Feeling the Rhythm

Chapters

Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 6

Chapter 1

The Unicorn stood on two hooves, alone on the hardwood floor of the massive room. On her hind hooves, she wore specialized horseshoes; tapered to a point, the polish of the black heels shined in the candlelight.

She wore a tailored tuxedo, a gift from her instructors. The fabric was light and easy to move in, rising up in a V-shape towards her neck; the would-be exposed tuff of chest fluff covered up by a pristine white undershirt and a black bowtie around her neck. She took a deep breath in and closed her brilliant amethyst eyes as she gave a gentle exhale.

Her ears perked up as the sweeping melody of an indeterminate ¾ waltz seemed to surround her, coming from nowhere. Holding out her hooves as though reaching out for a partner, the lavender-furred Unicorn gave a smile as she felt the familiar touch of hooves on her own. Opening her eyes, she saw nothing. There was no doubt she was alone in the room, and yet she could feel it; the gentle clasp of hoof on hoof, and as the music continued playing, she felt her partner take the lead.

Feeling herself pulled forward, the mare watched in amazement as her hooves were separated, quickly she stepped forward and felt her invisible partner step to the right, and swiftly she followed. One-two-three, three steps to the right before turning slowly, before repeating the steps once more. With each step, she slowly saw a glowing outline of a mare materialize; the reason for the music, the one she was dancing with: the Melodius Harmony of Equestria.

The rhythmic melody from which all dance was contrived; the dancing that when the rhythm flowed and the dancer became one with the melody produced the magic that Equestrians used daily. Everything from baking, to harvesting. Sewing to rainstorms, dancing was the heart of Equestria. All could dance, though few were compatible enough to dance with the Harmony; to cast the most potent of spells.

Twilight’s hooves kept time as her partner gracefully swayed to the music as it rose to a crescendo; the dance was reaching its climax. One, two, three, turn, one, two, three, turn. The tempo changed as the form, now nearly solid, glowed with a dazzling light; it was time for the big finish. Twilight swiftly, and flawlessly, took the lead and pulled towards her, causing the glowing mare to twirl inward as the music’s last notes played, allowing Twilight to stare into the mare’s formless eyes.

The glowing orbs seemed to sparkle in delight and the mare’s muzzle sported a smile before a bright flash filled the room; causing the candles to glow brightly in all the hues of the rainbow. The two stepped away from each other and as Twilight gave a courteous bow, the glowing mare gave a regal curtsy before vanishing entirely.

Twilight’s barrel heaved in and out as she laboriously drew breath. The sweat caused the exposed parts of her body to glisten, and she took an unsteady step as a wave of nausea washed over her. One…hundred. The world slowly faded as her legs gave out and the darkness of unconsciousness overtook her.

One of the castle’s many maids swayed and hummed to herself, as she made her way down the Royal Hall, the braziers on the wall sparkling and shining as the dust on them vanished. She could hear the upbeat saxophone, the trumpets, and the swinging beat of a jazz instrumental, and it caused her to want to move in an energetic Swing Dance. The maid was so taken by the melody that she failed to notice the towering figure before her, that is until she bumped into it and fell square on her flank.

Wincing as she bumped her tailbone, the maid looked up and blanched. Gazing down at her with a mischievous twinkle in her seafoam-green eyes, was none other than the Creator of the starry expanses of the night; Princess Luna, herself.

The maid was mortified. The youngest of the staff, she had only gotten the position thanks to her older sister’s insistence that she was more than capable to do so. And she had bumped right into one of two rulers of the known world. The staff of the Two Sisters was guaranteed their positions for life, that is if they followed the rules presented. And she had bumped into Princess Luna; the younger of the two sisters. Closing her eyes in fear, as Luna reached out a hoof towards her, the maid waited for her swift punishment that Luna would inflict but it never came.

Slowly the maid opened her eyes, and her fear gave way to embarrassment. The navy blue-furred Alicorn stood there, smiling gently down at her. She stood there, clothless; clothing was reserved purely for dancing

The maid could see every detail; the black patch of fur that graced her flank, on which rested a crescent moon. The mane and tail of the princess were legendary for not just emulating but containing the actual stars of the night sky, itself. And as the maid’s cheeks flushed a bright pale pink against her own alabaster-colored fur, she watch as Luna gave a playful wink and held out an upturned hoof. The maid couldn’t believe it; Princess Luna wanted to dance with her.

With her heart rapidly pounding in her barrel, she rose slowly from the stone floor as the maid recalled something her sister told her last week on her first day:

“The princesses love dancing; they even seek out seemingly random staff on a whim to assist in their chores in return for a magical rendezvous. Nopony knows when it will happen, or even why or how they choose their partners. Night or day, the time doesn’t matter, when the mood strikes them. if you are approached, remember to respond in a courteous manner and take the outstretched hoof.”

“Me? Dance with a princess?”

“They don’t seem to care about compatibility; stallion or mare, upper or lower class. The Sisters just seem to enjoy the time together, regardless of the partner or the spell cast.”

“Have you danced with them?”

“A couple of times. And trust me when I say little sis, it’s like nothing I’ve ever felt. It was as though the entire world stopped as music played all around us.”

“Oh, wow. That sounds magical.”

“It really was.”

Princess Luna gave a tender smile as she stood there, in an elegant bow, just waiting, her hoof outstretched. The maid remembering her classes gave a curtsy, gasping in surprise as her own frock transformed into an elegant ballgown, though it had been high-cut, as though made for rapid movement. As her hoof connected with Luna’s own, it became clear she wasn’t the only one. Though originally bare-furred, Luna now sported the same tuxedo design as the same one Luna had given Twilight; it materializing from nowhere, as if by magic. That’s when the maid heard it.

From nowhere, the melody of an unknown Jazz/Waltz-hybrid began to play; a ¾ timed piece played by an unseen orchestral symphony, unusually accompanied by a saxophone, percussion, and trumpets to a hoof-tapping rhythm, causing it to be upbeat, uplifting, though somehow in tune with an actual waltz. Luna tapped her hoof in time for a moment, suddenly breaking out in a broad grin as she exclaimed.

“Ah, a swing dancer, how delightful! It’s been a while since I’ve encountered one of your style.”

Taken by surprise as Luna expertly pulled her forward, the maid found herself twirling like a ribbon into Luna’s embrace. Exhilarated and startled by the sudden movement, the maid squeaked out.

“You know about Swing Dancing?”

Gazing into her eyes, Luna chuckled as she spoke to the young mare, their muzzles mere fractions of an inch from touching. With rhythmic agility, Luna flicked out the same forehoof, causing the maid to twirl outward, stopping just short of being out of reach, and facing the joyous face of Luna, was told as she was spun forward once more.

“I should, Darling, after all; I invented it.”

The young adolescent couldn’t believe how nimble and sure-hoofed the ancient princess was. It was well-known Luna and Celestia were many thousands of years old each and yet, Luna moved with an energy that would make even a filly on a sugar rush blush. Swaying and bobbing to the ever-quickening tempo, Luna seemed to be having the time of her life.

The maid couldn’t help it, the mood, that vibe was infectious and she felt a strange surge of the rhythm take her and was amazed as her body performed moves and steps, she hadn’t even known.

Her hooves slid effortlessly as she the two mares spun and twirled, switching sides each time; neither was still for a second, and as the maid felt the melody of Harmony rising around them, she realized only she and Luna were moving, and the moment seemed to last forever, she secretly hoped it would.

As the music reached its climax and Luna gave one more pull, this time taking her in both hooves and as she came forward, Luna expertly swung down, causing the young maid to slide between her hind hooves, before Luna twisted her upper body and expertly stepped over her, pulling her up; launching the young mare into her arms and staring into her eyes, before gently kissing her cheek.

A massive flash of blinding light filled the entire royal hall as the maid panted in utter exhaustion, a wave of emotions washing over her sweaty body, as she stared into Luna’s warm gaze. The Alicorn Princess didn’t appear to have expended any energy, as she calmly whispered to her young employee.

“Very nice.”

Weak in the knees, the maid looked surprised at the vast hallway; every stone was polished to gleaming, the braziers sparkled without a hint of dust and even the massive strip rug was perfectly cleaned of any hoofprints. Luna nodded approvingly as she too inspected the hall.

“You are quite an efficient cleaner. Good work. I’m proud of you.”

Turning away, Luna called back as she started walking.

“I quite enjoyed that. We must do this again.”

Reaching her hoof up to her cheek, still in disbelief, where Luna had kissed her, the maid struggled to catch her breath. Swiftly she reached out to grab the banister, turning her head to look at the pristine surroundings. It was then she noticed the still form of the Unicorn on the hardwood ballroom floor through the open doorway on her left. Turning in a panic she called out to Luna.

“Princess! Help!”

In less than a minute Luna had raced back, staring at the spot the maid had been pointing. Her eyes grew wide, there on the floor lay Twilight, barely breathing. Luna shouted out.

“My sister! Get her, now!”

As the maid ran off, Luna rushed into the room and surveyed the precious student of the Two Sisters. Lifting her up in her forehooves, Luna sighed as she looked down at the unconscious Unicorn, softly lamenting as she observed the worn path etched in the maple floorboards and the radiating rainbow-colored flames lining the walls in bronze sconces.

“Pushed yourself too far again, didn’t you?”

The sounds of frantic shouting and galloping of hooves, told Luna her sister was on her way, as she whispered with a chuckle to the exhausted creature resting in her hooves.

“You really have no restraint, do you? Don’t worry, Twilight, help is coming.”

Chapter 2

Princess Celestia gave a warm smile to a young hatchling sitting on the lap of a foreign dignitary, as she twirled a large straight stick; completely engulfed in flame. Hoof-over-hoof, she expertly spun the large stick before her. She wore a special skirt that was clearly woven from the stalks of Birds of Paradise, the sacred flower to the dignitary's kind.

The little dragon watched in silence, completely mesmerized as Celestia suddenly went wild, her twirling picking up speed as she passed it over her head, to the sides of her body; with only one hoof, and even tossing it up and catching it behind her back.

In the ears of all present, the sound of drums could be heard surrounding them, as Celestia performed the sacred ritualistic dance of the Dignitary’s kind, in celebration of the young dragon's birthday; the young heiress enthralled by the flawless display.

In the middle of the room, a hidden firepit had been painfully constructed and as Celestia deftly wove her way around the room, flames erupted which she dodged with practiced grace. Finally, as the drums reached their climax, Celestia ended the ritual in the exact same position she began, with her hooves at her midsection, and the fiery stick extinguishing on its own.

Instantly a message written in flames seared the air before her, and in the dignitary’s native language, proclaimed ‘Happy Birthday, your majesty.’ All around the room, the Royal Guard, mares, and stallions, standing at attention behind the dignitaries broke into whoops and cheers, as the little queen-to-be clapped her claws excitedly, her scaly tail swaying side to side.

Looking down, the dignitary, a Broodmother, asked the overjoyed heiress.

“Did you enjoy that, my little Ember?”

Looking up, the awe was written on her scaled features.

“That was amazing, I’ve never seen a Non-Dragon survive performing that dance and to think without a single scratch or burn as well. Truly a wonder to behold. I shall inform my mate, Dragonlord Torch that we shall accept the treatise with your Ponies. I am quite pleased with our treatment during our stay in your lands. You have my word, no more hunting Ponies, we shall pursue different prey from now on.”

As the hours of the day drew to an end, a drained Celestia slumped into her throne; mentally exhausted from the negotiations between various countries and nationalities. Many of them hadn’t even spoken Ponish but utilizing her mastery over Dancing, Celestia had been able to break the barriers between them, readily.

Glancing to the side, Celestia stared momentarily at the large purple egg resting on a bed of hot coals. Given to her by the Broodmate of Dragonlord Torch, it possessed a curious bevy of green spots.

“This egg is dormant.”

“Dormant?”

“I suppose it’s akin to a stillborn of your kind. Only this egg is empty.”

“It’ll never hatch?”

“No, but consider it a nice centerpiece, a gift from me to you.”

Dragon culture was notorious for being one in which only the strongest survived, the weak, the sick, the lame, they were left by the wayside. And having done extensive research before the meeting, Celestia graciously accept the olive branch; knowing she was being given no choice in the matter if there was to be a peaceful resolution to the Dragons hunting her Ponies. This was no gift, but a test of her desire to retain Diplomatic relations between Ponies and Dragons. A grim reminder of how sometimes, things just don’t work out; an almost foreshadow of what’s to come and…I’m thinking about this way too much. She probably just wanted to get rid of it and called it a gift. Hm?

Her ears perked up as she heard two pairs of hoofs on the throne room carpet, turning Celestia witnessed Luna being followed by a very sheepish-looking Twilight. Celestia gave a small smile as Luna nudged Twilight forward, and the frightened Unicorn approached her.

“Oh, Twilight-”

The young Unicorn swiftly interrupted her.

“I know what you are going to say, Aunt Celestia. That I shouldn’t overdo it, but I can’t help it! When the music plays it just makes me want to move my hooves.”

Celestia exchanged a knowing look with her sister. Both Celestia and Luna knew all too well how that felt. And the very dangers that compulsory behavior could cause. On one hoof, she was overjoyed to have such an enthusiastic student, but on the other, that student wasn’t an Alicorn; her energy wasn’t infinite, and performing such strenuous maneuvers took a toll on the body each time. Without rest, well-

“Twilight, I am so glad you enjoy the magic of dancing to such an extent, but you must stay aware of how easy it is to overextend your body-”

Once more she was interrupted by Twilight.

“But I don’t feel it until after I finish!”

Celestia nodded

“And that is exactly my point. You won’t feel the drain until the music ends. You must stay aware at all times of how much you can handle.”

“But how can I get better without practice?”

“Listen to me, I know how dedicated you are to the craft, and practice does make perfect, but never lose sight of why you dance in the first place. Dancing isn’t about perfection, it’s about becoming one with the Harmony. As long as you let the rhythm guide your hooves Twilight, your steps will never falter. Tell me, Twilight, what would you do if one day neither of us were here to assist you?”

The words struck Twilight like a thunderbolt; surely an event like that would never happen. Startled, she squeaked out in fear.

“But that won’t happen right?”

Celestia wrapped her wings around her startled student in a warm embrace, gently nuzzling her to calm down the impressionable Unicorn. Celestia whispered softly.

“There’s no need to worry, it was just a question, that’s all.”

Once more exchanging a knowing glance with her sister, Celestia slowly unfolded her wings from around Twilight and said simply.

“I need you to sit there, while I discuss something with Luna. Please don’t move.”

Twilight watched as Celestia went off to the side, where she and Luna held a whispered conversation, of which Twilight couldn’t make out. Staying still just wasn’t in her nature and so, she grew antsy and started looking around the room, when her gaze fell upon the purple egg.

Getting up, she slowly approached the intriguing sight; having never seen a dragon’s egg before. Glancing at the two Princesses, Twilight saw them in some kind of debate over something, but still, she couldn’t really make out more than a single word: Ponyville.

Her attention went back to the egg as a strange melody began to emanate from it. It was an upbeat rhythm guitar, accompanied by the plucked strings of a bass and an electronic synth.

Twilight got excited as she heard it, it was a piece of new music and one she had never known, but it had a catchy beat; causing her hooves to tap along to the beat, the music’s energy infusing within her.

A pair of soft-soled tap shoes appeared on her hind hooves as she stood up, a pants suit of a navy blue hue and a dark blue vertical pinstripe pattern appeared upon her body. Sliding a hoof in a semi-circle, Twilight was rewarded by the sound of a soft, scuffing noise. She grinned. it was a dance she had never seen or been taught and yet, as the music played, she felt her hooves slide along to the rhythm.

And as she swayed to the beat, Twilight noticed the glowing outline of a mare appear, mirroring her movements, and she laughed as the Harmony held out her hoof. Twilight graciously placed her own on top. Twilight watched as the mare placed one hind-hoof behind the other and slowly lean forward, pausing in a half bow. Twilight followed suit and once both were in the same position, the music picked up.

Swinging their hooves out in a semi-circle, sliding it along the floor, both ended the motion with the heel of their tap shoes clicking onto the stone floor. In a synchronized movement both slid the front hind hoof behind them and kicked out with the other, flailing out their forehooves in a circular motion slowly turning to face each other.

The synchronization turned into a mirrored dance, where both performed the same rapid kicks and clicks, but used the opposite limb than their other. Lost in the rhythm of the music, Twilight was overjoyed performing this strange dance, she didn’t notice the egg had begun to crack.

A small hairline fracture slowly crept its way along the surface of the shell of the dragon’s egg. And as the dancing continued, that tiny crack slowly widened; causing the music inside to grow even louder and louder, still.

Celestia and Luna stood off to the side, deep in their conversation.

“We could send her to Ponyville to help her recapture the magic. You know, the place where dancing began.”

“I don’t know…”

“Lulu, I’m sure you’ve seen the signs; she has lost the true meaning behind dancing, she’s far too obsessed with perfection. How long do you think the Harmony will dance with her if she can’t remember why she started dancing in the first place?”

“Are those five even still dancing? It’s been nearly fifty years since we danced alongside them, Tia.”

“No, the time has moved on, and so have they. Though I hear their children have continued in their horseshoes. Wouldn’t it be nice for her to find some partners like her?”

“But she’s never been outside the castle walls. Would it be wise?”

“We can’t always be the lead, Lu. She’s at that age where she should lead, not just follow along to the beat.”

“When you put it that way…Hey, do you hear music?”

Turning their heads towards the source, both sisters watched in amazement as the dance came to a climax and as the last notes played, Twilight clicked back onto her heels before tensing her muscles and springing upwards in a backflip. The Princesses watched dumbfounded as she seemed to land flat on nothing, floating in mid-air, that is, until the faintest glimmer of a glowing mare effortlessly holding her up with one hoof caught their eyes.

Twilight was panting heavily as she was slowly lowered down onto the ground once more as the egg in front of her exploded in a blast of egg fragments and a small reptile tumbled out.

Luna and Celestia stared open-mouthed at the creature in surprise. It was a small bipedal reptile, with several large and many smaller green spikes lining its spine all the way to its tail. Its scales were a rich purple and it possessed green eyes. It looked around at its surroundings as it slowly stood up. Luna whispered to her sister.

“Tia, what is that?”

“I don’t know. That was a dragon egg, but it wasn’t supposed to hatch. And it looks like it’s already developed past its hatchling stage. Never seen a dragon, like that, though.”

The little wingless dragon seemed to have finally noticed Twilight as she gently poked a hoof at it in curiosity.

“Hey, stop that!”

Celestia blinked.

“It can talk?”

The dragon in annoyance, and a rather angsty childish voice, retorted.

“It has a name you know. Spike. And of course, I can talk!”

Both Luna and Celestia turned to look, wordless, at the overjoyed Twilight as she grabbed the protesting dragonling in a hug.

“You are so adorable!”

“Let me go!”

Neither had an idea how she had managed it, but Twilight had created this ‘Spike’. And something told them this was just the tip of what was to come.

Chapter 3

Walking slowly through the streets of Ponyville, Twilight was lost in her own thoughts. Thoughts about yesterday’s conversation with Princess Luna.

“Your Aunt and I have decided that it’s time for you to chase your own rhythm.”

“M-mom?”

“It’ll be alright Twilight, my sister and I will be here if you need any assistance, but the time has come. You are a fully grown mare now, my daughter. This world is immense, from all corners and walks of life, dances await you; ones even my sister and I may never have seen. Partners of all kinds, and experiences that you’ll never know if you don’t leave the castle.”

“But mom I-”

“You can do this. Trust me. It may be scary at first, but in time you’ll be glad to have done it. Truth be told, if I was a bit younger and didn’t have to help run this kingdom, I would leap at the chance to have such an adventure, once more. Your father and I met while dancing, you know. Besides, you won’t be alone, you have Spike; plus Tia and I have purchased all six apartment spaces above the town’s record store for your residence; that way you won’t need to fuss over rent. We even got you an interview for an assistant position with the store’s manager. We leave tomorrow, sleep well, my child.”

“Twilight, we’re here.”

Twilight blinked as she was awakened from her reverie. On her back, a baby dragon sat; it had been a week since he first hatched. A week since Twilight had created him. A week in which Twilight had grown remarkably close to the somewhat haughty creature. Twilight looked up to see a sign that said ‘Help Wanted’.

The sign hung on an ancient three-topped oak tree, inside of which the record store of Ponyville rested.

“Thanks, Spike.”

Opening the wooden door, with a slight creaking sound, Twilight took a step inside as Spike spoke to her.

“So who is this manager you’re supposed to talk to?”

“I think her name is Starlight…something.”

“Glimmer.”

Turning their head towards the speaker, Twilight and Spike were taken aback. Standing there, leaning against a stand of records, was a lilac-furred Unicorn with a violet, spiked mane that sported a vertical seafoam green stripe, with a tail to match. On her left forehoof, she wore a black spiked bracelet and her neck boasted a black choker. In her left ear, she wore a single earring. Blowing a bubble with the gum she had been chewing, her glare told Twilight she was already treading thin ice.

“The name’s Starlight Glimmer. What do you want?”

The way she stood there, that expression of disgust, and the way her voice seemed comparable to rough gritty sandpaper scraping against stone, caused Twilight to panic. She wasn’t used to socializing with other ponies, always keeping to herself inside the castle and shying away from interactions even with the staff.

Though recently she formed a connection with Spike, Twilight didn’t know how to respond, so she did the only thing she could; she turned around and bolted from the record store. She had no idea where she was going, but her legs wouldn’t obey her, she just had to get out of there.

And so she ran, as fast as she could until she ended up in front of a barn, and out of breath; tears streaming down her face. Sitting down on her haunches, she gave a whimper as Spike started comforting her.

“Hey Twilight, are you okay?”

Sniffing, she explained her distress.

“Sorry Spike, I’m not all that good with other ponies, I just didn’t know what to do and mom always said when you can’t figure something out, just leave it for another time.”

Spike used his claws to wipe away her tears, nodding as he did so.

“It’s alright, I get it.”

“Well howdy there, ain’t you a tall drink of water in the scorching summer’s heat.”

Turning, Spike and Twilight found themselves staring into the warm gaze of an orange-furred Earthpony mare. She wore a stetson on her brow and had flowing braids of golden hue in her mane. She spoke with a rather rural mannerism as she looked at Twilight.

“Mah name’s Applejack, and Ah welcome ya t’ Sweet Apple Acres. Though most our guests come t’ th’ house when they’re cravin’ our cider.”

Twilight shook her head, startled, as Spike intervened.

“We aren’t trying to-”

Applejack just laughed, with the same energy as a warm fire.

“Ya dun hafta apologize t’ me, Dragonboy. I ain’t mad, it’s clear ya ain’t from around here. Dun worry, come on, let’s get t’ th’ house. Ahm sure there’s plenty ta spare.”

“We aren’t here for-”

“Oh, it’s no trouble young’un. Come on, move yer flanks, I ain’t about ta send you away without some Golden Cider; never let it be said that the Apples ain’t hospitable. All are welcome in th’ home of the Apples.”

Perhaps it was the almost quaint way, Applejack spoke, or perhaps it was the genuine sincerity in which she said it, but Twilight and Spike soon found themselves at a round wooden table, sitting in oak chairs as they watched Applejack root through the fridge. After a moment, she stood up and revealed two large frothing steins of Sweet Apple Acres Golden Sparkling Cider.

“Here ya are, drink up!”

It was evident that Twilight and Spike both enjoyed the refreshing drink, though while Twilight smiled happily, only Spike actually spoke.

“That’s amazing!”

Twilight nodded excitedly and continued slurping down the contents of the satisfying drink. Applejack eyed her curiously.

“Ya dun say much do ya Sugarcube?”

Looking ashamedly down at the table, as though it could give her a hiding spot, Twilight nodded. Spike quickly spoke up.

“You’ll have to forgive her, she doesn’t socialize with other ponies much.”

Applejack raised her eyebrow.

“So a bit of a shy mare, huh?”

Twilight opened her mouth to speak, but no sound came out other than a bit of a squeak and so she closed it again and looked down.

Spike replied.

“If it’s any consolation, she really did enjoy the cider.”

Applejack just laughed and turned, flicking her mane as she did so, before sauntering out the door.

“Oh, it dun bother me none, hun. If anything it makes her even more adorable. Anywho Ah gotta get back ta work. Them apples won’t buck themselves, after all. There’s more cider in the fridge if y’all want a refill.”

After she had left, Twilight sat there; quietly pondering what Applejack had said. Spike got up to pour himself another glass of cider when Twilight spoke to him.

“Spike, what’s apple-bucking?”

Pausing for a moment, Spike looked at her confused.

“I’m not sure.”

“Well, didn’t she say she was going to buck some apples?”

“Yeah.”

Twilight looked curious as she touched her hoof to her muzzle.

“Wanna go see?”

Downing the cider in a massive gulp, Spike gave a slight burp and nodded excitedly; as Twilight wrinkled her nose at the display.

“Yeah! Let’s go.”

Together the two rose from the table, after Twilight snuck a few extra sips of cider, and went to go see what it was Applejack was doing. It wasn’t long at all until they spotted her standing in front of the orchard.

Applejack was dressed in a black debutante’s dress with red lace trim along the edges, with a pair of black snakeskin leather spurred cowgirl boots that adorned her back hooves. The stetson that adorned her head, had transformed to a black velvet variety.

Twilight’s eyes lit up with excitement as Applejack bowed to a seemingly imaginary partner. As a fiddle could be heard, joined by a jug blower and a banjo, Applejack reached out to nopony, only for the glowing outline of a filly to appear and take her hoof.

Twilight grew more and more excited as she watched the two dance in time to an invisible caller:

“Now take your pardner circle right,

Promenade and hold on tight.”

Applejack and the filly locked forehooves and turned in a circle, moving to the right at a lively clip, before turning and raising their hooves up, while two mysterious figures appeared; a mare and a stallion’s outlines, causing just the hint of sorrow to show in Applejack’s eyes before the two went under the pair’s hooves. As soon as they went past the two raised their hooves in kind and Applejack and her partner went under theirs. Then the two momentarily vanished as the caller continued:

“Now do-si-do and round ya go,

Grab ‘er tight and circle right.”

Twilight could feel it welling up within her; the music, the rhythm. She could feel her hoof tapping along to the time of the fast-paced beat. Applejack and the filly she seemed to be dancing with, walked in time around each other, first facing and then without turning orbited around the other until back at the starting position. Locking forehooves once more, the two did a turn towards the right.

Twilight was growing excited, and her tapping became more, she wanted to join. She had to join. She had to dance! Without a second thought, she rushed out to where Applejack’s square dance was going on, and the caller continued without missing a beat:

“A new pardner now approaches, lock yer hooves, and sing ‘er praises.”

Applejack was taken by complete surprise as Twilight rushed in, a stylish black cowboy’s vest with gold buttons, and denim pants appearing on Twilight as she did so. With her hooves now covered with her own pair of spurred leather boots, Twilight’s eyes sparkled as grabbed Applejack’s forehooves in her own. And the caller continued:

“Now circle left, to n’ fro.

Circle right and do-si-do.”

Applejack couldn’t believe the change that had come over the shy Unicorn from earlier. Gone was the timid Twilight, instead there in her hooves was a bold, daring debutante. As the two flawlessly kept time with each other, they twirled, circled, do-si-do’d, and had an amazing time. Finally, however, the music reached its conclusion and the two received a final call:

“Now take your pardner, bend ‘er low

To the tune of th’ fiddles bow,

Thank ‘er fer this lovely chance,

T’ share in this wonderful dance.”

The music came to end, with Applejack dipped down over Twilight’s hoof. All around the glowing figures that had been dancing gave whoots and whoops of excitement as they applauded the dancing of the two. And then in a flash of light it happened.

The trees all throughout the orchard began to twist and shake their branches; almost as though applauding the performance, causing their apples to tumble down into the hundreds of buckets scattered throughout. Twilight stared into Applejack’s eyes for a moment before blinking and nervously releasing her, as the glowing forms faded entirely.

Applejack stood there dumbfounded as both sweat-covered mare’s clothing vanished once more. Twilight looked embarrassed and flinched as Applejack shouted.

“That was amazin’ Sugarcube, where in Equestria did ya learn to square dance like that?”

Muttering, Twilight meekly replied; no longer filled with her daring vigor.

“I…”

Applejack leaned in closer.

“Ahm sorry, could you repeat that?”

In barely an audible squeak, Twilight repeated herself.

“I didn’t know what dance you were doing, I just moved my hooves in time to the rhythm.”

Applejack blinked and laughed.

“Well yore a natural!”

Her voice lowered.

“Though, you’d do well to keep that talent a secret in this town, Sugarcube. Trust me.”

“Ahem!”

Turning suddenly, Twilight and Applejack found themselves staring into the eyes of an annoyed Starlight Glimmer. On her back was Spike, oddly sound asleep. She spoke to Applejack.

“I see you found my idiot. I’m going to need that back.”

Chapter 4

Twilight groggily opened her eyes as she felt the cotton sheets on her body. Startled, Twilight looked around at the room she was in. She was in a bed. A rather luxurious one at that; crisp, clean silken sheets and a woven bedspread. Next to her, in a much smaller bed of his own, lay Spike, curled up and resting peacefully beneath a woolen blanket.

Where am I?

The room was massive. Twilight could see it was divided into seven total sections, each with its own colored wallpaper, queen bed, dresser, and amenities. The sections were placed in a circular formation around a large circular hardwood floor; a dance studio. Twilight blinked.

“What is this?”

“Good, you’re awake. Welcome to your new home. That fridge contains your favorite foods and is programmed to replicate all inventory once per day. Your shower and bathroom are all set to your ideal temperatures, do not mess with my presets. Now get your flank up and when you’re ready the others are waiting downstairs.”

Twilight stared blankly at Starlight who was rushing around, tidying up the various areas, only stopping once more as she realized Twilight hadn’t moved. Facing the confused Twilight, Starlight barked at her.

“That was not a suggestion Sparkle! You may be a Princess’s heir, back home, but while you are on my team, your flank will do as I say. Now get moving!”

Bolting from the bed in fear, Twilight ran down the stairs at a breakneck speed, though she couldn’t help but think there had been some misunderstanding. She had only just moved here, she wasn’t sure what Starlight meant by her team. What team? And then she noticed them, just sitting and talking at a round table; on which all areas of Equestria were displayed.

Five mares of various hues were swigging down ale; three watching as the one Twilight recognized as Applejack hoof-wrestled a cyan-furred Pegasus with a rainbow-colored mane. Various shouts of encouragement flew from the onlookers:

“You got this AJ, Darling!”

An alabaster-furred Unicorn sat with an amethyst mane though it had been highlighted with a dark golden hue. Her tail like her mane was perfectly coifed and it too had golden highlights. Her eyes sparkled in excitement as she watched the scene and shouted her encouragement to Applejack. She was quickly nudged playfully by a pink earthpony with a bouncy bubblegum pink mane and tail who called out loudly and energetically.

“Come on Dashie, this is a cakewalk. with frosting!...Mmmm cake, with frosting…Gooey, creamy frosting.”

Off to the side, sat a butter-furred Pegasus, whose wings and limbs were decorated with various tattoos; depicting the various wild creatures of Equestria. She was watching the fight intensely, not blinking once as she stated in a cagey manner.

“Oh yes, definitely a cakewalk. This is clearly AJ’s fight to lose, look she isn’t even trying. It’s like a cat with a mouse. Stop playing with your food and sink your fangs into her!”

Applejack laughed as her opponent strained with everything she had, to no avail.

“Hey come on Rainbow, surely that can’t be all ya got-huh?”

Her opponent gave a strangled scream as she pushed with all her might, just as Applejack noticed Twilight by the stairs, distracting her just long enough to slam her hoof down in victory.

A groan rose from the observers at the table, as the cyan Pegasus gloated.

“Ha! The best. There. Is-”

Applejack smirked as she gestured to Twilight and said as she stole a kiss from her opponent on the cheek..

“That’s why ya won, sugarcube.”

In a huff, the Pegasus glared at Applejack.

“You can’t be serious! Are you saying you were distracted?”

Winking, Applejack said simply.

“Enjoy your first victory.”

All around the table broke out into laughter, that is until the Pegasus angrily stamped her hoof.

“No.”

Applejack’s smile faded a little. She tried to gently defuse the situation.

“A win’s a win right?”

“No! Not when you claim to have been distracted. You’re acting like you’ve been going easy on me! Me, Rainbow Dash, the strongest Pegasus there is.”

Sighing, Applejack said softly.

“I have been Dash. The truth is, I haven’t used a fraction of my real strength to compete against you. Just be happy you won, and let’s drop this.”

Rainbow Dash was outraged.

“How dare you…again. Let’s do it over.”

“Dash.”

“Now!”

Applejack sighed and glanced at her partner.

"Rar?”

After a reassuring nod from Rarity, Applejack sat down once more.

“Alright, I won’t hold back, but just remember, ya asked for this.”

“Ha, you think I’m scared?"

Twilight’s eyes went wide with shock as in less than five seconds after clasping hooves, Rainbow Dash’s hoof was brought crashing through the now-shattered stone table.

Amidst the silence, Rainbow's face turned a bright red with embarrassment, or was it anger? Twilight couldn't tell. As if in concern for Rainbow Dash, Twilight watched the pink earthpony gently tug on Rainbow's wingtip; as though signaling to go. Rainbow Dash, however, just shook her off.

"Not now, Pinkie Pie."

Fuming silently, Rainbow Dash glared daggers at Applejack before saying.

"This isn't over. I'll win next time. You'll see."

Nodding silently, Applejack gave an encouraging smile, though this only served to enrage Rainbow Dash, who without warning turned and flew out the door, racing away at speeds too high for the eye to see, leaving behind a worried Pinkie. She turned to look at Applejack.

"You still held back."

Rarity chuckled as her partner nodded.

"Of course Ah did. If Id’ve used any more of mah raw strength, Dash would be dead. That mare of yours should stick to her real strength; that crazy dancing style she uses."

Pinkie nodded sadly.

“I keep telling her that but her mom-”

“-Was the strongest pony in the entirety of the Wonderbolts.”

Rarity and Applejack finished, having heard it hundreds of times.

“Still strength comes in many forms. Anyway, while Dash blows off steam, wanna join us for a shopping trip? Gonna bake my famous Aunt Betty’s, Brown Betty Apple Crumble.”

Pinkie nodded already drooling in excitement at the mention of the decadent sugary treat. Rarity nudged AJ and indicated Twilight who had just been silently observing. Applejack grinned and nodded.

“Hey you, dancer girl, wanna join us? I’ll bet these two would love to see your dance moves as well, and I know somewhere we can enjoy the rhythm.”

Twilight’s eyes lit up in excitement as she rushed to join them.

Over and over, Rainbow Dash slammed her hoof into the cloud-based wall of her house. Again and again, until her hoof began to ache. Glancing at the bruised forehoof, she grimaced. I’m so pathetic. Her eyes were red and puffy as the telltale sign of saltwater streaks coursed down her face. In her mind, she could hear her Dad’s last words to her. Any daughter of my wife could easily have taken that dragon. You are no daughter of ours.

“You seem to be hurting, friend.”

A silky voice gently hissed from behind, causing Rainbow to whirl around only to see nothing. All the lights in the house had gone out, leaving just inky darkness. She shouted.

“Who’s there? Show yourself.”

The speaker seemed to ignore her as it continued.

“I can tell, you want something don’t you? Oh yes, I can see it now, the strength to protect your loved ones?”

Rainbow snarled.

“What’s it to you?”

“An admirable goal, I could give you that power you know.”

Before Rainbow could reply, a creature stepped forward, though the only thing Rainbow Dash could make out were two large, Enviously green eyes peering down into her own.

“All you have to do is give me a dance.”

The creature held its foreleg out to reveal an upturned hoof. Rainbow Dash couldn't tear her eyes away from the creature’s as she found herself asking unbidden of her own will.

“A dance?”

“That’s right. Just one dance and you will have your greatest desire, Rainbow Dash.”

Rainbow tried to refuse but to her horror she found her own forehoof reaching out and locking into the creatures’. All the while she found herself unable to look away from those green eyes.

“Let’s dance.”

A scream of desperation sounded through the heavens of Cloudsdales expanse, as a blast of lime-green magic filled the house of Rainbow Dash. On the horizon, the sun could be seen going down as the screamer fell silent, and a sinister cackling was heard followed by two words that seemed to hang in the evening air:

“One down.”

Chapter 5

Rainbow Dash felt her hoof connect with the strange creature’s before her, those glowing eyes holding her captive as her hooves began to move on their own. The creature didn’t move a muscle, beginning to glow with a lime green light; each step of Rainbow’s causing the creature to glow brighter.

Unable to stop herself, Rainbow heard the familiar hip-hop music playing, and her hooves moved on their own. A little hop and Rainbow crossed her hind hooves, now covered in designer sneakers with her cutie mark of multicolored lighting on the side, crossed in the air and landing she turned, whirling around in place as she leaned back.

The creature let go as she did so, glowing brighter and brighter still, its own hooves slowly mimicking Rainbow’s own steps. Clumsily at first but more skillfully with every step Dash performed.

Dash felt her body growing weaker and still, she wasn’t able to stop herself; noticing the presence of new thoughts in her mind, thoughts that weren’t hers. I must obey Queen Chrysalis. No! I am rainbow Dash! I am a drone. I am nopony without my Queen.

Over and over the invasive thoughts battered her mentality as the dance progressed. She felt her own thoughts slipping, it became hard to focus; on who she was, her friends, her goals, her desires. Little by little she felt them tear away from her. Dash leaned back, letting her hind legs slip out from under her as she leaped up, flipping backward onto her forehoof and spinning on that hoof.

I am a drone. I belong to Chrysalis. I must fight. I must obey her orders. No, remember my friends! Applejack. I must…obey Queen Chrysalis. I am a drone. I have no friends, only my queen to command me.

The music reached its climax as Queen Chrysalis easily performed the same dance and grinned viciously as Rainbow Dash gave a final scream of desperation; her will, rend to shreds and her mind almost completely tossed into the aether. The new drone spun on its head as the music came to an end and Rainbow Dash, was no more in a bright flash of lime green light.

Chrysalis eyed her new slave with bated breath; her sleek chitinous body coursing with the stolen dance magic of Rainbow Dash. It looked at her, and bowed its head, with Rainbow Dash’s own body.

“What are your orders, my queen?”

Chrysalis tensed her hoof in triumph. Now would begin her rampage; Her revenge.

“One down.”

Spike watched in awe as Starlight gave a pirouette to an orchestral suite. Her poise her form; was flawless as she pranced about, dusting the bedrooms as she went using a feather duster. Though her dancing was spectacular, Spike noticed she refused to use the magical aspect of it.

Around her midriff, she sported a ballerina’s tutu, though it was deep obsidian in color. Her heels were also a perfect black in color. As she twirled and slowly lowered herself to the floor, she called out, for perhaps the dozenth time.

“Tell anypony about this and I’ll tan your hide.”

Spike just nodded, as he had for the past few times; the fear of Starlight’s abruptness having dissipated over the past few hours. It seemed to Spike that Starlight had deliberately watered down her fear factor, as he glanced down at the bowl before him; which contained emeralds and rubies, a dragon’s salad.

Though he hated salad, he nibbled reluctantly at the meal on for Starlight to fuel his fire calling out.

“Eat every bite, and you’ll get a pink diamond.”

Pink diamonds, the equivalence of the main course, and Spike was really hungry. Eagerly he ate the gems, thinking about the morning. It had been an interesting one. All morning long, Spike had watched Starlight dust, vacuum, sweep, mop, and polish the bedrooms to a sparkling pristine, and without any magic.

Naturally, he had offered to perform some dance magic, to ease her load, but she refused; instead, she demanded he sit and eat his lunch at the newly mended stone table.

“I’ll take care of it. You relax and eat some food. My girls will be home soon.”

Spike noticed her eyes light up, saying ‘my girls’. Starlight was proud of them. Though why? His curiosity got the better of him, and so he asked.

“They’re pretty special to you, huh?”

Starlight chuckled.

“Why wouldn’t they be? I’ve raised them since they were little fillies.”

“Really?”

Starlight looked thoughtful for a moment, before setting down the feather duster and gesturing to Spike.

“Since you and Twilight will be staying here for…a while, and I feel like reminiscing, let me tell you a tale about a creature known as the Danceling, and the eight pony mares who stopped her enslavement of all of Ponykind.”

Twilight watched curiously as Fluttershy growled, barked, and rolled about on the park grounds. Rarity and Applejack sat on a bench with Twilight watching the spectacle; with Rarity explaining it to her.

“She was raised by the Everfree forest.”

Twilight raised an eyebrow, that didn’t really tell her anything, but Twilight said nothing, just mentally noting how sad Fluttershy looked alone out there, dancing a solo dance. Not sure why, Twilight rose and walked over to Fluttershy, who snarled at her, before holding out her hoof to the feral Pegasus.

As Applejack and Rarity called out to warn her, Fluttershy scuffed at the ground for a moment before laying her own on top of Twilight's outstretched hoof. Instantly the atmosphere of the grassy park changed. Was Twilight crazy, or had it suddenly become more humid? And what was with the massive leaf-filled trees of all kinds that seemed to have sprouted out of nowhere?

Twilight was in awe, gazing all around her at the hundreds of various creatures, all native to the Everfree. On every branch they sat, pounding heavily and excitably on the timbers, with claws, paws, hooves, and pads. And then it quieted down, an unsettling quiet before new drumming began; this time in a tense heavy beat. A rhythm that made Twilight feel strange; primal even.

Her hoof started keeping time to the sounds of stomping on the forest trees, and it dawned on her, as a pelt fur appeared around her midriff, her hooves now graced with tiger paws; This was Fluttershy’s style. And seeing the look of longing in those emerald eyes, told her, Fluttershy wanted to show her, her world. Perhaps this was something only she could see?

Falling forward onto all fours, Twilight felt the beat of the jungle’s predators flow throughout her and felt razor-sharp fangs appear in her maw. She grinned and growled a challenge to Fluttershy, who looked surprised, yet overjoyed at this transformation of her new partner.

The tattoo of a wild tiger glowed brightly on Fluttershy’s foreleg, while Fluttershy started to circle around Twilight, her eyes never wavering from Twilight’s own. Much to her astonishment, as the beat slowed down, Twilight mirrored her, and the two circled at a perfect parallel to each other. Without warning, Fluttershy pounced. The pounding of hooves running, the screeching of feathered fiends intensified, and Twilight felt her own paw-covered hooves move on their own, sidestepping the attack in a fluid motion.

Twilight grinned and surrendered to the rhythm of the jungle, ducking and rolling as she evaded Fluttershy’s aggressive strikes; before going back to circling and waiting for just the right moment, to launch her own.

In the flash of an instant, Twilight lunged, knocking the surprised Fluttershy onto her back, before pinning her down and roaring in her face, causing Fluttershy to giggle as the Everfree’s music came to a fast-paced end.

Gently nuzzling Twilight as the outfit faded, and her paws vanished, Fluttershy grinned. The glow of her tattoo slowly faded away, as she stood up on her hind hooves once more.

“That was wonderful. We have to do this again. I would love to go even wilder if it was with you.”

Over on the park bench, Applejack and Rarity were at a loss for words. Neither had seen the creatures or the trees. What they had seen, however, was Twilight suddenly acting like an Everfree Tigeress, and performing a weird territorial duel with Fluttershy; ending up on top of her.

As Twilight and Fluttershy walked over to the two, Rarity was the first to break the silence.

“Are you alright, Darlings?”

Twilight grinned sheepishly as Fluttershy nuzzled her neck, but remained silent, merely giving a nod of her head. Fluttershy however, answered.

“Mmm, yes, I think we are. You girls ready to go back home?”

Spike shivered as Starlight continued her tale.

“The Danceling’s powers don’t just affect their victims, but if those victims were to dance with others, then they, too, would become drone slaves to the Danceling’s will. And so only eight remained in a kingdom of many. That’s when we…”

In Sugarcube Corners, Pinkie twirled energetically as she baked a cake. It was a special cake; one that she knew her Dashie would love. After all, Rainbow Dash didn’t like pies.

“Well, present company excepted. Snrk.”

Pinkie Pie giggled at her clever wordplay when the door to the kitchen swung open, revealing Rainbow Dash. Grinning like a madmare Pinkie rushed over and grabbed Rainbow in a fierce hug. Pinkie crowed.

“I hope you’re ready to eat some sweets, and I don’t mean just me~”

Rainbow chuckled at the joke and held out her hoof.

“Hey Pinkie?”

Pinkie Pie saw the invitation and giggled happily, placing her own hoof on top of Rainbow’s. Rainbow Dash’s eyes twinkled with malice as the music began to play.

“Dance with me.”

Chapter 7

“You want to dance with me?”

The guard’s voice sounded strange, almost hopeful, for a mere instant, before any semblance of excitement was dashed by Celestia's next words.

“We all know the score, Chrysalis. Why bother trying to deny we’ve done this, dozens, or is it in the triple digits now? I’ve lost count. How many times have we fallen to your charms? Maybe I’m tired of trying to fight it.”

The guard’s eyes narrowed in anger as his body glowed and twisted, pulling and stretching until the legendary Danceling herself stood before the sisters. She angrily snapped at the pair.

“Fine. Dancing with you isn’t any fun anymore, anyway.”

Her eyes clouded momentarily, something Luna noticed as Chrysalis reached for her sister’s hoof. She’s lying. But why? Does…Does she want to dance for fun? Could that be the key to defeating her? Luna decided to reveal their trump card.

“Before you take us, there is one pony who would gladly dance with you.”

Chrysalis’s envious green eyes flashed excitedly as she waltzed with Celestia.

She demanded to know.

“Who?”

Her sister’s mind going blank and body going limp, Luna said the name of her most beloved pride and joy.

“Twilight…”

“Sparkle, get in here!”

Rarity felt her breath catch on her lips as Twilight effortlessly twirled and slid her as the two performed an elegant swing dance. Off to the side, Applejack and Fluttershy bobbed their heads and bodies to the infectious rhythm of the upbeat, bumping beat; both waiting for their turn. All present were covered in glistening sweat, having danced in the hardwood studio for nearly five hours. Her mane was utterly disheveled, and Rarity for once, didn’t care; she was having too much fun.

As Twilight slid her between her hooves the music came to a crescendo and Rarity found herself thrust tightly into a tender embrace with the normally shy and reserved Twilight; a switch seemingly having been flipped when she was dancing.

It was surreal; Twilight was free-flowing and wild in her movements, her reservations thrown to the wayside. Inches from her muzzle, Twilight smiled seeing the excitement in Rarity’s eyes, when she heard Starlight call for her. Losing her poise, Twilight accidentally stumbled in surprise to the sudden shout. Not again! Not another mistake. She had made quite a few during the dance steps, and though none other noticed them, Twilight did. And they tore at her, little by little as one became two.

I am a Princess-To-Be, I cannot make these silly mistakes. I-

“Twilight Sparkle, I said get in here!”

Lost in the throes of excitement, Rarity passionately locked lips with Twilight startling her, as the Unicorns melted into the embrace of the other amidst cheers of the onlookers. Lasting for a tender minute, as the world fell deaf on their ears, Twilight and Rarity slowly pulled away from each other, staring into each other's eyes. Rarity whispered softly.

“Starlight is calling you.”

Twilight stammered, still flummoxed by the sudden action.

“Yeah I, I better go, yeah-um excuse me for a -yeah..”

Walking over to Applejack, Rarity looked satisfied at her wife. Applejack just chuckled.

“Whooo-ie Rar! Never seen you so hot and bothered on the dance floor like that.”

Fussing with her mane, Rarity gave a sigh of content.

“I thought you were joking about her dance moves dar-ling, but sweet Luna’s silvery moon, she is phenomenal!”

Applejack and Fluttershy both nodded in agreement, both having felt the same insatiable elation from dancing with Twilight.

Walking into the kitchen, Twilight was intrigued to see Spike was helping Starlight bake cookies for a late-night snack. Starlight was stirring batter, while Spike was tap-dancing to a slow beat and materializing the ingredients under her encouragement.

“One-two, one-two. Keep the rhythm, Spike you are doing wonderfully. Oh, look who finally decided to answer my summons.”

Turning to face Twilight, Starlight's glare faded almost instantly, seeing the shivering Unicorn.

“Stop shaking, I’m not mad. And no, I didn’t call you in here to lecture you, just to give some food for thought. You need to have fun when dancing, quit focusing on the errors, and trust me, perfecting dancing lies in the imperfections.”

“You, you saw that?”

A gentle nod from Starlight saw Twilight go from scared to almost sheepish as she bashfully stammered her thoughts.

“I’m just, just afraid of, of letting everypony down.”

“I’ve been there, I get it. You think everypony’s eyes are on you. But listen to me, as long as you trust in the rhythm, you can’t fail. Just enjoy dancing. Now go on, go cut a rug with the girls. The night is still young, after all.”

Stepping back onto the dance floor, Twilight was surprised to see Rarity hurrying past her with a cotton towel draped across her back. The surprisingly swift Unicorn called out as she went out the front door.

“I’m heading to the bathhouse, I’ll be back soon.”

Trotting down the path to the communal bathhouse, Rarity shivered in the cold of night. Not from the chill of darkness but from the thoughts of the previous dances with that new Unicorn roommate of theirs. It gave her chills and rather unmare-like thoughts. It excited her and had flustered her to the point she needed a cold shower.

Entering the empty bathhouse, she flipped on the light and turned on the water, watching the stream of icy water for a moment before preparing to enter it; only to stop as she heard a familiar voice at the entrance.

“Hey, Rarity!”

Turning suddenly, Rarity flinched as she came face to face with a grinning Pinkie Pie. Startled, Rarity gave a nervous chuckle.

“Oh, Pinkie, darling. You surprised me.”

Pinkie laughed, her normally squeaky voice, gratingly echoing in the small room.

“Yeah, I’m good at surprises! Hey, Rarity?”

“What is it, Pinkie?”

Looking intently into Rarity’s eyes, Pinkie grinned maliciously.

“Wanna dance with me?”

Rarity wanted to laugh and opened her mouth to say no.

“Oh, Pinkie, I…Would love to.”

What am I saying? Wait, what am I doing?

Rarity lifted a hoof out in invitation, unable to tear her gaze away from Pinkie’s. The fabled party pony placed her own on top and whispered cruelly.

“Surprise.”

Chapter 8

Sitting at the round table, Spike looked at Starlight. She sat there, clasping a cup of warm cocoa between her hooves; looking like a tired mother hen that had just seen her young ones off to bed.

When asked about why he, a baby dragon, was allowed to stay up, she told him.

“I don’t mind your presence and to be frank, I don’t really wish to be alone right now.”

With that, she took another long sip and glanced at the clock. 8 PM. For a while, Spike sat there, awkwardly staring at Starlight for the next few minutes, before asking her about something he overheard earlier.

“You told Twilight you were once an Alicorn. What happened?”

“Ah, yes, my daughter was quite, the inquisitive fledgling, about that as well.”

“Fledgling?”

“Alicorn filly.”

“Oh. Wait, hold on. Twilight is your daughter?”

“Very much so. Luna and I were tickled pink to learn that we were expecting. Hard to believe it’s been 50 years since then.”

“50 years? Twilight is an Alicorn filly? I am so confused.”

Glancing at the clock, Starlight made a mental note of the time. 8:15 PM. They’ll be here soon.

“I suppose I have some time to share my tale with you.”

“Now presenting her Royal Highness, Princess Starlight of the Crystal Empire. The Princess of Time approach-”

“Knock it off.”

Dressed in a pair of low-cut denim shorts that were frayed, Starlight Glimmer did not embrace the formalities of her title. The Alicorn had on a purple t-shirt with a skull on it, that had blue and white flames surrounding it. She wore no crown and on her hooves, she had a pair of simple purple sneakers that she had bedazzled herself.

She surveyed the suddenly silent ballroom. Her eyelids boasted a heavy purple eyeshadow and thick black mascara had been painstakingly applied to her eyelashes. Her normally flowing mane had been cut in a jagged bob, a typical stallion cut, and the edges were frosted a bright purple to match her light purple locks with a seafoam green stripe.

The Gala had fallen unnerving quiet, for a few moments before Starlight spotted her; the mare she wanted to dance with. Confidently she strode over to none other than the Princess of the Lunar Heavens herself, Princess Luna.

“Hey, want to dance?”

While her older sister, Celestia was slightly taken aback by the lack of ceremony, Princess Luna was instantly taken by the way Starlight approached her. Holding out her hoof, Luna daintily lifted the folds of her flowing ball gown, as she bowed in a delicate curtsy. Starlight meanwhile bowed in response, and a gasp went up from the crowd. Mares did not bow. Luna, however, seemed excited by this break in tradition as Starlight took her forehoof.

At once a saxophone’s jazzy riff could be heard joined by a bass and an accompaniment of trombones filled the Grand Galloping Gala. Onlookers looked around, surprised at the sudden burst of Jazz, while the orchestra looked bewildered at their instruments as though the inactive instruments were the cause.

Side-step, twist, backstep, twirl, slide-in, twist, switch sides; the two were lost in the throes of a passionate melody as the rhythm flowed within and all around the two. While onlookers continued to search, baffled, for the source of the music, Starlight and Luna danced. Halfway into a reverse swing, Luna reached up and undid the bow in her mane, wrapping the ribbon around the back of Starlight’s neck and pulled her forward.

Now only inches from the other, Luna flashed her eyelids and whispered.

“I’ve missed you.”

Starlight laughed. The two had been dating in secret for a year now, and nopony was the wiser.

“You talk too much.”

Placing her lips against Luna’s, Starlight grinned as shouts of encouragement and scorn alike arose from the onlookers. Such uncouth public displays. Scandalous. Such passion. Go get her! The shouts flew heavy and fast from the observing dignitaries and Starlight winked at Luna. She whispered to her.

“Now that we gave them something to talk about, why don’t we get out of here? All of our friends are waiting.”

Luna nodded and as the music hit its peak, the two gave a flourish of curtsy and bowing respectively; amidst an explosion of light blue light and vanished from sight.

Reappearing moments later in a group of mares, Starlight and Luna were greeted by cheers.

“Hey look, who finally showed up!”

A cyan-blue Pegasus mare with a rainbow-colored mane playfully smacked Starlight on the flank as she chided the two lovers. Immediately a pale yellow-furred Earthpony with an orange mane and doleful sky blue eyes rested a gentle hoof on her back.

“Aw shucks Wendy, just leave 'em be.”

Wendy Whistles nudged the Earthpony teasingly.

“Oh you know I’m just messing with them, Pear.”

Pear Butter flushed a bright pink at this comment, seeing the wink from Wendy as she spoke. Meanwhile, a Pegasus with butter yellow fur turned to a gray earthpony with her red mane waving wildly in the night wind.

“C-Cloudy? Is it all set-set up yet?”

Cloudy Quartz laughed excitedly, her jet black mane and tail bouncing up and down.

“Not to worry Shy, I got the party all ready to go! Just waiting for Cookie to finish with her decorating.”

Luna laughed and said.

“Who’s ready for the greatest sleepover ever?”

Starlight nodded.

“I know I am, though are you sure it’s wise to keep this from your sister?”

“Oh Tia’s so busy with all that diplomacy that she probably won’t even notice I’m go-”

“Little sister!”

From under a nearby tree, Celestia, eldest sister and acting ruler of Equestria, approached. Never one to act without understanding she had observed the scene in its entirety. Walking indignantly right up to her little sister, Celestia towered over the others. The oldest living Alicorn, she lowered her head to stare inches from Starlight’s face demanding to know.

“How long?”

“She was intimidating, to be honest, but I held my own.”

Starlight shivered under the penetrating no-nonsense gaze of Celestia and her voice faltered, becoming little more than a squeak as she whimpered.

“How long?”

“How long have you been seeing my sister?”

Starlight felt her resolve turn to jelly as Celestia glared at her, inches from her face.

“O-one ye-year, erm Your Majesty.”

Celestia whispered to her.

“If you ever hurt her, the sun will never rise for you again, Princess, and not even time will prevent my infernal wrath. Understood?”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“Yeah, totally held my own.”

Seeing the absolute fear flash in Starlight’s eyes for just a moment, Spike just nodded.

“Totally.”

Taking a long sip of her cocoa, Starlight glanced at the clock. 8:45 PM. Soon.

“Ahem yes, well, anyway we gathered at Cloudy’s farm, her parents were surprisingly accommodating and offered the silo for our shenanigans. Celestia had joined us as she just wanted ‘some time away from the castle.’ Everything was going great. Too bad we didn’t notice we were being watched as we hit the floor for a dance.”

Chapter 9

Celestia blinked as the world came into view. She raised a hoof to her aching head before exclaiming in surprise.

“I’m in control!”

Behind her, a voice said softly.

“For now.”

Whirling around, Celestia found herself staring at the sight of the Dancling on her throne, sprawled lazily with its hooves draped over the side.

“Chrysalis! Where’s my sister?”

Gesturing almost without care to the royal dance floor, Chrysalis pointed to Princess Luna; the Alicorn, and a random guard mindlessly performing a waltz for the Dancling’s entertainment.

Immediately, Celestia ran over to Luna shouting and trying to stop her from dancing.

“Lulu! Wake up! It’s me Celly! Luna stop dancing!”

“It’s no use, you know. Your sister belongs to me.”

Whirling around Celestia cried out.

“Why are you doing this?”

Chrysalis looked annoyed for a moment before saying simply.

“I’m looking for something.”

Celestia took a deep breath in confusion at this reaction, almost calming down instantly. She stared puzzled at Chrysalis.

“What are you looking for?”

“This Twilight Sparkle, your sister mentioned.”

“Why not ask her, then?”

“Because you’re the Diplomatic one and besides, I tried. She just flew into a rage and refused to cooperate until I re-established control over her. I decided to try you instead, as you are far less likely to fly into a frenzy.”

“I see, and what do you want from me?”

“Twilight Sparkle’s whereabouts.”

“What makes you think I’ll tell you?”

“Because Little Lulu is still under my absolute control and if I so ordered it, she would do anything Celestia. Even dance until she died.”

Celestia looked down as she whispered.

“Is it so important to you that you would threaten my sister’s life?”

Chrysalis sat silent for a moment before replying offhandedly.

“You don’t know what it’s like. Nopony knows what it is like when you can’t enjoy something as simple as a dance. Look at me Princess, I am a Danceling; a creature born to dance, to love dance, to enjoy dance! And I can’t even do that!”

Muttering to herself, Chrysalis scoffed in a voice Celestia could barely hear.

“A truly cursed existence I live.”

Glancing over at Celestia, Chrysalis’s voice softened.

“Alright, fine. I’ll tell you what Celestia. I’ll set you free, your sister as well, and relinquish my hold on your citizens; just tell me where this Twilight is.”

Celestia looked flabbergasted at the sudden offer of generosity.

“Really?”

“Yes.”

“And how do I know you’ll keep your word?”

“What other choice do you have? You alone aren’t able to defeat me, and you’ve no dance partners to unleash your magic, so tell me. Where is this Twilight Sparkle?”

“Fine. She’s at Starlightlight’s record library in Ponyville.”

“Wonderful, well I’ll be off then.”

“Wait! What about my sister?”

“Oh, there’s no need to worry, I’ll keep my word. I just didn’t say when, but there is no need to worry your pretty head about it, Princess. Now, look into my eyes, let your worries fade away. And let’s dance.”

Twilight tossed and turned in her sleep; finding herself on a dancefloor face to face with a strange creature. It was like something she had never seen before, a black insectoid possessing an almost Alicorn build. Seemingly it had holes throughout its body almost as if parts of its very being were missing. It spoke with the rather intriguing voice of a mare, and somehow captivated Twilight’s attention with its gorgeous, envious green eyes.

It held out its hoof to her and said.

“I heard you love to dance. That you would dance with any being?”

Her voice sounded almost hopeful, pleading even as though desperate. Twilight looked at the strange creature and smiled happily.

“Would you dance with me?”

Twilight woke up in a sudden cold sweat, looking around. That dream; It had felt so real. Why? And what was that creature? Looking around she saw Applejack and Fluttershy snuggled under a blanket; fast asleep. She chuckled. The wild ones.

The other beds were surprisingly empty, though that was nothing out of the ordinary for Rainbow, Pinkie, and Rarity. All three were known to enjoy the nightlife. Slipping out of bed, she headed downstairs to get some water. The dream and the creature; both still fresh in her mind.

Heading down the stairs, Twilight made her way to the 2nd-floor kitchen, hearing the voices of Spike and Starlight in the next room. Suddenly hungry, Twilight reached into the fridge as she heard the words.

“That night on the dance floor, Luna and I ended up creating Twilight within her. Our little bundle of joy was created during a burst of magic in the dance to save our friends.”

Twilight’s blood ran cold. What did Starlight just say?
“So Twilight is really over 50 years old?”

“Yeah, but she’s still a filly by Alicorn standards. Nopony, including her, will notice her wings until she’s fully grown into them.”

What are they saying? Wings? Swiftly, Twilight looked at her back, she saw nothing out of the ordinary. There were no wings. And then it struck her. Luna and I…Is Starlight my…Father? How? What?

Taken by curiosity she edged towards the swinging door, to listen in as the two continued talking.

“That sudden burst of dance magic had an adverse effect on our friends, though Luna, myself, and Celestia were unaffected; their fur changed colors, and time for them reversed, changing them into fillies. We gave them new names and I was tasked with raising them, we didn’t need them remembering what had occurred. My Alicorn status was revoked by Harmony herself, as a misuse of my powers I assume.”

“Misuse of powers?”

“Ponies think Alicorns are chosen by the citizens to rule, but in reality, we are chosen and created by the Melodious Harmony of Equestria; itself. Our abilities are one of a kind and we only sprout our wings when we grow into maturity of those powers. Time, sun, moon, love. We were given reign over others to guide and nurture them.”

“But why didn’t you stick around? Twilight has been dying to know who her father is!”

Why weren’t you there?

“Royalty is a strange thing, and two Princesses of two separate kingdoms out of wedlock with a foal? Oh, the press would have had a field day. I couldn’t do that to my Luna. So, I opted to watch from afar. As painful as it was.”

“Are you planning to tell her?”

There was a moment of aggravating silence, Twilight desperately wanting to hear the answer before:

“That’s why I asked Luna to send her here so that I could reconnect with her. Give her what I couldn’t when she was a foal.”

There was more silence and then Twilight heard Spike speak about something, though she could really only hear her own heart in her throat. Starlight was…My father? My sire is a mare? I’m an Alicorn? I…Think I need that water now.

Turning around she found herself staring into a pair of familiarly green eyes and opened her mouth to scream only to find something warm and soft pressed against her muzzle. Twilight’s mind went crazy as her face flushed a bright pink and she found herself calming down in the throes of the kiss.

As the being pulled back, those green eyes stared into hers as though searching for something. Twilight could see it was the strange creature from her dream. She opened her mouth only to find a hoof pressed against it. The strange being whispered gently.

“Not a single sound. Got it?”

Slowly Twilight nodded, and the hoof was lowered. Turning around the creature gestured to herself.

“Call me Chrysalis. Follow me. You and I need to talk and I don’t need Mrs. I-can-control-time to hear us.”

Watching the strangely feminine insectoid mare walk away, and without a clue what drove her to do it, Twilight slowly followed her out the backdoor and into the chilled midnight’s wind.

Chapter 10

Starlight sat at her round stone table, thoughts becoming increasingly confused as time ticked on. 9 PM, no Chrysalis. Soon. 10PM, no Chrysalis. Maybe she got distracted? 11PM, no Chrysalis. Where is she? On the table Spike lay sprawled; asleep.

Starlight didn’t get it; if time was to repeat itself for the umpteenth time, Chrysalis should be asking her to dance right now. Something was off, but what? Glancing at Spike, Starlight’s blood ran cold. Twilight and Spike were new variables in the equation. For Celestia’s sake! How could she be so blind? A new variable changes everything. She immediately began recalculating the current timeline; desperate to locate Chrysalis. She was so engrossed in her thoughts, she failed to notice the alabaster-furred Unicorn approaching her.

“Hey mom, how’s it going?”

Starlight blinked and looked over at Rarity.

“Oh, hey hun, finished your shower?”

“Mmhm.”

“Oh, wonderful. Your bed’s all ready for you.”

“Thanks, mom, but you know that shower really energized me, would you mind a quick dance to alleviate all this extra energy before bed?”

“Oh Rarity, I’m kind of tired and…”

Swiftly Starlight found herself gazing into Rarity’s inviting, mesmerizing eyes.

“I insist, mother dearest. Dance with me.”

Applejack groggily opened her eyes as her body was jostled. Seeing a pair of cyan hooves, AJ immediately glanced over at the clock; afraid she had overslept. 15 to midnight. What in tarnation?

“Rainbow, why in the name of apples are ya waking me up so late?”

“Hey AJ! Wanna dance?”

“Are ya outta yer mind? Why don’t ya dance with Rar? I gotta get some rest fer work tomorrow.”

“Aw c’mon AJ. Rarity’s down at the bathhouse with Pinkie and I’m bored.”

“Ugh. Fine one dance, after that I’m going back ta sleep. Got it?”

A noise nearby, caused Applejack to see Pinkie stretching out her hoof to Fluttershy, both locking eyes. Confusedly, she asked.

“Hey Rainbow, though you said Pinkie was at the bathhouse with Rar?”

Forcibly Applejack’s muzzle was lifted to look into Rainbow Dash’s eyes.

“Shut up and dance with me.”

Walking through the biting wind, Twilight was unable to tear her gaze away from the figure walking in front of her. The creature had told her its name was Chrysalis, but that was all she knew. She didn’t know where they were going or even why, but she did notice something peculiar.

As the two walked on the path into town, Twilight watched ponies of all kinds walking in various single file lines, silent and with vacant stares upon their faces. And they all seemed to be heading towards a massive building on the outskirts of Canterlot; The Equestrian Dance Hall.

The structure could easily contain hundreds if not thousands of ponies, and it looked like it would be filled tonight. From all directions, ponies seemed to pour into the massive building, from all over Equestria. Pegasi, Unicorn, Earthpony, Zebra, Dragons, Griffons, all were headed for the Dance Hall. Recognizing her mother, Twilight swiftly ran over to her and began calling her name.

“Mom! Mom! What’s going on? Mom?”

Luna, however, kept moving forward, as though she hadn’t heard her; that same blank soulless expression on her face.

“It’s no use Twilight. She won’t respond. None of them will.”

“Mom! W-what happened to you?”

“She’s cursed, by my very hooves nonetheless.”

“What?”

Turning suddenly, Twilight found herself in the glare of Chrysalis.

“I said she’s cursed. They all are. And you most likely will join them unless you can satisfy my hunger.”

“Your hunger?”

“I desire only one thing, a partner I can dance with. One that won’t lose their minds or ability to dance with me after one dance. You, Twilight, are my last hope.”

“Why me?”

“Because you are the only one left.”

The Auditorium was silent as Twilight walked in through the doors. Hundreds of ponies sat in the seats, silent and watching; blank stares upon their faces. Twilight even saw Celestia and Luna in the seats by the stage. Over by the door stood Rarity next to Starlight with Spike on her back, Applejack stood next to Fluttershy and Rainbow and Pinkie stood next to them; all were silent and blankly staring at the stage.

Chrysalis gestured to them with a dismissive wave of her hoof.

“Slaves, drones, mindless bodies that obey my every whim and command. Call them what you will, they will not interfere with our chat.”

Chat? But then why are we on a stage? Why are they here? What did she do to them? Am I next? Nevermind all that, why did she kiss me?

It’s not like she minded it, but she didn’t know who or what this creature was or what it wanted from her. She just felt like she needed to be here, and so she was.

Looking around, Twilight realized they were on a massive hardwood ballroom floor. Chrysalis gestured to her, continuing her monologue.

“I was never good at talking, no, the only time I felt alive was on the dance floor. It was on a dancefloor like this, that I became what I am today.”

Twilight watched as she closed her eyes, and a hoodie and sweatshirt appeared on Chrysalis’s body. A bit of electronica, accompanied by a synth, began to play as Chrysalis kicked out her hind hooves and landed on her forehooves as she flipped backward. Her movements captivated Twilight as she effortlessly flipped back to an upright position; taking two steps before sliding her hooves together and twirling around, ending up face to face with Twilight she held out her hoof.

“I wonder. I can sense you are like me, a lover of dance. Could you be the one? Could you actually be the pony I’ve been looking for? The one who can dance with me?”

Twilight stared at her for a moment. Dance? She could dance, she loved to dance and that outstretched hoof really did look inviting. Twilight had no idea what was going on, but what she did know was she heard it; the Harmony as it played her song.

A swift orchestra of woodwinds, strings, and gentle brass suddenly accompanied the bop, causing it to evolve to flow slowly, yet with a tangy upbeat presence. Twilight placed her hoof on Chrysalis’s own and a pink, lacy ballet tutu appeared on Twilight.

This surprised Chrysalis who raised an eyebrow.

“Ballet?”

But if she expected Twilight’s normally silent demeanor, she was to be sadly mistaken. Twilight seemed different; unleashed and wild, the look in her eyes said it all. Twilight wanted to dance.

“Try me.”

Chapter 11

Chrysalis stared at Twilight, standing there on both hooves in a pink tutu, before her. Ballet. Ballet? She had chosen ballet? Surely Twilight was jesting; ballet was a slow-moving, dance of elegance, not a fast-paced movement like Chrysalis craved, but wait, what was this?

Twilight had begun to sway, getting into the rhythm, letting it flow through her as her hindlegs moved on their own with a strange mixture of fluidity and grace, though the moves were clearly those of ballet, it was anything but slow.

Chrysalis felt her own hooves take on a mind of their own as she began her skip switches; placing both hind hooves wide apart, she jumped and crossed them in mid-air before landing with the hooves crossed, repeating the processes rapidly, before it turned into an almost floating maneuver. Chrysalis ebbed and flowed like the tide as she moved effortlessly across the stage. In her barrel, she felt her heart beating rapidly as she kept time with Twilight’s own graceful steps. It was hard not to be taken in by the infectious rhythm the two were dancing to.

Twilight meanwhile extended her leg out to the side before pushing off of it and tucking it in by her thigh, twirling and releasing it before tucking it in as one, two, three she twirled to the ever-flowing music. Twirling around the stage like a wild top, Twilight met Chrysalis in the middle of the stage, and both locked hooves; synchronizing their steps to the other as the music continued to play.

Out in the audience, one of the drones began tapping her hoof as the music rose to fill the auditorium, and slowly one became two became ten. A few blinked in surprise as they started performing their own styles of dance in the rows. And still, the music rose higher and higher.

Twilight grinned.

“Is this the dance you wanted, Chrysalis?”

Throwing her head back, Chrysalis laughed in ecstasy as a burst of magical light of all colors filled the massive building.

“Yes!”

Now it was Twilight’s turn to be shocked. The black carapace of the Danceling had been replaced by a rich ebony furred hide. As Twilight stared in awe, Chrysalis’s gossamer wings became elegant wings boasting the feathers of a Pegasus, while her horn changed to resemble a Unicorn’s own. Her gossamer mane and tail had changed to a luxurious teal mane and tail. Twilight couldn’t believe it; Chrysalis was an Alicorn!

While Twilight was staring at Chrysalis’s wings, Chrysalis was staring at Twilight’s. An elegantly feathered pair of lavender feathered wings had appeared in the explosion of magic the two had generated. Again and again, the two caused an explosion of magical energies; the dance reaching its climax causing the two to go into their finisher.

Chrysalis rocked back on her heels and kicked out, sliding her other hindleg out to perform a hoofstand landing on her head and spinning in a circle, lowering her body down to a laying position while holding her hoof up. Twilight meanwhile, had been spinning and twirling about the stage, occasionally kicking her foreleg out, before launching herself into the air, to land on top of Chrysalis’s outstretched hoof; her body striking a pose like a swan taking flight.

Breathing heavily and completely worn out the two stared into the eyes of each other, before, lost in the passion of the dance, the two shared a tender and passionate kiss. Neither knew why but it just felt right. And for that one moment, the world faded away.

After a moment of silence, the entire auditorium erupted in thousands of cheers and the deafening stamping of thousands of hooves in applause.

Slowly lowering Twilight down onto the stage, Chrysalis laughed in exhilaration, as the tears slowly made their way down her face. She couldn’t believe it. She opened her mouth to speak.

“That. Was. So. Much…Fun!”

Chrysalis blinked in startled confusion. Twilight’s shout had taken her by complete surprise, as did the sudden embrace she found herself in. For thousands of years, Chrysalis had borne the curse of the Danceling; cursed to pursue the perfect dance, but unable to find it. That is until this moment, this night.

This mare had against all odds set her free; this mare that Chrysalis now found holding her in her hooves. Was it destiny, she didn’t know. But oddly enough, as she found herself staring into the ‘come hither’ stare of Twilight, she could swear she heard music begin to play.

One year later

In a cathedral, in Canterlot, the rafters and columns were dressed up with white roses and lily blossoms, and row after row of pews was filled with dignitaries and friends of the Royal Family from all over the world. On a palette to the side of an altar stood a six-tier cake, with lavender icing, teal-colored roses decorating the fringes, and at the top were two intricately carved figures. Today was an important one.

Everything was placed exactly, everything was set up to perfection. Everything was in place, everything that is, except the guests of honor.

“Where. Are. They?”

Celestia spoke through gritted teeth, having her eye on the cake. Luna and Starlight just chuckled as they clasped hooves side by side. The bride and groom were nowhere to be seen, but their ears had picked up the sound of music coming from the downstairs dressing room. They looked at each other knowingly; those crazy kids. They’d been there, they understood.

As the time ticked away, the front doors opened, as the cake was being sliced. Dressed in their dancing attire, Twilight and Chrysalis stumbled into the center aisle; completely exhausted and out of breath.

“We’re here. Sorry-”

Celestia glared at them as she was about to get a slice of the decadent cake. Twilight and Chrysalis shared a look as they stammered out an excuse.

“We -er-”

“lost track of time.”

Unable to hide their smiles, Chrysalis nuzzled Twilight before turning to Starlight and Luna.

“We have something to tell you after the ceremon- oh wow we are late aren’t we?”

The decorations were being taken down, the cake was half-eaten and the buffet was empty. Only Celestia, Luna, and Starlight, Applejack, Pinkie, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, and Fluttershy were still there.

Twilight giggled.

“Oops.”

Luna looked at her curiously.

“What is it you need to tell your father and me?”

Chrysalis and Twilight held hooves as music began to play.

“You’re going to be grandparents!”

Chapter 6

Sitting at the round stone table, Twilight and Spike enjoyed their first dinner with Starlight’s group, and one thing became overly apparent as the meal progressed: Starlight was a mother hen; making sure rules were followed, food was eaten, and manners were upheld.

About halfway into the meal, Starlight, after smacking Fluttershy’s hoof for reaching across the table, turned to Spike.

“Tomorrow, Spike, I want you to go to the farmer’s market with Applejack. I’ll provide you with a list of items I want you to purchase and don’t worry, you’ll have more than enough budget to get them.”

“Aw, but Rar and I were gonna spend some time by the old tree!”

Moments after she had spoken, Applejack found a wooden spoon poised dangerously close to her snout. Starlight did not sound amused.

“I didn’t ask what you wanted to do, did I, young mare?”

“N-no, but I-”

“No buts, because yours is going with Spike tomorrow. There will be no arguments, have I made myself clear, Applejack?”

“Yes, marm.”

Glancing over at Rarity, Starlight said softly.

“Do you have any objections?”

Shaking her head, Rarity responded hastily before shoving a bite of her salad into her mouth.

“No Prince-er, I mean Starlight.”

Twilight raised a brow at the slip of the tongue but, decided it was best to wait until she could talk to Starlight one on one. And that time came later when Starlight was doing dishes.

Approaching her cautiously, Twilight gently tapped Starlight on her foreleg; Starlight stopped scrubbing the dish in her hoof and said gently to the ever-shy Unicorn.

“Something on your mind, little mare?”

“How old are you?”

The question startling Starlight, the dish fell from her hooves. Before it could hit the floor, however, Twilight watched in amazement as Starlight kicked out her hind hooves; falling back onto her forelegs and catching the dish on her hind hooves. Kicking up, she then flipped back onto her hind hooves, catching the dish in her forehooves, and continued scrubbing it, as if nothing had happened.

She paused seeing Twilight staring in awe at her, and sighed, before giving a vague answer to her question.

“I was there when dance, itself, was created, and I was there to help create the magic of dancing. Though I wonder what brought that on?”

“Rarity called you Prince.”

“Alicorns are only female after all. A Prince is a term for an Alicorn unrelated to the Royal Family.”

“But, you’re a Unicorn, aren’t you?”

She chuckled and spoke almost distantly.

“Your mother told me you would be inquisitive. It’s nice to finally talk to you.”

“Huh? You know Princess Luna?”

“Oh, she and I go way back, Twilight. You could even say we have a bit of magic vested in you together.”

“What kind of magic?”

Starlight froze as she glanced at Twilight. Does she know? What should I say? Alright calm down Star- just answer her question, play it cool.

“Mine happens to be time, or rather it was, at least.”

“Time magic?”

“Related to quantum incantations to be more specific.”

“Oh…Wait, you were an Alicorn?”

Trying to appear nonchalant, Starlight continued scrubbing the now pristine dish.

“Many moons ago. That was a past life, at a different time.”

“I don’t-”

“Hey, mom?”

Turning to the doorway, Twilight saw Fluttershy and she looked frantic. Starlight addressed her in a gentle voice; glad for any distraction.

“What’s wrong Flutters, hun?”

“Have you seen Rainbow?”

“No, I haven’t seen her since yesterday morning. Why?”

Fluttershy looked frustrated.

“Nopony seems to have seen her or Pinkie for that matter.”

Starlight felt a bead of perspiration drip down her face. Both had tendencies to vanish for hours at a time, but why did she have this sudden feeling of dread? She looked directly at Fluttershy.

“Can you repeat that?”

“Nopony has seen Dash or Pinkie since yesterday morning when she got mad at Applejack for hiding her strength.”

Something felt off; wrong even. Starlight looked out the window at the lowering sun. It was too late to go looking for them, and knowing them they were having a bit of fun in the bakery again. Starlight lowered her eyes to the dish in hooves; it was broken from gripping it so tightly. Already? Alright if they aren’t back by morning, I’ll go looking for them. Cloudy and Wendy will be fine for one evening I’m sure. She can’t be back, it’s too early! I’m just overreacting. That’s all. They’ll be fine.

“I’m sure everything is alright, sweetie. They're probably off, dancing the night away. Why don’t you ask Twilight if she wants to dance? I heard you two hit it off amazingly earlier. Get rid of some of that pent-up dance fever you have.”

Twilight’s cheeks flushed a bright pink as Fluttershy looked wantingly at her, but seemed unable to find the words. A bright smile appeared on Fluttershy’s face as Twilight answered the unasked question.

“I’d love to.”

As the two ran off, and a wickedly primal beat played in the next room, Starlight glanced back at the rising moon. The time has come. And this time…

Celestia watched as her sister’s moon rose into the sky when a rolled-up parchment appeared before her. Her eyes narrowed as she open it and it unfurled to reveal the following message; a message she never hoped to read:

The time has come to put an end to this once and for all.

Folding the message up as Luna walked into the room, Celestia looked at her sister.

“Luna?”

Surprised to hear her name spoken in such a tone, the Princess of the Night answered her big sister.

“Hm? Tia, is something wrong?”

“It’s time.”

Luna’s blood ran cold as she whispered.

“But is she ready?”

A guard appearing behind her sister, Celestia’s eyes immediately noticed the discrepancies in the guard’s behavior as she gave Luna an indication of their visitor.

“She’ll have to be.”

Smiling, she turned to the guard.

“Shall we dance, Chrysalis?”