Alicorn: The Lost Princess

Twilight and Shining Armor pooled their magic to teleport the bulk of their family and Cadence. Upon landing, they realized they were at the edge of the Earth Pony village. This place seemed so simple and cozy, even slightly antiquated. They mad their way into town, passing into the market.

No pony seemed to take a second glance at them. There was no pandemonium. It was almost disappointing, but also welcome, as it caused no hindrance to their mission.

Approaching a fruit stall, Shining Armor and Spike placed a handful of gold bits on the platform. In exchange, the orange mare manning the booth handed them a bunch of apples and pears.

This mare, stared longer than necessary. “Them mares you’re with… they’s Alicorns ain’t they?” Her facial expression gave no indication of interest or distaste,

“Um… yeah.” Spike replied, awkwardly.

“We’re just passing through.” Shining insisted, waving her off. “We’d better be on our way, Spike.” He said, scooping the baby dragon up with his magic as he rushed back to their group.

The huntresses slowly patted their hooves outside over the hills. It would be faster to teleport or hover, but it was less practical considering they had no way of knowing where Twilight or the Alicorn had fled to.

“Why can’t we just pop into a bunch of places?” Trixie asked.

Starlight Glimmer hushed her. “I’m looking for clues.” she insisted. “Even some pony as smart as Twilight leaves clues.”

Trixie galloped ahead brushing through the dirty path. “I haven’t seen anything. How do you know they went this way?”

Starlight huffed in an aggressive breath. “I don’t. That’s why I’m looking for clues. No pony even saw them leave.”

“And even if they had, they wouldn’t tell us.” Trixie added.

“Exactly.” She grumbled.

Celestia trotted half-heartedly following her niece into the town. Moments earlier, Apple Jack had burst into the family room announcing that she had discovered not only one, but two Alicorns. It seemed so difficult to believe. It was almost nerve wracking. Celestia knew she had to find the others, but she was also afraid.

Afraid, because despite her parentage, she hardly knew anything about being an Alicorn. It came naturally, the magic and flying. But still, she found herself wondering how life would’ve been if she’d been raised by her Alicorn parents.

“There!” Apple Jack said, grandly pointing toward the small bunch of unicorns. So evidently out of place, but in their center were the promised two Alicorns.

Celestia’s face lit up. “I guess… I guess you were right!” She chuckled, Apple Jack grumbling at her aunt’s disbelief.

Celestia trotted proudly up to the gaggle of ponies. “Good afternoon, I am Celestia.”

Startled the ponies stared on at the suddenness of her appearance. And the coincidence that the third Alicorn would just happen upon them. “Good day, Celestia.” Twilight said, pushing to the front of the group. “My name is Twilight Sparkle, this is my family.” She turned toward the pink Alicorn, gesturing her hoof toward her. “And this is Cadence of Cloudsdale.”

Celestia looked them over, wondering if perhaps one of them were her fabled sister. Given the context that the unicorns were Twilight’s family… it seemed Cadence were the most likely to be. “Are you on The Great One’s mission, as I am?”

Twilight nodded eagerly, being interrupted by Cadence’s voice. “Man, you got to talk to The Great One too?” She tapped her foot awkwardly, feeling left out. “I didn’t even get a warning.”

Celestia smiled a straight smile that told how uncomfortable she was. “I’m sorry…” she reeled through her mind. “How about we take this conversation back to my family’s farm…”

Applesauce set the table with Apple Bloom’s assistance. “Hope you city-folk like a good ol’ pot pie.”

“And mashed’ taters.” Apple Bloom chirped.

The guests filed into the dining room, the house was cozy, but the dining room appeared to be a place meant for large gatherings. Applesauce had had many siblings, who went on to have children, and their children in tow. The family farm had been a place to congregate.

“We are more than grateful for your hospitality.” Mrs. Sparkle said as they took their seats.

“Togetherness is what us Apples do, ain’t that right, Celestia?” The old mare said.

Celestia smiled, nodding as she sat down. “I have to wonder, what encouraged you to bring your whole family along, Twilight?”

Twilight pulled a face, passing the food around the table as she thought of an appropriate answer. “Well…” she hummed. “We are actually on the run from the Unicorn King, so I did not have much of a choice.”

The food continues to make its rounds, but the faces turned to confusion and dismay. “You are all fugitives?” Apple Jack asked.

“We prefer the term refugees at this time.” Spike insisted. “Fugitives is so… negative sounding.”

“The king wanted me to advise his war… that is something I will never do. So, we fled Canterlot.” Twilight explained. “Until we can find somewhere safe to stay, we will have to keep moving together.”

Applesauce scoffed loudly. “That just won’t do!” She shouted. “Your family will stay here on the farm til’ yall find that fourth Alicorn Celestia keeps on talking about.”

“Oh no, we could never impose…” the father unicorn insisted.

“Ain’t no such thing as imposition, y’all are gonna stay here, I ain’t gonna argue ‘bout it!”