The Darkness Returns

[Cage Blackpaw]

(Here's the OOC:  )

 

Even from a distance, Canterlot was a sight to behold. “It's all so...big...†mumbled a young filly as she slowly walked along. Her light-blue eyes were wide as she gazed about, her head slowly rolling from one side to the next. Her grey-furred flank was blank, her wurly, grey-green tail lightly bobbing behind her was she continued on.

 

Beside her, the filly's sister lightly smiled, glancing down at her. “It is, isn't it?†Her coat was more silvery than the filly's. So were her curly mane and tail, though they still retained the almost pastel-green tinge, the thin, black bands tying them making small X's. Around her neck was a shiny, black choker necklace, and it glinted softly in the light as they trotted along. “Are you excited to meet the princess, Little Sage?â€

 

Bright eyes turning to her sister, Little Sage nodded, her gilded hairpins lightly bouncing along with her mane as she gave a little hop. “Uh-huh! I can't believe Mother let me come with you, Prairie!â€

 

“Just don't cause any trouble, now. I don't want to be a tattletale when we get back home,†she teased with a wink, lightly smacking her sister's rump with her tail as they crossed over the drawbridge.

 

–

 

A light-tan pegasus pony, his mane and tail flecked tan-and-black, trotted confidently through the city, not giving much thought to his surroundings. It was pretty, sure, but he had things to do.  If any were to wonder why he wasn't flying, their questions would be answered upon seeing his wings wrapped to his sides with bandages.

 

And flying through a city like that could be seen as rude, anyway.

 

He approached the inner castle, passing along a short trail toward a guarded door. The guards blocked his path with their spears. “My name is Sky Dive,†he spoke. “I came to help Princess Celestia. Here...†It only took a moment for the pegasus to reach into his saddlebag and pull out the princess's request.

 

Briefly looking over the parchment, the guards each gave a small nod and lifted their weapons, allowing the stallion through.

 

–

 

Within a long hallway sat a unicorn, his pelt a warm yellow and mane a full brown, tied back in a ponytail. His horn softly glowed, nudging his spectacles up his muzzle toward his hazel eyes. His ear twitched and he glanced toward the door, though no one yet showed. I can't be the only one who decided to come...

[Arashikage]

Rainbow Dash had a different approach on how to move through Canterlot.  She sped through, hurrying to get to the castle.  She waited frequently however for her friend Twilight to catch up.  

"Ugh, come ON Twilight!" She called, annoyed that not everyone is as fast as her.  "We're gonna be late!"

"Rainbow... Wait... Up...  Gotta... Catch... My breath" Twilight panted, half running to the colorful pony's position.  Once arriving, the purple Unicorn collapsed to the ground, out of breath.  

"Come on, let's go.  Princess Celestia isn't going to wait for us forever!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed, taking off once again.

"Urg" Twilight mumbled, getting up and trotting forward, slowly.  She didn't have the energy for this, not with her large sack of scrolls and books, and especially not after her all night study session last night.

[Gestalt]

Rarity sat crestfallen as she peered out the window of her inspiration room when suddenly, her veil of blue magic enveloped and lifted her vogue spectacles into her line of sight. “check, check, check...†she said in her thoughts as she reviewed an order sheet on a clipboard.

 

“Oh, no, no, no...This simply cannot be!†she said falling back on a conveniently yet awkwardly placed sofa. She squished her eyes shut in desperation. “Ranging from Equestria’s elite dignitaries’ attire to Appleloosa’s rodeo vests needs right down Cranky-Doodle’s latest toupee request, all of my orders have been filled. I won’t have any quality fabrics and jewels in stock ‘till weeks from now. What-oh-what shall I do?†She dropped off her sofa.

 

“Maybe, I’ve been too hard at work.†She sprang up in an instant. “I guess I could use a break for a change. Oh, but the evening spa is closed after the flood in last week. Humm.†Rarity galloped over to her vanity and pulled out a locked chest. With a twist of a nearby key, the chest revealed two passes. “One season train pass and one year-round stay at Canterlot Castle from Princess Celestia herself,†Rarity explained. “You know what means opalescence,†Rarity queried her oblivious cat. “It means vacation!†

 

With that Rarity preformed her favorite spell as baggage popped out of every available crevasse, and thus, her luggage instantaneously packed itself with everything essential to a vacation of Rarity’s caliber. “As for what to do exactly, I’ll figure that out once I arrive.†Rarity closed out Carousel Boutique and headed for the train depot.

 

* * *

 

When at last the train arrived at the station, the conductor gave a resounding “all aboard† and Rarity boarded the vessel bound for Canterlot.

[tupelocase]

Applejack once again went over everything with Applebloom, "Now, as soon as there's daylight you need to have already been up and helpin' Big Mac with the orchard.  He'll handle the buckin', you just need make sure you don't miss any apples.  And when Granny Smith starts a hollerin' you high tail it back and find her dentures for her, otherwise she won't stop."

"Applejack, I-"

"Then once the buckin's done for the day, you need to sort the bad apples out an' make sure to properly store the good ones.  Oh!  And Winona'll need her food and water bowls filled twice a day."

"We can handle-"

"Now I know you have a hard time remembering to blow the candles out at night, so make sure you don't waste-"

"Applejack!  We've done this plenty of times before.  It'll be fine, and you need to hurry!  The princess needs ya!"

"You're right..  Take good care of the place while I'm gone little sis.  And Big Mac, I can't thank ya enough for takin' the extra work."

 

The stallion simply nods his head as Applejack breaks into a gallop towards the train station.  She barely catches her train and plops down in one of the rear cars.  As it pulls away from Ponyville she can't help but feel nervous about the summons.  It's not every day Princess Celestia calls an audience in Canterlot, and even stranger still that she didn't explain the situation in the letter.  Nodding off to sleep, Applejack tries to put her mind at ease to prepare for whatever may be waiting at her destination.

[Arashikage]

"Twilight!" Called a voice behind both ponies.  When Rainbow Dash and Twilight turned to look, it was none other than Spike, Twilight's number one assistant.

"Spike!" Twilight called, running towards him.  As they reunited, Spike wrapped his arms around the purple pony's neck.  "I thought you were going to stay behind and organize the library"

"I was, but then I really missed you, and you said I could come along if I wanted... So..."

"Well I'm glad to have you with us!" Twilight replied, smiling as she turned around to allow Spike to hop on her back.

"Well that's nice and all, but we gotta get going!" Rainbow Dash interrupted "You guys are so slow!" She continued, groaning as she leaned against a nearby wall.  

"Alright, alright.  How about I walk like a normal pony, and you go on ahead.  Orrrrr, you can walk with me." Twilight offered.  

"Fine, come on, let's go then."  The rainbow pony said, urging Twilight to start.  

The purple Unicorn set off, Spike on her back, and Rainbow Dash following.  The three made their trek into the castle, heading through the front gate.  The guards recognized them by this point and made no attempt to stop them from entering.  

[Fedora]

Fluttershy had finally gotten off the train and on to the platform. Had it not been for the massive crowd finally pushing her out, she may've stayed on the train until it returned to Ponyville. She was already scared what with the bad luck going around and the call had her mortified. Yet, she knew what she had to do as bearer of the Element of Kindness. She finally gathered enough courage to walk off the platform. when suddenly...

 

"Surprise!!" The shout was enough to have Fluttershy stumble back and fall over. Thankfully though, she was slowly getting used to this kind of surprise. "Pinkie! You scared me." Fluttershy says good-naturedly as she gets up to face the grinning pink pony. "Sorry! Butwereyousurprised?!Ibetyouweresurprised!I forgottotellyouIhadaticketsoigotherebeforeyouandfeltbad. WAIT!" Pinkie finally remembers why they're here. "Omigosh! We have to get the castle!" Fluttershy nods as they both begin their way into Canterlot. 

[Cage Blackpaw]

Sky Dive stepped into the large hallway, his gaze meeting with that of a unicorn.

 

The bespectacled unicorn smiled and got to his hooves, lightly nodding in greeting.  "Greetings.  I suppose you came to hear the princess out as well?"

 

With a smile and friendly nod in return, Sky Dive said, "Uh-huh, sure am.  I figure it must be pretty urgent if she has to send out a summons for help.  Especially if it can't be discussed in the summons itself."

 

"Mm," the unicorn responded with a small nod, looking briefly at the pegasus' wings.  "And it seems you have a personal reason, too."

 

"Oh, yeah..."  Sky Dive glanced back.  "Usually I'm so good with control...I didn't expect the wind currents, I guess.  Anyway, name's Sky Dive."

 

"Magus.  Magus Copperhoof."

 

He grinned slightly.  "Well, Magus, nice to meet you."

 

Magus sat again, gesturing with a light flick of his tail and shift of his hoof for Sky Dive to join him.  "Likewise.  I look forward to working with you."

 

--

 

As the two ponies continued along, Little Sage glanced back and forth a few times between a small group ahead of them and her sister.  "Prairie," she began after a short time, "should we help?  That unicorn seems really tired..."

 

Prairie Sage took a moment to gaze ahead, watching the three--a pegasus, a unicorn, and a...small dragon?  It seemed friendly enough, especially seeing as it was riding on the unicorn's back.  "You know, that seems like a good idea.  Go and introduce yourself," Prairie encouraged her with a smile.

 

With a quick little nod, the filly bounded up to the unicorn, offering her a friendly smile.  "Hi!" she said, bright-eyed.  "I'm Little Sage.  Can I help you carry your stuff?"

[tupelocase]

A sudden jolt snatched Applejack out of her slumber and into a half-awake scurry to get away from wherever she was.  After accidentally bumping into more than a few ponies, accompanied by a mildly intelligible apology, Applejack was snapped awake by the sudden blast of sound as she stepped off the train.  Examining the bustling scene before her, Applejack realized where she was.  Canterlot!

 

Ponies scurried about every which way, probably off to some important social event.  After looking around for a short time Applejack stopped mid stride and yelled, "The summons!"

 

Regaining her sense of urgency, she ran towards the castle, not noticing the few looks she got for her revelation.  Not too long after, she managed to crash headlong into some highfalutin pony type.  Immediately offering her assistance to the dazed pony, Applejack recognized her victim.

 

"Rarity!"

[Gestalt]

"The nerve of these ponies, can't they mind person space!," Rarity declared in a half daze. Her vision came to a clear. "Oh, Its just you Applejack," she said adjusting her mane to her optimal preference. "What brings the ole rustic gal away from Sweet Apple Acres?" Rarity shifted her gaze towards the Canterlot Castle, "Security seems rather tight, today. I wonder what's amiss... I was hoping for a breather from work." 

 

The equine flipped her mane and uncovered a over-sized hat from her mound of luggage nearby. "Oddly enough, I've been randomly smashing into ponies on the walk all day. Do forgive my harsh tone, AJ. Would you be a dear and help me with my bags?" She turned to the unstable tower.

[Arashikage]

They looked at the filly that just hopped over to them in slight confusion.  

"No thanks" Twilight said, "We didn't take a lot with us.  But, I'm Twilight, and this is Rainbow Dash and Spike" The unicorn introduced, gesturing to each of them as she mentioned their names.  

"Good to meet you!" Spike said in a happy tone from atop his companion's back

"Hey" Came the pegasus' short reply.  She was already annoyed that they were going so slow, now they had to talk to other ponies?  She figured she might as well make the best of it.  As she landed, she walked to the group, creating a sort of triangle between the four of them.  

"So... Do you have a big sister nearby?" Twilight inquired, looking to see if this filly had a guardian.

[Cage Blackpaw]

"Uh-huh," she said with a nod, looking over her shoulder to the approaching mare.

 

Her big sister smiled and briefly dipped her head in greeting.  "I'm Prairie Sage, and you've met my little sister already," she softly giggled.

 

"But Twilight, it looks like a lot to me," Little Sage insisted.  "Are you sure you don't want help?"  Though persistent, she took the time to nod in greeting to Rainbow Dash and Spike.

 

"You're here to help the princess, too, right?" asked Prairie as she lightly nudged her sister's side.  Little Sage fell in beside her with a little flick of her tail, giving the three travelers  their space.

[Arashikage]

"Yeah, Princess Celestia sent me a letter, and I had to show up" Twi responded, her head slightly high, as she was the Princess's favorite and most faithful student.

"And I tagged along because I live for adventure!" Rainbow Dash chimed in.

There was a short silence before Twilight said "Alright, if you want to help me with my luggage, sure.  Here, you can take this."  And with that, Twilight brought a bag to little Sage, it wasn't much but she hoped that the little pony would think of it as every little bit helps.  

[Fedora]

Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie headed through the town. Pinkie was going on about all the new ponies she met while waiting for Fluttershy. Fluttershy listened along as she went. She was too kind to ignore Pinkie but the rate Pinkie was talking and all the info was giving her a slight headache. They soon caught up with Rarity and Applejack. "Girls! Heya! What a coinkydink we're all here at the same time!" Pinkie said excitedly. "Are you going to the castle? That's where we're going!" 

 

Fluttershy looked up in amazement of Rarity's tower o stuff as she spoke. "I thought we all got the message to meet in Canterlot Castle. The letter seemed urgent and Twilight rushed out as soon as she read it."

[Cage Blackpaw]

"Yeah, Princess Celestia sent me a letter, and I had to show up" Twi responded, her head slightly high, as she was the Princess's favorite and most faithful student.

"And I tagged along because I live for adventure!" Rainbow Dash chimed in.

There was a short silence before Twilight said "Alright, if you want to help me with my luggage, sure.  Here, you can take this."  And with that, Twilight brought a bag to little Sage, it wasn't much but she hoped that the little pony would think of it as every little bit helps.  

When Rainbow Dash spoke, Little Sage looked at her with bright eyes.  "That's why I wanted to come!  My sister told me it would be dangerous, but I wanna prove that I can be just as good as her."  And when Twilight spoke again, her attention returned to the unicorn and she happily smiled, taking the bag--every bit helped!

 

"Well, we'd better not keep her waiting," said Prairie.  But the hall was just around the corner, so to speak.  Trotting up to the door, Prairie Sage held it open for the others.

 

Inside the hall were two ponies, a unicorn and a pegasus sitting beside each other, and they both greeted the newcomers with a nod.

[tupelocase]

"The nerve of these ponies, can't they mind person space!," Rarity declared in a half daze. Her vision came to a clear. "Oh, Its just you Applejack," she said adjusting her mane to her optimal preference. "What brings the ole rustic gal away from Sweet Apple Acres?" Rarity shifted her gaze towards the Canterlot Castle, "Security seems rather tight, today. I wonder what's amiss... I was hoping for a breather from work." 

 

The equine flipped her mane and uncovered a over-sized hat from her mound of luggage nearby. "Oddly enough, I've been randomly smashing into ponies on the walk all day. Do forgive my harsh tone, AJ. Would you be a dear and help me with my bags?" She turned to the unstable tower.

 

Without a peep, Applejack quickly gathered up Rarity's things and stopped for a second, "Rarity, why are you here in Canterlot?  I don't recall you mentioning it before, and you Always rave about it when your gearin' up for a visit."

[Gestalt]

"For misguided purposes, my dear Applejack." Rarity admitted as they entered the halls of the castle. "Would you believe, I didn't catch wind of the Celestia's summons until this late this evening. Really, I don't understand. Strange, that." She gazed at Applejack, Pinkie, and Fluttershy sincerely. "But, being that I'm here...won't let you girls nor our crown, Celestia, down ."

 

Rarity peered down the hall and caught sight of the rest of the gang and a few other ponies she was unfamiliar with. "I gather you ponies are present for the summons as well?"

[Arashikage]

Rainbow Dash entered the room first, followed by Twilight and Spike.  They were all excited to be there and help the princess again.  Rainbow Dash nodded to the two other ponies in the room, and Twilight did the same.  

"Hello everypony, I'm Twilight Sparkle, and this is Spike and Rainbow Dash" She introduced, looking behind her to see if Little Sage and Prairie were entering.  Seeing Prairie and Little Sage enter, she also added "And this is Little Sage and Prairie"

[Cage Blackpaw]

But as Prairie Sage and Little Sage nodded in greeting to Sky Dive and Magus, they then had to turn and make room for the other ponies entering: a yellow pegasus, a white unicorn, an orange earth pony, and a pink earth pony.  Little Sage's eyes brightened; they were all going to help the princess, and she was part of it!

 

Magus Copperhoof stood as everypony began filtering into the room, and, glancing at the unicorn, Sky Dive followed suit--it would have felt awkward had he been the only one still sitting.

 

The warm-yellow unicorn lightly smiled and dipped his head.  "Greetings, everypony," he began.  "I look forward to getting to know you all throughout the journey, and I do hope you feel the same."

[Fedora]

Fluttershy looked up and down the hall. She wasn't sure what to expect but it seemed like there were quite a few ponies who were here to help.

 

Pinkie made the same observation more well-known. "Hey! The groups all here and we have new friends!" She went to all the new faces shaking their hooves excitedly (And shaking Little Sage's entire self in the process), "Hi! I'm Pinkie Pie! But call me Pinkie! All my friends do!"

[Gestalt]

Rarity removed her elaborate hat as the last pony, Applejack, slowly followed behind carrying the luggage. “Twilight, Rainbow…I’m
glad to see you’ve all made it here safely.â€

 

 

 

Rarity then turned to the unicorn who had just spoken, “He’s right I can’t wait to get to know you all, but we should probably make haste. I am aware of strange happenings that have befallen Equestria. Can anyone shed light on this?â€

[Cage Blackpaw]

"I may be able to help with that."

 

Magus, Sky Dive, and Prairie Sage all turned their attention to the alicorn atop the stairs--Little Sage ceased bouncing a moment later, a goofy smile on her little muzzle, and she quickly shook her head to focus on the princess.  Celestia stood majestically, her head held high with her wings tucked at her sides.  Her royal adornment gleamed elegantly in the light, and the gaze she held on the ponies was warm and welcoming--though, given the circumstances, perhaps a little troubled as well.

 

As the ponies bowed down before her, the alicorn gave a small nod.  "If you'll all follow me, I'll go over what I can."  With that said, she turned with a slight flare of her wings, turning a short ways down the hallway into another room.

 

His eyes gleaming, Sky Dive rushed forward, stopping halfway up the stairs to look back in mid-step.  "Come on, everypony!  The princess is waiting!"

 

Magus and Prairie Sage began to walk forward and on to the stairs, Little Sage catching up to her sister with a little bounce in her step.  Glancing briefly back at Pinkie Pie, the filly said in a hushed voice, "I like her!"

[tupelocase]

Immediately dropping the luggage, Applejack happily trotted past the group bowing ponies and made a beeline for the stairs. Looking back while suppressing an ear to ear grin, she hollers, "Yall come on now.  I think we've got bigger things to be worrying about than some manners."

 

Applejack quickly approached the trio of stranger ponies, "Howdy!  Yall were called here by the princess too?"  Applejack did her best to put on a welcoming grin, succeeding to a fault.

[Cage Blackpaw]

(OOC: lol Since I have four ponies, and Sky Dive is ahead of my other three, I'm going to assume Applejack's only addressing Magus and the Sages.  )

 

"I believe everypony was called by the princess," Magus replied with friendly smile and respectful dip of his head.  "But in light of recent circumstances--"  His tail flicked back toward Sky Dive to use the bandaged pegasus as an example.  "--I'm not surprised so few answered the call."

 

Prairie Sage noticed the to-a-fault aspect of the orange pony's greeting, her ear giving a light twitch as she hesitated to respond.

 

Her little sister took charge, giving a small hop in front of Applejack.  "And we wanted an adventure!"

 

Looking down at the blank-flank, Prairie couldn't help but grin, raising a hoof to ruffle Little Sage's mane.  "She wanted an adventure.  I think we owe it to the princess."

[tupelocase]

Applejack smiled down at the little filly in front of her, "Heh heh, just make sure not to get too ahead of yourself.  Princess Celestia's adventures usually have some kinda weird twist to em." 

 

She glanced up at the older sister with a puzzled expression, pausing for a moment she said, "Ya know, I don't reckon I caught your names.  I'm Applejack, pleased ta meet'cha," extending a hoof to her and the colt.

[Cage Blackpaw]

"I'm Prairie Sage," spoke the mare with a small nod.  Looking at the filly with a smile, she added, "And that's my younger sister, Little Sage."

 

"Yep!  We came all the way from the San Palamino Desert!" the younger pony announced with an excitable grin.

 

As he was near the three and assumed Applejack was addressing himself as well, Magus turned and politefully dipped his head.  "My name is Magus," he said.  "A pleasure to meet you, Applejack.  And our pegasus friend ahead is Sky Dive--we met just before you all arrived."