Mlp Fim: My Future Gen_Episode 1: A New Beginningby MaplePony5ChaptersChapter 1: Sparknite's New BeginningChapter 2: Hello, Canterlot!Chapter 3: A Sanctuary of SecretsChapter 1: Sparknite's New Beginning"Long ago, in the magical land of Equestria there was a very special pony named Twilight Sparkle who resided in the town of Canterlot. She was a very studious unicorn who was a prodigee of the now retired Princess Celestia and didn't care much about making friends. Until one fateful day, Twilight was sent to Ponyville where she met an assortment of ponies who would later become her closest friends. While the lavender pony was hesitant to making friends, she was urged to begin her very first adventure with them. Back then, Nightmare Moon had been freed and was planning on creating eternal night. Luckily, Twilight and her friends were able to defeat Nightmare Moon using the power of the Elements of Harmony. With Twilight Sparkle bearing the element of Magic, Rarity with the element of Generosity, Fluttershy with the element of Kindness, Rainbow Dash with the element of Loyalty, Applejack with the element of Honesty, and finally Pinkie Pie with the element of Laughter. After using them, Nightmare Moon returned to her original state as Princess Luna and peace was returned to the land. And Twilight Sparkle had finally accepted friendship into her life. Thus beginning the era of Princess Twilight Sparkle…" Sparknite closed the history book he had been reading with a happy sigh. "No matter how many times I read that story, just...wow!" Sparknite marveled in awe, his green and blue tail swishing with content under the midday sun. The light blue unicorn was currently reading on the front porch of his small village house, his already bright smile widening as he hears the wingbeats of a certain white pegasus coming from behind him. "Still want to meet the Princess of Equestria, yes Sparky?" Pitch Blaze chuckled, taking a seat beside Sparknite. His black and purple mane and tail were as pristine as ever, with his bangs covering his eyes as usual. "Not just that, it would be amazing if she could take me under her wing too...you know, teach me more about friendship. Just like Celestia did with her…" Sparknite explained as he gazed out in the distance with a thoughtful expression, admiring a group of young foals playing together. They reminded Sparknite of him and Pitch when they were that age, young and full of energy that allowed them to run at ungodly speeds for crazy periods of time. These days, even though he was only a young adult, Sparknite found that his stamina had...decreased to a significant amount. Probably due to his sedentary lifestyle of constant reading. "Hm? Why would you need to know more? You're already an amazing friend to me, Sparknite." Pitch Blaze reminded the blue unicorn as he eyes him through a gap in his elongated bangs. "Aw, Pitch, that's nice to say but, you can never learn too much right?" Sparknite informed with a smile. "I suppose...you really want to see her don't you?" Pitch Blaze asked fondly, his eyes softening with a hint of mischief as he leans his cheek onto his hoof. His unicorn friend's endless curiosity never failed to warm his heart. "Well yeah, why?" Sparknite looked at his pegasus friend curiously, noticing the knowing smirk playing on his friend's lips. "Because...I may or may not have received a invitation that lets us both go to her castle for a visit tomorrow afternoon." Pitch grinned, handing a piece of paper to Sparknite excitedly. Sparknite gasped, snatching the paper with his orange colored magic before skimming the letter with shock. "S-Seriously?! How did you..?!" Sparknite was about to ask, before being cut off by a lighthearted chuckle from the pegasus. "My dear friend, I am a popular model; I know ponies, and some of them just so happen to know the Princess. Plus, you have been raving about Princess Twilight for years now...there was no way I was going to deprive my best friend of meeting his crush, hm?" Pitch teased his friend with a wink. "Ugh! Pitch she is not--this is--I don't know whether I should hug you or hit you for what you just said!!" Sparknite's face reddened in embarrassment at that last statement, causing Pitch to laugh hysterically whilst also apologizing. "I'm sorry, I couldn't resist...but seriously, what do you think?" Pitch finally caught his breath before turning to his friend expectedly. "Hah...what do I think?" Sparknite began, turning his face away from Pitch for a moment. Celestia, why did he have to always do this to him?! The blue unicorn didn't like being sappy in public, let alone in front of his best friend. It was humiliating. "Sparky?" Pitch looked at Sparknite in concern before he was suddenly tackled by the blue unicorn in a tight embrace. Ok, one quick hug couldn't hurt. Besides, Sparknite's mother always told him to never bottle up his emotions, so this was how he would release them! "...I think, you are the greatest friend ever and I can't believe you actually did this for me! Th-Thank you…" Sparknite choked up, trying desperately to push down the tears beginning to fill his eyes. "Are you...crying Sparknite?" Pitch asked slyly. Busted. Of course he noticed. Sparknite would have thought that this stallion who constantly covered his eyes as a fashion choice wouldn't catch the small details, but clearly he was wrong. "Shut up and hug me." Sparknite whined with an embarrassed giggle. Pitch Blaze obliged with a warm smile as he hugged him back. After a few seconds of lingering in the 'friendship moment' as Twilight once put it, the two ponies eventually parted. "Well, if you do want to go, we should probably head to Canterlot now. It will be a long trip." Pitch informed urgently. "Then what are we waiting for?! I'm gonna go start packing, you should do the same!" Sparknite exclaimed as he rushed for his front door. "Don't just pack books Sparky!" Pitch Blaze called after him, receiving a nervous laugh from his best friend in response. "Of course...it's not like that was the only thing I was going to pack you know!" Sparknite called back before heading inside, ready to pack other things besides his ever growing comic book collection. "Yes it was. Where would that stallion be without me?" Pitch Blaze thought to himself with a knowing grin before heading to his own house to pack his things. *** Once the two friends had arrived at the train station, they decided to wait a bit since the train wouldn't arrive for 5 more minutes. "Five minutes to spare! If it weren't for my little input before you began packing, we probably would've missed the train." Pitch chuckled teasingly. "Hey I don't take that long to pack my books!" Sparknite stated defensively. "Really? I recall us being 10 minutes late for class in elementary school when you just 'had' to find your collection of Super Stallion comics." Pitch reminded Sparknite with a smug grin. "Th..that was a long time ago!" Sparknite blushed sheepishly, still remembering his frantic search for the missing 3rd volume just minutes before school started. The unicorn had ended up getting trapped under his bed for 10 minutes...hence the late arrival to school. "Ok, then the 'Camping Trip Incident'?" Pitch Blaze brought up with a knowing smirk. "Come on that wasn't recent either!" Sparknite lied, his face reddening. "It was last week, Sparknite." Pitch Blaze giggled, causing Sparknite to laugh a little as well. "Ok, ok...you're right. We probably would have...good thing I've got you to keep me on track huh?" Sparknite smiled fondly at his best friend, who quickly pulled his bangs away to wink at him. "Good thing." Pitch side hugged Sparknite happily before letting go as they proceeded to wait for the train. Just as the train was coming into view however, the two friends were surprised by a small voice calling for Sparknite in the distance. "Sparknite!! You didn't tell me you were leaving without me!" Twirly Bright, Sparknite's little sister shouted as she galloped over to the two stallions. The small, turquoise filly was practically rocketing towards them, leaving her pink and blue pigtails bouncing behind her in rapid succession. "Oh, uh, sorry Twirly-" Sparknite began, about to explain himself, but his little sister continues without letting him so much as breath another word. "Pleeeeaaase let me come with you!!!" Twirly Bright pleaded her brother as she hugged his hooves, her bubblegum pink eyes glimmering up at him with the strongest "puppy-dog" energy that her brother had ever seen. "Twirly, I wish you could, but mom said she wants you to stay home." Sparknite sternly told his little sister, internally feeling guilt claw at his heart. It killed him a bit inside whenever he had to disappoint Twirly like this, but, rules were rules. "But Sparky…!" Twirly was interrupted by her mother who scooped her up from behind. The unicorn mare was light blue like her son, with multicolored black and pink hair. She looks down at Twirly with her own stern, pink eyes. "You heard your brother, Twirly. Sorry hon, you and Pitch go have fun meeting the Princess, ok? Oh, and don't forget to take pictures for me alright?!" Sparknite's mother Raven Spark advised with an excited grin as she kissed and hugged her son goodbye. "Will do mom. Love you guys! Don't worry Twirly I'll let you know about everything when I get back ok? I'll even buy you a souvenir." Sparknite promised his sister before boarding the train, making Twirly brighten up a bit as she waved to her brother and Pitch, along with her mother. When the two ponies took their seats, they proceeded to bid the two female ponies goodbye in return before eventually leaving the station. "Aw, poor Twirly. It would've been nice for her to meet the Princess too, we're really going to have to make it up to her." Pitch said with tinge of guilt in his tone. "And I have a bit of an idea on how to do that." Sparknite noted with a grin, his orange eyes sparkling as a light bulb goes off over his head. "Oh, do tell!" Pitch turned to his friend with interest, leaning a bit closer to the unicorn. "You know how Twirly is always babbling on and on about how tasty those special rock candies look in Canterlot's sweet shops?" Sparknite started. "Yeah, you told me she likes to watch T.V shows based off of those. I believe it was called 'Canterlot Confectionary'." Pitch nodded as he recalled the series Twirly loved. "Well, I was thinking of getting a rock candy necklace for her at one of the shops! And I'm going to get the main candy customized to look like Princess Twilight’s cutie mark! She'll love it." Sparknite exclaimed in anticipation. He couldn't wait to see the look on his little sister's cute face when she sees one of her favorite treats. Pitch had been right as well; Sparknite couldn't even count the amount of late nights Twirly Bright would spend in front of the T.V, watching episode after episode and getting into trouble by him, or their mother soon after. "That's an amazing idea Sparky! I have no doubt she will appreciate the gift as well!" Pitch beamed at the idea, before continuing to discuss other things with his best friend joyfully. It had been a few minutes before an old female griffin in the seat across from the two friends interrupted them with a clear of her throat. This griffin had a brown coloration to her feathers along with mysterious, gray eyes that seemed to give off an unsettling aura as she bore holes into them with her thin pupils. "Oh! Uh, sorry ma'am...were we being too loud?" Sparknite asked the griffin, quickly lowering his voice as he shifted uncomfortably underneath this griffin's stare. "Course not youngin', I just have a question for y'all." The old griffin informed calmly, despite her beady eyes striking some nerves into the stallions in front of her. "Ok...what is it?" Sparknite nodded for the griffin expectedly. "You headin' to Equestria, that right?" The old female griffin interrogated, raising an eyebrow in an almost challenging fashion. "Canterlot is in Equestria...so yeah. Why?" Sparknite cocked his head in confusion. "...If ya'll want to keep yer friend there, I'd suggest cancelin' this little trip." The elderly griffin said darkly before pulling the string above her to get off the train, as it was her stop. When she left, Sparknite and Pitch Blaze exchanged extremely puzzled looks. "...Griffins are weird…" Sparknite shrugged, dismissing the old griffin’s warning as craziness. "Tell me about it. Though not all of them are like that." Pitch chuckled, picking his conversation back up with Sparknite as they rode along towards Canterlot. Little did they know, they ignored the first hint that something was indeed wrong. Author's Note Hope you all enjoy this future AU! I write for fun, but small (kind) critiques are appreciated Chapter 2: Hello, Canterlot!Upon arriving in Canterlot, Sparknite and Pitch Blaze gaze out the train window in awe at the majestic city. Large towers and houses that made their village look puny, were scattered as far as the eye could see, not to mention Twilight's castle peeking out overhead. Amidst the beauty and grandeur of the cityscape, the two stallions noticed something else. There were a lot of royal guards moving around the station, as well as the town of Canterlot itself. Now, Sparknite read that there was supposed to be many guards in this city, especially since a Princess ruled here. However, there was much more than he had expected, to a point where it almost felt...concerning. "Whoa, are there supposed to be this many Royal guards?!" Sparknite questioned aloud as he and Pitch stepped off the train, careful to not bump into too many ponies on the way out. "Well this is where Princess Twilight lives so it wouldn't be surprising." Pitch reasoned, adjusting the fedora on his head. Although the pegasus hid it well, he was also a bit concerned about the number of guards that seemed to stalk them as they exited the train, and onto the station's cemented floors. The glares they pierced the two stallions with was disconcerting, to say the least. "Alright let's…" Pitch was about to say, before a scream of glee was heard from up ahead. "OH MY GOSH ITS PITCH BLAZE!!!" A green mare in the distance squealed ecstatically, as a crowd of ponies began closing in on them. And, just like that, Pitch's worries about the extra security faded into the background, as a new one quickly replaced it. Unruly fans. Of course there were some in Canterlot too... "Not again, I should've expected this…" Pitch stepped backward with an annoyed groan, awaiting the inevitable as he braces himself. It was times like this where the pegasus wished he was just a simple seamster and not a famous model. "Nope, not on my watch!" Sparknite quickly got in front of his best friend, and teleported them to a secluded area of Canterlot, catching the white pegasus by surprise. They were now hidden behind some bushes, far from prying eyes and the train station itself. "Gah! Wow Sparknite, you're not only my closest friend, but you also double as my body guard. Thank you for the assistance!" Pitch Blaze nuzzles Sparknite gratefully, with a sigh of relief. "No problem Buggy. Well, since we have the rest of the day, why don't we do a little bit of sight seeing while we're here?" Sparknite suggested with a smile. Pitch can't help but giggle softly at the nickname. Sparknite had given him that name due to his eye condition that made his eyes...abnormally large. This was one of the reasons he covered them, since most ponies made fun of him for it. But not Sparknite. The blue unicorn may tease him a bit, but it's all done lovingly, as shown by the cute nature of the term "Buggy". The pegasus almost gets lost in his reverie, before shaking off his embarrassing thoughts, and clearing his throat. "I would love to! But, I should probably get some sort of disguise. I would prefer not to be mobbed by strangers everywhere I go." Pitch Blaze reminded Sparknite with a shudder. "Oh, right!" Sparknite stepped towards Pitch, and lit his horn up briefly, casting a disguising spell onto his friend. Initially, Sparknite didn't like the idea of using his magic on those he cared about, due to the fear of hurting them. However, Pitch had insisted several times, so this magic cloaking process had become a regular thing between them. "There we go! Now only I can see you as you. Other ponies will now see you as just a regular pony. Don't worry, I can take it off at any time!" Sparknite explained with a proud grin. "Well, of course my friend, I already knew this?" Pitch chuckles, noticing a bit of a pattern when it came to his friend's unnecessary spell explanations. Sparknite's face heats up in embarrassment, rubbing the back of his neck anxiously. "I did it again, huh? Sorry, my brain keeps convincing me that if I keep explaining the process out loud, it'll help me remember that I'm helping you, and not hurting you." Pitch sighs, rolling his eyes with an amused smirk. He then gives his unicorn friend a gentle ruffle to his mane. "You are a mess, aren't you? You remind me of what happens when multiple spools of yarn get tangled together in a messy pile on the floor." Sparknite bats his hoof away with a flustered huff, he simultaneously loved and hated it when Pitch teased him like this. "Sh-Shut up, you jerk!" The pegasus laughs at the unicorn's expense, sticking his tongue out at him. "You know, I never meant it as a bad thing, right? Anyway, thank you again my dear friend. In addition to my new look, shall I acquire a new title as well?" Sparknite takes a moment to gather himself from his earlier embarrassment before sighing. "No, I think you'll be fine as long as I just call you Pitch." Sparknite assures him, his reddened cheeks finally calming down. "Fair point, shall we get started on finding a place to stay for when night falls first?" Pitch recommended, subtly smoothing out some tangles on his friend's tail with a wing. "It would probably be a good idea to be prepared. Let's go." Sparknite nodded in agreement, as he led his friend down the streets of Canterlot. The two friends tried finding some inns to stay in, but unfortunately, all they had found so far were rooms that were severely overpriced, or all booked. On one of the many pathways of the city, they were about to give it up for the time being, when suddenly there was a voice that called to the ponies from behind. "Psst! Hey, are you guys looking for a place to stay?" A pink mare with a brown and violet mane asked the two friends. She has a comically secretive aura to her movements, as she pulls down her oversized shades. "Hm? Oh, yeah! Do you know of a place we could stay later today that isn't too pricey?" Sparknite asked the mare, turning to her hopefully. "I may know of a place that's free...but you need to promise something." The pink mare began sternly, the almost silly aura from earlier now completely absent. "And...what might that be?" Pitch asked suspiciously, shifting himself a little bit in front of his friend. "Don't tell Princess Twilight of the place you are staying at!" The mare warned seriously, her eyes narrowing in emphasis as she came uncomfortably close to the two ponies' faces. "O-Ok…" Sparknite stuttered in confusion. Sparknite agreed, but...why weren't they allowed to tell the Princess? Whatever this mare had going on in her head, it was probably similar to whatever was up with that griffin they met on the train. "Y-Yes ma'am!" Pitch nodded rapidly, just as puzzled as his friend was at the moment. "Ugh, clearly she has never heard of personal space, much like my fans..." Pitch mentally laments, as he takes a small step backward. The pink mare's hazel eyes quickly softened, as the two stallions voiced their agreement. "Alright then! When you're ready to come, meet me over at the Canterlot fruit stand over there!" She points to a small stand of oranges and apples a few blocks down. "Oh, and my name is Gina Bowvie by the way. If you need to find me, just ask ponies using my name; trust me, almost everyone here knows me. Later, skaters!" Gina grinned, before skipping away. "Well she seemed...nice...strange...but nice!" Sparknite commented with an awkward chuckle. "Yeah…" Pitch muttered softly, looking lost in thought. "You ok Pitch?" Sparknite asked his friend worriedly, noticing his distant expression, even with his eyes covered. "...It's just...that was the second time we heard something weird come from somepony about Equestria. Well, technically it was about the Princess but, I don't know, I just feel off. There's something going on Sparky, and I'm just a bit nervous about it all." Pitch admitted fretfully. The large amount of guards, combined with two separate figures giving them some sort of warning, wasn't looking good, and even Sparknite had to admit this to himself. Even still, he wouldn't let this ruin his chance to meet his idol! Sparknite smiled warmly at his friend before placing a comforting hoof on his shoulder. "So, we met two strange people on our way to Equestria, it happens Buggy! Just relax Pitch, I'm sure nothing's going on...don't worry, ok? Since when have we ever been in a situation that we couldn't solve together?" Sparknite reasons with him, though partially saying this for himself as well. "Never, I suppose. Heh, you're right, Sparknite. I'm probably just being silly. How about we forget about what Gina said and, go get that rock candy necklace for your sister." Pitch shoves his fears onto the backburner, as he and Sparknite continue their tour through Canterlot. *** After their tour of Canterlot and purchasing the rock candy necklace, Pitch Blaze and Sparknite decided to head to the fruit stand that Gina had mentioned. It was late in the afternoon when they headed there, and it didn't take long for Gina to find the two friends. "Hey guys. You two ready?" Gina Bowvie asked, as she skipped over to the two friends, seemingly out of nowhere. "Yeah, we're ready. Thanks for helping us by the way." Sparknite smiled gratefully at the pink mare, who giggled in response. "No need to thank me! I love helping ponies out, now follow me and try to keep a low profile." Gina ordered, as she gestured for Sparknite and Pitch Blaze to follow her. The three ponies headed down an alleyway at the opposite side of Canterlot, away from Princess Twilight's castle. "Ok, we're here." Gina whispered with a sparkle in her eyes, moving an old barrel to the side, where a hidden door was located on the floor. "You boys like slides?" Gina Bowvie asked upon opening the door. "Um, I guess but wh--a-aaahh!!" Sparknite was about to respond, when Gina shoved him and Pitch down into the door's opening, where a slide took them into a downward spiral. Gina grinned excitedly before jumping onto the slide as well and shutting the door behind her. Author's Note Chapter 2 is finished! Wonder where Gina is taking these two?~ Chapter 3: A Sanctuary of SecretsAfter what seemed like an eternity, the three ponies finally made it to the bottom of the slide. Sparknite's shocked screaming is cut off, as he lands face first into a pile of multicolored pillows, with Pitch Blaze landing beside him with a light flutter of his wings. Even though his unicorn friend seemed less than pleased by the surprise trip, Pitch had thoroughly enjoyed it despite the initial startle. "Ugh...Gina warn us next time you do something like that!" Sparknite groaned, getting up from the pillows he fell on. "Come now Sparknite, that was pretty fun! Besides, we had a soft landing!" Pitch pointed out as he stood up, helping Sparknite up onto his hooves. "Y-Yeah...I noticed that too." Sparknite nodded slowly, turning to the fluffy maned mare, who had offered a place to them. Sparknite hated surprises, however, he was willing to make an exception once in a while. Besides, this strange mare didn't need to help them, yet she did! Despite her...unusual methods, she was doing him and Pitch Blaze a service. With this in mind, Sparknite sighs, swallowing his pride. "Sorry...I was just a bit shocked. I really am grateful that you brought us here! And had us a soft landing for that slide no less." Sparknite apologized, attempting to help Gina up, just as Pitch had done for him. The pink earth pony giggles sweetly, taking the unicorn's hoof with a grateful nod. "You're welcome! But that was just the entryway. This…" Gina began, trotting over to another door in the small room, and opening it. "...is where you're staying for the night!" Gina announced, as she ushered the two ponies into a massive room. It was designed like a big main room of a church, but without the chairs and had many ponies and other creatures hanging out and getting comfortable in sleeping bags, air mattresses, and even hammocks. There was even music playing in the background that ponies could dance or simply relax to. It was like a giant slumber party! "Wow Gina! Did you set all of this up?" Sparknite asked in awe, eyeing everything in wonder. "It is simply amazing! This can't be free, it's too much!" Pitch added in shock, feeling a bit bad for not needing to pay even a bit for any of this. "I wasn't the only one. Me and my cousin Aquaria set all of this up! And the only payment I need, is your guys' happiness. So I really don't mind." Gina explained with a warm grin. "Thank you...this means so much!" Sparknite responded happily., still in awe of their temporary sleeping quarters. "Yes, this is beyond generous! And you don't even know us." Pitch Blaze piped up in agreement. "Well, that's changing now. How about you two gentlecolts introduce yourselves to me?" Gina Bowvie requested joyfully. "Oh yeah! Excuse my manners; my name is Sparknite." Sparknite held his hoof out for Gina to shake politely. "And I am Pitch, good to meet you." Pitch Blaze dipped his head respectfully. “Nice to meet you both. By the way, your names are awesome! Especially yours Pitch, it reminds me of a certain super model." Gina winked, making the two friends chuckle nervously. "Alright. Next order of business: where would you two like to have your sleeping quarters? I have some hammocks available and sleeping bags, unfortunately I am out of air mattresses at the moment so you'll have to pick between the other two." Gina offered expectedly as she took out a clipboard. "I think we could do with hammocks, what do you think Pitch?" Sparknite turned to his friend as he said this. "That sounds perfect!" Pitch voiced in affirmation. In response to this, the pink earth pony happily scribbles down their requests with playful hum, before turning around. But, not before giving them a parting wave. "Great! Just wait here for a minute while I get your hammocks ready." Gina advised before heading to a different area of the room. “Pitch isn't this awesome?! And to think, Gina did all of this for free." Sparknite grinned enthusiastically. "Indeed. She is very sweet, we will definitely find a way to pay her back though! Regardless of what she thinks, she deserves to be rewarded. Just look at all of this." Pitch gestured to the expanse before them in emphasis. "Um...excuse me..?" A soft voice sounded from beside the two ponies, prompting them to turn their heads towards the source. It was a shy looking, blue, female pegasus, with a wavy grey mane and tail, and turquoise colored eyes. "C-Can I get you anything to drink or snack on while you wait for your hammocks?" The pegasus asked sweetly. "Oh, we ate before we came here, so I'm good." Sparknite said with a smile. "I think I'm alright as well. But thank you for the thought, by any chance...is your name Aquaria?" Pitch asked curiously. The blue pegasus blushed, before nodding shyly. "...Gina must have told you, right?" Aquaria questioned with a small smile. "Yeah, she did. Your cousin is a real nice pony to be doing this for so many people!" Sparknite commented. "You are as well, I hear?" Pitch said with a knowing grin. "Oh, m-me? I'm just helping, i-it's no big deal. Gina is the one that does most of the work around here. A-Anyways, I'll be over that way if-if you need anything. Bye." Aquaria quickly blurted in embarrassment, before rushing to another group of ponies. "...She was sweet." Pitch chuckled, feeling sympathy for the timid pegasus. "And self conscious. Poor thing, I know she does just as much as Gina, she's just too shy to admit it." Sparknite sighed, feeling just as bad. A few more minutes had passed before Gina Bowvie returned to where Sparknite and Pitch were, to escort them to where their hammocks were. "Here you are! Two hammocks for two kind young patrons! You guys need anything else before I go?" Gina asked the two friends. "No, we're fine. But I do have a question Gina...it's something I've been wondering ever since we came here." Sparknite started. "What is it?" Gina asked curiously, once again ready to help her new customers. "Why is this place hidden underground?" Sparknite brought up in slight puzzlement. Sparknite initially wanted to stay silent about this, but his curiosity was gnawing at the back of his head, like a hungry timberwolf. Not to mention, he hated seeing his best friend worried about anything. The unicorn hoped to quell those worries here and now. This seemed to work, as his pegasus friend relaxed visibly with relief, at this topic finally being brought up. "Yes, and why did you not want us to inform the Princess of this place? I mean, we're still keeping it a secret as promised. But I can't help but feel concerned by this." Pitch Blaze added, his eyebrows furrowing as he inspects Gina's next reaction. Gina's reaction in question...is unexpected. Up until now, she had kept a vibrant smile and positive attitude around the two stallions. However, as soon as these questions came up, her ears immediately drooped and her face darkened, the corners of her lips losing their jovial upturn. "...I knew it. You guys don't even live in Equestria, do you?" Gina Bowvie asks them both, almost hesitant to answer them. Despite her reservations, she knew she couldn't keep them in the dark forever. So, after seeing their affirmative nods, she sighs deeply, and begins to explain. "Ok, the reason this place is hidden...is because Princess Twilight doesn't want ponies or any other creatures for that matter to make friends or be with anyone they care about, including families. She passed this law many years ago, shortly after her friends passed on." Gina Bowvie informed miserably, looking as if she would burst into tears at any moment. Sparknite's blood runs cold at this revelation...no, not Princess Twilight. His role model. His friendship idol? The one he aspired to be, and read books upon books about, since he was a young colt? Doing something this anti-friendship-like?! It couldn't be, this had to be a cruel prank. "G-Gina…you can't be serious! Princess Twilight wouldn't…" Sparknite stuttered with a heartbroken tone. "Yes Sparknite! Yes she would! And she did. You know how I know this? I live in Equestria, while you live outside of it and are actually free to be with the ones you love! I don't have that freedom, none of us do. So don't try to defend certain things or ponies you aren't personally familiar with!" Gina inhaled deeply before continuing in a much gentler tone. "Sorry. I just...I've just been through a lot and it's taking a tole on my patience. You were probably raised to think that Princess Twilight was an amazing ruler, who adored friendship, so I won't hold it against you. But Sparknite, that's just not the way it is anymore. Now, if we're done here…" Gina is about to say more, but her speech is merely background sound, as the blue unicorn in front of her begins seeing red. "Not personally familiar with"?! Oh no...no, Sparknite just about had enough of this mare. She didn't know anything about him. She didn't know the countless nights he spent researching and recounting stories of Princess Twilight and her friends' adventures! Yes, she was his idol, but she was also so much more to him than that. In a way, he felt as though she was a long distance friend, despite never meeting her. The alicorn's inspirational stories had always lifted Sparknite up when he was down. Heck, she had served as the remedy for the hole in his heart, even before he met Pitch. Before meeting the white pegasus, he had no one to turn to. At the time, even his own mother was going through her own issues. No one except Twilight. Or rather, her stories printed on all those precious pages. "Yeah. You can go now." Sparknite roughly interrupted, making the mare give a shocked, yet saddened look towards the blue unicorn, before leaving. "Sparknite, you didn't have to be so rude…" Pitch cleared his throat sternly. "She had to be shut up Pitch! I mean can you believe her?! Making up this lie about the Princess, like she was some horrible ruler. Do you think I'm supposed to just listen to her story and accept it?! After all my years of studying and reading up about how amazing she is? Princess Twilight does too care about friendship! Gina was probably just being a jealous jerk." Sparknite ranted angrily, pacing the floor in frustration. "But that's the thing...I don't think she was lying." Pitch Blaze began nervously, bracing himself for the impending backlash. "What?!" Sparknite snapped his head towards Pitch in shock. "Hear me out Sparky, she is from Equestria, and it is safe to verify that she knows much more about the Princess since she does live under her rules. And didn't you hear how upset she sounded when she talked about not being allowed to be with her loved ones?" Pitch Blaze pointed out firmly. Sparknite couldn't believe Pitch's audacity...to believe a stranger's words right away? Just like that?! "It's easy to say something like that Pitch, it's a whole other thing for it to actually be true! And that 'upset' tone was just jealousy! Nothing more, nothing less." Sparknite argued irritably. "How could you be so insensitive?! Sparknite, I understand that you've always admired Princess Twilight. But you need to accept the fact that ponies can change overtime, even the Princess! In fact, maybe we should just go back home in the morning." Pitch Blaze shouted in frustration. "..Wh-?! Pitch why?! I was so excited for this trip and on top of it, you offered this opportunity to me as a surprise! Don't tell me you're cancelling this just because somepony said her ruler, the one I look up to mind you, had gone crazy because her friends died!" Sparknite glared at Pitch with utter despair. "Sparknite, you ignorant foal! That's not the only reason why I want to leave! I don't want to lose you!" Pitch cried, stomping one of his hooves stubbornly. The two friends were silent for about a minute, before Sparknite finally said something. "Pitch…how would you lose me?" Sparknite asked softly. Despite how stupid he felt his friend was being at the moment, he couldn't ignore his distress. "If-If what Gina says is true, the invitation I received is most likely a trap that Princess Twilight set up in order to...separate us somehow. Sparky, if anything happened to you because of this stupid trip I planned, I would never forgive myself." Pitch Blaze whimpered fearfully, as his blue eyes gloss over slightly. Sparknite is silent for a moment. His rational side wanted to admit that Pitch had a point...yet his stubborn side one out, as he grits his teeth. "This isn't a "stupid" trip, Pitch. Just get over yourself!" At Pitch's wince, Sparknite sighs, realizing he went too far. The unicorn then tries softening his tone, despite the anger still boiling inside of him. "Look, if it makes you feel any better, we'll be extra careful when we visit the Princess, ok? And if she tries anything, I can just teleport us out of there with my magic and we can head home. Just please give this a chance, I still really want to meet the Princess!" Sparknite pleaded with his friend. This attempt at changing tone, didn't work however, as it only served to make Pitch stiffen even more. Sparknite never seemed to see reason, clinging too much to his own emotions and refusing to see the bigger picture. "Ever since we were foals...he never seems to learn." Pitch mentally laments to himself. "Fine." Pitch grunted, before heading over to his hammock to turn in for the night. "Thank you Pitch! I knew you would understand." Sparknite grinned in satisfaction before heading to his own hammock. "Sparknite. Can I ask you something?" Pitch suddenly said, his voice slightly shaky due to the growing lump in his throat. "Sure. What's up?" Sparknite asked, oblivious to the hurt in his friend's voice. "Do you even care about what happens tomorrow between us?" Pitch questioned, his voice cracking slightly. "No. Because nothing's going to happen Pitch. Now go to sleep." Sparknite groaned in annoyance, before turning away from his friend. "Oh. I-I see…" Pitch whispered tearfully, turning away from Sparknite in return as he quietly cried himself to sleep. Author's Note Oh Sparknite, you've done it now...
Chapter 1: Sparknite's New Beginning"Long ago, in the magical land of Equestria there was a very special pony named Twilight Sparkle who resided in the town of Canterlot. She was a very studious unicorn who was a prodigee of the now retired Princess Celestia and didn't care much about making friends. Until one fateful day, Twilight was sent to Ponyville where she met an assortment of ponies who would later become her closest friends. While the lavender pony was hesitant to making friends, she was urged to begin her very first adventure with them. Back then, Nightmare Moon had been freed and was planning on creating eternal night. Luckily, Twilight and her friends were able to defeat Nightmare Moon using the power of the Elements of Harmony. With Twilight Sparkle bearing the element of Magic, Rarity with the element of Generosity, Fluttershy with the element of Kindness, Rainbow Dash with the element of Loyalty, Applejack with the element of Honesty, and finally Pinkie Pie with the element of Laughter. After using them, Nightmare Moon returned to her original state as Princess Luna and peace was returned to the land. And Twilight Sparkle had finally accepted friendship into her life. Thus beginning the era of Princess Twilight Sparkle…" Sparknite closed the history book he had been reading with a happy sigh. "No matter how many times I read that story, just...wow!" Sparknite marveled in awe, his green and blue tail swishing with content under the midday sun. The light blue unicorn was currently reading on the front porch of his small village house, his already bright smile widening as he hears the wingbeats of a certain white pegasus coming from behind him. "Still want to meet the Princess of Equestria, yes Sparky?" Pitch Blaze chuckled, taking a seat beside Sparknite. His black and purple mane and tail were as pristine as ever, with his bangs covering his eyes as usual. "Not just that, it would be amazing if she could take me under her wing too...you know, teach me more about friendship. Just like Celestia did with her…" Sparknite explained as he gazed out in the distance with a thoughtful expression, admiring a group of young foals playing together. They reminded Sparknite of him and Pitch when they were that age, young and full of energy that allowed them to run at ungodly speeds for crazy periods of time. These days, even though he was only a young adult, Sparknite found that his stamina had...decreased to a significant amount. Probably due to his sedentary lifestyle of constant reading. "Hm? Why would you need to know more? You're already an amazing friend to me, Sparknite." Pitch Blaze reminded the blue unicorn as he eyes him through a gap in his elongated bangs. "Aw, Pitch, that's nice to say but, you can never learn too much right?" Sparknite informed with a smile. "I suppose...you really want to see her don't you?" Pitch Blaze asked fondly, his eyes softening with a hint of mischief as he leans his cheek onto his hoof. His unicorn friend's endless curiosity never failed to warm his heart. "Well yeah, why?" Sparknite looked at his pegasus friend curiously, noticing the knowing smirk playing on his friend's lips. "Because...I may or may not have received a invitation that lets us both go to her castle for a visit tomorrow afternoon." Pitch grinned, handing a piece of paper to Sparknite excitedly. Sparknite gasped, snatching the paper with his orange colored magic before skimming the letter with shock. "S-Seriously?! How did you..?!" Sparknite was about to ask, before being cut off by a lighthearted chuckle from the pegasus. "My dear friend, I am a popular model; I know ponies, and some of them just so happen to know the Princess. Plus, you have been raving about Princess Twilight for years now...there was no way I was going to deprive my best friend of meeting his crush, hm?" Pitch teased his friend with a wink. "Ugh! Pitch she is not--this is--I don't know whether I should hug you or hit you for what you just said!!" Sparknite's face reddened in embarrassment at that last statement, causing Pitch to laugh hysterically whilst also apologizing. "I'm sorry, I couldn't resist...but seriously, what do you think?" Pitch finally caught his breath before turning to his friend expectedly. "Hah...what do I think?" Sparknite began, turning his face away from Pitch for a moment. Celestia, why did he have to always do this to him?! The blue unicorn didn't like being sappy in public, let alone in front of his best friend. It was humiliating. "Sparky?" Pitch looked at Sparknite in concern before he was suddenly tackled by the blue unicorn in a tight embrace. Ok, one quick hug couldn't hurt. Besides, Sparknite's mother always told him to never bottle up his emotions, so this was how he would release them! "...I think, you are the greatest friend ever and I can't believe you actually did this for me! Th-Thank you…" Sparknite choked up, trying desperately to push down the tears beginning to fill his eyes. "Are you...crying Sparknite?" Pitch asked slyly. Busted. Of course he noticed. Sparknite would have thought that this stallion who constantly covered his eyes as a fashion choice wouldn't catch the small details, but clearly he was wrong. "Shut up and hug me." Sparknite whined with an embarrassed giggle. Pitch Blaze obliged with a warm smile as he hugged him back. After a few seconds of lingering in the 'friendship moment' as Twilight once put it, the two ponies eventually parted. "Well, if you do want to go, we should probably head to Canterlot now. It will be a long trip." Pitch informed urgently. "Then what are we waiting for?! I'm gonna go start packing, you should do the same!" Sparknite exclaimed as he rushed for his front door. "Don't just pack books Sparky!" Pitch Blaze called after him, receiving a nervous laugh from his best friend in response. "Of course...it's not like that was the only thing I was going to pack you know!" Sparknite called back before heading inside, ready to pack other things besides his ever growing comic book collection. "Yes it was. Where would that stallion be without me?" Pitch Blaze thought to himself with a knowing grin before heading to his own house to pack his things. *** Once the two friends had arrived at the train station, they decided to wait a bit since the train wouldn't arrive for 5 more minutes. "Five minutes to spare! If it weren't for my little input before you began packing, we probably would've missed the train." Pitch chuckled teasingly. "Hey I don't take that long to pack my books!" Sparknite stated defensively. "Really? I recall us being 10 minutes late for class in elementary school when you just 'had' to find your collection of Super Stallion comics." Pitch reminded Sparknite with a smug grin. "Th..that was a long time ago!" Sparknite blushed sheepishly, still remembering his frantic search for the missing 3rd volume just minutes before school started. The unicorn had ended up getting trapped under his bed for 10 minutes...hence the late arrival to school. "Ok, then the 'Camping Trip Incident'?" Pitch Blaze brought up with a knowing smirk. "Come on that wasn't recent either!" Sparknite lied, his face reddening. "It was last week, Sparknite." Pitch Blaze giggled, causing Sparknite to laugh a little as well. "Ok, ok...you're right. We probably would have...good thing I've got you to keep me on track huh?" Sparknite smiled fondly at his best friend, who quickly pulled his bangs away to wink at him. "Good thing." Pitch side hugged Sparknite happily before letting go as they proceeded to wait for the train. Just as the train was coming into view however, the two friends were surprised by a small voice calling for Sparknite in the distance. "Sparknite!! You didn't tell me you were leaving without me!" Twirly Bright, Sparknite's little sister shouted as she galloped over to the two stallions. The small, turquoise filly was practically rocketing towards them, leaving her pink and blue pigtails bouncing behind her in rapid succession. "Oh, uh, sorry Twirly-" Sparknite began, about to explain himself, but his little sister continues without letting him so much as breath another word. "Pleeeeaaase let me come with you!!!" Twirly Bright pleaded her brother as she hugged his hooves, her bubblegum pink eyes glimmering up at him with the strongest "puppy-dog" energy that her brother had ever seen. "Twirly, I wish you could, but mom said she wants you to stay home." Sparknite sternly told his little sister, internally feeling guilt claw at his heart. It killed him a bit inside whenever he had to disappoint Twirly like this, but, rules were rules. "But Sparky…!" Twirly was interrupted by her mother who scooped her up from behind. The unicorn mare was light blue like her son, with multicolored black and pink hair. She looks down at Twirly with her own stern, pink eyes. "You heard your brother, Twirly. Sorry hon, you and Pitch go have fun meeting the Princess, ok? Oh, and don't forget to take pictures for me alright?!" Sparknite's mother Raven Spark advised with an excited grin as she kissed and hugged her son goodbye. "Will do mom. Love you guys! Don't worry Twirly I'll let you know about everything when I get back ok? I'll even buy you a souvenir." Sparknite promised his sister before boarding the train, making Twirly brighten up a bit as she waved to her brother and Pitch, along with her mother. When the two ponies took their seats, they proceeded to bid the two female ponies goodbye in return before eventually leaving the station. "Aw, poor Twirly. It would've been nice for her to meet the Princess too, we're really going to have to make it up to her." Pitch said with tinge of guilt in his tone. "And I have a bit of an idea on how to do that." Sparknite noted with a grin, his orange eyes sparkling as a light bulb goes off over his head. "Oh, do tell!" Pitch turned to his friend with interest, leaning a bit closer to the unicorn. "You know how Twirly is always babbling on and on about how tasty those special rock candies look in Canterlot's sweet shops?" Sparknite started. "Yeah, you told me she likes to watch T.V shows based off of those. I believe it was called 'Canterlot Confectionary'." Pitch nodded as he recalled the series Twirly loved. "Well, I was thinking of getting a rock candy necklace for her at one of the shops! And I'm going to get the main candy customized to look like Princess Twilight’s cutie mark! She'll love it." Sparknite exclaimed in anticipation. He couldn't wait to see the look on his little sister's cute face when she sees one of her favorite treats. Pitch had been right as well; Sparknite couldn't even count the amount of late nights Twirly Bright would spend in front of the T.V, watching episode after episode and getting into trouble by him, or their mother soon after. "That's an amazing idea Sparky! I have no doubt she will appreciate the gift as well!" Pitch beamed at the idea, before continuing to discuss other things with his best friend joyfully. It had been a few minutes before an old female griffin in the seat across from the two friends interrupted them with a clear of her throat. This griffin had a brown coloration to her feathers along with mysterious, gray eyes that seemed to give off an unsettling aura as she bore holes into them with her thin pupils. "Oh! Uh, sorry ma'am...were we being too loud?" Sparknite asked the griffin, quickly lowering his voice as he shifted uncomfortably underneath this griffin's stare. "Course not youngin', I just have a question for y'all." The old griffin informed calmly, despite her beady eyes striking some nerves into the stallions in front of her. "Ok...what is it?" Sparknite nodded for the griffin expectedly. "You headin' to Equestria, that right?" The old female griffin interrogated, raising an eyebrow in an almost challenging fashion. "Canterlot is in Equestria...so yeah. Why?" Sparknite cocked his head in confusion. "...If ya'll want to keep yer friend there, I'd suggest cancelin' this little trip." The elderly griffin said darkly before pulling the string above her to get off the train, as it was her stop. When she left, Sparknite and Pitch Blaze exchanged extremely puzzled looks. "...Griffins are weird…" Sparknite shrugged, dismissing the old griffin’s warning as craziness. "Tell me about it. Though not all of them are like that." Pitch chuckled, picking his conversation back up with Sparknite as they rode along towards Canterlot. Little did they know, they ignored the first hint that something was indeed wrong. Author's Note Hope you all enjoy this future AU! I write for fun, but small (kind) critiques are appreciated
Chapter 2: Hello, Canterlot!Upon arriving in Canterlot, Sparknite and Pitch Blaze gaze out the train window in awe at the majestic city. Large towers and houses that made their village look puny, were scattered as far as the eye could see, not to mention Twilight's castle peeking out overhead. Amidst the beauty and grandeur of the cityscape, the two stallions noticed something else. There were a lot of royal guards moving around the station, as well as the town of Canterlot itself. Now, Sparknite read that there was supposed to be many guards in this city, especially since a Princess ruled here. However, there was much more than he had expected, to a point where it almost felt...concerning. "Whoa, are there supposed to be this many Royal guards?!" Sparknite questioned aloud as he and Pitch stepped off the train, careful to not bump into too many ponies on the way out. "Well this is where Princess Twilight lives so it wouldn't be surprising." Pitch reasoned, adjusting the fedora on his head. Although the pegasus hid it well, he was also a bit concerned about the number of guards that seemed to stalk them as they exited the train, and onto the station's cemented floors. The glares they pierced the two stallions with was disconcerting, to say the least. "Alright let's…" Pitch was about to say, before a scream of glee was heard from up ahead. "OH MY GOSH ITS PITCH BLAZE!!!" A green mare in the distance squealed ecstatically, as a crowd of ponies began closing in on them. And, just like that, Pitch's worries about the extra security faded into the background, as a new one quickly replaced it. Unruly fans. Of course there were some in Canterlot too... "Not again, I should've expected this…" Pitch stepped backward with an annoyed groan, awaiting the inevitable as he braces himself. It was times like this where the pegasus wished he was just a simple seamster and not a famous model. "Nope, not on my watch!" Sparknite quickly got in front of his best friend, and teleported them to a secluded area of Canterlot, catching the white pegasus by surprise. They were now hidden behind some bushes, far from prying eyes and the train station itself. "Gah! Wow Sparknite, you're not only my closest friend, but you also double as my body guard. Thank you for the assistance!" Pitch Blaze nuzzles Sparknite gratefully, with a sigh of relief. "No problem Buggy. Well, since we have the rest of the day, why don't we do a little bit of sight seeing while we're here?" Sparknite suggested with a smile. Pitch can't help but giggle softly at the nickname. Sparknite had given him that name due to his eye condition that made his eyes...abnormally large. This was one of the reasons he covered them, since most ponies made fun of him for it. But not Sparknite. The blue unicorn may tease him a bit, but it's all done lovingly, as shown by the cute nature of the term "Buggy". The pegasus almost gets lost in his reverie, before shaking off his embarrassing thoughts, and clearing his throat. "I would love to! But, I should probably get some sort of disguise. I would prefer not to be mobbed by strangers everywhere I go." Pitch Blaze reminded Sparknite with a shudder. "Oh, right!" Sparknite stepped towards Pitch, and lit his horn up briefly, casting a disguising spell onto his friend. Initially, Sparknite didn't like the idea of using his magic on those he cared about, due to the fear of hurting them. However, Pitch had insisted several times, so this magic cloaking process had become a regular thing between them. "There we go! Now only I can see you as you. Other ponies will now see you as just a regular pony. Don't worry, I can take it off at any time!" Sparknite explained with a proud grin. "Well, of course my friend, I already knew this?" Pitch chuckles, noticing a bit of a pattern when it came to his friend's unnecessary spell explanations. Sparknite's face heats up in embarrassment, rubbing the back of his neck anxiously. "I did it again, huh? Sorry, my brain keeps convincing me that if I keep explaining the process out loud, it'll help me remember that I'm helping you, and not hurting you." Pitch sighs, rolling his eyes with an amused smirk. He then gives his unicorn friend a gentle ruffle to his mane. "You are a mess, aren't you? You remind me of what happens when multiple spools of yarn get tangled together in a messy pile on the floor." Sparknite bats his hoof away with a flustered huff, he simultaneously loved and hated it when Pitch teased him like this. "Sh-Shut up, you jerk!" The pegasus laughs at the unicorn's expense, sticking his tongue out at him. "You know, I never meant it as a bad thing, right? Anyway, thank you again my dear friend. In addition to my new look, shall I acquire a new title as well?" Sparknite takes a moment to gather himself from his earlier embarrassment before sighing. "No, I think you'll be fine as long as I just call you Pitch." Sparknite assures him, his reddened cheeks finally calming down. "Fair point, shall we get started on finding a place to stay for when night falls first?" Pitch recommended, subtly smoothing out some tangles on his friend's tail with a wing. "It would probably be a good idea to be prepared. Let's go." Sparknite nodded in agreement, as he led his friend down the streets of Canterlot. The two friends tried finding some inns to stay in, but unfortunately, all they had found so far were rooms that were severely overpriced, or all booked. On one of the many pathways of the city, they were about to give it up for the time being, when suddenly there was a voice that called to the ponies from behind. "Psst! Hey, are you guys looking for a place to stay?" A pink mare with a brown and violet mane asked the two friends. She has a comically secretive aura to her movements, as she pulls down her oversized shades. "Hm? Oh, yeah! Do you know of a place we could stay later today that isn't too pricey?" Sparknite asked the mare, turning to her hopefully. "I may know of a place that's free...but you need to promise something." The pink mare began sternly, the almost silly aura from earlier now completely absent. "And...what might that be?" Pitch asked suspiciously, shifting himself a little bit in front of his friend. "Don't tell Princess Twilight of the place you are staying at!" The mare warned seriously, her eyes narrowing in emphasis as she came uncomfortably close to the two ponies' faces. "O-Ok…" Sparknite stuttered in confusion. Sparknite agreed, but...why weren't they allowed to tell the Princess? Whatever this mare had going on in her head, it was probably similar to whatever was up with that griffin they met on the train. "Y-Yes ma'am!" Pitch nodded rapidly, just as puzzled as his friend was at the moment. "Ugh, clearly she has never heard of personal space, much like my fans..." Pitch mentally laments, as he takes a small step backward. The pink mare's hazel eyes quickly softened, as the two stallions voiced their agreement. "Alright then! When you're ready to come, meet me over at the Canterlot fruit stand over there!" She points to a small stand of oranges and apples a few blocks down. "Oh, and my name is Gina Bowvie by the way. If you need to find me, just ask ponies using my name; trust me, almost everyone here knows me. Later, skaters!" Gina grinned, before skipping away. "Well she seemed...nice...strange...but nice!" Sparknite commented with an awkward chuckle. "Yeah…" Pitch muttered softly, looking lost in thought. "You ok Pitch?" Sparknite asked his friend worriedly, noticing his distant expression, even with his eyes covered. "...It's just...that was the second time we heard something weird come from somepony about Equestria. Well, technically it was about the Princess but, I don't know, I just feel off. There's something going on Sparky, and I'm just a bit nervous about it all." Pitch admitted fretfully. The large amount of guards, combined with two separate figures giving them some sort of warning, wasn't looking good, and even Sparknite had to admit this to himself. Even still, he wouldn't let this ruin his chance to meet his idol! Sparknite smiled warmly at his friend before placing a comforting hoof on his shoulder. "So, we met two strange people on our way to Equestria, it happens Buggy! Just relax Pitch, I'm sure nothing's going on...don't worry, ok? Since when have we ever been in a situation that we couldn't solve together?" Sparknite reasons with him, though partially saying this for himself as well. "Never, I suppose. Heh, you're right, Sparknite. I'm probably just being silly. How about we forget about what Gina said and, go get that rock candy necklace for your sister." Pitch shoves his fears onto the backburner, as he and Sparknite continue their tour through Canterlot. *** After their tour of Canterlot and purchasing the rock candy necklace, Pitch Blaze and Sparknite decided to head to the fruit stand that Gina had mentioned. It was late in the afternoon when they headed there, and it didn't take long for Gina to find the two friends. "Hey guys. You two ready?" Gina Bowvie asked, as she skipped over to the two friends, seemingly out of nowhere. "Yeah, we're ready. Thanks for helping us by the way." Sparknite smiled gratefully at the pink mare, who giggled in response. "No need to thank me! I love helping ponies out, now follow me and try to keep a low profile." Gina ordered, as she gestured for Sparknite and Pitch Blaze to follow her. The three ponies headed down an alleyway at the opposite side of Canterlot, away from Princess Twilight's castle. "Ok, we're here." Gina whispered with a sparkle in her eyes, moving an old barrel to the side, where a hidden door was located on the floor. "You boys like slides?" Gina Bowvie asked upon opening the door. "Um, I guess but wh--a-aaahh!!" Sparknite was about to respond, when Gina shoved him and Pitch down into the door's opening, where a slide took them into a downward spiral. Gina grinned excitedly before jumping onto the slide as well and shutting the door behind her. Author's Note Chapter 2 is finished! Wonder where Gina is taking these two?~
Chapter 3: A Sanctuary of SecretsAfter what seemed like an eternity, the three ponies finally made it to the bottom of the slide. Sparknite's shocked screaming is cut off, as he lands face first into a pile of multicolored pillows, with Pitch Blaze landing beside him with a light flutter of his wings. Even though his unicorn friend seemed less than pleased by the surprise trip, Pitch had thoroughly enjoyed it despite the initial startle. "Ugh...Gina warn us next time you do something like that!" Sparknite groaned, getting up from the pillows he fell on. "Come now Sparknite, that was pretty fun! Besides, we had a soft landing!" Pitch pointed out as he stood up, helping Sparknite up onto his hooves. "Y-Yeah...I noticed that too." Sparknite nodded slowly, turning to the fluffy maned mare, who had offered a place to them. Sparknite hated surprises, however, he was willing to make an exception once in a while. Besides, this strange mare didn't need to help them, yet she did! Despite her...unusual methods, she was doing him and Pitch Blaze a service. With this in mind, Sparknite sighs, swallowing his pride. "Sorry...I was just a bit shocked. I really am grateful that you brought us here! And had us a soft landing for that slide no less." Sparknite apologized, attempting to help Gina up, just as Pitch had done for him. The pink earth pony giggles sweetly, taking the unicorn's hoof with a grateful nod. "You're welcome! But that was just the entryway. This…" Gina began, trotting over to another door in the small room, and opening it. "...is where you're staying for the night!" Gina announced, as she ushered the two ponies into a massive room. It was designed like a big main room of a church, but without the chairs and had many ponies and other creatures hanging out and getting comfortable in sleeping bags, air mattresses, and even hammocks. There was even music playing in the background that ponies could dance or simply relax to. It was like a giant slumber party! "Wow Gina! Did you set all of this up?" Sparknite asked in awe, eyeing everything in wonder. "It is simply amazing! This can't be free, it's too much!" Pitch added in shock, feeling a bit bad for not needing to pay even a bit for any of this. "I wasn't the only one. Me and my cousin Aquaria set all of this up! And the only payment I need, is your guys' happiness. So I really don't mind." Gina explained with a warm grin. "Thank you...this means so much!" Sparknite responded happily., still in awe of their temporary sleeping quarters. "Yes, this is beyond generous! And you don't even know us." Pitch Blaze piped up in agreement. "Well, that's changing now. How about you two gentlecolts introduce yourselves to me?" Gina Bowvie requested joyfully. "Oh yeah! Excuse my manners; my name is Sparknite." Sparknite held his hoof out for Gina to shake politely. "And I am Pitch, good to meet you." Pitch Blaze dipped his head respectfully. “Nice to meet you both. By the way, your names are awesome! Especially yours Pitch, it reminds me of a certain super model." Gina winked, making the two friends chuckle nervously. "Alright. Next order of business: where would you two like to have your sleeping quarters? I have some hammocks available and sleeping bags, unfortunately I am out of air mattresses at the moment so you'll have to pick between the other two." Gina offered expectedly as she took out a clipboard. "I think we could do with hammocks, what do you think Pitch?" Sparknite turned to his friend as he said this. "That sounds perfect!" Pitch voiced in affirmation. In response to this, the pink earth pony happily scribbles down their requests with playful hum, before turning around. But, not before giving them a parting wave. "Great! Just wait here for a minute while I get your hammocks ready." Gina advised before heading to a different area of the room. “Pitch isn't this awesome?! And to think, Gina did all of this for free." Sparknite grinned enthusiastically. "Indeed. She is very sweet, we will definitely find a way to pay her back though! Regardless of what she thinks, she deserves to be rewarded. Just look at all of this." Pitch gestured to the expanse before them in emphasis. "Um...excuse me..?" A soft voice sounded from beside the two ponies, prompting them to turn their heads towards the source. It was a shy looking, blue, female pegasus, with a wavy grey mane and tail, and turquoise colored eyes. "C-Can I get you anything to drink or snack on while you wait for your hammocks?" The pegasus asked sweetly. "Oh, we ate before we came here, so I'm good." Sparknite said with a smile. "I think I'm alright as well. But thank you for the thought, by any chance...is your name Aquaria?" Pitch asked curiously. The blue pegasus blushed, before nodding shyly. "...Gina must have told you, right?" Aquaria questioned with a small smile. "Yeah, she did. Your cousin is a real nice pony to be doing this for so many people!" Sparknite commented. "You are as well, I hear?" Pitch said with a knowing grin. "Oh, m-me? I'm just helping, i-it's no big deal. Gina is the one that does most of the work around here. A-Anyways, I'll be over that way if-if you need anything. Bye." Aquaria quickly blurted in embarrassment, before rushing to another group of ponies. "...She was sweet." Pitch chuckled, feeling sympathy for the timid pegasus. "And self conscious. Poor thing, I know she does just as much as Gina, she's just too shy to admit it." Sparknite sighed, feeling just as bad. A few more minutes had passed before Gina Bowvie returned to where Sparknite and Pitch were, to escort them to where their hammocks were. "Here you are! Two hammocks for two kind young patrons! You guys need anything else before I go?" Gina asked the two friends. "No, we're fine. But I do have a question Gina...it's something I've been wondering ever since we came here." Sparknite started. "What is it?" Gina asked curiously, once again ready to help her new customers. "Why is this place hidden underground?" Sparknite brought up in slight puzzlement. Sparknite initially wanted to stay silent about this, but his curiosity was gnawing at the back of his head, like a hungry timberwolf. Not to mention, he hated seeing his best friend worried about anything. The unicorn hoped to quell those worries here and now. This seemed to work, as his pegasus friend relaxed visibly with relief, at this topic finally being brought up. "Yes, and why did you not want us to inform the Princess of this place? I mean, we're still keeping it a secret as promised. But I can't help but feel concerned by this." Pitch Blaze added, his eyebrows furrowing as he inspects Gina's next reaction. Gina's reaction in question...is unexpected. Up until now, she had kept a vibrant smile and positive attitude around the two stallions. However, as soon as these questions came up, her ears immediately drooped and her face darkened, the corners of her lips losing their jovial upturn. "...I knew it. You guys don't even live in Equestria, do you?" Gina Bowvie asks them both, almost hesitant to answer them. Despite her reservations, she knew she couldn't keep them in the dark forever. So, after seeing their affirmative nods, she sighs deeply, and begins to explain. "Ok, the reason this place is hidden...is because Princess Twilight doesn't want ponies or any other creatures for that matter to make friends or be with anyone they care about, including families. She passed this law many years ago, shortly after her friends passed on." Gina Bowvie informed miserably, looking as if she would burst into tears at any moment. Sparknite's blood runs cold at this revelation...no, not Princess Twilight. His role model. His friendship idol? The one he aspired to be, and read books upon books about, since he was a young colt? Doing something this anti-friendship-like?! It couldn't be, this had to be a cruel prank. "G-Gina…you can't be serious! Princess Twilight wouldn't…" Sparknite stuttered with a heartbroken tone. "Yes Sparknite! Yes she would! And she did. You know how I know this? I live in Equestria, while you live outside of it and are actually free to be with the ones you love! I don't have that freedom, none of us do. So don't try to defend certain things or ponies you aren't personally familiar with!" Gina inhaled deeply before continuing in a much gentler tone. "Sorry. I just...I've just been through a lot and it's taking a tole on my patience. You were probably raised to think that Princess Twilight was an amazing ruler, who adored friendship, so I won't hold it against you. But Sparknite, that's just not the way it is anymore. Now, if we're done here…" Gina is about to say more, but her speech is merely background sound, as the blue unicorn in front of her begins seeing red. "Not personally familiar with"?! Oh no...no, Sparknite just about had enough of this mare. She didn't know anything about him. She didn't know the countless nights he spent researching and recounting stories of Princess Twilight and her friends' adventures! Yes, she was his idol, but she was also so much more to him than that. In a way, he felt as though she was a long distance friend, despite never meeting her. The alicorn's inspirational stories had always lifted Sparknite up when he was down. Heck, she had served as the remedy for the hole in his heart, even before he met Pitch. Before meeting the white pegasus, he had no one to turn to. At the time, even his own mother was going through her own issues. No one except Twilight. Or rather, her stories printed on all those precious pages. "Yeah. You can go now." Sparknite roughly interrupted, making the mare give a shocked, yet saddened look towards the blue unicorn, before leaving. "Sparknite, you didn't have to be so rude…" Pitch cleared his throat sternly. "She had to be shut up Pitch! I mean can you believe her?! Making up this lie about the Princess, like she was some horrible ruler. Do you think I'm supposed to just listen to her story and accept it?! After all my years of studying and reading up about how amazing she is? Princess Twilight does too care about friendship! Gina was probably just being a jealous jerk." Sparknite ranted angrily, pacing the floor in frustration. "But that's the thing...I don't think she was lying." Pitch Blaze began nervously, bracing himself for the impending backlash. "What?!" Sparknite snapped his head towards Pitch in shock. "Hear me out Sparky, she is from Equestria, and it is safe to verify that she knows much more about the Princess since she does live under her rules. And didn't you hear how upset she sounded when she talked about not being allowed to be with her loved ones?" Pitch Blaze pointed out firmly. Sparknite couldn't believe Pitch's audacity...to believe a stranger's words right away? Just like that?! "It's easy to say something like that Pitch, it's a whole other thing for it to actually be true! And that 'upset' tone was just jealousy! Nothing more, nothing less." Sparknite argued irritably. "How could you be so insensitive?! Sparknite, I understand that you've always admired Princess Twilight. But you need to accept the fact that ponies can change overtime, even the Princess! In fact, maybe we should just go back home in the morning." Pitch Blaze shouted in frustration. "..Wh-?! Pitch why?! I was so excited for this trip and on top of it, you offered this opportunity to me as a surprise! Don't tell me you're cancelling this just because somepony said her ruler, the one I look up to mind you, had gone crazy because her friends died!" Sparknite glared at Pitch with utter despair. "Sparknite, you ignorant foal! That's not the only reason why I want to leave! I don't want to lose you!" Pitch cried, stomping one of his hooves stubbornly. The two friends were silent for about a minute, before Sparknite finally said something. "Pitch…how would you lose me?" Sparknite asked softly. Despite how stupid he felt his friend was being at the moment, he couldn't ignore his distress. "If-If what Gina says is true, the invitation I received is most likely a trap that Princess Twilight set up in order to...separate us somehow. Sparky, if anything happened to you because of this stupid trip I planned, I would never forgive myself." Pitch Blaze whimpered fearfully, as his blue eyes gloss over slightly. Sparknite is silent for a moment. His rational side wanted to admit that Pitch had a point...yet his stubborn side one out, as he grits his teeth. "This isn't a "stupid" trip, Pitch. Just get over yourself!" At Pitch's wince, Sparknite sighs, realizing he went too far. The unicorn then tries softening his tone, despite the anger still boiling inside of him. "Look, if it makes you feel any better, we'll be extra careful when we visit the Princess, ok? And if she tries anything, I can just teleport us out of there with my magic and we can head home. Just please give this a chance, I still really want to meet the Princess!" Sparknite pleaded with his friend. This attempt at changing tone, didn't work however, as it only served to make Pitch stiffen even more. Sparknite never seemed to see reason, clinging too much to his own emotions and refusing to see the bigger picture. "Ever since we were foals...he never seems to learn." Pitch mentally laments to himself. "Fine." Pitch grunted, before heading over to his hammock to turn in for the night. "Thank you Pitch! I knew you would understand." Sparknite grinned in satisfaction before heading to his own hammock. "Sparknite. Can I ask you something?" Pitch suddenly said, his voice slightly shaky due to the growing lump in his throat. "Sure. What's up?" Sparknite asked, oblivious to the hurt in his friend's voice. "Do you even care about what happens tomorrow between us?" Pitch questioned, his voice cracking slightly. "No. Because nothing's going to happen Pitch. Now go to sleep." Sparknite groaned in annoyance, before turning away from his friend. "Oh. I-I see…" Pitch whispered tearfully, turning away from Sparknite in return as he quietly cried himself to sleep. Author's Note Oh Sparknite, you've done it now...
