Chapters Screw magical limitations
"Would you like some tea?"
Crystal smiled.
"If you don't mind".
With that said the young mare watched as the pale coated stallion began pouring her a glass of lemon tea. Not exactly her favorite, but an acceptable offering nonetheless.
Once he was done he passed the glass over towards her direction. A smile as gentle as the morning sun covered his face. His eyes all though rough and filled with past hardship sparkled with a warmness that reminded Crystal of her mother. A parental figure who unfortunately passed not that long ago. However, the fond memories of the mare who raised her were still present. A fact that brought comfort knowing that the mere memory of her mother will live on. Even if she would be the only one who shared such memories.
"Do you know when he might return?"
The old stallion Buckster if she remembered correctly chuckled. The look in his expression was a knowing fondness. After a moment of thought, he spoke. His voice sounded surprisingly jovial for his age. Then again perhaps he looked older than he was.
"Now that depends if we're lucky they should already know your here".
Crystal raised a brow.
"They?"
As far as the mare knew she was here only for one pony. Unless this turned out to be some two packages deal. That alone was something she dealt with before. It always ended differently in each attempt that was made.
Buckster chuckled.
"Ah yes, Shy and Shine two ponies practically glued to the hip, Shy's parents just went on vacation you see as such the little gal decided to stick with us for the next couple of months".
"I see".
Buckster shook his head.
"You say that but I can tell by looking in your eyes that you are more or so questioning about why you need to know such things".
The stallion took a sip of his coffee before continuing.
"The truth of the matter is rather simple, together Shine and Shy tend to get into a lot and I mean a lot of mischief ".
Crystal smirked.
"As one who used to be a filly herself, I can't say that im all that surprised".
As soon as the words left her mouth the stallion did something that caught crystal by surprise.
He laughed.
Hard.
"Oh, you have no idea" the stallion grinned. Panting slightly due to his sudden outburst.
Raising a brow once more Crystal made to reply.
Only to cut herself short upon hearing the sound of hooves connecting to a hardwood floor.
"Speak of the little devils" Buckster muttered. A sly smile formed on his lips. Crystal meanwhile got up from her seat on the table just as pairs of hooves can be heard coming down the stairs.
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"Hello there" Crystal smiled as two foals stared up at her. The similarities between the two were uncanny. For instance, both had white coats, brown manes, and similar facial features. The difference between the two was eye color and body posture. For instance, the one on her left had sliver eyes. Not only that but the pony stood tall. Starring into crystal's eyes as though there was an unspoken challenge between them. The one on the right had eyes that were faded orange. The pony's posture was more relaxed. Seemingly not concerned and or unbothered with the mare's presence. So much so that an old family portrait gained more attention than she did when she first addressed them.
"I don't mean to sound rude, but which one of you happens to be Shine?" She asked politely.
"Depends" the one staring at her stated. Her voice is surprisingly soft despite her posture. "
"On?"
"Are you a member of the DRF?"
Crystal blinked.
The what?"
Fortunately for the Earth pony, her confusion was soon answered.
"DRF, it's short for dimensional reality space federation" Buckster answered. The stallion had entered the living room not long ago. The mirth in his tone was all but clear, however, there was something else. Something akin to unease that Crystal was barely able to pick up on.
"In other words, they resembled the oh so feared ponies in black".
Oh.
More than a little amused the Earth mare shook her head. If there was one thing she cherished when it came to foals it was their overactive imaginations.
"No," she said smiling "I am not".
The filly stared a moment more before shrugging. "Eh, I believe you mainly because you don't look that smart to be one anyway".
Buckster shook his head. "That was rude".
"No, it's called honesty there's a difference".
The stallion made to reply. However, Crystal's hoof stopped him from doing so.
"It's fine".
Putting her hoof down Crystal stared at the pony before her. An amused smirk on her face. "I assume that your Shine?"
It was the only logical conclusion. After all especially gifted ponies tended to be overconfident and lacked any sort of filter. Especially when they're foals. This assessment alone wasn't entirely accurate. The once-great Twilight Sparkle proved this. However, Crystal met enough ponies to be confident in her assertion.
A snort of disbelief told her just how wrong she was.
"Man I was right, you are dumb".
Crystal snorted. She had the sinking feeling that the filly in question might just be in a really bad mood, and by the look that the older stallion was giving the foal, she figured that she wasn't far off.
"I suppose that makes you the genius in the room?"
"No, just the one who knows her stuff".
Realizing that she was getting nowhere fast Crystal turned towards the pony on the right.
"No".
That one simple word was spoken with such finality that for a second it seemed as if she was talking to a stallion rather than a foal. A foal was staring up at her with a pair of eyes that seemed to be looking through her rather than at her. That alone for some reason deeply unsettled her.
Tilting her head the Earth pony stared down at the colt with confused eyes.
"Come again?"
"I'm not joining".
The words spoken we're slightly high pitch and youthful due to his age. However, that did little to hide the tone in his voice. It was a tone that was often used that implied one already understood how things worked. Similar to that of a teen when confronted by their parents on the fundamentals of life.
A look of understanding crossed over Crystal's face.
She smiles.
"That's fine, I normally don't do this type of thing anyway after all the rumors seemed too good to be true".
Crystal bid the duo far well and turned to leave. However, before she could Buckster stood in her way. The look in his eyes was similar to that of a disappointed parent.
"Now hang on Just a minute," he told the mare.
Turning towards the two foals he sighed.
"We talked about this".
"It's a waste of time!" The filly shouted having chosen to speak up on her partner's behalf. "Why do we need to go to some lame school when we could be busy having fun!"
"Because your cousin has the potential to change the very understanding of magic as we know it".
Shy opened her mouth to reply.
However, before she could a sound reached their ears.
It was the sound of some pony laughing.
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She didn't mean to laugh.
Honestly, she didn't but upon hearing the older stallion's words Crystal couldn't help herself. Change the way they think about magic? The only one capable of ever doing so was a long dead. In any case, claiming to be capable of such a thing was ludicrous at best. Especially with a foal involved.
"Surely you jest!" The Earth mare said once her breathing was under control. "Magic has been studied by the greatest minds to ever exist! To imply that a colt has somehow figured out even more of its secrets is insane".
Shaking her head in disbelief Crystal turned to leave. Coming here was a mistake on her part. Then again rumors of an insanely powerful unicorn foal were too good to pass up. Oh well at the journey was somewhat amusing. Maybe she'll be able to catch the next train ride home. Of course, that depends if luck deemed her worthy enough to lend her aide.
"What did you say?"
It wasn't the filly who spoke but the colt, and by the sound of it, he was more than a little upset.
Regardless that did little to wipe the smile on Crystal's face as she neared the door.
"I've said all that I needed to I bid you all a far well'.
Chucking one last time Crystal Lens turned the doorknob. Before stepping out.
Only for her eyes to immediately widen in shock upon what she was seeing.
Equus.
She was staring at Equus.
If that wasn't enough another realization struck her.
Moon.
She was staring at Equus while on the moon.
"Pretty cool right?" Shy asked while coming up behind her. Besides her was Shine who looked more than a little smug.
Buckster meanwhile merely sighed before putting his head in his hooves.
Crystal meanwhile did the first thing that came to mind.
She screamed.
Screw magical limitations
"Geese, would you stop screaming?"
...........
"Yes, you're in space on the moon I thought you knew this already?"
..............
"Impossible? Lady if there's anything I truly learned it's that when it comes to magic nothing's on the table".
..............
"Lady I can't understand you, try talking in a language we can understand".
...............
"I'm not being rude!"
...................
"Ugh fine I'll be a little nicer".
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"Well, maybe it's because we were in the middle of an awesome fight that was interrupted when she decided to show up".
...........
"You managed to calm her down? Ugh finally! My ears were starting to hurt from all the screaming".
............
"Naw it's alright, I have been a bit of a jerk so it's no big deal".
.............
"Ugh yes, ill apologize, but only if I get to tell the story this time".
............
"Oh no, I wasn't talking to you, gramps".
......
"Sounds good to me".
......................................
"Alright, alright, you want an explanation? Well I can't answer all your questions, but I can take you back to the very beginning".
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Now before I continue I want to make one thing clear.
I'm not shy.
No, not my name the definition.
Let me explain.
You see when my parents named me Shy it was more or so in memory of the once-great element of kindness. It turns out that the yellow-coated pony did them a huge favor back in the day. I think it had something to do with my dad getting accidentally poisoned or something like that.
Anyway like I was saying im not shy, but im not exactly a social pony either.
In other words, I don't exactly go out of my way to make other ponies notice me or anything like that.
You see I have a sort of bubble, and in this bubble, I have my comfort zone. It just so happens that my comfort zone mainly consists of me sticking by myself. Plus I wasn't exactly the type to try to make other ponies happy. Furthermore the times I did try to make friends it ended up backfiring.
Horribly.
Not to say I was bullied. I more or so ended up just calling quits after a few days.
Why?
Because it seemed like so much work towards a pony who could very well decide to ditch me or take my kindness for granted. Plus the idea of having to make a friend then be a friend to his friend and so on was just too stressful, and way outside my comfort zone.
Now I know what you thinking, no I was never once lonely and or depressed at any point in my life before I met Shine.
Why would I be? Because I didn't befriend a random pony? That sounds ridiculous.
Granted life was pretty boring.
Mainly because it was the same thing every day.
Wake up listening to ponies screaming then go to school come back to more screaming eat breakfast and then go to sleep.
That was my life.
Dull, simple, and always the same.
Can't say I hated it, I mean at the time I knew what to expect. You're better off living in a small hole than going out and wasting your time on making yourself seem as big as the world around you. I mean can you imagine taking all that responsibility? It caused me to have nightmares.
In my life, I only ever had to do the bare minimum and I was fine with that.
With that said school life was just as dull.
If you're expecting to hear that I was picked on or anything like that you're tough out of luck. That type of thing only happens in movies where they want you to feel bad for the main character.
No, I wasn't bullied nor made fun of.
I mean sure there were a few exceptions, but what do you expect? Life isn't some perfect fairy tale.
The work was easy, the files and colts were tolerable and the teachers honestly weren't that bad.
Now, my parents....we don't talk about them.
Let's just say work makes them stressed and leave it at that okay?
So yeah my life wasn't anything special.
At least until one day.
You see for some reason, my parents decided that after years apart a family reunion was in order. This alone was a little odd since they don't usually go for that type of thing. Like at all.
Regardless that was the plan.
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The reunion sucked.
Like badly.
Whether it be because of the beef the families shared, or because the food wasn't exactly the best in terms of taste. Regardless tension was felt on both sides.
Can't say I was all that surprised.
The only reason tempers didn't already flare was because gramps was the main one keeping the peace.
Now that im thinking about it im pretty sure I felt pretty bad for the old fart. Then again I was pretty sure he was the sole cause of this happening in the first place.
Either way, the geaser was doing his best that was for sure.
I was busy listening to music on my Trix pod. Meanwhile, everyone else was too busy focusing on each other to notice me.
At least they weren't screaming this time.
As of yet anyway.
Suddenly just as the thought crossed my mind I felt a tap on my shoulder.
I jumped.
Almost fell off the bench too. Fortunately, a telekinetic shield stopped me from doing so.
The sensation was odd, to say the least.
How do I explain it? Imagine a hug.
Okay now imagine it being munch flatter and instead of a squeezing sensation it was an army of insects rolling around in your skin.
............
On second thought forget I said anything you look like you are about to throw up.
After a few seconds of stillness, I was gently lifted back onto the bench. Once I was safely secure the orange aura around me faded.
"Are you okay?!"
Shivering I nodded. The whole experience still takes time to fully process in my brain. If I ever wondered what it felt like to be in the grips of some pony's magic now I knew.
Still, I ended up deciding that it was a necessary sacrifice. After all, it's still significantly better than falling face-first on the ground. At least I didn't lose any teeth in the process, unlike last time.
"I'm sorry I didn't mean for that to happen".
The voice or rather pony behind me said.
From the regret in his voice, I was inclined to believe him. Either way, I was just glad that I avoided a face full of dirt. Especially considering that afterwords the embarrassment alone would have sent me running.
"It's fine" I muttered turning my head.
Only to come face to face with a pony that I was not expecting.
Myself.
Or rather a pony who almost looked exactly like me.
Of course, there were differences here and there. That alone was enough to tell me that the pony standing before me wasn't some sort of changeling. Of course, the species died out decades ago so the chance of coming across one face to face wasn't exactly high.
Then again there were a few of them spotted here and there.
"Hi"
The colt smiled eyes hopeful.
When seconds of awkward silence passed between us his smile faltered.
I meanwhile felt as if I was starring into a mirror. Have you ever had this moment where something surprised you so much that your mind just goes blank for a few seconds?
No? Well in any case that was me.
Not exactly my proudest moment.
In response to my ongoing silence, the colt lowered his head. The hopeful look in his eyes was immediately replaced with a dejected look.
"Sorry for bothering you, I'll just go find some pony else to talk to".
He turned intending to walk away.
"WHAT!"
I covered my mouth. Shocked at the sheer volume of my voice. My cheeks quickly turned into a shade of crimson. I had zero ideas of what just came over me. I wasn't the type to raise my voice or actively seek out the attention of others. It wasn't In my nature. I was the type that minded their business. While choosing to ignore the ever-changing landscape around them. I was content with the life I have why risk changing it?
Said question went unanswered.
Which wasn't much of a surprise considering I asked this in my head.
"Yes?"
The colt stared at me. Excitement mixed with eagerness flashed in his eyes. I found that alone more than a little odd. We just met and yet he seemed overjoyed to see me.
Weird.
Then again it wasn't like our family was normal.
With this in mind, I mentally shrugged.
I've already gotten this far might as well see it through. Even if doing so physical pained me.
"Thank you".
I smiled at him. Doing this small action alone caused his whole face to light up.
"Wanna see a magic trick?"
The question caught me off guard. To be honest, I don't know what I was expecting, but a magic show? Now that was unexpected.
I opened my mouth to reply. However, before I could we both heard a scream.
"JUST SAY IT WAS YOU! SAY IT!"
The colt flinched before covering his ears.
My answer was decided just before a chair was flung across a table.
Screw magical limitations
Why?
That's the one question I kept asking myself over and over again, for the past several minutes.
"Tada!" The colt shouted.
I watched numbly as he pulled a toy bunny out of a hat. The look on his face was one of accomplishment.
I smiled.
Or at least tried to.
Unfortunately, it came out more than a little strained. Regardless the colt took that as his cue to bow.
"Thank you! Thank you!"
I stared, not sure what I was supposed to do. Because of this, the silence that fell between us was more than a little awkward.
Standing up once more the colt smiled before trotting over to a box filled with mundane magic tricks. As he did I took the time to survey the room I found myself in.
The room was small, and as in small I mean it was barely big enough to fit three ponies let alone two. As I looked around I also noticed a sheet and two pillows near the corner of the room. Since I saw no bed in sight I assumed that it was where he slept.
I also realized that he was severely lacking in terms of decoration. As in there was nothing but white walls as far as the eye can see. This alone made me feel better about my room. I mean it was also pretty bland but at least I had a poster. So what if it was a lame gift given to me last hearts warming at least it was something.
Then again I wasn't much of a Daring Doo fan, to begin with.
Even with this in mind I still felt on edge about the situation I found myself in. I mean here I was in some pony's room watching him do magic tricks while sweating profusely. This wasn't supposed to happen. So then why?
Why was I here?
Why did I care?
And most importantly why don't I just walk away?
These questions swirled around my brain like a never-ending storm, but no matter how many times I asked them the answer seemed to be beyond my reach.
It also didn't help that the colt was constantly glancing in my direction. As if he needed to reassure himself that I still existed.
I sighed.
At least all I had to do was watch.
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"Shine?"
Upon hearing his name being called the colt proceeded to drop the cards he was holding before trotting over.
"Mom!"
I meanwhile blinked upon hearing his name.
Shy and Shine? The similarities between our names alone felt like more than just a coincidence. Granted the definitions were vastly different, but still. Either way, I watched from the safety of my spot on the floor as the two ponies began to converse.
"Are we going home yet!"
Aunt Black flinched.
From the way, Shine smiled I knew that I was the only one who noticed.
Aunt Black sniffed rubbing her nose before answering.
"Not today dear mommy had to change her plans".
Aunt Black averted her eyes and I immediately could tell that there was more to the story. Unlike last time, however, I wasn't the only one who noticed.
Shine's gaze narrowed "you promised".
Aunt Black flinched. The mare lowered her head for a moment, but when she looked back up there was a shift in her eyes. It was as if watching a switch being flicked right before your very eyes.
"Look, I can't do this okay?! I never asked for any of this! I told you to stop but you never listen! So you know what?! I'm done".
As soon as the words left her mouth Black turned to leave.
Now that might not sound like a big deal to you, but what he said next shocked me. The sound of his voice was a mix of a vast number of different emotions. Anger, confusion, longing, pain, and regret. Each one of these emotions came out as clear as day with one single word.
"Mama?"
The mare froze.
The air around us grew heavy with the sound of silence that followed.
No pony moved.
As the seconds passed by sweat began to form on aunty's head. I meanwhile watched the scene before me with bated breath. The anticipation of what was going to happen next filled my very being.
At least until he spoke.
"Goodbye".
His voice changed. He sounded low, calm as if he was expecting this to happen.
Aunty Black on the other hoof gritted her teeth before bolting out the room. The door slammed closed behind her.
The silence that followed was swift.
However, as of all things, it never lasts.
"She feels bad about what she did, that regret made her choice so much easier".
I blinked confused at his words.
Suddenly the realization of what just happened hit me.
"She's not coming back is she?" I asked softly.
He looked over at me. His eyes were different now. At this point, I realized that another switch has been flipped.
"No, she's not".
He smiled,
"But then again destiny is the paper and you are the pen".
I blinked more than a little lost. Don't get me wrong I understand what he meant, but I failed to understand why he felt the need to say something like that now.
Upon seeing my confused expression he smiles.
"Do you wanna see a magic trick?"
I opened my mouth to reply. Only to close it upon seeing the need in his expression. I realized at that moment that he wanted to get his mind off things. Normally I wasn't the type that offers any sort of comfort, but after everything, I just witnessed adding to the realization that his mother was just as awful as mine,
I smiled.
"Sure".
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This is insane.
That was the first thought that came to my mind as I stood over a swimming pool. A pool that so happens to be filled with nearly four inches of water. Besides me, Shine was grinning with anticipation. It appears that his next big trick involved getting us killed.
"This is stupid" I muttered out loud. Silently asking myself why I was even letting this get this far in the first place.
The colt next to me laughed. Finding my choice of words more than a little amusing.
"It's going to be fun! I promise".
I shook my head. Doubt, good old common sense, and self-preservation kicking into play.
This was risky.
This was stupid.
This was a death sentence.
These thoughts consumed my mind. I knew for a fact that this was gonna end badly. Hell if it does whoever finds us would probably think that this was some kind of suicide pack.
Admittedly my life wasn't the greatest but this? This was ridiculous.
However, even with this in mind, I couldn't find within me to do anything but stare at my awaiting demise. Logic screamed at me to back away, but it was something else held me there. There was one side that screamed that I was going to die and there was a whisper. It told me that I had nothing to worry about, that there was something beyond this place that was waiting for me on the other side. Something that was filled with adventure and could free me from the burden that was the future.
"On three!"
Shine's voice snapped me out of my thoughts. Immediately fear and panic began to set in as what was about to happen became even clear than before.
"NO WA-!"
"Three!"
What happened next happened in an instant.
In one moment I was starring down my reflection with a pony I just met,
And in the next, I was screaming as gravity took control.
I closed my eyes. If I was going to die I didn't want to see it happen.
A second later the inevitable happened.
I landed.
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I waited,
And waited,
And waited.
When nothing of note happened for several long seconds I began to slowly open my eyes. At first, I thought by doing so I was going to have one of those out-of-body experiences.
Instead, I saw something just as surprising.
Flowers.
A lot of them.
Screw magical limitations
"Pretty neat huh? Shine asked with a smile. He watched with amusement as I began looking around my surroundings with wide eyes and an open maw.
We weren't in Sunny Fields anymore.
No, instead we were in a place filled with flowers as far as the eye can see. Red, blue, purple, the colors seemed endless. Some were small, some were as tall as cornfields and seemingly stretched out just as long. If that wasn't amazing enough there's one little fact that made it all the more breathtaking.
Glowing.
The flowers were glowing.
They were doing so under a blue-colored landscape.
I looked up.
Only to gasp upon seeing two identical blue moons cast overhead. Both were so close to one another that they were almost touching.
It was beautiful.
Me describing the scene alone doesn't do it enough justice. You truly had to be there to experience it for yourself.
"Where.....where are we?"
"Where do you think?"
I looked over at my cousin.
The smile on his face was close to being infectious.
"Are we in someplace new? Or are you in a world by all logic and purpose shouldn't exist?"
I stared.
Upon seeing my confused expression he continued.
"What defines reality? Logic? Understanding? The so called rules that govern everything in this realm and beyond? No, truth is it's all about perspective".
Shine then proceeds to hold a hoof out. A second later his horn glowed and in a flash of brilliant orange magic an apple appeared.
The smile on his face never wavered.
"You see this? When you first lay eyes on it your mind immediately comes to the conclusion that what I'm holding is an apple".
When he saw that he had my full attention he grinned before lightly blowing on the fruit.
As soon as he did so the apple proceeded to tear itself apart reavling it to actually be a swarm a butterflies.
I watched on in shock as the kaleidoscope quickly began to fly away.
"As you saw perception isn't all it cracks up to be. It can be altered, it can be changed, it can even become something else entirely, something monstrous but in truth perception does nothing but limits one's understanding of what's really out there".
I stood there. Taking a few moments to process his words fully.
It was quite an ear full, but still I managed to pecie it all together. The only reason it took me so long in the first place was the fact that I was on an entirely different planet. It was all utterly insane how everything changed so quickly. One moment I was at a less then desirable reunion, and in the next Im in place that looked to be straight out of a fantasy novel. Granted we had some crazy stuff at home, but this? Words can't even begin to describe it all.
Oh and then there was the fact that my cousin turned out to be an insanely powerful unicorn. We are talking about several steps beyond white level at this point. At first glance you would think that teleportation isn't that difficult of a feat. You would be correct. Even the lowest level of magic users can perform this task if their dedicated enough. However despite what you might have heard you can't just teleport anywhere you want. There are limits depending on how munch magic your body can willed. You see magic itself is practically an infinite source. Despite what you might have believed we ponies don't willed magic we absorb it. The more magic you absorb the stronger you became. However there is a limit on how munch your body can handle. As such we ponies formed a limiter of sorts. This limiter can be found in parts of the body such as heart, lung, and of course your skull. This is especially noticeable in unicorns if you know how to look. It is important to note that no matter how powerful one is they thier limiter will always hold them back from letting loose. That is because if one where to reach their maximum potential and somehow break past their limiter for any reason death isn't a likelihood, but a guarantee.
Of course there are different levels of magic depending on the individual.
There are blue, yellow, purple, and white.
The highest one could possibly get was purple witch was mage level. I say this because depending on how strong a pony is that's how far they can teleport.
For example ponies on level yellow can teleport across towns, ponies on purple can teleport across countries. Ponies on the white level can in theory can teleport to any place on Equus, Known or unknown.
But this? This wasn't Equus.
No, this was an entire different planet and or realm all together. Witch meant the sheer amount of magic he needs to achieve this feat was white level times 10, most likely even more.
The fact that he didn't even look winded was a testament in itself.
By magical science terms this colt was damn near a god. If he wasn't one already.
Even with this mind his earlier words began to echo in my head.
Looking over at him I asked the question that begged to be let out of my mind.
"What is out there?"
He smirked.
The look in his eyes was one of boundless opportunity. His expression however was one of barley controlled excitement. Sort of like a foal on hearts warming day who couldn't wait to open their presents. In that moment I couldn't help but look back on that specific day regarding my foalhood. However instead of happy memories I was met with cold sleepless nights. On those particular days I wished for nothing more then something to hang onto. After all if friendship didn't work out for me what else is there?
Remember earlier when I said I was never sad? Well I wasn't happy either.
"Fun" he whispered. His voice low and quiet. As if he was whispering a secret that he only wanted me to hear.
"Huh?"
"Fun" he whispers again. A little louder than before.
"We are going to have lots, and lots of fun".
Screw magical limitations
"That's it?"
Crystal stared at the filly. Shy for her part was too busy eating a batch of cookies her grandfather made. The trio of four gradually moved from the living room to the kitchen as the unicorn was telling her tale. Only to abruptly stop out of nowhere.
Munch to Crystal's dismay.
In response the filly rolled her eyes.
"Of course there's more".
Crystal waited.
Shiy on the other hoof took another bite of her cookie.
The Earth pony frowned. Parts of her wanted to scream at the foal to continue, but another part of her realized that doing so might not lead to the best of circumstances. Instead she asked a question she figured to be more than a little reasonable. At least giving her current situation.
"If there's more then why are you stopping?"
"Good question" Buckster nodded. The older stallion's expressed signaled that he was just as confused as her. Upon seeing this Crystal took comfort knowing that she wasn't the only one.
Upon seeing the trio stare directly at her Shy frowned. Looking more than a little uncomfortable upon being the focused of attention. Even though things were different now the filly still had a hard time every now and then. Especially when it came to being noticed by others for more than a few minutes. Fortunately Shine took this opportunity to speak.
"One must always be careful in how he plays his cards".
Turning her attention to the colt Crystal's expression turned into one of confusion. It took her a few second to pecie toghere his words. When she did a look of frustration came over her face.
"So in other words, you told me a story that you had no intent of finishing".
Shine smiled.
"Perhaps, or perhaps the story itself goes on longer than any pony has yet to realize."
The mare groaned. She was not in the mood to hear some cryptic message or anything of the sort as of right now. What she really wanted was answers. Unfortunately it looked as if she'll have to wait. Witch meant going home knowing only half or a mere portion of the story.
Suddenly a thought struck her.
She wasn't going to get the full story, but maybe she can get their participation. Her school was filled with students just as gifted after all. Maybe not as munch as the colt but still. With the likes of him among their ranks they'll ascend into Infiniti. Becoming one of the best schools to ever exist. Her name will go down as the one who wrangled in one of the most if not the most powerful being in Equestria.
Oh the recognition she will no doubt receive.
Her entire body began to shiver just thinking about it.
All those years of hearing that she can't do this or can't do that comes to the four front of her mind. She will show them all what for. No more doudts no more tears no more sorrow. For once in her entire life had Crystal had the chance to be on top. For once she had a chance to be in control.
All it might take Is more than a little convincing.
Meanwhile as Crystal thought this the others were simply doing thier own thing. Buckster was busying himself by making more tea for him and his guest. Shy was munching on her second wave of cookies. Said batch having simply appeared on her plate. The look on her face was that of utter enjoyment as her face became covered with crumbs and specks of chocolate.
Shine meanwhile sat next to his cousin. However instead of taking part in the devouring of sweets he instead stared at Crystal as though he was reading her mind, and if he could, well the look on his face told that he was more than a little amused.
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"How abou-"
"No".
"What if w-"
"Not intereeted".
"I can def-"
"No, you can't".
Shy laughed upon seeing the look of desperation on the older mare's face. For some time now the Earth pony has tried and failed to get Shine to join her school of the magically gifted. Said school was filled with ponies of all kinds and even other species who was unique in regards to magic in one way or the other. Though to be honest Shy couldn't really find it within herself to care about it all that munch. All she was focussed on was having the best time of her life. Then again she supposed that the school wasn't a complete waste. At least to those who had no clue in what they were doing. It's better than taking the chance of losing complete control. Especially when it comes to magic. Those who do, well let's just say that there was no happy ending. No matter the pony involved.
The sound of coughing drew Shy's attention towards her grandfather. The older stallion looked to be in a frantic coughing fit. Rolling her eyes Shy went over and began to gently pat his back.
"Deep breaths gramps, deep breaths".
After a few seconds the pony finally managed to get his coughing under control. With her task complete she began to make her back to her spot on the table.
Only to jump as Buckster grabbed her hoof.
"Hey! Wha-"?
"Something is wrong!" He wheezed. His expression was one mixed with confusion and fear.
Upon seeing this Shy frowned.
However just before she could ask what was wrong she heard a scream.
Instantly her blood turned cold.
Why?
Because it wasn't Crystal who screamed.
No, it was Shine.
Tearing her hoof away Shy whipped around. Only to gasp upon seeing what looked to be a large glowing needle sticking out from the back of her cousin's neck.
Crystal meanwhile looked to be frozen in shock.
"Shine!"
The filly made to move. Only to pause upon spotting several yellow portals opening around the house.
A second later ponies as well as other types of creatures not known to Equestria began pouring out of said portals in groups of three. All of whom were wearing various sets of armor and equipment that looked both alien and magical in nature.
Oh.
Oh no.
Shy's eyes went wide just as the intruders began aiming their weapons at her direction, eyes cold and hateful. A second later a command was ordered among the troops, just in time with the filly's scream.
"FIRE!"
"SHINE!"
"Lasers mixed with bullets were fired In her direction. However just as all hope seemed lost an orange dome manifested just in time to protect the filly. When she realized this Shy casted a look over her shoulder. Only to see Shine standing on top of the table, and by the look in his expression he wasn't in the best of shape.
Sweat poured down his face. His breathing came out in quick gasps of air. His hooves shook with the effort of both him standing up, and from the sheild he was holding. His horn flickered slightly as his eyes kept changing from orange to yellow in rapid succession.
"Shine" Shy whispered. The sound of her voice portrayed one thing and one thing only.
Fear.
As if sensing this the colt shook his head.
"No."
The filly watched on as Shine's horn grew brighter, and as it did the hostile figures around them began to explode. Leaving a horrific scene that can only be described as nightmare fuel.
When the last enemy was destroyed the sheild around the trio began to collapse. It took only moments for the colt to follow suit. Shy for her part quicky rushed to her cousin's aide.
"Are you okay?"
A groan was her response.
Bitting her lip she watched as Shine began to gather himself. Shaking his head the colt asked if Crystal was alive. A glance on the other side of the kitchen away from the table confirmed the worse.
"No, she's not."
Sighing in disappointment Shine began to pick himself back up. Only to pause upon seeing something behind Shy.
Or rather some pony.
"Grandpa?"
If the stallion heard him he didn't react. Instead he matched on. His eyes covered by a golden hue with his mouth hanging wide open. The trio watched In silence as the stallion made his way towards the door. Upon realizing this Shine's eyes went wide.
"Not her" he whispered.
"Who?!" Shy yelled. Desperate to know what got her cousin so rattled. However before he could answer the now possessed Buckster did something that potentially doomed them all.
He opened the door.
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How abou-"
"No".
"What if w-"
"Not interested".
"I can def-"
"No, you can't".
Crystal frowned. Said frown only deepened upon hearing Shy's laugh.
The pony before her was not an easy one to convince. However even with this in mind the mare was determined to find a way to win. After all Crystal was many things but an individual who lacked determination wasn't one of them.
With this in mind the Earth mare once more opened her mouth.
Only to gasp as pony somehow fell from the celling.
"OH MY CELESTIA!"
Meanwhile Buckster had a similar reaction. Shine on the other hoof looked on with a raised eye brow. The only other pony who didn't look as startled as the adults was Shy. However that isn't say that she wasn't the least bit surprised at the sudden change of events.
However just before they could do anything the pony on the table raised their head. Revealing themselves to be none other then Shy.
The only difference between this version and the one sitting at the table was the simple fact that she looked seconds away from death.
Oh and there was also the fact that both of her front hooves we're missing.
Everypony stared.
Using this opportunity for her advantage this version of Shy opened her mouth, muttering only one word.
"Run".
Seconds later three ponies disappeared in a flash of orange magic.
Screw magical limitations
"She's coming for us, isn't she?"
"You and I both know the answer to that question".
Crystal groaned.
Her mind was a blur, and her entire body ached in ways she never imagined. To say that the sensation was far from pleasant would be an understatement.
"Looks like somebody is waking up, and by the look on your face I could tell that you almost wished you hadn't".
The sound of Shy's voice brought the mare little comfort. Still at least she knew that she wasn't alone.
Groaning once more Crystal opened an eye. Only to gasp upon realizing that the filly was near inches from her face.
"Boo".
Crystal did the first thing that came to mind.
She screamed.
Scrambling to her hooves in the process.
Upon seeing her reaction Shy laughed Clutching her sides. Calming down somewhat Crystal glared at the filly. Said glare turned into a look of horror as memories of what had happened resurfaced.
Oh.
Oh my Celestia.
Shy's laugher abruptly stopped as Crystal's last meal found itself on the floor. The filly for her part merely rolled her eyes. Leav it to the newbie to immediately crack under pressure. Or anything remotely gore and blood related for that matter.
As if on cue Crystal began to collapse and sob into her hooves. Muttering about blood and hoovelesss fillies.
Oh for the love of Celestia
Sighing Shy trotted over and began to rub the mare's back. Muttering words of comfort in order to put the pony at ease. It took a while. Munch longer than the sliver eyed filly would have liked, but in the end Crystal managed to calm down significantly.
"Wh-what was that?"
"What do you think?" The smaller pony asked in response. When Crystal didn't immediately answer she snorted. "I'll never figure out what makes you so special".
If Crystal wanted to reply she couldn't. Mainly because before she can even opened her mouth Shine trotted up to them both apparently having chosen to watch from the sideline this entire time.
"Shy I thought you were going to be nice?"
"It's not easy you know! Especially when we were better off with just each other".
Shine didn't reply. Instead he merely looked at his cousin straight in the eye. Silently conveying a message that only Shy would understand. Leaving poor Crystal in the dark.
With that said her patience was running at an all time low.
"WILL SOME PONY PLEASE TELL ME WHAT IS GOING ON!" She shouted. Her demand was met with an eerie silence.
At least until Shy spoke.
"Huh, so that's what it feels like".
"I told you".
"Whatever".
Before Crystal could ask what they were talking about Shine step forward and cleared his throat. "do you want the long version or the short version?"
Before Crystal could answer the colt began speaking. Apparently having chosen for her. Munch to the Earth pony's growing frustration.
"So In short everything you ever known and or loved now no longer exists".
Crystal blinked.
Shine smiled.
"What?"
I said everything yo-"
"I'll do it!"
Shoving Shine aside the filly stepped forward. The look in her expression was far from impatient.
"Look, let's just say a near omnipotent being came to your world looking for us. When it realized that we were no longer there it wiped your universe clean".
Crystal blinked.
Once.
Twice.
Three times.
"WHAT?!"
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Crystal walked.
The world around her was filled with seemly never ending doors. Each door was vastly different from the other. Either in size, shape, and or color. Some of Wich were a pain to look at.
"We're are we?"
After munch screaming and demanding of answers the trio was forced to move. More so Crystal who who still hasn't gotten any answers to her questions. Unfortunately Shine made it perfectly clear that they needed to move. If not willingly then he'll do so by force. By the expression on his face Crystal knew that he was serious.
"Nye".
"Huh?"
"Nowhere and everywhere, a place beyond infinitely".
Shrugging Shy glances over her shoulder.
"Nye".
"That sounds....interesting".
Truth be told Crystal had too munch on her mind to even attempt to process all that.
As if sensing this Shine spoke.
"We should be safe here. As far as Im aware she cant expand her awareness this far".
As soon as the words left his mouth the colt flinched before rubbing his skull. Crystal watched as his eyes glazed over for a moment before regaining focus.
A second later a drop of blood hits the floor.
"Shine?"
"I'm fine" the colt muttered before rubbing his nose.
The older mare frowned. It was abundantly clear to her that something was wrong. Of course given her current situation that's not even the beginning. Still her concern for the colt grew the more she watched. However just as she was leaning towards voicing her concern he spoke up.
"You want answers? Fine. Let's just say that there's something that wants us dead, and let's just say that version of Shy you seen was merely one of endless possibilities".
The mare paused. However a question formed in her mind that she just had to voice.
"Why?"
Shine laughed.
However said laugher stop abruptly. In it's place was a tone that was hard to read.
"Why is only a word used when ponies can't make sense of the world around them. So instead they go out looking for answers. Only to cowar when said answers don't bring a happy ending".
"In other words" the reason isn't a happy one" Shy stated. Acting more like a translator than anything else. Regardless she knew that those words alone wouldn't be enough to satisfy the munch older mare. However the way things are now she rather wait until they're at a munch safer location before going into detail. As soon as she thought that the trio turned a corner. Only to stop upon a an old looking door. Said door looked to made out of bark and also appeared to be leaking water between cracks in it's surface.
"This should do" Shine mumbled. A smile finally forming on his face. However just as he was about to open the door there was a gasp heard from behind.
"Buckster" Crystal whispered. As if finally realizing that the older stallion was nowhere in sight.
"Dead" Shine muttered his smile gone.
There was a pause.
"You could have saved him".
"No" the cold shook his head. Only to gain a faraway look in his eyes. A look that for some reason sent shivers down Crystal's spine. When he spoke again the smile that formed did not reach his eyes.
"I could have saved them all".
Screw magical limitations
"do you have everything you need?"
"Yes, mother".
Smiling Crystal watched as her mother nods her head before turning her attention elsewhere. More so specifically a stallion nearby.
"Good, make sure you follow everything the teacher tells you".
The tone of the mare's voice was that of dismissal. Upon hearing this Crystal took that as her cue to leave. However, in doing so she always made sure to bid her mother farewell. That of course was the polite thing to do as her mother taught her.
"Hey, stud! Let me talk to you for a second!"
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"How many toys do you have?"
In response to her question the colt shrugged. Too focused on the objects in front of him to give the filly any type of verbal response.
Crystal frowned.
Mother always told her that it was nice to share. If the colt refused to do so that meant he was a mean pony. Munch like those who visited her house to go see mother. They were always mean, smelly, and had a look to them that the filly never liked, but they were mother's friends and mother did teach her to be nice to ponies.
However, the colt had toys and she wanted to play with one. She never had the chance to play with toys at home. Mainly because mother always told her that toys were expensive, and mother never liked expensive things.
"Gimme one".
The filly gasped before covering her mouth. She didn't mean to sound rude. She just wanted the chance to play like the colt. Mother taught her better.
In response, however, the colt merely snorted. Not giving so much as a glance in Crystal's direction.
The filly narrowed her eyes.
She wanted to play.
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Humming to herself Crystal played with the toy cars in her red-stained hooves. The place she was hiding in wasn't great. It was small, stuffy, and had a lot of clothing that sometimes got In her way.
Regardless she was happy.
Crystal didn't mean to take more than one, but after getting one she needed another. It was strange but the filly paid it no mind. Unfortunately, she knew that her mother will not be happy with her. The realization alone made her a little sad, but that's okay because she has her toys now and that made her happy.
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"I'm hungry"
The stranger frowned.
"You just ate honey".
"Yes, but Im still hungry".
In response, the stallion told her that she will wait until lunch. Frowning Crystal nods before choosing to sit on the couch.
This place was strange it wasn't like her old home. It looked cleaner and smelled nicer too. Plus no mean ponies came to visit for something or the other. The only downside is mother wasn't with her. That made Crystal sad, but every time she asked about it the ponies who lived with her told her that mother needs to figure stuff out.
Crystal was always confused by that. Mainly because mother was a smart pony and if she's a smart pony that means it shouldn't take
Now that Crystal wholeheartedly understood.
Sighing the filly decided to look out the window. As she did she saw an ice cream truck on the other side of the road. Crystal wasn't much of a fan of ice cream.
With that said she was hungry.
Maybe the ice cream man had snacks?
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As of right now Crystal hated sitting.
Mainly because ponies would come up to her and ask questions she wouldn't understand. She also had a hard time figuring out where they were, but wherever it was, it was big.
All types of ponies were there too. There were ponies dressed in suits, ponies who looked to be doctors, and ponies who wore blue uniforms.
The uniform ones looked funny. Especially with their hats and pointy things that they carried on their waists.
Crystal didn't like the ponies in suits though. Mainly because they kept asking her if she remembered this or remembered that. They even showed her the ice cream truck she saw a few days ago.
Though the pony inside it didn't look so good.
Regardless mother was here! Hopefully, that meant that the filly could go home. She was so excited at the prospect that she kept waving over at the mare. Though mother's face look to be wet and she didn't look so excited to see her. That's okay mother always taught her that patience was key.
Besides the pony in front of her was making some really funny faces. Or was she sick? Her face looked red, and she also looked somewhat similar to the ice cream pony.
Oh well, mother was here and that's all that matters.
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Fire.
There was so much fire.
Crystal watched as her old house burned. The memories inside burning along with it. The sight was somewhat soothing. It especially helped soothed the anger in her heart. Unfortunately, that anger morphed into fresh hot tears.
Why was she crying?
Mother always told her that crying solves nothing then again mother was crying a few months ago, but that was different. It took a while and crystal had to spend some time staying at a strange place. A place where ponies acted beyond weird, but in the end, she was finally allowed to come home. When she did mother was more than happy to see her. Weirdly she kept on apologizing over and over again for the things she's done. That alone was more than a little odd. Mother was perfect after all she didn't need to apologize for anything.
"Looks beautiful doesn't it?"
Sobbing Crystal nods. Her face was drenched in tears.
The colt beside her was strange. She only saw him twice before. One time in school, and another time in the strange pony place. She doesn't know who he is or who he came from, but what she does know is that the colt ended up saving her life.
"I didn't mean to".
"I know, and it's okay because I'll be the only pony that will ever know".
Wiping her tears away Crystal tilted her head. More than a little confused.
"What does that mean?"
In response, the colt merely smiled. His reflection was dimly lidded by the fire that consumed Crystal's house.
"You'll see".
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Crystal gasped sitting up, Only to relax upon realizing that it was just a nightmare.
Nightmare?
The mare paused. Having realized that the memory of the said nightmare was no longer present.
Strange.
"Aye time to get up!"
Sighing Crystal looked over at the one who spoke to her. She was a gruff-looking fellow. Then again she was a griffin so maybe that the fact alone was more natural than anything else.
Can a griffin who looked so short be intimidating?
In short, the answer wasn't that hard to decipher.
"Yer needed up on top with the rest of em".
"Let me guess, they planning another raid aren't they?"
By the gleam in the griffin's eyes, the mare got her answer.
Crystal sighed.
Pirates.
It just had to be pirates.
