Chapter 25: Preparing for a Vacation

Hope: Day 5
Nightfall: Day 19

Hope’s POV

With Dash and Pinkie following. I went to the reception to collect my drink and then we left the hospital together.

As we stood outside the entrance. Dash says, “Thanks for getting me out of there, Hope. I don’t think I would have lasted a day in there.”

I replied, “Hey no problem. I had an idea you wouldn’t be comfortable in there.”

Realising that I was still holding the cider. I held it out to Rainbow, “Oh, this is for you.”

Both of the mares stared at me quite surprised. Rainbow, was also blushing a little.

Pinkie broke the silence, “Ohhh, look, somepony likes you.”

Dash shook her head, to snap out of her trance. Then she replied with embarrassment, “Pinkie!”

As she picked up the battle and examined it. She asked with confusion, “What is this for?”

I explained, “Just a way of apologising for what happened the other day.”

Rainbow replied, showing appreciation, “Err… hey, no problem. Don’t worry about it. It really wasn’t your fault, you know, that I got slammed into a tree. But thanks.”

Looking around. She then asked, “So, what now?”

I replied, “Well, I’m thinking that we should get back to Fluttershy’s. I don’t want to have her worried-”

Pinkie then burst out at Rainbow, in quick speech, “You fancy going to the beach today, do you, do you?”

I protested, “Pinkie!”

She replied, quite excitedly, “What? I’m just asking.”

Rainbow went in thought for a moment, not looking sure what to do. Then she answered, “Yea, sure. Not like I got any other plans today.”

Pinkie shouted, “WOOHOO! We just couldn’t go without you Rainbow Dash. I go get the sandwiches and let everypony know that we are going now.”

After Pinkie had finished. She went bouncing off in her direction, leaving just me and Dash.

Trying to start up a conversation. Rainbow asked, teasingly, “So Hope… can I ride you?”

I was taken back for a moment, thinking that she was flirting with me again. She carried on her speech, playfully, “The doctor did say that I should stay on the ground.”

Attempting to mimic her teasing speech. I replied, “After I got you your favourite drink. You still want to ride me, eh?”

Confident. She answered, “You bet I do.”

I realised that I just lost that battle. But, I didn’t mind her riding me. To be honest, if I could, I would go with her and Fluttershy. But I know I can only have one or the other.

I dropped on to all fours, preparing her majesty’s seat. Then, as I signalled her to get on by moving my upper body sideways. I suggested, “Hop on.”

Rainbow giggled, thinking that I thought she was serious. She then walked towards me and replied, “I was just messing around with you, Hope. But, if you insist.”

As she grabbed the bottle with her mouth and mounted me. I thought, ‘Okay, this is interesting. A pony riding a wolf. This is one for the history books.’

Just when she strapped herself in, by having her hoofs round my chest. An idea came to my mind. She then shouted, impatiently, “Come on. Let’s go!”

I instructed, “Ha ha, hold on tight pegasus.”

Rolling her eyes in doubt. I suddenly set off in a flash.

As I started running. I constantly gained agility every second I ran. Right now, I was twice as fast than any pony alive. The wind in our faces is so strong that Rainbow had to hold tighter, to prevent herself from flying off.

Rainbow, getting into the awesomeness, shouted, “WHOHOO!!! You’re the fastest thing on the ground Hope!”

Reaching my top speed. I noticed my paws were now covered in a large amount of purple static. It felt like running on very hot sand but I didn’t mind, for a little while.

During halfway back to Shy’s house. I started to worry, about myself falling for Dash. Sure, I like her. But it was sort of like we were meant for each other, with speed being our ally. But, I love Fluttershy and caring for her critters.

I remember Fluttershy saying that Dash isn’t ready for a relationship yet. I guess, wait, why I’m I thinking like this? Good thing Fluttershy is the Element of Kindness, or she would hoof me for thinking such things. But I know this was the truth, I love Shy more than anypony. And I will personally beat the shit out of anyone who tries to harm her or her friends.

I then remembered that ampwolfs are rarely seen today. So they must still exist. That means, I may not be fastest one alive right now. But I’m sure Dash will find someone, um… somepony though.

How the buck had Nightfall got used to the words so soon? Speaking of him, I wonder how him and his special mare are doing.

As we came close to our home. I briefly slowed down, making sure that Dash doesn’t go flying forward off my back. I mentally chuckled at the thought of doing so. Of course, I wouldn’t do such a thing to her.

When we crossed the bridge outside our home. I stopped, so that her majesty could get of my back. The first thing that Dash could comment with, like it was the best experience of her life, was, “That… was… totally… AWESOME!”

I smiled, “You know, if I could have two mares. You would definitely be my second one.”

Letting herself in the house. She replied, “Ha ha, who says I want a relationship?”

As we let ourselves in. I found that Shy was still asleep on the settee.

Rainbow examined her from a distance and commented, “Didn’t think she would be sleeping at this time of day.”

I explained, “Well, I kind of massaged her wings and she went out like a light.”

Rainbow quickly fluttered her wings due to the thought of her having her wings done. Then she said jokingly, “You really know how to knock a pegasus out, hey Hope.”

She chuckled lightly at her statement.

Fluttershy then awoke and noticed us, “You’re back already?”

Rainbow greeted, “Hey Fluttershy. Thanks for getting Hope to get me out of there.”

Fluttershy, coming back to her senses, explained, “You should really thank Hope. It really was his idea of you sleeping over.”

Rainbow showed her appreciation, “Thanks again Hope.”

Shy then walked up to Rainbow, who slowly had spread her wings completely while attempting to hide a flinch. Fluttershy then asked, “Oh, are your wings better already?”

Rainbow shook her head in disagreement and replied, “Nay, they still hurt quite a bit. I’ll be fine though. But I won’t be able to return to Cloudsdale for another day or two.”

I suddenly remembered that Pinkie was getting all the mares ready for the beach. So I explained, “By the way. Me, Rainbow and Pinkie, agreed that we are going to the beach today. Pinkie is just getting everything prepared.”

Shy looked at me worryingly, “But, Rainbow Dash hasn’t fully healed yet.”

Rainbow ensured, “I’ll be fine. I’ll just chill and read a book for a while, while I’m there.”

Shy then asked me, “Do you mind if you come up stairs with me, just for a moment?”

I replied, “Sure.”

While Rainbow was resting on the settee. We made our way up stairs and into her bedroom. I knew it couldn’t be for another kiss session.

She then went into her drawer for something.

After a moment. She found what she was looking for. She then presented the object and explained, “This is an amulet that my mother gave me when I was a filly. She told me that I should give it to a special somepony that I trust and love.”

As she brought it closer. I got a clear view of what it was. It was some sort of necklace, holding two blue wings with an orange jewel set in the centre. Hanging at the bottom, are three pink feathers. It sort of reminds me of Shy’s mane, Rainbow’s wings and my coat.

There was something strange about this… necklace. But if she has entrusted it to me. I’ll make sure I’ll treasure it.

After she placed it in my paw, while I wasn’t expecting to be given such a nice gift. I asked, “You’re… giving this… to me?”

She replied, “Yes, because ‘you’re’ that special somepony that I love and trust.”

I then came towards her and brought her into a loving hug.

Just when I was going to give her a kiss on the lips to show my gratitude. We heard Pinkie’s voice, “Ohhhhh, so cute.”

With both of us startled. We looked towards the bedroom door and found Pinkie Pie herself stood watching. So I asked, “Um, where did you come from?”

She replied, “From down stairs.”

I face-paw myself and then asked, “Are the others here already?”

She replied, “They will be here soon, in a sky-chariot.”

How does that Party-mare prepare everything so quick? I thought it would have taken at least two hours to prepare a day out.

My loving mare then asked, “Please, take good care of it for me.”

As I was putting it around my neck. I replied, “Don’t worry, I will look after it with my life.”

I then walked towards the mirror and took a moment to check myself.

I must admit, it looks pretty good on me. The party pony give me a compliment, “Ohhh, looks sweet on you Hope.”

I replied, “Thanks.”

I turned my attention back to my mare, “Thank you Fluttershy. I really like it.”

She smiled at my appreciation and replied, “Your welcome my wolfy.”

It feels a little strange when she calls me that, but I don’t mind her.

After a moment. Dash came in the room. She put a hoof behind her head, to help control her embarrassment and asked, “Fluttershy, um, can I have a talk with you but… with Hope not in the same room.”

Immediately, I understood that it was a private thing between the girls. So I said, while I was leaving the room to give the girls some privacy, “I’ll be down stairs, warming the settee, if any of you need me.”

Nightfall’s POV (Alicorn Form)

The morning was another magical time for me and Luna, as we had another loving session together and once again fell asleep soon after. Of course, we didn’t go extreme like last night. But most importantly, she has accepted to be my loving mare who I will cherish forever.

I guess I’m just lucky to have a friend like Hope, even though I don’t believe in luck. If we haven’t meet, we both wouldn’t be here with our loves and we would still be back on Earth trying to get through the hardness of our lives with false dreams. I realised that this was all a gift, from the bond of friendship. Could it have been the Elements doing?

Luna was lonely, so her sister suggested her to find somepony to be with. While Hope mentioned the show, that lead me to wishing us here. This was beyond a coincidence, but one I sure was grateful for.

With my knowledge of the theory of time. I believe that we are now in a parallel universe of the show. Starting after season two. Me and Hope must have drastically altered the timeline by now. I mean Trixie with Twilight, trying to gain an understanding with changelings. I guess that encounter in the Everfree Forest has triggered a alternative event, one that will decide a possible new future. One that may just be better.

Soon, I slowly awakened from my mare’s calling, “-i-----…? -ightie…? Nightie…?”

Once I opened my eyes. I was greeted with a loving hug and kiss from my bride to be. Once we broke the kiss, my Luna suggested, “I think it’s time we got up.”

While taking a moment to fully awake, I would guess it’s about 1:00pm by looking out the window. Then it hit me, “Um… we?”

She would normally be up a 7:00pm. But on some occasions, she would be up early.

She was already off the bed getting dressed in her usual attire, by grabbing each garment with her magic professionally. So I decided to move, “I might as well get up too. It was only after midnight when we fell asleep.”

Before I put my garment on. I paused after hearing a small giggle from my mare, which surprised me. So I asked, confused, “What’s funny, my love?”

She didn’t reply, except walk a few steps towards me and pointed towards my rear.

As I took a glimpse. My eyes shot open on what I saw.

I have gained my cutie mark.

It was a Nightmare-Night black crescent Moon decoration. Which reveals Luna’s silhouette face in the centre. The one thing that I was truly not expecting.

I then say, surprisingly between pauses, “I-… I got my… cutie mark.”

I wasn’t into the cutie mark thing, but this was one that I truly liked. Of course, I thought Luna’s and Twilight’s look unique and cool. But I was proud to now have my own.

My loving mare then snapped me out of my trance, “I see thou like thy cutie mark.”

I admitted, while putting my attention back to her, “I must say that I am proud to have this, as my cutie mark. But I am more proud to have you more than anything, my love.”

She gave me a warm smile in return for my compliment and said “Come Nightie. I just can’t wait to tell sister about our marriage plan.”

We finished putting our clothes back on and just before we made our way to the dinner room, my dark blue mare tidied the bed sheets and pillows in just a second or two with her magic.

Of course, when we arrived, her sister had finished a little while ago. So we enjoyed our evening meal and went to see her in the throne room.

There, she was currently resting her eyes on the royal seat. I guess she had finished the paperwork early today. Because today was quiet, she must had fallen asleep again like the other day. Luna called out to her, “Sleeping on the job, sister?”

Celestia jumped, with eyes shot open, as she wasn’t expecting to see her little sister at this time of day. Celestia asked, “You’re up earlier, little sister. Is everything alright?”

I’m glad she didn’t ask about our night. Especially in front of her two guards, who are sat besides her.

We stepped forward as we held a wing on each others back, supporting each other as we came closer to her big sister who had also noticed our behaviour. My mare decided to break the news to her, “I got a surprise for thou, big sister. Nightfall and I… we have decided to get married.”

Celestia showed a wide smile, with happy uncontrollable tears flowing down her cheeks. Her eyes were half closed, as if to hold back her emotions. She then stood up and ran up to her little sister, while we endured for a possible strike.

Until Cele give her a big hug, “I’m so happy for you, little sister. I know you two will truly be happy together.”

As I give the sisters some space. Luna as well, let loose some tears of her own and hugged her sister back. Smiling in happiness because her sister had accepted this, “Thank thou big sister… thank thou.”

I don’t know why, but I couldn’t resist as I also ended up letting loose some tears of my own.

Still showing joy, Celestia broke the hug and ensured, “I’ll get everything prepared for you, little sister. Hopefully, it will all be ready in the next two days for you both.”

I thought, ‘Wait, a wedding that takes only two days to plan and setup?’

Sinking into my thoughts. I just realised that Celestia would now be… … … my sister-in-law. Just the thought of it was a lot to take in.

Noticing me in deep thoughts, Celestia turned her attention to me and called my name, “Nightfall?”

I then turned my focus to my to-be sister-in-law, who spoke, “By marrying my sister. You understand that once you do, you will be a prince and will be given responsibilities?”

This suddenly made me shake, with it being a lot more to take in.

I’m sure the sisters had noticed my visible reaction. Some fear had suddenly overwhelmed me. But I knew why I came here and who I want to be with.

Gathering the will, I replied hesitantly, “I-… I understand… I knew that once we started this relationship, I knew it would have big consequences on my being… But I care for her more than anything and I know she does for me… I am prepared… But I’m afraid of abusing my power… I don’t want to make an order that could harm anypony.”

After saying those words. I lowered my head a bit, trying to take in as much as possible.

Celestia signalled her little sister to remain where she’s currently standing. Then Celestia came and put a wing over me for comfort and spoke, “I understand your concern, and that is enough for me to know that you truly care for her and everypony of Equestria. Of course, this isn’t going to be something you will experience by yourself. You will still have me and my littl-… I mean, my sister to guide you.”

After she finished speaking. I looked up and was greeted with a warming smile from her that soon put my fears to rest. I guess they don’t call her the Sun Princess for nothing. I gratefully replied, “Thank you Celestia.”

Luna, happy noticing that her big sister had put my thoughts to rest. Celestia then turned her attention to one of her guards. Before she could give him an order, a rolled up letter magically appeared in front of her.

She unwrapped it and began reading it…

Once she was done reading. She turned her attention back to us and explained, “Twilight just informed me that she and her friends have decided to go on vacation. Looks like Trixie has recovered from her recent illness as well and has given me their latest friendship report. Twilight also believes that this vacation may just boost the relationship with Cocoon.”

Luna asked out of curiosity, “Are thou planning to meet them?”

Her sister replied, “Why not? This gives me a good opportunity to actually meet our new friend. Why don’t you both come as well, it will allow you both to relax?”

Me and Luna looked towards each other. Then, we replied in sync to Celestia, “Why not…?”

Trixie’s POV - Earlier that Morning

When I finally come to. I moaned quietly as I slowly began to open my eyes and take in my surroundings.

I still felt quite drained and tired. Since I had been in bed sick with a dreadful illness, for a full day now. I was grateful, very grateful, that Twilight had offered to let me stay and study with her in her library.

I finally understood the bonds that she has with her companions. They look out for each other and they help each other in difficult situations. I don’t think ‘The Great and Powerful Trixie’, myself, would had survived on my own in my condition if I was still living in that old mansion.

I think I got my first friendship report for Celestia. But I’ll ask Twilight to help me check if it’s okay before we send it.

As I tried to move. I felt quite hot after being in bed under the sheets for so long. My illness had wore off, but I still felt quite drained.

Soon, I heard the door open. When I looked, it was Twilight’s assistant bringing in my breakfast with an apron on. He asked politely, as he put the tray at the side of the bed table, “Morning Trixie. Are you feeling any better?”

Pulling myself up from under the covers, while using a hoof to support my head, I kindly responded, “A-… a lot better thank you.”

What surprised me, was that he has already began to trust me.

He asked in concern, taking notice of my condition, “Are you sure you’re okay?”

I responded, “I’m fine, just… trying to gain my balance. The Great- I mean, Trixie will be down shortly… Thank you, Spike.”

Just before he left and closed the door. He replied, “No problem, we’re just glad your feeling better.”

As soon as he was gone. I started to dig into my breakfast. I was now happy that I have been accepted into the group…

Once I had finished. I was feeling much better. So I decided to get out of bed and make my way down stairs, while carrying the tray.

At the bottom. I was greeted by Twilight, who spoke without concern, “Looks like you’re a lot better.”

I was expecting her to be more happy and cheerful. So I asked, “You’re not happy to see me?”

Then my realisation was confirmed as another Twilight came round the corner of the kitchen. This one, however, shouted at the one in front of me, “Stop that Cocoon!”

Not having an idea what’s going on. I raised an eyebrow as the Twilight in front of me snickered, who then turned her attention to the one behind her, “Chill out unicorn. Just thought I surprise her.”

Taking a step back, I put the tray on the floor.

As I tried to understand what was going on. The Twilight in front of me used some sort of transformation spell, revealing an unknown figure.

Before I could figure out what was happening, The other Twilight explained, “Sorry Trixie. This is Cocoon, a changeling. We found him wounded shortly after you collapsed in the Everfree Forest. Sorry we didn’t tell you about him sooner. We didn’t want you to worry, with the condition you were in.”

Recalling the books I have read. I shouted out with shock, while taking another step back, “A- A CHANGELING!?”

As Spike had just came in. Twilight attempted to calm me down, “Relax Trixie. He’s just here to try and sort out a peace treaty.”

I just couldn’t believe my ears. So I protested, “A peace treaty!? Are you out of your little pony mind?”

Twilight attempted to back up her statement, “Calm down. Princess Celestia already knows about this and is hoping for us to succeed.”

As I was taking in what she just said. The front door suddenly burst open with Pinkie entering in, who threw confetti in the air and blurted, “Hey Twilight! Twilight! Rainbow Dash has recovered. And you know what that means... The beach is today!”

While we all stared at the party pony, I didn’t know what was going on anymore. So I asked, “Twilight. I’m I awake?”

Before she could answer. Pinkie appeared behind me and answered for her, “Of course you are silly. Get your swimming costumes, and your bucket and spade ready, because this is going to be a blast.”

The purple dragon spoke excitedly, “Oh boy, I’ll go and get everything ready for us Twilight.”

The pink pony then asked me, in concern, “You’re coming too, right?”

I replied, disappointedly, “I don’t have a costume.”

Twilight then offered, “Don’t worry, you can borrow one of mine.”

I was thankful once again. But, a little embarrassed at the thought of wearing one of Twilight’s personal clothing. A thing that ‘she’ has worn. I guess I’m not used to wearing somepony else’s clothes.

Twilight brought a piece of paper and a feathered quill from a nearby table, with her magic. Then, she explained, “I’ll just let Princess Celestia know where we heading. This vacation may just be what we need, to bond us all together.”

Before Twilight began writing. Pinkie spoke, before she left, “That’s great. I’ll call for a sky-chariot to pick you all up. I’ll go and let the others know.”

While Twilight was busy with the letter. I offered to take the tray in the kitchen and wash it, to help clear my head. I just didn’t feel comfortable about the changeling, but if Twilight and the Princess have agreed on this, then I guess I’ll just have to trust them.

Once I finished. I came back into the library, when Twilight had just finished writing the letter. Cocoon was currently resting on the floor, waiting. I didn’t know, until other day, that Spike uses his frame to send the letters for her.

I just realised that I almost forgot to tell Twilight about the report I thought of earlier.

I then explained to her about what I thought of this morning and she agreed that it would make a great friendship report. So she added it to the letter.

A few minutes later. Her little dragon came down stairs, wearing some green shorts that matched his scales, while carrying a full suitcase. It looked a little too much for him to handle, so I offered to carry it for him.

He said in return, “Thanks Trixie.”

Turning his attention to the lavender unicorn. He asked, wondering, “I got all the costumes. But, what about Cocoon?”

Before she could ask. He morphed some dark-blue-like shorts that matches his back garment.

Twilight happily finishes, “I guess that covers everything. We are now ready to hit the beach.”