Flurryverseby wildnature03ChaptersChapter 1Chapter 2Chapter 3Chapter 4Chapter 1The soft sounds of hoofprints upon the crystal ground echoed in the dark corridors. The hardened cherry-hued hooves held a slight sheen, even in the shadows cast through the current night. They clipped sharper on the ground with each delicate step as the royal Princess moved restlessly. Her face was drawn, her worry lines edged upon her expression as both heavy and frequently expressed. Her back tail flicked lightly but constant as she worked her jaw, mumbling to herself. Narrow opal eyes gazed out of the window to the stars and full moon, as the Princess fell silent for a moment. “Princess Flurry Heart?” A very hesitant servant appeared, an Earth pony trailing behind with her head bowed low as she wondered, with good reason, why the Princess was out of her room in the dead of night. “Are you having trouble sleeping? Would you like help from Princess Luna?” “No, I do not need help,” Flurry Heart said icily, without glancing back. Her eyes were glued to the moon, narrowing her gaze as her jaw began to work again. “Leave me.” “But it’s very late, my Lady. Perhaps some tea…” “I SAID LEAVE ME!” The earth pony made a startled noise and scurried off as the Princess snorted. “I’m not tired. I don’t need help, not from the other Princesses. I’m FINE.” She turned back toward the corridor and began her long walk again. “I am fine. This is fine. It’s all fine.” Princess Flurry Heart forced a smile as her eyes darkened. “It’s all going to be fine. I’m going to be perfect.” Morning came to the smell of breakfast flowing through the castle. Nebula didn’t know how her father did it but maybe it was because when he made breakfast, he made it for everyone around them. Even if it were her favorite. “Pancakes!” Nebula lunged for the kitchen table, nearly toppling herself in the process. She was still mussed from the sleep, her hair a rat’s nest but she didn’t really care about how others saw her. Well, technically that was a lie but since those who worked in the Friendship Castle were carefully vetted and had no problems with who were her father was and who she was, she didn’t have a problem with those who were around her -currently-. “Here is some strawberries and cream to add,” Sombra pushed the bowls toward his daughter as she used her magic to decorate her pancakes. Sombra, the once feared and dangerous Umbra King was now a powerless, useless unicorn currently married to Princess Twilight Sparkle and yes, Nebula’s dearest father. She might have a parental favorite, but Nebula tried very hard not to show it too much when around her mother. Twilight Sparkle entered with a hurried flourish, sending orders by magic as fast as she wrote them. She was mumbling to herself as she sat down next to her husband who gave her a kiss as she absently smiled, still lost in trying to finish her list for the morning. “Mom, am I going to have to take the list away again?” “OH!” Twilight Sparkle looked up at her daughter with embarrassment, then glanced at her husband who eyed her with a knowing gaze. “Oh, dear, I’m sorry, my loves! I woke up to notes all over the desk this morning and it just seemed to start so early and I didn’t want to be overwhelmed and…” “Mom, you know the rules. Family time comes first.” “Yes, yes, of course!” Her mother agreed wholeheartedly, transporting all notes out of sight. “Out of sight, out of mind.” “Like that’ll work,” Sombra teased gently, passing her a plate of warm cakes. “Strawberries and cream, love?” “Oh, I don’t think I need the extra calories,” Twilight Sparkle said hesitantly. “Mom, eat it. You always forget meals as it is so might as well stuff yourself now,” Nebula did the same as she opened her mouth and filled it with the triad of food from her plate. She tried to talk as her mother rolled her eyes at her. “Don’t talk with your mouth full, dear. It’s rude.” But Twilight Sparkle decorated her pancakes with the strawberries and cream, helping Sombra as well though he attempted to tell her that he was more than capable of using his hooves to do so. Nebula loved watching her parents interact. They were so cute and adorable sometimes, it could be sickening sweet, but Twilight Sparkle was always so thoughtful when it came to Sombra and visa versa. She finished her meal with ease and pushed off. “Mom, Dad, I’m going to head out into town. There wasn’t anything planned today, am I right?” “No, no, nothing that I know of. I’m sure Spike would’ve told me by now,” Twilight Sparkle laughed softly at that. “Be safe, love,” Sombra offered warmly. “If you’re back in time for lunch, we can get together, alright?” “Sure, but I’m not sure yet when I’ll return.” Nebula nodded to the housekeeper who scurried in to clean up after her as she left the room. It wasn’t long before the unicorn had left the castle and delved into Ponyville. It was still a small town in comparison to the rest of Equestria. Those who lived there were quick to be sure to make it that it wasn’t overrun by overpopulation so if any did want to live there, they were extremely vetted and controlled. However, visitors and travelers were more than welcome to come and go as they wanted. So, the town was always bustling with a lot of life, different variety of beings from all walks of life from across the lands, from Equestria, and beyond because of Princess Twilight Sparkle and her hero friends. Nebula took in the morning air, looking up at the clear skies to spy the random white cloud still left in view. The sun was starting to warm up the day as she walked down the main street, taking in the usual smell and feel of the town only to sense something along her spine. Before turning, she spoke. “Hey, CC.” “Well, darn it,” Oversized corn-colored-tipped wings fluttered as a saffron colored Pegasus landed. Her strange eyes with the whites being colored teal blue, her eyes colored Columbia blue, and the black pupils in the forms of diamonds, were the only strange chaotic thing she exhibited for being the daughter of Fluttershy and Discord. She was Cacophony, a very good friend to Nebula who often checked in on her. “You try to scare me every day and it doesn’t work.” “It’s not scaring if you know I’m there,” Cacophony scoffed. Her wings fluffed up. “I remember when I used to make you scream and run.” “That was back when you’d hide in full shadow and all I saw were your eyes. Now I can’t stop but then how beautiful they are.” Cacophony turned hot red and turned her head with a grumble as Nebula grinned at her. “Look, I heard down the grapevine that your cousin’s been having some fits again.” “From who!?” Nebula rolled her own eyes as she started to walk away. “I’m just saying that I saw Ticker Tape the other day…” “Oh! How is she doing?” “Tick’s fine, she’s getting into that summer class or something, something,” Cacophony said dismissively. “Oh, come on, CC! She’s going to summer school? That’s not good, that’s a bad thing!” “She said it was extra credit!” Cacophony was indignant. “I think.” “She’s been having trouble with some of her classes lately. I thought Flurry was helping her.” “Like that bitch would help her.” Cacophony froze at the hard, angry stare given over Nebula’s shoulder. She grimaced and then shook her mane over her shoulder. “I’m not apologizing. Your cousin is acting up and you know it.” “I don’t see -you- doing anything about it.” “I’m not family. Why should I?” “Then you’re not awfully concerned,” Nebula said dryly. “That’s not very friendly.” “I’m not built for friendly,” Cacophony said flatly. “There are very few exceptions.” “Flurry Heart has a lot on her plate, she’s going to be a leader some day.” “So are you and you’re not being mean.” “Well, no, but I’m not an alicorn, now am I?” “She’s not much of one, if you ask me.” “Cacophony, now come on!” “I’m just saying what everyone else says!” “But that’s not nice!” “So what! Half of what is said is the truth, isn’t it? She’s got no magic, no wing power, she’s…” “She’s what? Useless? Like what?” Nebula turned around, angry again. This time the two were drawing in a crowd. “Come on, just let up on her. I thought you didn’t care one way or another about what happens to her.” “Yea, I don’t. But I do care what happens to others,” Cacophony said pointedly. “Emotions are dangerous and when you’re consumed by them…” “Then maybe -you- should get yourself checked out. You’re always so tight-lipped and angry all the time. Not to mention untrusting.” “I’m trying to give you advice here, Nebula! If Ticker Tape is concerned about her sister, don’t you think that’s cause for concern?” “Of course, I do but I’m sure her parents are dealing with it!” “But they aren’t!” Cacophony’s hooves hit the ground furiously, repeatedly. “Ticker Tape said that Flurry Heart won’t let anyone in.” “So what am I supposed to do?” Nebula said tiredly. “Talk to her, for now. You all just seem to tiptoe around her.” “She doesn’t want to talk, we can’t make her talk. Her parents tell us to leave her alone, we leave her alone. That’s how it goes.” Cacophony sighed with exasperation. “Obviously a plan that doesn’t work. I’m telling you, that there is something off about her that you all need to fix before it gets worse but hey,” She pushed off. “I’m just offering my two cents on the whole scene. You and I have talked about how others whisper about her, don’t you think she hasn’t heard about those whispers?” “Flurry Heart is surrounded by love and adoration,” Nebula rebutted. “Everyone adores her since she’s, as the Crystal Empire tells it, perfect.” “Yea, and being perfect doesn’t come with its own flaws,” Cacophony growled as she took off. “Talk to Ticker Tape, will you at least?” She called over her shoulder as she left. “Just listen to the girl!” Nebula watched her friend took off before her thoughts drifted to her cousins and then to Cacophony. “She would never warn me about something unless it was really bothering her. Maybe I should look into this if she thinks it’s just a big issue.” “Especially since Ticker Tape’s been saying something,” Nebula added as she resumed her walk down the street. Author's Note The first chapter to Flurryverse, my next generation fiction. Chapter 2The Crystal Empire was a beautiful place. Though being constantly surrounded by snow was a bit annoying, the young Earth pony mare thought. She was a beautiful Celestial blue furred with a baby blue faced, her Maize and pale Goldenrod hair cut and slightly spiked into a mohawk style. She was also three-legged with her back left leg a golden peg leg. Something leftover from being born as such, she was very much used to being different from the rest of the world. Though, being the second born child of Princess of Princess Cadence and Lord Shining Armor still put her at a much higher status so others still would rather she didn’t seem so… odd. Thankfully, her cutie mark said otherwise. At the moment, none of that mattered as she looked out the window. She’d been attempting to distract herself with the snow and weather of the far north but intrusive thoughts of her older sister, Flurry Heart kept coming to mind. “Suppose I could try talking to her again. If I can find her this time.” She staggered up to her feet with a low sigh on to hear someone cough as a guard poked their head in. “Yes?” “You have a message from your cousin, Princess Ticker Tape. Here you go,” The unicorn guard sent it over gracefully to her, placing it on the table before disappearing from sight. “Dear Ticker,” Ticker Tape read to herself. “I hope you don’t mind but I asked my parents if I could come visit for a bit. I wanted to talk about something that CC brought up to me that you might be able to help me with. Please expect me within the day or so! I look forward to seeing you!” “Darn Cacophony and her big mouth.” Ticker Tape crumbled the paper in irritation. “She blabbed about what we talked about, didn’t she! I’m gonna give her such an earful next time I see her, I tell her what!” But she sat back, chewing on her lip. “Still. Nebula might be able to help me.” Ticker Tape blinked, her lavender indigo eyes furrowed with emotion. “We’ll just see how this goes.” Nebula was packing when she heard noise outside her room. It sounded like a lot of scraping and thuds before the door fell open, revealing the very large dragon-pony hybrid hovering in the doorframe. “If you’re going to help me pack this time, stay out of my unmentionables!” Nebula said over her shoulder to the male dragony. Jet was red-faced as he stammered. Born from a dragon and unicorn, he was the adopted son to Spike, raised since he was barely three months old. He and Nebula were happily cousins despite that they had no blood relations but of course, boundaries had to be appreciated. “I did not go into your unmentionables!” Jet managed to squawk out, walking in as his claws clicked loudly. “Have you gone to the spa lately?” “I do not need my claws clipped!” “How does the floor look?” Jet looked down in worry, trying to see if he was scraping anything but couldn’t see a darn thing. He looked up to see Nebula grinning at him. Jet was named for the very dark coloring that he had, clearly inherited from his dragon side. He was quite large, though he did sport a very smooth and curved unicorn horn. He could do some magic but most of it was not at all unicorn in fashion. Jet had the great potential of being dangerous which often meant he hid himself from the rest of the world. It took a lot of prodding from family to just get him to show up. So having him here near her was rather odd. “What brings you here, Jet?” Nebula resumed packing. “Cacophony was yapping in my ear and she wouldn’t shut up.” “What is the girl’s problem? She won’t do anything herself, but she gets everyone else involved?” “She is doing something, she’s getting everyone gathered.” “Everyone gathered? For what?” “I don’t know. But she said that I should go with you to the Crystal Empire. She practically begged me so I said I would.” Nebula knew Jet. Once he made a promise, he would keep that promise. “Fine, alright. I’m just going to talk to Ticker Tape about Flurry Heart.” She was still packing so she missed his grimace when she mentioned their cousin. But she certainly didn’t miss his comment. “She’s being a hot mess, isn’t she?” “What’s that mean?” Nebula stopped packing with confusion. “What is the deal with you? CC can see it, I can see it, Ticker Tape can see it… well, it is her talent, after all but I digress. There is something off about Flurry Heart. She was cool when she was younger but she kind seemed to drop off now, don’t you think?” “She’s got a lot on her plate right now! She’s the future heir!” “So are you, you know. I don’t see you snapping.” “Why do you all keep comparing us two? We’re not the same! I’m not even an alicorn!” “Well, no but you share a lot of the same fates. Princesses set to rule certain parts of the kingdom, under a lot of scrutiny, and sometimes oppression by that scrutiny. I mean, a lot of Equestria don’t really… uh… I mean…” Jet trailed off. “No, you can say it. They hate me,” Nebula said matter-of-factly. “Just like with my father. It’s something I know I face, that I will have to face. And I know, too, that I can’t change all minds either. That’s another fact.” Nebula closed her suitcase. “But you know what? Who cares. I have my family. My friends. Those who do believe in me. And that’s enough.” “Well, what if Flurry Heart doesn’t have that?” Jet asked with a shrug. Nebula burst out laughing. “Are you kidding! She has my family, her parents, I’ve seen her people worship her and adore her up close and from a distance. I don’t think I’ve heard anyone say anything mean about her. Who wouldn’t believe in her?” Jet sighed. “I don’t know but you are right. She is surrounded by a lot of positivity. It would be odd that she would think that she’s not… you know, enough.” “It’d be downright impossible.” “Well, not entirely. Let’s try not to count it out, okay? You never know,” Jet offered. “Fine, fine. But you all are making a mountain out of molehill, I swear!” Nebula pulled her suitcase with her over her back, floating with ease with her magic. “I’m ready, how about you?” “I’m packed already. Did you purchase the tickets?” “I was going to just head down and by a set, get a ride.” “You don’t plan very well, Nebby.” “If I had more time instead of this being supposedly pressing,” Nebula stated, pushing past Jet. “Then I would’ve called ahead. For now, we ride overnight.” “Fine, fine.” The two arrived at the platform with no guards, just themselves as Jet went ahead and purchased the two overnight tickets. “It helps that we can magic letters to others in seconds if we need to. You know, instead of snail mail,” Nebula mentioned as they settled into their carriage. They booked into a private booth where they could sleep in solitude. Jet took the floor, his body too big for even the long seat to rest upon. Nebula helped set up the blankets and pillows to help get him comfortable. She was yawning as she opened a book by the window, to read by moonlight. “Come on, you really going to read right now?” Jet mumbled, already looking like he was falling asleep. “I haven’t gotten anything read today. I always try to read a little each each.” “Yea but it’s by moonlight. You’re going to hurt your eyes.” Nebula sighed and lit up her horn softly, using the light as a flashlight. Jet blinked and then rolled over and away. “You always seem to forget that I can use my horn,” Nebula said absently. “It’s not that I forget, it’s that I can’t use mine,” Jet answered, a bit angrily. “You can, you know. It’s just that it relies more on your dragon magic.” Jet mimicked her words to himself with embellishment, obviously irritated by her pointing that out. “Still scared about using your magic?” “I am not scared,” Jet tried very hard not to be snappy. It was very difficult to not be so. His jaw worked tightly, anger lacing his features. “I am not scared.” He repeated, unable to say anything else. “Mom said that the two sister Princesses can help you.” “I don’t think that ponies are the ones that can help me here,” Jet put up his head in protest toward his cousin, his words snapping with emotion. “It’s dragon magic. Wouldn’t a dragon be better?” “So why not Dragon Lord Ember? She’s very qualified for helping you. She’s been doing great in opening the communications between Equestria and the Dragonlands in general.” “She’s too busy!” Jet protested. “And besides, I’d have go to the Dragonlands and I… kind of… don’t want to… go.” Jet trailed off, looking very bothered by the whole conversation at this point. Nebula closed her book with a sigh. “Look, either you wallow in the suffering that you don’t get better with your magic, have either the Princesses help you, or the Dragon Lord help you. Why are you being prideful now? You never were like that before.” “It’s not prideful! It’s that…” Jet sat up on his legs, looking at Nebula with a glare. “Look, you don’t understand it. To dragons when I go to the Dragon Lands, I’m not good enough, not pure enough!” Nebula’s eyes narrowed as she tilted her head before it hit him. “It’s not the same as what you face! At least the other creatures don’t attack you! Don’t challenge you! Once I’m in the Dragon Lands, I’m constantly having to watch my back and being sure I don’t have to fight just to prove my dragon hood. Going through test after test, it’s just a waste of time.” Nebula’s eyes softened. “Right, I heard about some of that but I didn’t realize it was that bad. Why do you keep going?” “Because my Dad really wants me to learn more about being a Dragon… being a dragon, so far, -sucks- by the way. In Equestria, I’m a threat but in the Dragon Lands, I’m a pussy.” Nebula turned her head toward the window, trying desperately not to laugh at his horrid description of himself. Jet heard her laughing and despite it, found himself laughing with her. “I’m acting like a child, aren’t I?” He asked Nebula, settling back in his bedding. “No, you’re not. Look, Jet. Only you get to decide how you want to learn but you can keep pushing it off. Perhaps you can ask if the Dragon Lord can send another here that you trust to teach you instead of heading over there. That way you’re still in your comfort zone.” “I’ll do that. Not sure who she’ll send, though.” “Probably Garble.” “Ah, yea. Dad loves him.” “I thought… oh, you’re being sarcastic.” Jet snickered under his blankets. “Don’t stay up too late.” Author's Note Next part of the story, next one they will finally meet up with Flurry Heart - I swear. Will it go well? Who knows! Chapter 3It wasn’t much different on the inside at first. The coldness took a while to drop as the group traversed further in and close to the empire. Greenery began to pop up randomly, but it wasn’t as frequent as it should’ve been. Nebula looked around at everything and realized things seemed to be freezing more, therefore killing off the grass and flowers attempting to grow. “There’s something wrong here,” Nebula mumbled as Cacophony glanced at her before following her friend’s gaze. “Yea, I agree. Winter is encroaching onto the Crystal Empire despite the barrier,” Cacophony pointed out. “The Crystal Ponies must be so confused.” They reached the empire in about thirty minutes, caught in the silence of the streets. There were no merchants selling, no children playing, it was as barren as a desert. “Where is everyone?” Reinette asked as she poked at a stall. “There is absolutely no one here.” “They’ve either gone into hiding or taken prisoner,” Jet responded, also prodding a stall further down the path. “These are collecting dust, see?” He showed his claws off with said dust. “Or they could be dead,” Cacophony said, making all turn toward her with shocked and disgusted faces. “What? Things can get bad!” “I don’t think anyone could kill anyone…” Nebula started strongly but trailed off as she turned her attention to the Crystal Palace. It felt odd to her, her natural magic picking up on the taint of darkness but also on her family members inside. “I can sense my aunt and uncle.” “And Flurry Heart?” Jet asked a bit hesitantly. “Kind of,” Nebula mumbled, not wanting to think the worse. But the looks on the others’ faces said what she was feeling inside. “Look, let’s just keep heading in. We got this far,” Reinette pushed forward as the others trailed behind her, leaving Nebula standing alone for a moment. Cacophony turned to her friend. “Nebby?” “Sorry, I’m just… having trouble at the moment,” Nebula trotted to catch up to the group. “I’m sure everything will be fine. I’m sure of it.” But her voice wavered as worry ate at her thoughts. Cacophony wisely kept her own thoughts to herself. There were no guards as the group entered the palace without preamble or a hint of trouble. They all seemed to pile closer together, most of them feeling a sense of dread but unsure of where it was stemming from. “Well, well, well. It’s about time you showed up!” A familiar broke out cheerfully as doors flung open to the throne room. Magic was cackling around the large room as Flurry Heart sat at the throne her mother normally chose. Flurry Heart looked excited and was shimmering with her power. “I’ve been waiting for you, Nebula!” Nebula found herself forcibly drawn forward by foreign energy, magic that she barely recognized as her cousin’s. It wrapped like a second skin around her fur, sinking in deeply as she was brought front and center. “Flu… Flurry Heart,” Nebula began weakly. “Is everything alright?” “Oh, it’s never been better!” “Where is everyone?” Reinette attempted to ask only to find the other five caught in a bubble. Their lips moved but their words couldn’t pierce through. “Let’s not let the interlopers intercede here. I’ve been wanting to talk to you alone for a long while now,” Flurry Heart’s smile widened, her teeth baring a little. Her opal eyes flashed as she waved a forelimb at her younger cousin. “But family always gets in the way. Your parents are so protective of you, it’s just hilarious really!” “Parents are supposed to be protective,” Nebula said with a pointed tone. “I mean, what about your parents?” “My parents? They wanted the perfect daughter, just like the rest of the empire,” Flurry Heart beamed. “Your parents, however, got you.” Flurry Heart stood up, stretching. “You, the spawn of a monster.” Nebula flinched, pulling back with surprise. “You don’t really think that.” “Oh, come on. It’s what everyone else thinks, Nebby! The great and fearsome King Sombra, one of the greatest threats to the Crystal Empire…” “Which means,” Flurry Heart hovered over her cousin, her smile slipping. “That also makes you a great threat.” Her eye flicked to her right haunch. “So, what happened there, little cousin? Magical outburst?” “How did you know?” “I’m a powerful alicorn, I can recognize great power when I see it. Power that is useless, that is. I don’t understand why it was you that was graced with that but if you don’t mind…” Magic wrapped around Nebula again, seeping into her furry frame as her cutie mark once more felt hot and turned into a burning sensation. “Stop! Flurry Heart, stop it, please!” Her body wanted to crumble under the pressure of foreign magic mixed with her cousin’s, invasive and draining. Her horn lit up as she aimed at her cousin and struck out, startling the alicorn princess. “You think that’ll affect me?” Flurry Heart grumbled, increasing her magic. “Come on, just give it up!” A body came forward, hitting Flurry Heart at the side and knocking her down the stairs. Cacophony was panting from exertion, barely having managed to etch her way out of the bubble. “Nebula, run!” Cacophony gasped, falling to her limbs. Nebula pedaled back but hesitated. That was enough for Flurry Heart to turn toward her with a blast. Nebula opened her eyes only to see Cacophony once more attempting to protect her. She had taken the blast front on, now bleeding from her head and face from the magical assault. “Cacophony!” Nebula cried out. “Run, you fool,” Cacophony collapsed in a pile, caught in her wealth of pain. Nebula felt rage erupt as she turned to Flurry Heart. “This isn’t you! The Flurry Heart I know would never attack another!” “Then you don’t know me as well as you thought you did! Just like everyone else,” Flurry Heart shouted back, magic powering up. “I need to get rid of all threats and that means you!” “Flurry Heart! I am not a..” She jumped out of the next magical burst, attempting to talk her way to Flurry Heart but she realized swiftly that her cousin was in no state to listen. “This magic,” Nebula powered up herself, using it to pull Cacophony back into the bubble with her other friends. “Isn’t yours!” Flurry Heart began to laugh at that. “Please! Like that magic you have is yours as well,” She sneered. “Now either you let me take you out or I take out your friends!” Nebula and Flurry Heart’s magic matched but Nebula found herself overpowered within moments, her body aching just having to repel enough so she wasn’t too maimed. Deep down, she knew that this was a threat but even further, she knew that this wasn’t Flurry Heart. This was someone else talking. Something that had been hidden, buried in Flurry Heart and brought forward from something that Nebula didn’t understand. Well, she didn’t understand then but in time, she would learn. For now, she decided that retreating was the best option, but she couldn’t leave her friends. She moved into the bubble, finding it strong enough to repel another incoming attack from Flurry Heart. It gave her enough time to use her magic for teleportation, hoping that it was just enough to get them out of the Crystal Empire. Away from being targeted by Flurry Heart. She and the others disappeared in a flash as Flurry Heart sat back on the throne, unperturbed by the chain of events. She was aiming to put Nebula in her place and she thought to herself that she did a fantastic job of that. Though there was a teeny, tiny spot of guilt buried in her heart. ‘She’s family. She loves me.’ Flurry Heart rolled her eyes and settled in back, stretching out her wings. “Love isn’t enough to be perfect. And she must be the epitome of perfection.” Chapter 4Nebula opened her eyes with great difficulty. She laid in a hospital bed, with Sombra peering down at her with wide, fearful eyes that cleared when he noticed her eyes opening. “Nebby!” His voice rose, cracking with emotion as he threw himself upon his daughter. Tears streamed down his face. “Oh, you’re okay! You’re alright! My little, sweet Nebby!” “Sombra, dear, let me get to our daughter,” Twilight Sparkle had to use magic to pry her husband from their child. “Nebula, how are you feeling?” Twilight used her wings to gently guide her face to her mother, noting the bleary gaze and exhaustion rolling off her form. “Like I overcharged and took a massive hit,” Nebula mumbled. “Mama, we have to…” “Don’t worry, the others filled me in. What confuses me is that we are supposedly being kept out, how is it that you and the others managed in?” “Flurry Heart hates me,” Nebula’s voice cracked as her own eyes filled with tears. “I don’t know why but she also wanted my magic.” “Your magic… Nebula, what happened to your leg!?” Twilight Sparkle, unlike Sombra, hadn’t the chance to even notice the odd cutie mark transformation as Nebula pulled the blankets aside to start her theories. “It might have something to do with this. I had a strange dream and when I woke up, it formed on my right flank. I don’t feel particularly different or stronger, though.” Twilight looked back behind to see Sombra giving her large, puppy eyes. “Fine.” She pulled aside as Sombra launched onto his daughter once more. “Sombra, you realize she’s not a child anymore? She took initiative and…” Twilight became frustrated. “Hey, are you even listening?” Sombra was buried in his daughter’s arms, his worry having taken over his mind as finally, both Nebula and Twilight pried him off. “Sorry, sorry. I don’t know what came over me,” He was flustered and embarrassed. “No problem, Daddy. I’d be scared if I found either of you or anyone else I cared about hurt,” Nebula said soothingly. “Did you see anyone else aside from Flurry Heart?” Twilight Sparkle asked with a touch of hope. She had heard everything from everyone else but she had to persist with that tiny glimmer of hope. “No, I didn’t. She was sitting on the throne like she was ruling everything,” Nebula sat up with difficulty, shooing away her father’s help. “Her magic was too strong; I was lucky enough to flee with everyone else.” “You technically teleported everyone,” Twilight pointed out. “What do we do now?” Nebula looked up at her mother for an answer. “The Crystal Empire is being overrun in ice and snow; it was obvious that the Crystal Heart wasn’t working. And I don’t know where everyone disappeared to either.” Twilight Sparkle sighed lowly. “Flurry Heart always had a connection to the Crystal Heart, with her turning dark, the connection must have either broke or is extremely weak. I don’t know enough about the Crystal Heart as is stands. I’ll investigate the library for now and get some of my guards prepared to make a breech if necessary. For now, you rest and let the adults figure out what to do next.” “But you just said I’m not a child!” “You also said that Flurry Heart seemed to be after you,” Twilight Sparkle pointed out gently. “Sombra, keep our daughter company and make sure she rests properly.” “Of course, my love,” The parents nuzzled each other cheek to cheek. Sombra then turned his fixed gaze upon his daughter and Nebula sighed tiredly. The rest of the group had dispersed and Discord was currently discussing things with Cacophony, who seemed rather disinterested in general about the whole situation. Discord finally gave a very loud sigh. “Is there something you’d like to say?” “Why? It’s not like anyone listens to me,” Cacophony floated in the air, barely giving her father a hint of attention. “Cacophony.” She sighed just as annoyingly as he did previously and landed lightly. “I knew something was off about the Princess at least two years ago, maybe longer and no one wanted to believe me. It sucks when others decide that you’re the delusional one.” Discord sat himself upon the ground, a rare event. “I am sorry, my little one. But to be fair, no one wants to think the worst of someone that they love.” “I do not love Flurry Heart,” Cacophony growled. Discord chuckled. “Oh, my dearie. I was talking about myself. You know of my mistakes, how others still see the bad side of me despite having the nuclear family.” She rolled her eyes as her father made mini eruptions of a tiny bomb go off in his palms, all carefully curated. “My point is that Flurry Heart is a beloved Princess who the Crystal Empire adores. They cannot see the flaws that go into being who she is.” “So you’re saying she cracked?” “Pretty much,” Discord ruffled her hair lovingly. “There is still something of her in there, I’m sure. We just need to figure out what went wrong.” “Well, you just said it. She had to uphold a perfect creation. Doing that for any creature can create a delusional being. But why would she take out her family?” “One’s suffering does not differentiate emotions that well. You can love someone and hate them at the same time.” “CC? Discord?” Fluttershy arrived home, landing gracefully. She looked tired. “Nebula has awoken. We can go see her tomorrow if you’d like.” She told this to Cacophony. “I’d like that. But more than that, what is the next plan of action?” “Twilight is looking into the Crystal Heart and hoping to try to reach it so that the eternal winter doesn’t destroy the Crystal Empire. And as for the rest of us, we’re going to figure out where everyone else went. Either locked up or in hiding is what we’re thinking. But as for you and your friends, you will remain here. Going in was not the smartest and...” “But we figured out the problem!” Cacophony shouted, surprising both parents. “You shouldn’t expect us to stand on the sidelines. We can help!” “You mean you can help?” Fluttershy used a wing to try to soothe her daughter. Cacophony snorted angrily and pulled away. “You didn’t listen then, you’re not listening now.” She disappeared in a blink, startling Fluttershy. “Oh dear, she rarely shows off her chaotic magic like that.” “Discord.” “I know, my lovely. We just want to keep her safe but they did help immensely. For some odd reason, they got past a barrier that even I could not puncture.” “I know, I know. But they’re children!” “So is Flurry Heart. Perhaps they are meant to be the destiny she needs.” Fluttershy buried her face in her husband’s fluffy chest. “Oh, it’s frightening to think that we missed this so badly.” He wrapped her up in his arms tightly. “While they may be young, they are the epitome of hope. Much how you and your friends were,” Discord nuzzled her hair gently. “It will be alright, Fluttershy. Everything will be righted once more.”
Chapter 1The soft sounds of hoofprints upon the crystal ground echoed in the dark corridors. The hardened cherry-hued hooves held a slight sheen, even in the shadows cast through the current night. They clipped sharper on the ground with each delicate step as the royal Princess moved restlessly. Her face was drawn, her worry lines edged upon her expression as both heavy and frequently expressed. Her back tail flicked lightly but constant as she worked her jaw, mumbling to herself. Narrow opal eyes gazed out of the window to the stars and full moon, as the Princess fell silent for a moment. “Princess Flurry Heart?” A very hesitant servant appeared, an Earth pony trailing behind with her head bowed low as she wondered, with good reason, why the Princess was out of her room in the dead of night. “Are you having trouble sleeping? Would you like help from Princess Luna?” “No, I do not need help,” Flurry Heart said icily, without glancing back. Her eyes were glued to the moon, narrowing her gaze as her jaw began to work again. “Leave me.” “But it’s very late, my Lady. Perhaps some tea…” “I SAID LEAVE ME!” The earth pony made a startled noise and scurried off as the Princess snorted. “I’m not tired. I don’t need help, not from the other Princesses. I’m FINE.” She turned back toward the corridor and began her long walk again. “I am fine. This is fine. It’s all fine.” Princess Flurry Heart forced a smile as her eyes darkened. “It’s all going to be fine. I’m going to be perfect.” Morning came to the smell of breakfast flowing through the castle. Nebula didn’t know how her father did it but maybe it was because when he made breakfast, he made it for everyone around them. Even if it were her favorite. “Pancakes!” Nebula lunged for the kitchen table, nearly toppling herself in the process. She was still mussed from the sleep, her hair a rat’s nest but she didn’t really care about how others saw her. Well, technically that was a lie but since those who worked in the Friendship Castle were carefully vetted and had no problems with who were her father was and who she was, she didn’t have a problem with those who were around her -currently-. “Here is some strawberries and cream to add,” Sombra pushed the bowls toward his daughter as she used her magic to decorate her pancakes. Sombra, the once feared and dangerous Umbra King was now a powerless, useless unicorn currently married to Princess Twilight Sparkle and yes, Nebula’s dearest father. She might have a parental favorite, but Nebula tried very hard not to show it too much when around her mother. Twilight Sparkle entered with a hurried flourish, sending orders by magic as fast as she wrote them. She was mumbling to herself as she sat down next to her husband who gave her a kiss as she absently smiled, still lost in trying to finish her list for the morning. “Mom, am I going to have to take the list away again?” “OH!” Twilight Sparkle looked up at her daughter with embarrassment, then glanced at her husband who eyed her with a knowing gaze. “Oh, dear, I’m sorry, my loves! I woke up to notes all over the desk this morning and it just seemed to start so early and I didn’t want to be overwhelmed and…” “Mom, you know the rules. Family time comes first.” “Yes, yes, of course!” Her mother agreed wholeheartedly, transporting all notes out of sight. “Out of sight, out of mind.” “Like that’ll work,” Sombra teased gently, passing her a plate of warm cakes. “Strawberries and cream, love?” “Oh, I don’t think I need the extra calories,” Twilight Sparkle said hesitantly. “Mom, eat it. You always forget meals as it is so might as well stuff yourself now,” Nebula did the same as she opened her mouth and filled it with the triad of food from her plate. She tried to talk as her mother rolled her eyes at her. “Don’t talk with your mouth full, dear. It’s rude.” But Twilight Sparkle decorated her pancakes with the strawberries and cream, helping Sombra as well though he attempted to tell her that he was more than capable of using his hooves to do so. Nebula loved watching her parents interact. They were so cute and adorable sometimes, it could be sickening sweet, but Twilight Sparkle was always so thoughtful when it came to Sombra and visa versa. She finished her meal with ease and pushed off. “Mom, Dad, I’m going to head out into town. There wasn’t anything planned today, am I right?” “No, no, nothing that I know of. I’m sure Spike would’ve told me by now,” Twilight Sparkle laughed softly at that. “Be safe, love,” Sombra offered warmly. “If you’re back in time for lunch, we can get together, alright?” “Sure, but I’m not sure yet when I’ll return.” Nebula nodded to the housekeeper who scurried in to clean up after her as she left the room. It wasn’t long before the unicorn had left the castle and delved into Ponyville. It was still a small town in comparison to the rest of Equestria. Those who lived there were quick to be sure to make it that it wasn’t overrun by overpopulation so if any did want to live there, they were extremely vetted and controlled. However, visitors and travelers were more than welcome to come and go as they wanted. So, the town was always bustling with a lot of life, different variety of beings from all walks of life from across the lands, from Equestria, and beyond because of Princess Twilight Sparkle and her hero friends. Nebula took in the morning air, looking up at the clear skies to spy the random white cloud still left in view. The sun was starting to warm up the day as she walked down the main street, taking in the usual smell and feel of the town only to sense something along her spine. Before turning, she spoke. “Hey, CC.” “Well, darn it,” Oversized corn-colored-tipped wings fluttered as a saffron colored Pegasus landed. Her strange eyes with the whites being colored teal blue, her eyes colored Columbia blue, and the black pupils in the forms of diamonds, were the only strange chaotic thing she exhibited for being the daughter of Fluttershy and Discord. She was Cacophony, a very good friend to Nebula who often checked in on her. “You try to scare me every day and it doesn’t work.” “It’s not scaring if you know I’m there,” Cacophony scoffed. Her wings fluffed up. “I remember when I used to make you scream and run.” “That was back when you’d hide in full shadow and all I saw were your eyes. Now I can’t stop but then how beautiful they are.” Cacophony turned hot red and turned her head with a grumble as Nebula grinned at her. “Look, I heard down the grapevine that your cousin’s been having some fits again.” “From who!?” Nebula rolled her own eyes as she started to walk away. “I’m just saying that I saw Ticker Tape the other day…” “Oh! How is she doing?” “Tick’s fine, she’s getting into that summer class or something, something,” Cacophony said dismissively. “Oh, come on, CC! She’s going to summer school? That’s not good, that’s a bad thing!” “She said it was extra credit!” Cacophony was indignant. “I think.” “She’s been having trouble with some of her classes lately. I thought Flurry was helping her.” “Like that bitch would help her.” Cacophony froze at the hard, angry stare given over Nebula’s shoulder. She grimaced and then shook her mane over her shoulder. “I’m not apologizing. Your cousin is acting up and you know it.” “I don’t see -you- doing anything about it.” “I’m not family. Why should I?” “Then you’re not awfully concerned,” Nebula said dryly. “That’s not very friendly.” “I’m not built for friendly,” Cacophony said flatly. “There are very few exceptions.” “Flurry Heart has a lot on her plate, she’s going to be a leader some day.” “So are you and you’re not being mean.” “Well, no, but I’m not an alicorn, now am I?” “She’s not much of one, if you ask me.” “Cacophony, now come on!” “I’m just saying what everyone else says!” “But that’s not nice!” “So what! Half of what is said is the truth, isn’t it? She’s got no magic, no wing power, she’s…” “She’s what? Useless? Like what?” Nebula turned around, angry again. This time the two were drawing in a crowd. “Come on, just let up on her. I thought you didn’t care one way or another about what happens to her.” “Yea, I don’t. But I do care what happens to others,” Cacophony said pointedly. “Emotions are dangerous and when you’re consumed by them…” “Then maybe -you- should get yourself checked out. You’re always so tight-lipped and angry all the time. Not to mention untrusting.” “I’m trying to give you advice here, Nebula! If Ticker Tape is concerned about her sister, don’t you think that’s cause for concern?” “Of course, I do but I’m sure her parents are dealing with it!” “But they aren’t!” Cacophony’s hooves hit the ground furiously, repeatedly. “Ticker Tape said that Flurry Heart won’t let anyone in.” “So what am I supposed to do?” Nebula said tiredly. “Talk to her, for now. You all just seem to tiptoe around her.” “She doesn’t want to talk, we can’t make her talk. Her parents tell us to leave her alone, we leave her alone. That’s how it goes.” Cacophony sighed with exasperation. “Obviously a plan that doesn’t work. I’m telling you, that there is something off about her that you all need to fix before it gets worse but hey,” She pushed off. “I’m just offering my two cents on the whole scene. You and I have talked about how others whisper about her, don’t you think she hasn’t heard about those whispers?” “Flurry Heart is surrounded by love and adoration,” Nebula rebutted. “Everyone adores her since she’s, as the Crystal Empire tells it, perfect.” “Yea, and being perfect doesn’t come with its own flaws,” Cacophony growled as she took off. “Talk to Ticker Tape, will you at least?” She called over her shoulder as she left. “Just listen to the girl!” Nebula watched her friend took off before her thoughts drifted to her cousins and then to Cacophony. “She would never warn me about something unless it was really bothering her. Maybe I should look into this if she thinks it’s just a big issue.” “Especially since Ticker Tape’s been saying something,” Nebula added as she resumed her walk down the street. Author's Note The first chapter to Flurryverse, my next generation fiction.
Chapter 2The Crystal Empire was a beautiful place. Though being constantly surrounded by snow was a bit annoying, the young Earth pony mare thought. She was a beautiful Celestial blue furred with a baby blue faced, her Maize and pale Goldenrod hair cut and slightly spiked into a mohawk style. She was also three-legged with her back left leg a golden peg leg. Something leftover from being born as such, she was very much used to being different from the rest of the world. Though, being the second born child of Princess of Princess Cadence and Lord Shining Armor still put her at a much higher status so others still would rather she didn’t seem so… odd. Thankfully, her cutie mark said otherwise. At the moment, none of that mattered as she looked out the window. She’d been attempting to distract herself with the snow and weather of the far north but intrusive thoughts of her older sister, Flurry Heart kept coming to mind. “Suppose I could try talking to her again. If I can find her this time.” She staggered up to her feet with a low sigh on to hear someone cough as a guard poked their head in. “Yes?” “You have a message from your cousin, Princess Ticker Tape. Here you go,” The unicorn guard sent it over gracefully to her, placing it on the table before disappearing from sight. “Dear Ticker,” Ticker Tape read to herself. “I hope you don’t mind but I asked my parents if I could come visit for a bit. I wanted to talk about something that CC brought up to me that you might be able to help me with. Please expect me within the day or so! I look forward to seeing you!” “Darn Cacophony and her big mouth.” Ticker Tape crumbled the paper in irritation. “She blabbed about what we talked about, didn’t she! I’m gonna give her such an earful next time I see her, I tell her what!” But she sat back, chewing on her lip. “Still. Nebula might be able to help me.” Ticker Tape blinked, her lavender indigo eyes furrowed with emotion. “We’ll just see how this goes.” Nebula was packing when she heard noise outside her room. It sounded like a lot of scraping and thuds before the door fell open, revealing the very large dragon-pony hybrid hovering in the doorframe. “If you’re going to help me pack this time, stay out of my unmentionables!” Nebula said over her shoulder to the male dragony. Jet was red-faced as he stammered. Born from a dragon and unicorn, he was the adopted son to Spike, raised since he was barely three months old. He and Nebula were happily cousins despite that they had no blood relations but of course, boundaries had to be appreciated. “I did not go into your unmentionables!” Jet managed to squawk out, walking in as his claws clicked loudly. “Have you gone to the spa lately?” “I do not need my claws clipped!” “How does the floor look?” Jet looked down in worry, trying to see if he was scraping anything but couldn’t see a darn thing. He looked up to see Nebula grinning at him. Jet was named for the very dark coloring that he had, clearly inherited from his dragon side. He was quite large, though he did sport a very smooth and curved unicorn horn. He could do some magic but most of it was not at all unicorn in fashion. Jet had the great potential of being dangerous which often meant he hid himself from the rest of the world. It took a lot of prodding from family to just get him to show up. So having him here near her was rather odd. “What brings you here, Jet?” Nebula resumed packing. “Cacophony was yapping in my ear and she wouldn’t shut up.” “What is the girl’s problem? She won’t do anything herself, but she gets everyone else involved?” “She is doing something, she’s getting everyone gathered.” “Everyone gathered? For what?” “I don’t know. But she said that I should go with you to the Crystal Empire. She practically begged me so I said I would.” Nebula knew Jet. Once he made a promise, he would keep that promise. “Fine, alright. I’m just going to talk to Ticker Tape about Flurry Heart.” She was still packing so she missed his grimace when she mentioned their cousin. But she certainly didn’t miss his comment. “She’s being a hot mess, isn’t she?” “What’s that mean?” Nebula stopped packing with confusion. “What is the deal with you? CC can see it, I can see it, Ticker Tape can see it… well, it is her talent, after all but I digress. There is something off about Flurry Heart. She was cool when she was younger but she kind seemed to drop off now, don’t you think?” “She’s got a lot on her plate right now! She’s the future heir!” “So are you, you know. I don’t see you snapping.” “Why do you all keep comparing us two? We’re not the same! I’m not even an alicorn!” “Well, no but you share a lot of the same fates. Princesses set to rule certain parts of the kingdom, under a lot of scrutiny, and sometimes oppression by that scrutiny. I mean, a lot of Equestria don’t really… uh… I mean…” Jet trailed off. “No, you can say it. They hate me,” Nebula said matter-of-factly. “Just like with my father. It’s something I know I face, that I will have to face. And I know, too, that I can’t change all minds either. That’s another fact.” Nebula closed her suitcase. “But you know what? Who cares. I have my family. My friends. Those who do believe in me. And that’s enough.” “Well, what if Flurry Heart doesn’t have that?” Jet asked with a shrug. Nebula burst out laughing. “Are you kidding! She has my family, her parents, I’ve seen her people worship her and adore her up close and from a distance. I don’t think I’ve heard anyone say anything mean about her. Who wouldn’t believe in her?” Jet sighed. “I don’t know but you are right. She is surrounded by a lot of positivity. It would be odd that she would think that she’s not… you know, enough.” “It’d be downright impossible.” “Well, not entirely. Let’s try not to count it out, okay? You never know,” Jet offered. “Fine, fine. But you all are making a mountain out of molehill, I swear!” Nebula pulled her suitcase with her over her back, floating with ease with her magic. “I’m ready, how about you?” “I’m packed already. Did you purchase the tickets?” “I was going to just head down and by a set, get a ride.” “You don’t plan very well, Nebby.” “If I had more time instead of this being supposedly pressing,” Nebula stated, pushing past Jet. “Then I would’ve called ahead. For now, we ride overnight.” “Fine, fine.” The two arrived at the platform with no guards, just themselves as Jet went ahead and purchased the two overnight tickets. “It helps that we can magic letters to others in seconds if we need to. You know, instead of snail mail,” Nebula mentioned as they settled into their carriage. They booked into a private booth where they could sleep in solitude. Jet took the floor, his body too big for even the long seat to rest upon. Nebula helped set up the blankets and pillows to help get him comfortable. She was yawning as she opened a book by the window, to read by moonlight. “Come on, you really going to read right now?” Jet mumbled, already looking like he was falling asleep. “I haven’t gotten anything read today. I always try to read a little each each.” “Yea but it’s by moonlight. You’re going to hurt your eyes.” Nebula sighed and lit up her horn softly, using the light as a flashlight. Jet blinked and then rolled over and away. “You always seem to forget that I can use my horn,” Nebula said absently. “It’s not that I forget, it’s that I can’t use mine,” Jet answered, a bit angrily. “You can, you know. It’s just that it relies more on your dragon magic.” Jet mimicked her words to himself with embellishment, obviously irritated by her pointing that out. “Still scared about using your magic?” “I am not scared,” Jet tried very hard not to be snappy. It was very difficult to not be so. His jaw worked tightly, anger lacing his features. “I am not scared.” He repeated, unable to say anything else. “Mom said that the two sister Princesses can help you.” “I don’t think that ponies are the ones that can help me here,” Jet put up his head in protest toward his cousin, his words snapping with emotion. “It’s dragon magic. Wouldn’t a dragon be better?” “So why not Dragon Lord Ember? She’s very qualified for helping you. She’s been doing great in opening the communications between Equestria and the Dragonlands in general.” “She’s too busy!” Jet protested. “And besides, I’d have go to the Dragonlands and I… kind of… don’t want to… go.” Jet trailed off, looking very bothered by the whole conversation at this point. Nebula closed her book with a sigh. “Look, either you wallow in the suffering that you don’t get better with your magic, have either the Princesses help you, or the Dragon Lord help you. Why are you being prideful now? You never were like that before.” “It’s not prideful! It’s that…” Jet sat up on his legs, looking at Nebula with a glare. “Look, you don’t understand it. To dragons when I go to the Dragon Lands, I’m not good enough, not pure enough!” Nebula’s eyes narrowed as she tilted her head before it hit him. “It’s not the same as what you face! At least the other creatures don’t attack you! Don’t challenge you! Once I’m in the Dragon Lands, I’m constantly having to watch my back and being sure I don’t have to fight just to prove my dragon hood. Going through test after test, it’s just a waste of time.” Nebula’s eyes softened. “Right, I heard about some of that but I didn’t realize it was that bad. Why do you keep going?” “Because my Dad really wants me to learn more about being a Dragon… being a dragon, so far, -sucks- by the way. In Equestria, I’m a threat but in the Dragon Lands, I’m a pussy.” Nebula turned her head toward the window, trying desperately not to laugh at his horrid description of himself. Jet heard her laughing and despite it, found himself laughing with her. “I’m acting like a child, aren’t I?” He asked Nebula, settling back in his bedding. “No, you’re not. Look, Jet. Only you get to decide how you want to learn but you can keep pushing it off. Perhaps you can ask if the Dragon Lord can send another here that you trust to teach you instead of heading over there. That way you’re still in your comfort zone.” “I’ll do that. Not sure who she’ll send, though.” “Probably Garble.” “Ah, yea. Dad loves him.” “I thought… oh, you’re being sarcastic.” Jet snickered under his blankets. “Don’t stay up too late.” Author's Note Next part of the story, next one they will finally meet up with Flurry Heart - I swear. Will it go well? Who knows!
Chapter 3It wasn’t much different on the inside at first. The coldness took a while to drop as the group traversed further in and close to the empire. Greenery began to pop up randomly, but it wasn’t as frequent as it should’ve been. Nebula looked around at everything and realized things seemed to be freezing more, therefore killing off the grass and flowers attempting to grow. “There’s something wrong here,” Nebula mumbled as Cacophony glanced at her before following her friend’s gaze. “Yea, I agree. Winter is encroaching onto the Crystal Empire despite the barrier,” Cacophony pointed out. “The Crystal Ponies must be so confused.” They reached the empire in about thirty minutes, caught in the silence of the streets. There were no merchants selling, no children playing, it was as barren as a desert. “Where is everyone?” Reinette asked as she poked at a stall. “There is absolutely no one here.” “They’ve either gone into hiding or taken prisoner,” Jet responded, also prodding a stall further down the path. “These are collecting dust, see?” He showed his claws off with said dust. “Or they could be dead,” Cacophony said, making all turn toward her with shocked and disgusted faces. “What? Things can get bad!” “I don’t think anyone could kill anyone…” Nebula started strongly but trailed off as she turned her attention to the Crystal Palace. It felt odd to her, her natural magic picking up on the taint of darkness but also on her family members inside. “I can sense my aunt and uncle.” “And Flurry Heart?” Jet asked a bit hesitantly. “Kind of,” Nebula mumbled, not wanting to think the worse. But the looks on the others’ faces said what she was feeling inside. “Look, let’s just keep heading in. We got this far,” Reinette pushed forward as the others trailed behind her, leaving Nebula standing alone for a moment. Cacophony turned to her friend. “Nebby?” “Sorry, I’m just… having trouble at the moment,” Nebula trotted to catch up to the group. “I’m sure everything will be fine. I’m sure of it.” But her voice wavered as worry ate at her thoughts. Cacophony wisely kept her own thoughts to herself. There were no guards as the group entered the palace without preamble or a hint of trouble. They all seemed to pile closer together, most of them feeling a sense of dread but unsure of where it was stemming from. “Well, well, well. It’s about time you showed up!” A familiar broke out cheerfully as doors flung open to the throne room. Magic was cackling around the large room as Flurry Heart sat at the throne her mother normally chose. Flurry Heart looked excited and was shimmering with her power. “I’ve been waiting for you, Nebula!” Nebula found herself forcibly drawn forward by foreign energy, magic that she barely recognized as her cousin’s. It wrapped like a second skin around her fur, sinking in deeply as she was brought front and center. “Flu… Flurry Heart,” Nebula began weakly. “Is everything alright?” “Oh, it’s never been better!” “Where is everyone?” Reinette attempted to ask only to find the other five caught in a bubble. Their lips moved but their words couldn’t pierce through. “Let’s not let the interlopers intercede here. I’ve been wanting to talk to you alone for a long while now,” Flurry Heart’s smile widened, her teeth baring a little. Her opal eyes flashed as she waved a forelimb at her younger cousin. “But family always gets in the way. Your parents are so protective of you, it’s just hilarious really!” “Parents are supposed to be protective,” Nebula said with a pointed tone. “I mean, what about your parents?” “My parents? They wanted the perfect daughter, just like the rest of the empire,” Flurry Heart beamed. “Your parents, however, got you.” Flurry Heart stood up, stretching. “You, the spawn of a monster.” Nebula flinched, pulling back with surprise. “You don’t really think that.” “Oh, come on. It’s what everyone else thinks, Nebby! The great and fearsome King Sombra, one of the greatest threats to the Crystal Empire…” “Which means,” Flurry Heart hovered over her cousin, her smile slipping. “That also makes you a great threat.” Her eye flicked to her right haunch. “So, what happened there, little cousin? Magical outburst?” “How did you know?” “I’m a powerful alicorn, I can recognize great power when I see it. Power that is useless, that is. I don’t understand why it was you that was graced with that but if you don’t mind…” Magic wrapped around Nebula again, seeping into her furry frame as her cutie mark once more felt hot and turned into a burning sensation. “Stop! Flurry Heart, stop it, please!” Her body wanted to crumble under the pressure of foreign magic mixed with her cousin’s, invasive and draining. Her horn lit up as she aimed at her cousin and struck out, startling the alicorn princess. “You think that’ll affect me?” Flurry Heart grumbled, increasing her magic. “Come on, just give it up!” A body came forward, hitting Flurry Heart at the side and knocking her down the stairs. Cacophony was panting from exertion, barely having managed to etch her way out of the bubble. “Nebula, run!” Cacophony gasped, falling to her limbs. Nebula pedaled back but hesitated. That was enough for Flurry Heart to turn toward her with a blast. Nebula opened her eyes only to see Cacophony once more attempting to protect her. She had taken the blast front on, now bleeding from her head and face from the magical assault. “Cacophony!” Nebula cried out. “Run, you fool,” Cacophony collapsed in a pile, caught in her wealth of pain. Nebula felt rage erupt as she turned to Flurry Heart. “This isn’t you! The Flurry Heart I know would never attack another!” “Then you don’t know me as well as you thought you did! Just like everyone else,” Flurry Heart shouted back, magic powering up. “I need to get rid of all threats and that means you!” “Flurry Heart! I am not a..” She jumped out of the next magical burst, attempting to talk her way to Flurry Heart but she realized swiftly that her cousin was in no state to listen. “This magic,” Nebula powered up herself, using it to pull Cacophony back into the bubble with her other friends. “Isn’t yours!” Flurry Heart began to laugh at that. “Please! Like that magic you have is yours as well,” She sneered. “Now either you let me take you out or I take out your friends!” Nebula and Flurry Heart’s magic matched but Nebula found herself overpowered within moments, her body aching just having to repel enough so she wasn’t too maimed. Deep down, she knew that this was a threat but even further, she knew that this wasn’t Flurry Heart. This was someone else talking. Something that had been hidden, buried in Flurry Heart and brought forward from something that Nebula didn’t understand. Well, she didn’t understand then but in time, she would learn. For now, she decided that retreating was the best option, but she couldn’t leave her friends. She moved into the bubble, finding it strong enough to repel another incoming attack from Flurry Heart. It gave her enough time to use her magic for teleportation, hoping that it was just enough to get them out of the Crystal Empire. Away from being targeted by Flurry Heart. She and the others disappeared in a flash as Flurry Heart sat back on the throne, unperturbed by the chain of events. She was aiming to put Nebula in her place and she thought to herself that she did a fantastic job of that. Though there was a teeny, tiny spot of guilt buried in her heart. ‘She’s family. She loves me.’ Flurry Heart rolled her eyes and settled in back, stretching out her wings. “Love isn’t enough to be perfect. And she must be the epitome of perfection.”
Chapter 4Nebula opened her eyes with great difficulty. She laid in a hospital bed, with Sombra peering down at her with wide, fearful eyes that cleared when he noticed her eyes opening. “Nebby!” His voice rose, cracking with emotion as he threw himself upon his daughter. Tears streamed down his face. “Oh, you’re okay! You’re alright! My little, sweet Nebby!” “Sombra, dear, let me get to our daughter,” Twilight Sparkle had to use magic to pry her husband from their child. “Nebula, how are you feeling?” Twilight used her wings to gently guide her face to her mother, noting the bleary gaze and exhaustion rolling off her form. “Like I overcharged and took a massive hit,” Nebula mumbled. “Mama, we have to…” “Don’t worry, the others filled me in. What confuses me is that we are supposedly being kept out, how is it that you and the others managed in?” “Flurry Heart hates me,” Nebula’s voice cracked as her own eyes filled with tears. “I don’t know why but she also wanted my magic.” “Your magic… Nebula, what happened to your leg!?” Twilight Sparkle, unlike Sombra, hadn’t the chance to even notice the odd cutie mark transformation as Nebula pulled the blankets aside to start her theories. “It might have something to do with this. I had a strange dream and when I woke up, it formed on my right flank. I don’t feel particularly different or stronger, though.” Twilight looked back behind to see Sombra giving her large, puppy eyes. “Fine.” She pulled aside as Sombra launched onto his daughter once more. “Sombra, you realize she’s not a child anymore? She took initiative and…” Twilight became frustrated. “Hey, are you even listening?” Sombra was buried in his daughter’s arms, his worry having taken over his mind as finally, both Nebula and Twilight pried him off. “Sorry, sorry. I don’t know what came over me,” He was flustered and embarrassed. “No problem, Daddy. I’d be scared if I found either of you or anyone else I cared about hurt,” Nebula said soothingly. “Did you see anyone else aside from Flurry Heart?” Twilight Sparkle asked with a touch of hope. She had heard everything from everyone else but she had to persist with that tiny glimmer of hope. “No, I didn’t. She was sitting on the throne like she was ruling everything,” Nebula sat up with difficulty, shooing away her father’s help. “Her magic was too strong; I was lucky enough to flee with everyone else.” “You technically teleported everyone,” Twilight pointed out. “What do we do now?” Nebula looked up at her mother for an answer. “The Crystal Empire is being overrun in ice and snow; it was obvious that the Crystal Heart wasn’t working. And I don’t know where everyone disappeared to either.” Twilight Sparkle sighed lowly. “Flurry Heart always had a connection to the Crystal Heart, with her turning dark, the connection must have either broke or is extremely weak. I don’t know enough about the Crystal Heart as is stands. I’ll investigate the library for now and get some of my guards prepared to make a breech if necessary. For now, you rest and let the adults figure out what to do next.” “But you just said I’m not a child!” “You also said that Flurry Heart seemed to be after you,” Twilight Sparkle pointed out gently. “Sombra, keep our daughter company and make sure she rests properly.” “Of course, my love,” The parents nuzzled each other cheek to cheek. Sombra then turned his fixed gaze upon his daughter and Nebula sighed tiredly. The rest of the group had dispersed and Discord was currently discussing things with Cacophony, who seemed rather disinterested in general about the whole situation. Discord finally gave a very loud sigh. “Is there something you’d like to say?” “Why? It’s not like anyone listens to me,” Cacophony floated in the air, barely giving her father a hint of attention. “Cacophony.” She sighed just as annoyingly as he did previously and landed lightly. “I knew something was off about the Princess at least two years ago, maybe longer and no one wanted to believe me. It sucks when others decide that you’re the delusional one.” Discord sat himself upon the ground, a rare event. “I am sorry, my little one. But to be fair, no one wants to think the worst of someone that they love.” “I do not love Flurry Heart,” Cacophony growled. Discord chuckled. “Oh, my dearie. I was talking about myself. You know of my mistakes, how others still see the bad side of me despite having the nuclear family.” She rolled her eyes as her father made mini eruptions of a tiny bomb go off in his palms, all carefully curated. “My point is that Flurry Heart is a beloved Princess who the Crystal Empire adores. They cannot see the flaws that go into being who she is.” “So you’re saying she cracked?” “Pretty much,” Discord ruffled her hair lovingly. “There is still something of her in there, I’m sure. We just need to figure out what went wrong.” “Well, you just said it. She had to uphold a perfect creation. Doing that for any creature can create a delusional being. But why would she take out her family?” “One’s suffering does not differentiate emotions that well. You can love someone and hate them at the same time.” “CC? Discord?” Fluttershy arrived home, landing gracefully. She looked tired. “Nebula has awoken. We can go see her tomorrow if you’d like.” She told this to Cacophony. “I’d like that. But more than that, what is the next plan of action?” “Twilight is looking into the Crystal Heart and hoping to try to reach it so that the eternal winter doesn’t destroy the Crystal Empire. And as for the rest of us, we’re going to figure out where everyone else went. Either locked up or in hiding is what we’re thinking. But as for you and your friends, you will remain here. Going in was not the smartest and...” “But we figured out the problem!” Cacophony shouted, surprising both parents. “You shouldn’t expect us to stand on the sidelines. We can help!” “You mean you can help?” Fluttershy used a wing to try to soothe her daughter. Cacophony snorted angrily and pulled away. “You didn’t listen then, you’re not listening now.” She disappeared in a blink, startling Fluttershy. “Oh dear, she rarely shows off her chaotic magic like that.” “Discord.” “I know, my lovely. We just want to keep her safe but they did help immensely. For some odd reason, they got past a barrier that even I could not puncture.” “I know, I know. But they’re children!” “So is Flurry Heart. Perhaps they are meant to be the destiny she needs.” Fluttershy buried her face in her husband’s fluffy chest. “Oh, it’s frightening to think that we missed this so badly.” He wrapped her up in his arms tightly. “While they may be young, they are the epitome of hope. Much how you and your friends were,” Discord nuzzled her hair gently. “It will be alright, Fluttershy. Everything will be righted once more.”
