Starburst in Wonderland

Above the town of Ponyville was plastered with clear blue skies as far as the eye could see with Princess Celestia’s sun there within the midst. It was the first day of the first week of summer where it was scheduled to be sunny for those seven days. Three weeks before rain hammered down on Ponyville nonstop and when it was determined that the rain replenished the ground with enough nutrients, Ponyville’s citizens were guaranteed that no rain would threaten their plans for the outdoors that entire week. This was good news for Princess Starburst, the daughter of The Princess of Friendship Twilight Sparkle and Royal Guard member Flash Sentry. For three weeks Starburst was unable to work out at Ponyville’s apple farm Sweet Apple Acres due to the scheduled rainy weather. She resorted instead to working out indoors at her home The Friendship Castle. This was such an inconvenience because there was simply not enough room for the tiny pegasus to practice her flying. So when Starburst got the news that the pegasai were scheduled to clear the skies over Ponyville, the princess was more than ecstatic. This meant that she could do her flying at Sweet Apple Acres as part of her daily training for a spot in the Royal Guard. Being inspired by her father, her Uncle Shining Armor and her older cousin Valiant Heart, Starburst made it her life’s mission to get into the Royal Guards. The obstacles she faced to this goal were the naysayers like her mother, a few members of her mother’s Friendship Council and a handful of others who said Starburst should settle for a delicate position as a Princess of Equestria. They cited her small size and her large and rather cumbersome wings as the reason why she should not put “unnecessary strain on herself”. Starburst would fire back saying that Twilight, The Friendship Council, Flash Sentry and the Equestrian Princesses always put “strain” on themselves defending Equestria from many foes over the years. Twilight would then counter that times had changed and that a Princess should focus more on maintaining peace. Internally Starburst knew that the peace Equestria was presently experiencing would not last and a Princess like herself should personally be ready to defend it if need be. In some ways, Starburst proved her point when her friend Dove, daughter of magician Trixie Lulamoon, was corrupted by traces of the Alicorn Amulet that was passed through Trixie’s genes while Trixie was pregnant. While trying to subdue Dove, Starburst received a gnarly scar across her left cheek. Dove was freed from the Amulet’s corruption but Starburst would remain with her scar. Twilight wanted to remove the scar with magic, but Starburst insisted on keeping the scar as a badge of honor.

At Sweet Apple Acres which was owned by Twilight’s friend Applejack, Starburst found a suitable training ground due to how rather primitive the apple farm was. Such primitiveness was ideal because Royals Guards had to learn how to adapt to harsh terrain like jungles and hills. Sweet Apple Acres’ many apple trees were a good simulation of a forested area for Starburst. Applejack did not mind Starburst training at the farm due to how close Applejack and Twilight were and how helpful Starburst was on the farm. Unfortunately, Starburst would constantly overwork herself to the point of exhaustion causing her to pass out. This would throw those around her into panic only for Starburst to regain consciousness a few hours later. These fainting spells was another reason Starburst’s mother cited to discourage her daughter from pursuing a place in The Royal Guard. But as usual, Starburst would not listen.

It was the first day of the week when Starburst returned to Sweet Apple Acres. She would not go there alone though. With her was a young earth pony stallion from Norhay named Fletcher whom she had been dating for three months. Fletcher was also seeking to be in the Royal Guard so Starburst convinced him that Sweet Apple Acres was the best place to train. That day was the first time Fletcher had visited the apple farm. “You’re gonna love training here, Fletcher,” said Starburst as she and the earth stallion made their way towards the apple farm. “I could tell you, I got my cardio up in three weeks already.”

“And how long have you been training here?” asked Fletcher.

“Since I was ten,” replied the pegasus mare.

Fletcher looked at Starburst with wide eyes and a hanging jaw. “Ten?” he said.

“Yup,” said Starburst proudly.

“Og jeg ble først involvert i fotball da jeg var fjorten. (And I only got involved in soccer when I was fourteen)” said Fletcher in his native tongue.

“Jeg visste ikke at fotball fortsatt var en ting. (I didn’t know soccer was still a thing.)” said Starburst in Fletcher’s native tongue. She then froze and her eyes widened in horror when she realized that she may have taken a slight towards the favorite sport of Fletcher’s home country. She then turned to Fletcher and gave him a sheepish smile. “No offense,” she said in Ponish.

“None taken,” said Fletcher assuredly. “I understand soccer isn’t very popular on this side of Equestria.”

Starburst and Fletcher arrived at the entrance where they found Applejack, her son Gold Delicious and her sister Apple Bloom bucking apples from the trees. A few yards away they could barely make out three fillies rushing out of a small tree house. They were Apple Bloom’s daughter Api Apple, Sweetie Belle’s daughter Pixel Bit and Scootaloo’s daughter Echo. Knowing the three Starburst was certain that they were following their mothers’ hoof steps and doing some cutiemark crusading. Api was the undisputed leader and she together with Pixel and Echo would often get in trouble due to harebrained ideas from Api on how they could get their cutiemarks. Also at Sweet Apple Acres was a large plot of cherry trees. This cherry plot was tended by Red June who was the daughter of Applejack’s older brother Big McIntosh and teacher Mrs. Cheerilee. When Red June first got her cutiemark she was worried that the rest of the Apple Family would shun her since her special talent was in cherries rather than apples. To her surprise the Apples loved her just the way she was and did everything to help her nurture her special talent. As Starburst and Fletcher arrived at the center of the farm they immediately caught the eye of Applejack. Applejack deserted the apple tree she was attending to and galloped towards the teen ponies. Applejack’s actions caught the attention of Gold Delicious who unlatched the cart of apples he was carrying to meet Starburst and Fletcher. Api, who openly idolized Starburst, noticed the movements of her aunt and older cousin. She then rushed towards the area catching the attention of Echo and Pixel who followed her movements. “Yer here, Starburst,” said Applejack as she met up with the young pegasus.

“Yeah, I’m so glad to be back, Mrs. Applejack,” said Starburst. “Those weather schedules could be so unfair sometimes.”

“Ah bet yer jus’ dyin’ ta get some workout done, right?” said Gold Delicious who stood next to his mother.

“You have no idea,” said Starburst.

Applejack then glanced over to Fletcher. “Who’s this young fella?” she said raising an eyebrow. Starburst looked at Fletcher and then stammered as she remembered herself. “Oh, yeah,” she said with a sheepish smile. “Mrs. Applejack, Del, this is Fletcher. We’ve been dating and he’s training for the Royal Guard too. Fletcher, this is my mother’s friend Applejack. She’s on the Friendship Council. And this is Mrs. Applejack’s son, Gold Delicious.”

“Howdy!” said Del offering a hoof.

Fletcher looked at Del with confusion. ““Howdy?” ” said Fletcher.

“That means “How do you do?”” explained Starburst. “It’s supposed to be the short way of saying it.”

“Oh!” replied Fletcher. The earth stallion then offered his own hoof to Del. “Hyggelig å møte deg,” said Fletcher in his native language.

“Uhhhh…” said Del in confusion.

“He just said “Nice to meet you”,” said Starburst.

“Okay,” said Del as he and Fletcher shook hooves. “Ah thought it was some Prench you were talkin’ like Dove.”

“Oh, you met Dove too?” said Fletcher with a smile. “Such a lovely lady.” Starburst looked at Fletcher with shock and a tiny bit of anger. Fletcher glanced over to Starburst and noticed her glare. “Not as lovely as you, though,” Fletcher said with a nervous smile.

“Anyway,” Starburst began after calming herself. “Dove’s from Prance. Fletcher’s from Norhay.”

“Norhay?” asked Applejack in confusion. “Where in the wild, wild of Equestria is that?”

“That’s in the most northern part of Equestria,” explained Starburst. “Winters are a lot colder there.”

Just then Api, Echo and Pixel Bit arrived and surrounded Starburst and Fletcher. “Hey, you’re Fletcher!” said Api as she bounced excitedly.

“He’s a lot cuter up close,” said Echo batting her eyelids seductively.

“How long have you and Star been dating?” asked Pixel with a wide smile.

“Did you take Starburst to a fancy restaurant yet?” said Api.

“You have really strong looking muscles”, said Echo ogling Fletcher’s body. “Do you work out?”

“When are you two getting married?” interjected Api which elicited a blush from Starburst.

“My aunt can make the best dress for Starburst,” said Pixel making Starburst blush even more. “My mom’s the best singer in all of Equestria. She can sing at the wedding.”

“If it doesn’t work between you two, I can tell you where to find me,” said Echo trotting up closer to Fletcher with a smile, much to Fletcher’s discomfort.

Starburst stared daggers at the three fillies. Their intrusive questioning was really working the princess’s nerve. Starburst was sorely tempted to take each and every one the fillies and give them a good spanking. “API!” said a mare in a sharp voice with a Southern drawl. Starburst turned to the source of the voice and saw Apple Bloom stomping towards the three fillies with a stern face. “If you got time ta be nosey, you got time ta do yer chores!” Apple Bloom said to her daughter.

“But Mom!” whined Api.

“But nothin’!” said Apple Bloom cutting off Api. “You were supposed ta clean that barn fer weeks now! Get yer flank down there! Pixel an’ Echo can help ya!”

“We can?” said Pixel nervously.

“GIT!” snapped Apple Bloom. Api and Pixel galloped towards the barn while Echo flew behind them. Silently, Starburst was grateful for Apple Bloom’s intervention because Starburst was certain that she might do something to embarrass herself in front of Fletcher and the whole Apple Family. Apple Bloom approached Starburst and Fletcher with a friendly smile. “Sorry ‘bout that,” she said. “That filly sticks her nose in places worse than flies on bad apples. Ah take it yer back ta get some workout done, right, Star?”

“Yup,” said Starburst with a smile.

“An’ this fine young fella’s joinin’ her,” said Applejack pointing to Fletcher with a smile.

“His name’s Fletcher from Norhay,” said Gold Delicious.

“Yeah, Ah’ve been hearin’ all ‘bout ya,” said Apple Bloom smiling widely as she shook Fletcher’s hoof.

“From Api no doubt,” Starburst growled under her breath.

“Why don’tcha show Fletcher around, Del?” said Applejack.

“Sure thing, Ma,” assured Gold Delicious. “Right this way, Fletcher.”

“Okay,” replied Fletcher with some trepidation.

Starburst watched as Fletcher followed after Gold Delicious. “If ya ask me, he’s a fine catch,” said Apple Bloom. Starburst’s eyes went wide and she blushed furiously. She turned sharply to the Apple Sisters who were smiling from ear to ear with Apple Bloom’s smile being wider. Starburst’s eyes started shifting. “Was Del talking about me?” inquired Starburst. “Because I made pretty clear that I don’t like him that way…”

“No!” insisted Apple Bloom. “I’m talkin’ ‘bout Fletcher! Ya did real good bagin’ that colt.”

“Yeah,” said Starburst rubbing behind her head with a goofy grin. “Mom and Dad said the same thing.”

“So…ya got yer wedding plans down yet?” said Apple Bloom with a sly smile.

“WHAT!?!” exclaimed Starburst, her blush returning.

“Come on, now,” said Apple Bloom trotting closer to the little pegasus. “You two been goin’ steady fer months an’ y’all ain’t never talked ‘bout gettin’ hitched? Or maybe ya’ll went the other route.”

“MRS. APPLE BLOOM!” groaned a horrified Starburst. “It’s too soon for us to be talking about marriage and if I ever got knocked up I could kiss the Royal Guard goodbye. Plus, Mom and Dad would kill me!”

“Apple Bloom, knock it off!” scolded Applejack as she gave her younger sister a reproachful look. Apple Bloom simply laughed in return. “You get ta yer workout now, little filly,” said Applejack giving Starburst a calm smile. “Take all the time in ya need with that boy an’ if y’all ever get hitched it’ll be the best thing that’s ever happened.” Starburst slowly trotted away with her blush still plastered on her face. “I’m not a little filly,” she growled under her breath. “I’m seventeen”.

Starburst spent her day picking up on time lost due to her absence from Sweet Apple Acres by helping harvest apples, cherries and hauling large bales of hay. By mid-day the princess devoted her time with Fletcher with both youths engaging in cardio exercise galloping laps all around the apple farm. The last part of the day involved Starburst doing flying exercises which was how she typically finished her exercise at Sweet Apple Acres. Here she soared high in the skies in an effort to test the limits of how far she can reach the atmosphere. She later made shapes out of the clouds and when that was over she decided to test her speed. In the years she was training at the apple farm and from observing her father and Uncle Shining, Starburst knew that The Royal Guard valued speed along with physical strength and perseverance. As Starburst flew above the apple trees she began rapidly flapping her wings in a way she saw Rainbow Dash do to enhance her speed. The more Starburst flapped her wings the faster she moved. This went on for about five minutes until world around her became a huge blur. A wide smile appeared on the little pegasus’s face as she began to push her wings for them to reach their absolute limit. It would not be long before Starburst was a yellow streak across the sky reminiscent of the multicolored streak Rainbow Dash often created when flying at high speed. Starburst buzzed a few apple trees causing apples to fall off their branches, but she was not finished. Starburst gritted her teeth and pushed her wings even harder until she could actually feel her wings burning. Suddenly she flew across the sky faster than the speed of light creating a sonic boom. Though not as big or as strong as the Sonic Rainboom made famous by Rainbow Dash, the sonic boom created by Starburst was strong enough to bend a few trees on Sweet Apple Acres and was heard in various parts of Ponyville. Starburst’s sonic boom took her across the grassy fields next to the apple trees until she was hovering inches above the ground. She extended her hooves and she skidded across the ground. She came to a stop and let out a huge breath. She was drenched in sweat but she felt as if she could still keep going. She looked over her shoulder seeing a huge skid mark behind her. She then looked upwards and her eyes widened seeing the clouds in parted in various directions. It was obvious to her that her sonic boom was responsible for the new positions the clouds took. Starburst smiled and nodded with satisfaction. “I really got my cardio up this time,” she said out loud. “The most important thing is that I didn’t pass out again. How’s that for an accomplishment? Now, I think I could use a break.”

Starburst started to make her way towards the house when suddenly she heard what sounded like soft galloping behind her. “Goodness gracious, I’m late!” said the panicked voice of a colt. Starburst immediately recognized the voice belonging to her little brother Nightlight. While Starburst was born a pegasus, Nightlight was born a unicorn colt. In addition to inheriting Princess Twilight’s unicorn traits, Nightlight also inherited his mother’s thirst for all knowledge and her proficiency in magic. Though Starburst and Nightlight were siblings, their relationship was typical of most siblings. Starburst and Nightlight would have their fights, both verbal and physical with Starburst always being the first to lash out. Starburst was certain that Nightlight was rushing to the apple farm to join Api, Pixel and Echo in cutiemark crusading. Though Api and Nightlight would constantly butt heads, Starburst knew the main reason Nightlight would engage with the three fillies was to be close to Pixel in whom he had a huge crush on as much he would not admit it. Starburst at that moment took it upon herself to inform her brother that the Cutiemark Crusaders would not be doing any cutiemark crusading because they were busy cleaning the barn. She turned around to face Nightlight, but instead of a purple unicorn colt with dark blue hair, she saw a rabbit with purple fur and dark blue hair on top of its head. The rabbit was also wearing a fancy coat and carrying a pocket watch in one of its front paws. Starburst stared at the rabbit in confusion. Upon first glance the rabbit closely resembled her little brother. She then thought it was ridiculous because rabbits could not talk. “I’m late! I’m late! I’m late!” exclaimed the familiar voice of Nightlight. “The Queen will have my head for sure!”

Starburst’s eyes widened in horror. For a moment she swore that Nightlight’s voice came from that purple rabbit. “Nightlight?” said Starburst. She started flying towards the purple rabbit who was a far distance away hopping towards the Everfree Forest. “Oh, my ears and whiskers!” continued the purple rabbit in Nightlight’s voice. “I’m late! I’m late! I’m late!” There was absolutely no doubt in Starburst’s mind that Nightlight possibly turned into a rabbit. How was this possible, though? Was Nightlight messing around with magic spells? Did Discord the Lord of Chaos turn Nightlight into a rabbit? If it was the latter nothing would stop Princess Twilight from literally tearing Discord limb from limb which would not be impossible since she was an alicorn. “Nightlight, what happened to you?” Starburst called out as she continued to run after Nightlight/Rabbit who ran further and further into the Evfree Forest at a speed Starburst struggled to keep up with. Usually Nightlight would have difficulty keeping up with Starburst’s speed, not the other way around. “I’m late! I’m late! I’m late for an important date!” said Nightlight/Rabbit ignoring Starburst. “No time to say “Hello! Goodbye!” I’m late! I’m late! I’m late!”

“What’re are you talking about?” Starburst called out. “Late for what?”

“I’m long overdue!” continued Nightlight/Rabbit. “I’m really in a stew! No time to say “Goodbye! Hello!” I’m late! I’m late! I’m late!”

Starburst was hot on Nightlight/Rabbit’s tail all throughout The Everfree until they were inches away from a massive tree. Beneath that tree was a rabbit hole and Nightlight/Rabbit dived right into it. Starburst came at a screeching stop near the rabbit hole. She peered into the hole in nervousness. “Nightlight?” Starburst called out, her voice echoing in the hole. “Are you in there?” Starburst then took in her surroundings. Though she judged herself a brave pony, The Everfree Forest was one of the few places in Equestria that horrified her. The stories told by her mother and most of the elders around her was enough to convince her that this forest was no place for anyone to spend their free time in, pony or otherwise. The only time Starburst ever voluntarily entered the Everfree was when she accompanied Princess Twilight to pay a visit to Zecora, a resident zebra who made the forest her home. Together with not understanding how the zebra spoke in rhymes so flawlessly, Starburst also could not understand why anyone in their right mind would live in the Everfree Forest given all the mystical and terrifying creatures who lived there. Starburst knew it was imperative to find her brother not only to get him back into a pony but to avoid being possibly turned into stone by a cockatrice. The rabbit hole was too small for a pony, even a small mare Starburst’s size. She got on her stomach and started squeezing herself through the hole. The further she crawled in the darker it became. Starburst internally cursed the fact that she was not a unicorn with a horn to illuminate the hole. Soon it became so dark she could no longer see in front of her. All she do was feel the ground beneath her. The pegasus crawled further and further ahead when suddenly she could no longer feel the ground beneath her. She then let out a horrified scream when she started to fall down the hole.