Silent Knight

by Brony 2-Ma-Ro

Rating: teen
Tags: Princess Celestia, Dark, Human, Main 6, Princess Luna, Original Character, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Other, Adventure
Length: 39139

Interdimensional Travelers, Equicidal Robots, Whistling. Your typical Wednsday in Ponyville

WARNING: CONSTRUCTION ZONE!
Silent Knight is currently undergoing a massive overhaul, and there will be no updates for some time. It's not dead, just sleeping, so no need to despair. Many thanks to everypony for being so patient with me, and let me assure you your kindness will not go unrewarded.

B2MR

Nearly a year since Nightmare Night has passed, and just about everypony in Equestria has come to accept Luna as their loving co-ruler.
Regardless, the Princess of the Moon wishes to give something back to her people.
Tonight, she shall give them Equestria's first ever Night Show, a stunning display of nocturnal and astral wonders!
But then the mystery begins.
There is something troubling both the Royal sisters, and Twilight is determined to find out what.
But what she may find may not be what she expects...

An original fiction, with some inspiration drawn from JasonTheHuman's work.

Now with it's own page on tvtropes.org
http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Fanfic/SilentKnight

Published 2012-01-12 22:16:23 UTC
Last updated 2013-01-16 13:36:03 UTC

Chapter 1: Luna's Night Show

Chapter 1: Luna's Night Show

by: Brony 2-Ma-Ro

“Alright, let's get started. Scrolls?”

“Check.”

“Quill?”

“Check.”

“Ink?”

“Check.”

Twilight Sparkle nodded silently. So far, so good. She scraped the pencil once more, keeping the point sharp, she glanced up as spike held up the corresponding items from the list. Once again putting pencil to parchment, she spoke. "Camera?”

“Check.”

“Blanket?”

“Check.”

“Picnic-basket?”

“Check.”

“Food.”

*Burp.*

Twilight gave the young dragon a sidelong look.

“Uhhhh… mostly check.”

“Spike…”

“Okay, okay, I’ll make another sandwich. Sheesh!” Twilight’s purple assistant grumbled, shuffling into the kitchen off the main room. “It was gonna be mine anyway.”

Twilight Sparkle called after him, a note of concern in her voice. “You’re not getting grabby again, are you?”

Before the door had even closed, Spike came trundling back in with a veritable mountain of turquoise-and-topaz-sandwiches. Twilight could only give him a bemused look as he shoved the pile into the basket. "You already had those made, didn't you?"

“Mmmaaaaaybe,”

“Uh-huh," Twilight glanced once more at the list. "Oh, don’t forget the telescope!”

Spike snapped his claws. “Right, got it. Meet you outside!”

“Thanks,” said Twilight. After adjusting the straps of her saddlebag once more, she picked up the basket. Giving the door a light tap, walked out into Ponyville's central square. The sun was only just beginning to set, but she could already see some stars peeking out from the east. Luna must be really excited, she thought. She’s usually able to keep them in check.

Despite the fact that the day was nearing its end, Ponyville was surprisingly busy. All through the town square, ponies were moving back and forth, closing market stalls, pulling wagons. There was still at least another hour till it began, but the tension in the air was palpable. She glanced behind her, the basket in her mouth swinging against her shoulder.

“Shpike! You almosht ready?”

“I’m coming!” Spike came trotting out the door, a large blue book under one arm, tripod beneath the other, with the telescope carefully balanced between his paws. Carefully maneuvering the delicate piece of equipment, he used his tail to pull the door shut. Twilight smiled. Spike kept denying it, but he’d grown nearly six inches in the past twelve months. She set down the basket.

“Wow, Spike. Last year, you could barely reach the handle with your tail. Now you’re working it like an expert.” She shifted, allowing Spike better access to the telescope’s harness along her left flank. As he worked the straps, he swelled with pride.

“Yeah, well, it’s all how you shift your spine.” He looked up at her with a sudden hopefulness. “Do you think Rarity will notice?” He clambered onto her back. While he had grown somewhat in length, his weight hadn’t changed all that much.

Twilight looked at him over her shoulder, a spark glinting in her eyes. “Actually, she’s the one who pointed it out to me.”

This wasn’t a complete lie. Rarity, the resident fashion designer and seamstress, had actually called on Twilight to ask that she bring Spike over for a new measuring, as the tuxedo she’d made him for the Grand Galloping Gala was too short on the arms and legs. Regardless, the words had the expected effect on Spike: A lovesick sigh, followed by his slumping weight as he swooned romantically.

Twilight groaned. “Alright, prince charming. You’re not THAT heavy, but I’m still carrying the supplies. Either you walk, or I’m ditching the sandwiches.”

There was an immediate scurry as Spike plopped down next to her, a cute pout upon his mouth. Twilight relented. “Don’t worry, after the show, when everyone’s eaten, you can ride home. Promise.” Making final adjustments on her saddlebags, she noticed the book he'd set in the second one. It took only a moment to recognize the blue-bound spine. "Spike? Is that the..."

"The Astronomical Astronomer's Almanac to all things Astronomy? Yeah, I figured you might need that." Spike put on his proudest grin, which rapidly degenerated to a blush under the confounded look his sister was giving him. "Uh... I kinda memorized it after the incident with Owloysius. I mean it meant a lot to you and I was a pretty big jerk and you didn't get a chance to use it then so I thought I could try making it up to you but it was only second edition so I tried looking around to see if there were any places that-"

His ramble was abruptly cut off by the tight vice of a hug only an older sister can give. Not loosening her grip, Twilight spoke gently into his ear. "Spike, your are the sweetest. I promise to make it up to you."

As they separated, Twilight couldn't help but notice a look of concern on the dragon's face. “What is it?”

“Huh? Oh, it’s nothing. I’m just remembering when Luna came to the Nightmare Night celebration last year.” They began to make their way across the square. “You think she’ll be okay?”

Twilight nodded. “I know what you mean. But so long as she doesn’t use her Royal Canterlot Voice too much, I think we’ll be pretty good. Everypony warmed up to her pretty quick after Nightmare Night.” She gave him a gentle nudge. “And, the next one is only a few days away. What are you going as this time?”

Spike thought it over. “Hmmmm… Probably a dragon.”

Twilight raised an eyebrow. “Weren’t you that last year?”

“No, I was a dinosaur. Totally different!”

Twilight rolled her eyes. “Right. Big, scaly, toothy reptile-esque costume. Completely different.”

Spike laughed “And I thought you were the smart one! Dragons aren’t cold blooded.”

Twilight joined in. “Haha! Still, no reason you couldn’t be both.”

Spike raised an eyebrow. “Howya figure?”

Twilight chuckled. “You could be dressed as a dinosaur in a dragon costume!”

“Oh, very funny!” He gave her a friendly shove, minding the telescope. They both snickered. “One thing’s for sure, though.”

Twilight cocked her head to one side. “What’s that?”

Spike covered his mouth to keep from laughing. “I won’t be going as a clown.”

Both librarian and assistant fell into hysterics, remembering the mayor’s costume from the previous year. As if the rainbow wig, bowtie and nose weren’t enough, she’d tried to be scary as well. They were both still in giggling fits as Sweet Apple Acres came into view over the hill, and Twilight was wiping tears from her eyes by the time they arrived at the entrance to the property. By now the sun had almost set, the last rays shining through the Apple Family emblem, carved through the wooden plaque hanging on the overgrown arch. Applejack was waiting for them at the covered gateway, a long line of ponies moving past as she greeted them. Looking up, she saw Twilight and Spike coming along the path.

“Howdy yal-Owoof! Watchit, Mac!” She glared after Big Macintosh pulling a cart full of cheering foals. She gave him a fierce glare.

"Sorry Sis," came the sheepish reply. Apple Bloom, Sweetie Bell, and Scootaloo were all perched on the back, waving their hooves at the ponies lagging behind. Applejack rolled her eyes.

“Hmph! Sometimes, Ah think his hooves are gettin too big for his horseshoes.” She turned back to Twilight, dropping her voice to a whisper. “So, ya really think this’ll work?”

Twilight looked to the sky, begging for patience. “Not you too! Yes, I’m certain tonight will be great. Luna’s much better, now that she’s not so concerned about Nightmare Night. I've even exchange letters with her through Celestia every-so-often. She’s nervous, but I think this should be great for everypony.”

“What’ll be great for everypony?” Several boings later, a pink mare with an even pinker basket of cupcakes (which were also pink) landed next to Twilight, giving her a questioning look.

“Pinkie, didn’t you get my invitation?”

“Uh-huh!”

There was a moment’s pause. Twilight raised an eyebrow. “Aaaand, did you read it?”

“Yup! It said be here before sundown today, and bring snacks.”

Twilight sighed. “Pinky, tonight is going to be Luna’s first attempt to really open up to all of Equestria. The Night Show will be seen everywhere. We’re just setting up here because there’s a nice clear view of the sky in the orchard. That’s why the Apple family was kind enough to lend it to all of Ponyville for tonight.”

Applejack nodded in agreement. “Yup! Harvest’s over, all the apples been bucked, so there’s no need to worry ‘bout any no good apple-swipers.” She glanced at Spike, doing his best to look innocuous as he snagged a pair of apples from a nearby barrel. She smiled knowingly. “Well, most of them, anyhow.”

“So that’s why we came all the way here?” Rainbow Dash flew directly over them, ruffling their manes with a gust of air, and nearly blowing Applejack’s hat right off her head. “I thought we were here so the show’d be less boring by comparison to your dumb ol’ orchard...”

She promptly stopped herself mid-sentance. Applejack gave her a barely-contained glare. "You wanna finish that sentance, pardner?"

Rainbow Dash raised both front hooves up in submission. “Sorry! That sounded a lot funnier in my head." She looked twiddled her forehooves nervously. "Luna's great, and I love it here too!"

"That's what Ah thought you were gonna say," Applejack deftly flicked Rainbow's wing with her tail, causing the pegasus to quickly correct herself. The two glared at one-another, but it rapidly devolved to snickering when they couldn't hold it any longer.

"Anyway, sorry about that," said Rainbow, stifling a yawn. "I was just annoyed I had to zip over here after my nap.”

“Good heavens! A nap? At six-thirty in the afternoon?” Rarity came along the path, her sun-parasol perched on her back. “Honestly, Rainbow, I don’t know how you aren’t up all night!” She gave the hovering pegasus a disapproving glare. “I hardly think it can be healthy.”

“It’s easy!” Dash landed on the grass next to them. “I just sleep at night too!”

“Oh, good. I think that sleeping is very important.”

Twilight jumped. Fluttershy had been standing almost directly next to her. She hadn’t even heard the yellow pegasus approach. Actually, everyone jumped. Fluttershy immediately dipped her head, dropping her voice even lower.

“Oh, I’m sorry. Too loud?”

Chuckling, Applejack put a friendly hoof around Fluttershy’s shoulders. “Not tah worry, sugarcube. You’re just fine.”

The tension broken, the six friends, minus Applejack, who was finishing up greetings, entered the orchard. Rows upon rows of apple trees stood, already harvested. Ponies had set up a veritable patchwork of blankets over the landscape. Twilight furrowed her brow.

“Uh-oh. I hope we can find a spot. Maybe we should have left earlier?”

“Way ahead of you.” Dash pointed to the tallest hill in the orchard, with only one tree at its top. At its base, just bordering the roots, a deep blue blanket had been spread out. “Came here early to set up. Found the perfect spot.”

Rarity beamed at the her. “My dear Rainbow, how thoughtful!”

The blue mare sheepishly rubbed the back of her head with a hoof. “Nnnnnot exactly…”

She looked around at the odd stares the others were giving her.

“Well, where do you think I took my nap?”

“Who wants CUPCAKES?!”

Twilight laughed. “Sorry Pinkie, but if I eat anything else, I’ll probably explode.”

“I won’t!” Spike swiped the pastry from Pinkie’s outstretched hoof, eliciting a chuckle from Twilight.

The six friends and Spike were all situated at the top of the hill. Twilight had joined her blanket with Rainbow’s and Applejack’s. Everypony had pooled all the supplies they had brought, creating a simple picnic dinner. Altogether, they had Twilight’s sandwiches, Applejack's apples (and applefritters, apple tarts, and an apple pie), plus some spring rolls that Fluttershy had made, and Pinkie’s cupcakes for desert. Rainbow had brought a few carrots, and Rarity, somewhat embarrassed, explained that she didn’t quite have the “knack” for cooking. (Twilight guessed, however, that this was code for "Sweetie Belle used up all the groceries trying to cook.")

Regardless, everypony was in high spirits as they watched the sun dissappeear over the horizon, bringing night rapidly in its wake. Twilight had set up her telescope, allowing her friends (as well as some neighboring ponies) to view the stars and moon close up.

“This is wicked cool!” Dash called from her vantage behind the viewfinder. "Pulling pranks with this is fine and all, but this takes the cake!"

“It’s true, darling. I had no idea that stars looked even better up close!”

All but Rainbow were lying on their backs, watching the night sky. All around her, other ponies had set up their own blankets. Families on a night out, young lovers on dates—Twilight thought she even saw an elderly couple under a tree some ways back towards the entrance. Young foals cavorted around, often having to be reined in by flustered parents. Now that the hour was getting late, the hubbub and chatting had quieted down. Crickets could be heard, calling crii... crii... crii... to the silence. Frogs called to one another, their conversation little inhibited by the night. Twilight sighed peacefully, looking up at the stars. Tonight’s sky was absolutely serene, Twilight thought, and the show hadn’t even started! This was going to be good.

Still munching on the cupcake, Spike watched the sky as well, eyes flicking back and forth impatiently for any sign of something new or different. “So, Twilight," he said, swallowing a mouthfull of cupcake. "When is the show supposed to start? Will the Princesses make an announcement, or something?”

Twilight smiled. “No, Spike. They’re back at Canterlot, making the preparations. Luna will orchestrate everything from the castle.”

Spike tossed the remaining cupcake into his mouth. “Okay, fine, but that still doesn’t answer when…”

There was a sudden hush, as everypony in the orchard looked up.

One by one, shooting stars had begun zipping across the sky. Random at first, all moving southeast, but then they began to occur more frequently, and with distinct patterns appearing as some began shifting direction. No star lasted for more than a second or two, but with several stars strung together in sequence, it appeared to be a single star zigzagging across the sky. Twilight marveled at Princess Luna’s ingenuity.

“Well Ah’ll be plum puddin. That there’s what I call a show.” Applejack's voice was barely above a whisper.

“This is so much better than fireworks. They’re not loud at all.” Fluttershy’s quiet voice was no less distinct against the silence of the night.

Twilight looked around her. She was surrounded by the best friends a mare could have. When she had first come here to Ponyville, she couldn’t have cared less about making friends, more concerned about stopping Nightmare Moon from returning. Now, here she was, sitting in a field with the best mares in the world, watching a dazzling performance put on by the very pony they had set out to stop… Twilight wondered. Her time here in Ponyville had flown by, yet it seemed as if she had been here her whole life. She felt spike nuzzle warmly against her side.

A hushed chorus of “Ooohhs” and “Aaahs” sounded across the fields, as the dancing streaks of light were joined by colorful curtains of neon red and green, rippling silently across the sky.

“Good heavens,” exclaimed Rarity. “What on earth are those?”

Twilight whispered out of the side of her mouth. “It’s called the Aurora Borealis. I’ve never seen them around here, though. They usually appear farther north. Actually, they’re better known as the ‘Northern Lights.’”

Dash was still working the telescope. “But what causes them? Magic?”

Twilight cocked her head to one side. “I'm not actually sure, but I do know it actually has something to do with the sun.”

Pinkie Pie turned to Twilight, an incredulous look on her pink features. “The sun!?” Everypony nearby shushed her. In as loud a whisper as she could manage, she said, “What does the sun have to do with night?”

Twilight shrugged. “From what Princess Celestia has told me, the sun creates something called solar radiation, which then deflects off the earth's electromagnetic field. The when the two interact, the result is exactly what you see here."

"So..." Rainbow said after a moment. "Magic?"

Twilight sighed, though unable to contain a chuckle. "Magic."

She looked up again, as some of the shooting stars crisscrossed with the aurora, causing it to dance and sway like a curtain caught in a draft. More sounds of appreciation emanated from across the orchard. Fluttershy leaned over, so as not to disturb anyone with talking.

“Everypony looks so happy. I’m glad Luna decided to do this, and I think it’s really nice of Celestia to help her little sister with this amazing show.”

“Why thank you, Fluttershy.”

All present turned at the voice. Fluttershy gave a small “meep,” nearly fainting on the spot. Just within the shadow of the tree, Princess Luna lay comfortably at its base, her ethereal mans swaying some nonexistent breeze. Before anyone could bow, Luna held up a hoof gave them all a heartwarming smile.

“Please, no need to prostrate thyselves. Er... bow, that is.” She fiddled with the words. "I merely wished for a better view, to see if my work has held up to my expectations."

Twilight, still shaken by the surprise appearance, looked around. It seemed that nopony but themselves had noticed the Princess’ arrival. Looking back, she saw Luna, Luna examining one of Pinkie's cupcakes with intense interest. She glanced up.

"May I?"

All present laughed softly, as, for perhaps the first time in her life, Pinkie Pie was left speechless. She dumbly proffered the cupcake in question to the Princess of the Night, who gratefully accepted.

The silent show above was reaching a stunning finale. The aurora borealis was coalescing into the recognizable shape of the crest of Equestria; the two alicorn sisters, circling the sun and moon. The pattern overlapped the real moon itself, adding an edge of mysticism. Stars highlighted each sister; golden orange for Celestia, and a light, shimmering blue for Luna.

Just as the pattern began to dissipate, Twilight noticed an odd glow along the ground. Turning to look, she saw a single, magenta star, soaring above the treetops of the Everfree. As the star traveled, there was a sudden flash, as a cavalcade of comets zipped around, illuminating the area even more, and the aurora flared brighter than ever, adding a fitting exclamation point to the end of the performance.

Twilight only saw some of this. While other ponies watched the rest of the show, her eyes were fixed upon the odd-comet-out. Its trajectory set it behind the audience, so she only saw it when turning her head. Gracefully, it glided over the forest, traveling slower than any star before.

And then it stopped.

Twilight rubbed her eyes in confusion. Shooting stars didn’t stop! Yet there it was, hanging in the sky. Twilight was in awe at how Luna must have arranged this. This couldn’t have been anything less than phenomenal! Sitting there, gleaming in the night sky, slowly drifting… down?

There was no mistaking it. The star was no longer crossing the sky, but plummeting to earth at a frighteningly steep angle. Stifling her panic, she took a surreptitious glance at her friends. All around her, ponies were staring at the finale of stars and the aurora. Behind her, however, she saw Luna fixated upon the falling speck.

Her face bore no expression, Before Twilight could look away, or so much as conjure up some excuse, the Princess of the night gave her head a very small, very slight shake.

Not now, it said. Please, do not ask now.

Twilight looked back at the star. It was nearing the horizon. She expected it to vanish behind the mountain range, but it persisted, traveling between her and the massive mounds of stone in the distance. Twilight shuddered, realizing just how close the mystery…thing, was. About half-way between the peak of the tallest mountain and the ground, it suddenly leveled out, traveling almost parallel to the ground. Then, it finally vanished behind the tree line of the Everfree Forest. A moment later, there was a slight flash.

Then, nothing.

The show was over. Everypony was chatting about the spectacular show, but not one person mentioned the mystery star. She glanced back at the Princesses. They were both getting up, stretching their limbs. Celestia gave her student and her friends a warm smile.

“I am afraid we must be off before we’re noticed. Heaven knows, it’d be frightfully awkward being caught in an apple orchard in the dead of night.”

Applejack gave a quick nod, resisting the urge to bow. “Thank you kindly for visiting our humble abode, yer Highness.” She turned to Luna. “And thank you for that dazzling hum-dinger of a performance.”

Luna blushed beneath her midnight-blue coat, smiling with pride.

“Yeah, that was totally awesome!”

“Simply divine, darling!”

“I can’t WAIT to see what you’re gonna do next time! Ooh ooh! Maybe a… no, that’s not it… what’s the word…?”

Save Spike, who had drifted off to dreamland about halfway through the show, Twilight’s friends all bid their farewells. Twilight did the same, embracing both Princesses. As she broke away from Luna, she heard her whisper softly in her ear.

“Later.”

Twilight didn’t know if she meant that as farewell, or if she was proposing to explain the star, but she smiled anyway. Her horn softly glowing, Luna closed her eyes, using her powers of the night to silently send herself and her sister away without any fuss. Despite the cool night air, Applejack wiped the sweat from her brow.

“Whoo! Ah’m telling you, Twilight, that teacher of yours is one heckuva gal!”

Twilight gave her friend her best impression of a sultry look. Applejack blushed, giving Twilight a friendly hit to the shoulder with a front hoof. “You know what I mean, smartypony.”

Shoving her concern down as deep down as it would go, Twilight smiled. “She sure is something. So, did everypony have fun?”

Spike gave a raucous snore. Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie both bit their lips to keep from laughing. Rarity spoke up. “It was fantastic, darling. I must say that Princess Luna has really outdone herself.” She looked around. “I don’t suppose there’s any chance of her doing it next year?”

“Maybe,” said Rainbow Dash. “I’m just wondering what that shooting star was all about.”

Twilight stiffened. “Which shooting star?”

Rainbow Dash gave her a look. “Gee, I dunno… Which one do you think I’m talking about, egghead?”

There was a long pause, broken only by the snores of the slumbering Spike.

Fluttershy looked over at Dash. “So, you saw it too? I thought it might be my imagination.”

Rainbow shook her head. “No way! I had that thing clear in my sights with this!” She gave the telescope a gentle swat, spinning it on its axis. “There’s no way that thing was a star, or meteor, or anything!”

Pinkie nodded. “And whatever that pinkish glowy thing was, it landed right in the Everfree Forest!”

“Sure did. Ah saw it too.” Applejack looked around. Then, a slow smile played across her face. “So, who’s comin with?”

Rainbow Dash was by her side in a second. “Count me in! Pinkie?”

The pink party pony bounced up and down in agreement, drawing stares from other ponies leaving the orchard. “Absitively, posolutely! Rarity?”

“Wouldn’t miss it for the world,” the white unicorn answered. “Though I do wish I’d brought some proper traveling attire. What about you, Twilight?”

The lavender librarian nodded ascent. “I’m definitely coming. Who knows?”

They all turned to Fluttershy. The yellow pegasus was pawing the ground nervously. “Well, um, you see, I guess, well…”

Twilight caught on. “Actually, Fluttershy, do you think you could do me a favor?”

Fluttershy looked up.

“Spike needs to get home, and it’s well past his bedtime. Do you think you could please take him back to the library for me?”

Fluttershy leaped up in relief. “Oh yes! I’d be happy to. Poor Spikey, he must be so tired. I’ll put him right to bed.”
As carefully as a mother cat with her kitten, Fluttershy took one of Spikes spines in her mouth, near the base of his neck. He snuffled in his sleep, curling into a ball on Fluttershy’s back, and began gnawing on the spade of his tale.

Applejack chuckled. “He may have grown summat, but he sure is the darn cutest little mite Ah’ve ever laid eyes on.”

Fluttershy nodded, speaking to Twilight. “Don’t you worry, I’ll have him straight home in no time.”

The shy pony spread her wings, taking off with delicate precision. Twilight looked around, suddenly realizing that much of their supplies, and her telescope, still needed packing.

“Oh dear, I don’t think it’d be a good idea to take food with us into a monster-infested forest. Should we meet later, after we get all our stuff home?”

Applejack shook her head. “Naw, Ah’ll have one of the farm hooves keep an eye on it. It should all be here for y’all when we get back.” She turned to the group, her cocky smile returned.

“Now, then: Who’s up fer some adventure?”

As always, the Everfree Forest was dark, scary, and, as Twilight had pointed out, monster-infested.

The difference now, however, was that it was absolutely silent. No wind, no crickets, no frogs; no nighttime noises at all.

Somehow, Twilight felt that this just made it all the more foreboding.

Next to her, Rarity shivered. All the ponies were keeping an eye out for anything that might view them as a potential meal. Twilight’s horn glowed faintly as she used a simple claivoyance spell; a complex illusion, which allowed the user to see the life force of those around her. Other than the odd rodent or bird, which glowed a faint pink, and her friends, ranging from gold-red to deep blue, there was nothing of note within her line of sight.

“Jeez! I feel like I’m walking through a graveyard,” Rainbow Dash said, her hushed voice barely audible to the others.

“Oh don’t even say that!” Rarity shivered again, sweeping her head quickly back and forth.

Twilight was gazing at the sky. “Let’s see… Whatever that thing was, it crossed Alnilam of Orion’s belt about… half an hour ago. And from the zenith and latitude from Sweet Apple Acres, that should put it…” she counted under her breath, swinging her head a little ways to the right. “…about that direction.”

Applejack looked in the direction that Twilight had indicated, concern written all over her features. “You sure it was that way? Looked further east to me.”

They reached a clearing in the trees. All five of them stopped dead in their tracks. Twilight swallowed, hard. Directly in front of them, a large swathe had been cut through the forest. Starting with only the tops of the trees some distance to their right, and progressing to ground level just in front of them, it appeared as if a massive flaming blade had swept downward, cutting through the trees and scarring the earth. Entire trees had been knocked over, torn through, or simply weren’t there anymore. Charred and blackened, they lay on the forest floor, smoke still rising from the smoldering detritus. There was neither fire nor embers to speak of, but as Twilight passed her hoof near one of the pieces of charcoal, she immediately withdrew from the heat. To their left was a progressively deepening trench of scorched earth, about fifty-feet across at its widest from what they could see. The entire area was covered in a mix of smoke and mist, limiting their vision, and causing Twilight to cough. Her eyes remained fixed on the carnage, the path of destruction left by whatever that thing had been.

“Yes, Applejack. I’m pretty certain we’re close.

Beyond the mist, and at what she presumed to be the far end of the trench, lights were moving about, and she could faintly make out ponies’ voices. Rainbow Dash squinted, trying to see past the blanket of moisture and ash. “What the hay is anypony doing out here?”

Twilight looked back at the wrecked trees. “Probably the same as us: searching for whatever caused all… this.”

“But who would be out at such a dreadful hour?”

There was a sudden commotion, and several lights winked on and off. Panicked voices sounded through the mist.

“Did you see that?”

“Where’d he go?”

“Someone get in the air and track it!”

“What in the name of…. WHAT ARE THOSE?!”

The friends froze in terror as something shifted in the undergrowth, moving too quickly to be seen. According to Twilight's spell, whatever it was, it was fast, and was only within range of her spell long enough for her to know it was there. Then, it was gone.

But that was only half the terror.

Twilight was immediately overcome by a dull pain, rooted at the base of her horn. A trio of red, glowing lights had materialized in front of the group. The three red, glaring orbs seemed to stare at them with burning malice. They were arranged in the shape of an inverted obtuse triangle, but bright as they were, it was difficult to see them properly. A harsh white light bathed all of them, flitting and flickering. Through the ache in her skull, Twilight's spell made one thing perfectly clear.

Whatever this thing was, it wasn’t alive.

Then, as suddenly as it had come, it left. Taking the headache with it, the red lights shot skyward in unison accompanied by a strange, moaning whir, and a powerful gust of wind that nearly knocked Twilight off her hooves. Still dazzled, she did her best to regain her bearings with her eyes screwed shut. A commanding, male voice called from the side.

“Halt! Stay where you are! By order of Princess Celestia, you will not move.”

Twilight complied, and could tell from the lack of movement around her that her friends had as well. Opening her eyes, she finally got a good view of her captors.

The Canterlot Royal Guard!

About a dozen of the gold-armored ponies surrounded them, all wielding spears. All of which were pointed at them.

“What’s going on here?”

Celestia, the Princess of the Sun herself, stepped into the light of the moon.

The leader answered her with a bow. “Your highness, we caught these five lurking in the shadows. One of those… things flew right from where they’re standing!”

The Princess looked at Twilight and her friends. Not with anger, but with disappointment, perhaps even sadness.

Somehow, this only hurt Twilight more.

“Captain Tip, have your men stand down. These are the Elements of Harmony.”

Before the Captain had even begun to give the hasty countermand, half the spears had already been lowered. Captain Spear Tip, one of Celestia’s finest commanders, immediately made apologies both to the Princess, and to them. Twilight knew him as a friend of her brother, Shining Armor, and she had little doubt he would have an awkward tale to tell him when he returned from his honeymoon. Celestia, however, seemed too preoccupied to pay much attention.

“Thank you, Captain. Please leave us, for a moment.”

Captain Tip hesitated. “Your majesty…?”

“Now, Captain.”

The guard blanched visibly. “Yes of course!" He turned to the assembled guards. "Back to the site! Quick-march!”

The Royal Guard made their way back the way they had come. Now only Celestia remained. She stared at the five, her face remaining as trained and expressionless as any ruler’s should when in the presence of their subjects. Twilight self-consciously pawed the ground. When Celestia spoke, it was with slow, measured steps. As if to ensure that she let nothing slip.

“Applejack. Pinkamina Pie. Rarity. Rainbow Dash. Twilight Sparkle. Why did you come here tonight?”

Dash was the first to speak up. “We saw that thing in the forest!”

“That… ‘Thing?’”

“That weird pinkish purpley thing that fell out of the sky. We all saw it and thought it would be cool… to… come… see… it…” Pinkie’s voice faltered, and then died under the stern glare of the Princess.

Twilight stepped forward. “We just wanted to know what it could be, your Majesty. As the Elements of Harmony, it was our duty to find out if it was a threat to Ponyville. Or even Equestria!”

Celestia’s voice remained level. “It is not your duty to act as protectors.”

Surprisingly, Twilight felt a small surge of rebellion welling in her chest. She quelled it. Mostly. “With all due respect, your Highness, it kind of is. It would be irresponsible of us not to come.”

Princess Celestia gave them all a very long, very hard look. Then, resigning to the fact that their curiosity wasn’t going to up and leave, she sighed heavily. Staring at the ground, she spoke, barely above a whisper. “Twilight. Do you trust me?”

Twilight was taken aback by the question. “Of course I trust you, I—”

The Princess raised her eyes to Twilight's, pleading. “Then please. Please. Forget what you saw tonight. I know you have a lot of questions, but I cannot answer them. Not now…”

The five friends were dumbstruck. None of them had ever seen Celestia in this state. Now it was Rarity who spoke up. “But, your majesty-“

“…please.”

After a long, hushed silence, Twilight stepped forwards, placing a gentle hoof on her mentor’s cheek. “I promise.” She looked back at her friends. “We all do.” Her friends nodded in consent. Twilight turned back to Celestia. “But YOU have to promise that you’ll tell us. Not now, not tomorrow, but you can’t keep this secret forever. Even with Luna’s show, I’m certain there’s more than a few ponies who saw that thing. And they’re going to have the same questions we do.”

Celestia touched Twilight’s hoof with her own, a small smile creeping across her sad features. “It’s a deal, Twilight Sparkle.”

She stood up to her full height, but her features remained soft. “I can have one of the guards escort you out, if you wish.”

Applejack shook her head.

“That won’t be necessary. Uh, your Majesty,” she hastened.

Celestia smiled. “Very well. You have a pleasant evening, and a good night.”

With that, she turned, and made her sedate way back where the thing must have landed. Twilight wasn’t certain, but it seemed that Celestia was making absolutely sure they weren’t going to follow her.

Left alone amongst the scorched trees, the five friends looked at one another. Confusion was written all over each and every pony’s face.

“Sooo, we goin’ or what,” said Rainbow Dash.

Applejack gave her a look. “Of course we’re leaving.”

“No, I meant are we going to see what that thing was.”

“Rainbow,” Twilight admonished, “We promised we wouldn’t.”

“No, you promised. I never said anything.” The multi-chromatic mare spread her wings with intent to fly, but Rarity put her hoof down. Directly on Rainbows tail. There was a “Whoof!” as the air rushed from Rainbow’s lungs when she hit the ground. The pegasus glared at the fashionista. "Rarity! It's bad enough Applejack does that!"

“I’m sorry Rainbow, but we simply can’t break this promise. The Princess said she’d tell us when we needed to know.”

“But I-“

Pinkie glared at her with her big blue eyes. “Do you remember what I say, Rainbow? ‘Breaking a promise…’”

“‘… is the fastest way to lose a friend. Forever!’ I know, I know.” Rainbow gave a dejected sigh, getting to her feet.

“But she doesn’t have to know if we-“

“Rainbow!”

She winced at the onslaught of rebuttals.

“All right! Jeez!” she said, wiggling a hoof in her ear.

The walk back to the Apple family property was decidedly subdued. On the way, they swung by Fluttershy’s house to say goodnight. The yellow pegasus assured Twilight that Spike was back at the library, safe and sound, if a little grumpy at having missed the ending of the show.

At the orchard, everyone gathered their things, which, as Applejack had promised, were right where they’d left them. They said goodbye to the orange cowfilly, then made their way to town.

Next, Rainbow Dash, retired to her cloud-house.

Then Rarity, returned to her boutique.

And finally Pinkie Pie, who gave a rather subdued farewell to Twilight, as she made her way back to Sugarcube Corner.

She wasn’t even bouncing.

That left Twilight to make her way to the library, alone with her thoughts.

What was that thing in the sky? What about the lights that had ‘stared’ at her and her friends? What was it the guards had been chasing after?

And why was Princess Celestia so concerned about keeping it a secret?

She let out a sigh. At this point, the most she could do was read up on astronomical phenomenon; perhaps there was something obvious she had overlooked in her studies.

Twilight Sparkle, Librarian of Ponyville, and the Element of Magic…

…completely powerless against the unknown.

She gave her head a swift shake. The Princess knew what she was doing, and she had promised to tell her when the time was right. She would trust her judgment.

Maybe some late night book shelving will help clear my head, she thought, opening the door to the still lit library.

As if in response to her inner voice, she found the library a veritable mess. Perhaps a fourth of the books were off their shelves, piled onto the various tables. Twilight heard a munching noise from behind one of the piles. Though irritated, she couldn’t help but laugh at her assistant’s panache for midnight snacks. Actually, she supposed it was similar to her own liking for re-shelving.

She set the picnicking supplies down by the door, then made her way to the pile.
“Spike, it’s late. You really should be in…”

She came full circle around the pile of books.

“…bed?”

The figure sitting behind the books, reading from one and munching on an apple… was definitely NOT Spike.

It wasn’t even a pony...

Chapter 2: Chirp

Chapter 2: Chirp

by: Brony 2-Ma-Ro

The library was completely silent, save for the crunch of the apple.

Twilight Sparkle stood, dumbstruck, staring at the... thing behind the books.

Her immediate thought was of her brother...

“SPIKE! SPIKE, WHERE ARE YOU?”

The creature, who up until this moment hadn’t seemed to notice her, gave out a startled, shrill whistling noise, toppling backwards into the pile of books. The resulting avalanche completely hid it from view.

Behind Twilight, the door to the kitchen swung open. She spun around, ready for anything, and there, walking through the doorway...

...was Spike. Apple in one hand, book under his arm, and a tray of sandwiches held precariously between both.

“Jeez, Twilight, I’m right here! You didn’t have to shout like that.” He stopped, looking around in confusion. “Huh, I wonder where he got to?”

There was a muffled whistle from beneath the books. Spike laughed. “Chirp, is that you? What are you doing under there?”

The lavender librarian was frozen in place. Pupils reduced to pinpricks, one of her eyes twitched. The moment Spike put down the tray, she snapped to her senses. Dashing forward, she grabbed spike by the scruff of his neck.

“What... WHOAH! TWILIGHT, WHAT ARE YOU DOING?”

“I’m getting you out of here. I don’t know what that thing is, but...”

Something clicked in her head. Up to that point, her internal clockwork had been somewhat joggled by the shock of... well, whatever it was. She skidded to a stop, just inches from the door, and set the dragon on the ground.

“Spike... Did you just call that thing... Chirp?”

There was a shifting of books, and a disheveled head worked its way out of the pile. Instinctively, she moved between it and Spike, shielding him with her body. Spike however had other ideas. Rolling his eyes, he slipped around Twilight’s guard, making his way back to the tray of food.

“Yes, I did. It happens to be his name.” He gestured to each of them respectively. “Twilight, Chirp. Chirp, this is my sister, Twilight Sparkle.”

The thing worked its way out of the pile. Standing up to its full height, Twilight was startled to realize it was at least a full head taller than her; coming up, at a guess, to about two heads shorter than Princess Celestia. The thing gave Spike an odd look, whistling quizzically. Spike gave a snort, then doubled over from laughter.

“Hehehe! No, she’s not my actual sister. She hatched my egg for an exam, so she’s sort of my adoptive mother too.” Another whistle. Spike laughed even harder.

“HA! No, I'm pretty sure she did not have to sit on it!”

Amongst all this commotion, her inner voice was screaming at her to run, that it was dangerous. But somewhere deep inside Twilight, past the fear and shock, her analytical mind went into overdrive.

Definitely male. Bipedal. Skeletal and facial structure immediately suggested simian heritage. He was clothed in some sort of black, lackluster material, with some sort of high-collared jacket of the same color, with a simple trim of dark blue. Looking at his hands, she was startled to see that each of the upper... "Legs?"... ended in a claw like structure similar to Spike's. Four slimmer "fingers," and a single, stubbier "thumb." They were gloved with some sort of material that she didn’t recognize. His legs might possibly have ended in hooves, but they were too elongated; again, somewhat like Spike’s. He wore boots, made of the same material as his gloves, if somewhat stiffer.

The face was most striking.

Again, most certainly simian. The skin was barren of almost any fur, save for a little under the chin. The top of the head, however, was covered in a jet black mop of mane, which, while might have been groomed at some point, was messy after having been covered in books. The nose, a small, triangular ordeal, was long and thin, with the mouth situated directly beneath it.

The eyes were what struck her the most. The irises were a deep, brilliant blue, and almost seemed to shift and shimmer, depending where the light was facing. Not nearly as expressive as those of her friends', given their comparatively diminutive size, but still noticeable against an otherwise plain backdrop.

She shuddered as it glanced at her. Cold, sharp fear clutched at the pit of her stomach, yet something in her chest kept persuading her to relax. It took her a moment to realize she was shivering.

Looking at Spike, the thing... er, "Chirp"... gave a series of short, concise whistling noises, accompanied by a few gestures with his... claws?

After watching it gesticulate for a moment, Spike gave Twilight a reproachful look, handing the creature a sandwich.

“He says you scared him.”

Twilight choked. “I scared him? What the hay is he doing in the library and... Wait. How do you know what he said?”

The creature took a large bite out of the peanut butter and jelly sandwich, then started digging through the pile of books.

Spike gave Twilight a smug look, patting his stomach. “I happen to be completely fluent in ‘Hungry.’”

Twilight couldn’t find an answer for that one. “Does it… er, can he talk?”

Spike clambered up on the center table, minding the horse head statue at the center. He shook his head. “Not that I’ve heard.” He looked at Chirp, who shook his head, touching his throat; a clear indication that he couldn’t speak.

Sitting down, Spike took out the book he’d been carrying under his arm, taking a large bite out of his apple.

“His name is Chirp. He’s new in town. He likes walks on the beach, reading, and sketching, and his astrological sign is Aries.”

Chirp gave him a questioning look. Spike shrugged. “Hey, if you want ladies, you gotta have a sensitive side.”

Looking at Twilight, Chirp rolled his eyes, sticking a thumb at Spike. Twilight didn’t know whether to laugh or not. It took her a moment to reconfigure her thoughts into an orderly fashion.

“But... what is he?”

Spike spoke around his turquoise sandwich. “Dunno. Hey, Chirp. What are you anyway?”

It took all of Twilight’s self-control not to scream “ARE YOU CRAZY? ISN’T THAT THE FIRST THING YOU SHOULD HAVE THOUGHT? HOW COULD YOU NOT THINK TO ASK THAT?” at the top of her lungs.

Chirp, meanwhile, whistled a few quick notes, before returning to his studying. Spike spoke to Twilight.

“He said something like... Due-Nam.” Chirp gave a negative whistle.

“Noo-Ram?” Whistle.

“Hoo-Lam?” Another whistle.

“Human?”

This time, it was Twilight who spoke up. Chirp, giving her a surprised look, whistled an affirmative note. This turned into a shriller whistle of shock as he toppled backwards for the second time, as Twilight’s horn glowed, sending several of the books he’d been perched on past her head faster than any normal pony should have been able to read them. Chirp staggered upright, giving Spike a questioning look.

The young dragon just shrugged. “She does that sometimes. You learn to get used to it.”

Twilight had finally found what she'd been looking for. The word “Human” had triggered something in her memory when she’d been looking through her resource books.

Ah, here it was: The Illustrated Guide to Equestrian Cryptozoology.

She hadn’t thought anything of it since... She looked up at Chirp, who was simply standing there, and giving her an odd look.

Nevermind.

She set the book on the reading table, flipping through the pages quickly enough to generate a light breeze....C, D, E, F, G...H! She finally found the page which opened the chapter.

The illustration was... ah, interesting.

It appeared to be a grown, male human with eight limbs; Four arms, four legs. He was set in a circle, offset by an upright rectangle. The arms were outstretched, with one pair of legs set together, the other spread.

There was some sort of structure between the legs... Oh.

She blushed furiously.

Beneath the drawing was a strange scrawl of writing. She didn’t recognize the language, but beneath it was another set of text, which she recognized as the translation.

“The Vetruvian Man.”

"Man?" Could that be a contraction for "human?"

The description explained that the drawing had been found amongst a collection of strange artwork, during an archaeological dig in the mountains. Though the author of the work remained a mystery, it stated that he or she was likely to have been an authority on human mythology.

She read on through the chapter. Though the eight-limbed figure had confused her, it soon became clear that this had merely been an artistic illustration of movement.

According to the book, Humans only had four limbs, were of the simian genus, and operated as bipeds.

She looked up. The creature certainly fit the description. She skimmed through the illustrations, reaching the author’s note at the end of the chapter.

“... In conclusion, it is most likely that these mythological beings are just this; a myth. However, there is a great deal of debate upon this standing, and many arguments stand against this theory, more than one having yet to be completely dis-proven.

One legend states that humans once roamed the land, possibly colonizing the entire planet. Another mentions a cataclysm of sorts, erasing humans from the earth, and removing any evidence of their existence.

Yet another states that they ‘left’ this world to find another. The exact means are, of course, obscured. Overall, the evidence of humans is limited at best, and their existence is most likely fictitious.

For more information on Human Theory, please consult ‘Starswirl’s Pre-Classical Catalogue of Mischief and Mayhem.’...”

She set the book back down on the table.

So... as far as the book was concerned, humans were little more than a myth.

According to it, they didn't exist.

As far as here five senses were concerned, they did.

Looking back at Chirp, she wondered how he could have survived for so long, or if...

She started when she realized she had been referring to him as “Chirp.”

Should she really trust him? If he was human...

Well, given her studies, she’d heard plenty of old mare’s tales.

“Humans were monsters. They destroyed what they touched, took what they wanted, and defiled what they wished. Their only weakness was themselves. They destroyed each other, just as quickly as anything they viewed as different.

They destroyed themselves. This, and only this, is the reason they are not here today.”

Simple stories, meant to scare young foals. But this was ancient folklore, spoken as word of mouth long before Luna had been banished. Now, a thousand years later, they were little more than a whispered legend.

Closing her eyes, she inhaled deeply. A human. A real, live human. In her library. conversing with her little brother. Every instinct told Twilight that this was wrong.

Humans do not exist! Even if they do, then who knows what destruction they might wreak. This thing is dangerous. Get rid of it. Now!

Then another though occurred. A small, insignificant thought. But the more she contemplated, the more certain she became.

Perhaps... maybe.

If I am to get any answers, I will have to play along with this. As dangerous as a game this may be... I’ll just have to risk it.

Twilight suddenly felt a clinging weight on her left hind leg. Looking down, she saw Spike clutching her hoof, his eyes wide an pleading, the pupils expanded to impossible proportions. “Pleeeease, Twilight? Can we keep him? Pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeease?”

She rolled her eyes. Feeling something similar on her right hind leg, she turned her head, and yelped when she saw Chirp mirroring Spike, eyes pleading, a strange, cute pout on his face.

How is it possible for something bigger than me to even try to look as adorable as Spike?

She shuddered. “Fine. Now get off, both of you!”

Spike leaped up in the air with a triumphant cheer. Chirp, mute as ever, though smiling, reached down to give the dragon a bro-hoof. Or was it a bro-claw, since neither of them actually had hooves?

The moment they had let go, however, Twilight whirled around, her horn glowing. Chirp was immediately surrounded by a lavender aura of magic, pinning his limbs to his side.

“Twilight! What the hay?” Spike shouted.

“I said he can stay, Spike. But only for tonight! Tomorrow, I’m getting help with this!”

Before Spike could protest anything, Twilight elevated herself so that she was eye level with the immobile Chirp.“Now listen, Chirp, if that is your name. Spike likes you, and though I don't always respect his judgement, I do respect his instinct. However, you entered this library without my permission, and until I know otherwise, and know exactly what you are, I will treat you as a potential threat to him, my friends, and me.”

She drew herself so that they were nose-to-nose. Her voice had become menacingly calm.

“Am I perfectly clear?”

Chirp's eyes flitted back and forth. Impatiently, she released the magic holding his head. He immediately nodded furiously in agreement.

“Good. Now, I’m going to cast a simple spell on you. It will keep you from leaving the library without my willing consent. I don’t like having to do this, but the alternative involves a ball and chain. And not everypony here will be very open to having something dangerous wandering around.”

She gave him a very firm stare. “And if you’re even thinking of trying something to get my permission to leave, I should tell you right now that holding Spike hostage won’t work. And if you even think of trying... Well, I have a library full of spellbooks. I’m certain one or two will be of interest.”

Chirp hadn’t stopped nodding throughout, but at these words, his head had become a blur of affirmation. He finally had to stop, eyes rolling dizzily in their sockets.

Content with his answer, Twilight cast the Area of Restraint spell; an inverted, invisible forcefield, designated for a specific individual. However, she covertly added a fail-safe. If, for whatever reason, Chirp managed to escape the library, or if she or anypony else within range uttered a single key phrase three times in sequence, the air around him would instantly become hot enough to boil an egg.

Probably not enough to kill him, she guessed, but enough to temporarily disable him.

She set him down. As she lowered herself as well, she was instantly overcome with fatigue. She staggered, almost falling. She felt something warm move itself to support her. Distantly, she realized it was Chirp.

Too tired to argue, all she could manage was: “Spike, it’s time for bed. For all of us. Chirp, I’m afraid the guest bed is a bit small, but feel free to make do with whatever you can. Just keep clear of the windows.”

Then, after a long moment of thought, she gave a rueful smile.“And if it isn’t too late: Welcome to Ponyville.”

Staggering up the stairs, she looked up at Chirp. He wasn’t smiling, but he wasn’t hostile either. As they reached her and Spike’s room, he stopped, waiting at the door.

Spike came hobbling in not far behind, rubbing his eyes. “Goodnight Chirp. If you need anything, just give a whistle.” He snickered at his own joke.

Twilight, already in bed, was keeping a wary eye on Chirp. back-lit as he was by the light of the hall, she could only make out the human's silhouette He seemed respectful enough not to actually enter their room without her permission, and he even gave a silent chuckle at Spike’s joke. He looked at the librarian, his unseen gaze sending shivers down her spine. After a moment, he turned, making his way back down the stairs.

Even as Twilight stupidly remembered that she’d forgotten to lock up for the night, she heard the faint puff of air, as the candles were blown out, one by one, and the clatter of eating ware, as he moved the eating tray back into the kitchen. More shuffling down stairs, a *click* as the door was locked, and then, silence.

Twilight rolled over in bed. Somehow, she could just barely convince herself that she and Spike were the only ones in the library. As scary as he might seem, Chirp… Well, what else could she call him?

Chirp seemed to exude an aura of comfort, and peace. She felt that, if called for, she could get mad at him, but she didn’t think she could stay that way for long.

Drifting off to dreamland, she hoped that this feeling wasn’t a method some predator might use to put his prey at ease…

He woke with a start. Darkness. Silence. It took a moment for him to remember. He was in a land of ponies, inside a tree, sleeping on a pile of books. Good. Nothing out of the ordinary.

There it was again.

A faint, moaning whir...

He resisted the urge to find cover. Too late for that now. All there was to do was remain still.

He lay there, silent. A harsh, white light filled one of the windows. Then the next one.

Moving. Scanning. Searching. Looking.

He didn’t move. Through one of the windows, he saw the drone’s three, red eyes slip past as it shifted position. All you could see was its eyes. The rest was hidden from sight by its shroud.

The shroud bent light, deflecting and refracting. Because of this, the eyes remained unhidden, lest they be unable to see.

Window. Window. Window.

Door.

It waited there. One red eye was set at the crack, looking in.

And then it vanished, the noise slowly dying away.

With a sigh of relief, he relaxed. Suddenly stiff as a board, he stood, slipping slightly on the bed of books.

He was fortunate to have found this shelter. The drones had difficulty differentiating organic matter, and the living tree he was now inside did well to hide his signature. The fact it was well insulated also meant his thermal signature was far less obvious than it would be out in the open.

He also counted himself fortunate to have found friends in this land. Spike, of course, had immediately taken well with him.

It had been an odd encounter. The town had been almost completely empty, and the few that had been out that late were easy enough to avoid. He’d been surprised to come across the library; a hollowed out tree, just off the town square. Carefully opening the door, he’d received an even greater shock when it’d been answered by a sleepy, somewhat grumpy, but very real baby dragon. The one-sided conversation that had followed, though awkward, had been enough to assure them both they could trust one another. After a light snack and a few books, they’d become fast friends.

He worried about Twilight, though. He was completely unfamiliar with magic, but he had felt something. Something that told him that she had done more than simply restrain him. At a guess, most likely some form of insurance, something that would allow the purple mare to trust him enough not to kidnap Spike, or something. In any case, he certainly wasn’t going to ask. And not for the obvious reason.

He unconsciously touched his throat. How long, now? An age, at least.

Stretched and comfortable, he curled up on the pile of books. He had to resist the urge to read one.

Sleep now, read later.

Maybe he’d find more friends in the morning.

The sun shone down on the land, as if aware of the previous night’s show, and doing its best to make up for it. Not overly hot, but pleasantly warm.

She awoke with a moan. A fresh start. And it looked to be a day as beautiful as last night had been. Zecora got out of bed, stretching first her front, then her back legs, her black and white striped body shivering as several joints popped.

Despite its dangers, the Everfree Forest was a nice place to live. And with her potions acting to repel unwanted beasts, it was usually uneventful as well.

She yawned.“Come now, Zecora, come awake. The day is here, and yours to take.”

She swiftly mixed up one of her special brews. A favorite of hers, and a closely kept secret.

Her own special blend of coffee.

A quick swig, and she was fully awake. So were the memories of last night. She’d seen the strange star fall, landing perhaps a mile or two from her home. Despite her potions, all through the night, she had felt as if something was lurking outside. Regardless, she had still managed to find sleep.

Now fully awake she couldn’t help but wonder what these events could have meant. “For the information I desire, perhaps a library is required?”

Her mind set, she donned her ingredient satchel, and was on her way out the door.

“Zecora!”

Surprised, she looked up to see her friend, Rainbow Dash, come hurtling towards her. Just in time, the blue pegasus pulled out of her crash course, sliding through the door, and coming to a stuttering stop in front of the zebra herbalist.

Panting hard, she tried to get her words out as fast as possible, but was completely incomprehensible. “I… we… last night… now… burning… fast… water…”

Zecora gave a smile, hoping to reassure the spooked pony. “Speaking quickly helps no one. Perhaps a moment, ‘till you are done?”

She offered Rainbow a glass of water. Nodding, the blue pegasus accepted, downing it in on gulp, and slowing down her breathing to a manageable pace. Suspecting this might take a while, Zecora sat down.

Dash finally managed to catch her breath. “Sorry Zecora. Just had to get here fast.” A few more breaths. “You remember the show last night?”

“The show, yes, I think Luna’s best.”

“Awesome, right? Anyway, we saw something land here in the forest, so we came to investigate.”

“Speak you of an odd colored star? From my house, it did not land far.”

“You saw it too? Great. Anyway, we went to see, but Princess Celestia and her guards were already there, so we didn’t see much. Except for some really creepy lights, but we didn’t get a good look at those either. In any case, she asked us to leave, though I didn’t want to, but we left anyway, so I thought I’d come back today, and there’s still a mess over there, but everything’s gone, so I started looking around. And… and…” She gasped for breath after her run-on sentence. Zecora, patient as ever, waited until she was ready.

Finally, Dash spoke. “I think I found something. Don’t know what. Never seen anything like it before.”

Zecora raised an eyebrow. “Really? How strange. Perhaps a visit, I could arrange?”

Dash nodded. “That’s why I came. I’m not sure what it is, but it smells… weird. I figured since you spent so much time here, you might have an idea.”

Zecora nodded, getting up. “Of this thing, I may very well know… Gah!”

Rainbow dash was already pushing the zebra out the door, setting her wings into overdrive.

“Glad you think so, c’mon, let’s go!”

After perhaps fifteen minutes of walking (Or in Rainbow Dash’s case, complaining about having to walk), the two found the clearing in question. A row of lilac bushes lined the eastern edge, and several sleeper vines hung from a nearby oak tree. Zecora noticed Rainbow Dash flinch slightly as she walked past a small patch of blue flowers, obviously recalling the poison joke incident.

The blue pegasus pointed with her hoof. “It’s right over there, just past that little tree.”

As they rounded the tree in question, it became apparent to Zecora as to why Rainbow had been so concerned.

On the ground, about three pony-lengths long, one and a half wide, was what appeared to be a pile of charcoal. There was no sign of damage beyond the pile, save for some singed grass, and, from what Zecora could determine, there were no hoof prints nearby, though there was much evidence of some disturbance, as a lot of dirt had been scraped up and shifted around. Ash drifted lazily off of the blackened pile, caught in the morning breeze.

Rainbow Dash looked at the zebra. “Ok, I know it isn’t a big deal, but I just thought it was kinda weird, being so close to that place from last night. Any idea what it is?”

“I fear, Rainbow, I have not a clue...” Reaching forward, Zecora pulled something that had caught her eye out of the ashes. “... but, what does this look like to you?”

Dash took a good look at the object. It was a metal spike, thinner than a pencil, about the same length, and slightly flanged at one end. Her aerodynamically trained eye went over every detail

.

“Not sure," she said, " but it looks like a weapon. See these fins at this end? Those would keep it going straight through the air.” She examined the pointed end. “But it’s so small, I really don’t know what sort of damage it could do.”

Zecora gave the pony a surprised look. “Your knowledge of these things surprises me. Is this information which you study?”

Rainbow Dash bashfully rubbed her mane with a hoof. “Sorta, I mean, I don’t really like weapons in general, but I read something about it in the Wonderbolts Weekly. Soarin’ uses something like this to hit clay targets in mid-air. It helps him practice precision and hone his depth perception. Honestly, I think it just sounds fun to do.”

The zebra furrowed her brow. “Violence for fun? No, thank you. And it’s hardly an excuse to keep one’s aim true.”

Rainbow Dash shrugged. “Meh, whatever.” She turned back to the pile. "So, waddya think?”

Placing the object delicately in her bag, Zecora circled the mystery pile. “By coming to me, I think you did well. Tell me, what do you think of the smell?”

Rainbow leaned forward, inhaling deeply through her nostrils. She immediately pulled back, one hoof covering her muzzle.

“Yeb. Dat’s wad id sbelled like wed I cabe here earlier.”

She blew out of her nose several times to clear her sinuses. “I’m pretty sure its wood, but there’s something else that just reeks. Some kinda moss that stinks when it burns, maybe?”

Zecora's look was one of concern. “Your thought is indeed a lucky guess. But I fear that I do know this smell:

“Burnt flesh.”

Dash took a moment to gag. “Okay, one, that’s gross, and two, that barely rhymed...”

She paused. “Wait, flesh? As in, real, living flesh?” She gagged again, quickly looking for a good secluded spot to hurl if necessary.

Ignoring Rainbow's distress, Zecora continued to examine the pile. She had come to a definitive conclusion. “This sight unsettles me, I do admit, though no other way can I see this fit."

"Die this way, no creature should. This can only be a wolf of wood.”

It took perhaps a second for Rainbow Dash to understand. “Timberwolf? You’re saying this is a Timberwolf?”

Zecora nodded. “The shape, the smell, it all adds up. But what could burn this creature up?”

Dash looked back at the pile. The two smells, burnt wood and flesh, did make sense, but that still left the mystery of why and how it had burnt. Looking around, she saw some disturbed earth, and suddenly noticed that, while there were no hoof prints, there were plenty of marks recognizable as belonging to several timberwolves.

They were both interrupted, however, by the sudden appearance of two lavender wisps of smoke, both of which coalesced before both pony and zebra. With a *pop*, two scrolls blinked into existence.

Rainbow Dash jumped. “That looked like Spike’s message system! I thought it only worked with Princess Celestia!”

Unrolling her message, Zecora spoke “Indeed, I as well thought this way. Rainbow Dash, what does yours say?”

It was immediately clear that they had both received the same message:

To Applejack, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Rarity and Zecora.

Something has come up at the library. Please, come as soon as you are able.

I have found something that may answer our questions as to the incidents of last night.

Zecora, you are a close and trusted friend, so I feel you should see this as well.

Please do not take long.

Twilight Sparkle.

Zecora and Rainbow looked at one another.

“This ‘incident’ mentioned by Miss Twilight. Could this be the star that fell last night?”

“You bet!” Rainbow Dash, though much more elated, remained deadly serious. "But if she’s this worried about it... well, I’m not scared, but I don’t think this is something to take lightly.”

She lifted off into the air, but immediately stopped, remembering the earth-bound zebra. “Do you want me to wait for you?”

Zecora shook her head. “To the library I’ll be, before midday. Go and tell them I’m on my way.”

Rainbow Dash made a poor attempt to conceal her relief at not having to walk. “Okay then. I’ll see you at the library, then. Later, Zecora!”

And with that, she was off. Zecora gave her own sigh of relief, chuckling to herself.

“An excellent flier, to keep the skies from raining. But I know no other pony who does more complaining.”

Twilight woke around her usual time; right around midmorning. She’d gotten up, brushed her mane, and went to give Spike a nudge.

He wasn’t in his basket.

The events from the previous night flooded back to her in an instant. Panic gripping her like a vice. How could I have been so stupid? I should have put more constraints on the spell. I swear, if he’s harmed a single scale on Spike’s head...

“Twilight! You up?”

Spike’s voice drifted from down stairs, snapping Twilight out of her pessimistic reverie, and filling her with relief. At the same time, she also wondered why Spike was up before her. That wasn’t like him at all.

“Twilight?”

“Yeah, I’m up. Be down in a sec.”

“Oh, Okay. Breakfast is on the table.”

The growl that sounded from her stomach told her that breakfast was not optional. As she made her way downstairs, she was pleasantly surprised to find that the mess of books from last night had been cleared away, replaced in an organized manner back on the shelves. She shook her head, smiling as she entered the kitchen. Spike was already seated at the table, fork in hand, reading the front page of the Equestrian Daily.

He looked up as she came in. He held up the paper for her to see. “Check it out! Luna’s Night Show is the talk of Equestria! No way can she be worried about people not liking her.”

Sitting down, Twilight accepted the paper from Spike. The front page held nothing but praise for the Princess’s work, as well as a color photograph of the finale, with the crest easily visible.

Twilight slapped a hoof to her head, remembering the camera. “Oh no! I forgot to take pictures! Oooh, now what am I gonna do for that new photo album...”

Spike interrupted. “Twilight, it’s okay. I got some in while you were chatting with the girls.”

He looked glumly at the page. “Though I wish I coulda stayed awake long enough to see that. Hey Chirp, how’re those eggs coming?”

Twilight looked over to the stove, starting slightly as she saw the human, shifting eggs around in the pan. He whistled in reply, hunched slightly for a stove that came just short of his hip, tossing the last of the eggs onto a plate. As he made his way to the table, Twilight had to stifle a laugh that rose unbidden to her throat, instead covering her mouth, trying to disguise it with a cough. The human had shed his overcoat, though he still wore dark, simple pants and shirt;

And a frilly pink apron.

Spike gave her a look, and Twilight lowered her hoof, though still biting her lip. Chirp, apparently in high spirits, served her eggs, as well as a glass of orange juice. Tearing her thoughts away as to where Chirp could have gotten the apron, Twilight took a quick bite of the eggs. They were surprisingly good. She’d had eggs before, but neither she nor Spike were very adept at cooking them without leaving shells in, or even burning them. Her mood, and her hunger, were substantially improved by the breakfast, and felt obliged to thank Chirp for the meal. He smiled in reply, putting the food back in the pantry.

Bringing herself back to more pertinent matters besides breakfast, she looked back at the paper.After careful examination, she had confirmed that no word of the mystery star was to be found, nor any mention of something crashing in the Everfree forest.

She sighed. That only left her one option. Looking at Chirp, she cast a quick, harmless spell. One she had used the previous night.

Bingo!

Her private suspicion confirmed, she turned to Spike. “Spike, take a note, please.”

Acting on reflex, the young assistant already had the parchment and quill in hand before realizing he still had toast in his mouth.

“Mmmf! (gulp). C’mon, Twi, can’t I at least finish breakfast?”

“This will be short, I promise.”

Spike rolled his eyes. “Ok, fine.” He set the set the feathertip to the paper. “What do you want to tell Princess Celestia this time?”

Twilight shook her head. “Not Celestia. Just write down what I say.”

The dictation was quick. Simply a list of her friends in greeting, then the message itself. Spike gave her a look. “So, wait. What happened last night? And what do you think you’ve figured out?”

Twilight took the note from his grip, pushing his plate within his reach. “I’ll explain it all when they get here. Just give me a moment to check something.”

This “something” was the spell she had cast on Spike several years ago. When she had started raising Spike after the exam, she had first tried to find a way to keep him from setting everything on fire. Through her research, she was surprised to learn that dragon-fire was actually a highly magical substance, with “burning” just being a side-effect, as the magical energy dissipated into heat. After careful study, she learned how to get Spike to send notes to Celestia, allowing her to quickly update her mentor on her progress with her studies. The Princess had been kind enough to add a counterpart to the spell, allowing Spike to receive messages as well. With the exception of hiccups, Spike needed to be conscious of the effort to send messages, though thus far, he had only learned how to send them to Celestia.

The book actually holding the spell was somewhere in the Canterlot library. As it was, Twilight happened to have several personal journals on spells which she had practiced and refined over the years. It was a simple matter of finding the right one. She went up to her bedroom to search her personal collection.

Ten minutes later, a small mountain of books had been piled on the central table, and Twilight had located the necessary components for her spell.

The enchantment she intended to cast would do three things: Lock on to multiple recipients, duplicate the note the required number of times and, of course, send the copies to their respective targets.

Before she cast the spell, she returned to the kitchen. Spike was finishing the last of the dishes, but there was no sign of Chirp. She immediately suppressed the panicked feeling welling in the pit of her stomach. “Spike, where’s Chirp?”

Spike glanced over at Twilight. “Oh. Sorry. He’s just showing me this really cool trick he knows.”

Twilight raised an eyebrow. “Showing you wha... HOLY mother...!”

Chirp had appeared out of nowhere, not five paces from where she stood. He no longer wore his apron, but had once again donned his jacket, as well as a sinister looking hood, and a mask that covered the lower half of his face. He immediately pulled both back, flashing Twilight a sheepish smile.

Twilight was dumbstruck. “Wow. Sorry Chirp, it’s just, well, I didn’t know you knew magic.”

Chirp shrugged, shaking his head. Spike hopped down from the stool he’d been standing on. “Actually, Twi, it isn’t magic.”

“Huh?”

Spike smiled. “Chirp figured this out a long time ago. He calls it the Wallpaper technique.”

Chirp shook his head, giving two quick whistles.

Spike scratched his head. “Sorry. Wall...flower? Wallflower technique, that’s it. From what he’s told me, he basically becomes uninteresting enough that people just ignore him.”

Twilight snorted. “Yeah, right. Real life human, twice as tall as me, wearing sinister clothing. Totally uninteresting. Besides, it’d never work! ”

Spike gave her a sly grin. “Uh, Twilight? It kinda just did.”

Touché. Well, she’d already accepted the fact that Pinkie-sense could operate on a non-magical level. What was one more block of weirdness gonna do?

She looked at Chirp. For some reason, it felt unnerving to talk to him as if he were a sentient being. She shook the slanderous thought from her head. Until this problem was resolved, it was just something that she needed to become used to.

Resigning herself to the conundrum, she addressed the human. “So, Chirp. I need to figure something out. For right now, I need you to stay put here in the kitchen for a while. You can come out when I say, but until then... just please keep quiet?”

Chirp nodded, miming the action of zipping his mouth shut, then throwing away the key.

Twilight couldn’t help but feel she was being mocked.

She returned to the main room, her message and the spell book on the table. She shuddered, her stomach full of butterflies.

Okay, this is it.

She gave her notes one more scan to make sure she was doing everything right, then closed her eyes. A moment of concentration, a faint hum as her horn glowed, a slight drain in her stamina as the complex spell took its toll, then with a puff of ethereal wind, the note disintegrated, the smoke flowing into the air, and out the window.

“There we go,” she said. “It shouldn’t be long now.”

“What shouldn’t be long?”

Twilight jumped a full three feet into the air. Pinkie Pie was standing right next to her, her trademark grin plastered on her features. The moment Twilight’s heart-rate had lowered to tolerable levels, she gasped out. “Pinkie? What... how... huh?”

The pink mare cocked her head to one side, just as Twilight’s note appeared a few inches above her head. Twilight nearly went cross-eyed from cranial overload. Impossibly, Pinkie's smile seemed to widen. “I got a twitchy-twitch combo that meant you’d be sending me a note that would ask me to come as soon as possible. So, I came as soon as possible.”

Twilight groaned. Purple hoof impacted lavender forehead.

True to Twilight’s prediction, almost everypony had arrived within twenty minutes. After Pinkie, it was Applejack, who had been running errands in the market when she had gotten her letter. Then Rainbow Dash, who let her know that Zecora wasn’t far behind. Finally, Fluttershy and Rarity arrived together, having just returned from their weekly visit to the spa. Rarity was wearing her pink summer hat and an ornate saddlebag that, according to her, was in this season.

“I must say, Twilight, this is rather unexpected. Is something wrong?” Rarity’s eyes were full of concern.

“Ah'd say that Ah have to go with Rarity on this one. You usually aren’t... how should Ah put it... spontaneous?” The cowfilly gave the purple unicorn a once over. “That, and you look plum shaken outta your skin. What’s goin’ on, sugarcube?”

Twilight nodded. “I know this is strange, but I want to wait until Zecora gets here before I explain. All I can say is, this is big.”

Rainbow Dash gave her a smug look. “So what happened to keeping your promise to the Princess to ‘forget about it?’” She cackled. “I never thought you were a bad girl, Twi.”

Rarity gave the pegasus a glare. “Really now, Dash, I don’t think this is anytime for jokes. Twilight seems completely serious to me, and I for one wish to know what’s troubling her.”

Fluttershy spoke up. “So would I! If, uh, you want to, that is.”

Pinkie bounced several times. “Ooh ooh! Maybe she wants a party!” She received several glares all around, remaining completely oblivious to any of them.

Rainbow Dash began to make her way to the kitchen. “Well, so long as we’re waiting on ‘Racing Stripes,’ any chance of you having some chow around here.”

Twilight panicked. “No, Rainbow, wait...!”

Before Rainbow could open the door, Spike did, entering from the other side, carrying a tray of hay fries and sandwiches. He gave Twilight a wink. “You ladies up for some food?”

Rainbow Dash practically pounced on the laden tray. Spike sidled the rest of the way into the room, carefully closing the door after a brief pause. Despite her relief at Spike’s brilliant timing (and fully intending to award him with an emerald snack later), something seemed to itch at the corner of her eye. Nothing. It's just nerves. After all, this was hardly your traditional social gathering. The fact was, there simply weren’t any books written about revealing life-altering secrets to your friends.

Fluttershy came up to her, looking her over curiously. “Are you all right, Twilight? You seem very agitated. Is it something you ate?” She clapped a hoof to her mouth with worry. “Oh, you’re not sick, are you?”

Twilight held up her hoof. “No, Fluttershy, it’s nothing like that. I guess I’m just... well, what with everything that’s happened, I guess I’m just a little off, that’s all.”

Applejack gave her a suspicious look. “Now, whaddya mean by ‘everythin’? Sure, there was that strange stuff last night, but you look like you just seen the ghost of Hearthswarmin’ yet to come.”

She stalked closer to the lavender unicorn, eyes narrowed. “Ah trust you, Twilight. Believe me, Ah do. But Ah don’t stand to no secret keepers, ‘specially when they get braggin about them. Far as Ah'm concerned, just a lie that hasn't been told, yet.”

Twilight gulped. “Applejack, I promise, I will explain everything once... Oh, Zecora!”

The black and white herbalist had just walked through the door. Twilight trotted right over to greet her. “Thank you so much for coming on such short notice.”

The zebra gave a bookshelf at the other end of the room an odd look, then turned to Twilight, smiling brightly. “At your request, I come today. Any discomfort you have, I do wish to allay.”

Twilight smiled at the zebra’s clever couplets. “Thank you, but I promise you, none of my problems right now can be cured with a potion. Are you sure this isn’t too much trouble?”

Zecora smiled. “Last night’s mystery, I do wish to end. But tell me, Twilight...” Again, she looked back at the bookcase.

“...who is your new friend?”

Everypony present, saving Zecora, jumped with surprise, as the pile of books that Twilight had set on the table toppled over with a series of clattering thuds, seemingly of their own accord. Twilight immediately looked around for the cause, but saw only the confused looks on her friends’ faces... and a distinctly guilty one on Spike’s. Brow furrowed, she took another look at the area Zecora had indicated.

There was something off. Her eyes just didn’t seem to want to focus, as if... it hit her!

“Chirp!”

Silence.

Applejack looked at Twilight. “Pardon, sugarcube?”

Twilight ignored her friend. “Chirp, I know you’re there.”

After a moment, a very guilty sounding whistle sounded from the place she was trying to see. Looks of confusion played on her friends’ faces.

She glared back at the spot. This is NOT what I had in mind. I break the news slowly to my friends, they disbelieve me, I assure them I’m not lying, and then I introduce Chirp. How hard is that?

She sighed. “Well, I guess there’s no delaying it anymore. Come on.”

Without any pomp or circumstance, Chirp came sharply into focus. It felt as if Twilight’s eyes were forcibly uncrossing themselves. There was a collective gasp around the room. Aside from the wide, starring looks, each and every pony had their own reaction.

Rarity sat down. Hard.

Rainbow’s wings fell uselessly to her sides.

Pinkie’s jaw hit the floor. As did the rest of her.

Applejack’s hat slipped off her head, floating gently to the ground.

And Fluttershy seemed too surprised to even faint.

Only Twilight, Spike, and Zecora seemed unfazed. Chirp, on the other hand, had once again removed both hood and mask. The look he was giving Twilight was sorrowful, almost ashamed, as if the last thing he’d ever wanted to do was disappoint her.

I’ll just have to sort that out later, she thought.

“Chirp, these ponies are all friends of mine.” She introduced each one, usually getting little more than a nod in response; or in Fluttershy’s case, a small “Eep.”

When introducing Zecora, Twilight was surprised to see the zebra give Chirp a warm smile. He tentatively returned it.

“Everyone, this is Chirp. He’s a human.”

Applejack was first to regain her voice. “Wow! Ah mean... but they... it’s just... Ah didn’t.... Holy Horseapples!” She bent to pick up her hat, eyes never leaving Chirp for a moment.

“How in Celestia’s name...?” Began Rarity, before petering out. Even her, usually the most of the group, seemed to be at a loss for words.

Fluttershy remained silent. Nothing new there.

By now, Rainbow Dash was leaning as far forward as she could, nearly lifting herself off her hind legs, her voice barely above a whisper. The blue pegasus, eloquent as ever, summed up her internal struggle in three, simple words.

“What. The. Buck.”

Twilight suddenly heard Pinkie Pie take in a tremendous breath. She immediately clapped her hooves to her ears.

“Ohmygoshohmygoshohmygosh so that's what a human is I heard of them but I didn't think they were real and now there's one standing here right now I mean this is amazing where did you come from is it far are you new here cuz if you're new here then you probably don't know any pony and that must be sad because you don't have any friends so you know what I think I think we should throw you a (Gaaaaaaaaaaaaaaassssp).”

Twilight clamped a hoof over Pinkie’s mouth.

She gave them all an apologetic look. “I’m so sorry, everypony. Believe me, I’m just as surprised as you are."

Applejack gave her a reproachful look. “Yeah, well, a little warnin’ would be nice, next time.”

Twilight glared at Spike. "I was. But someone obviously had a different plan."

Spike held his hands up in defense. "Look, I'm sorry. He just wanted to come out for a bit to see everyone."

"Well, that's fine n all, Spike." Applejack glanced back at Chirp, who was looking distinctly uncomfortable with everyone staring at him. “But... Well, Ah mean... Humans ‘r just legends. Ghost stories we tell to foals. And now we got one standin' right here in front of us. Sorry Twi, it just puts me a little off, that’s all.”

Twilight smiled. “I understand.”

Rarity glanced at her.. “Really, Twilight. I hardly think this is something one can understand. This is not some escapade by the Cutie Mark Crusaders! I was never cop to fairy tales, and having one blown right back in my face!” She placed a hoof dramatically to her forehead. “It’s hardly worth bearing!”

Chirp tried to ask Spike what Rarity was on about, but the young dragon was much more interested in the unicorn in question, his eyes not leaving her for a second. Chirp scratched his head, then shrugged. He looked at Rainbow Dash, who had made a few tentative steps towards him.

When she spoke, her voice was full of wonder. “So... this is a human? I heard some old stories, but I didn’t think I’d ever get to see one.” She looked at Twilight. “Where did you find it? How did it just appear like that? Can it talk?”

Chirp gave the pegasus an indignant look.

Much to her own surprise, Twilight found herself coming to his defense. “First, he’s not an ‘it,’ he’s a he. Second, no, he can’t talk.” She looked at him, thoughtfuly. “Though he seems to understand what we’re saying easily enough. Thirdly... Well, I haven’t actually figured out his whole ‘now-you-see-me-now-you-don’t’ gig.

And lastly, I found him in the library last night.” She looked over at her purple assistant. “Or rather, Spike did.”

Spike snapped out of his staring contest with Rarity’s luxurious, purple mane. He promptly perked up. “He was hungry, and wondered if he could come in for a bit. I guess we sorta hit it off from there.”

Chirp gave an affirmative whistle. Then, making sure Spike was paying attention, he began a complex series of cheeps and twitters, sounding like a forest full of birds in springtime.

It was all Spike could do to keep up.

“Uh, okay. He says ‘Hello, it is very nice to meet all of you. I hope that I might get to know you better, and I do hope I haven’t caused any crumpet for you.”

Chirp nodded in affirmation, and then started, giving the dragon a glare. Spike blushed. “Oops. Sorry. I mean, caused any trouble for you.”

So far, all of these events had transpired pretty much as Twilight had expected. What happened next, however, took everypony completely by surprise.

Fluttershy had remained completely motionless, and equally quiet throughout the proceedings; a peach and pink hued statue. Then, very carefully, she walked over to Chirp. She was so quiet, he didn’t even notice her until she was practically on top of him. He glanced down in surprise, as she nudged his arm with her muzzle.

Slowly, she extended her hoof. “Hi, Chirp. My name is Fluttershy.”

Chirp, taken aback, did nothing for a moment. Then, very slowly, he smiled, gently accepting her hoof. He gave a small, low whistle. Fluttershy nodded. “It’s very nice to meet you, too.”

In the silence that followed, you could’ve heard one of Fluttershy’s screams from twenty paces.

“Fluttersy darling, you... can understand him?” Rarity’s eyes were wide with shock.

Fluttershy smiled at her. “Oh, yes. It’s not that different from a cardinal’s call, with a slight hint of sparrow, and a distinct inflection of mockingbird as well.”

Chirp blushed, deeply.

After that, the tension finally lifted.

He may be scary in his own right, thought Twilight, but if Fluttershy can handle him, he can’t be that bad, can he? Sort of like an over-sized dog. She shuddered, remembering his odd antics.

...Or a very alternate version of Pinkie Pie.

Her train of thought was interrupted by Applejack tapping her shoulder. “Ah gotta say, you’ve really outdone yerself with this little humdinger. But what does any of this have to do with last night?”

Remembering the reason she’d called them all, Twilight cleared her throat. “Well, first...”

For the benefit of Zecora, Spike, and Fluttershy, Twilight quickly recapped the previous night’s events, starting with when Fluttershy had taken Spike home, recounting the strange lights, Princess Celestia’s cryptic warning, and ending with when she’d returned to the library.

“...and then I just found him here. I admit, he scared me at first, but Spike assured me that he was harmless. I’ve currently placed a spell on him to keep him in the library, unless I say otherwise.”

Spike was looking back at Twilight, eyes wide with wonder. “Whoa! And the princess really asked you to forget that?”

“The plot does thicken, that is most clear. But what has this to do with our friend, here?” Zecora gave Twilight an inquisitive glance.

Twilight took a deep breath, ready to make her case. “Last night, Spike, you said that Chirp told you he was ‘new in town,’ correct?”

“Yep. I also said he likes...”

“Not now, Spike."

She spoke to the rest of the group. “Anyway, last night, do you remember that I used that clairvoyance spell to keep an eye out for wildlife while we were in the forest?”

There were general nods of assent from around the room. Suddenly, Twilight looked at over at Rarity. “Rarity, could you do me a favor. I’d like you to look at his clothing. Tell me what you make of it.”

Confused by the odd request, the ivory mare nevertheless complied. A quick glance told her everything she needed to know.

“Well, I can hardly say I know the tailor, but this piece seems to be something designed for hard work. Durable, but light, with a little flare of style added as well. I’m afraid I don’t recognize the material, though the weave suggests something mechanical was employed in the process. At a guess, the gloves and boots are some kind of treated leather.” She winced. “Not the most, ah, tasteful form of clothing, but durable, I suppose.”

She looked over at Twilight. “The overall condition of the clothing is rather poor. No offense, ah…Chirp, was it?”

Chirp shrugged. Twilight couldn’t help but notice that, despite the strange proceedings, Chirp hadn’t questioned any of it. Does he know where I’m going with this?

The thought chilled her.

She was snapped back to reality by Rarity’s voice. “There seems to be much weathering all around, and, despite the misleading coloration, I’ve noticed a good deal of fire damage.” She indicated a few patches on his coat. “See how it frays there, and there? Heat stress, I’ll guarantee it.”

Twilight exhaled. “Then, there’s no doubt. When we were in the forest, just before the lights appeared, my spell picked up something. I didn’t think much of it till this morning, when I looked again during breakfast.

She turned, facing all present. “Chirp’s life sign is a perfect match for the one I saw in the forest.”

Rainbow Dash immediately shifted her stance to a more aggressive one. “So, there’s more than one human out there?”

Twilight shook her head. “Maybe, but that’s not what I meant. A perfect match means that it could only have been him near where that thing landed. And if what Rarity’s just told me now is true, then there’s no doubt in my mind.”

“That wasn’t a star that fell out of the sky." She turned back to Chirp, fierce conviction clear on her face.

"It was him!”

Canterlot

Celestia was on her balcony, set just adjacent to her room. It was around mid-morning, and her sun was nearing its zenith.

“A wonderful day, is it not, my dearest sister?”

She turned at the voice. Luna joined her, levitating a tray with a teapot and two cups. “A cup of tea would be most appropriate, I should think.”

Luna’s face was one of regal nobility, nose slightly upturned, eyes slightly closed.

At least until she couldn’t hold it anymore, and burst into a giggling fit.

Celestia smiled. “What’s so funny, Luna? Is there something in my teeth?” She grinned, trying to find the non-existent morsel with her tongue. This only served to incite more laughter.

Gently setting the tray down, Luna wiped tears of joy from her eyes. “I am sorry, Tia. I guess I'm a little... giddy, after last night. Have you seen the papers?”

Celestia nodded. “I have. I do believe you’ve outdone yourself.” She gave the blue alicorn a wicked grin. “I can’t wait to see what you do next year.”

Luna paled, but looked immediately relieved when she realized her sister was joking. She gave her a playful kick, smiling. “Oh, very funny. I won't be doing that again for awhile. At least not until I have some new material. And I do have you to thank for your help with the aurora.”

Celestia held up a hoof. “I might have provided it, but it was still your work. I’ll be honest, I did not expect you to create the Royal Crest! That must’ve taken some careful planning.”

Luna pawed the ground, shyly. After a pause, she raised her eyes to her sister's. "Sister... Tia, do you really think they'll be able to trust me now. I don't mean to sound fickle, but..."

She stopped, feeling Celestia's hoof on her shoulder. "Luna. Sister. There isn't anypony in Equestria who looked into the sky last night, and who was not filled with awe at the grace and beauty you hold within your heart. You hold yourself not with the arrogance of a monarch, but the heart of an artist."

The princess of the night blushed. "But is not art what we see? And what we see is nothing but our own perception. By that case, would not someone who perceives me as..." She faltered. "...what I was, also see my work as nothing more than a facade?"

For a moment, the pearl-white alicorn said nothing.

"Perhaps."

Luna lowered her head. She looked up in surprise, however, as a scroll came hurtling out of Celestia's room, summoned by the princess from her bookshelf. Smiling, Celestia levitated the scroll directly beneath Luna's nose. "Would you please read this for me?"

Puzzled, Luna unrolled it. She recognized it as one of Twilight's reports on the magic of Friendship. She looked up her sister, who nodded her permission. Returning her gaze back to the scroll, she began to read aloud.

"...This week my very talented friend Rarity learned, that if you try to please everypony, you oftentimes end up pleasing nopony..."

She looked back at her sister. "So, what is this supposed to mean? I might as well not try at all?"

To her surprise, Celestia actually laughed. "I suppose that's one way to look at it. But tell me, dearest sister, if you haven't pleased somepony out there, then they simply can't be pleased. So, why bother?"

At this, she turned to look at her fully. "Art is not what you see. It is what you show others. Tell me, sister. What did you show everypony last night?"

Luna thought for a while. Taking the pot, she poured tea into both of the cups, added sugar to hers, and cream to Celestia’s. "I guess... I suppose that I wished to show everyone that I am me."

Celestia smiled. "Then you did an excellent job."

A comfortable silence fell between the two. For a long while, they simply stood, admiring the day, sipping their tea. Luna stifled a yawn. "Aaaaaaahhh. I should probably retire soon. The moon will not direct itself.

Celestia raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Shall tuck you in with some milk?"

Luna took another sip of her tea. "Why yes, thank you."

Nearly spitting out her tea, Celestia gave her sister an irritated look. Luna simply smiled. “Oh, I almost forgot to warn you. The Steward of Trottingham is back. He still wants your approval on setting a food tax for the minority population. Honestly, he just becomes more and more- Oh! Celestia, look out!”

Celestia caught the scroll just before it vanished over the railing. She smiled, recognizing her faithful student’s seal. “Another report already? It’s not even noon.” She began unrolling it, and looked over at her sister. "Care to listen?”

Luna smiled, stifling another yawn. “Thank you, but no. I’m afraid I have other business to attend to. My pillow, for example.”

Chuckling, Celestia opened the scroll. “As you wish. Let’s see. ‘To Applejack, Fluttershy, Pinkie...’ Oops!” She quickly rolled it up, laughing. “It seems she sent me somepony else’s mail by accident... Oof!”

Luna was already trying to read (and possibly climb) over Celestia’s shoulder. “Really? Let me see!”

“Luna! Really, it’d be rude! I won’t have it.”

Despite the supposedly harsh words, there was a spark of humor behind them. Luna got off her sister, sitting on the ground, and looking at her with pleading eyes. “Oh, pleeeeeeease, Tia? It’s not very long. I mean, what harm could come of reading someone’s shopping list?”

“What harm indeed...?” Celestia, unable to take Luna’s trademark “puppy stare,” finally relented. “Very well, sister, if only for you.”

Again, she unrolled it.

Luna had been correct, it was short.

But it was enough.

Luna saw the look on her sister’s face. “Celestia? What’s wrong?”

Without a word, her face a blank mask of apathy, Celestia gave the scroll to Luna.

A long, slow silence passed.

Celestia sighed. “I suppose it was a bit much to expect Twilight to drop the matter then and there. I’m only sorry that she and her friends have been dragged into this mess. Do the scouts have anything new to report?”

Placing the note on the floor of the balcony, Luna shook her head. “Only those lights. They’ve been spotted in ever widening circles around the Ground-Zero. A few have even reached as far as Trottingham.”

“And... it?”

“Professor Surgeon says that by all means and methods, it’s dead.” She shuddered. “If it were ever alive to begin with. It’s in the vault right now, under twenty-four hour watch. That, and a few more pieces we found at the site.”

Celestia set her gaze upon Ponyville. Far away as it was, it appeared as little more than a patch upon the quilted landscape. She could just barely see the tree which housed the town’s library, where Twilight now resided.

What could she have found?

“And... Luna, tell me. Are you sure of this theory of yours?”

Luna nodded. “There were unidentified tracks leading from the site, and several guards saw something moving away from it. Unfortunately, what with the encounter with the lights, and with Twilight... well, I lost the trail. It was wandering around, and didn’t seem to have any particular direction in mind.”

A long pause.

“Could it have found its way to Ponyville?”

Luna looked up sharply. “Do you suppose... could that be what Twilight is referring to?”

“I cannot say.” Celestia set her cup down, lifting the tray off of the railing, and making her way back to the room. “All I know is that right now, we’re in over our heads.” She stopped, then turned to Luna. “You know, I never really thanked you, Luna.”

“For what?” her sister asked.

“When we first learned of its impending arrival, you offered to use the Night Show as a distraction. I know how long you’d been planning it, how much it meant to you, and how much you must have sacrificed, just so my...”

She smiled “...No. Just so our little ponies wouldn’t know.” She nuzzled her sister’s mane, affectionately.

“Thank you, Luna.”

Luna, surprised, accepted the gesture, smiling. “Don’t worry, Tia. We’ll get through this.

“I’m sure of it.”

Chapter 3: The Journal

Chapter 3: The Journal

by: Brony 2-Ma-Ro

Twilight had braced herself for any of the possible outcomes: Chirp becoming angered at her discovery, and attacking. Or perhaps trying to escape, maybe even taking one of her friends hostage.

At the very least, she thought he might look surprised.

Instead, upon declaring her theory… no, her conclusion that he had been the one to fall out of the sky, he’d simply shrugged, becoming enamored with yet another book.

Okay, either I really need to reign in my imagination, or this guy simply doesn’t give two-bits about what anypony here thinks about him.

She nearly lost her balance as Applejack pulled her none to gently aside. Her voice was quiet, but firm. “Have you lost your nut? Ah can see how all that evidence points him, but in case you haven’t noticed, he’s not flattened into a flapjack after falling for… Oh, for Granny Smith knows how far.”

Twilight didn’t back down. “But he was there last night, not even a hundred strides from the site. That can’t be a coincidence!”

“Well, maybe it is, maybe it isn’t, but if he was that thing we saw, then how come he ain’t deader 'n last year’s harvest?”

Rainbow Dash joined them “Yeah! Believe me, I know a thing or two about heights. Falling that far is not gonna look pretty.”

“I should think not!” Rarity spoke up from Twilight’s right. “Aside from the obvious consequences, it would be positively impossible to fix one’s mane after an ordeal like that. I mean really…”

Applejack rolled her eyes. “Here we go. Why does it always end up with pretty-fyin and mane-styles with you, Rarity? There’s a buckin’ human in the room, and we’re trying to figure out where he came from.”

“Oh, is that what we’re doing?” Pinkie bounced over between the unicorn and earth pony. “I thought we were having a best arguerer contest."

Twilight glared at her. “No we… Well, yes, we are. I mean... argh! I’m just trying to find out if it was him that fell from the sky last night, or not!”

Pinkie stopped bouncing. “Oh that’s easy. Hey Chirp!”

Chirp looked up from the book he was flipping through, one eyebrow raised.

“Did you fall from the sky last night in a big fireball that went *whoosh* and *boom* and made a big mess when it hit the ground? Huh? Huh? Didja? Huh?”

Giving the pink party pony an inquisitive look, gave a positive whistle, coupled with a nod for good measure, once again burying his nose in the book. Pinkie turned to the rest of the group. “See? I guess he did.”

Rainbow Dash slapped a hoof to her face, muttering to herself. “I really hate it when she does that.”

By now, all six ponies had configured themselves into a huddle, their voices just above a whisper. Twilight glanced back at Chirp. “Okay, so now that’s out of the way, we still need to figure out what we should do.”

“Um, well, maybe you should, I guess, write a letter to the princess? She seems to know more about this than we do.”

“No way, Fluttershy! The princess told us not to get involved; which I still think is kinda stupid. Maybe we should tell him to leave.”

“Oh, but he’s so nice, Rainbow. He’s very gentle, and he doesn’t look like he could hurt anyone.”

“Fluttershy, dearest, I understand your trepidation on the matter, but the fact is we know so little about humans. For all we know, he may as well be a manticore.”

“Manticores aren’t that bad, Rarity.”

The ivory unicorn rolled her eyes. “Ugh. Very well, he might as well be a dragon.”

“Eep!” Fluttershy stiffened.

Pinkie continued to bounce. “Oooooh! This is so exciting. I wonder what kind he is?”

Ignoring the pink pony, Rarity put a hoof to her forehead. “I mean, heaven knows what he eats. He might even eat ponies. What if he’s saving us up, getting ready to fatten us! Oh, it’s unbearable.”

“Maybe he’s a main supporting character…?”

Now it was Applejack’s turn to raise an eyebrow. “Rarity, wouldja calm down for just a cotton-pickin’ minute. Ah don’t think Chirp intends to eat us.”

“…Oooohhh, or perhaps a villain!”

The expression on Rarity's face was one of absolute horror. “But Applejack, think of the new measurements I’d have to take, not to mention my form! How will my dress fit me?”

The orange cowpony was completely flabbergasted. “Wha-? He’s not tryin’ to fatten us either!”

“Oh wait! Duh, he’s comic relief!”

“Oh yeah? How would you know?” Came a snide remark from Rainbow.

Still bouncing, Pinkie placed a hoof to her mouth, sticking her toungue out in Spike’s trademark “gag.”
“Bleah! Just so long as he isn’t some sort of Mary Sue.”

This earned her several confused looks from the huddle. But, then again, she was Pinkie Pie after all.

Applejack turned to Rainbow Dash. “Ah may not be Fluttershy, Rainbow, but Ah know enough about animals to tell which ones eat meat.”

Twilight growled with frustration. “Girls! We are getting nowhere! What we need to do is figure out what…”

*Knock knock*

Everypony froze. Even Chirp glanced nervously at the door. Twilight looked at the clock. “Oh jeez! I forgot! The library opened five minutes ago! Stupid, stupid, stupid!”

Pinkie Pie, a professional party planner, immediately stopped bouncing, her expression serious. “Quick! Places everypony! Rarity, fashion’s over on the left! Applejack and Rainbow Dash to sports on the right. Fluttershy, Zecora, take the reference books near the middle. I’ll take the books on the table.”

Twilight started slightly. She’d completely forgotten the herbalist had even been in the room. Looking over, she saw Zecora moving over to join Fluttershy. She seems to know more about this than any of us. Why didn’t she say anything?

By now, everypony was already in position. Twilight called in a loud whisper to Pinkie. “What about me?”

The pink pony rolled her eyes. “Silly Billy! Answer the door!”

“Oh, right.”

She was halfway there when she remembered: Chirp was still out in the open. Thinking fast, she looked at him, and did the only logical thing she could think of. “Chirp. Duck.”

He gave her an odd look. Hearing a noise behind him he turned, just in time to see an entire bookcase worth of literature soaked in lavender light; and heading his way. The plaintiff look on his face clearly transcribed his thoughts.

Oh no, not again!

He hit the deck.

Thwump!

Zecora looked like she was about to say something, but Twilight was already opening the door. Putting a bright smile on her face, she addressed the pony on the front step. “Sorry about that. I’m afraid I forgot to unlock… Oh! Hello Lyra!”

Standing before her was a cyan colored unicorn. She was a little younger than Twilight, with a lyre cutie mark on her flank. In one of her saddlebags, Twilight could see the instrument itself, freshly polished, and with what appeared to be a new set of strings. She also saw several sheets of music stuffed in beside it, some appearing to only be half finished. In the other saddlebag was a thick tome, though Twilight couldn’t make out the title.

Her actual name was Heartstrings, but ever since she’d come to Ponyville from Canterlot, she’d preferred the nickname of Lyra. Twilight smiled to herself. Before she’d come to Ponyville herself, she hadn’t really had any friends; at least not until the whole Nightmare Moon incident. She had, however, known both Lyra and her roommate, Bon Bon, from her days in Canterlot, and when they had moved to Ponyville as well, she had felt obliged to reacquaint herself with them.

Bon Bon had just taken up a job working for Mr. and Mrs. Cake at Sugarcube Corner, and had become fast friends with Pinkie as well. Lyra, on the other hand, made her bread off of composing songs, often playing her lyre in the park. Granted, she was something of an oddball within the community, but the label was given affectionately. After all, she paled in comparison to Pinkie. Twilight remembered that Lyra had acted as an honorary bridesmaid during the her brother's and Princess Cadence's wedding. Mind control notwithstanding, she winced inwardly.

Lyra returned Twilight’s smile. “Hi Twilight. Don’t worry about it, I just wanted to drop this off.” She nodded to the book in her saddlebag. “May I come in?”

Twilight smiled. “Of course. Oh, ah, it’s a bit of a mess. Sorry.”

Entering the room, Lyra smiled at the mountain of books by the table, shaking her head. “Nowhere near as messy as my room, trust me.” Closing her eyes, a pale green aura surrounded the book, and she levitated it onto the table. All around the room, Twilight’s friends were doing their best to look busy. Twilight winced inwardly. Rainbow Dash would probably be more convincing if she were holding the book right side up!

Her thoughts were pulled back to the present, as Lyra suddenly noticed Pinkie Pie positioned behind a large stack of party books. “Oh, hi Pinkie!”

The pink mare looked up, a big grin on her face. “Hi Lyra. Nice day, huh? Ooh! Watcha readin?”

Lyra immediately blushed. “It’s, uh, just some research I’m doing.”

She tried to pull the book subtly out of the party pony's reach, but Pinkie had already pounced on it. “Starswirl’s Pre-Classical Catalogue of Mischief and Mayhem? Cool! I love this book! It has so many ideas for fun pranks!”

“Really? Lemme see!”

Rainbow dash dropped the book she’d been “reading.” Twilight finally caught a glimpse of the title. It was the most recent book in the bestselling Daring-Do series; The Quest for the Topaz Tambourine. Looking over Pinkie’s shoulder, Rainbow’s eyes widened. “Aw, cool! You can really do that with taffy?”

Pinkie nodded. “Yup, but it works best with strawberry. And that’s only one of the awesome things I’ve learned from this.” She turned to Lyra. “Are you planning to prank someone?” She held up a hoof to her mouth, speaking in a loud whisper. “Maybe someone in this room?”

Twilight couldn’t help but speak up. “Actually, I’m pretty certain that Starswirl wrote this book with the intention of…” But she got no farther. Lyra was already stammering her excuses, edging her way to the door.

“Er, yes, that’s it. Pranks. Right. Thanks a lot Twilight see ya later bye!” And with that, she was out the door.

Rainbow smiled at Twilight. “Huh. What an oddball. And I thought we looked suspicious.”

Twilight sighed in relief. “Well, at least she’s gone.” She looked over at the pile of books concealing Chirp, wincing. As Ponyville’s librarian for the past two years, and having dealt with many organizational mishaps, she’d been trapped under more than a few avalanches of parchment herself, and in her experience, it was anything but comfortable. “Sorry, Chirp. Guess I panicked a bit. You can come out now.”

Silence. Then, a brief whistle. Spike frowned. “Uh, he said ‘no.’”

More whistling. This time, it was Fluttershy who spoke up. “Um, he says, ‘It’s comfy here, and I’m only on chapter three of Spike’s diary.”

The dragon nodded in agreement. “Yup, that’s what he… HEY!”

He dove head-first into the pile. “Give that back!” Cheek pressed against a thick encyclopedia, Spike had shoved his arm deep into the pile, trying to grab the offending piece of literature. His expression shifted from panic to realization, then on to downright peeved. He extricated himself from the pile, scowling.

Applejack grinned. “Aww, did he get to that romantical dinner scene with you and Rar… OW!”

She rubbed at her tender muzzle, the the offending muffin falling to the floor with a soft *squelch*. Granted, it was only a pastry, but it still stung. Picking up another muffin from the snack tray, Spike glared her, as well as the others, all of whom were suffering from barely controlled bouts of snickering. “Ah, shaddap. How was I supposed to know I didn’t even have a diary?”

Twilight smiled. For all intents and purposes, Chirp seemed to be perfectly harmless. She wasn’t going to let her guard down anytime soon, but he didn’t look like he could harm a fly. He couldn’t even scare Fluttershy, an art her own shadow had mastered long ago.

Closing her eyes, she lifted the books off of Chirp, placing them back on the shelf. She wasn’t certain, but they seemed heavier than usual. She resolved to sort them later, and to brush up on her levitation.

Chirp was staggering to his feet, massaging his back, an evil grin on his face. Spike held up his arm, turning his head away. “Talk to the claw, bub, cuz the face aint listenin.”

Twilight’s eyes lit up. Ideeeeaaaaa! Realizing what she’d just mentally proclaimed, she shook her head, trying to shake Rarity’s catchphrase from her mind. Seeing that Spike was not in a good mood, Twilight conjured her own set of quill, ink and parchment. “Well, Chirp. I’d say we all have a lot of questions, but that would be an understatement. It’d be nice to have you stay there while I write them all down…” A collective groan, and several eye rolls around the room. Twilight hastily continued“…but this could take a while.”

She looked around at everypony. “Stop me if this is too much, but would you girls be so kind as to show Chirp around town?”

There was a stunned silence. Even Chirp was quieter than usual.

Rainbow spoke up, her cracked voice saturated with sarcasm. “Gee, I’d love to Twi, but um… there’s that little thing. You know, about him being a HUMAN!”

Applejack nodded, still rubbing her muzzle. “Seems to me the right fastest way to start a panic is having him gallivantin’ out there in the open.”

Twilight nodded. "Yes, but he can’t stay in here forever. Besides, this is technically his first day in Ponyville. You don’t have to introduce him to anyone, I mean, well... just show him where stuff is. Oh! And he can use that Wall… uh…”

“Wallflower,” offered Spike in a loud whisper.

“...'Wallflower technique,' right.” She looked around at the blank stares. “That thing he did where he becomes invisible. He’ll be fine, nopony will know he’s there.” She gave him a stern look. “Right?”

He nodded vigorously.

Pinkie Pie had already opened her mouth, but Twilight was ready. “And no! A welcome party, though nice, is out of the question. We need to keep a low profile.”

Both human and party-pony hung their heads in disappointment. Twilight rolled her eyes. “Fine. We can put on a small one. Later!” She glared at Pinkie, freezing her in mid boing. She pouted, settling back to earth slightly slower than she’d left it.

Rainbow Dash looked at Twilight, eyebrow raised. “Let me get this straight: A human literally lands in our laps, Celestia is looking for him, it’s possible that he’s dangerous…” At this, she strode right up to Twilight, staring her square in the eye. “…and you’re suggesting he parade around town to look at stuff. Since when were you so… so… random? The Twilight I know would’ve made a list of reasons he’s dangerous, a checklist of ways to stop him, a list of checklists you need to make…”

Twilight held up a hoof. “I know, I know! Look, I’m going to be honest with you. I just need some time to clear my head.”

There was a beat as Dash crossed her forehooves. “So you’re just gonna drop him into one of our laps, then?”

Twilight started. She hadn’t felt that was her motive, but in retrospect, it was kind of obvious. She looked around, regret clear in her eyes. “I’m… I’m really sorry if this is too much. I’d understand if you refuse…”

“But my dear, he simply must come to my shop!”

Rarity stood up, giving Chirp an apologetic glance. “No offense, Chirp, but invisible or no, I won’t have you strutting around town without proper attire.” She looked at Twilight. “I would gladly take responsibility of him for the day, or at least until I can fashion him some proper accoutrement.”

Twilight smiled in relief. Leave it to the Element of Generosity to offer up her time for her friend’s sake. Before she could even open her mouth to thank her, Applejack stepped forward. “You know we’re all here, sugarcube. If ever ya need help wranglin’ any sorta varmint,” she glanced pointedly at Chirp, “even him, Ah’d be more than happy to oblige.” She smiled sweetly at Chirp.

He gulped.

Rainbow laughed raucously. “You? Ha! I could run circles around the both of you. Twilight, I’m your mare if ever he gets outta line.”

By now, Chirp was looking distinctly uncomfortable. Fluttershy spoke up. “Well, I think he’s very nice, but I’d be glad to help. Uh, if that’s okay with you, I mean.”

Zecora spoke as well, her deep lilting voice carrying from behind Twilight’s copy of Super Naturals. “If there is any help you need, call and I will gladly heed.”

Twilight was perhaps ten seconds from hugging them all. Focus, egghead. She sufficed with a smile, looking around at all of her friends. “Oh, thank you so much. All of you.” She gave Chirp a worried look. “But… well, I’m sorry Chirp, but even if you promised, I’m just not sure I…”

“Promises? Did somepony say 'promises?'”

Pinkie bounced up and down, a big grin neatly connecting her ears. Without missing a beat, she bounced her way onto the table, setting herself at eye level with a baffled Chirp. “Do you, Chirp, Pinkie-Promise to do everything Rarity says, and not hurt her or Spikey or Twilight or Rainbow or… Well, anypony I know in any way, so long as you live? And I know everypony in Ponyville, so that includes them too.”

Though confused at the odd wording, Chirp nodded. Pinkie raised her right forehoof. “Repeat after me: ‘Cross my heart…” She made the appropriate gesture with her hoof. With an incredulous expression, Chirp did the same with his hand. Pinkie gave him a look. “You have to say it, goofy!” Rolling his eyes, he repeated the motion, this time whistling at a pitch mirroring Pinkie’s own. Satisfied, she continued the rhyme, stopping after every verse to let Chirp catch up.

“Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye.”

Twilight winced as Chirp messed up the final line. She suppressed a smile, remembering the first time she’d made a Pinkie-Promise. That attempt hadn’t gone much better.

Pinkie leaned in close to Chirp, forcing him to lean back uncomfortably. “And you never, ever, ever, ever, ever… Break a Pinkie-Promise.” Defying gravity, she leaned even closer, bending Chirp backwards almost double. Her voice was little more than a very loud whisper. “Ever!”

His hand still covering his sore eyeball, Chirp mutely nodded, visibly disturbed by Pinkie’s antics. At that point, gravity caught up, pulling Chirp backwards into the bookshelf, and Pinkie straight to the floor. Chirp winced, rubbing his head, while Pinkie, bouncy as ever, hopped up as if nothing had happened. “Okey-Dokey-Loki. He’s all yours, Rare.”

As Pinkie Pie bounced merrily away, Fluttershy came up to Chirp, looking him square in the eyes. “I really hope you like it here as much as I do, Chirp. Just don’t get into any trouble now, okay?”

Chirp, now visibly shaken, slowly nodded. Twilight didn’t have a clear view, but she had the chilling suspicion that Fluttershy had just used the nicest form of her Stare as possible.

So it was settled. Today, at least, Chirp would visit the Carousel Boutique, and familiarize himself with the basic layout of the town on the way. Rarity might have been a little vain, but Twilight was fully confident in her abilities to defend herself.

One by one, everypony gathered their things, and made their farewells. Twilight offered anypony who wished for the chance to help come up with questions for Chirp, but Applejack had to get back to the farm, and Fluttershy didn’t want to leave her animals alone for too long. Pinkie was due back at the Cakes’ to finish up a large order of muffins for Derpy.

And Rainbow Dash? Well…

“Sorry Twi, gotta catch up on some z’s. Lotta training to do… Later.” As she flew out the door, she strafed sideways, waving farewell to the human. “So long, Chirp!”

Spike, given the choice between staying to help Twilight, or going with Chirp to translate, took the obvious one: go with Rarity.

As Rarity was gathering her things, Twilight glanced up to see Chirp looking at her. His eyes were wide, and he subtly motioned in the general direction of her friends in a manner that could be best translated as “WTF?”

Twilight smiled. “Don’t worry, they’re nice, really. Just, don’t get on their bad side.” Chirp rolled his eyes in a “duh” motion, then looked expectantly at Twilight. She returned his look, confused. “Uh, yes? Is there something you need?”

Chirp thought a moment, then snapped his heels together, and his arms to his sides, eyes staring straight ahead, his mouth clamped exaggeratedly shut. Standing stiff as a board, Twilight couldn't help but compare him to the monster from
Mare Shelly's Frankenstallion.

However, it only took a moment for her to figure out he was referring to the previous evening. “Huh? What is… Oh! Right. *Ahem* Chirp, you have my permission to leave the library.” She gave him a stern look. “But do as Rarity says, and don’t wander off. I’m trusting you. Please don’t make me regret that.”

Chirp nodded, his face a picture of sincerity, though his mouth twitched in a small smile. He donned his hood, Twilight felt her vision shift, and then he was gone.

But... not. Instead of Chirp, there was a human-shaped patch of air that seemed slightly out of sync with it's surroundings, like a misaligned photo. That's wierd, thought Twilight. Maybe it only works a few times?

Rarity, however, didn't seem to notice the "wrong" in the air walk up to her, and settle next to her shoulder. She started, her pink summer hat almost slipping from her head. “Oh! Chirp, is that you?” An affirmative whistle floated from the air. Rarity smiled. “Very good. Just stay close, and please don't wander off. The last thing i need right now is a game of hide and seek with an invisible human."

Smiling at her own joke, she made her way to the door, followed by Spike. As they left, Twilight heard a soft thud as Chirp's head met the door frame, and the slight ripple in the air as he recoiled from the offending threshold. She winced, picturing the unfortunate human massaging his forehead.

Twilight felt a hoof on her own shoulder. She turned, finding Zecora giving her a kind look. Guilt promptly hammered itself down Twilight’s throat. “Oh Zecora! I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to waste any of your time.”

Zecora smiled “For not much longer can I stay, but I think you should learn what we found today.”

After two or three rhyming couplets, Twilight had the general gist of what Zecora and Rainbow had found: A strange ash pile in the Everfree forest, which the two of them had identified as a deceased timberwolf. While Twilight thought it might have been nice if Zecora had brought it up earlier, she recalled that Fluttershy's sensitivity about wildlife, no matter how vicious, meant Zecora's judgement in waiting was probably spot on.

Twilight was about to interject when Zecora held up a hoof. She reached into her saddlebag, pulling out a strange metal object carefully held between her teeth. Twilight recognized it as the thing they’d found amongst the ashes.

She accepted the strange spike, giving Zecora a look. “So, Rainbow says it looks a bit like a weapon?” Surrounded by Twilight’s magenta aura, the metal dart flipped around in the air, letting her see every possible detail. The drain in her stamina was greater than she expected, as if it were much heavier than it appeared. Adjusting her flow, she looked it over. “I guess it could be a weapon, but without magic, it’d be sort of awkward to throw.”

Zecora nodded. “To know these things may take a while. Could another weapon employ this projectile?”

Blinking her eyes, Twilight cast a simple magnification spell. Zecora’s hunch appeared to be spot on, as she saw several scratches running along its length. Not dissimilar to a quarrel employed by a crossbow, or similar device.“Good guess, Zecora,” she said, setting the dart on the table. “Still, it’s just so small. I doubt it would do much.”

Then, out of no where, two thoughts clicked in her mind: the new "ripple" phenomenon she had seen, and Zecora's reaction when she had first arrived. She turned to the herbalist. “You know, there’s something I don’t understand. When you first walked in, how did you see Chirp?”

Zecora smiled. “When, like me, you are old and wise, you learn to look not just with your eyes.” She glanced up at the clock, sighing. “I don’t wish to leave you in this mess, but my errands are not complete, I confess. If you find anything, please let me know. Till then, to quote Photo Finish: ‘I go.’”

Twilight suppressed a snicker, but got a hold of herself as Zecora was leaving. She dashed after her. “Wait! Zecora, what do you know about...?”

The square was filled with ponies of every shape, size, and color. But none of them had black and white stripes. Twilight rolled her eyes. Zecora may be odd, but she certainly seemed sensible. It was more than likely she knew something of humans. Still, Twilight wondered why she was so evasive of the topic. She shrugged. She trusted the zebra. She’d talk about it when she was ready.

Reentering the library, she surveyed the mess of books. After a brief moment of contemplation, she collapsed, an enormous sigh wracking her frame.

So much has happened in so many hours, she thought. Am I doing the right thing? What if I really should tell the Princess? Is it bad that I’m hiding him? Well, lying’s one thing, but he couldn’t… hurt anypony… could he?

She remained there for perhaps another fifteen minutes, simply enjoying the cool wooden floor. After a time, she slowly forced herself upright. I don’t know everything, but I can at least tackle it head on. She quickly formulated a mental checklist.

-First, investigate the dart. Easy enough.

-Second, continue research on humans.

-Third, make a list of questions to give Chirp after he comes back.

She thought a moment. Then…

-Fourth, ask Zecora for help when I see her next. If not before.

Satisfied, she once again took hold of the dart, ready this time for the larger than normal drain in stamina. Now, how should I go about this?

The dart was innocuous enough. A metal cylinder pointed at one end, flanged at the other, and about a hoof-and-a-half long. Still, there was no way of knowing how it would behave. It didn’t appear to have any magical properties, but that didn’t exclude some hidden mechanism. Maybe it would explode when it hit something? Looking around, she spotted precisely what she needed: A simple paperweight, little more than an old block of wood.

Retrieving it telepathically from the center table, she then set up a simple bubble-like shield around both it and the dart, enough to disperse any sudden kinetic force from shrapnel or the like. Then, carefully lining them up, and bracing for the unexpected, she brought them together with enough force to embed the tip of the dart well into the wood.

Twilight blinked in surprise. There hadn't been any explosion, but she hadn’t expected the dart to go in quite so deep. She tried to tug them apart, but the dart refused to budge.

Planting her hooves, she gave the dart a good mental yank. There was a substantial drain in her stamina, and beads of sweat formed on her brow. Finally, with a sickening crack, the dart came out. The block, on the other hand, shattered into several pieces, collecting at the bottom of the energy bubble.

Guess I’ll have to make another trip to Paperweights and Ottomans this week. Confused, Twilight cocked her head to one side. But just how did that happen? She released the shield, the wood clattering to the floor. Taking a closer look at the device, her heart leaped to her throat.

Six, vicious looking serrated blades had sprung out of the dart, just below the tip. Some splinters of wood still clung to minute teeth adorning the tines. Despite the small size of the dart, each blade had sprung out nearly a full inch. Though it seemed physically impossible, Twilight realized that they must’ve been stored in the dart’s body itself.

She gave a nervous laugh. Okay, forget what I said earlier. This thing can do quite a number. She carefully set the dart back on the table. Then, rethinking, she placed it in an empty mug on Spike’s snack tray. It was prominent enough not to be missed, and there was little chance of anypony stepping on it, or something.

Purely out of habit, she scribbled down her findings.

Item: Strange dart.

Origin: Unknown (related to Chirp?)

Conclusion: Dangerous! Small size allows it to easily enter target, but spring-loaded blades ensure that removal is much riskier...

She glanced nervously at the shattered chunks of wood.

…Potentially catastrophic.

Notes: Dart appears to resist magical influence. Though it weighs perhaps a quarter of a pound, lifting or manipulating it with magic requires the congruent energy needed to lift an object of about seven pounds or more. Possibly an alloy with one of the thirteen known "anti-magic" minerals. Further investigation required.

Although this only brought up more questions, she smiled. It felt good to get something done. Setting the paper and quill on the table, she made her way to the bookshelf. She was already half-way through checking the titles when she realized that they were all out of order. This was the same section of literature she’d dropped on Chirp.

She groaned. "Right, let’s get this out of the way first."

Once again, the books glowed, removing themselves from the shelf. "Let’s see… The Illustrated Guide to Equestrian Cryptozoology, of course. Lost Races of Equestria; I’m pretty certain that had a subsection on humans. Wasn’t there one more… wait… what's this?"

Twilight blinked several times. Her eyes weren’t lying. There, on the shelf, between Equestrian Mythology and Flying for Beginners, was a book she had never seen before. Without realizing, it, she’d already grabbed it. The book, bound with a dark, grained material, was about the size of a journal. And much heavier than it looked. Perhaps it had some sort of metal backing. Or...

No… Could it?

Setting the book on the table, she immediately began examining it. Definitely a journal. Her library didn’t have journals. She knew, because she’d read every single book in it; or at least, any copies that happened to be in the Canterlot library as well. But she had definitely not read this one.

Where did this come from? Without meaning to, she gripped it with her hoof, testing the weight. A small smile played on her lips, though she didn’t really know why this could be good. Holding it with magic takes more energy than physically lifting it! That means…

When she had lifted the pile of books off of Chirp not twenty minutes ago, it had seemed slightly heavier. One book couldn’t have made that difference. But what if anything made by humans resists magic? That dart? This journal? No, Chirp’s journal! It must have fallen off his person when she’d put the books away. This is his!

She could spend all the time she wanted looking through Equestrian documentation on creatures that supposedly didn’t exist.

Or, she could read a first-hand account!

She felt a moment of guilt about reading someone’s personal thoughts. But only a moment. Of course I’ll return it. If he’s nothing to hide, then he won’t mind if I peek.

A smug, self-satisfied smile on her face, she unwound the twine holding the cover closed, and opened to the first page.

Her head met the table with a dull *thud*. Yeah, right. Like It’s going to be that easy. Of course it was in another language! Like that weird drawing in Cryptzoology…

Something in Twilight’s brain clicked.

“…For more information on Human Theory, please consult ‘Starswirl’s Pre-Classical Catalogue of Mischief and Mayhem...”

Now she remembered! Lyra had checked out The Illustrated Guide to Equestrian Cryptozoology about two months back. And she had just returned Starswirl’s Pre-Classical Catalogue of Mischief and Mayhem! Two books, both dealing with humans! And she had looked distinctly uncomfortable under the scrutiny Pinkie and Rainbow had given her!

Does she know something about humans too?

So, she now had four books to work with, one of which by her idol, Starswirl no less, and a journal. She took one more look at the non-sensical page before her. She couldn’t take the time to translate it all now, but it couldn’t hurt to flip through it.

Gently caressing the pages in her magic, even the paper felt heavier than it should. Not enormously so, but more like moving a pamphlet for one of Pinkie's parties than a sheet of parchment. Flipping through, she found only more and more pages of text, until she suddenly, she came across something that needed no translation…

She stared at the sketch for perhaps a minute. It was, without a doubt, herself. It was rough, to say the least. A few quick strokes with a quill, little more. But still...

Okay, this just got weird.

Maybe it was just a hobby? Unless there was a group of humans who were secretly obsessed with ponies… ugh. She quickly turned the page...

She puzzled over the strange illustrations. Mostly, they appeared to be little more than random, nonsensical scribbles. Some had small pieces of the same, indecipherable script at the bottom, or set in notes. She recognized some of the sketches, and saw that one appeared to have some sort of complex algorithm that had been thoroughly scratched out, but others were completely alien to her. What could this be? A ship? A piece of armor? A potato…?

She also noticed a large portion of the pages had been torn out. What could he be hiding…? She shook her head. She was intruding on Chirp’s private thoughts. Even if she didn’t understand any of it, it felt… Wrong, somehow.

… Well, I guess one more page couldn’t hurt.

Is… is this what a human female looks like? It was obvious that Chirp had put a huge amount of effort into this piece. Rather than with pen, like the others, this had been done with pencil. Traces of eraser rubbings were evident all over the page. It looked as if it were unfinished. She deduced the strange script at the bottom was her name.

Taviax? Tavia?

She couldn’t translate it directly, of course, but the runes were similar enough to their Equestrian counterparts for her to get a rough guess. She looked back at the first page she had opened to, and realized the strange name popped up several times throughout.

Why is this girl so special to him. Sister? Crush? …Lover?

She sighed, closing the book. Just another question for Chirp when he gets back. She picked up the parchment.

-Revision. Ask Chirp for information, then research.

-Also, make a formal apology to Chirp. And return his property.

Unfortunately, her curiosity was far from sated. She once again considered the dart. It had “sprung” when she’d tested it, but not when it’d struck the timberwolf. Why? And it was apparent the dart wasn’t incendiary, so what had burnt the wolf? And so thoroughly? Zecora had only recognized it due to the size and the smell, but there had been no trace of skeletal structure. Then again, maybe they didn’t have bones.

Twilight shook her head, and stared at the books set before her.

I can do a little reading, but I think it’s better if I catch up with Chirp and Rarity to figure this out as soon as possible.

In all this, however, one question remained unanswered.

Who was Chirp?

Perhaps half an hour later, the librarian gathered her things. “Let’s see. Checklist, parchment, ink, quills, books. Oh, Chirp’s journal. And...”

A small glass jar held the metal spike. She hadn’t figured out how to retract the tines, so she’d decided to take extra precautions when carrying it. Interestingly enough, while carrying the dart with magic required some extra effort, lifting the jar containing it didn’t.

Satisfied with her cargo, she set her saddlebags on her back. “Right, that’s everything. Now, off to Rarity’s.” Her stomach growled, and she blushed. “Okay, lunch, then Rarity’s. Hmm, I wonder if that cafe still has those daffodil sandwiches?”

As she opened the door, a large smile surrounded by pink, pink, and more pink was there to greet her.

“Hiya Twilight I know I said I was busy earlier but now I’m not and there’s something I wanted to mff frmrff mfnd mrffrm frm...”

Twilight’s hoof was already covering Pinkie’s mouth. She chuckled. “Hello to you too, Pinkie. Actually, I was just about to head out to lunch before going to Rarity's. Care to join? Oh, how’d that muffin order for Derpy go?”

Pinkie bounced in place as Twilight stepped outside, closing the door behind her. “Oh Ditzy’s fine. She loved the muffins, and I was trying out a new recipe (cinnamon blueberry, who knew?), and she said it was good, and...”

Twilight interrupted, a confused look on her face. “Wait, 'Ditzy?' I thought her name was Derpy.”

“Well, sorta,” Pinkie shrugged. “It’s more of a nickname. What, you thought her parents really named her Derpy?”

Twilight blushed again. “Okay, I guess it was a bit of a stretch there. But everypony always calls her Derpy, and I guess was just too self-conscious to ask. I didn’t want to embarrass her.”

By now, they were already in the main square. The fountain had several pigeons serenading the statue, and the town hall stood proud as ever. Pinkie giggled. “Oh you silly filly. Some meanie bullies called her Derpy when she was at flight camp, but she got em back by calling herself that. She’s really nice. I mean, sure, she runs into stuff sometimes, but she’s real good with the mail. You should see her daughter, Dinky. Awwww, so cuuuuuute.” At this, she floated about three hoof-lengths into the air, legs vibrating excitingly.

As much as Twilight enjoyed listening to Pinkie ramble, she decided to shorten their conversation by an hour or two. “I don’t doubt she is, and I’d love to meet her. But I don’t think you came her just to talk about muffins.”

Much to Twilight’s surprise, Pinkie became completely serious. Her heir remained frizzy, but her voice became much more subdued, and she stopped bouncing. She spoke out the side of her mouth in an exaggerated whisper. “You’re right, Twilight. There’s been something niggling at me all day, and I couldn’t figure it out until just before I came to see you.” She glanced first left, then right, then left again at Twilight.

“You said Chirp fell out of the sky, right?”

Twilight almost froze, looking around frantically to see if anypony had heard. But everyone was busy with their own conversations, and Pinkie’s feat of ventriloquism seemed to be doing the trick. Eyebrow raised, she looked at the pink earth pony. “...Yes.”

“And we definitely posolutely absitively didn’t expect him, right?”

“Okay, Pinkie, but what’s your...”

“Twilight, has my Pinkie-Sense ever been wrong?”

Twilight thought for a moment. “Well, we’ve miscalculated a few times, but I guess not.”

“Then why didn’t it work?”

A beat. “What?” Said Twilight.

“I didn’t get any twitches! I mean, I got a ear-flop, eye-flutter, and knee-twitch, which usually means rainbow, but I think it meant the stars and the awry-boring were very beautiful.”

Twilight gave Pinkie a quizzical look. “You mean the ‘aurora borealis?’”

Pinkie nodded. “Right, that. But I didn’t get a twitchy-tail for when something falls, or the shudders when there was going to be a doozy. And both happened!”

At this, she turned to Twilight. The lavender mare was surprised to see real concern, maybe even fear, in her friend’s sky-blue eyes. “Twilight, my Pinkie sense is never wrong. It’s never let me down and... well...” She appeared to think for a moment.

"Twilight... Is my Pinkie sense broken?"

Any other day, Twilight might have laughed at the absurdity of the statement. But the genuine concern in her friend's voice stopped her dead. Her Pinkie was asking her a genuine question, and wanted a serious answer from her friend.

They continued walking in silence, both deep in thought. All around them, the hustle and bustle of multi colored ponies going about their business as usual almost made everything seem... well, usual. Rose was watering the flowers outside her shop, while Daisy swept the front steps. Merchants were calling out for one and all to buy their wares, and every so often, there’d be a small squabble over the stall locations, or the pricing. Twilight didn't see the Apple Family stall anywhere, but then, it was usually set up at the other end of the square. Twilight wondered who would be running it if Applejack was back at the farm?

Over all, a bright, sunny day in Ponyville.

But there was a dark cloud above Twilight, as she tried to stifle the growing sense of unease. She looked up in time to see a light brown pegasus apologize sheepishly, shepherding the stray raincloud away.

As they neared the cafe, Twilight turned to her pink friend. “I don’t know why your Pinkie-sense didn’t tell you anything. Maybe he was too far away for your tail to notice, or maybe your sense is smart enough to know he isn’t dangerous.” She remembered the book and dart tucked away in her bags, and how they’d resisted her magical control. “Maybe he’s simply immune to your instincts.. But... look at me, Pinkie.”

Pinkie turned, purple eyes meeting blue. Twilight’s voice was firm. “You, Pinkie Pie, are not broken. There’s nothing wrong with you. When I first learned about your Pinkie-sense, you taught me that there are some things we just can’t explain. Maybe this is one of them.”

Pinkie smiled, opening the door for Twilight. “Maybe you’re right, Twilight. Thanks.”

“My pleasure.” Twilight smirked. “Well, being right, at least.”

They both laughed; Twilight with her refined chuckle, Pinkie with her raucous, snorting guffaw. Finding an empty table on the patio, they sat down, leafing through their menus. Twilight already had her heart set on a daffodil sandwich, and couldn’t help smiling at seeing Pinkie was concerned solely with the dessert section. Suddenly, the party pony stiffened, her ear twitching. Twilight was immediately concerned. “You okay? It’s not too cold, is it?”

Pinkie shook her head. “No, not cold but... well, I don’t get this twitch very often.”

Twilight thought a moment. "Wait... Doesn't that twitch mean that somepony needs a bath?"

Pinkie rapidly shook her head. "Oh, nononononono. That's an ear Flop. This is an ear Twitch." She looked at Twilights incredulous expression. "Trust me, there's a difference."

She indicated her ear, which was twitching rapidly back and forth, as if it were searching for something. She leaned forward, whispering. “It means that someone is watching us. And only one ear means we don’t know them. And no itchy chin means...” she looked around.

“... we should be careful.”

Concealing her alarm, Twilight closed her eyes. Her horn glowed, lifting the menu to her face. In reality, she was using yet another clairvoyance spell. It was tricky, but this one would allow her to detect how many ponies were watching her, without having to look at them.

In total, she counted about six pairs of eyes, but this became five, then seven, then three, two, eight... all just glances from a crowd. There was Pinkie, of course, but their familiarity allowed her to tell her apart from the rest. There were too many shifting views to focus on one in particular.

Still, it didn’t exclude the possibility. Opening her eyes, she took another look around. Nopony suspicious. The patrons on the patio, of course, and beyond the fence, a few merchants with their carts, a salespony with a briefcase, a city guard...

Her throat caught. A city guard? What if Celestia was having them followed?

Her first instinct was alarm. Then, confusion. Then, surprisingly, relief.

If Celestia was concerned enough to send a guard, then it was most likely so she could have some way to protect Twilight and her friends. Twilight suspected it was more for her mentor’s sake than theirs. Her friends and herself could easily handle themselves. This was simply a way to reassure Celestia they were safe. At any rate, she didn't detect any immediate danger. Even if Celestia were trying to hide something from them, Twilight still trusted her mentor's judgement.

She shared her conclusion with Pinkie. The party pony glanced at the guard. He had a white coat, of course, (A glamour all guards were given, allowing their identities to remain ambiguous), silver armor, and an simple helm. There were very few of them in Ponyville, perhaps twenty at the most. Crime was minimal, so their primary duty was to give directions, or control traffic flow. Though it was unnecessary, Twilight did feel a little better. Of course it meant they’d all have to be careful from here on out, but that was a given.

Pinkie nodded, smiling. “Yeah, that’s probly it. Guess I’m just a teensy bit tense about...” She looked around, then put a hoof to her mouth. “You know who,” she said in a loud whisper.

Twilight smiled. “Don’t worry, Pinkie. I’m sure he’s fine. Oooooh, did you see the new fruit salad?

As their lunch progressed, their conversation led to less grim topics. Pinkie even started a chat with a family of three at the next table, and was ecstatic to learn that their young colt would be turning three this week. She immediately offered to coordinate the party, which the parents graciously accepted. Every so often, her ear would twitch, but she had long since decided that it just meant the city guard was looking out for them.

Even though he was no longer there.

A trio of crimson orbs watched the two. In the light of day, they were dimmed, utilizing the simple wide spectrum light of the sun to view their surroundings. The air around them was distorted ever so slightly, appearing as little more than a heat haze in the noontime sun. Stationed upon a nearby roof, with all flight systems cooled down, they were completely silent. Waiting. The mind controlling these eyes was meticulous. Few things evaded its notice. However, in the fifteen minutes it had been waiting, there had been no sign of the target.

Still, it took the time to examine every life form it found, cataloging its findings with the others, searching for some evidence of interaction. A thin, flat beam, invisible in the light of day, looked over a purple mare seated in the café.

The other Units had nothing to report. With a thirty-mile sweep, no sign of the target had been found. The conclusion was that instead of flight, the target had gone into hiding. The units would continue their search patterns. Only a few patrolled Ponyville, the closest settlement to the established “Ground-Zero.” Protocol dictated unless it pertained gaining firm evidence to the target's whereabouts, no unprovoked interaction with local populace or fauna would be warranted.

The others would continue searching outside the settlement, checking paths well taken and roads less traveled. And when one of them found the target, the rest would not be far behind.

The mission was priority.

The eyes continued to watch. Waiting.

Waiting...

Chapter 4a: The Vault

Chapter 4 (A): The Vault

by: Brony-2-Ma-Ro

Void

Complete. Total. Absolute.

No up.

No down.

No gravity.

No light.

No heat nor cold. Just void.

She shivered. It was always the void.

Two malevolent blue eyes stared out of the blackness. Her eyes.

Hello again.

“What? No! Go! Leave me! I’ve had enough of you!”

I am the night! You are weak! You are nothing! You really believe some silly “Night Show” will fool them? They all know who you are! Who we are!

She swallowed her fear, facing her shadow. “No. No! I am not you!”

The eyes seemed to twinkle with laughter. But I am YOU! Do not think you have friends. Do not think they could save you, even if they wanted to.The blackness deepened, as if the void around the presence wasn’t black enough to portray her in full.

You are alone. You will always be alone. All you have is me.

An evil grin split the blackness below the eyes.

Your NIGHTMARE!

The breath was effortlessly pulled from her lungs, and the force holding her aloft fled. With no time to scream, nor a moment to cry, she fell…

She jerked upright, cold sweat on her face. Her sheets, warmed by the heat of her being, tangled about her legs. Breathing deeply, she tried to calm the thudding in her breast. Tears threatened to push themselves free, and she felt pressure crawling from the pit of her stomach, building in her throat. Instinctively, she quickly buried her face into the pillow, the pressure releasing itself in a muffled scream of frustration.

These dreams will not stop!

No matter how hard she tried, Nightmare would always win. If she didn’t wake up before the dream had ended, Nightmare always took control.

And it felt good!

The scream finally petered out to little more than a squeak. Pathetic. Unable to stop herself, Luna sobbed softly into her pillow.

Damn her! Damn everyone! Why couldn’t she just be her?

These thrice-damned dreams! She had been having them every day for nearly a year now, ever since Nightmare Night. Worse, they had intensified the moment she’d thought of putting on the Night Show. The moment she’d wanted to give something back. She hadn’t told Celestia about them. Her sister already had enough to deal with, what with recent events.

And Twilight's recent, erroneously received letter certainly hadn't helped matters.

She, Luna, was Queen of the Night! Ruler of the Moon! Monarch of Dreams!

And she couldn’t even rid herself of her own nightmare.

There was no way of knowing how long she remained in that state, face pressed into the slightly damp pillow, the rest of her tangled in her bed. She felt sick, and was seriously contemplating the possibility of simply staying right where she was. Alone, in her room, with no noise but the quiet murmur of wind outside. She could wait until Celestia set the sun, and spend her night guiding the moon across the sky.

However, frustration finally won out over exhaustion, and she flopped out of her four-poster, kicking the bedclothes free. She staggered over to the curtains, pulling them aside. She winced at the sunlight bursting in.

Oh blast it all! I was not even asleep for two hours!?

She glanced over her shoulder. The stately bed, with its indigo trim, and deep blue covers, suddenly seemed infinitely more inviting. Yet now that she was standing upright, her body had fully shifted itself over to “awake.”

Sighing, she went over to dresser, steeling herself to look in the oval mirror. Staring back at her was a sleepless, baggy eyed alicorn, with very bad bed-man. She neither knew nor cared how something so magically charged as her ethereal, star-filled mane could become messy, it simply was.

I truly am a sight, aren’t I?

Her horn glowed as she took her brush to it, wincing every so often as it found a snag. After a minute or so of guiding the teeth through her mane, she moved on to her tail. There was an even greater number of knots here, and she suppressed a yelp at finding a particularly stubborn one. After that, she selected another brush, this one wider, with softer bristles, and began running this through her coat, starting at the neck, and ending near her hindquarters. After checking the mirror once more to ensure she was presentable, she lifted her ebony tiara from its cushion on the dresser, setting it just behind her horn.

Her wandering eyes fell upon her abacus. She had little need of it now, but out of habit, she had been marking the days since her return upon it's colored, wooden beads. Her goal, and hope was that by the time she had counted off all forty beads, that she would have... Well, truthfully, she hoped she would know by then. The wooden framework of the contraption had been set carefully on a small shelf in the corner of the room. She smiled, a slight wave of nostalgia creeping up.

She shook it off, stifling a yawn in the process

No point in sleeping now. I’ll just have to hope I can find time to rest later. She smiled, bitterly. In the meantime, there’s no need to remain cooped up in here…

Fully groomed and dressed, she strutted over to the the large, double doors to her chambers. With no warning, she was hit by a wave of disconcerting unease. An aftershock from the dream, as if it where redoubling its efforts to unsettle her.

Deep breaths, one step at a time, act like you think you’re in charge.

As if she had a choice.

With a final, shuddering sigh, she opened the doors. The two gray pegasi on either side stiffened to attention. Careful to keep her expression regal, she addressed the one to her right. “Captain Drake?”

“Ma’am?”

“Lieutenant Charcoal?”

“Your highness.”

"Any news?"

Charcoal shook his head. "Nightfyre arrived perhaps an hour ago to report, but we told her you wished to remain undisturbed. She wishes to meet with you before the day is out."

Luna nodded. “Excellent, thank you. Wouldst thou be… ah, would you two please be so kind as to escort me to The Vault?” She winced inwardly. A full year of practice, yet every so often, her old habit of annunciation would pop up all over again.

There was a pause as the two guards glanced at each other. Drake spoke up. “Is that an order, your majesty?”

Luna sighed. As noble as these ponies were, some of them seemed too afraid to wipe their own nose without permission. “Yes, I suppose it is.”

Drake nodded. “Then we shall, your highness. Would you like me to send another shift to guard your chambers?”

Gripped in her deep blue light, the doors behind her slammed shut with an ominous boom, causing Charcoal to flinch slightly. Luna shook her head, suppressing a smile at his reaction. “That won’t be necessary, thank you," she said.

As she made her way through the palace halls, she made sure that whenever servants or visiting lords or ladies were nearby, she would hold herself in the proper, regal manner. Otherwise, she felt content to walk at her own, sedate pace through the twisting corridors.

After a quick detour through the central courtyard, she heard a familiar voice, speaking in a very business-like manner with what sounded like several ponies. Luna moved quickly to a side-passage, her two guardians barely able to keep up. Celestia and her own escort of guards, servants, and various other ponies of high stature moved past. Luna thought she even saw that stuck-up snob of a unicorn, Blueblood, trailing behind the rest. Celestia was answering the many questions constantly plied to her by the group, ranging from plans for the Gala to what she would like for dinner. She answered each question with patience gained only through a millenia of practice.

Luna, trying not to eavesdrop, remained where she was, hoping that neither Celestia nor her escort would notice her.

Not that she didn’t trust her sister. She just... didn’t feel like talking to her right then.

Once the gaggle of noble-ponies had moved on, Luna and her guards continued on their route. Eventually, they found themselves on the lower levels. There were no less than seven checkpoints between the main fareway of palace traffic and her destination, all punctuated by massive, vaulted doors. About ten guards remained stationed at each, but none of them questioned the Princess of the Night for exploring her own palace. Seven doors opened for her, and in turn, seven doors closed behind.

Now, set before her, was a long marble hallway about thirty feet across, and twice as tall, the ceiling vaulting high above. Doors were set in the wall at fifty-foot intervals. Glancing to her right, Luna noticed that Drake looked slightly nervous.

Without really thinking about it, she tried striking up a conversation. “This is your first time here, Captain, is it not?”

Realizing his behavior was not in line with protocol, Captain Drake immediately stiffened, eyes set dead ahead..

“No… er, yes your highness," he said.

Luna smiled, in what she hoped was a reassuring manner. It didn’t seem to help much. “Not to worry. There is nothing down here that will bite you.”

They continued on in silence, with only the echo of their hooves clip-clopping upon the floor. Then, after a moment of thought, Drake spoke again.

“Your highness, permission to speak freely.”

“Granted.”

“What, ah, precisely is down here?”

Luna smiled, gesturing with her hoof. “Mostly documents. Some are too old to be put on public display, some too dangerous, and a few especially old ones are still under scrutiny. Mostly, though, it’s just dust.” She looked ahead at the door coming up on their right. Door number CXVII.

Like every other door in the hallway, it was a large, circular thing, nearly fifteen feet in diameter, with rivets set around the circumference. It was embellished with ornate patterns of gold-lief, but there was no trace of a handle. Twenty guards stood at attention; ten in golden armor, ten in black. She spoke out of the side of her mouth to Drake. “This, however, happens to be an exception.

As they reached the door, all twenty ponies stood even straighter. Drake and Charcoal hung back, as she walked right up to the magically reinforced threshold. She gently tapped her horn against the one of the burnished stylings, and a high, almost cheerful chime resonated through the hallway.

A moment later, a near-invisible slot, completely flush with the door, opened, and a set of green eyes peered out.

“You’re highness?”

“May I enter?”

“Of course.”

The slot closed, and there was the noise of several locks disengaging, as well as more than a few protective charms being lifted. Finally, the door swung inwards with a series of deep, ratcheting clanks. A slightly disheveled unicorn immediate prostrated himself before her. “Your majesty.”

She turned to Drake and Charcoal, who remained at attention where she’d left them. “Captain, Lieutenant. You are relieved of duty.”

The guards gave her a worried look, not certain if they were being offered a break, or being fired. “Ah, ma’am?” Said Drake

“Oh for…" Luna gave an exasperated sigh. "Go get some lunch! I can find my own way back to my room, thank you.”

The two guards bowed, and began retracing their steps. Luna looked back at the unicorn, who hadn’t moved from his prostrate position.

He wasn’t old (certainly not by her standards), perhaps only within his mid to late twenties, but his mane and tail where already white, with a light brown coat complimenting his lab-tunic. His cutie-mark was that of a scalpel and a screwdriver crossing one another. She smiled. “Professor Rocket Surgeon. You can stop kissing the floor, now. I haven’t walked upon it yet.”

The professor immediately stood upright, but was relieved to realize the princess was joking. He smiled in return. “Greetings, your grace. To what do we owe this honor?” His voice was pleasant to hear. Not smooth, like some jazz-musician, nor as deep, but friendly nonetheless.

Luna shrugged. “Curiosity. I wish to see how far you’ve gotten.”

Professor Surgeon’s face fell. “I, ah, that is… of course, your highness. Please, come in.”

Luna stepped into a brightly lit chamber. She passed through the magical barrier, which served to hide the contents of the room to outside eyes, and to keep the air in the room separate from the outside. As such, she resisted the urge to close her nostrils, as they were bombarded with the sterile, disinfectant-rich smell of the Vault.

White-wash walls on all sides, and several small vents in the ceiling, magically cycling fresh, sterilized air into the room. The floor was polished marble, with veins of jade and obsidian running through it at intervals. She glanced over her shoulder as the door ponderously closed. It was at least a full foot thick, and from this side, she could see the immense amount of clockwork through the back which operated the locks themselves; about two-dozen steel pistons, perhaps four inches across, and eighteen long. As the door shut, the clockwork once again whirred to life, and the rods slid into place in counter-clockwise sequence in the space of a few seconds. Although she was familiar enough with the basic technology of this day and age, she still felt a slight thrill as the last of the locks thunked into place.

Magic might be elegant, maybe even convenient, but there was something to be said about technological progress.

Rocket Surgeon looked over his shoulder. “Remind me, your grace. Have you ever been here before?”

She returned her gaze to him, shaking her head. “I’ve been in a few of the archive vaults, but not this one in particular. Would you be so kind as to give me the grand tour?”

Surgeon smiled. “Certainly.” He raised his forehoof, a mischievous grin on his face “And: here we are!”

Luna rolled her eyes, but nevertheless looked around. The room was rectangular, with the door she’d entered through set into one of the long walls. About fifteen or so scientists, interns, professors, and various doctorate holders moved about, easing by one-another in a rush-hour of white coats.

Numerous background checks had been run for each and every one of them, from education, to criminal records, to favorite food and color. When given clearance to The Vault, each one took a magically binding oath, swearing responsibility of the contents of the room, and its knowledge. Regardless if the items were documents, artifacts, or the largely coveted Colt-a-Cola recipe, the oath remained the same. It wouldn’t stop them from telling anypony; Celestia had ruled against such harsh terms. However, if someone who swore the oath did break it by telling anyone, the spell would alert the caster as to whom had broken it, and whom they had told. From there, it would be up to the legal system, as breaking the oath was considered treason.

Fortunately, in the three-hundred years this system had been in place, the oath had only ever been broken twice:

Once, by a colt too drunk to know what he was saying (and fortunately, it had been said to a mare too inebriated to remember).

The second, an old stallion, telling stories of his life to his only grandfoal. His oath had been neglected lifting after the research in question had long since become public knowledge. Needless to say, Celestia had been quite lenient in both cases.

Within the room, about twelve tables were set up in rows of two, all but one covered in various metal detritus. Luna couldn’t see what was on the last table, as several of the white-gowned investigators blocked her line of sight. The Professor nervously cleared his throat. “I fear we haven’t gotten much farther since my last report," He said. "The… items, are somewhat difficult to handle.”

Although Luna was bursting with questions, she felt it would be appropriate to hold off until he had finished.

In the center of the room, separate from the twelve other tables, was a large obsidian block of stone, carved with various magical runes of protection and containment.

What held her interest, however, was on top of the block itself.

It appeared to be some sort of armor, but not for any creature Luna knew of. It was massive, easily dwarfing her or Celestia. It had an insectoid appearance, with a long, segmented body tapering to a tail, now severed near its end. Two pairs of strange, bladed limbs that might have been wings, or maybe legs, extended from the thicker part of the body; rather, it had one limb of what might have been four at some point. Not so dissimilar to a dragonfly, or perhaps a mayfly, Luna thought. Furthermore, there was no visible way to enter the armor. The only viable opening was a hole was set in the center of the torso/thorax. A simple, cylindrical cavity encompassing a decent portion of the body, traveling all the way through it like some misplaced window. There was a good deal of twisted metal, in what might have been two or three concentric rings, but the original shape was completely unrecognizable.

The whole thing was a mess. Dented, flattened on the bottom, blackened with soot, with several of the plates fused together from the heat. The “head,” however, was by far the worst. It might have been trapezoidal in appearance at some point, but was now mashed to a pulp.

Luna smiled grimly. I suppose that’s one way to learn not to land on your head.

Scattered about the room, the scientists were taking various notes and measurements. Everypony was so engrossed in their findings, discussions, and arguments, that no one had even noticed her enter. Surgeon, after several failed attempts to get everypony’s attention, puffed his cheeks, emitting a shrill fweet! They all immediately looked up.

“Fillies and gentlecolts! We have a guest! Show some manners, for Her sake!”

An awkward silence, followed by a series of equally awkward bows, and then they resumed their activities. Surgeon shook his head. “Sincerest apologies, m’lady. I’m afraid that’s the best you’ll get from a bunch of eggheads like this.”

Laughing, Luna gave Surgeon a sly smile. “And, pray tell, precisely what makest thou… I mean, what makes you any less of an ‘egghead,’ as it were?” She thought for a moment. “Actually, I am curious: ‘Rocket Surgeon?’ How did you earn that name?”

Surgeon gave an uncomfortable laugh. “Same as just about every other pony: my parents.”

Seeing her puzzled look, he rolled his eyes. “My mother was a Wonderbolt. My father was a theoretical physicist. I swear, I was three months old before they decided on a name. Seriously, who names their foal ‘Rocket Surgeon?’”

Much to everyone’s surprise, Luna chuckled, her eyes closed in merriment. “I dare say, it fits your profession well, does it not?”

He shrugged. “Meh. To be honest, it’s thanks to Princess Celestia I’m even on this committee.”

“Really? And what is the story behind that?”

Blushing bright red, Surgeon raised a hoof, shaking his head in protest. “Oooooh, no! I’m not repeating that tale. If you want to know, ask your sister. Just mention the class of nine-ninety-six. Trust me she’ll remember.”

Luna sighed, though still smiling. “As you wish.”

Intrigued as she was, Luna pulled herself back to the present. The atmosphere did little to lighten the seriousness of the situation.

She returned her attention to the plinth. Despite the condition of its "head," or lackthereof, Luna had the distinct feeling it was watching her. She shivered, but quickly shook it off, gesturing with a hoof. “So, have we found anything more about… this?”

Surgeon shook his head. “Not much. It appears to be some sort of automaton, but far more advanced than your average ‘come-to-life’ construct. Unfortunately, we haven’t found what powers it, or what its function is. It was too heavily damaged from the crash to properly identify most of the components.” As he spoke, he trotted around the “armor,” weaving his way through the ponies. He indicated the end of the tail, lying on the stone next to its counterpart. It tapered into three blades, two facing one another, with the third perpendicular to the pair. They were warped and discolored, and Luna guessed this was due to the heat generated by the impact.

Surgeon continued. “It was armed with these, though we haven’t ascertained if it was designed for offensive or defensive capabilities.” He indicated a small cracked lens set between two of the blades, charred and smeared with soot. “We haven’t been able to identify this device either, though a guess would be some sort of extremely compact camera.” Stepping back, he made a sweeping motion with a hoof. “It most definitely appears to be designed for flight, but the appendages are too heavy to act as any viable wings; more like bladed legs, in my opinion.”

Luna gave him a confused look. “Then how did it fly? I do not doubt it your word, of course, but if not with wings, than what?”

The brown unicorn smiled, and beckoned her over to the plinth. He pointed to the cavity set in the thorax. “Notice how severe the damage to this area is?” Luna nodded her agreement. Surgeon tapped one of the bits of metal splayed in the center. “This area would be fairly well shielded from most of the impact, so only a few explanations come to mind. Judging by the shape of this cavity, I’d guess that there was something, or several things, in here, moving or spinning at incredible speed. My guess is that this, or those, is what provided the downward thrust needed to give it altitude. When the energy from the impact reached this area, the force jarred the objects out of sync, sending them colliding into one-another at tremendous speeds. Hence, the mess.”

Luna was impressed. “You deduced all this just from the remains?”

Surgeon shrugged. “Well, not me personally, your highness, but I like to think I helped.” He gave one more look at the object. “But, as I said in my report, it’s most certainly dead. It hasn’t reacted to any stimuli, and there’s no trace of magical, electrical, or heat energy. We’re not letting our guard down, mind you, but we’re pretty confident it’s not going to explode, or anything.“

*CRASH!*

Everypony jumped in surprise. Several glares were directed to the ginger intern who had dropped the tray of samples. He gave everyone a sheepish look. Surgeon facehoofed. “Peach Reedish. Could you please be a little more careful when handling objects of unknown origin?” He turned to Luna. “I am sorry, your majesty. It’s his first day here.” He glanced at adolescent unicorn, who was now scuffing the scattered detritus over to the spilled tray with his hooves. “… And with any luck, it won’t be his last.”

The colt blushed furiously, avoiding eye contact with anyone, and being especially wary of Luna. Her heart went out to the unfortunate intern. She gently nudged some of the scattered debris to where he could reach it.

She stifled a gasp of surprise.

The plate of metal she’d just mentally shifted must’ve weighed at least ninety pounds! She attempted to confirm her suspicions by lifting the piece in question with her magic, but the blue aura seemed to… slip, off of the surface. She imagined it would be akin to lifting a dense metal sphere, coated with vegetable oil.

Her consternation only increased when Peach, while thanking her, easily lifted the same piece with a single hoof!

She voiced her concern aloud. “How this possible?”

Surgeon gave her an odd look. “I’m sorry, your highness?”

She indicated Peach. “How is it he can move objects of such weight with so little effort?” Deep down, something was niggling at the back of her mind. What was it?…

It took a moment for the professor to catch her drift. “Ah, you mean the material. My sincerest apologies. I should have warned you earlier.” He gestured to the room in general. “Very nearly everything in here is resistant to magic in one way or another. My theory is that these items are so far beyond magical influence, that they are barely affected by it, meaning that lifting one piece up with magic takes anywhere from ten to thirty-fold the energy required to do it by hoof.”

Luna was barely listening, a distant look in her eyes. “I see. It must make them difficult to work with.”

Surgeon nodded, stepping aside as Peach delivered the tray to his destination. “To some extent, yes, but not nearly as much as you might think. The equipment we have suffices in terms of examination, and we unicorns can still use magic, though we must be careful. A few have complained about headaches when working in proximity to these, but they're intermittent at best, and the infirmary can't find anything amiss. Mind you, I don’t see any of the earth ponies or pegasi complaining." He smiled, bringing a hoof to his chin. "I, for one, have considered requesting permission from Celestia to peruse the archives for information on this phenomenon. It’s possible this has been recorded before.”

Luna stiffened. “Doubt.”

Surgeon looked at her questioningly. “Beg pardon?”

She quickly shook her head. “I said I doubt it’ll make a difference. I would suggest you continue as you are, but remain wary.”

Hoping to change the subject, she glanced over at the more crowded table, the one she couldn’t see properly. There appeared to be some sort of argument going on, as if several groups were competing over ownership of whatever it held.

She spoke to Surgeon. “Tell, me. What is happening over there?”

He followed her gaze. “Oh, that. One moment.” Standing up straight, he made a big show of clearing his throat. “*Ahem!* Make way for our beloved Princess Luna!”

Surgeon trotted forward, followed closely by Luna. The scientists moved aside, grumbling at the interruption. Not very loudly though, she noted.

The lone object on the table appeared to be some sort of sword, sheathed in a black, glossy material. An ornate, zigzag pattern of silver flowed from the tip of the case to the mouth, encircling both. From the form of the case itself, the blade appeared to be traditional leaf shape, starting wide at the hilt, and gradually curving to a sharp point. The bit-grip, however, was another story.

Rather than running straight back from the guard, as with traditional swords, allowing for better leverage, the handle of this weapon was split into two parallel parts, held perpendicular to the blade by two metal prongs. The shape of the grip (grips?) was strange as well, as if made from some soft clay that hadn’t hardened properly. Four rings were set side by side along the innermost of the two, at the edge furthest from its counterpart. The rods holding the handle extended past the bit, connected at the end by a curved metal band.

Luna noticed that the weapon was actually hovering about an inch above the table’s surface. She guessed this must be some magic employed to keep it from getting damaged. However, if it reacted the same way to magic as everything else in here, then in all likelihood, the spell affected the air around it, rather than the object itself.

As she approached, several glares where shot back and forth among those present. Luna glanced at Surgeon, her expression confused. “A weapon? Why so much conflict.” Her reward was a very deadpan stare from the Professor. She sighed, rolling her eyes. “You know what I meant. Why is this so significant?”

Before Surgeon could answer, a light green mare spoke up from the sidelines. “We’re trying to determine its origin.”

“Yes,” said a beige stallion on the other side of the crowd. “After we confirm how it is wielded.”

“No!” Another voice spoke up. “You can have it after we figure out what the blade is made of.”

In no time flat, the squabble had resumed. Surgeon did his best to restore order, but to no avail.

There is a rather popular theory that states a roomful of monkeys could eventually transcribe Shakesclop. It is, however, a proven fact that a roomful of scientists can bring any and all progress to a grinding halt.

“SILENCE!”

The simple word echoed off the walls, amplified by the effects of the Traditional Canterlot Voice. Cringing, everypony shut up.

Luna gave them her most charming smile, then turned to Surgeon. “Professor. Please tell me what you know of this item.”

Having been closest to Luna when she had spoken, the unfortunate professor wiggled a hoof in his ear, doing his best to look dignified. He trotted over the weapon. “Well, your highness, while we’ve recognized its basic components, we have no clue on how anypony could wield it. The grip is situated so it’s almost impossible to reach with one’s teeth, and it, like the other items in here, is resistant to magic.” He walked around to the other side of the table. “We have been unsuccessful in any attempt to remove it from the sheathe, which we have identified as some sort of carbon-based nano-fiber. Any attempt to view the blade via magic has been difficult, for obvious reasons, though not fruitless.”

He turned to face Luna, wearing a small, slightly smug grin. “While we couldn’t find any trace of the mechanism holding the blade in, we were able to identify some sort of marking on the blade itself, near the hilt.”

At this, he retrieved a piece of paper from a nearby table, guiding it with magic to within Luna’s reach. Accepting the paper, she examined it. It was a simple, black-and-white photograph. She recognized it as an x-ray of the sheath, showing the blade. However, she saw no sign of the writing Surgeon had mentioned. Before she could ask, he presented her with a clear plastic film, the exact size and shape of the photo she held. It appeared to be a negative image, with the light tone of the blade now showing black on the film. But now, she saw a strange, miniscule shape, outlined in white just where the blade reached the hilt, where before, she had seen nothing.

She looked up at Surgeon. “How didst thou make this discovery?”

Letting her lapse of modern annunciation pass, Surgeon swelled with pride. “Well, I don’t mean to brag—“

“But he’s going to anyway.”

There were some stifled snickers. Surgeon gave the azure mare who had spoken, one Professor Enigma, a hard glare, though Luna saw laughter behind his eyes. She smiled. One didn’t need a degree in psychology to see there was chemistry between the two.

Tearing his gaze away from the mare, Surgeon cleared his throat. “*Ahem* Yes, well, the etching in question wasn’t physical, per say. I believe was applied using the lodestone principle; repeatedly drawing a polarized material across the surface in the desired shape. The only way to detect it would be with some sort of magnetic imaging device, or by combining a scrutiny spell with a carefully refined polar-orientation spell.”

Luna examined the runes, barely listening to what the professor was saying. The in one corner of the emblem, two runes were just visible.

It was faint, but Luna recognized them as two archaic letters, left over from a very, very lost language.

F. I.

She felt a strange flutter in her stomach, accompanied by another twinge of déjà vu. Looking around, she saw some of the most brilliant minds in the world, all in the same room. Each and every one of them was doing their level best, but something of this magnitude required something else.

Or, perhaps, somepony else.

She thought over her decision very carefully. She knew there was potential backlash, especially from her sister. But as far as she was concerned, time was of the essence. She would, as they often said, "face the music," later.

Looking around, she realized that everypony was looking at her. She still held the paper and the film, both hovering at about eye level. She returned them to Professor Surgeon. “My thanks, Professor. I have learned much from my visit, and I wish you all the best of luck in your endeavors.

Surgeon gave her a quizzical look. “But…?”

She smiled. “I’m afraid, Professor, that I have one more request of you.” She looked at the others assembled around her. She raised her voice so all could hear. “Actually, for all of you. And let me make myself absolutely clear:

If any of you have any trepidation, I order you to refuse…”

Luna made her way down the long hall. The sun shone through the stained glass, casting a kaleidoscope of colors upon the walls and floor. Luncheon was nearing its end, yet the halls of Canterlot Castle were largely empty at this time, though any and all ponies who encountered her bowed, letting her pass should their paths intersect. She nodded her thanks when appropriate, and reciprocated the various greetings. Her wing itched like mad, but she resisted the urge to preen, especially in public. Stepping out into the gardens, she reflected back to the events that had just transpired within The Vault.

***

The request had not been an easy one. All present had been torn, and Luna had to remind them several times that the choice to refuse was theirs. Still, it required the mediation of Surgeon, as well as nearly fifteen full minutes of debate before the decision was made to accede to her wishes, not on her merit as a princess, but rather their trust in her as a leader.

She prayed to whatever power higher than herself, or her sister, that she could live up to that trust.

***

The gardens were largely quiet. The sweet smells of all the flowers mingled in the air. Every so often, a cool breeze would pass through, bringing momentary relief from the sun's heat.

Not for the first time, Luna reflected that it truly was a beautiful day. But she had not here to admire the outdoors.

Ting. TING ting. Ting. TING ting. Ting.

The sound of metal striking metal reached her ears. The smell of hot iron and burnt charcoal filled the air, intruding upon the scent of the gardens.

The Royal Canterlot Forge was not far ahead. Set at the very edge of the gardens, it was a square, stone building with a sloping, slate roof, and a single two-piece door in front. No decorations, nothing fancy, just the bare essentials for a smithy’s forge. Not far away, a small domed structure emitted a thin trickle of smoke, an angry red glow glaring through a window set in the side. The smelter, used to refine the metals, and remove impurities. An enormous pile of charcoal sat next to it, with a shovel stuck into it at an angle.

The roof of the forge itself overhung an enclosed fire pit, complete with bellows, as well as a trough of water adjacent to it for cooling the metal. Beyond that, several pieces of armor were gathered into a mismatched pile. Some were dented, others cracked or split, and she saw that at least two of them were severely corroded.

Sparks showered over the anvil, as an earth pony with a dark, smudged gray coat, a scorched brown apron, and a striking-glove hammered down on the bright orange metal. He appeared to be in his late thirties, early forties. He was large, rivaling the size of Applejack’s brother, Big Macintosh. His mane and tail were matted, a dirty mix of brown and black, streaked with soot and sweat, and his eyes shone the color of burnished copper. It was no surprise that his cutie-mark, partially concealed by ash and soot, was that of a hammer and anvil.

Luna contented herself to wait at a distance. Even from here, beyond the glow of the fire, the heat stung her fur. She marveled at how the blacksmith could endure it's constant blaze. Saying nothing, she observed him finish shaping the metal into the desired form. He lifted the piece with a set of thick tongs, and dunked it in the trough of water. There was a loud hiss, and a cloud of steam momentarily obscured him from view. Beneath the surface of the water, the glow of the metal dimmed rapidly, like a star in the light of day.

“Your highness.”

Luna hid her surprise. The stallion had been so intent upon his work, she hadn’t thought that he’d noticed her. She nodded. “Greetings, Ash Coat. Thou fares well?”

Turning away from the trough, Ash Coat set the still steaming object on a metal work table; Luna recognized it as a guard’s helm, with a freshly repaired seem. Ash nodded in a sharp facsimile of a bow. When he spoke, his voice carried a sophisticated knell, yet held a tone that stated clearly he had no time for pleasantries. “I’m fine, thanks for askin’, but I have little patience for practicing Old Equestrian today," he said. He indicated the haphazard pile of armor. "Cap'n Tip needs these repaired by the afternoon drills."

Luna smiled. Generally, Ash Coat was about as eloquent as a jackhammer. To him, manners were an unnecessary luxury, and if he could skimp on formalities, he did. That was probably why Luna liked him. He didn’t give two bits whether someone had praised him for his fine craftsponyship, or if they’d just told him he looked like a donkey’s behind. He’d simply respond “likewise,” then continue hammering.

When Luna had first returned to Canterlot, she recalled that Ash Coat had ranted for nearly an hour at having his work load doubled. He wasn’t lazy by any stretch. He simply enjoyed complaining. It seemed to make his job less stressful. She stifled a chuckle, as she brought to mind their first meeting...

***

“GREETINGS, CITIZEN OF EQUESTRIA!”

“Mmm-Hm...”

“...HAST THOU A NAME?”

“Eeyup.”

“...Uh, *ahem* THOU SHALT TELL US-”

“Ash Coat.”

“THEN, ah, GREETINGS, ASH COAT. WE ARE THE ROYAL PRINCESS LUNA, RULER OF THE NIGHT-”

“Pleased ta meet ya. A little busy right now. Have a nice day.”

***

No matter how loudly she’d cranked up her Royal Canterlot Voice, Ash merely brushed her off, undeterred from his task. She had come within a hair’s breadth of banishing him, and were it not for her sister’s timely intervention...

At any rate, despite the audacity of his actions, Ash had gained Luna’s grudging respect, and it was much to everypony’s surprise (especially that of Celestia’s), that both she and Ash had become fast friends. While Ash respected Luna as a princess, he didn’t treat her as a goddess to be worshiped with one’s every living breath. He treated her as if she were a normal pony, someone he could talk to without putting “your highness” in at every third syllable; while Luna was loath to admit it, it was a welcome relief from the tedious nuances of Canterlot life.

Ash enjoyed listening to Luna regale him of the times when she and Celestia ruled together, before the “go to your moon” incident, and he’d even picked up some of her vocal mannerisms. When they were together, Luna would abstain from her “shouting,” as Ash put it, who claimed that while he might be stubborn, he most certainly wasn’t deaf. As they spent more time together, talking about various non-vital subjects, he would often speak as she did, both of them “thee-ing,” “thou-ing,” and “forsooth-ing” like a pair of Shakesclopian actors.

After the Nightmare Night debacle, it had worked in reverse. Ash had patiently helped her acclimatize to the new lingo, though they would occasionally alternate back and forth, depending on the conversation.

Today, obviously, would not be one of those days.

She nodded her assent to his request. “As thou-" She caught herself. "As you wish. I am sorry to have caught you at such a busy time, but I have a favor to ask.”

Ash grunted, undoing the bindings on the gloves with a sharp pull of his teeth, and wiping his hooves on the clean grass. “Was plannin’ on takin’ a break anyhow. Righty, then: Ask away.”

Luna glanced casually at the long row of various items Ash had displayed on the outer wall of his forge, ranging from the most ornate armor to a simple axel for a wagon. “Tell me, Ash, what do you know of weapons?”

His mouth twitching slightly, Ash crossed his hooves, leaning slightly to one side. “Well, I suppose it would depend on the weapon. Are you referring swords, shields and the like, or to the military-grade pie-tins I have to put together for the annual mock wars?”

It took Luna a moment to process the sentence.

“Celestia has you making pie-tins?!”

Ash’s deep, throaty chuckle boomed out across the gardens, startling a flock of red-jays from a nearby oak. “No, not really. Well, except for some of the really ornate ones.” He twisted his mouth to one side. “Still, your sister doesn’t request actual weapons very often. But it’s all part of the trade, and plenty of ponies request commissions for decoration.” Returning his gaze to Luna, head cocked to one side, he said “What do you want to know?”

Luna shifted her wing to a slightly more comfortable position, and walked politely past Ash, making her way to the work table. She spoke over her shoulder. “Would you be able to identify any sword, dagger, or the like, with little difficulty?”

Ash Coat thought for a moment. “I’d prefer not to strike my own steel," he said, "but I reckon I could. What would you like me to look at?”

Luna smiled. Carefully opening her right wing, she placed a long, black object on the table. The ornate silver zig-zag glinted orange and red in the firelight.

“Tell me, Ash.” Luna indicated the strange weapon. “What can you make of that?”

For along moment, the gray stallion simply looked at the exotic sword, still nestled in its sheathe. Luna could see his eyes flicking along its length, watching as his gaze lingered on the handle. She imagined him taking mental measurements of the length and width, and estimating the weight.

He looked back at Luna. "You want me to tell you about… this?”, he said.

She nodded once. “You can do it, can you not?”

After another second or two of thought, Ash sighed. “Well, like I said before, that depends.”

Her brow furrowed. “Depends upon what?”

Ash said nothing, merely picking up the object with his hoof, testing its weight.

Finally, after a long moment:

“Princess Luna, What do you know about humans?"

Silent Knight will return summer 2012

Chapter 4b: The Arrival

Chapter 4 (B): The Arrival
by: Brony-2-Ma-Ro

The blue pegasus breathed deeply, enjoying the cool wind tugging at her emerald mane and tail. Flipping herself, she began a steep, inverted dive. Several hundred feet below, the green patch that was the Canterlot Gardens swiftly grew, filling her vision behind the gold-tinted goggles. Her purple and ebony flightsuit, trimmed with splashes of gold, hugged her limbs tightly, ensuring proper blood-flow to the brain, especially during high-G turns, and other strenuous maneuvers.

500...

300...

100...

Now!

With practiced ease, she righted herself, zigzagging between a tall fir and the marble statue of a pony, her slipstream causing the orange flag it held to flap violently. Adjusting the sharp turn into a gentle curve, she alighted herself upon a small boulder, set within a patch of posies. Despite her best efforts, her muzzle broke into a small, self-satisfied smile.

She might not have an audience, but she could at least enjoy herself a little.

"Not bad," a mossy voice spoke from her shoulder. "But would ya mind shiftin yerself a bit? Well, unless you enjoy cold showers."

The pegasus blushed, chagrined at the lapse in her surroundings. "My apologies, gardener," she said to the aging stallion. Fluttering her wings, she strafed gently onto the grass.

The groundskeeper, an earth pony of greying beige, smiled back."Thank ya kindly, miss." He shifted the hose in his hoof, giving the spot she had just occupied a thorough spray. He glanced back at her, eyes narrowed. "Say, ain't I seen you some place before?"

She sighed inwardly. This routine again. "I don't believe so. I'm not one of the Wonderbolts, if that's what you're thinking."

"No, no." Cocking an eyebrow, he scratched his chin. "You must be one of them... Er, whatsit? Shadey... Colts?"

Well. That was new.

"Shadowbolt, actually," she said, biting back a sharp retort regarding the "colt" remark. "The elite force to Her Sovereign Majesty of the Night. And I'm afraid that I'm not at liberty to tell you what I'm doing here. Royal business."

"Wasn't going to ask," he chuckled. "But on the off chance you're looking for her Royal Starryness, she passed through about half an hour back, over towards the smithy." He turned back to the flowers, shooting a final remark over his shoulder. "Not that a simple gardener such as myself pays attention to such things. You have yourself a fine day, Miss."

Surprised, but resolving not to give him the satisfaction of having guessed her intentions, she simply smiled, nodded, and made her way in the direction he had indicated. As the building hove into view, she saw that neither the blacksmith, nor her mistress, were outside. However, she could hear the sounds of conversation coming from within, through the open window. However, as she drew closer, the voices became much more... distinct.

"A little harder, if you please."

"Begin' yer pardon, but any harder, and something's going to break."

The first voice was Luna's, no doubt of that. The other was that of the blacksmith, Ash Coat. The pegasus wrinkled her muzzle, as if she had just smelled something stale.

A series of sharp grunts from within.

"Ungh! Perhaps, if you just twisted it a bit to the right, Ash...?"

"Mmf! Yours or mine?"

"Apologies, mine. So, your left."

"Yeah, that feels about right. Mind sqeezin' a little harder, your Highness? Not sure if I've got this right."

The pegasus' eyes widened. Even from inside the forge, Ash Coat's voice sounded somewhat... muffled.

They weren't... Were they?

Oh, this she had to see...

The inside of the forge was surprisingly cool, well insulated from the heat of the adjacent fire pit. It was, in Luna's opinion, homely, with a small loft providing sleeping quarters above, and moderate furnishings on the ground floor. Luna also noticed a small hatch, which, she presumed, lead to the root cellar of some sort. At the moment, the two ponies were attempting to liberate the sword from its sheath.

Thus far, the sheath was winning out.

"Hrk! Luna, are you sure about this? We could wait for those eggheads..."

"The sooner, the better. I believe this problem should be resolved in the most expeditious manner possible."

Ash, currently gripping the guard with his teeth, was forced to twist his head to an exceedingly uncomfortable angle. "Well, who am I to argue with a princess?" He muttered, giving it a solid tug. The only reward for his effort was a strained neck, and an irritated grunt from the opposite end.

Luna, all four hooves planted firmly on the floor, was putting her all into her mental grip on the sword. The blue aura slid and slithered, refusing to adhere to its surface. It was only through brute force she was able to hold it at all, and the effort was taxing her greatly. "Very funny, Ash. Now is not the time to play coy." Through her horn, she felt the blade shift within its casing. Despite the throbbing pain in her temple, she gave a small smile. "Ah, I believe we are nearly there."

"Heh. Yeah,I've heard her say that before."

Her focus shaken, the sword slipped entirely from her grasp. With nothing to brace against, both it and Ash went tumbling across the room. The two hit the wall with a thump and a clatter, resulting in a tin cup to fall from a shelf, bouncing impudently off Ash's nose. Luna turned to the source of the distraction; a blue mare, with fiery green hair, and a purple flightsuit. She was resting upon the windowsill, her hooves crossed beneath her chest. Despite her best efforts, she was unable to suppress a grin at the spectacle before her; a princess and a blacksmith, caught in what could easily be construed as an awkward situation.

Luna sighed, but nodded in acknowledgement. "Nightfyre. So good of you to find me."

Groaning, Ash staggered to his feet, one hoof massaging his temple. One look at the Shadowbolt was all he needed to confirm his fears. "Oh, excellent. You'll forgive me if I don't look presentable."

Nightfyre returned a coy smile, speaking with dramatic overtones. "Oh, Dirt Coat, no need. Why, I do believe that's a new layer of grime. And soot, too! All for little old me." Her mouth twisted to one side. "I'm not interrupting some private moment between you an my Mistress, am I?"

Ash Coat smirked. "No, not at all, I was expecting a headache anyway."

Luna suppressed a snigger at Nightfyre's twitch of annoyance, but decided to diffuse the situation, before another hour-long bout of insults erupted between the two. Fortunately, she knew exactly what would gain the undivided attention of her captain. "Captain Nightfyre of the Shadowbolts. We understand thou bears news for us."

Nightfyre immediately snapped to attention. She always was a sucker for the Royal "We." Ash Coat politely looked away.

"My Lady, as we speak, Sovereign Wind, The Harmonious, and the The Triumphant approach Canterlot, carrying ambassadors from the surrounding nations."

"You have our thanks, Nightfyre. This news is expected. When are they due to arrive?"

"At their current heading, within the hour. Two more approach from the east, but I expect their arrival will be some time later. I'm sorry for such late notice, I had hoped to alert you sooner..."

Luna held up a hoof. "No need to apologize. Many thanks. Your squad is escorting them?"

Nightfyre nodded. "Yes, My Lady."

There was one concern that she had not voiced. She hoped to discuss it in private with the Princess, but circumstances would not allow it. She resolved to ask Luna as soon as possible. The Princess had already turned to the blacksmith. Ash Coat was once again tinkering with the sword, which he had braced with his hoof on a nearby table.

Luna gave a polite cough. "Ash, my friend, I thank you for your counsel, and your insight. But I regret that I must ask that you return the weapon."

"Got it," came the curt reply.

Behind her goggles, Nightfyre's expression became quizzical. "Wait... Weapon? What is this about, your Highness?"

Luna sighed. "Another time, Captain." Her gaze returned to Ash Coat who hadn't moved from his speculative pose. "Ash, we should postpone this for another time. There are matters I must attend to."

At this, Ash looked up, a triumphant gleam in his eye. "I'm afraid you misunderstand, 'Highness." He grinned. "I mean: 'I've got it!'"

With a final tug, and the sound of metal on lacquer, the blade was brought fully into view.

A deep black permeated the metal, yet a faint blue tint shone where the light glanced off it. It appeared narrower than the scabbard, like a colt wearing his elder brother's saddle. Nightfyre saw Luna crack a smile at her friend's expression. It was rare indeed to see Ash so elated, and the smile on his face seemed almost comical. "Well done!" Luna said. "How did you manage it?"

Ash carefully returned it part way to sheathe, with . "Well, I still stand by my original theory: It requires two human hands to unsheathe. In this instance however," he nodded to Nightfyre. "I believe a princess, an earth pony, and a numbskull would suffice as well."

Ignoring the insult, Nightfyre looked at Luna. "Mistress, forgive me, but what is he talking about?"

Luna thought a moment. "Well when he said 'numbskull...'"

Nightfyre groaned at the jibe. "I meant, your Highness, what are..." She tried to find the word. "Humanands?"

Ash opened his mouth to speak, but shut it quickly. Nightfyre saw a look pass between him and her mistress, but couldn't discern its meaning. He returned his gaze to Nightfyre. "Well..."

"Lookout!"

"Gangway!"

"Incoming!"

"Hello ground!"

The entire building shuddered under twin, pegasus-sized impacts. Nightfyre cupped her head in her hooves. "I swear to the moon above, those two will be the death of me."

Removing her head from the window, she found the source of her troubles on the roof. Two white pegasi, wearing identical flightsuits, were entangled among the shingles. A growl emanated from her throat. "Criss! Cross! Down! NOW!"

Giggling like a pair of colts mare-watching, the two stallions scrambled apart, skidding to the edge of the roof. Just before hitting the ground, they righted, executing two flawless four-point landings, before proceeding to dust themselves, and each other, off. Their goggles hung askew from their necks, smudged and cracked from the impact.

"Last approach was too steep, Cap'n."

"Yup. Someone put the garden off-kilter to the mountain, you see."

"Of course, had it been on-kilter, that would've been an impressive landing."

"So it's whoever-put-the-garden-wrong's fault. Nothing to do with-"

*Thwackthwock*

"OoWw!!"

Criss and Cross Wind. Identical twins, with unmatched dual-flying prowess. Twice the horsepower, twice the efficiency, twice the pain in the flank. Nightfyre shook out her hoof. Smacking two equally thick skulls with one hoof was an art she had learned to master. While some might have constituted it as "striking a fellow officer," anypony who dealt with these two would beg to differ. In fact, she wasn't entirely convinced that they didn't enjoy it.

"You two!" She scolded. "Why aren't you aboard The Triumphant? You were charged with ensuring the ambassadors' safety! If anything has happened due to your negligence, I'll have the pair of you on latrine duty until-"

Criss (or Cross) interrupted, speaking in a tone usually reserved for foals. "Aw, 'Nighty' is mad, isn't she, bwudder?"

"She sure is cwanky," agreed Cross (or Criss). "I don't think she's had her nappy."

"Let's tuck her in with her bottle. Oh hey Princess-"

"LUNA!"

The two Shadowbolts squeaked out the last word, caught completely off guard as the Princess exited the forge. The pair quickly prostrated themselves, faces planted firmly in the grass. Nightfyre caught a quick wink from Luna, before the alicorn turned to the stallions, putting on a stern expression.

"Criss. Cross. This behavior is unbecoming of my elite. Explain yourselves at once, lest I banish the pair of you!"

Nightfyre had to cover her mouth to keep from laughing as the two quivered in fear. Though she didn't know if they were aware of the ruse or not, she still found the spectacle hilarious.

They both shot up to attention. "P-please don't banish us." Criss whimpered. "We were just having fun!"

"Yeah." Said Cross. "We didn't know you were here. We were just joking. We disrespect no to meant you. I mean..."

As the two babbled out apologies, Luna appeared to consider their plea. Turning to Nightfyre, she spoke. "What say you, Nightfyre. Shall we take pity on them?"

Nightfyre decided to milk this for all it was worth. "Well..."

Driven to utter terror at her hesitation, both twins immediately prostrated themselves at her feet, clutching her hooves for dear life. "Don't let us get banished to the dungeon! We'll be good! Promise." They said in unison, their eyes half-again their usual size.

Keeping as straight a face as possible, Nightfyre "relented." "Oh, I suppose they deserve another chance-Ack!" Beneath her flightsuit, her blue features turned purple due to lack of oxygen. Normally, she wouldn't all that mind a pair of strapping stallions embracing her, but in this case, breathing was a necessary evil. "Get... off..."

Leaping back, Criss and Cross sprung to attention once more.

"Yes ma'am: Criss."

"...and Cross."

"Reporting for duty."

"The Triumphant,"

"The Harmonious,"

"and Sovereign Wind are on"

"final approach, and should"

"be docking within fifteen minutes."

"Permission to return"

"to our posts,"

"Ma'am."

Ignoring the headache that came with their trademark double-talk, Nightfyre massaged her throat. "Permission granted. Meet at the rally point once docking is complete."

Both twins saluted, and spoke, in unison. "Yes Ma'am!"

As one, the pair replaced their goggles over their eyes. Wings extended, they shot into the air, spiraling in a double helix for several hundred feet, before veering northeast behind the mountain. Luna chuckled, shaking her head. "Those two are quite the hoofful, aren't they?"

Nightfyre rolled her eyes, though realizing the gesture meant nothing behind her own pair of goggles, and settled with something halfway between a sigh and a groan. "Like you wouldn't believe, your Highness. When they aren't switching names, they're hitting on every mare that comes within thirty hooves. It's like foalsitting a pair of colts with the libido of fifty-year old stallions."

Luna smiled at the picture. "Well, you do an excellent job. I could think of no better mare to captain my chosen elite. Which reminds me," she said, nodding to the castle. "Shouldn't you be alerting the docks of the arrivals?"

Glad the Princess couldn't see her blush, Nightfyre bowed. "At once, my Lady."

Luna nodded, reverting once again to the third person. "We shall meet you there shortly. Serve me well, Nightfyre."

With a leap and a bound, Nightfyre took off. With the wind rushing past, her thoughts moved on to other topics. Castle security, amenities of the arrivals, keeping her squad in check...

She had all but forgotten about the strange object, which seemed to concern Princess Luna so greatly.

Luna continued to watch as her captain disappeared behind the spires of Canterlot. Even after she vanished, Luna stayed where she was. She saw that the sun had past its zenith, and that some of the nobles had begun wandering the garden in the afternoon light. For perhaps a minute, Luna felt as if all was well with the world.

"Yer Highness?"

She glanced to her right, as Ash Coat joined her outside. The two sat in comfortable silence for a time. Ash was the first to speak.

"I know you haven't told me everything." He held up a hoof, as Luna started to reply. "I'm not askin' you to. But just so you know, if you need somepony 'sides yer sister to chat with..."

Silence reigned once more. Now Luna spoke. "What have you learned, regarding the blade?"

Ash smiled producing the sheathed weapon. The sliver of blade still visible glinted, as if searching for a victim. "Well," said Ash, "While you and your errand-colts were fooling about out here, I ran a few quick tests of my own.

"The blade itself is composed of several materials. A flexible core, surrounded by progressively stronger alloys. The edge of the blade has a thin layer of what I believe to be glass, sharpened to a level I can barely comprehend. This edge, in turn, is coated with some sort of counter-corrosive material, which is applied to the blade directly from the inside of the sheath."

Luna swallowed. "And... just how sharp did you say this blade was?"

Ash held up a small cone of metal. "Look for yourself."

She stared at the piece. The metal was dented and dull, but shown a bright, raw silver where the blade had sliced through. It was then she recognized where she had seen the it before: the tip of the blacksmith's anvil. "That's... Efficient. If a little overdramatic."

He gave her an odd look. "Well excuse me, miss No-Indoor-Voice." He laughed. "Besides, I buy my anvils in bulk. I remember my last order got delayed round February. Some lovesick stallion in Ponyville got snagged on the cartload of 'em..." He shook his head, tossing the metal tip aside. "Anyway, no fur off my nose."

As they spoke, a massive ship hove into view past the side of the mountain. Supported by two massive gas-lungs, placed tandem to one another, it sailed on the wind. It was constructed from some dark wood, with gold trimmings at the bow and stern. Colored banners trailed from its keel, creating a multi-hued ripples beneath it. Luna could just barely make out the silver lettering on the prow.

The Triumphant.

"Tell me," she said. "What made you think the weapon was of human origin?"

Ash shrugged. "Hints, clues. My niece is pretty much obsessed with em. Her parents... my brother... don't exactly encourage it, so she writes me every so often. Sent me a few books too." Placing the blade on the grass, he pulled a red-bound book from his saddlebag. "Got this from her last Hearthswarming. Catalog of human tools, from mechanical plows, to swords, to some fairly impressive firearms. Frankly, I'm pretty sure half of this is rubbish."

He opened the book, flipping to a page he had doggeared. "That sword you gave me, however, reminded me of this."

The page showed a weapon nearly identical to the one she had given him. There were some minor differences. The guard was less ornate, the handle simpler, but to ignore the similarity between the two would’ve been folly. Minus the four rings, the handle was nearly an exact match. Ash Coat tapped the page in emphasis. "It's called a 'katar,' or 'punching-dagger.' On the one you gave me, a human could loop his fingers through the rings to get a better grip. The blade was designed to have greater armor-penetration capabilities, and this, combined with its edge, would make it capable of cutting through just about anything."

He looked up at Luna, whose gaze had not left the book. She recognized it, of course. She and Celestia had set about regulating any and all material of such caliber. In fact, to her knowledge, all other copies of this book were safely stored behind a circular door, in a certain underground chamber.

"You... Say your niece found this?"

"Yeah. Some second-hoof bookshop in Ponyville. She's more interested in humans themselves, so she gave me this." He whispered conspiratorially into her ear. "Frankly, I think the whole violence thing just makes her a bit squeamish."

Her eyebrow rose "But not you?"

Ash shrugged. "Smithing is my life. Helmets, swords, dinner plates. It's what I know. I sure as salt don't condone violence, but that doesn't mean it doesn't exist."

There was a long silence. The Triumphant was making its silent way across the sky, its banners blowing lazily in the breeze. Luna caught his Ash's eye. "Have you never wondered why you never learned about humans in school? Or why there are almost no books on them in the library? Have you never considered the possibility that there's a reason they've been erased from Equestrian history?"

The blacksmith nodded. "Sure, I wondered. Maybe we simply didn't have enough information to teach our foals, or to write about them. Maybe they never even existed. Maybe my niece is obsessed with mythological beings." He looked Luna squarely in the eye. "Or maybe... Just, maybe... Someone didn't want anypony to know about them. Maybe somepony with enough power decided that all traces of them should be removed."

Luna didn't answer. What could she say?

You're right?

Ash dropped his gaze. "Still... If half of what you've told me today is true... Well, I can't blame you for being careful." He picked up the dagger. "Which brings me to the last bit about this.

"To remove the blade from its sheath, one needs to squeeze the lip, so it can't be drawn by accident and injure someone. Makes sense, considering how sharp it is." He tapped the side of his head. "And, as I see it, only a human could manage it on his own."

Luna nodded. It wasn't often, but humans were known to be cautious on occasion. However, she saw that something was worrying her friend. She gently nudged him. "Ash? Is there something you're not telling me?"

Ash remained fixated upon the weapon for while longer. With a sigh, he unsheathed it, carefully balancing the blade in his hoof. "This weapon is unprecedented by anything I've ever seen. Or ever made, if you'll forgive me. The design is flawless, the alloy impeccable, and the form is tuned to the finest degree. This is a one-of-a-kind piece of cratsponyship."

Luna furrowed her brow. "I'm afraid I don't see your point."

"It's stamped."

Silence.

"I'm sorry?"

Ash indicated a small line, nearly flush with the blade. "Each layer was poured into a mold, stamped, then repeated the process. I can't say I know much about the process of sharpening it, but I can tell you this: This is only one of many." He looked at Luna. "If we're right, that this is human origin... Well, if they can mass produce this, I'd hate to see what they put actual effort into."

With a click, he snapped the blade fully into its sheath, and handed it back to Luna. Dumbly, Luna accepted it, her mind still reeling from the implications of Ash's words. She snapped back to reality, noticing that he was offering her the book as well.

"You can have this, if it makes you feel any better. I'm not going to learn anything else from it."

She considered the offer for a moment. "...You said this was a present from your niece?"

He looked at her quizzically. "Yes?"

Despite her inner turmoil, she managed a playful smile. "What kind of ruler do you take me for? I'm not that much of a tyrant, am I?"

Ash chuckled, though she could tell it was just as awkward for him. "No, I suppose not." He glanced at The Triumphant, which was nearing the docks. "You'd better set up the welcome mat, Luna. You have a good day now."

"And to you as well, Ash." Closing her eyes, she concentrated, dissolving into a blue mist, shimmering in the daytime sun. In a flash, it sped off across the gardens, clutching the sword in its tendrils. Ash watched as she sped away, looking for one final time at the airship as it prepared to dock.

"Hmm... Gryphon make. A little gaudy. Five-thousand hooves long, maybe twelve-hundred crew, I'd guess. Twenty, twenty-five years. And... Yes, twenty-one ballista ports to a side." He smiled grimly, making his way back to the forge.

"A Valkyrie class warship. We really are deep in it, aren't we?"

The arrival of the three ships had attracted a huge crowd to the docks. Denizens of other nations visiting Equestria were common enough, but nopony had anticipated that the airships were delivering not one, but three rulers from their respective kingdoms! Queen Gladys of the Gryphon Kingdom, King Daedalus of the Minotaur Nation, and Chief Thunderhooves of The Plains. All were greeted with pomp, circumstance, and much fanfare. The one pair that garnered the greatest reaction (and certainly resulted in the most mares fainting) were without a doubt, Shining Armor and Princess Mi Amore Cadenza, returning from their honeymoon.

As Shining reunited with his barrack-mates, knocking shoulders and greeting eachother in other such stallionly fashion, Princess Celestia took her niece aside, all the while showering her with compliments and congratulations. It came to the point that the blushing Cadence had to cover her aunt's muzzle with her hoof to stem the flow. "Celestia, I'm fine! The honeymoon was lovely, but it's great to be back."

"I'm sure it is," said Celestia, removing Cadence's hoof. "But I still feel that I should apologize for pulling you from your trip early. It doesn't seem right, considering-"

She was cut off as Cadence gave her a quick hug. "Don't worry about it!" She set her hoof to one side of her mouth. "Besides, too much vacations tends to make Shining rather... 'lax.'"

As the two mares chuckled at the lousy pun, a gruff cough from behind caught their attention, and they turned to see the source of the disturbance.

A very stern Gryphon was standing expectantly not far from them, her face void of emotion. Celestia's expression became stony.

"Gladys."

"Celestia."

Cadence could almost feel the ambient temperature dropped about ten degrees. Feeling the tension between the two through her horn, she resisted the urge to resolve the tension herself, despite the temptation.

Gryphon and alicorn slowly approached, each step measured carefully, as if neither party was eager to get too close. The surrounding ponies had gone silent, fearing the worst. Shining, having noticed the disturbance, tensed, ready to protect his Princess.

Now within reach of eachother, both parties raised their fore limbs, preparing to strike.

What followed would later be recorded as one of only four occasions Celestia had ever hoof-bumped anyone, pony or otherwise.

To say that the "crowd went nuts" would be considered an understatement.

Gladys broke into a smile. "Celestia as I live and breathe! You really must teach me how you stay looking so young!"

Celestia chuckled. "Three peanuts a day: breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You ought to lay off the fish, Gladys. You're starting to put on weight."

Gladys gave a hearty laugh, about half an octave deeper than her actual voice. "Pah! You vegetarians sicken me! I'd rather be heavy and healthy than look like a walking toothpick, thank you." Chortling, she gave Celestia a hefty swat on the shoulder with her wing. "Still, it's good to be here. I haven't seen you since..." She thought a moment, her face twisting in her in her attempt to remember. "Wow, I really am getting old!" She laughed, glancing off to the left. "And is that Princess Luna? You must introduce us, Celestia!"

Celestia turned and saw that Luna had, indeed, materialized a few strides away. Celestia was surprised to see her up and about, and except for her wings appearing somewhat ruffled, and perhaps a bit tired, she looked every inch a princess. Celestia felt a wave of nostalgia wash over her, a common occurrence ever since Luna had returned. She smiled. "Luna. Meet Gladys, matriarch of the Gryphon Kingdom."

Luna stepped forward, lowering her head respectfully. "Gladys, Ruler of the gryphons. It is an honor to meet with you."

Gladys cocked her head at Celestia. "A bit old-fashioned, isn't she?"

Luna jerked upright, eyes wide. "We- I'm sorry! I did not mean to offend!..."

She was drowned out by Gladys' laughter. "Hahaha! Easy there, your Highness." Luna felt the air rush from her lungs as Gladys gave her a little-too-hard pat on the back. "You're okay by me!"

So introductions went on. Luna garnered a similar, skeptical response from Daedalus, but Chief Thunderhooves responded to her traditional greeting in kind, praising both her name and her night. Celestia was not the least bit surprised at his knowledge and practice of old traditions.

Celestia smiled. She only wished this meeting of rulers was under better circumstances. The mock wars held friendly rivalry, but it was rarely held between more than two kingdoms at a time. She watched as various crew and dock members began unloading the various ships, The Triumphant largest amongst them. Mares and stallions were sent helter-skelter as the dock-master issued directions. Word was the other ships, bearing the leaders of the Zebwana, as well as The Fenris and Felis kingdoms, would be delayed for yet another two hours, thanks to an errant offshoot from a storm over the Everfree.

The Shadowbolt Captain — Nightfyre, if she recalled correctly,— was persuing the Wind twins, who were currently trying to find out what would happen if you tried to trip an airship.

Soon, the crowd began to disperse, and she bid the regents good day. The afternoon was young, but it had been a long, arduous trip, and all were eager to rest. While inconvenient, delay of the other ships was of little consequence. Two more individuals were due, one of which would not arrive till late afternoon the following day. Until then, they would be treated with civility, and given leave of every privilege Canterlot had to offer.

As activity began to die down, she made her way over to where Shining and Cadence were speaking with Luna. Her sister was shedding tears of laughter, having just listened to Cadence retell the story of Shining and Chief Thunderhooves in the midst of a pie-eating contest; all Celestia had managed to glean from the narration was that the story concluded with the pair clutching the ship's railing for the better part of the following day. Shining was doing his best to act nonchalant, but was blushing furiously. He brightened up at the sight of Celestia, bowing in respect to her presence.

"It is good to see you again, Princess," he said.

"And you as well, Shining." She replied. "I'm not interrupting, am I?"

"No." Cadence tried to stifle a laugh, but failed. "Not at all."

"Good." Her smile remained, but her eyes became instantly serious. "I wish to speak with you privately."

"Oh, no." Shining straightened, worry written all over his face. "She's done it, hasn't she. Twily blew up the Canterlot Library, and now we have to free Discord to clean up the mess."

The statement earned him several blank stares. "Um, dear," whispered Cadence. "That was just a nightmare you had after the pie... Incident. Remember?"

Shining Armor blushed. "Oh, right!" He rubbed the back of his head, giving Celestia a sheepish look. "So, Twilight's not in trouble, right?"

"She... might be."

An uneasy silence settled over the group. Celestia continued. "But, she's a young mare, and more than capable than taking care of herself. What I wish to speak with you about is much more relevant to here and now."

"What is it?" Cadence asked. "What's wrong?"

Celestia sighed. "I will tell you when we have some more privacy. Suffice to say, we have a situation..."

About an hour later, Celestia and Luna were making their way to the younger princess's chambers. Day court would be resuming soon, so Celestia had decided to spend what little free time she had left with her sister. The day was half over, and Luna would need as much rest as she could get for the guiding the moon come evening.

Upon hearing the news Celestia had to give them, and a good deal of convincing and mediation on Luna's part, Shining Armor and Cadence had retired to their chamber. Celestia really couldn't blame them. It was hardly news they wished to hear, much less news she wanted to give them personally. But the situation called for desperate measures, and though they were more than a little reluctant to acquiesce to her conditions, they agreed it was necessary.

After a time, Luna spoke. "Well... That went as well as could be expected."

Celestia sighed. "I can hardly blame them, all things considered. This whole situation has turned the kingdom upside-down."

"It is no fault of yours, sister."

"Perhaps. It doesn't make it any easier, though."

Luna laughed. "Is it ever easy?"

Despite herself, Celestia cracked a smile. "Only with age."

They continued on for a while longer. As the doors to her chamber came into view, Luna remembered something. "Tia, would you do me a favor?"

"Hm?"

Luna extended her wing, revealing the dagger concealed in its folds. "Could you return this to Vault one-hundred-and-seventeen? I promised to do so myself, but I fear I got caught up in the excitement."

Celestia came to a full stop at the sight of the weapon. For a long moment, she said nothing. Then...

"You took this—a potentially dangerous object—from The Vault?"

Luna shrunk under her sister's gaze. Celestia continued. "And where did you take it?"

"I... I have a friend that I... Thought could help."

Celestia placed herself directly in front of Luna. "Ash Coat, I presume? And so, you risked exposing the knowledge of humans to the world, just for a second opinion?"

...

"Luna? Answer me please."

Luna dropped her gaze to the floor, tears welling in her eyes. The day had been going so well... "Yes, sister. I did."

Braced for a verbal tirade, possibly even physical force, Luna was stunned to feel Celestia gently nuzzle her, placing her head at the place where her neck joined the shoulder. After only a moment's hesitation, Luna returned the gesture. They stayed that way for some time. When they drew apart, Luna saw that she was smiling. "You," said Celestia. "Are an impulsive, impudent, obnoxious little twit."

She gently caressed Luna's muzzle in her wing. "And that's all the proof I'll ever need to know your my sister."

A single tear streaked down Luna's cheek, but Celestia gently wiped it away. "When the weight of the world was closing in, you took initiative, you thought outside of the box. You found one piece of the puzzle, and instead of running willy-nilly trying to make every other piece fit, you took your time to find where it belonged." She took the proffered blade from Luna, balancing it on her own wing. "Small a piece as it is, it's one less to deal with. That is the mark of a leader, who finds where everything, and everypony, belongs."

Luna gently swatted her sister. "And everypony calls me melodramatic."

Celestia shrugged. "Drama is as drama does." She held up the sword. "Find anything interesting about this?"

Luna's face fell "Nothing good."

"Then please save it for later. Much as I'd love to hear more about human butchering implements, I'd rather my head be clear for court."

Luna felt a space open in the pit of her stomach. She disliked humans as much as her sister, but to here her so casually dismiss them felt... Wrong.

She shook her head. "As you wish, sister. Shall I see you this evening for breakfast?"

"As you wish, sister," Celestia turned, retracing her steps down the hall.

"Oh, wait a moment!"

She stopped, looking over her shoulder. "Yes?"

"One of the ponies in The Vault, Rocket Surgeon, said you were responsible for his presence on the committee."

Celestia felt a shiver run down her spine. "Ah... You'll have to be more specific."

"Class of 996?"

Blast! "Oh, that Rocket Surgeon."

Celestia tried to form the words as delicately as she could. "Well... Ah... You see..."

Luna waited patiently for her sister to find her voice. Finally, Celestia sighed. "Remember when we freed you from Nightmare?"

She shivered at the name. "Yes?"

"You asked what I'd done with my hair."

"Yes, I did. I seem to recall you didn't answer."

Celestia bit her lip. "Let's just say, Promethean fire, mixed with two parts rainbow and combined with a lightning bolt can have... Interesting results."

Before Luna could inquire further, Celestia warped away in a flash of light.

As she entered her chambers, she found everything was as she had left it. The curtains were open, the sheets a mess, and her abacus remained untouched.

She sighed, giving a small smile. "Perfect."

She got into bed, snuggling herself beneath the covers. As an afterthought, she drew the curtains once more with her magic, sending the room into darkness. She then replaced her tiara on her nightstand, setting it gently upon the cushion.

The day had not been restful.

But it had been fulfilling.

Smiling, she felt her eyelids grow heavy once more. It felt nice, to participate in palace life once more. It wasn't the same as a thousand years previous, but perhaps it was better for that.

Today, she thought, I rest easy, Let Tia do as she does. Tonight...

She began formulating her plan of action, even as she drifted off to sleep. Her mind briefly lingered upon Celestia mentioning Nightmare once more. She shoved the thought aside.

Some day soon, she wouldn't need to resort to civic duties to relieve her consciousness.

Her mind slowly drifted into the abyss of slumber, a small smile on her features.

Some day, she would be free of Nightmare entirely.

But not, I think, today...

Interlude I: Voices in the Air

Interlude I: Voices in the Air

[Begin Transmission Encryption: 8-1-1-6-5]

"Hello?"
"Hey, Tani"
"Gavin? Where are you?"
"Not important. Can't stay on long, but you have to hear this."
"What is it?"
"I'm sending the info to you now. Stand by..."

Covert Surveillance Device: WIRE-09
Transmission: Ship-To-Ship
Intercept Timecode: 07:06:15:12
Priority: BETA
Begin Playback>

*/////\\*

<< Trasmission Code[**************0715, Sigma]
Harbinger's Fate to The Darwin
General Cadmun Bale, hailing Captain Celia Vanice.
Status: Accepted>>

This is Captain Vanice of The Darwin."
<< "Greetings, Captain Vanice."
"And to you as well, General Bale. To what do we owe this honor?"
<<"A simple query, Captain. In regards to the message I received."
"Is something wrong, General?"
<<"I'm not sure. It appears to be incomplete."
"I assure you, it is the same report I gave to the others."
<<"I am not concerned with favoritism, Miss Vanice.
"Oh?"
<<"The transmission is rather...succinct: 'Unknown craft shot down. Whereabouts of pilot unknown.' The lack of any concrete detail leaves a bit too much to the imagination for my liking."
"The summons I gave clearly stated that you will be briefed in full when you arrive."
<<"Is that really necessary? To send an incomplete report, then request the entire Inner Circle to come personally?"
"My apologies, General, but I judged the complete fact to be somewhat... delicate, as you'd put it. I felt it too great of a risk to be given in any form other than person."
<<"Then you admit to withholding information from a General. Several, in fact, if what you say of the others is true."
"..."
<<"Captain Vanice?"
"That is correct, General Bale."
<<"This is highly irregular, Vanice. You are aware of the consequences for such negligence, are you not?"
"I am."
<<"Then on whose authority do you withhold this information?"
"That would be His authority, General."
<<"Indeed? I didn't think this incident merited his notice."
[Comm Override] "In circumstances such as this, Bale, I tend to make it my business."
<<"...M-my Lord?"
"Yes, General?
<<"I... I humbly apologize. I did not know you were present."
"Think nothing of it, Bale. You were performing your duty, nothing more. You are in transit?
<<"Yes, My Lord. I will be aboard The Darwin within the hour."
"Very good. May the Pilgrims guide your steps.
<<"And may your path remain ever clear. Within the hour, My Lord. General Cadmund Bale, signing off."
*click*
"Captain Vanice?"
"My Regent?"
"What is your current status, if you please?"
"Of course. One moment... Drive rings are stable, impulse engines on idle. I have taken the Rift Drive offline, just for good measure."
"Anything else to report?"
"Nothing sir."
"Then engage the scramble beacons, and set the engines to silent. My shuttle is on final approach, and I will be with you shortly."
"Yes, My Lord. May the Pirgrims guide your steps."
"And may your path remain ever clear."

/\//\\//\/////\/

Signal Lost. WIRE-09 Terminated.

"...When was this intercepted?"
"I grabbed it a couple minutes ago."
"Do they know if it was him?"
"I only heard what you did."
"..."
"What are you thinking about?"
"Could it have really been him?"
"Hey, if it was, at least now we know they don't have him. They'd blare it all over the propaganda net."
"But they shot him down! This isn't some book, Gavin. Just because the body's missing, doesn't mean he's secretly alive!"
"I'm sure he's fine! He's gotten into worse jams than this."
"..."
"You're really worried about him, aren't you."
"Gavin, he's like a little brother to me."
"He is to all of us, Tani. And don't worry, I haven't give up yet. If we find him, you'll be the first to know."
"...Thank you. Just be back for the Autumn Feast, all right?"
"Wouldn't miss it for the world... Aw crud, the big guy's coming down. Gotta sign off. Love ya, Tani."
*click*
"...Love you back."

[End Transmission]

Silent Knight will return summer 2012

No, really. I'm serious.

ON HIATUS

...
Really? The title wasn't enough of a hint? Anywho, more information in the description, but essentially just a rewrite/edit/overhaul/construction/(insert simile here)/thing. Thanks to all for your patience.

-B2MR