25. Competing
Excerpt from Raven Roth’s Journals:
The Sisterhooves Social is held at Sweet Apple Acres annually a month before the beginning of Cider Season. I’m not entirely sure what the purpose of the event is. I understand that it is a tradition, but it seems to me that the Apple’s have won nearly every single year since Apple Bloom was steady enough to compete alongside Applejack. I fail to see the point of such a competition, or of watching when it is so often a forgone conclusion, considering that all the obstacles are based in things done on the farm, which the Apple Sisters are, of course, more practiced in.
H
24. Settling
Excerpt from Raven Roth's Journals:
Discord's asked me to keep journals of my 'early years' in Equestria. I don't understand why. He said something about their 'historical value'. I think he just likes prying into ponies private lives. Still, I suppose I can do that much at least. It doesn't really cost me anything. Of course, if anyone other than Discord is reading these, someone will shortly be very dead.
At any rate, I suppose I should write down how my first few days in Ponyville as myself have been. ...really not that much different from normal. Since Pinkie didn't throw me a Welcome Party - she felt it inappropri
23. Return to Harmony
Pinkie Pie's shudders slowed and stilled, her breath low and shallow. Her lips pursed, and a low hiss of breath escaped her mouth.
From her place by the door, Trixie approached along the hall. "Pinkie Pie?" she asked, concerned, her actions more or less unnoticed by others, who were focused on each of their still suffering charges.
Pinkie's shudders came to a halt, her breath slowing further. Her breath came through her pursed lips like a hiss of steam, a barest whisper of sound.
Trixie leaned in close, trying to make out what Pinkie could be trying to say. "Pinkie?"
"surPRISE!" Pinkie burst out, leaping into th
22. Return of Harmony, part 5
Raven grunted as she came in for a landing on a hard, smooth surface. Blinking her eyes, she saw what looked like a road made of starlight. Groaning, she pushed herself to her knees as she put a hand to her forehead.
As this action registered in her mind, she froze. She stared at her hand like she'd never seen one before. Then again, she thought to herself, it has been nearly a year since I last had one. Turning, she examined her surroundings. Beyond the starlit road, she saw the empty expanse of space, filled with stars and a few nebula. Wait a minute, she thought. I recognize this place. If I'm right
21. Return of Harmony, part 4
Trigon slowly rose to his feet, shaking his head to clear it of the ringing of that last blow. It had felt like the strike of an archangel. The last time he'd felt such force in a blow was when he'd been sealed within his own realm, ages ago when the boundaries were first forged and the might of Chaos was banished to the outer most edge of existence, beyond the light of Source. What had hit him?
Before he could get to his feet, however, something slammed into his chest, claws digging into his flesh as he was slammed back against the ground. An unexpected cry of pain burst from his mouth as he stared at the
20. Return of Harmony, part 3
Pain. It was all she knew. The agony of what she had just been put through, the sensation of her soul beginning to fall apart. How easy it would be to let go, to let herself unravel, to cease to be, to bring an end to the pain.
But then there was the voice. That oh so familiar voice that she clung to like a lifeline. Each time she sank to this point, when the pain was no longer being inflicted she would hear the voice, and she would come back to herself. Equations, variables, constants...the formulae of existence brought her back to herself. She listened as the voice spoke of relative densities, water pre
19. Return of Harmony, part 2
Celestia flinched back from the flash of light right in front of her, but relaxed when she saw the body of her former students and the other Harmony Bearers. She managed to maintain her composure, barely, although the sorrow that - after all this time - her true faithful student had not yet returned burned inside her like a fresh wound. "Twilight Sparkle," she said calmly. "I am...surprised at your timely arrival. I was just about to send for you."
Raven smiled at her. "I figured as much. So, what's this all about?"
Celestia frowned. "Come with me." She led the Titans into the Castle interior. "An old
18. Return of Harmony, part 1
He opened his eyes as events finally reached the tipping point. The moment to act was upon him, and he knew what he had to do. Carefully, he gazed across space-time to The Board.
A giant wheel, laid on its side balanced within the space between the metaphysical and the metaphorical. Upon it, the entire world of MaTerra - home world of the ponies amongst others - was laid out, showing the state of existence. Looking carefully, he saw the position of the hidden pieces, the influence of the forces at play, struggling for dominance. He smiled.
Reaching out, he let a spark fall from his claw to the board. The
17. At the Gala
Luna glanced around at her preparations for the night. "Popcorn? Check. Pretzels? Check. Drinks? Check. Game system in case of boredom?" She glanced over at where her consoles were. Celestia had gotten her several of the newest gaming stations to give her opportunity to socialize without leaving the safety of the palace, something she desperately needed as the enforced captivity while she recovered her full power was driving her batty. She'd found the various 'MMOs' to be quite engaging, especially once she'd managed to make several friends online who found her 'Olde Equesh' speech and mannerisms to be charming. "C
16. Breaking Point
"This is your singing telegram
I hope it finds you well
You're invited to a party
'Cause we think you're really swell
Gummy's turning one year old
So help us celebrate
The cake will be delicious
The festivities first-rate
There will be games and dancing
Bob for apples, cut a rug
And when the party's over
We'll gather 'round for a group hug
No need to bring a gift
Being there will be enough
Birthdays mean having fun with friends
Not getting lots of stuff
It won't be the same without you
So we hope that you say yes
So, please, oh please R.S.V.P
And come, and be our guest! "
Starfire bounced happily back i