Ponys-r-us

Chapter Eight: Legacy of Darkness “Thoooo… gonna tell me what happened?” Lyra looked into the bespectacled eyes of her marefriend’s niece. “What happened with what?” “You know what I mean!” Twist showed no sign of restraint as she continued to badger her honorary aunt. She’d waited until returning home from school to be alone with Lyra, and she wasn’t going to waste this chance. “You go off to Canterlot with Princeth Twilight early one morning, you come back home the next night, and you don’t thay a word about it! Thomething ith up here!” She then shrugged and admitted, “And tell you the truth, I’m a little thick of being thtuck on the thidelineth.” The minty green unicorn rolled her eyes. “This from the filly who got a front row seat to Discord getting his skull pounded into the ground.” She then smiled reassuringly. “Twist, Twilight just asked me to help her with a research project. I can’t talk about it, at least not until it goes public.” That prompted a grin

Primrose Thorn scowled within the holding cell that she’d been stuffed into. Weeks had passed since the initial hearing where she’d been denied bail before her trial, and still she was here, stuck with horrible prison food and equally horrible accommodations. How dare they do this to her? And how dare her father take so long in getting her out? She’d missed her reunion, and the accolades she was due there! She was going to have a word with him once she got back home. She’d stared at the door to her cell for so long, however, anticipating her release, that she’d gotten bored with it, and her gaze shifted towards the narrow window. It wasn’t much, but it did give her a slight glimpse at her reflection. She felt at her neck, and recalled the strong grip of magic that she’d been caught in. That damn princess had overstretched herself, and would pay for what she did to her. She’d get access to her magic restored soon enough, and afterwards, that pretty little pony with her pet

Chapter Seven: Legacy of Light The party stood at the outskirts of Stygian’s village. By some stroke of luck, Basso Profundo hadn’t ventured far from it, and seemed content to indulge himself with the local population. How much of it was good luck, however, remained to be seen. Stygian stood off to the side as the Pillars downed Meadowbrook’s potion. He understood Star Swirl’s logic behind him holding back and not aiding in the struggle. The young unicorn was an amateur scholar at best, rather than some grand hero of legend like the ponies before him. Nonetheless, one thought pervaded his mind as he watched his idol rally the others. “Pillars of Equestria…” That he wished he was there with them. “…to battle!” As one, the six charged forth. Flash Magnus, appropriately enough, acted as the tip of the spear and shot through the air. He buzzed past the Siren, who laughed. “What’s this? Come to greet your new lord and…?!” He was interrupted as boulders pelted him

Twilight found herself within a familiar cavern, but briefly gasped as she took sight of its most prominent feature. The Tree of Harmony was still present, but it was smaller, reedier, and bereft of its crystalline branches. Nonetheless, the outlines suggestive of a sun, a crescent moon, and the same six-pointed star depicted by her cutie mark were still present. “Mah stars!” Twilight instinctively moved to one side, despite knowing that this was simply a vision, and turned to see Star Swirl lead his fellow Pillars into the cavern, with Stygian in the rear. Meadowbrook took keen interest in the Tree and asked, “Where did this come from?” “Alas, I do not know its origins.” Star Swirl approached the Tree and explained, “But in my travels and journeys, I have determined three things. The first is that this Crystal Tree, for lack of a better name, is ancient, far older than we know. The second is that its magic is of a similar sort to that of the Crystal Heart, which protects

Chapter Five: Beauty in Truth Sunset Shimmer sighed as she took in the atmosphere at Sugar Cube Corner, a smoothie in her hand and a soft smile on her face as she waited for her friends in their usual booth. Granted, she had to learn to be a morning person, but after nearly three years in the human world, she’d adjusted well enough. The bell chimed, and she caught sight of Pinkie at the head of the group. The party girl’s enthusiastic wave was returned with a smile and a gentle one, and Sunset quietly waited for her friends to get their usual orders and join her. “Thanks for holding the booth for us, Sunset!” “Hey, no problem. The sun certainly helped to keep me awake. And thanks again for helping me and Vinyl out on Saturday.” “No problem! It never hurts to help a friend, especially when they have religious stuff going on.” Once again, it was the Monday morning before the start of another week of school, and the group of friends started it with drinks and a gathering of

Chapter Six: The Sorceror's Failings “I must say darling, you had quite the time with Braeburn.” As tea was set out before her and her friends, Rarity poured herself a cup and remarked, “I just wish that I had been able to provide some assistance.” “Eh, don’t worry about it.” Applejack accepted a cup that had been poured for her. “You an’ Fluttershy an’ Pinkie were busy with the fair, after all, an’ even with jus’ the four’a’us, would’ve been overkill. Ah just wish Ah hadn’t taken so long to deal with that sidewinder.” Fluttershy had frowned at Applejack’s word choice, but diplomatically noted, “Well, it’s all been taken care of.” Spike then climbed into a seat beside them as she changed the subject. “Anyway, how do you think Twilight is doing with her research?” Golden Oak Library had been quiet with Twilight away, Spike having been left to his own devices. The building was still standing and kept in order, however, which the young drake considered a relief. Granted, most