Chapter Text
Creaaaak…
Once upon a time, in the magical land of Equestria, there were two regal sisters who ruled together and created harmony for all the land.
To do this, the eldest used her unicorn powers to raise the sun at dawn. The younger, brought out the moon to begin the night. Thus, the two sisters maintained balance for their kingdom and their subjects, all of them different types of ponies.
But as time went on, the younger sister became resentful.
Creaaaak…
The ponies relished and played in the day her elder sister brought forth, but shunned and slept through her beautiful night.
One fateful day, the younger sister refused to lower the moon to make way for the dawn. The elder sister tried to reason with her, but the bitterness in the young one’s heart had transformed her into a wicked mare of darkness.
Nightmare Moon.
She vowed she would shroud the land in eternal night. Reluctantly, the elder sister harnessed the most powerful magic known to Ponyville - the Elements of Harmony.
Using the magic of the Elements of Harmony, she defeated her younger sister and banished her permanently in the moon.
Creaaaak…
The elder sister took on responsibility for both Sun and Moon and harmony has been made in Equestria for generations-
SLAM!
Ugh.
The unicorn looked up from her book and glared at the door. “Minty, what are you doing here??”
Her cleaning mare looked up at her a little bit like a child before she signed with her hooves. ‘ I was just checking in. Do you need the closet fixed up?’
“No,” she said bluntly.
She tapped on the door again before signing. ‘ Whatcha reading?’
“It’s none of your concern.”
‘Do you need the encyclopedias cleaned?’
“Minty, you can’t clean encyclopedias.”
‘Oh.’
…
‘Do you need Spike cleaned?’
She glared at her. The earth pony merely blinked back.
“…fine, get in here.”
She smiled and trotted inside before jumping on her bed.
The unicorn smiled as the earth pony cuddled up to her.
“I was reading the story of Nightmare Moon.”
‘That old tale the Princess had us read as fillies?’
“Mhm. And the Elements of Harmony too.”
‘But I thought they were lost to time.’
“Well, it is an Old Mare’s tale after all.”
Minty leaned on her shoulder while letting out a soft little sigh.
‘Twilight? I hope I keep you company.’
The unicorn smiled. “Of course you do.”
Truth be told, she had kept her company for more than she would have liked. They’ve been stuck together since they were kids, even though they were a different species.
Though Twilight disliked her compulsive need to practically bump into nearly everything she steps upon, Minty clung onto her like a foal. And Twilight - for the longest time - just dismissed her.
But as of late, she found herself becoming more and more drawn to the green mare’s presence.
What is this feeling, exactly?
I have to find out what all of this means. The ‘Elements of Harmony’…
Minty, as usual, was right behind Twilight while she strolled through Canterlot, head buried in her book as per usual.
Being the only earth pony here wasn’t as bad as many thought it would be. It wasn’t like she had much to say about the unicorns that lived here. At the same time, it wasn’t like she could say much. And she doubted they’d get it.
But for the most part, some of the unicorns she had met, such as Twilight’s classmates, were very nice. No one ever made her feel unwelcome.
She even had a small friendship with one of them. A mare named Lyra. The two had bonded over their mutual love of the color green. And socks.
As she walked obediently behind her, she found herself staring endlessly at the unicorn’s expression on the book.
‘She seems really interested.’
“Yo, Mints!”
She looked up quickly and yelped as she was hugged. “Ah…!”
“Hi~!” the aforementioned Lyra Heartstrings greeted.
'Hi.'
“I hope that Miss Library over here’s treating you well?” She tapped her horn with her hoof.
The earth pony let out a silent giggle and nodded.
“Look alive, Twilight! I’m right here!” Lyra forced the book down.
“Nice to see you too…” She sweatdropped.
“Are you guys going to the party tonight?”
‘Moondancer’s?’ Minty asked.
The green unicorn nodded. “Everyone’s gonna be there. Wanna be there?”
“Spike does,” Twilight replied smoothly. “But we’re a bit busy at the moment.”
“Spike always wants to be wherever Moondancer is.” Lyra sweatdropped.
The sound of a scream sounded from afar.
Twilight sweatdropped. “What did that dragon do now…?” she muttered.
‘It frightens me.’
“Me too. Let’s go.”
Minty waved goodbye to Lyra while the green unicorn watched them leave. She sighed.
“Goodness. That mare doesn’t have time for anything fun.”
…
Knock knock
Minty opened the door to find a visibly injured Spike standing there. A present was stuck on his tail.
‘What happened?’
“I don’t wanna talk about it…”
“Minty! A little help over here?”
She led him inside before joining her companion in the massive library, books flying everywhere, onto and off of shelves.
“Hello to you too?” Spike called while a book nearly hit his head.
“Spike! There you are! I need help finding that old copy of Predictions and Prophecies…” Twilight frowned as she saw him. “Moondancer?”
“We’re on a break!”
“You’re always on a break.”
Minty began sorting through the books while Spike rambled. “B-But I got her something really nice this time!”
“This time?” Twilight scoffed. “You know what? I’m not even gonna question it.” She sorted through the different books in front of her. “No, no…no, no, no! Ugh! A little help here?!”
Minty shyly pushed forward a book in her direction. ‘ This one?’
The unicorn looked. “Hmmm…yeah! This one!” She pulled it open and flipped through the pages. “Element…Elements…E…E…” She mumbled while her cleaning mare looked over her shoulder.
“Ah! The Elements of Harmony! See ‘Mare in the Moon’…?”
Minty’s eyes widened as she remembered their conversation the previous night.
“Isn’t that an old Mare’s tale?” Spike asked.
“Isn’t that also your relationship?”
Minty snickered.
“Am I just a punching bag to you?” the dragon asked.
Both girls nodded while Twilight opened another dark blue book.
“The Mare in the Moon: Myth from Olden Pony Times,” she read. “A powerful pony who wanted to rule Equestria. Defeated by the Elements of Harmony and imprisoned in the moon. Legend has it that on the longest day of the thousandth year, the stars will aid in her escape. And she will bring about night time eternal.” She gasped in a panic. “Do you know what this means?!”
“Uhhhh, no?” Spike called before falling off the ladder.
Minty raised a hoof.
“No it doesn’t mean break out the glow-by-night socks!”
She put it back down.
“Spike! Take a note to the Princess, please.” She ordered.
“A sharp? B flat?”
“Try U R fired.”
“Fine.” He groaned and pulled out a piece of parchment and a quill.
“My dearest teacher,” she began while walking towards the window. “My continuing studies of pony magic have led me to discover that we are on the precipice of disaster.”
“Wait…” He narrowed his eyes. “Preci….preci…”
“…threshold?” She tried.
“Thre…” He tried to think.
“The… brink?”
“...”
“Something bad is happening!”
He nodded and wrote it down confidently.
“For you see, the mythical Mare in the Moon is in fact Nightmare Moon , and she’s about to return to Equestria and bring with her eternal night. Something must be done to make sure this terrible prophecy does not come true. I await your good response. Your faithful student, Twilight Sparkle.”
“Twi…light…Spark…le!” He cheered. “Done!”
Minty happily applauded him.
He took a bow.
“Alright, now send it!”
“Now?” He looked surprised.
“Of course! It’s important that she know immediately!”
“Are you sure?” he scratched the back of his head. “Princess Celestia’s pretty busy with the Summer Sun Celebration being tomorrow…”
“Of course I’m sure!” Twilight reprimanded. “This is a matter of life or death!”
Minty raised her hoof again.
“No it does not call for an army of sock puppets!”
The green mare pouted.
“Sending it now!” Spike blew on the scroll and sent it up in smoke, out the window. “On its way!”
“Good. Now go and dust yourself off.”
“You’re welcome?” The injured dragon groaned while carrying himself to his room.
…
Minty wished a lot of things. The biggest wish was to say hello to her friend.
She sat in the guest room, looking down at a book she had admittedly stolen away from the library for a while. She couldn’t help it - Twilight had gotten her hooked onto her books. Sci-fi, nonfiction, history books…it was an escape to her.
She didn’t remember how long ago it was that she found out she was mute. But she could guess it was around the age of 2 years old as a foal. Minty didn’t mind it though. It gave her a lot of time to think. What she did mind was not being able to speak to Twilight of all ponies. Someone - she at least - considered very close to her.
She desperately wanted to do so. To have long discussions with her and go back and forth about her books. But alas, she could not. She couldn’t even tell her how much she meant to her.
Or how…
She frowned as she turned to another section of the book.
Elements of Harmony: Decoded
Minty’s jaw dropped. Twilight was looking for something like this in the past hour! How did she miss it??
She immediately started reading through.
The Elements of Harmony have been a peculiar case when it comes to ponykind’s discovery of them thousands of years ago. All seven of them represent a different walk of life. In some interpretations, they sound like wedding vows.
Her eyes sparkled as she read. It was all so… Magical! So fascinating!
Although only six are known for now, there is evidence that this could absolutely be the case. The promises of honesty, loyalty, generosity, kindness, laughter and peace of a lover. But the final element is still alone and lost in the land of logic. If this theory is confirmed, others have said that the Elements search endlessly for their lost seventh piece.
Minty’s ears flattened as her eyes watered. She felt so bad for the elements now! They’re missing their lucky number 7!
However, there is speculation that the seventh element will surely awaken again, and the Elements of Harmony will be together forevermore.
Forevermore? That was a very long time.
She liked the sound of it.
A knock on the door. She looked up to see Twilight there.
“Whatcha reading?” she smiled.
She showed her the cover of the book.
“The Elements of Harmony Decoded?” Twilight read. “Where did you find this?”
‘It was in the back of the library mailbox. Someone must have returned it.’
“Interesting…” She used her horn to read through the section. “Hmmm…let’s see…there’s seven…missing one…Minty, this might be your best find yet.”
Her eyes got an excited glint in them.
Twilight giggled and nuzzled her. The pink and white mare blushed, but she nuzzled back.
“Twilight!”
Both looked over to see their moment was interrupted by Spike, who rushed in. “The Princess wrote back!”
Minty quietly gasped while Twilight spun around. “What is it?! What did she say?!”
“Easy!” He calmed her down while opening the scroll. “To my most faithful student, Twilight Sparkle. I see that you are my most dedicated student and I put my trust in you completely. However, it is necessary that you stop reading those dusty old books.”
She choked. “HUH??”
Minty snickered.
“You have been assigned a few tasks in regards to the Summer Sun Festival coming up tomorrow in Ponyville. You will first need to supervise the event and make sure everything goes according to plan. Secondly, it would not hurt for you to try and make some friends while you’re at it. You always seem lonely, except for sweet Minty who is with you always.”
This made the green mare blush a little while giggling.
“And lastly…”
Spike read the rest of the letter and doubled over laughing.
“…Spike?” Twilight asked.
“We’re going glamping,” the dragon said.
“Let me see that!” She snatched it out of his hands and read the rest of the letter. “And lastly, you have the daunting and treacherous task of…” She nearly dropped the letter and forgot how to use magic.
…
“WHAT?!” She screamed.
Spike was on the ground holding his stomach while cackling. Minty looked confused while she looked down at the piece of parchment, reading the rest of the letter.
And lastly, you have the daunting and treacherous task of falling in love while you’re there. Don’t worry - you’ll have Minty with you the whole way.
No matter how impossible the tasks at hand may be, I have full faith you can do this.
- Princess Celestia
“Why do I gotta fall in looooove?!”
“Because the Princess said so!”
This argument was going on during the whole carriage ride to Ponyville. All Minty could do was sit back and watch.
“The Princess decides my social life now?!”
“You have a social life?”
“I have Minty!”
The mare squeaked and waved.
“I don’t get it! Making friends is ridiculous enough, but falling in love ?! That’s all crazy! And she said I have to do it during the Festival too! How could she say that I could do that, let alone want to?” Twilight protested.
“She’s made you do crazier things.”
Minty signed to her. ‘Would you like to fall in love?’
“I… I…” Twilight sputtered.
‘I think you would be good at it.’
“Good at it? Look at me!” She whined, finally getting some sort of words out. “I stay within the library in Canterlot and hardly see the light of day sometimes! I can’t fall in love with anypony, let alone hope anypony would fall for me. Who’d be interested in that?”
“So you do wanna fall in love!” Spike cheered.
Twilight was five seconds away from throwing him out of the chariot.
‘I think it would be a fun experience, even if nothing happens. Besides - it’s been a long time since I’ve been to Ponyville myself. I hardly remember it.’
“…” Twilight blushed and hid her face in the back of the chariot. “This is gonna be sooo weird…”
“Isn’t everything about you weird already?” Spike asked.
Twilight levitated him over the edge of the carriage.
“AAH! Okay! Okay! I take it back!” he screamed.
“Good boy.” She set him down. Looking forward, she saw the outline of a town far away. “Look, I'll try. I have duties to fulfill, and I will fulfill them. But the fate of Equestria does not lie in my falling in love.”
Spike and Minty shared a ‘who’s gonna tell her’ look while Twilight leaned her head on the back of the chariot. She closed her eyes and began to fall into a tiny little slumber.
…
The Six Elements of Harmony had many different traits about one another. Each one had different interests, different talents and values. However, one thing they all had in common was their adoration for their Magic, for it was the glue that held them together without their Peace. Each adored it and treasured it in their own unique way.
Loyalty kept its gaze on Magic every now and again, keeping the source of powerful energy safe from harm’s way. Generosity made sure Magic was safe and cared for. Honesty always led Magic to the truth about its existence, as well as keeping it honest with others. Kindness would always make sure Magic felt loved. Laughter would always make sure that it felt happiness wherever it spread.
But sometimes, Magic was wistful and distant. Its gaze was set upon the world. What exactly it could be. What was true and what was untrue. It sunk deeper into a lost state. And Loyalty noticed every bit of it. It wanted to help Magic regain its lost spark.
Loyalty took their glue to watch a starry sky within the universe, high above the clouds… They watched the stars and moon play together, and the Magic could only gaze up in wonder.
“What are the stars made of?”
“The stars?”
“Yes. I believe they’re the one thing I haven’t figured out yet.”
“Some things are better a mystery.”
“What good is a mystery?”
“A mystery is amazing.” A hoof in her mane.
“I need proof of that.”
“Mysteries are without proof.” A nuzzle.
“I don’t like knowing nothing. Is that okay with you?”
“Perfectly fine.”
“Lollie-“
She was silenced with a kiss. Suddenly, all the knowledge in her head went out the window and into the stars.
“Twilight!”
She opened her eyes tiredly to realize that they weren’t in the sky anymore. She looked over at Spike and Minty, the latter getting out of the chariot.
“We’re here.”
She looked up to see a rather cozy village as well as a bright blue sky above it.
Minty’s eyes lit up and she tapped happily in excitement.
“This is Ponyville…” Twilight marveled as she got out of the chariot, looking to the stallion pegasi at the front. “Thank you, sirs!”
They proudly saluted her while she went towards Minty with a gentle smile.
“You used to live here?” She asked while she signed happily.
‘Yes! Before I came to Canterlot! I hardly remember it, but now I'm starting to!’
Twilight giggled, however, Spike frowned.
“For a place called Pony ville , it doesn’t seem that active. Where is everypony?”
‘Maybe they’re still asleep? It’s morning after all. No one can be awake at this time.’
“EXCEPT ME!”
They all turned around and screamed as they saw a bouncing pink mare, grinning from ear to ear.
Twilight, in her shock, felt time slow down for a brief moment before the mare screamed again.
“HI!”
“Uhhh….Hi??” Twilight stuttered.
The mare then gasped loudly. “IT'S YOU!” She tackled Minty immediately. “I KNEW YOU’D COME BACK ONE DAY!”
“Ah!” She squealed and hit the ground in the hug.
“You two know each other??” Twilight asked a bit nervously.
“OF COURSE! MINTY HERE IS MY BESTEST FOREVER FRIEND! SHE IS MINE!” The pink mare hugged her.
Minty stiffened a bit, but hugged back a little awkwardly.
The pink one cuddled her.
“Ahem,” Twilight coughed. “We’re actually not from here. Spike and I anyway. We’re from Canterlot.”
“Ooooooooooh~!” the pink mare got really close. “I. LOVE. CAMELOT.”
“Uhh…It’s Can-ter-lot,” Twilight backed up, but she just kept coming. “My name is Twilight Sparkle, and this is my assistant Spike - back up, please?”
“NU!”
Minty tapped her back, imploring her to back up desperately. She knew Twilight didn’t really like that close of a mare’s presence.
She pouted and backed up. “Fine, but only because it’s Mints! Are you here for the Summer Sun Festival?” she asked happily.
“Actually…yes.”
“OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO~!”
“Why do I keep talking….?”
Minty swallowed and signed to the mare. ‘Do you mind showing us around?’
The pony gasped excitedly. “AAAH YES! I’D LOVE TO- OOH! We can go back to our old little hideout!!” she bounced around Minty excitedly.
“Hideout?” Twilight questioned. “Are you into something illegal?”
Minty shrugged a bit nervously.
“Come on! It’s this way!”
The pony bounced off into the distance. All 3 looked at each other nervously.
“Should we follow her?”
“I don’t know…”
Minty reluctantly signed at her. ‘Who is she??’
“Someone insane?” Spike suggested.
‘How does she know my name?’
“Not sure…”
Twilight winced. She did say she grew up here. So…
“MINTS! HURRY!!!”
She signed to her quietly. ‘I don’t think we have a choice.’
“HURRY!”
The three collectively sighed and hurried over. Little did they know, a unicorn mare watched them leave the town square.
She dropped whatever she was levitating.
“My stars…” she whispered in shock.
“WE’RE HEEERE~!”
Pinkie practically dragged Minty into a large tree - one that was barren and empty, but felt like it was home. Twilight entered the area with Spike, both looking around in amazement.
Minty signed to her. ‘This place is ours?’
“You betcha!” Pinkie smiled. “When we were fillies, this place was the best spot in town! Hide n seek galore, so many play dates, ANNNND~!” She ran over to a wall with a… toy oven in it. “An Easy Bake Oven stuck in the wall. Don’t ask how it got there.”
“We won’t.” Twilight and Spike said in sync, sweat dropping.
‘It certainly is beautiful. But it’s a bit fuzzy if I'm being honest. I haven’t been here in a long time.’
“That’s A-OK!” The bouncy mare smiled. “I, Pinkamena “Pinkie” Diane Pie shall help you remember or my name isn’t Pinkamena “Pinkie” Diane Pie!”
‘How can she understand me?’ Minty thought, amazed. Maybe she really did know her once.
“Uhm, we much as we wanna reminisce,” Twilight took her shoulder. “Minty and I need to go…settle in. We’ll come back later, alright?” she smiled a little too widely.
“Okie dokie, loki!”
Minty squeaked while Twilight dragged her out the door. Pinkie’s voice was heard all the way.
“See you later, Mints~! WELCOME HOOOOOME~!”
How has no pony woken up to this mare?!
“BECAUSE THEY’RE USED TO ME!”
The three headed across Ponyville towards the countryside, Spike holding a list in his hands.
“Let’s see…first up is the food…”
“Minty, are you sure you don’t know her?” Twilight asked. “She seemed to know you very well.”
Minty shrugged and signed after stopping. ‘Dunno. I don’t know a lot about my childhood before Canterlot. Except that I lived here.’
“She seems nice at least,” Spike mentioned.
“Nice and crazy.” Twilight grumbled.
“So you two have something in common,” Spike snickered.
“ Must I reconsider tossing you out of the carriage on the way home??”
“No…”
Minty stopped and gasped, pointing.
‘We’re here!’
Twilight and Spike looked up at the sign of a massive ranch.
‘Sweet Apple Acres’
“Please let the caterers be normal…” She prayed while taking two steps into the-
“YEE-HAW!”
Fuck.
She shut her eyes tight, thinking that maybe she could get through this without eye contact.
Walking through the farm, she believed that this was what it was like to be in Minty’s shoes for change. Having one sense less, you could notice a lot of things.
Like the sound of wind chimes, the grass beneath her feet, the sound of dozens of apples falling-
What?
And then 30 fell on her back. Ow.
She heard Spike giggling and Minty’s silent laugh.
Keep going, keep going…keep-
She yelped as she lost her footing on several apples, someone pulling her back right after she was about to fall.
“Woah, woah, woah there! Settle down, watch where yer goin!”
“Huh…?” She dared to look up. And the unicorn swore that time itself had slowed down when she saw a tangerine earth pony.
“Howdy,” the blonde tipped her hat. “You new around here?”
“…oh!” Twilight coughed, covering her reddening cheeks. “Y-Yes. Technically.”
“We’re here on behalf of the Princess for the Summer Sun Festival,” Spike explained. “It’s our job to make sure everything is in order.”
‘And to make sure Twilight falls in love by the end of the festival,’ Minty signed.
“Well,” the blonde pony laughed a bit. “That sounds like a real hoot!”
‘She got that??’ Minty blinked.
“I’m Applejack,” she introduced while shaking Twilight’s free hoof - which wasn’t covering her blushing face. “Heiress to Sweet Apple Acres!”
“Who made you heiress?” A younger voice asked. A little yellow filly with a red mane and big pink bow galloped up next to Apple Jack. It was obvious to the three the girl must be pretty young, as she had yet to gain a cutie mark. “How do you know I won’t be?”
“Why, you’re just a bit too young to do that sugarcube,” the elder smiled.
“But I'm older now!”
“Yer 7.”
“So??”
Applejack chuckledz “C’mere.” She picked her up and placed her on her back. “This here is my baby sis’, Apple Bloom.”
“Howdy,” the filly greeted.
“Hey there,” Twilight greeted a little awkwardly. “I’m Twilight Sparkle.”
“I’m Spike,” the dragon greeted.
“And this is-“
“Ah, bup-bup,” she raised a hoof and smiled. “She can speak for herself.”
Huh?
Minty looked at her a little flustered and signed. ‘I’m Minty.’
Applejack looked closer and eyes widened. “Golly, I think I recognize you. Did you used to live here a long time ago?”
‘Uh-huh. About 15 years ago?’
“I thought so,” Applejack smiled. “I dunno if you remember me, but we were about good friends back in the day.”
‘I see…’ The green mare looked down a little bit worriedly.
“Ahem…” Twilight coughed. “Hate to interrupt, but I'm supervising the Summer Sun Festival. You’re doing the catering, right?”
The farmer’s eyes got a wild twinkle in them. “Indeed; we are,” Applejack said a bit mischievously.
Why did Twilight feel scared?
She knew why when Applejack ran over to ring a triangle.
“APPLE GANG~!”
Oh no….
The next thing they knew, they were hoarded by ponies and carried to a table underneath a giant tree. Applejack dusted herself off and sat next to them - dozens of ponies looking at them in amazement and excitement.
“Why don’t I introduce y’all to the Apple Family ?”
Minty raised a hoof. ‘Hi?’ She vaguely remembered this bunch. It’s not exactly easy to forget.
They all squealed.
“MINTY!!”
Oh no…
Next thing she knew, she was being bombarded with questions and comments.
‘How have you been?!’
“You’ve gotten so big!”
“And how pretty you’ve gotten!”
“Granny! Minty’s back!”
Oh nooo….
She saw an elderly mare fast asleep in a rocking chair, slowly beginning to wake up. “Hmm…?”
“Granny? Granny Smith??” Applejack tapped her back.
“Huh?”
“We got visitors.”
“Wake me up when it’s important…” the elderly mare mumbled.
“Minty’s back.”
Her eyes snapped open. “SAY IT AIN’T SO.”
Minty shyly approached her and gave a gentle wave.
“IT IS SO!” The grandmother cheered. “If it isn’t Peppermint! I haven’t seen ya since you were an itty bitty filly!”
‘Clearly, everyone hasn’t…’ The mare thought.
“We’re just here to make sure the catering is on schedule,” Twilight said while approaching her. “We won’t be long.” She desperately hoped.
Granny Smith’s eyes widened heavily. “Applejack, why you ain’t never told me about this here lass?”
“Granny, please…” Applejack hid her face in her hat.
“Oh come now! Look how beautiful she is! Look at that mane, and that lil’ horn of hers!”
“Uhhhh…” Twilight blushed madly.
“Granny, please not again….” Applejack sighed.
“I want grand-fillies!” She protested.
“You have me, Mac, Bloom, and about a hundred other grandchildren.”
“ Great Grand Fillies!”
“Sorry bout my Granny. She’s crazy sometimes.”
“It’s alright…” Twilight walked out of the acres to the apple trees nearby with Applejack, managing a small smile. “I know the feeling of crazy relatives.”
“Got yourself a crazy grandma?” The Earth Pony chuckled.
“Try an overprotective big brother,” Twilight giggled.
“How overprotective?”
“Well….”
Flashback
“GET YOUR HOOVES OFF MY SISTER.”
“Shining, we’re just doing a class project!”
“I DONT CARE!”
“Sir Shining Armor, perhaps we can settle this with-“
SLAM
“GET OUT.”
End Flashback
“He ran for the hills. I had to finish it myself.” Twilight grumbled.
“Big brothers just are born with this thing in their minds that everyone is a threat to the little sister,” Applejack sighed. “Could be worse though. I have even more. I’m the middle child of the family. I have my brother and a lot of cousins who are overprotective.”
“Well, all families are like that…” Twilight couldn’t keep her eyes off of the southern mare, all of a sudden. She usually wasn’t one to stare. She herself wasn’t really a sight for sore eyes. Still…
Applejack smiled at her. A bit differently this time. “You alright?”
“Y-Yeah…” the unicorn said. “I just… got a weird sense of deja vu….”
“Deja vu can be weird sometimes. But that’s what makes it interesting.”
Twilight’s heart nearly skipped fifty beats when she nuzzled her neck.
‘Dear lord….’
“I’ll see you around, sugarcube.” She smiled and tipped her hat again with dusted cheeks.
“Yeaaaaah…” she slurred out.
“Wait!” Apple Bloom appears suddenly. “Miss Twilight, aren’t ya’ll gonna stay for brunch?”
“W-Well,” Twilight stuttered with a reddening face. “I-I’m awfully busy r-right now…”
“Oh come now!” The grandmother called from the other side of the farm. “Ya’ll can surely stay for the proposal!”
Meanwhile, Minty sat at the table already eating some of the apple treats.
“…okay, maybe for a little while.” Twilight sighed. “Wait, proposal?!”
“Granny! You promised not to do that anymore!” Applejack groaned.
Anymore?!?!
“Next thing is ‘clearing the skies’…of course, who could see the sun rise with clouds in the way?” Spike commented while walking ahead.
Minty and Twilight were trudging however - bellies full from so much food.
And then-
BOOM!
“WAH!”
Squeak!
Both mares were startled by the sound of thunder. They looked up and saw… a lone black cloud?!
“Sorry!” A pegasus called from on top.
Minty looked up in shock as she signed upwards. ‘Are you okay??’
“I’m good, thanks!” The mare called back. “My cloud got a little out of hoof.”
“Are you supposed to be pushing back the clouds today?” Twilight called.
“For what?”
“For the Summer Sun Festival!”
“Oh that! You wanna talk to Rainbow Dash for that,” the mare called back. “I’m Derpy. Head Cloud Napper!”
“Hi…” She waved. “Who’s Rainbow-“
ZOOM
“AH!”
Minty and Twilight got to the ground quickly as a gust of wind brushed past them, knocking them into mud.
“‘Sup?”
“Excuse me?!” Twilight yelled while her mane covered her eyes, thanks to the mud.
Then she heard her infuriating laugh.
“Hang on, hang on. I gotcha.”
She then felt the feeling of raindrops hitting her mane at a quick pace.
“There.”
“Who are you??” She shouted while moving her mane out of the way.
“Up here.”
More mischievous giggles.
The moment Twilight looked up, she saw magenta eyes and her world slowed down in time.
“How’s the weather down there?”
“It’s…good…” Twilight swallowed. Minty then approached the pegasus too, trying to reach up for her wings. She then signed.
‘Hi.’
“Hey,” the Pegasus smiled. “You’re cute.”
Minty’s face turned red. ‘I am?’
“Uh-huh. Waaaait a sec.” She flew down so they made eye contact. “Don’t I know you from way back when?? Wait; don’t tell me…”
“Ah…” She let out a sound of worry.
“I think I do… I remember seeing a filly like you when I’d come down here as a kid.” She narrowed her eyes. “Pink and white mane…green fur…mint cutie mark?!” She gasped. “Holy shit, Minty! It’s you!”
‘Hi.’ She waved even more awkwardly.
“It’s my favorite buddy!” She screamed before flying down even lower and shaking her hoof. “Did you get away from those bad folks?!”
Minty squeaked.
“Who in this town do you not know?” Spike asked.
“Are you hurt? Are you okay??” the pegasus rambled on.
‘I’m okay??’ she signed hopefully.
“You’re sure?” She asked.
‘Yes. Why?’
Twilight sensed something in the pegasus’ tone that was desperate, but didn’t comment on it.
“Really sure???”
Minty didn’t know how else to reassure her, so she nuzzled her neck when she was low enough.
The Pegasus giggled a bit.
“Uhm…” Twilight coughed a bit embarrassedly. “I’m the supervisor for the Summer Sun Festival. It says here that you’re supposed to be clearing the sky for tonight, right?”
“You bet,” the rainbow mare said. “And you’re the supervisor? No offense, but you’re kind of a nerd.”
“Gee, thanks so much…” She grumbled.
‘You should clear it soon,’ Minty signed.
“Eh. Don’t wanna right now. A bit busy.’ She said while lazily lying on the cloud.
“Doing what ?”
“Relaxing, duh.”
Twilight thought before smirking. “Alright, but I guess you don’t wanna impress the pretty mares ~”
And then Rainbow fell off the cloud.
“What??”
Minty saw her get a devious look in her eyes.
“I bet you couldn’t clear the whole sky in 20 seconds.”
“Give. Me. TEN.” The cyan pegasus had a fire in her eyes.
“Prove it.” She grinned.
The multi-colored mare growled and in the blink of a freaking eye flew back up. Their jaws dropped as they saw her do it in not 10, but 5.
“Half time,” she not so humbly bragged.
“W-What, do you want an award??” Twilight scoffed out of her shock.
“Mhm~” She grinned at her. “I’m taking you two out to the Festival~”
Twilight’s muzzle turned very red.
Minty, meanwhile, smiled excitedly. ‘Yes Please!’
“Alright!” Rainbow said. “Hey, where’d your little dragon go?”
“Huh?”
Both mares looked and saw a blinking dragon-shaped dotted lie where Spike once was.
“Hubba Hubba~!”
Minty and Twilight finally found Spike at a nearby boutique. He sat with hearts in his eyes, drooling at…something…
“Spike??”
“I’m in love…”
“Here we go again….” Twilight groaned.
However, she saw what he was talking about and nearly felt time collapse. A white unicorn, in a violet curled mane, sewing a dress.
‘Crud. He might be right.’
The unicorn looked over and gasped, staring at her. “My stars!!”
“She’s coming right at me~!” Spike cheered.
He ran for the mare, only for him to trample him in her steed.
“You are the most beautiful mare that I have ever seen~!” She squealed at Twilight, making her blush madly.
“T-Thank you….”
“Oh I am in love with your mane! I must attend to you, I simply must~!”
Twilight became a lovesick wreck while the unicorn dragged her away.
And Spike looked on in utter shock.
‘HOW IS THAT FAIR?!’
Minty shrugged and walked past the defeated dragon.
…
“Now, where did you get such gorgeous bangs, darling? I must curl them, they look so lonely without it!”
“Ehehehehe…”
Twilight had to be in a state of mind known only to Celestia - heaven. The white unicorn soon sat her down in a chair while her mane and tail were washed in a soothing manner, sweet music playing in the background.
Meanwhile outside Spike was screaming into a hole in the ground.
“You know? You’re a dazzling unicorn,” The unicorn whispered in her ears.
“I am~~?”
“Of course, darling!” the stylist cheered. “I see many ponies in and out every day, but never have I ever seen one as dazzling as you.”
“Ahahaha…” She drawled out while she rinsed her mane.
“What is your name, gorgeous?”
“T-Twiliiiiiight…”
“Twilight… Like the bridge between night and day. How fabulous~!” She giggled. “I am Rarity. It’s a pleasure to meet such a beauty~”
No one’s ever said that about me before…
Twilight wasn’t sure why or how, but somehow someway Rarity made her heart flutter like wings.
A gentle knock came on the door, and Rarity called in a sweet tone. “It’s open love~”
From behind the door stepped none other than Minty, who looked at her in amazement.
Rarity’s eyes widened in excitement. “Oh my stars , is that who I think it is?!”
‘Hi.’ the earth pony meekly signed.
“Little Minty!” Rarity hugged her immediately. “Oh~! Look at you, you’re so-“ she gasped and pulled back. “Are you alright, love?”
I’m guessing something happened to me…?
‘I’m fine.’ she signed.
“Are you sure, darling?”
‘Of course .’ she signed.
Twilight - in the back of her mind - made a mental note to ask Rarity about this later. “Uhm…” she said with a little bit of a lazy smile. “I’m supposed to be supervising the Summer Sun Festival. Are you on decorations?”
“Indeed, I am darling,” Rarity smiled. “I believe you’ll find everything to your liking. If you’ll just follow me to the town hall.”
“Of course…” Twilight smiled and followed after her, along with Minty. Meanwhile, Spike watched in horror while all 3 walked out.
“ I THOUGHT WHAT WE HAD WAS SPECIAL!!”
The more that Magic discovered, the further away that it drifted.
And none other than her darling Kindness noticed her expression fading from the excitement that it once had. Before, she was oblivious to the real world. Lost in imagination and creativity.
But now…
“Darling!”
She jumped from behind her, making the nurturing Element jump up in fright.
“I’ve discovered something!”
“W-What is it??”
“Have you ever heard of something called a ‘library’?” Magic’s eyes lit up as she spoke. “It’s truly amazing!”
“I-I don’t think i’ve ever heard of something like that-“
“Come on! I’ll show you!”
Kindness yelped as she was dragged off towards her discovery.
Magic had a tendency to get very excited at the simplest of things. So much so, that it was a bit concerning.
She led her love to a massive arena with books on every shelf, spiraling up to the sky. Some were untidy and on the floor, while others were stacked up upon each other - each one filled with knowledge galore.
“What do you think??” she bounced up and down excitedly.
“It looks nice,” Kindness smiled.
“ It’s beautiful! I feel like I could stay in here for hours~!”
Kindness shuffled as Magic levitated a few books. “Wouldn’t you rather go out to dinner with us?”
“Why can’t we have dinner here?” Magic asked.
“W-Well, if it would help…”
“Call for the others!” She happily cheered while taking her hooves. “We must dine in here!”
“I…” She saw the look of desperation in her eyes and exhaled. “I-I don’t see why we can’t…”
“Yay!” Magic started dancing happily around.
Kindness, meanwhile, has never felt so terrified.
This had to be one of the cutest things she’s ever seen.
Minty silently watched the adorable scene of two unicorns nuzzling onto each other while they trotted over to the town hall. Twilight was never known to be the affectionate type, which was really shocking.
The most affectionate she was mainly was with herself. Even though she hardly wanted her around as a filly, she’d sneak in a nuzzle here or there. But she thought she was previously trying to poke her with her horn.
But what she saw here was a different Twilight. She swore, she could see little hearts floating up while the two nuzzled each other.
And it was freaking adorable.
In an attempt to verbally get her attention, she tried to sound out her name. “Wai…!”
Twilight turned at the sound. “Minty? Was that you?”
She blushed madly while she covered her muzzle, looking to the side embarrassedly. “…….”
“Did you speak?” Twilight was amazed.
“…Uh….huh…” she managed out.
Then she was ecstatic.
“Minty, this is amazing!” Twilight hugged her immediately. “Wait til Spike hears! Wait til the princess hears! Wait til everyone hears!”
“Wai…” She squealed out again, looking over at Rarity unsurely.
She just smiled. “What a wondrous occasion, Little Minty!”
Minty blushed shyly. Before Twilight could hug her more, the sound of singing filled the air.
“What’s that?” She perked up her ear.
“It weirdly sounds like…”
“Music.”
Birds??
Following the sound, the mares approached a garden where there was a choir of birds singing together.
“Oh it’s Fluttershy,” Rarity said. “Her bird choir is the sweetest sound ever.”
Fluttershy?
Twilight then saw a gorgeous yellow pegasus float up towards the tree, and then hid back away immediately.
Woaaaaaah…
She was…beautiful…
“O-Oh,” the pegasus floated up to the tree once more and approached a bird. “U-Uhm, excuse me, Sir? N-No offense, but your rhythm was just a teeny tiny bit off.” She had the softest voice too. Like an Angel….
The bird chirped a reply as she floated back onto a wooden stand. “Alright, everyone ready?” she smiled. “1…2…3…”
“Hi.”
“AAH!” She shrieked and hid.
“Oops…”
“Fluttershy, darling, it’s alright,” Rarity called gently. “This is Twilight and Minty, they’re here for the festival.”
“Hmmm…?” She peeked out of her hiding spot and noticed the unicorn and the Earth pony.
Her face then turned several shades of maroon.
“Meep!” She hid her face in her mane.
“Hi…” Twilight coughed with an equally red face. “My name’s Twilight Sparkle,” she said gently. “Are you coming to the Festival?”
“…Mhm…” She squeaked.
“Good,” she smiled. “I heard you rehearsing. You’re a wonderful director.”
“T-Thanks….” She squeaked again.
“Sha….?”
Fluttershy peeked over at Minty when she vocalized, and her eyes widened, her jaw dropping in a heavy inhale.
“Oh goodness….” The Pegasus squeaked. “Minty…?” She crawled over to her in tears.
‘Hi.’
“Oh my goodness…” She cried and hugged her. “You’re back! You’re really back!”
“…” Minty just slowly hugged her back.
“Twilight?” Rarity whispered in her ear. “May I have a word with you for a moment?”
The purple unicorn nodded. “Of course.”
…
“How much does Minty remember about Ponyville?”
“Not a whole lot. That’s what she’s telling me.”
She trotted alongside Rarity now, as the sky was beginning to darken a little bit. The stylist mare wouldn’t look at her the whole way.
“That’s what I thought. She doesn’t remember, but we were really good friends as foals and fillies. Except, back then, she wasn’t called Minty - her legal name was Lilith.”
“Really?” Twilight blinked. “She never mentioned Minty not being her name.”
“Simply because she doesn’t want to, love.” Rarity smiled a little bit grimly.
She noticed a serious air to her voice and frowned. “…how did she get the name ‘Minty’?”
“This might come as a surprise to you, but she got her cutie mark a lot earlier than I did. During the Christmas season when we were just jumping into fillyhood, I’ll never forget it…” Her expression was wistful. Lost in nostalgia.
“…so why did she?” Twilight dared to ask.
“I’m unsure, love,” she frowned. “But…did Minty ever tell you anything about her family?”
The prodigy thought for a bit. “Hmm…I don’t think she did. We met when we were fillies..Minty just so happened to be taken in by Celestia.”
“How cute,” Rarity smiled. “The princess must be as all-loving as they say to take in a girl kind as Minty.”
Twilight smiled. “Well, that’s the Princess for you. She believes in equality for all ponies.”
“What happened after she took her in?”
“She introduced her to me.” She blushed. “I wasn’t really that keen on her as a filly. I do know my brother was doting all over her though. We shared everything together - much to my distaste,” Twilight laughed a little. “Same room, same classes…we even had the same foalsitter.”
“How adorable!” Rarity giggled. “Sounds like you two were meant to be sisters perhaps.”
Her face turned red. “Well, I wouldn’t think of it that way…the weirdest thing is, I've thought of her as something other than a sister. I don’t think I even see her as only a friend.”
“Really now?” the stylist asked. “Perhaps… more so than?”
She turned around to see Minty far off, comforting a trembling Fluttershy.
“…I’m starting to.” she blushed.
Rarity giggled. “Perhaps as lovers then, darling.”
They stopped in front of the abode they would stay in for the brief period of time, Rarity turning to her while smiling. “Well then - I must be off. There’s still preparations I have to make for the decor,” she leaned in to connect her horn with Twilight’s.
“Have a good day.”
The purple mare forgot both her name and how to speak. Then her mind started racing.
Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, oh my gosh, did she really just do that, why, why would she do that, does she like me? No, she can’t like me. She doesn’t like me! But why would she do that?! What should I do?! AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!
“Wai~?”
Twilight was then snapped out of her internal crisis when she saw Minty sitting there in front of her instead of Rarity. She waved her hoof in front of her eyes as if to say ‘Equestria to Twilight?’.
“…hey.” She blushed and looked down.
She giggled and signed, turning around.
‘I found Spike.’
He did not look happy.
Twilight summoned a roll duck tape and taped his mouth shut.
“Mmmh! Mmmmmh!” He tried to pry it off.
“Behave.” She said simply before walking into the tree house with Minty.
Spike only grumbled while crossing his arms in a pout. However, all three were confused when the lights were all out inside.
“Huh. That’s weird.” Twilight spoke aloud.
“Maybe give us some light with your horn?” Spike asked, removing the tape.
“Uhhh, yeah, sure. Hold on.”
Just as she was about to illuminate the house - and, she did manage to get 3 seconds of it in - the lights came on and the sound of party poppers came into their ears, startling them.
POP!
“SURPRISE!”
“AAAAH! A SOCIAL SITUATION!”
Minty looked around while Twilight covered her eyes. There were several of the ponies that they were looking for earlier that morning. Was this why no one was around at the time?
Also, there was Pinkie. Bouncing up and down excitedly.
“Welcome home, Mints~!” She bounced up to her and hugged her. “I thought that we’d throw a super fun party for you and Twilight now that you’re back~!”
“How did you get in my house…?” Twilight asked.
“Silly~! We had to kick the window in!”
“WHAT?!”
“I love this!” Spike cheered.
“I hope you enjoy your party~! This way you can have a whole lot of friends, because when I first looked at you, I was worried you didn’t have any friends!”
‘Gee, thanks…’
“But now you do have friends!” Pinkie squealed and hugged her - a bit too tightly. “Doesn't that make you sooooo happy?!”
‘SOCIAL SITUATION! RED ALERT! RED ALERT! AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!’
Minty signed at her worriedly. ‘She doesn’t like people touching her.’
“It’s just a hug, silly willy!” Pinkie said.
‘GET ME OUT OF HERE!’
She let go of her and shouted, right after kissing her cheek. “Let’s get this party started~!”
Shit…
Twilight’s face was so red. A nuzzle on the neck here and there. A massage. Horn to horn. A kiss on the cheek…?
WHAT IS HAPPENING TO ME?!!??!?!
Minty approached a severely red Twilight after Pinkie had bounded off again.
‘Do you need to go upstairs?’
Twilight nodded frantically.
‘Okay, let’s go.’
“Hallelujah…” Twilight sighed in relief.
As they trotted up the staircase, Minty couldn’t help but worry. So far, they were accomplishing the second part of her mission pretty easily. But the third part..
Did she want that to succeed?
Would she let it?
Later…
Minty sat by the doorway, hearing the upbeat music muffled from downstairs. She watched Twilight laying in bed, and didn’t know if she was asleep or not.
Knock knock
A gentle knock came at the door. A bit cautiously, Minty slowly creaked the door open.
“Hey,” the blue pegasus from earlier was there.
‘ Hi,’ she waved shortly.
“Is she alright? You guys went upstairs a bit too quickly.’
Minty paused, looking down at her hooves before signing again.
‘Twilight’s feeling overwhelmed from today. She needed to take a rest. She’s okay.’
“You mind if I come in?”
She looked back at Twilight, who was lightly snoring.
‘You can come in. Be careful though.’
RD nodded and quietly walked in. “She’s kinda cute when she’s asleep,” she whispered.
‘She’s not really used to affection. Especially in a completely new place.’
“Yeah, Fluttershy is the same way,” the pegasus explained. “I bet she’s nervous about being around so many new people.”
‘That's not the only reason she’s nervous.’
RD watched her turn in her sleep, frowning a bit. “What is it?”
‘You won’t believe this, but we got a mission from the princess. She’s her student. She asked her to supervise the Festival, but that’s not all that was asked of her.’
“What did she ask her to do? Save the world from Nightmare Moon?” the pegasus joked.
‘No,’ she signed. ‘She was asked to fall in love.’
“Huh?” This really shocked her.
‘It was surprising to me too. But I can tell Twilight really wants to. But she doesn’t think she’s worth it.’
“What? Why not?” Rainbow asked. “If you ask me, anypony would be lucky to have her.”
‘I don’t think she knows that.’
There was silence. Only the sound of snores was present.
“…wake her up a bit?”
Minty nodded and gently shook Twilight.
“Hm…?” The unicorn blinked lightly while she groggily mumbled.
‘We have a guest.’
Twilight shyly hid her face in a pillow.
“Hey,” the pegasus whispered. “It’s me, from town square.”
“It’s you…?”
“Mhm,” she patted the pillow next to her. “Can I lie here?”
“…” She nodded embarrassedly.
Rainbow smiled and did just that. Gently, she nuzzled her nose against hers.
“…sorry I ran off…” she squeaked. Close. Proximity.
“You’re cool,” RD smiled.
“Why’d you check up on me?” she whispered shyly.
“ ‘Cause I was worried about you.”
Twilight squeaked. “…thanks…”
“No prob.” She nuzzled her again.
Minty, meanwhile, looked out the window towards the moon. If she could see it correctly, she could see the ‘Mare in the Moon.’
“Hey.” RD whispered. “I still owe you that date.”
The purple unicorn forgot her dang name.
Summer Sun Festival
Was this what the princess was talking about by ‘falling in love at the end of the festival’? Twilight didn’t think so. But she was damn well close.
The rainbow mare led the two of them to the heavily decorated Town Hall, where everyone in town was gathered. In a way, she somehow forgot that she was supervising this whole event.
Right… she thought with a red face while gazing around the celebration. Decor…catering….
Oh Celestia, the Apples are here…
‘Maybe I can sneak out the window…’ Twilight thought.
“Twilight!”
Oh no.
She blushed and smiled a little too wide when Applejack came up to her.
“H-Hey,” Twilight smiled. “Long time no see…? It’s been only a few hours…ahahaha…” She swallowed embarrassedly.
“How ya doin’, sugar cube?” The blonde smiled. “Sorry if Granny scared you away earlier.”
“N-No, she’s fine…”
“MAC! I WANNA SEE THE SUNRISE! MOVE!”
“Tell you the truth, I know she’s a lot to handle,” AJ chuckled. “Just let me know if things get out of hoof, kay?”
Twilight nodded. “T-Thanks…”
“Come on,” Rainbow whispered to her. “I know a good place to watch the sunrise.”
Indeed - it was a good spot. It was a small area on the balcony, where they could see all the stars out.
“It’s beautiful…” Twilight noted. “You can even see the Wishing Star.”
“What would you wish for?”
“I’m not sure…I don’t think I have any big wishes in particular.” She hummed.
“I WISH FOR CHAOS!” Suddenly, Pinkie.
“Aah!” Both shouted in terror.
“Are you excited?? I’m excited! I’m so excited, I've never been so excited!” She bounced up and down excitedly.
“Pinkie, you got excited when you saw grass outside your window this morning,” Rainbow deadpanned.
“IT WAS GROWING!”
“You see it everyday.”
Despite the ridiculousness of the pink mare, Twilight couldn’t help but giggle. “This is nice,” she smiled.
“What is?” Pinkie looked at her in a bit of confusion.
“This…” Twilight smiled more. “All of us. Together.”
Now it was Pinkie’s turn to get flustered. “MEEP!” She tried hiding behind AJ.
While she did, the mayor began to speak up, following the sound of the excitable crowd. “Greetings, everypony!” She smiled brightly. “As you know, tonight is a special night. The night of the Longest Day of the Year!”
Everyone cheered, but Twilight grew pale. ‘Too many people! More social situations! AH-’
Meanwhile, Minty tended to space out, gazing up at the moon in the sky. But she noticed something when she blinked - and she thought she was seeing things.
The ‘Mare in the Moon’ had vanished.
What…?
She then grew frightened and frantically tapped Twilight’s shoulder.
“Hang on, Minty. Inner social panic.”
The Earth pony grabbed her and the other five and turned them towards the moon.
“…what?!” She shrieked in panic as well.
“Uhm,” Fluttershy spoke up. “Is something wrong?”
“Doesn’t look like it,” Pinkie noted. “Look! The sky is so clear you can’t even see the Mare in the Moon!”
“Maybe because the mare in the moon is suddenly missing?!” Rainbow slightly panicked. “I vote we blame Applejack.”
“Oh no, oh no, oh no…” Twilight trembled as she held her chest.
“Twilight, what’s going on??” Applejack pressed.
“Uh… life or death?”
“What?!” They all whisper-screamed.
“And now presenting, our noble ruler who brings the Sun and Moon to Equestria every day and night!” the mayor gestured to the balcony. “Princess Celestia!”
…
10 seconds passed.
Then 20.
Then 30.
Twilight’s heart rate quickened the more silence was brought upon them.
She wasn’t present.
AHHH-
“She’s gone!” The mayor gasped.
Panic filled the entire hall.
“What do you mean she’s ‘gone’??” Rainbow shouted, afraid.
“She isn’t here!” The mayor answered. “Just… oh goodness…” She picked up the lone tiara.
“No…”
Twilight was beginning to feel lightheaded. “Minty… catch me.”
THUD!
Minty yelped as she held her fainted friend. “W-Wai! Laaai!”
Maniacal laughter then filled the air.
Murmurs of worry spaced out between ponies in the audience. When Minty looked up, she saw a dark energy cascade on the balcony, transforming itself into a midnight colored alicorn.
‘Nightmare Moon?’ she signed.
“Indeed, my little pony,” the alicorn boomed. Minty’s heart fell when she heard her actually respond.
Okay. She’s scary.
Rainbow, on the other hand, snarled. “What did you do to our Princess?!” She tried to charge at her, AJ being the one to hold her back by her tail in her teeth.
“Woah, there, Dashy.”
The alicorn meanwhile chuckled. “Why does Celie dearest matter? Am I not royale enough for you all? Don’t you know who I am?”
“My window cleaner?” Pinkie genuinely asked happily.
“Pinkie, stop talking !” Rarity begged.
“Oh! Oh! Is she the one that helps Rarity with her gray hairs?!”
“I do not have gray hair!” Rarity opposed.
“But your coat is gray.”
“WHITE!”
Minty looked down in between Twilight, and then back up at the alicorn mare, and saw red.
‘Leave!’ she signed to the Alicorn.
“I’m afraid that’s not possible, my dear. For you see, if anyone paid attention to me for just one second, I would have actually been on my way by now!” she laughed. “But it seems my sister made sure no one would remember me.”
‘Sister??’ She signed in confusion.
“She erased my memory, so i’ll make sure i’ll erase her precious day forever!” she declared. “The sun shall fall, and nighttime shall reign eternal!”
The energy of her mane spread through the hall into the sky. Minty’s expression looked discouraged, but she snarled, lifted Twilight on her back, and ran out of the Town Hall.
“Minty!” Applejack called after her while Rainbow pointed at the door.
“Alright, that does it - let’s go after her!”
“Is violence your default plan for everything?” AJ asked.
“Whatever works!”
“Minty, slow down!”
Spike’s voice went unheard by the Earth pony as she rushed inside the house, placing Twilight on the ground and draping a blanket over her.
“I get that you’re nervous, but-”
The earth pony shook her head, nuzzling her beloved.
“Wai…”
The door burst open.
“What the hell, Minty??”
She yelped as she backed up, meeting the gaze of a very agitated Rainbow.
“What are you doing?! Who are you two exactly?! How do we know you’re not spies for that… That THING!”
“Ah…” She hid her face in her hooves.
“Easy, Rainbow!”
Applejack came in soon after her, and grabbed her tail yet again. “Easy, breathe. You know Minty as well as I do. She wouldn’t hurt a pony.”
“This could be a different Minty!”
“Can you get your head outta the clouds for one second?”
“MAKE ME!”
Minty began trembling.
“Mints~!” She was then hugged by Pinkie. “There you are! I got so worried!”
Minty blushed a bit.
“Do you know that mare??”
“Apparently so,” Rainbow huffed.
Minty snarled and signed. ‘How can you understand me? How can ANY of you understand me?!’
“You really don’t remember us?” Fluttershy asked gently.
‘NO! I don’t remember anything! I don’t remember Ponyville that well, I don’t remember Town Hall, the Apple Farm, nothing! I only know Canterlot that’s filled with just unicorns! Now I come here and not only is there every kind of pony under the sun, but they understand my signing?! I don’t get it!’
“You taught us how to sign,” Rarity explained. “When the six of us were fillies, we all were best friends.”
‘We were?’
They all nodded.
Pinkie’s mane deflated a bit. “Y-Yes, we were! Don’t you remember when we all used to go ice skating during the winter time, you gotta remember that…” she said hopefully and put a hoof on her shoulder.
Minty bit her lip. ‘Pinkie…how close were we ?’
Pinkie kissed her, catching her way off guard. Her fellow earth mare’s eyes widened.
This is…!
“Pink…ie…” Minty squeaked out.
The pink mare pulled away in disbelief. “M-Minty…??”
She paused - worried about her own voice - before swallowing and speaking a bit louder. “P-Pink ie ..!”
The pink mare started to weep and tackled her in a hug.
“Pinkie!” She shouted, feeling her mind flood with memories.
“I missed you,” they both said in unison.
“Minty…?” The sound of Twilight stirring awake filled the room. Minty looked over and quickly started to pull the blanket off of her.
‘Wake up.’ she signed.
“What happened…” she mumbled tiredly.
“Twilight…”
“Too much…” Rainbow Dash said. “Way too much.”
‘Please,’ Minty signed. ‘Something really bad is happening. We can’t find the Princess, and it looks like it’s gonna be nighttime forever until we do. You talked about the Elements, right? Where do we find them?’
Twilight sighed. “I read all about the prediction of Nightmare Moon…. These mysterious objects called the Elements of Harmony are the only things that can stop her, but I don't know what they are, where to find them; I don't even know what they do!”
“‘The elements of Harmony, a reference guide’!” Pinkie happily read.
“How did you find that??” Twilight looked bewildered.
“It was under ‘E’~!” the pink Earth pony bounced.
She sweatdropped before summoning it over with her magic. “There are 7 Elements of Harmony, but only 6 are known. Kindness, Laughter, Generosity, Honesty, Loyalty and Peace. The 7th is a complete mystery.” she read.
None of them noticed a mysterious blue light watching them carefully.
“As for right now, they reside in what is now known as…” She gulped. “The Everfree Forest…”
Everyone swallowed hard.
The Everfree forest was just on the outskirts of Ponyville, housing many creatures that no pony dare come across.
“…Twilight.”
Minty enunciated her name, going forward and placing a hoof on her shoulder determinedly.
Twilight swallowed. “If you all trust me, I’d like your help in saving my teacher. Please.”
Rainbow looked out the window at the barren moon for a while before nodding. “…Okay. I trust you.” She looked over at her.
“I do too,” Fluttershy said. “Rainbow doesn't trust anyone so easily, so you must be trustworthy.” She shyly hid in her long mane.
“I trust ya too,” Applejack said firmly. “I mean that.”
“I do too. I’ve trusted you since the moment I saw you darling.” Rarity chimed in.
“I’m always gonna trust my Minty.” Pinkie said and hugged her.
Minty blushed.
“So… everyone ready..?” Twilight asked a bit nervously.
They all nodded determinedly.
“…alright…”
Twilight nervously turned to the door. “Let’s go.”