A Witch in Equestria

A paper and quill hovered along with Twilight as she chatted animatedly to the two ponies walking with her. “So your magic is channeled through your.. hands in your natural form? I suppose that makes sense, if you don’t have a horn.”

Willow nodded absentmindedly as she took in the sights around her more carefully, now that it was light out. The scenery was truly idyllic; but then, Sunnydale looked beautiful during the day too, and she knew what kind of ugliness lurked there when night fell. Appearances were deceiving. “It doesn’t have to be that way, but it’s what most witches find easiest,” she said, continuing the conversation.

Twilight asked another question, “This transfiguration.. it’s very detailed, and even seems to come with ingrained instincts; I haven’t noticed you having any trouble walking. Is that easily possible with your magic?”

Willow glanced at Twilight and thought for a few seconds before she replied. “No, that’s really just me. I have a special connection with the Earth that makes lots of strange things possible. I only recently received it, so I’m not sure what all I can do with it. Wiccan magic is pretty diverse and random in its effects.. the caster’s intent is important, and sometimes the caster doesn’t really know what they want, so spells can come out very oddly..” She blushed, recalling a memory where she had inadvertently caused Spike and Buffy to act as if they were married.

Twilight continued scribbling furiously with her levitated pen. “Intent-based.. that’s certainly similar to our own system of magic.. what would you say any differences might be?”

Willow gazed up at the sky and a few passing clouds. “I think your magic is a lot more documented and researched.. we have Wiccan researchers too, but there aren’t many of us and we’re not widely known, so most ponies only have a few tomes to go by. Not to mention, a lot of prominent Wiccas are rather secretive or secluded, so their secrets die with them.”

Twilight smiled a slightly manic smile. “I hope you’ll let me help you document your spells! It would be amazing to see what we can translate back and forth.. oh, we’re here..” She looked at the sign reading ‘Sweet Apple Acres.’ “My friend Applejack and her siblings live here. We’ll just go say hello and move on. Can you wait here with Willow, Princess? I’ll go explain the situation before they meet you to avoid any misunderstandings.”

Luna bowed her head in agreement. “That would be acceptable, Twilight Sparkle.”

Twilight trotted off toward the farm and silence greeted the pair. Willow pawed the ground with her hooves nervously, searching for a topic of conversation. Willow looked at Luna curiously. “So.. how’s that Princess thing going for you?”

Luna responded with a flat stare and Willow winced imperceptibly. “..it goes well,” Luna said.

Another awkward silence descended. Willow attempted a conversation with a little more substance. “Do you have any ideas on how I got here or how to return?”

Luna gave a measuring look at Willow before responding slowly, “I do have ideas, surely.. but I am more concerned with your unstable magic. It could have consequences unknowable until it is too late. How does your kind cleanse such corruptions?”

Willow pouted and replied, “I was working on it before I got here.. but I must be missing something, or my training was incomplete.. I didn’t get anywhere close to figuring it out. Anyway, isn’t it more important to find a way for me to return? I don’t belong here, after all.”

Luna chose her words carefully. “..No, I do not think so. It could be a long time before we figure out a method to bring you back to your world, and your instability could have effects in the here and now. I must look out for my subjects’ safety above all.”

Willow grimaced but acquiesced. “I guess.. if I could figure it out before I go back, I might be able to see my friends sooner..” She had a wistful and faraway look as she stared into the horizon.

Luna’s look softened at her vulnerable expression. “Do not despair. I swear I will do all in my power to help you overcome your demons. You will see your friends again.”

Willow’s eyes widened and she became flustered as she stammered, “T-thank you..”

Luna gave a musical laugh at the sight of her former nightmare’s visage reduced to that of a blushing filly. She had harbored doubts up to this point, but spending time with the mare had convinced her that this pony.. human.. meant no harm to Equestria.

The arrival of Applejack and Twilight cantering up to them side-by-side dispelled the tender atmosphere. Applejack spoke up in her distinct rural accent, “Well, ain’t that somethin’. Ah can see why you were all set on meetin’ her away from everypony. She really does look just like ‘er.” She moved up to Willow and began inspecting her closely. Willow was vaguely disquieted by the invasion of her personal space, but she settled for nervously glancing at the intense focus Applejack was placing on her. Applejack was apparently satisfied, for she stepped back and extended a hoof, saying as she did so, “Howdy. Twi’ here says yer not from around here and that even if you look like that ole’ bat we got rid of, yer not the same pony. Name’s Applejack, and this here is mah farm.”

Willow met her handshake evenly, and was buffeted up and down despite her size to Applejack’s enthusiastic greeting. “It’s Willow. Nice to meet you.” She smiled slightly. This pony’s accent reminded her of Angel’s friend Fred whom she had spoken to a few times and taken a liking to.

Twilight said, “We just stopped by for introductions. I’m sure you have farm work you have to get back to, so we’ll get out of your mane.” Applejack nodded sharply and looked pointedly at Willow. “Don’t go causin’ any trouble for Twi’. She’s a good pony, and ah won’t hesitate to find ya if ya do anythin’ to hurt ‘er.”

Willow chuckled unsteadily. “No, no trouble here..” Seemingly taking her at her word, Applejack headed back to her farm. Twilight looked at the unsure gaze of Willow following Applejack’s departure and reassured her, “I wouldn’t worry about it. They’ll eventually see you aren’t here to cause trouble. As long as you’re honest, you shouldn’t have any problems with AJ.”

Willow nodded and they continued on to their next destination. The trip was conducted mostly in silence, with Willow and Twilight trading questions about their respective worlds, and Luna listening but not contributing to the discussion. When they arrived in front of a cottage, Twilight signaled her companions to wait as they did before. She spoke to Willow before she left, “Fluttershy is very.. well, shy.. so please keep that in mind.”

As they waited, Willow spotted an odd looking bunny rabbit spying at them with a pair of binoculars from a nearby bush. She blinked once to assure that her vision had not gone faulty, but the rabbit was still there. It seemed to notice her scrutiny, as it stiffened, then darted out of sight. Weird..

After a few minutes consisting of Luna and Willow aimlessly staring into space, Twilight came out of the cottage followed by a pegasus that was carefully stepping forward, head bowed, and looking as if she was expecting ghosts to jump out from nowhere. The rabbit from earlier was also present sans binoculars, and was alternating between pointing at Fluttershy and making vaguely threatening gestures at the intruders.

Introductions were interrupted by a chromatic blur that crashed into Twilight, knocking her to the ground and covering her in dirt. She gave a long-suffering sigh and straightened as she rose and glared at her assailant, another pegasus with a light blue coat.

The pegasus greeted her victim shamelessly, “Yo. What’s up Twi’? And who’s..” She trailed off, recognizing Willow. She gave her a scorching glare and took up a battle stance. “Yeah, I got no clue what you’re doin’ here, but you won’t be around to regret it!”

Willow looked pleadingly at Luna and Twilight and mouthed help me! Luna cleared her throat loudly and looked pointedly at the new arrival. “This is Willow. She is not Nightmare Moon nor has she anything to do with her. Rest assured; if she is a threat, I will deal with her.”

Willow didn’t look entirely happy with Luna’s choice of words but the pegasus with the rainbow mane looked slightly mollified as she hovered threateningly.

Twilight coughed and spoke pointedly, “Now that the threats of bodily harm are out of the way, maybe we can do introductions properly?

The cyan pegasus did a backflip in a seemingly reflexive gesture as she said, “I’m Rainbow Dash, the fastest and most awesome flier in Equestria! And who are you, huh?”

Willow inwardly grimaced, but swallowed her irritation. “As Luna mentioned, my name is Willow. I’m staying with Twilight, and we’re going around meeting her friends to prevent any misunderstandings from coming up about who I look like.”

Rainbow Dash cocked her head inquisitively. “What’s up with that, anyways? Why do you look like her?”

Twilight answered before Willow could respond, “It’s a long and boring explanation that I’m sure you don’t care about. Fluttershy, could you introduce yourself?”

The other pegasus that had looked content to fade into the background mildly panicked at being made the center of attention and shrank in on herself, mumbling softly. “-’m.. ‘fl..shy..”

Willow smiled cheekily. “Oh! I speak shy person. I think she said, Hello, I’m Fluttershy?”

Fluttershy blushed and tried ineffectively to blend in with the ground some more. “-ce.. t-..e..ou..”

Willow listened intently and responded, “It’s nice to meet you too!”

Twilight raised an eyebrow at the interplay but declined commenting on it and said instead, “Well, I’m sure you two have things to do, and we still have to see Rarity and Pinkie. I’ll see you guys later!”

Rainbow lost her playful expression as she looked Willow in the eyes. “Whether you’re her, not her.. whatever.. I don’t care, but no one who looks like she did can be up to anything good in my books. Watch yourself.” She flew off into Fluttershy’s cottage, while Fluttershy mumbled a farewell and followed after.

Willow gulped nervously and waved a hoof in farewell shakily. “Your friends are kinda scary, Twilight..”

We haven’t even met Pinkie yet.. Twilight thought to herself ironically. Out loud she said, “They’re just protective. We’ve been through some tough times together, and we don’t want our friends to be hurt.” Willow nodded thoughtfully and the three ponies continued on their way.

They continued on to Ponyville proper in silence, until Willow spoke up, “Umm.. I don’t know if I should say anything but.. does anypony feel like we’re being watched..?” She stopped walking and searched the vicinity nervously.

Twilight glanced at Willow curiously. “I don’t think so..”

Willow shifted, turning her head and looking uneasily around until she spotted a pink blur. “There-!” She reached out with her telekinesis. “Got you..huh?”

An outrageously garish pink pony was hovering upside-down in the grip of Willow’s magic staring at Willow with an unnerving smile on her face. “Hehe! I was wondering how long it would take~! I’ve been following you for waaaaay longer but I thought- oh, what if I make it a game and see how close I can get before they notice me! And then you were all, ‘I sense a disturbance in the force,’ and then whooosh grabbed me and here I am!”

Willow blinked, nonplussed. Luna and Twilight looked on in bemusement. “Um, you aren’t gonna like.. attack me, or anything, if I let you go, right?”

“Nope!” Pinkie chirped happily. The glow of Willow’s horn died down and Pinkie somehow managed to land right side up. Maybe she’s part-cat..?

Pinkie addressed Twilight. “Wellll.. I already know everything ‘cause I already talked with Rainbow..” She turned to speak to Willow, “..but everypony needs a proper introduction! So! I’m Pinkie Pie, the fantabulous party pony! And you?”

Willow responded slowly, still recovering, “I’m... Willow. Just Willow.”

Pinkie nodded her head enthusiastically. “Okie-dokie-lokey, Just Willow! I’ve gotta run and get a bunch of stuff ready but it was really nice to meet you ‘cause I’ve never met an alternate dimension creature-person before and I wonder what kind of parties you’re used to and.. oh! Right. Leaving, see ya!” She vanished in a puff of smoke.

Ninja smoke-bomb..? Willow stood unmoving, contemplating the pink enigma. Twilight cleared her throat and said, “Well.. that’s another introduction over with. You’ll get used to her.. maybe. Don’t be surprised if she ambushes you with a party later on.”

“O.. kay..” Willow said haltingly. They continued on to their final destination. As they approached, Willow began wondering who was the architect who designed the town; it seemed like an amusement park rather than a place of residence. Twilight entered the building labeled ‘Carousel Boutique’ while Luna and Willow waited outside once again, needing no prompting this time.

“We’re an odd sight, aren’t we?” Willow asked Luna, vaguely waving a hoof in the direction of the few ponies that were outside conducting business or running errands. They would stop, stare at the two of them, then move on.

“My sister and I rarely leave the castle; naturally I would attract attention. As for you; even if you are not recognized as my treasonous alter ego, alicorns are generally extinct.”

Willow hmm’d thoughtfully and tapped her chin with her hoof. “From what I’ve observed so far; you have the regular ponies who don’t seem to have magic, the pegasi who can fly, unicorns who can do magic.. and you and I assume your sister, who can do everything? Why are you so special?” She coughed apologetically. “No offense.”

Luna shook her head negatively. “It is a fair question. You are mostly correct in your observations; though the ponies without wings or horn are referred to as earth ponies. My sister and I are immortal goddesses; she raises the sun and I the moon. Naturally we would need to have power to match.”

Willow’s eyes seem to bug out into her skull. “Y-you’re seriously a goddess? Oh! And I almost attacked you! I’m such an idiot! I didn’t mean to.. well yes I did, but that was just because I didn’t know who you were-”

Luna cut her off, a slight grin on her features. “Please, continue treating me as you have been. It is a refreshing change from fear or awe.”

Willow swallowed heavily. “Y-yes, your Majesty- er, I mean, Luna.” She pasted a smile on. At least she’s not a Hell Goddess..

Twilight dispelled the awkward atmosphere by arriving side-by-side with another unicorn. She bowed gracefully and smiled warmly at Willow, though there was a hint of something in her eyes that suggested the politeness was mostly a front. “Welcome to Equestria, Willow. I’m sure you’ll find it to be a wonderful place. My name is Rarity; fashionista extraordinaire and premier clothing designer of Ponyville. A pleasure to meet you.”

Willow smiled back. “You too. I don’t suppose you would take an order for some clothes for me? It’s actually kind of strange to me to be going around um, naked.” She blushed slightly.

Rarity’s grin became genuine as Willow was suddenly whisked into the establishment at a record pace. “This would be wonderful practice should I ever be commissioned to make something for our princesses! Just sit right there and I’ll have you looking fabulous in no time at all, darling!”

Willow looked pleadingly at Twilight, who was watching with an air of resignation. Twilight shook her head and Willow’s heart sank. I’m not really big on the whole fashion thing.. oh well..

After taking her measurements and forcing her to try on various accessories and clothing, Willow finally managed to escape with a few articles that she liked. Rarity was rather pushy with trying to get her to wear some more elaborate pieces, which Willow found rather irritating, but she tried to bear it in good humor, not wanting to anger Twilight’s friends.

Her acquisitions gathered, Willow said, “I can’t really pay you for all this, but I’m sure I can work something out..”

Rarity replied genially, “Nonsense, darling! The opportunity to try out new fashions on an alicorn model was reward enough. You don’t owe me anything.”

“..Well, if you’re sure..”

Before she left, Rarity had some parting words, seemingly remembering who she was dealing with. She had a dangerous glint in her eyes as she looked at Willow with a placid smile. “I’m sure there won’t be any incidents while you’re here, truly? It would be most distressing if that were to happen.”

Willow smiled nervously. “Nope! No incidents here. We are incident-free.” She bowed clumsily and made her way quickly to the exit, with Twilight following right behind. As they arrived outside, Twilight patted her shoulder in a comforting gesture. “Rarity can be a little overzealous when it comes to her fashions, but she’s the most generous pony you’ll ever meet.”

Willow sighed heavily. “I’m beat. Can we head back to the library?” The sun was sinking below the horizon; they had spent the entire day getting around the town to meet all of Twilight’s friends.

Twilight nodded enthusiastically, “Yep! Then we can get started on comparing your spellcasting, trying to get you home, looking into the imbalance.. so much to do!”

A groan was her response. “Don’t remind me..”

Twilight lost some of her fervor. “You’ll make it back; don’t worry.. and if you need rest, Luna and I can investigate without you if we have to.”

Willow smiled. “Thanks, Twilight.”

--

Celestia was in her room, gazing out of her window, thinking on the problems currently affecting her kingdom when her thoughts were interrupted by a loud knock.

“Princess Celestia!” A stallion’s voice sounded through the thick wood.

“..Come in,” she commanded.

A pony in royal uniform stepped into the room nervously, but his voice held no tremor as he delivered his message. “The newest report from Hoofington is in; another casualty, in the same state as the others. The mayor is requesting soldiers from the capital to help police the town.”

There was a slight pause. “Send a message back. The town will have additional protection; also assure him that we will be looking into the cause as well. The murder of ponies is something the crown cannot abide.”

The messenger bowed, and left hastily. Celestia’s regal expression cracked into a frown as the door closed. She knew what the problem was, and the likely solution.. but it would take time, and everything that could be done was already being done. There would be more casualties.. more of her little ponies would be meeting premature ends, and there was nothing she could do about it but wait. She wished Luna was still in the capital, but Luna was needed in Ponyville. She sighed. The burden of leadership.. I know this all too well.