Our Inner Ponies 3: A New Villain

After what felt like a million years, I finally got to see my own feet again. A few minutes later, Maya began fading next to me. Once I was sure she was solid again, I squeezed her into a tight hug.

"What's going on?" I hissed, looking around. We were in some kind of forest, and I know it wasn't the Everfree Forest because bright light was streaming through a set of green trees. Maya pried her hands off of me and stood up. I slowly followed her gaze once the path was clear, and before us stood an elegant white castle with tons of ponies walking around and, not to mention, guards.

"Canterlot," Maya breathed, smiling widely at me. I could only shrug in reply. I needed information about why we were here if I ever wanted to enjoy myself. We made our way toward the guards, and I clearly assumed they would make a big scene about what kind of creatures we were. Instead, they just bowed and let us right in! Even the ponies wandering around paid no attention to us. They just kept walking and chatting while occasionally giving us a smile.

"Why isn't anyone running or screaming their heads off?" I whispered to Maya.

"How should I know?" she whispered back. "I'm not a pony expert."

"Pssh, you watch the show a lot, don't you?" I muttered under my breath, which resulted in a light slap on the forehead. I had no idea where we were going, but I kept following Maya. When she stopped, I stopped. When she turned, I turned. Finally successful, we reached this palace like building, and like the guards at the front gate, they let us right in.

"Whoa mama!" I cried, letting my eyes drink in the view. "Talk about a palace!"

"I know, but keep your voice out of the shouting range, okay?" Maya instructed me. "We don't know who's here, but let's hope they're friendly."

"We sure are!"

"AAAH!" Maya and I whirled around to find none other than Pinkie Pie smiling and waving at us. The rest of the Mane Six appeared behind her.

"Oh great, they're here. I didn't think I could wait much longer," I heard Twilight say.

"Yeah, about that, why are we here exactly?" Maya asked, not being able to ignore the hug Pinkie was now giving her. "I mean, I'm happy to see you all again after so long, but why?"

"Well, that's the thing!" Applejack exclaimed. Glad to know she was feeling better. "We're not sure why we're all here, but I reckon it has somethin' to do with those." She pointed her orange hoof at our necklaces.

"They did send us here without warning," I mumbled, fiddling with the straps. "Maybe it's a sign?"

"It's no sign," a majestic, loud voice declared. "It's the truth." We all turned around to see a dark violet alicorn with flowing blue and purple hair similar to Princess Celestia's. What in the wide world was Luna doing out of her kingdom or wherever she came from?

"Princess Luna," Twilight began, giving a respectful bow, "pardon my manners, but where's Princess Celestia and what are you doing in Canterlot?" Princess Luna gazed at me and Maya.

"I believe these two can answer your question," she stated, but she looked at me the longest. What the heck?

"Uh, listen, Princess Luna is it?" I started, stepping toward her, "my friend and I haven't a clue what we're doing here or why we even got sent here. So how can you possibly expect us to answer your question about how we're here?" I was expecting Luna to be a little thrown off by me remark, but she didn't show it.

"Did anything strange happen back in your world?" she asked.

"Yeah. Our necklaces both glowed and some stupid prank caller called me earlier," I answered flatly. My eyes widened when I thought about that call. That voice never seemed to leave my mind; it was like a mixture between Morgana from The Little Mermaid Two and Mother Gothel from Disney Pixar's Rapunzel.

"Something wrong, my dear?" Luna questioned, probably noticing my freaked out expression (who wouldn't? It was HUGE!). I had to nod.

"Do you think...that caller who called me before we got sent here had something to do with this?" I asked slowly, freaking out faster than my question that I'd asked. Luna shrugged.

"It depends on how they sounded. But we have no time to waste on this topic. Walk with me everypony." Obeying the princess's orders, we all followed her at a distance, glancing around at the old artifacts tacked on the walls.

"My sister could not be with us today because of some major royal duties in Saddle Arabia," Luna spoke as we walked. I could hear both Pinkie and Maya snickering at Luna's choice of words at the end of her sentence. I rolled my eyes. How mature. "While you girls have been away for many moons, Ponyville is slowly stretching itself apart from being healed by Discord's chaos. I think it's safe to say that we have a new villain on our hands—one that's probably more powerful than all of the villains Twilight and her friends battled." Dang. More powerful than Discord, Queen Chrysalis, and possibly some more villains I haven't heard of yet?

"Have you been able to find out just a little information before we came?" Maya asked, and frowned when Luna shook her head.

"This villain appeared at the same time you girls came here," the princess replied. "Maybe it was hiding in Ponyville this whole time and Celestia and I weren't able to see it. Whatever this villain wants, it shows no mercy to anypony and it'll destroy anything in its way. What I want you all to do is put a stop to this." A light purple aura formed around the alicorn's horn as six necklaces floated past her and clasped around six necks. I wasn't trying to think negatively, but what if the Elements of Harmony—plus me and Maya's very own—didn't work?

"Don't worry, we won't let you down Princess," Rainbow Dash declared, hovering in midair before zipping off toward some double doors. The others followed behind, each promising Luna that we wouldn't disappoint her. I was the last person out the door, but Luna used her magic to stop me from leaving.

"Zaria, stay for a second." I raised an eyebrow as Luna controlled my feet to walk toward her.

"How did you know my name? I haven't even introduced myself to—"

"Celestia told me much about you, as well as Maya and how you girls found out about Equestria. I just wanted to say I noticed your body language and I know you'll do fine. Alright?" I gave her a small smile, taking in all the support Luna was bestowing upon me.

"Don't worry, I won't let you down," I mimicked Rainbow Dash, jogging toward the door. Luna waved after me.

"Remember Zaria: it's your duty, and you have to make sure nothing backs you up!" This time I let out an earsplitting laugh, and when I looked back at Luna, she had the most bewildered look on her face.

"What?" I cried, catching up with the others. "You did that on purpose!"