M A G I Cby LordCruxisChaptersPrologueLike any other dayHead firstMystdisclaimerPrologueDear Princess Celestia, We are eagerly preparing for the upcoming festival. I have some concerns about the weather though. It is much colder than usual this year. The winter winds are already here, and most of the trees have shed their leaves. No snow yet though. We have the foreign songs and are preparing the food that you requested. Please send word if there is anything else that we need to know. We would appreciate some guide to mannerisms. I can't wait to see what your surprise for me is. I know that the festival is more important, but I can't hide this little desire. See you soon. Your faithful student, Twilight Sparkle Like any other dayIt is a late autumn afternoon and there is an unusual chill in the air. All of Ponyville is preparing for an upcoming festival, to celebrate the wonderful reign of Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. It is an important event; everypony from Canterlot will be there. Several important delegates from the surrounding kingdoms: the Chrystal Kingdom, Saddle Arabia, the Yakut Tundra, and the Gypsy Woods will also be there. In her usual fashion, Twilight Sparkle is being a little overzealous in the preparations, much to the dismay of her friends. "Twilight, dear, the festival isn't even for another ten days, perhaps you should—" "No. Every must be perfect, Rarity. This is a very important event and it helps maintain harmony between our kingdoms. I can't afford to just laze about. There is a lot that can go wrong." Twilight interrupts her friend, sounding quite exhausted. "Now, Twilight, yer clearly tired. Why don't you go take a nap, we can handle this for a couple hours." Applejack tries to reassure her friend. "You can't stay like this until after the festival. You said so yerself, if it's so important you need to be in tip-top shape for it." She nudges Twilight in the direction of her library. Twilight frowns at her friends, but ultimately concedes. "I suppose you're right." She manages to spill out her instructions through a deep yawn, "Just keep following the plan, I'll be back in an hour or so." She turns and tiredly stumbles towards her abode. "She's not going to go crazy on us again is she?" Rainbow Dash blurts out as soon as Twilight is out of ear-shot. "Oh I hope not." Fluttershy responds. "But I can see why she might be stressed. It sounds like a super important day." "I'm sure, but there's a limit, you know." Rainbow Dash dismisses her friends observation. "Hush you two, we're supposed to be helpin' Twilight, not discussin' her sanity." Applejack interrupts their conversation in an attempt to get productive. "We still have a lot to do." "Isn't it a little weird that we're doing this ten days before hand?" Rainbow Dash retorts. "Well whatever, let me see that list." She quickly swoops up the list, trying to find something to do. "Yer welcome...." Applejack says flatly. "Why don't ya corral some of them special clouds that the Gypsies are accustomed to?" "Special clouds huh. Yeah I suppose that could be interesting. Come on, Fluttershy. Let's do this!" Rainbow Dash exclaims in an attempt to recruit Fluttershy. "Um...actually...I." Fluttershy stutters out. "I still have to train the birds some cultural tunes. So...um...I'm sorry." "What?! You can do that in like ten minutes!" Rainbow Dash scowls at her friend and pouts. "Sorry...really I am." Fluttershy nervously shuffles off towards her cottage, glancing back every so often. "Oh! Oh! Oh!" Pinkie Pie clammers, bursting from excitement. "I could help you, Dashie!" "How? You can't fly...or corral clouds." Rainbow Dash responds, unamused. "Oh! But I can point out clouds! I'm splederific at cloud spotting! Sometimes I do it all day long." She responds without missing a beat. "Also, I know which clouds you need." She calms down, satisfied at winning this round. "So!" Rainbow Dash shouts back. "How do you know what the clouds look like when I don't." She growls to her friend after realizing she doesn't know what clouds they need. "Because, I asked Twilight." Pinkie Pie simply replies before bouncing off. "You coming, Dashie?" "Wha...when?" Rainbow Dash zips off towards her friend. "Well, I should get back to Carousel Boutique." Rarity smiles at Applejack. "I hear you're working on a new...cider, was it? Good luck with that." She turns and saunters towards her workshop. "Wha...what?" Applejack mutters back, but her friend is already gone. "How could anypony know that...?" She ponders this as she heads back to Sweet Apple Acres. "Oh well, ah hope Twilight is gettin' some sleep." A cold wind ruffles the leaves at Twilight's Library. Inside lies Twilight, tossing and turning, plagued by some dream. She cries out in the dark silence, interrupting the solemn chorus of the wind and leaves. "What's going on here?" Twilight walks about in an open field. The sky is an odd color of red and there are several bright stars. "No that's not right, they're much too close to be stars? Maybe—" The ground quakes and several loud explosions interrupt her thought. The field is suddenly ablaze and the sky now filled with smoke and debris. Everywhere she tries to run is filled with screams and horror. "Wait!" She shouts, spotting a pony off in the distance. "What an odd pony. It looks like it's wearing some armor." She keeps running towards this mysterious pony but never gets any closer. She slows down, and falls to her knees, exhausted and unable to run anymore. The mysterious pony turns and slowly walks towards her. Between her gasps for air, Twilight tries to ask who this pony is, but she is ignored. The pony stops only feet away from her. After gaining more control over her breath, Twilight looks up. The pony was wore deep metallic purple armor, and was pitch black. "Or maybe...." Twilight thought, "there's nopony there at all." When her eye reach the pony's face, she's met with incandescent purple lights where the eyes should be. "What...are...you?" He voice quavering. M A G I C "What!" Twilight yelps instantly awake. "It...it was just a dream." She emits a nervous chuckle. "Just a dream, maybe I am running myself a little hard." She glance out the window. "Dusk already? Oh~. I overslept!" She whines to herself and quickly hops out of bed. "Maybe I can grab a quick bite from Pinkie." She whispers to herself wishfully as she rushes out the door. "Still, what an odd dream. And the pony. Was it a pony?" She thinks upon her dream as shes running through the streets. "Twilight?" "What?" She skids to a halt and looks for who called out to her; it's not long before she sees Rarity. "Oh, hi Rarity." "You look...dreadful! Are you sure you actually went to...you know...sleep?" Rarity looks at her friend, a little worried. "I do? I mean I did sleep, but I had some bad dreams." Twilight responds. She tries to fix herself up some now that she's aware she looks like a mess. "Oh. Do you know where Pinkie is? I thought she'd have some food I could nibble on?" "Pinkie?" Rarity pauses a second. "I believe she is still out with Rainbow Dash. But if you're hungry, Fluttershy and I were just preparing for some tea and sweets. You are most welcome to join us." She smiles at her friend. "You should come. I'm curious about this bad dream." "Yeah, I'd love to." "Excellent!" Rarity exclaims and heads towards Fluttershy's cottage, with her friend on her heels. "Fluttershy. I brought Twilight with me I hope that isn't too inconvenient?" "Oh, no, of course not." Fluttershy quickly fetches another cup and plate. "I made extras today, I guess its a good thing too." "This looks delicious! Thank you Fluttershy." Twilight thanks her friend, but can't keep her hunger at bay and quickly eats all her sweets. "Oh my." "Wow, you were hungry weren't you, dear? Now what about this bad dream?" Rarity looks at her sympathetically. "Oh I don't know. There was fire and screaming." Twilight trails off. "That sounds awful." Fluttershy responds. "There was this pony." She starts. "Pony?" Rarity asks. "Yeah, but it wasn't...right." Her friends give her a confused look. "It was wearing armor, but the more I think about it...I'm pretty sure there was no pony, only armor. It had these bright glowing eyes though." "Did this...er...pony say anything?" Rarity asks. "It did, but there was no voice." "No voice? How did it say something?" Rarity presses her friend. "I don't know. It's more like, I knew what it wanted to say." She gives Rarity an unsure look. "Well...what did the pony say?" Fluttershy asks. "It said...." Twilight pauses for a moment, trying to remember. "Magic." "Magic?" Rarity responds. "Could it be any more vague?" "Do...do you think it...means...something?" Fluttershy whispers out nervously. "If it does, it doesn't bode well." Twilight responds. She lifts her tea cup and takes her first sip. "This is amazing!" "Thank you." Fluttershy blushes. "Well how about a new topic then?" Rarity's eye glow with excitement. "Tell me about this new cider!" "Rarity!" Twilight frowns at her. "What?" "It's supposed to be a secret! Ugh, why did I tell you in the first place?" Twilight sighs to herself. "But, Twi~light." She whines to Twilight. "What cider?" Fluttershy asks. "Applejack is working on a new cider...." Twilight glares at Rarity, who nervously smiles in return. "But it's a secret." "Oh." Fluttershy responds. "I wonder how she can make a new one?" "Not you too?" Twilight swings her head to Fluttershy wearing a frown. Rarity and Fluttershy burst out giggling. "Have either of you seen Spike? He's supposed to give me a letter from, Princess Celestia today." "I'm afraid not." Rarity answers and looks to Fluttershy who shakes her head. "I'm sorry." "It's okay." Twilight gets up. "I guess I'll go search for him." Twilight frowns for a second, and then turns to her friends and smiles. "Thanks girls!" "Don't mention it." Fluttershy smiles back. "Twilight, don't forget to talk to us when you need help." Rarity gives her friend a worried look. "I won't, Rarity." She walks out the door. "Keep up the good work girls." Twilight heads out into Ponyville. "Now where can Spike be?" She ponders until a loud shout interrupts her. "TWILIGHT!" A pink blur zips towards Twilight, knocking her over. "Ouch! You gotta be more careful, Pinkie." Twilight coughs a little standing up. "I think you winded me." "Oh! Oh! I'm sorry! I just thought I'd say hi." Pinkie blurts out, still full of energy. "What are you doing?" "I'm looking for Spike. Have you seen him?" She asks her friend. "Yep!" She responds affirmatively. Twilight waits for a few seconds. "Well? Where is he?" There's a hint of irritation in her voice. "He's at the town hall." She responds cheerily. "Town hall...?" Twilight thinks for a moment. "Probably getting the musicians. Thanks Pinkie." She turns and runs off. "No problem!" Pinkie shouts back, still bouncing. "Wa...was Twilight here?" A tired voice comes from around the corner. "Yep, you just missed her, Dashie!" "Argh!" Rainbow Dash collapses on the ground. The cold winds pick up as the sky gets darker. The ponies that are outside are shivering from the sudden unseasonable weather. And in the back of her head, the ominous dream eats away at Twilight's mind. Since it was getting pretty late the only sounds in Ponyville were Twilight's hooves on the ground and the pre-winter wind. Twilight can't help but smile as the town hall comes into view. "I'm glad, it's a little creepy out." She sighs in relief. The door opens just as she arrives. "Goodbye, Mayor Mare. Thanks for helping me out." Spike turns to leave. "Oh! Hi Twilight." "Hello, Spike. I've been looking all over for you." She shivers a little. "Why?" He questions at first, but remembers, "Oh Princess Celestia's Letter." He pulls the letter out of a small pile. "Here ya go, Twilight. Maybe we should go home first though, I'm pretty chilly." "Yeah, I don't know why it got so cold so quickly." She frowns. Spike climbs on top of her. "So did you get, Octavia's letter written?" "Yeah, we have one written for DJ P0N-3." "Why don't you just call her Vinyl?" She rolls her eyes at Spike. "Because it's cooler." He responds. "Hurry up, it's hard to think in this cold." "We're almost there." She shivers again. "I'm just gonna hide under my blanket." "Maybe some tea or hot chocolate?" Spike looks a little dreamy at the thought of the warm drinks. "I'm too tired for a drink." Twilight yawned. "Probably shouldn't have ran all over Ponyville looking for you." "I can see the Library, I'm so cold I can't feel my tail." The two enter the dark library and Spike hops off and speeds into the kitchen. Twilight yawns again and heads up to her bed. She slumps down and sighs. "Twilight, I brought your letter." Spike opens the door. "You left it with the others." He puts it on her night stand. "Good night, Twilight." He turns around and closes her door. "Thanks, Spike." She picks up the letter with her magic and strips it of its envelope. "I guess I should read this before I fall asleep." She yawns again and quickly skims the letter. As she does her eyes widen and she bites her lower lip. "No, no no no, not good! I'm not prepared for this!" She quickly hops out of bed and starts packing some supplies. The ruckus attracts Spike. "Twilight, what are you doing? He mumbles tiredly. "Packing!" She hurriedly replies. "What? Why?" He asks quite confused. "Princess Celestia's letter." She barks out quickly. Spike looks over at her bed. "What could be so important?" He waddles over to the letter and picks it up. "Let's see...." Head firstTwilight, Our delegate who was supposed to take care of the Yakut Pegasi is sick. It is of the utmost importance that you get here tomorrow to take care of them until they recover. I'm sorry to do this to you at the last second, but think of it as a test. Princess Celestia Spike looks over the letter nervously. "Twilight, maybe you should ask one of your friends to help you. You look awful." "There's no time." Twilight finishes packing her things. "I have to leave now, Spike." She immediately takes off for her balloon. "But, Twilight!" "Tell the others what happened!" She shouts back. The cold air nips at her exposed skin. "Oh. What an awful time for this to happen." She whines to herself. After a few moments she reaches her balloon and gets it inflated and ready to take off, but before she leaves; a brief glance back. "I hope they'll understand." The hot air balloon lifts into the dark cloud covered night. The wind is unforgiving at this height. The chill cuts through Twilight's cold weather gear. "I should have taken the train." She mutters uncomfortably. Spike is standing there, unsure of what to do, but the wind quickly shoos him inside. "Do I tell them now, or should I wait until morning?" He paces inside the giant tree. "I mean do trains even run this late? Would I just make everypony worry?" He stops. "It would probably cause less trouble to just tell them tomorrow. They need their sleep." He glances down. "Ugh but so does Twilight." He quickly grabs his scarf. "If I tell them now, then we can take the earliest train to help her." He runs out the door, and skids to a halt. "I should bring the letter, that'll explain faster than me." He re-enters the library, grabs the letter, and rushes off. "Who could that be." Rarity yawns. "This better be important, it's interrupting my beauty sleep." She grumbles and tiredly wobbles towards her front door. "What?" She opens the door. "Spikey-wikey?" "Rarity. Twilight. Trouble. Help." He hands her the letter between gasps. "What's all this then? What about Twilight?" She lifts the letter and quickly reads it. "Oh dear. Twilight is much to exhausted and high strung for something this delicate." She turns to get some stuff. "Hurry and get the others, we must leave at once." "But the trains aren't running." "Oh. I know how to get the train running." She smiles to him. "Now hurry." She closes the door and starts packing her things. Spike turns and runs to the next pony. "Just a moment." Spike hears Fluttershy's voice. After a moment the door opens. "Spike? What are you doing here?" He hands her the letter. "Twilight needs your help." She looks a little confused before she reads the letter. "Oh no. She hasn't slept well in days. I don't think she can do this on her own." She looks up at Spike. "But how—" "Rarity says she can get the train running. So hurry there, I still have to tell the others." He interrupts her and quickly runs off. "O...oh. Okay." Spike isn't sure if he can continue to take running in the biting cold much longer. "Ah there's the farm." His pace has slowed down quite a bit since he started. "After this, I'll ask Pinkie Pie to help get Rainbow Dash." "What in tarnation?" Spike could hear Applejack. "Who in their right mind would be wakin' people up at this hour?" The door swings open. "Spike? What's wrong with you?" "I—" "Its like three in the morning." "I—" "You can't just go around bangin' on our door—" Spike shoves the letter in Applejack's face. "What's this now...." She reads the letter. "Twilight can't even guide herself into bed." Applejack sighs. "Rarity says to meet her in front of the station." Spike finally finishes a sentence. "Hurry up." He turns and coldly hobbles off. "Pinkie~." Spike knocks on the door. "Pinkie~. Pinki—" "Yes, Spike?" Pinkie walks up behind Spike. "I...what are you doing out here?" He looks at her blankly. "I don't know, what are you doing out here?" "Looking for you. I came to give you this letter." "Oh! Oh! I love letters!" She shouts and quickly reads the letter. "We need to help Twilight. She's too exhausted to do this by herself. And I need your help to find Rainbow Dash." "Well." She finishes reading the letter. "Okie dokie lokie." She smiles and bounces. "How about you get ready and I'll tell Dashie?" She picks up the letter and bounces off. "I...guess that works." He turns and stumbles home. "I guess it's for the best, I can barely feel my feet I'm so cold." Pinkie bounces toward an odd grouping of clouds. "Now how to get her attention?" She thinks for a little and then she folds the letter into a paper airplane. "DASHIE~!" She shouts and tosses the plane. "Wha...?" Rainbow Dash looks over the cloud tiredly only to get hit square in the face by the letter. "Pinkie, what is this. It's way too early for pranks." "Read it!" She shouts to her friend. "Fine." Rainbow Dash mumbles and unfolds the letter. "I'm sure she'll be fine. She knows what she's doing." "Yeah, I guess you're right. It'll be like the last time we thought she was overreacting." Pinkie turns around and starts bouncing off. "Wait!" Rainbow Dash yelps. "Maybe we should help her." The sun is peaking over the horizon. "Oh, thank Celestia." Twilight whispers in relief as Canterlot come into view. "It's so cold. I hope I can get something warm to drink before the day starts." She starts to descend into the Royal courtyard. "Halt!" A guard exclaims. "It's just me." Twilight says as she stumbles out of the balloon. "Twilight Sparkle? What are you doing at this hour?" "Princess Celestia needs to see me." She responds and quickly runs into the castle. "I'm here Princess Celestia...." She announces her arrival when she enters the audience chamber, but nopony is there. "What?" she looks around confused. "Twilight Sparkle." A familiar voice comes from behind her. "What are you doing?" "I'm looking for Princess Celestia." Twilight turns around to see Princess Luna. "She is on the balcony, ensuring that the sun rises proper." Luna looks at Twilight, who has an air of urgency about her. "Since this seems important I will take you to her." "Thank you, Princess Luna!" Twilight quickly stumbles after her. They walk though some long corridors and hallways that never seem to end. "I've never been to this part of the castle. How do you not get lost?" "We see the way." Luna responds cryptically and gives Twilight a serious look. "Here we are." Luna opens a door leading to a balcony where Celestia is standing. Her horn glows with powerful magic and the sun continues to slowly rise. "Twilight! There you are." Celestia says as soon as they enter. "You summoned me Princess." "Yes, it is important that the Yakut pegasi don't feel left out." "Is there anything I should know?" "Talking to them can be difficult." Celestia starts. "They have a unique name calling system. The Delegate you need to know is Glacial Wings." Twilight gives a confused look. "I'm afraid it really isn't something that can be explained." Celestia finished her spell. "Come." "Of course." Twilight immediately follows her. They walk back through the labyrinth of a castle. "Are you sure you can handle this, Twilight?" Celestia looks at her student who seems to be wobbling a little. "Yes. I won't let you down." Twilight assures her mentor. Celestia leads Twilight out the courtyard. Some of the foreigners have already started to gather. Celestia nudges Twilight towards the few Yakut. "H...hello. My name is Twilight Sparkle." She says nervously. The leader speaks up. "Hello horned one. My name is Glacial Wings." Twilight was surprised by how deep their voices were. The Yakut are an interesting species of pony. They're a little shorter than the ponies in Canterlot, but quite a bit stockier. They're covered in a shaggy coat and most of them have wing. Their wings don't look like normal pegasi wings. They are rounder and a little larger. The Yakut cannot fly though, their wings are meant for trapping warm air to keep them alive in their cold climate. "You are not the guide we were told would be here." Glacial Wings' deep voice brings Twilight out of her observation. "I'm afraid that pony is sick and needs rest." Twilight responds. "Hmm. I see. And who are you horned one?" He bellows back. "I'm Princess Celestia's student." When Twilight responds the Yakut's eyes widen. "You are favored of light wings?" There is a hint of awe in his voice. He then shouts to the others, "Light wings has favored us!" The air is filled with the loud boisterous laughter of the Yakut. "This means we are better than feather horns and sand hooves. Come lets enter the public." "Feather horns and sand hooves?" Twilight asks unsure. "Ya. Feather horns from sparse trees and sand hooves from the hot sea." Twilight ponders a bit. "Do you mean the Gypsies and Arabians?" "Ya." He laughs. "Now lets go." "Sure." Twilight leads them into the city of Canterlot. "Ah it has not changed much." Glacial Wings states as they enter the city. "That's right you come here every year don't you?" "Ya. We look forward to the warm drink." He laughs again. "Don't you have warm drinks in the tundra?" "Only water. It is good, ya. But its not like here." He looks at Twilight. "Are you alright student of light wings?" "Yeah. It's a really busy couple of weeks for me." She wobbles a little. The Yakut mumble to themselves. "Perhaps you should rest." He tells her. "We don't need guide. We've been here." He laughs. "Twilight Sparkle?" A familiar voice calls out. "That sounds like...." Twilight quickly looks around. "What are you doing here?" The pony says walking up behind Twilight. "I'm escorting the Yakut." Twilight sighs. "What are you doing here..." The pony stops right in front of her, "Trixie?" Trixie looks a little offended at the question. "I'm going to enjoy the festival once it gets started." Twilight gives her a look of disbelief. "You aren't plotting anything?" "No. I really changed." She looks a little hurt at the accusation. "Student of light wings...." Glacial Wings calls out. "We will drink there." He points to a nearby building. "Okay. Just tell me when you're ready to go." She smiles at the Yakut leader. "Are you okay?" Trixie asks. Twilight gives her a suspicious glance. "I'm just tired. I've been busy." "I see." Trixie takes her hat off and looks at the sky. "Where are your friends? Shouldn't they help you?" "This was last second...." Twilight follows her gaze into the sky. "There wasn't time to tell them." "Isn't that just an excuse?" Trixie's gaze falls to Twilight. "I...." She pauses. Twilight hadn't considered that. "I don't know?" The train station blows a loud whistle in the distance. Twilight looks at Trixie. "Is something on my face?" She asks defensively; a light blush marking her cheeks. Twilight giggles. "No. I guess I never expected to get advice from you." Trixie shoots Twilight another offended look. "I told you, I've changed." The station whistle blows again. "I didn't realized that there were trains running this early." "Now that you mention it." She looks towards the station. "I don't believe the trains start for another thirty minutes." "Odd." "It makes me worried. Trixie, can I ask a favor?" She turns back to Trixie. "Can you please stay here and keep the Yakut busy if they stop drinking?" "Y...yeah." She looks utterly surprised by the request. "I just need to check out the station. There might be some problem that needs to be reported." Twilight starts following the whistle. "Twilight...." Trixie starts, but she changes her mind. "Be safe." Twilight stops and glances back. "Thanks...Trixie." She takes off running to the station. "I hope everything is alright...." Myst"I can...see the...station!" Rainbow Dash shouts through her gasps. "Oh...thank heavens. Ah...don't think...ah could go...much longer." A train car being pulled by Applejack and Rainbow Dash is rounding the last bend before the train station. Rarity, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, and spike were all resting inside of the car. "How did...." Rainbow Dash gasps, "she get us...to do this?" "Ah have...no idea." Applejack gasps back. "Ah can hear...the whistle." "I really hope...that this is...worth it." "Don't say that." Applejack barks at Rainbow Dash. "Twilight is always...worth it." "I'm still surprised. How did you get them to do this?" Spike asks from the window. "Ah well." Rarity smiles. "It's easy when you know what they want." She gives a little wink. "What do they want?" "That, my little spikey-wikey, is a secret." She walks over to the other window. "Oh good, we're almost there." She turns to Spike. "Be a dear and wake up Fluttershy and Pinkie would you." "S...sure." He hops down from the window and walks towards the two sleeping ponies. Rarity looks back out the window. "I hope she's okay." "Pinkie Pie." Spike yawns. "Time to get up." He shakes her a little. She immediately hops out of the bed. "What! What! What!" "What's going on?" Fluttershy asks in sleepy delirium. Spike yawns again. "We're almost there." "Oh! Goodie goodie." Pinkie hops around the car. "I can't wait to see Twilight." Fluttershy looks at Spike. "Maybe you should get some rest." She giggles. "But I'm worried about Twilight." He yawns again and then crawls into the bed. "But maybe...." He passes out mid statement. "Oh I hope Rainbow Dash and Applejack are okay." Fluttershy walks up next to Rarity. "I'm sure they're exhausted." She responds, not looking from the window. "Maybe you should get some rest too, Rarity." "Nonsense." She glances towards her friend. "But I thank you for the sentiment." She smiles briefly and returns to looking out the window. "Where did Pinkie get off too?" "I...don't know." Fluttershy looks around but there's no sign of their friend. Suddenly the train picks up speed. "Are we going faster?" Rarity asks. "We should be slowing down." "Uh oh." Fluttershy says looking out the other window. "I found Pinkie." "What!" She runs over to Fluttershy. "How did she get out there!?" "Pinkie!?" Applejack stutters out between gasps. "How in...tarnation...did you...get out here?" Pinkie giggles. "I hopped. Silly." "Pinkie...Pie...we need...to slow...down!" Rainbow Dash shouts to her friend. "Slow down?" She asks back. "Okie dokie lokie." Twilight stumbles onto the station platform, a little dazed and tired. "A one car train?" She sees it in the distance. "If it doesn't slow do—" The loud shrill station whistle startles her. The train continues begins to slow down, but Twilight recognizes that it won't slow down in time. "I...I have to do something." She yawns and then braces herself. Her horn glows as she focuses her magic. A faint aura appears around the train car. Twilight strains to slow the train down. The whistle blows and almost breaks her concentration. She clenches her teeth and refocuses. The train slows down; the screeching of metal on metal fills the air. Sweat falls down her face as she holds her magic. The train stops. "Oh thanks goodness." Twilight sighs and falls to her knees. "Twilight!" Pinkie shouts. "Oh! Oh! I found Twilight!" "Oh dear." Rarity and Fluttershy come running out of the car. "Twilight, are you okay?" Rarity stops at her friends side. "Rarity? Pinkie? What are you all doing here?" Twilight looks into Rarity's worried face. "Spike showed us the letter. Why didn't you tell us?" Rarity asks Twilight. "We would have come if you told us." Fluttershy adds. "I...don't know." Twilight looks down at the ground. "I thought that there wasn't enough time to get you all." Rarity sighs. "Well where are these ponies you're supposed to be escorting?" She glances towards the train and sees Pinkie guiding Applejack and Rainbow Dash on board. "Oh! That's right I have to get back." Twilight struggles to her hooves. "I'm sure they'd love to meet you." She smiles weakly towards Rarity and Fluttershy. "Me too!" Pinkie comes hopping out of the train. "I love meeting new ponies!" The three ponies follow Twilight back into the city. Twilight keeps stumbling out of exhaustion. "We're almost there. Whoa!" Twilight trips, but Rarity stops her from falling. "Watch out, Twilight." Rarity helps her back to her hooves again. "Twilight? Oh good you're back." Trixie turns around and hesitates. "Oh I see your friends are here." "What are you doing here?" Rarity almost spits at her. "It's ok~ay." Twilight yawns. "She helped me." Rarity looks to Twilight, and then glares at Trixie. "If you insist, Twilight." "I suppose my help is no longer needed." There is a hint of disappointment in Trixie's voice. "For now 'The Friendly and Helpful Trixie' will go back to her room." She turns and walks away. "Trixie." Twilight steps forward. "Thanks." Trixie tilts her head back. "No problem." A loud boisterous laugh is heard. "Aaaahh!" Fluttershy yelps and quickly hides behind Pinkie Pie. "That's Yakut pony laughter." Twilight states for her friends. "Ah, student of light wings!" Glacial Wings exclaims. "We love this drink!" He walks towards Twilight. "Oh. Who are they?" He spots the other three ponies. "These are." She yawns again. "...my friends." "I think you need rest." Glacial Wings gives her a concerned look. "No...no." She collapses and her friends rush to her. "Maybe...I pushed a little too hard." "A little? Try a lot, dear." Rarity with the aid of Fluttershy gets Twilight on her back. "Now let's get you to an inn. Pinkie, take care of these ponies would you." "I will!" She shouts after her friends. "Hi!" She turns to the Yakut herd. "My name is Pinkie Pie!" "You are loud." Glacial Wings states. "Yeah, I've been told that before." She responds cheerily. "Do you wanna get some cupcakes?" "What are cup...cakes?" The Yakut murmur to each other. Pinkie gasps. "How can you not know what cupcakes are!?" She immediately pushes the herd towards a sweet shoppe. "Please." Fluttershy asks the innkeeper. "Our friend desperately needs rest." "I'm sorry, but we really don't have any rooms available." The innkeeper gives them a look of sympathy. "Now see here." Rarity snaps at him. "This is the third inn we've been to. You cannot be serious that you don't have something for respite." "I really am sorry, but we have nothing." He gives a pleading look. "Bullying me won't open a room." "Umm..." A voice comes from up the stairs. "Maybe....I can help?" A unicorn shyly peeks over the banister. "Trixie? Is that you?" Fluttershy asks. "Why would you want to help?" Rarity asks dryly. "You sure you aren't going to exile her again are you." Trixie flinches at her words. "The kind and benevolent Trixie, would never do such a thing. I heard your plight and thought I could help." She nervously pokes the ground. "And I want to thank Twilight." Fluttershy and Rarity exchange looks. Fluttershy whispers, "We don't have a lot of options." "What about the train?" "I couldn't find it, we won't know where it is until the others wake up." "The castle?" Fluttershy shakes her head. "They have no rooms because of the foreign parties." Rarity frowns and turns back to Trixie. "If you are willing to help Twilight, we would gladly accept it." Trixie perks up and leads them to her room. "She can rest here." "What will you do, Trixie?" Fluttershy asks. "I...I don't know." She blushes. "I didn't think that far ahead. "You could join us for tea and sweets." Rarity shoots Fluttershy a dirty look. "You mean it...I mean." She stops herself. "If you're alright with it." "What are you doing?" Rarity hisses at her friend. "Maybe we should give her a chance." Fluttershy mutters back. "But why?" "She's made an effort to show she's changed." Rarity looks at Trixie and sighs. "I suppose you have a point. Let us be off then." She smiles and the three of them leave the room. This again? Twilight takes a couple steps, the burnt ground crunches with each step. What is this supposed to mean. She looks around. That one pony should be here too, right? She doesn't find anypony initially, but after a second glance she sees a pony like figure in the distance. There! She quickly runs in the direction. As she does she notices that the events in her previous dream happening in reverse. I'm at the tree, but where did that pony go? She mutters through her ragged breathing. A loud snap from a twig startles her. Who's there?! She turns around, but all she sees is a feathered crown and a lump of sand; she feels a cold gust at the same time. What is this? She ponders to herself. A sudden chill causes her to turn around. You. The pony-like being in purple armor was there. Now that she got a closer look she could see that its armor had two shades of purple. What is this? The being stares her down. I don't unders— Twilight Twilight Twilight can't tell if another pony said that or if it is an echo. Immediately after a very loud painful screeching sound fills the air. Twilight cringes and tries to run away, but the sound follows her. She falls to the ground and tries to cover her ears, her eyes tearing up. The sound suddenly stops and a voice talks. The voice is like an echo but in reverse, impossible to understand at first but then. "Myst" disclaimerThis fanfiction contains relationship elements and may or may not contain clop scenes (with no impact on the story). As such this story promotes and supports multiple relationships involving the mane six, the CMC, and some possible side characters. If you have any issues with shipping, hetero or homo, or with shipping fillies. Leave Clop scenes, if I do include them will be marked at (chaptername) - EXT, but will be otherwise unnecessary for story progression. If the subject matter of clopping offends you, do not read them. My Little Pony and My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic are trademarked intellectual property of Hasbro. As such I do not have any claim to the world or the ponies that reside there. This is here so it doesn't mar up the first chapter of my story. Enjoy.
PrologueDear Princess Celestia, We are eagerly preparing for the upcoming festival. I have some concerns about the weather though. It is much colder than usual this year. The winter winds are already here, and most of the trees have shed their leaves. No snow yet though. We have the foreign songs and are preparing the food that you requested. Please send word if there is anything else that we need to know. We would appreciate some guide to mannerisms. I can't wait to see what your surprise for me is. I know that the festival is more important, but I can't hide this little desire. See you soon. Your faithful student, Twilight Sparkle
Like any other dayIt is a late autumn afternoon and there is an unusual chill in the air. All of Ponyville is preparing for an upcoming festival, to celebrate the wonderful reign of Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. It is an important event; everypony from Canterlot will be there. Several important delegates from the surrounding kingdoms: the Chrystal Kingdom, Saddle Arabia, the Yakut Tundra, and the Gypsy Woods will also be there. In her usual fashion, Twilight Sparkle is being a little overzealous in the preparations, much to the dismay of her friends. "Twilight, dear, the festival isn't even for another ten days, perhaps you should—" "No. Every must be perfect, Rarity. This is a very important event and it helps maintain harmony between our kingdoms. I can't afford to just laze about. There is a lot that can go wrong." Twilight interrupts her friend, sounding quite exhausted. "Now, Twilight, yer clearly tired. Why don't you go take a nap, we can handle this for a couple hours." Applejack tries to reassure her friend. "You can't stay like this until after the festival. You said so yerself, if it's so important you need to be in tip-top shape for it." She nudges Twilight in the direction of her library. Twilight frowns at her friends, but ultimately concedes. "I suppose you're right." She manages to spill out her instructions through a deep yawn, "Just keep following the plan, I'll be back in an hour or so." She turns and tiredly stumbles towards her abode. "She's not going to go crazy on us again is she?" Rainbow Dash blurts out as soon as Twilight is out of ear-shot. "Oh I hope not." Fluttershy responds. "But I can see why she might be stressed. It sounds like a super important day." "I'm sure, but there's a limit, you know." Rainbow Dash dismisses her friends observation. "Hush you two, we're supposed to be helpin' Twilight, not discussin' her sanity." Applejack interrupts their conversation in an attempt to get productive. "We still have a lot to do." "Isn't it a little weird that we're doing this ten days before hand?" Rainbow Dash retorts. "Well whatever, let me see that list." She quickly swoops up the list, trying to find something to do. "Yer welcome...." Applejack says flatly. "Why don't ya corral some of them special clouds that the Gypsies are accustomed to?" "Special clouds huh. Yeah I suppose that could be interesting. Come on, Fluttershy. Let's do this!" Rainbow Dash exclaims in an attempt to recruit Fluttershy. "Um...actually...I." Fluttershy stutters out. "I still have to train the birds some cultural tunes. So...um...I'm sorry." "What?! You can do that in like ten minutes!" Rainbow Dash scowls at her friend and pouts. "Sorry...really I am." Fluttershy nervously shuffles off towards her cottage, glancing back every so often. "Oh! Oh! Oh!" Pinkie Pie clammers, bursting from excitement. "I could help you, Dashie!" "How? You can't fly...or corral clouds." Rainbow Dash responds, unamused. "Oh! But I can point out clouds! I'm splederific at cloud spotting! Sometimes I do it all day long." She responds without missing a beat. "Also, I know which clouds you need." She calms down, satisfied at winning this round. "So!" Rainbow Dash shouts back. "How do you know what the clouds look like when I don't." She growls to her friend after realizing she doesn't know what clouds they need. "Because, I asked Twilight." Pinkie Pie simply replies before bouncing off. "You coming, Dashie?" "Wha...when?" Rainbow Dash zips off towards her friend. "Well, I should get back to Carousel Boutique." Rarity smiles at Applejack. "I hear you're working on a new...cider, was it? Good luck with that." She turns and saunters towards her workshop. "Wha...what?" Applejack mutters back, but her friend is already gone. "How could anypony know that...?" She ponders this as she heads back to Sweet Apple Acres. "Oh well, ah hope Twilight is gettin' some sleep." A cold wind ruffles the leaves at Twilight's Library. Inside lies Twilight, tossing and turning, plagued by some dream. She cries out in the dark silence, interrupting the solemn chorus of the wind and leaves. "What's going on here?" Twilight walks about in an open field. The sky is an odd color of red and there are several bright stars. "No that's not right, they're much too close to be stars? Maybe—" The ground quakes and several loud explosions interrupt her thought. The field is suddenly ablaze and the sky now filled with smoke and debris. Everywhere she tries to run is filled with screams and horror. "Wait!" She shouts, spotting a pony off in the distance. "What an odd pony. It looks like it's wearing some armor." She keeps running towards this mysterious pony but never gets any closer. She slows down, and falls to her knees, exhausted and unable to run anymore. The mysterious pony turns and slowly walks towards her. Between her gasps for air, Twilight tries to ask who this pony is, but she is ignored. The pony stops only feet away from her. After gaining more control over her breath, Twilight looks up. The pony was wore deep metallic purple armor, and was pitch black. "Or maybe...." Twilight thought, "there's nopony there at all." When her eye reach the pony's face, she's met with incandescent purple lights where the eyes should be. "What...are...you?" He voice quavering. M A G I C "What!" Twilight yelps instantly awake. "It...it was just a dream." She emits a nervous chuckle. "Just a dream, maybe I am running myself a little hard." She glance out the window. "Dusk already? Oh~. I overslept!" She whines to herself and quickly hops out of bed. "Maybe I can grab a quick bite from Pinkie." She whispers to herself wishfully as she rushes out the door. "Still, what an odd dream. And the pony. Was it a pony?" She thinks upon her dream as shes running through the streets. "Twilight?" "What?" She skids to a halt and looks for who called out to her; it's not long before she sees Rarity. "Oh, hi Rarity." "You look...dreadful! Are you sure you actually went to...you know...sleep?" Rarity looks at her friend, a little worried. "I do? I mean I did sleep, but I had some bad dreams." Twilight responds. She tries to fix herself up some now that she's aware she looks like a mess. "Oh. Do you know where Pinkie is? I thought she'd have some food I could nibble on?" "Pinkie?" Rarity pauses a second. "I believe she is still out with Rainbow Dash. But if you're hungry, Fluttershy and I were just preparing for some tea and sweets. You are most welcome to join us." She smiles at her friend. "You should come. I'm curious about this bad dream." "Yeah, I'd love to." "Excellent!" Rarity exclaims and heads towards Fluttershy's cottage, with her friend on her heels. "Fluttershy. I brought Twilight with me I hope that isn't too inconvenient?" "Oh, no, of course not." Fluttershy quickly fetches another cup and plate. "I made extras today, I guess its a good thing too." "This looks delicious! Thank you Fluttershy." Twilight thanks her friend, but can't keep her hunger at bay and quickly eats all her sweets. "Oh my." "Wow, you were hungry weren't you, dear? Now what about this bad dream?" Rarity looks at her sympathetically. "Oh I don't know. There was fire and screaming." Twilight trails off. "That sounds awful." Fluttershy responds. "There was this pony." She starts. "Pony?" Rarity asks. "Yeah, but it wasn't...right." Her friends give her a confused look. "It was wearing armor, but the more I think about it...I'm pretty sure there was no pony, only armor. It had these bright glowing eyes though." "Did this...er...pony say anything?" Rarity asks. "It did, but there was no voice." "No voice? How did it say something?" Rarity presses her friend. "I don't know. It's more like, I knew what it wanted to say." She gives Rarity an unsure look. "Well...what did the pony say?" Fluttershy asks. "It said...." Twilight pauses for a moment, trying to remember. "Magic." "Magic?" Rarity responds. "Could it be any more vague?" "Do...do you think it...means...something?" Fluttershy whispers out nervously. "If it does, it doesn't bode well." Twilight responds. She lifts her tea cup and takes her first sip. "This is amazing!" "Thank you." Fluttershy blushes. "Well how about a new topic then?" Rarity's eye glow with excitement. "Tell me about this new cider!" "Rarity!" Twilight frowns at her. "What?" "It's supposed to be a secret! Ugh, why did I tell you in the first place?" Twilight sighs to herself. "But, Twi~light." She whines to Twilight. "What cider?" Fluttershy asks. "Applejack is working on a new cider...." Twilight glares at Rarity, who nervously smiles in return. "But it's a secret." "Oh." Fluttershy responds. "I wonder how she can make a new one?" "Not you too?" Twilight swings her head to Fluttershy wearing a frown. Rarity and Fluttershy burst out giggling. "Have either of you seen Spike? He's supposed to give me a letter from, Princess Celestia today." "I'm afraid not." Rarity answers and looks to Fluttershy who shakes her head. "I'm sorry." "It's okay." Twilight gets up. "I guess I'll go search for him." Twilight frowns for a second, and then turns to her friends and smiles. "Thanks girls!" "Don't mention it." Fluttershy smiles back. "Twilight, don't forget to talk to us when you need help." Rarity gives her friend a worried look. "I won't, Rarity." She walks out the door. "Keep up the good work girls." Twilight heads out into Ponyville. "Now where can Spike be?" She ponders until a loud shout interrupts her. "TWILIGHT!" A pink blur zips towards Twilight, knocking her over. "Ouch! You gotta be more careful, Pinkie." Twilight coughs a little standing up. "I think you winded me." "Oh! Oh! I'm sorry! I just thought I'd say hi." Pinkie blurts out, still full of energy. "What are you doing?" "I'm looking for Spike. Have you seen him?" She asks her friend. "Yep!" She responds affirmatively. Twilight waits for a few seconds. "Well? Where is he?" There's a hint of irritation in her voice. "He's at the town hall." She responds cheerily. "Town hall...?" Twilight thinks for a moment. "Probably getting the musicians. Thanks Pinkie." She turns and runs off. "No problem!" Pinkie shouts back, still bouncing. "Wa...was Twilight here?" A tired voice comes from around the corner. "Yep, you just missed her, Dashie!" "Argh!" Rainbow Dash collapses on the ground. The cold winds pick up as the sky gets darker. The ponies that are outside are shivering from the sudden unseasonable weather. And in the back of her head, the ominous dream eats away at Twilight's mind. Since it was getting pretty late the only sounds in Ponyville were Twilight's hooves on the ground and the pre-winter wind. Twilight can't help but smile as the town hall comes into view. "I'm glad, it's a little creepy out." She sighs in relief. The door opens just as she arrives. "Goodbye, Mayor Mare. Thanks for helping me out." Spike turns to leave. "Oh! Hi Twilight." "Hello, Spike. I've been looking all over for you." She shivers a little. "Why?" He questions at first, but remembers, "Oh Princess Celestia's Letter." He pulls the letter out of a small pile. "Here ya go, Twilight. Maybe we should go home first though, I'm pretty chilly." "Yeah, I don't know why it got so cold so quickly." She frowns. Spike climbs on top of her. "So did you get, Octavia's letter written?" "Yeah, we have one written for DJ P0N-3." "Why don't you just call her Vinyl?" She rolls her eyes at Spike. "Because it's cooler." He responds. "Hurry up, it's hard to think in this cold." "We're almost there." She shivers again. "I'm just gonna hide under my blanket." "Maybe some tea or hot chocolate?" Spike looks a little dreamy at the thought of the warm drinks. "I'm too tired for a drink." Twilight yawned. "Probably shouldn't have ran all over Ponyville looking for you." "I can see the Library, I'm so cold I can't feel my tail." The two enter the dark library and Spike hops off and speeds into the kitchen. Twilight yawns again and heads up to her bed. She slumps down and sighs. "Twilight, I brought your letter." Spike opens the door. "You left it with the others." He puts it on her night stand. "Good night, Twilight." He turns around and closes her door. "Thanks, Spike." She picks up the letter with her magic and strips it of its envelope. "I guess I should read this before I fall asleep." She yawns again and quickly skims the letter. As she does her eyes widen and she bites her lower lip. "No, no no no, not good! I'm not prepared for this!" She quickly hops out of bed and starts packing some supplies. The ruckus attracts Spike. "Twilight, what are you doing? He mumbles tiredly. "Packing!" She hurriedly replies. "What? Why?" He asks quite confused. "Princess Celestia's letter." She barks out quickly. Spike looks over at her bed. "What could be so important?" He waddles over to the letter and picks it up. "Let's see...."
Head firstTwilight, Our delegate who was supposed to take care of the Yakut Pegasi is sick. It is of the utmost importance that you get here tomorrow to take care of them until they recover. I'm sorry to do this to you at the last second, but think of it as a test. Princess Celestia Spike looks over the letter nervously. "Twilight, maybe you should ask one of your friends to help you. You look awful." "There's no time." Twilight finishes packing her things. "I have to leave now, Spike." She immediately takes off for her balloon. "But, Twilight!" "Tell the others what happened!" She shouts back. The cold air nips at her exposed skin. "Oh. What an awful time for this to happen." She whines to herself. After a few moments she reaches her balloon and gets it inflated and ready to take off, but before she leaves; a brief glance back. "I hope they'll understand." The hot air balloon lifts into the dark cloud covered night. The wind is unforgiving at this height. The chill cuts through Twilight's cold weather gear. "I should have taken the train." She mutters uncomfortably. Spike is standing there, unsure of what to do, but the wind quickly shoos him inside. "Do I tell them now, or should I wait until morning?" He paces inside the giant tree. "I mean do trains even run this late? Would I just make everypony worry?" He stops. "It would probably cause less trouble to just tell them tomorrow. They need their sleep." He glances down. "Ugh but so does Twilight." He quickly grabs his scarf. "If I tell them now, then we can take the earliest train to help her." He runs out the door, and skids to a halt. "I should bring the letter, that'll explain faster than me." He re-enters the library, grabs the letter, and rushes off. "Who could that be." Rarity yawns. "This better be important, it's interrupting my beauty sleep." She grumbles and tiredly wobbles towards her front door. "What?" She opens the door. "Spikey-wikey?" "Rarity. Twilight. Trouble. Help." He hands her the letter between gasps. "What's all this then? What about Twilight?" She lifts the letter and quickly reads it. "Oh dear. Twilight is much to exhausted and high strung for something this delicate." She turns to get some stuff. "Hurry and get the others, we must leave at once." "But the trains aren't running." "Oh. I know how to get the train running." She smiles to him. "Now hurry." She closes the door and starts packing her things. Spike turns and runs to the next pony. "Just a moment." Spike hears Fluttershy's voice. After a moment the door opens. "Spike? What are you doing here?" He hands her the letter. "Twilight needs your help." She looks a little confused before she reads the letter. "Oh no. She hasn't slept well in days. I don't think she can do this on her own." She looks up at Spike. "But how—" "Rarity says she can get the train running. So hurry there, I still have to tell the others." He interrupts her and quickly runs off. "O...oh. Okay." Spike isn't sure if he can continue to take running in the biting cold much longer. "Ah there's the farm." His pace has slowed down quite a bit since he started. "After this, I'll ask Pinkie Pie to help get Rainbow Dash." "What in tarnation?" Spike could hear Applejack. "Who in their right mind would be wakin' people up at this hour?" The door swings open. "Spike? What's wrong with you?" "I—" "Its like three in the morning." "I—" "You can't just go around bangin' on our door—" Spike shoves the letter in Applejack's face. "What's this now...." She reads the letter. "Twilight can't even guide herself into bed." Applejack sighs. "Rarity says to meet her in front of the station." Spike finally finishes a sentence. "Hurry up." He turns and coldly hobbles off. "Pinkie~." Spike knocks on the door. "Pinkie~. Pinki—" "Yes, Spike?" Pinkie walks up behind Spike. "I...what are you doing out here?" He looks at her blankly. "I don't know, what are you doing out here?" "Looking for you. I came to give you this letter." "Oh! Oh! I love letters!" She shouts and quickly reads the letter. "We need to help Twilight. She's too exhausted to do this by herself. And I need your help to find Rainbow Dash." "Well." She finishes reading the letter. "Okie dokie lokie." She smiles and bounces. "How about you get ready and I'll tell Dashie?" She picks up the letter and bounces off. "I...guess that works." He turns and stumbles home. "I guess it's for the best, I can barely feel my feet I'm so cold." Pinkie bounces toward an odd grouping of clouds. "Now how to get her attention?" She thinks for a little and then she folds the letter into a paper airplane. "DASHIE~!" She shouts and tosses the plane. "Wha...?" Rainbow Dash looks over the cloud tiredly only to get hit square in the face by the letter. "Pinkie, what is this. It's way too early for pranks." "Read it!" She shouts to her friend. "Fine." Rainbow Dash mumbles and unfolds the letter. "I'm sure she'll be fine. She knows what she's doing." "Yeah, I guess you're right. It'll be like the last time we thought she was overreacting." Pinkie turns around and starts bouncing off. "Wait!" Rainbow Dash yelps. "Maybe we should help her." The sun is peaking over the horizon. "Oh, thank Celestia." Twilight whispers in relief as Canterlot come into view. "It's so cold. I hope I can get something warm to drink before the day starts." She starts to descend into the Royal courtyard. "Halt!" A guard exclaims. "It's just me." Twilight says as she stumbles out of the balloon. "Twilight Sparkle? What are you doing at this hour?" "Princess Celestia needs to see me." She responds and quickly runs into the castle. "I'm here Princess Celestia...." She announces her arrival when she enters the audience chamber, but nopony is there. "What?" she looks around confused. "Twilight Sparkle." A familiar voice comes from behind her. "What are you doing?" "I'm looking for Princess Celestia." Twilight turns around to see Princess Luna. "She is on the balcony, ensuring that the sun rises proper." Luna looks at Twilight, who has an air of urgency about her. "Since this seems important I will take you to her." "Thank you, Princess Luna!" Twilight quickly stumbles after her. They walk though some long corridors and hallways that never seem to end. "I've never been to this part of the castle. How do you not get lost?" "We see the way." Luna responds cryptically and gives Twilight a serious look. "Here we are." Luna opens a door leading to a balcony where Celestia is standing. Her horn glows with powerful magic and the sun continues to slowly rise. "Twilight! There you are." Celestia says as soon as they enter. "You summoned me Princess." "Yes, it is important that the Yakut pegasi don't feel left out." "Is there anything I should know?" "Talking to them can be difficult." Celestia starts. "They have a unique name calling system. The Delegate you need to know is Glacial Wings." Twilight gives a confused look. "I'm afraid it really isn't something that can be explained." Celestia finished her spell. "Come." "Of course." Twilight immediately follows her. They walk back through the labyrinth of a castle. "Are you sure you can handle this, Twilight?" Celestia looks at her student who seems to be wobbling a little. "Yes. I won't let you down." Twilight assures her mentor. Celestia leads Twilight out the courtyard. Some of the foreigners have already started to gather. Celestia nudges Twilight towards the few Yakut. "H...hello. My name is Twilight Sparkle." She says nervously. The leader speaks up. "Hello horned one. My name is Glacial Wings." Twilight was surprised by how deep their voices were. The Yakut are an interesting species of pony. They're a little shorter than the ponies in Canterlot, but quite a bit stockier. They're covered in a shaggy coat and most of them have wing. Their wings don't look like normal pegasi wings. They are rounder and a little larger. The Yakut cannot fly though, their wings are meant for trapping warm air to keep them alive in their cold climate. "You are not the guide we were told would be here." Glacial Wings' deep voice brings Twilight out of her observation. "I'm afraid that pony is sick and needs rest." Twilight responds. "Hmm. I see. And who are you horned one?" He bellows back. "I'm Princess Celestia's student." When Twilight responds the Yakut's eyes widen. "You are favored of light wings?" There is a hint of awe in his voice. He then shouts to the others, "Light wings has favored us!" The air is filled with the loud boisterous laughter of the Yakut. "This means we are better than feather horns and sand hooves. Come lets enter the public." "Feather horns and sand hooves?" Twilight asks unsure. "Ya. Feather horns from sparse trees and sand hooves from the hot sea." Twilight ponders a bit. "Do you mean the Gypsies and Arabians?" "Ya." He laughs. "Now lets go." "Sure." Twilight leads them into the city of Canterlot. "Ah it has not changed much." Glacial Wings states as they enter the city. "That's right you come here every year don't you?" "Ya. We look forward to the warm drink." He laughs again. "Don't you have warm drinks in the tundra?" "Only water. It is good, ya. But its not like here." He looks at Twilight. "Are you alright student of light wings?" "Yeah. It's a really busy couple of weeks for me." She wobbles a little. The Yakut mumble to themselves. "Perhaps you should rest." He tells her. "We don't need guide. We've been here." He laughs. "Twilight Sparkle?" A familiar voice calls out. "That sounds like...." Twilight quickly looks around. "What are you doing here?" The pony says walking up behind Twilight. "I'm escorting the Yakut." Twilight sighs. "What are you doing here..." The pony stops right in front of her, "Trixie?" Trixie looks a little offended at the question. "I'm going to enjoy the festival once it gets started." Twilight gives her a look of disbelief. "You aren't plotting anything?" "No. I really changed." She looks a little hurt at the accusation. "Student of light wings...." Glacial Wings calls out. "We will drink there." He points to a nearby building. "Okay. Just tell me when you're ready to go." She smiles at the Yakut leader. "Are you okay?" Trixie asks. Twilight gives her a suspicious glance. "I'm just tired. I've been busy." "I see." Trixie takes her hat off and looks at the sky. "Where are your friends? Shouldn't they help you?" "This was last second...." Twilight follows her gaze into the sky. "There wasn't time to tell them." "Isn't that just an excuse?" Trixie's gaze falls to Twilight. "I...." She pauses. Twilight hadn't considered that. "I don't know?" The train station blows a loud whistle in the distance. Twilight looks at Trixie. "Is something on my face?" She asks defensively; a light blush marking her cheeks. Twilight giggles. "No. I guess I never expected to get advice from you." Trixie shoots Twilight another offended look. "I told you, I've changed." The station whistle blows again. "I didn't realized that there were trains running this early." "Now that you mention it." She looks towards the station. "I don't believe the trains start for another thirty minutes." "Odd." "It makes me worried. Trixie, can I ask a favor?" She turns back to Trixie. "Can you please stay here and keep the Yakut busy if they stop drinking?" "Y...yeah." She looks utterly surprised by the request. "I just need to check out the station. There might be some problem that needs to be reported." Twilight starts following the whistle. "Twilight...." Trixie starts, but she changes her mind. "Be safe." Twilight stops and glances back. "Thanks...Trixie." She takes off running to the station. "I hope everything is alright...."
Myst"I can...see the...station!" Rainbow Dash shouts through her gasps. "Oh...thank heavens. Ah...don't think...ah could go...much longer." A train car being pulled by Applejack and Rainbow Dash is rounding the last bend before the train station. Rarity, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, and spike were all resting inside of the car. "How did...." Rainbow Dash gasps, "she get us...to do this?" "Ah have...no idea." Applejack gasps back. "Ah can hear...the whistle." "I really hope...that this is...worth it." "Don't say that." Applejack barks at Rainbow Dash. "Twilight is always...worth it." "I'm still surprised. How did you get them to do this?" Spike asks from the window. "Ah well." Rarity smiles. "It's easy when you know what they want." She gives a little wink. "What do they want?" "That, my little spikey-wikey, is a secret." She walks over to the other window. "Oh good, we're almost there." She turns to Spike. "Be a dear and wake up Fluttershy and Pinkie would you." "S...sure." He hops down from the window and walks towards the two sleeping ponies. Rarity looks back out the window. "I hope she's okay." "Pinkie Pie." Spike yawns. "Time to get up." He shakes her a little. She immediately hops out of the bed. "What! What! What!" "What's going on?" Fluttershy asks in sleepy delirium. Spike yawns again. "We're almost there." "Oh! Goodie goodie." Pinkie hops around the car. "I can't wait to see Twilight." Fluttershy looks at Spike. "Maybe you should get some rest." She giggles. "But I'm worried about Twilight." He yawns again and then crawls into the bed. "But maybe...." He passes out mid statement. "Oh I hope Rainbow Dash and Applejack are okay." Fluttershy walks up next to Rarity. "I'm sure they're exhausted." She responds, not looking from the window. "Maybe you should get some rest too, Rarity." "Nonsense." She glances towards her friend. "But I thank you for the sentiment." She smiles briefly and returns to looking out the window. "Where did Pinkie get off too?" "I...don't know." Fluttershy looks around but there's no sign of their friend. Suddenly the train picks up speed. "Are we going faster?" Rarity asks. "We should be slowing down." "Uh oh." Fluttershy says looking out the other window. "I found Pinkie." "What!" She runs over to Fluttershy. "How did she get out there!?" "Pinkie!?" Applejack stutters out between gasps. "How in...tarnation...did you...get out here?" Pinkie giggles. "I hopped. Silly." "Pinkie...Pie...we need...to slow...down!" Rainbow Dash shouts to her friend. "Slow down?" She asks back. "Okie dokie lokie." Twilight stumbles onto the station platform, a little dazed and tired. "A one car train?" She sees it in the distance. "If it doesn't slow do—" The loud shrill station whistle startles her. The train continues begins to slow down, but Twilight recognizes that it won't slow down in time. "I...I have to do something." She yawns and then braces herself. Her horn glows as she focuses her magic. A faint aura appears around the train car. Twilight strains to slow the train down. The whistle blows and almost breaks her concentration. She clenches her teeth and refocuses. The train slows down; the screeching of metal on metal fills the air. Sweat falls down her face as she holds her magic. The train stops. "Oh thanks goodness." Twilight sighs and falls to her knees. "Twilight!" Pinkie shouts. "Oh! Oh! I found Twilight!" "Oh dear." Rarity and Fluttershy come running out of the car. "Twilight, are you okay?" Rarity stops at her friends side. "Rarity? Pinkie? What are you all doing here?" Twilight looks into Rarity's worried face. "Spike showed us the letter. Why didn't you tell us?" Rarity asks Twilight. "We would have come if you told us." Fluttershy adds. "I...don't know." Twilight looks down at the ground. "I thought that there wasn't enough time to get you all." Rarity sighs. "Well where are these ponies you're supposed to be escorting?" She glances towards the train and sees Pinkie guiding Applejack and Rainbow Dash on board. "Oh! That's right I have to get back." Twilight struggles to her hooves. "I'm sure they'd love to meet you." She smiles weakly towards Rarity and Fluttershy. "Me too!" Pinkie comes hopping out of the train. "I love meeting new ponies!" The three ponies follow Twilight back into the city. Twilight keeps stumbling out of exhaustion. "We're almost there. Whoa!" Twilight trips, but Rarity stops her from falling. "Watch out, Twilight." Rarity helps her back to her hooves again. "Twilight? Oh good you're back." Trixie turns around and hesitates. "Oh I see your friends are here." "What are you doing here?" Rarity almost spits at her. "It's ok~ay." Twilight yawns. "She helped me." Rarity looks to Twilight, and then glares at Trixie. "If you insist, Twilight." "I suppose my help is no longer needed." There is a hint of disappointment in Trixie's voice. "For now 'The Friendly and Helpful Trixie' will go back to her room." She turns and walks away. "Trixie." Twilight steps forward. "Thanks." Trixie tilts her head back. "No problem." A loud boisterous laugh is heard. "Aaaahh!" Fluttershy yelps and quickly hides behind Pinkie Pie. "That's Yakut pony laughter." Twilight states for her friends. "Ah, student of light wings!" Glacial Wings exclaims. "We love this drink!" He walks towards Twilight. "Oh. Who are they?" He spots the other three ponies. "These are." She yawns again. "...my friends." "I think you need rest." Glacial Wings gives her a concerned look. "No...no." She collapses and her friends rush to her. "Maybe...I pushed a little too hard." "A little? Try a lot, dear." Rarity with the aid of Fluttershy gets Twilight on her back. "Now let's get you to an inn. Pinkie, take care of these ponies would you." "I will!" She shouts after her friends. "Hi!" She turns to the Yakut herd. "My name is Pinkie Pie!" "You are loud." Glacial Wings states. "Yeah, I've been told that before." She responds cheerily. "Do you wanna get some cupcakes?" "What are cup...cakes?" The Yakut murmur to each other. Pinkie gasps. "How can you not know what cupcakes are!?" She immediately pushes the herd towards a sweet shoppe. "Please." Fluttershy asks the innkeeper. "Our friend desperately needs rest." "I'm sorry, but we really don't have any rooms available." The innkeeper gives them a look of sympathy. "Now see here." Rarity snaps at him. "This is the third inn we've been to. You cannot be serious that you don't have something for respite." "I really am sorry, but we have nothing." He gives a pleading look. "Bullying me won't open a room." "Umm..." A voice comes from up the stairs. "Maybe....I can help?" A unicorn shyly peeks over the banister. "Trixie? Is that you?" Fluttershy asks. "Why would you want to help?" Rarity asks dryly. "You sure you aren't going to exile her again are you." Trixie flinches at her words. "The kind and benevolent Trixie, would never do such a thing. I heard your plight and thought I could help." She nervously pokes the ground. "And I want to thank Twilight." Fluttershy and Rarity exchange looks. Fluttershy whispers, "We don't have a lot of options." "What about the train?" "I couldn't find it, we won't know where it is until the others wake up." "The castle?" Fluttershy shakes her head. "They have no rooms because of the foreign parties." Rarity frowns and turns back to Trixie. "If you are willing to help Twilight, we would gladly accept it." Trixie perks up and leads them to her room. "She can rest here." "What will you do, Trixie?" Fluttershy asks. "I...I don't know." She blushes. "I didn't think that far ahead. "You could join us for tea and sweets." Rarity shoots Fluttershy a dirty look. "You mean it...I mean." She stops herself. "If you're alright with it." "What are you doing?" Rarity hisses at her friend. "Maybe we should give her a chance." Fluttershy mutters back. "But why?" "She's made an effort to show she's changed." Rarity looks at Trixie and sighs. "I suppose you have a point. Let us be off then." She smiles and the three of them leave the room. This again? Twilight takes a couple steps, the burnt ground crunches with each step. What is this supposed to mean. She looks around. That one pony should be here too, right? She doesn't find anypony initially, but after a second glance she sees a pony like figure in the distance. There! She quickly runs in the direction. As she does she notices that the events in her previous dream happening in reverse. I'm at the tree, but where did that pony go? She mutters through her ragged breathing. A loud snap from a twig startles her. Who's there?! She turns around, but all she sees is a feathered crown and a lump of sand; she feels a cold gust at the same time. What is this? She ponders to herself. A sudden chill causes her to turn around. You. The pony-like being in purple armor was there. Now that she got a closer look she could see that its armor had two shades of purple. What is this? The being stares her down. I don't unders— Twilight Twilight Twilight can't tell if another pony said that or if it is an echo. Immediately after a very loud painful screeching sound fills the air. Twilight cringes and tries to run away, but the sound follows her. She falls to the ground and tries to cover her ears, her eyes tearing up. The sound suddenly stops and a voice talks. The voice is like an echo but in reverse, impossible to understand at first but then. "Myst"
disclaimerThis fanfiction contains relationship elements and may or may not contain clop scenes (with no impact on the story). As such this story promotes and supports multiple relationships involving the mane six, the CMC, and some possible side characters. If you have any issues with shipping, hetero or homo, or with shipping fillies. Leave Clop scenes, if I do include them will be marked at (chaptername) - EXT, but will be otherwise unnecessary for story progression. If the subject matter of clopping offends you, do not read them. My Little Pony and My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic are trademarked intellectual property of Hasbro. As such I do not have any claim to the world or the ponies that reside there. This is here so it doesn't mar up the first chapter of my story. Enjoy.
