle with embarrassment.

‘’Ahah, sor, sorry, I tend to lose track when I talk about my heroes WAIT! What am I doing here? I have no time to lose. This is a golden chance, I must go to that castle pronto.’’

She went to her cart, attached her harness and galloped towards the direction of the Castle of Friendship. And beside her being a unicorn, she ran with the speed of an earth pony.

The Castle of Friendship was a remarkable sight to behold. Its towering size and crystalline appearance makes it that you could easily see it from every corner of Ponyville. Naturally, Potion Nova, living here, had seen that castle countless times from afar. However...

‘’Oooooh it is even more impressive once seen up-close. It's like it is coming straight from a fairy tale! I can't believe I have at last an excuse to enter it.’’

Realizing what she had just said, she shook her head.

‘’No, bad Potion Nova, bad. Remember what the boss said, you are a professional. The job come first.’’

She went towards the door and knocked on it.

‘’Hello. Fresh Fridge at your service. I am here to deliver your fridge. ... ... ... Huh? Helloooo. Is somepony there?’’

But only silence answered back.

‘’Oh no, don't tell me nopony is here! Come to think of it, this castle is so huge, how can they know if sompony is knocking? Should I just leave a note on the door?’’

She tried to open the door in a desperate act. But to her surprise, it actually opened.

‘’Huh! Well damn. It's not close! Everypony can enter at any time! Whoa. They are really that trusty! Well, I suppose that they have to leave the door open for everypony. Since being the Castle of Friendship, duh. Still, maybe I should enter to warn somepony about the fridge. Annnd maybe take the opportunity to see what it looks like inside. All for the sake of doing my job of course. Alright Nova, takes the plunge and go.’’

So she decided to enter. Once inside, the doors slammed shut behind her. The abrupt noise startled her. But it dissipates at the moment she sees the splendor of the entrance hall.

‘’Whoaaaa. So... that's what it looks like. I had always tried to imagine it since I was a filly but I definitely could not do it justice. Those columns made of sparkling crystal. Those murals and tapestries. Oh! And all those cute green stained glass. It's just so... pretty. It really does feel like it is coming from a fairy tale.’’

Not knowing where to go, she just took a random hallway. As she trotted aimlessly, she was awestruck by all she was seeing, having forgotten the reason why she came here in the first place. That hallway was ended by an intersection leading to more hallways. That intersection was a small round room and in it was four crystal columns. Potion Nova stopped right at the cross section of those four columns and looked at them. Their surface was so reflective they may as well be mirrors. She even waved at one of her reflections.

‘’Hello me. My, you look really nice today. Quite the bumble of laughter are you. Humm although, maybe just a tinsie bit more of smile would be best.’’

With both hooves, she stretched her smile just a little bit. The change was barely noticeable. But it seems to be satisfactory for her.

‘’Ah, now I am fully my charming self, ready to meet new ponies.’’

She got back up and continued on her way.

But is it truly how you feel?

‘’Huh!?’’

She was not sure but she thought she had heard a voice coming from behind her. A voice that was eerily similar thought of her own.

She turned towards her reflection. It was the same as usual. She shook her head.

‘’Wow. My overflowing imagination is finally playing tricks on me. Come on Nova, it's not the time for daydream, you got a job to do, a job. Ah! Now I sound like my boss.’’

Potion Nova continues to wander the castle for a few minutes without seeing a single soul. She was starting to wonder if it was such a good idea after all. But it was then she heard voices. One of the green doors was slightly open and light was coming from it. She came closer and indeed there was somepony inside, casually drinking tea on a chair. At first she wanted to enter but then hesitated and instead opted for simply knocking on the door which surprised the pony inside.

‘’Huh?! Hum, hello? Is somepony there?’’

Potion Nova took her cap and pressed it to her chest before pushing the door and politely introducing herself.

‘’Excuse me. Did I startle you? I realize it may not be quite proper to barge in unnoticed but... nopony was at the door and it was unlocked. I am from Fresh Fridge and I am the pony in charge of delivering your new fridge. It was supposed to be today.’’

One look was more than enough for Potion Nova to recognize the mare she was talking to. She was an unicorn of fuchsia color and her mane was of a dark purple with stripes of electric blue. She was wearing an elegant dark-cherry coat that was screaming professionalism. It was the headmare of the school of Friendship, Starlight Glimmer. Potion Nova was also a fan of hers. She even had a section of her scrapbook dedicated specially towards her.

Starlight put down her levitated teacup, still fuming, on its tea plate on a table and got up from her armchair to meet Nova.

‘’Oh shoot, that's right! I'm sorry, it completely slipped my mind. I am so sorry.’’

‘’Oh no Miss Glimmer, it's perfectly alright. It was not a bother, I assure you. Besides, a Fresh Fridge employee never complains. Well, it’s technically more my personal motto than of the company... *couff**couff* what I mean is it was no trouble for me. And it gives me the chance to explore your beautiful castle.’’

‘’Still, I feel it was very impolite of me. I should have made sure you will have been well received.’’

‘’And I'm afraid I am partly to blame. I decided to visit my friend Starlight out of the blue, without warning. That probably what made her forget.’’

The one who had spoken was neither Nova nor Starlight. Nova was surprised because she had not noticed the presence of that third pony that seemed to have been here all along. There was another armchair in that foyer. And the back of that chair was facing Nova. That other pony must have been hidden behind it, she was thinking. And to confirm her theory, another fuming teacup, in the grasp of a raspberry aura, floated from beyond it and just like the previous one, landed on a tea plate.

‘’Please allow me to introduce myself. Though I suppose it is not necessary.’’

The pony speaking, came out of the chair, revealing herself and gosh... the shock at the sight of her made Potion Nova pupils shrunk and her breath was caught in her throat.

Before her, was a mare of ginormous size, possessing both a horn and a pair of wings, making her an alicorn. Her fur was of a beautiful lavender and her purple mane was floating by itself, magic coursing through it. And although she was not wearing any crown or regalia on her, it was indubitably none other than the princess of Friendship herself.

It was Twilight Sparkle! The one she looks up the most! The ones she had always dreamed of meeting one day! The one she had always fantasized about being friends and she was there, right in front of her, at a few steps and how much she did not see that coming, how much she was not prepared and how she wanted to cry of joy and run away at the same time!

‘’Pr... pr pr princess, Twi... light, Sparkle!!! Ah, ah, hum, oh, he he he he hello princess, ni ni ni nice to meet you, I am Po po po po po Potion Nova, it an honor to greet, I mean to meet... you and I already say that. (What is wrong with you dummy! She will think you are a weirdo.)’’

But against all expectations, the princess did not seem disturbed. Instead, she was smiling and acted as if Nova had given a normal greeting.

‘’I see. It is a pleasure to meet you, Potion Nova. That's a pretty name.’’

‘’(Oh gosh, she's coming closer! What should I do? I can't act like a dump fangirl fawning over a celebrity. Everypony hates that and it's insensitive. Calm down Nova, you have to calm down, stop stressing stop stressing, your heartbeat is too loud, what if she hears it? Oh no, she's coming closer, she will definitely hear it she will hear it, stop beating so loud stop beating so loud stop beating so loud stop beating so loud... ... ah good, it stop.)’’

‘’So tell me, I heard you like exploring my ancient home. I'm glad that you had found it... hum... say, why are you not moving an inch and your face is losing colors? Also, why the glitter in your eyes... is... fading... down!’’

Like she had said, Potion Nova was as fixed as a statue.

Then just like that, she dropped stiff dead into the hooves of a panicking alicorn.

‘’Heh heh heh what's happening, she's not moving! Wake up, wake up! Starlight, quick, help me, HELP MEEEE!’’

Author's Note

And that how Potion Nove died. But no, I am joking. It is far from being over. Far from it. There is still a lot see about the adventures of Potion Nova. Or rather, her misadventures. That poor pony will get into a lot of trouble, despite wanting to do good. Prepare to see a lot of hi-jinks.

I had decided to try my hand on writing a story that is mainly comedic to take a break of my usual heavy stuff style of writing. Now, why I have chosen Potion Nova of all pony as main character? Because she is practically the least popular character ever. So of course I have choose her. Heh it's all me. Always rooting for the underdog. Still, I have interesting ideas for her and I think I could bring a new dimension to that potion maker.

Stay tune for what come next. Lot of gags and bad puns. (The last part is unfortunate).

Also, here is a list of unique writting symbols that I will using for the rest of that story:
- ''//'' means that a dialogue had been interrupted and cut off by the dialogue of another one.
- ''|***|'' mean that a flashback is beggining.
- ''**|**'' mean that a flashback is ending.