Deadpool reluctantly opened his eyes. Even though he didn't feel tired, he did feel like he didn't get enough sleep last night. As a result of having been kidnapped by Madame Masque, he went to bed much later than he normally did. Well, that and another small reason.
(We got laid!)
Erm, yes. Deadpool looked over his left, seeing Twilight sleeping right next to him. Her mane has some stray strands, and her fur had some slight damp patches created from sweat. Deadpool's own hairless skin had a slight sheen to it. All of these were signs from their intimate activity. With a smile, Deadpool wrapped his left foreleg around Twilight, being careful not to wake her up. He took in the serenity of the moment, enjoying the quiet of the hotel room and the company of his marefriend.
BRING! BRING!
The moment was quickly ruined by a familiar ringing sound. Looking over at the nightstand on his side of the bed, he saw an alarm clock. The time was 11:40 a.m. Seeing the time, Deadpool quickly stood upright.
"Oh, fuck!" Cried Deadpool in panic.
After turning off the alarm clock, he grabbed Twilight by the shoulder and tried to shake her awake.
"Twilight, Twilight, Twilight!" Said Deadpool frantically.
A groan escaped Twilight's lips. She slowly opened her eyes, then looked at Deadpool.
"Wade, what's wrong?" Asked Twilight tiredly.
"It's 11:40! We were supposed to check out of the hotel an hour-and-a-half ago!" Said Deadpool panickedly.
With a panicked look on her face, Twilight swiftly hopped out of bed. Deadpool hopped out of bed as well. They both packed their bags as quickly as they could.
A few minutes later…
Starlight Glimmer was sitting at a table in the Castle of Friendship's library. She was enjoying having some time to herself. While she enjoyed being with Twilight and Deadpool, she liked being able to work on her own activities without having to compete with space with her other roommates. She was currently assembling a kite. With the aid of her magic, she delicately attached the tail of the kite.
POOF!
Suddenly, Twilight and Deadpool appeared in the middle of the room. The former having teleported them from Las Pegasus. Startled, Starlight looked up from her kite, only to see her friends.
"Oh, hey guys!" Greeted Starlight.
"Hey, Starlight," Greeted Deadpool and Twilight in unison.
"I thought you two were coming back by balloon. Why did you teleport here?" Asked Starlight.
"We overslept," Answered Deadpool.
"Speaking of. I'm currently behind on my schedule. Would you two be able to help me catch up on my chores? Mainly moving some of my old books into storage?" Asked Twilight.
(Uh oh! Quick, come up with an excuse!)
(Considering the fact that we had sex with Twilight for the first time less than 12 hours ago, it wouldn't be a smart move to bail out of helping her.)
(Aw!)
"Sure thing, Twi. Consider it as my way of thanking you for, you know," Said Deadpool suggestively.
"Wade," Said Twilight sheepishly.
Deadpool wrapped a foreleg around Twilight while chuckling.
"I presume I don't want to know what you two are talking about?" Asked Starlight.
"I can tell you if you want," Said Deadpool.
"Wade!" Shouted Twilight.
"That answers my question. I will happily help you out," Said Starlight.
"Thank you. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to make up for lost productivity," Said Twilight anxiously.
On that note, Twilight left the library.
One hour later…
Twilight, Deadpool, and Starlight were carrying boxes of books down a flight of stairs. Spike was also assisting them. Unfortunately for the young drake, he didn't have magic or a strong back to carry the heavy boxes. He had to awkwardly carry a box that was nearly as tall as he is. One misplaced step caused him to slip and fall.
"Ah!" Cried Spike.
Before he could land on the floor below, Twilight managed to catch him with her magic. Starlight also caught the box he was carrying with her own magic. Twilight gently put Spike down, and Starlight placed the box of books in a small pile over by a door leading to one of the castle's storage rooms.
"Well, we don't all have magical horns," Said Spike while dusting himself off.
"Skill issue," Said Deadpool.
"What did you say?" Asked Spike rhetorically.
"You heard what I said. I don't have magic, yet I was able to get the boxes down just fine," Replied Deadpool.
"That's because you can put stuff on your back. I would like to see you have to carry something heavy the way I have to," Said Spike.
"Is that a challenge?" Asked Deadpool, getting in Spike's face.
"Yup, and here's my wager: if you can carry the rest of Twilight's books down the stairs while walking on your hind legs, I'll do your laundry for the rest of the month," Said Spike.
"Alright, and if I can't do it, I'll…"
Deadpool's speech trailed-off as he tried to come up with something he would do if he lost.
"Do my laundry?" Suggested Spike.
"You have laundry?" Asked Deadpool in confusion.
"Yes," Answered Spike.
"Oh! You're talking about your Rarity shirt," Said Deadpool in realization.
"No!" Said Spike while putting his hands up. "I was referring to my towels, sheets, pajamas, that stuff. I have no idea what you're talking about with that other thing."
Spike nervously looked at Starlight, never having told her about his crush on the fashionista. Starlight gave him a knowing smile, and he chuckled nervously.
"Sure. It's a bet then," Said Deadpool.
He and Spike shook extremities. Getting up onto his hind legs, Deadpool raced up the stairs, with Spike following after him. Twilight and Starlight shook their heads out of amusement.
"Boys," Said Starlight amusedly.
"Tell me about it. I've been meaning to move these older books to my reference section for a while. Got to keep the new books front and center! Thank you for the help," Said Twilight gratefully.
Deadpool raced by while carrying a box of books, with Spike keeping an eye on him to make sure he was abiding by the bet.
"Thanks to you guys as well," Said Twilight.
"You're welcome," Said Deadpool and Spike quickly.
"Are you kidding? After all you've done for me, this is the least I can do," Said Starlight.
"Oh, please. I haven't done that much," Said Twilight modestly.
Starlight was about to respond to her mentor, but Deadpool narrowly ran into her.
"Excuse me! Pardon me!" Said Deadpool.
"Hmm. Nah. You just taught me the value of friendship. Not much at all," Said Starlight sarcastically.
"I may have offered some guidance, but-"
Before Twilight could finish what she was saying, Deadpool ran past her with a box. He placed it on top of another box, then leaned against it. Spike came up to him, dragging his feet in frustration.
"That's all of the boxes! I won!" Cheered Deadpool triumphantly.
"How did you manage to do that?! Ponies can't walk on their hind legs for long periods of time?!" Asked Spike in frustrated disbelief.
"Spike, I'm skilled in various forms of martial arts. Learning how to stand on my hind legs for an extended period of time is one of the basic lessons," Explained Deadpool.
"Aw, man! I set myself up for failure!" Said Spike, smacking himself in the forehead.
"Yup, and now you have to do my laundry!" Teased Deadpool in a sing-song voice.
"Yeah, yeah," Muttered Spike annoyedly.
"As I was saying, I may have offered some guidance, but you are responsible for the pony you've become. I'm proud to call you my student and friend," Said Twilight, placing a hoof on her pupil's shoulder. " Now we just need to get rid of these boxes. Spike, can you-?
Twilight turned to talk to Spike, only to find he wasn't where she last saw him. Looking around, she saw him looking out of a window.
"Spike?" Said Twilight, curious as to what he was doing.
"What's that?" Asked Spike, pointing out the window.
Twilight, Starlight, and Deadpool walked over to the window to look at what Spike saw. They could see a small speck in the sky.
"Is it a bird?" Pondered Twilight.
"Is it a parasprite?" Pondered Starlight.
The speck gradually became more recognizable as it got closer to the castle. They recognized that it was a pegasus mare. She was flying rather quickly towards the window.
"It's Derpermare!" Cried Deadpool in panic.
"Incoming!" Cried Spike just as panically.
Just as the mare was about to reach the window, everyone ducked down onto the floor.
CRASH!
The mare flew through the window, and crashed into the pile of boxes. Some of Twilight's books were launched into the air, raining back down to the ground. As soon as the books stopped falling, everyone looked up. Some of the boxes managed to remain intact with their cargo safe inside, but the ones that weren't so lucky were bent out of shape. Piles of books were scattered across the crash site. A cardboard box was kicked to the other side of the room, revealing the mare responsible for the crash.
It was none other than Derpy Hooves! She had light gray fur and feathers, as well as a long yellow mane and tail. Her eyes were a slightly darker yellow, and both her pupils were facing irregular directions. She wore a mail pony uniform, and carried saddlebags filled with letters and small packages. The saddlebags covered up most of her cutie mark, although a couple symbols resembling bubbles could be seen. She closed her eyes, then shook her head. She then reopened her eyes, revealing they were in the proper position.
"Hi guys!" Greeted Derpy, acting as if she had not endured a rough landing.
"Derpy! Are you okay?!" Asked Twilight concerningly.
She practically ran over to Derpy, and offered a hoof. Derpy grabbed her hoof, and was brought back onto her hooves.
"I'm okay," Assured Derpy. "I'm so sorry for the mess."
"It's okay, Derpy. As far as I can tell, nothing other than the boxes were damaged, and most importantly, you're not hurt," Said Twilight.
Derpy reached into her mail bag, and grabbed an orange envelope with her mouth.
"That's good. I have a letter for Starlight," Said Derpy through her teeth.
"For me? Who'd be sending me a letter?" Pondered Starlight.
Opening the letter, she quickly perused through its contents.
"It's… the ponies from my old village," Said Starlight in disbelief.
"Are they in danger?" Asked Twilight.
"Are they upset with you?" Asked Spike.
"Are they asking for money?" Asked Deadpool.
"No… it's worse! They've invited me to the annual Sunset Festival!" Answered Starlight fearfully.
Starlight's friends exchanged confused looks.
"Oh, no?" Said Twilight, unsure of how she should respond.
"What's the Sunset Festival?" Asked Spike.
"Around this time of year, sunsets are at their most vibrant over at Our Town. Everyone comes together to celebrate and watch them," Explained Starlight.
"Well then, it's great that you were invited to intend, right?" Asked Spike.
"It would be… except for the fact that I would be heading back to the same town where I took everypony's cutie marks and stripped them of their individuality," Said Starlight dreadfully.
"I thought you made amends with everypony," Said Twilight.
"I did, but it doesn't change the fact that it's extremely awkward, or that some of the villagers could still be carrying grudges. Not that it wouldn't be warranted," Said Starlight with guilt.
"Starlight, Starlight. You have nothing to worry about. You're forgetting this is a festival! Everyone's going to be too high to be upset with you in any capacity," Said Deadpool.
"We never had drugs anywhere near Our Town," Said Starlight.
"Well, now that you're not in charge anymore, ponies probably will get a hold of them. Speaking from personal experience, watching a sunset under the effects of cannabis is so fun!" Said Deadpool.
"Wade, you're not helping," Said Twilight sternly.
"Are you not going to go?" Asked Spike.
"I will go," Answered Starlight. "Deadpool's right. Well, partially. I have nothing to worry about because everypony will be focusing on having fun at the festival. I'll be fine,"
"Are you sure? We understand that it is a rather uncomfortable situation to put yourself in," Said Twilight.
"I'm sure. I mean, yes, it will probably be tense leading up to and being there for the first few minutes, but as I participate in whatever they have all planned, I'll be able to move on and have a good time," Assured Starlight.
"Good for you, Starlight," Said Derpy.
"Derpy, not trying to be rude or anything, but don't you have a mail route to run?" Asked Twilight.
"Oh! Yes, I do!" Said Derpy in realization.
She was about to fly out of the window, but she stopped before she got off the ground. She pulled out a white envelope from her mail bag.
"Oh, I almost forgot! I have something for Deadpool, too," Said Derpy while walking over to him.
"Oo! Is it fan mail? A check? Coupons?" Pondered Deadpool.
"I think it's a bill," Said Derpy.
Deadpool opened the envelope, revealing an invoice.
"Celestia damnit!" Said Deadpool frustratedly.
The next day…
Starlight had arrived at her old village. She could see the villagers putting up the last of the decorations for the Sunset Festival. Banners and streamers hung from the buildings, balloons were scattered across the area, and tables were adorned with food and desserts. As she walked towards the village, she felt nervous about seeing the ponies she formerly ruled over.
She, reasonably, was afraid that they weren't going to take kindly to her attendance, even though they sent an invite. After she turned over a new leaf, among the first things she did was apologize to everyone in Our Town for taking away their cutie marks and their individuality. They all did forgive her, but that doesn't guarantee they don't still carry a grudge. Feeling her nerves acting up, she decided to pause for a moment to take a deep breath to calm herself down. Afterwards, she ventured into the village.
Up ahead, she saw two very familiar faces - Double Diamond and Party Favor. The latter was hanging up a banner with the aid of his magic while the former oversaw the banner's placement. Once she was a few feet away from them, she stopped in her tracks. She not only caught Double Diamond and Party Favor's attention, but everyone else in the area as well. They were all surprised to see her.
"Uh, hey there, everypony," Said Starlight timidly.
"Uh… Hey, Starlight. What are you doing here?" Asked Party Favor.
From the corners of her eyes, Starlight noticed a couple ponies staring at her.
"I-I… I was invited. To the Sunset Festival?" Answered Starlight.
She felt that something was off. Why was everypony, including Party Favor and Double Diamond, surprised by her attendance? She pulled out her invitation and presented it to Party Favor and Double Diamond with a nervous grin.
"Uh, yeah, but we didn't think you'd actually show up," Said Double Diamond with a glare.
Party Favor took Starlight's invitation in his own magic to look at it with Double Diamond.
"You didn't think we really wanted you here, did you?" Asked Party Favor with a glare of his own.
Party Favor gave Starlight's invitation to Double Diamond. The latter tore the invitation to itty-bitty pieces in front of Starlight.
"But… I… apologized. I thought everything was fine," Said Starlight, confused by their behavior.
"Ha ha ha!"
Double Diamond and Party Favor started laughing at her. They slowly approached her, and other villagers started joining in on the laughter. Frightened by the shift in their behavior, Starlight tried to back up. She ended up bumping into something, seeing that it was Sugar Belle and Night Glider. The villagers' laughter escalated from ridicule to deranged. Fearing what they were going to do to her, Starlight closed her eyes, embracing her body for what was to come.
"Please…! Stop…! Stop!" Pleaded Starlight.
Starlight waited for the beating or verbal assault that the villagers might have had planned. A few tense seconds passed, but she felt nor heard anything. She opened her left eye to see what was going on. She then opened her other eye when she saw something bizarre; nopony was here. Double Diamond, Party Favor, everyone was gone. Just as bizarre, the time shifted from day to night. As she looked around at her surroundings, she saw fog rolling in. It stuck low to the ground, concealing the ground beneath her.
"What happened? Is anypony there?" Asked Starlight.
A silhouette slowly appeared behind. As it grew larger, Starlight noticed it from the corner of her eye. She turned around, seeing a thick layer of fog. She could hear the sound of hoofsteps, and a figure slowly emerged from the fog. The source of the shadow was none other than the Princess of the Night - Princess Luna. She calmly walked over to Starlight with a warm, gentle smile on her face.
"Princess Luna? W-What are you doing here?" Asked Starlight.
"Dreams are my domain, Starlight Glimmer. I am here because you need me to be," Explained Luna.
"Oh. It's only a dream," Said Starlight in relief.
"It may only be a dream, but the feelings in it are real," Said Luna.
"(Sigh) Great. So I guess I'm more afraid of going back to the village than I thought. What do I do now?" Asked Starlight.
"I have been helped time and time again by six very special ponies. They helped me overcome my past. You're fortunate to have them as friends. I suggest you share your concerns with them," Advised Luna.
Princess Luna began to walk up into the sky towards the moon. She stopped to look back towards Starlight.
"I see much of myself in you, Starlight Glimmer, and I can tell you from personal experience that things do indeed get better," Assured Luna.
Starlight and Luna exchanged a smile. The Princess of the Night continued her walk towards the moon. Once she reached her destination, a bright light enveloped the area.
GASP!
Starlight woke up with a jolt. She looked around, seeing that she was in her bedroom. It was still the middle of the night, but she couldn't try going back to sleep just yet. Instead, she thought about what Luna had discussed with her.
The following morning…
Starlight, the Mane Six, Spike, and Deadpool were all gathered in the throne room. Following Luna's advice, Starlight informed her friends about what had happened in her dreams last night.
"...and Princess Luna said I should tell you all how I was feeling. So… there it is. I'm afraid to go back to the village for the celebration," Admitted Starlight.
"But why, darling?" Asked Rarity. "You went back to apologize; they accepted. Everypony has moved on."
"But have they? They don't really know how much I've changed, or even worse, maybe I haven't changed as much as I think I have!" Said Starlight anxiously.
"Trust me, you are a totally different pony now," Assured Rainbow Dash. "I mean, you were pretty awful."
"Rainbow Dash!" Shouted Applejack sternly.
"What? She was! It's a compliment!" Said Rainbow defensively.
"Rainbow Dash is right, AJ. Starlight used to be a cunt, but now she's cool," Said Deadpool.
Applejack and Twilight rolled their eyes at Deadpool and Rainbow Dash.
"I don't think they would've sent the invitation if they didn't want you to come. I'm sure they'd be happy to see you," Assured Fluttershy.
"And getting an invitation to a party and not going?! That's like… I-It's like… Well, I don't know what it's like, but it is definitely bad," Said Pinkie Pie.
"Just be honest with them. I'm sure they'll understand where you're comin' from," Said Applejack confidently.
"I understand how hard this is for you. Maybe if you took a friend along, it might make things easier. Somepony you trust who would look out for you?" Suggested Twilight with a large grin and batting her eyes.
[(Who is she suggesting? I can think of plenty of ponies in Starlight's social circle that would match that description?)
(Is it really not that obvious to you?)
(Maybe, maybe not. Depends on if my guess is wrong or not. Which we can find out right about… now!)
Later that day…
Everyone had gathered outside, where they met up with another pony. She was a unicorn mare with an azure coat, pale blue mane and tail with pale cerulean stripes. She also had dark violet eyes, and a cutie mark that depicted a magic wand and a crescent moon made of magic. Starlight was helping the mare pack bags, clothes, and other items in a caravan wagon. It was primarily purple with gold trimming. It also had blue wheels, and a grayish blue roof. Two windows were integrated on the left and right sides, and a pair of doors were built into the front and back of the wagon. Stars adorned the wagon, as well as symbols of the mare's cutie mark.
"Thanks so much for doing this, Trixie. When Twilight said I should bring a friend, you were the first pony I thought of," Said Starlight.
Trixie poked her head out of the window closest to Twilight.
"Great idea, Princess Twilight. Asking me - Starlight's best friend - to help her on this difficult journey really shows how wise a princess you have become," Said Trixie, booping Twilight's muzzle with a shit-eatting grin.
"He he! Great one, author," Chuckled Deadpool.
Twilight gave Starlight's friend her best forced smile.
"Thanks, Trixie," Said Twilight through gritted teeth.
Her left eye twitched in strained frustration. She put her hoof up to her mouth so only Spike and Deadpool could hear her.
"I was talking about me," Said Twilight frustratedly.
Spike simply smiled in response. Deadpool gave Twilight an amused smirk that was visible under his mask. Seeing her brother and coltfriend teasing her with their facial expressions made her flatten her ears out of irritation.
(Welp, guess I am oblivious. I thought Twilight was suggesting Starlight brought along Pinkie Pie.)
(Please! As lovely as she is, Pinkie would be too distracted by the festivities to be looking out for her. It was obvious Twilight was suggesting herself.)
Trixie stepped out of the wagon while putting on a cape and a wizard-like hat that had blue and yellow stars on them. A teal gem secured her cloak around her neck.
"The festival lasts a whole week, but I'm sure we won't stay that long," Said Starlight to the rest of her friends.
"Oh, I don't know, Starlight. Time really flies when you're spending it with your best friend!" Said Trixie with a giggle, giving Starlight a one foreleg hug.
After embracing her friend, Starlight walked off. Trixie took the opportunity to give Twilight a smug grin. Twilight kept her composure, but it was becoming extremely difficult for her to not turn her into a statue. Deadpool noticed her marefriend's distress. Even though he found it amusing, he decided to help her out.
"How petty are you feeling?" Asked Deadpool.
"Very. Why do you ask?" Asked Twilight.
"How about I join Starlight and Trixie on their trip? Who knows, maybe Trixie and I could end up becoming best friends," Suggested Deadpool with a mischievous grin.
"Wade, are you planning on using your talkative nature to torture the poor mare? …Go ahead!" Said Twilight with a genuine smile.
"Oh, Starlight!" Called Deadpool.
"Yes, Deadpool?" Replied Starlight.
"Could I tag along with you and Trixie?" Asked Deadpool.
"Why…?" Asked Starlight, suspicious of Wade's sudden request.
"I want to check out the Sunset Festival! After all, I like parties!" Said Deadpool.
"Party!" Shouted Pinkie Pie.
"Wade, are you trying to smuggle drugs to the festival?" Asked Starlight sternly.
"(Gasp!) Starlight, I can't believe you would think so little of me!" Said Deadpool in faux offense. "I would never stoop so low as to sneak drugs somewhere they may not be permitted at! Besides, that would be a waste of my stash."
Starlight studied Deadpool for a few moments, trying to figure out if he was up to something. Afterwards, she caved in.
"(Sigh) Fine, you can tag along, but only if you behave yourself," Said Starlight sternly.
As she was attaching the harness that connected to her wagon, Trixie looked utterly terrified.
"Starlight, Trixie thinks you should-"
"Great!" Said Deadpool joyfully.
After giving Twilight a quick goodbye kiss, Deadpool climbed on top of Trixie's wagon. Feeling Deadpool's added weight to her load, Trixie looked back at Twilight. She saw her smiling and waving at her.
"Why that cunning bitch," Thought Trixie irritatedly.
Now that they were all set, Starlight and Trixie started their journey to the former's old village with Deadpool in tow. Starlight and Deadpool waved goodbye, and their friends waved back while saying their farewells.
Later that evening…
Starlight, Trixie, and Deadpool were on a dusty trail in the middle of a desert. As the two mares were walking the trail, they not only had to endure walking for many hours, but also Deadpool talking.
"Having successfully pissed him off, Count Nefaria came over to me. While he may be among the many Superman pastiche, it doesn't change the fact that he is probably the strongest pony I've ever faced; I was practically shitting bricks. My fear was justified as he beat the ever-living shit out of me across an entire street. I can take a hit, but when he was done with me, I looked like a hippo's chew toy. He then-"
"Can you please be quiet?!" Shouted Trixie.
"Sure… after I finish my story," Replied Deadpool.
Starlight looked over at her friend. She could see that Trixie was grinding her teeth in anger. Wanting to prevent a scuffle, she decided to intervene.
"Wade, as much as I would like to hear the end of your tale, could we save it for another time?" Asked Starlight. "I would like to find a spot to set up camp for the night and wind down."
"Oh, alright. If you insist, Glimmy," Replied Deadpool.
"Thank you!" Said Trixie gratefully.
The lack of humidity made the area freezing cold. The cold air was taking its toll on Trixie, causing her to shiver.
"T-Trixie w-would like t-to take you up-p on stopping f-for the evening. I can f-feel my hooves about to fall off-f!" Stammered Trixie from the cold.
"Are you sure it's not just from having to carry Deadpool since we left Ponyville?" Asked Starlight.
"Hey! I may be a big guy, but I'm not that big!" Said Deadpool irritatedly.
"We can stop here for the night to warm up and rest. If we leave first thing at sunrise, we can make it to the village by mid-morning," Said Starlight.
"Thank g-goodness!" Said Trixie in relief.
She hastily pulled the wagon off of the road. Parking the wagon several feet away from the road, then practically jumped inside. After scrummaging through most of the stuff inside, she came back out. She held a plastic bag filled with flammable materials such as shredded newspaper bits and dryer lint in her magic, which emitted a pale magenta aura. She placed some of the makeshift kindling on the ground, then cast a spell that set the materials on fire.
"Ahhh… Much better," Said a satisfied Trixie, sitting down by the fire.
"Aw, man! If I knew you were going to build a fire, I would have lit it!" Said Deadpool in frustration.
"I think I did us all a favor by keeping you from starting any fires," Said Trixie.
"Did you think I was going to burn the desert down?" Asked Deadpool annoyedly.
"No, but you could burn Trixie's wagon, set off her fireworks stash, or send her and Starlight to the ER," Answered Trixie.
"You got fireworks?! Can I please set them off?!" Asked Deadpool excitedly.
"You keep your grubby, dangerous hooves out of Trixie's stuff!" Yelled Trixie.
"Deadpool, how about you go find something we can use as spare kindling?" Suggested Starlight.
"Fine, but if I get eaten by a giant worm alien, you have to answer to Twilight," Said Deadpool.
Hopping off of the wagon's roof, Deadpool walked off to go find something that they can use as fuel for the fire. Starlight sat down to a still shivering Trixie.
"How are you not freezing?" Asked Trixie.
"I lived out here for a long time. I acclimated to the desert's temperature extremes," Answered Starlight.
Trixie used her magic to open the windows on the left side of her wagon. She then grabbed a blanket and wrapped it around her to help her warm up quicker.
"Do you have some beef with Deadpool?" Asked Starlight. "I noticed how you're both afraid of him and irritated by his presence."
"That masked nutcase is one of several ponies who's bad side Trixie got on," Answered Trixie. "Especially when I-"
"Shut me up!" Said Deadpool angrily.
Deadpool dragged a large, dry wooden log over by the fire. Sitting down, he pulled out a knife, and began cutting some branches off of the log.
"The last time I saw her, this bitch used an amulet to remove my mouth!" Said Deadpool.
One year earlier…
Deadpool, Twilight, and their friends were gathered around Ponyville's town hall alongside some of Ponyville's other residents. Trixie stood before the yet-to-be Princess of Magic, wearing a black cloak, and an amulet that had a red jewel and a black alicorn with red eyes and wings. Some ponies were the victims of magical incursions. Rarity was wearing a dress whose green, brown, and orange stripes clashed with pink frills, Rainbow Dash's right wing was twice the size of her body, and a couple of unicorn colts were running around in panic after having their horns fused together.
"Stop picking on my friends, Trixie!" Ordered Twilight furiously.
"You and I have some unfinished business. My magic has gotten better since I was here last, and I'm going to prove it," Said Trixie while walking over to Twilight. "Me and you, a magic duel. Winner stays, loser leaves Ponyville forever!"
Trixie's eyes flashed red as she smiled sinisterly.
"Forget it. I'd never make a deal like that," Said Twilight, turning her back towards Trixie.
"Yeah, you tell her, Twilight!" Said Deadpool.
"Hm. Your choice," Said Trixie ominously.
The amulet glowed, enveloping Trixie's horn in a red aura. She used her magic to grab Spike, the young dragon screaming as she did so. She then contorted his body into a ball. Twilight watched in horror as Trixie dribbled him like a basketball.
"Trixie! Put him down!" Demanded Twilight worriedly.
Trixie summoned a wooden basket with a hole missing on the bottom. She tossed Spike through it as a makeshift hoop.
"Uh, score Timberwolves!" Remarked Deadpool.
Hearing his joke, Trixie grit her teeth in annoyance.
"Why are you doing this?" Asked Twilight angrily.
"Why? Because you humiliated me!" Said Trixie angrily, pointing at Twilight.
She used her magic to project her memories for Twilight to see.
"After you showed me up with that Ursa Minor, I became a laughing stock. Everywhere I went, I was laughed at and ostracized. I even had to take a job on a rock farm just to earn a living. A rock farm!" Said Trixie angrily.
"Hey! You're lucky a rock farm would take the likes of you!" Said Pinkie angrily.
"Yeah! Have you tried not being a showboating bitch?! Maybe then, ponies would like you more!" Added Deadpool.
(Pot, meet kettle.)
With an annoyed look on her face, Trixie summoned a red cursor in front of Pinkie. It grabbed her muzzle, then took it off cartoonishly. A computer trash icon then appeared, and the mouse disposed of her muzzle in it. It did the same with Deadpool's muzzle, then it and the trash bin disappeared. Both ponies looked at each other, then silently screamed. Their mute screams turned to tears. Both ponies cried in each other's embrace, saddened over the loss of their speech.
Present day…
"That remains one of the worst things to have ever happened to me. And I've had my entire body regenerated from drops of blood!" Said Deadpool.
"As guilty as I am for my actions that day, I still stand by my belief that I did Ponyville a favor by shutting you up," Said Trixie.
"Can you teach me that spell when we hang out again?" Asked Starlight, whispering into Trixie's ear.
"Unfortunately, that spell is only possible with the Alicorn Amulet, and I do not know of its current location," Answered Trixie.
"Don't get any funny ideas! If either of you think about trying to silence me, I'll see to it that you get a similar treatment!" Said Deadpool.
"Alright, alright. Sorry, Wade," Apologized Starlight.
"That's what I thought," Said Deadpool.
"I know you two have some grievances with each other, but if you're not willing to make amends, could you at least put aside your differences so we can hopefully have a relaxing time at the festival?" Asked Starlight.
"I guess," Replied Deadpool.
"Trixie can agree to that," Replied Trixie.
"Great. Now I can hopefully get some rest without having to worry about waking up to a murder scene," Said Starlight.
"Speaking of murder, I could kill for some campfire food right about now. Please tell me you two had packed some food? I'd hate to have to resort to eating myself… again," Said Deadpool.
Both Starlight and Trixie got a little green around the gills from hearing Deadpool admitting he had once self-cannibalized.
"I believe I have some carrots that we can cook to make some carrot dogs," Said Trixie.
"Carrot dogs cooked over a campfire? You just got some respect points from me," Said Deadpool.
"Thank you," Said Trixie with a small smile.
The following morning…
The trio of ponies looked over the top of a rocky hill. Starlight's village was visible down below. Choosing to park her wagon atop the hill, Trixie removed the harness.
"There it is!" Said Trixie, gesturing towards the modest village. "The town where you-"
"Magically stole everypony's cutie marks, replaced them with equal signs, and forced them all to hide their natural talents? Yes," Said Starlight glumly.
"I was going to say where you came from, but yours is a more… emotionally traumatic answer," Said Trixie.
(He he! Came! That's what we did between this chapter and the previous one!)
"Ah, emotional trauma. A burden that many important characters carry. This is especially true if you're a comic book character such as moi. I can list off all of the superheroes I know who struggle with that," Said Deadpool.
"Please don't," Pleaded Trixie.
"(Sigh) I just want to… blend in. Be just another pony in the crowd enjoying the Sunset Festival with my friends," Said Starlight hopefully.
"Sounds good to me, and if things get weird for you, just let me know. I've got your flank," Said Trixie.
"Is that a promise?" Asked Starlight.
"Not just a promise. A great and powerful promise!" Exclaimed Trixie.
POOF!
Trixie's theatrical side kicked into full gear. She threw down a few blue smoke bombs. The smoke irritated everypony's lungs, causing quite the coughing fit.
"Well, I couldn't ask for more than that. If we're gonna do this, let's do it," Said Starlight nervously.
"You two go on ahead. I need to get into the right headspace," Said Deadpool.
Confused by what Deadpool had said, Starlight and Trixie walked down the path leading into Our Town. Upon entering, Starlight quickly noticed how one-to-one the decorations were to her dream. She stopped in her tracks, fearful that the events of her dream were about to repeat in the real world. She looked to her friend, Trixie, who gave her a reassuring nod. She hesitantly continued walking down the path until she came across Double Diamond and Party Favor hanging up a banner, just like in her dream. Hearing her hoofsteps, both ponies looked back and were surprised to see their former leader.
"Oh! Starlight, you came!" Said Double Diamond in surprised delight.
(He he! She came!)
(Ugh… Is this what our jokes have devolved to now?)
Starlight nervously giggled and waved hello.
"We were worried you wouldn't be able to make it! Are you staying the whole week? We have different events planned each day!" Said Party Favor excitedly.
Starlight's presence caught the attention of some of the other villagers, including Night Glider and Sugar Belle. They walked over to speak to their former leader.
"How is it living in a castle?" Asked Sugar Belle.
"It is so good to see you!" Said Double Diamond, clapping his fore hooves.
"Oh, yeah! These ponies are terrifying," Mocked Trixie.
Trixie giggled in amusement at her friend's expense. Starlight rolled her eyes while uttering a small groan.
"It's good to see all of you, too," Said Starlight.
"You got here just in time. We were having some debate about these banners," Said Party Favor, pointing at a trio of pegasi holding two banners. "Which do you think feels more 'sunsetty'?"
After being asked about her opinion, Starlight felt a pit form in her stomach. It may have been a simple question, but it reminded her of the decisions she made as the leader of the village; choices that had turned her into a tyrannical dictator.
"O-oh, you don't need me to decide that. Heh. Whatever you think is probably best," Said Starlight nervously.
"Uh, well, how about helping us with the routes for the relay races tomorrow? Can you take a look?" Asked Double Diamond.
"Oh, I-I shouldn't. You all go ahead. I-I just want to enjoy the festival," Stammered Starlight, her anxiety increasing.
"But you will be a judge for the baking competition, right?" Asked Sugar Belle.
"We had a few questions about the order of the acts for the talent show," Said Double Diamond.
"And the unicorns have a fireworks show planned! We could really use your help!" Added Night Glider.
The villagers gathered around to ask Starlight, causing her to shake in panic. Seeing her friend's anxiety getting to a serious level, Trixie attempted to intervene, but the crowd was too packed to let her get through. Starlight's teeth chattered, and her eyes, reduced to the size of pin pricks, darted around to look at all of the faces of the ponies she had done wrong. Overwhelmed, she slammed her eyes shut.
"NO!"
Now in fight-or-flight, Starlight's subconsciously conjured a force field around herself. It lightly pushed everyone away from her, knocking them over or pressing them up against the wall of a house. Only Trixie was left standing. Starlight cowered in front of everyone, laying her front half on the dirt and covering her eyes. As everyone began to recover, Trixie decided to intervene while the opportunity presented itself.
"The Great and Powerful Trixie would like to thank you all for being such an amazing audience. Sadly, it is time for us to depart. Good night, fillies and gentlecolts!" Said Trixie theatrically.
POOF!
Trixie threw one of her smoke bombs, concealing her and Starlight, and causing the town folk to cough. As soon as the smoke dissipated, the crowd saw both mares were gone. As they murmured in shock and confusion, a certain hero decided to make an appearance. Deadpool, oblivious to what had happened, walked up to the crowd. The lower half of his mask rested on the bridge of his nose as he casually smoked a blunt, filling the air with the strong, recognizable stench of cannabis.
"Hey, everypony! Guess who's back in-"
Deadpool stopped in his tracks. He quickly noticed that the villagers were looking at him. Looking through the crowd, he realized that Trixie and Starlight were nowhere to be seen.
"Does anypony know where Starlight and her friend Trixie are?" Asked Deadpool.
Meanwhile…
Up on the hill overlooking Our Town, Trixie and Starlight were making the trek back home. As Trixie pulled her wagon, her friend quietly walked by her side. Now out of the throughs of her adrenaline, she reflected on what she and Trixie had done. She felt embarrassed and ashamed for running away, but she didn't have the courage to go back.
"Hey!"
Hearing a familiar voice, Starlight and Trixie looked over their shoulders. They saw Deadpool running up the hill after them. Blunt still in his mouth, Deadpool caught up to the mares.
"What the fuck, gals! You two decided to dip, and you didn't even bother to let me know?! Were you trying to get rid of me?! Was this Trixie's idea?!" Asked Deadpool furiously.
Deadpool looked at the mares' faces. Trixie scowled at him, while Starlight bore a glum look, her guilt from how she handled the stress brought about from encountering her villagers still lingering. Deadpool's anger quickly subsided.
"Um… did I miss something?" Asked Deadpool.
"If you had not jumped to conclusions, you could have learned that Starlight had to leave because everypony was overwhelming her with various propositions to oversee the festival," Said Trixie irritatedly.
"Wait, they offered you to run the festival?" Asked Deadpool confusedly. "I figured that you all buried the hatchet along with the hammer and sickle, but letting you help run the Sunset Festival? I was not expecting that."
"Ugh! I was horrible when I led the town! I was ready for them to not trust me, but… I wasn't ready for them to put me in charge again! With my past, I should never be in charge of anything!" Said Starlight.
"Deadpool, could you give Starlight and I a moment?" Asked Trixie.
"Sure. I'll walk ahead of you," Replied Deadpool.
Deadpool walked ahead of Starlight and Trixie. Once he was out of earshot, Trixie spoke to her friend.
"So you messed up. Big deal," Said Trixie. She looked towards Deadpool, making sure he couldn't hear her. "Don't you ever tell another pony I said this, but even [i]Trixie's[/i] made mistakes. (Giggles) I know! The trick is to just move on, and pretend they never happened."
"I feel like that's almost good advice," Said Starlight, a smile finding its way onto her face.
Trixie smiled back in self satisfaction. The happy moment between friends was swiftly interrupted when a smoke cloud blew into their faces. The signature smell of marijuana caused Starlight to cough.
"Wade! You brought drugs with you?!" Shouted Starlight.
"Oh, grow the fuck up! It's marijuana! This shit is legal, and I didn't give it to anypony else! As a citizen of Equestria, if I want to smoke something that does absolutely nothing for me anymore, then I fucking can!" Shouted Deadpool angrily.
"Then at least don't do it in front of our faces!" Shouted Starlight irritatedly.
"Blame your friend for that!" Shouted Deadpool.
The next day…
After repeating the same long trek, the trio arrived back at Ponyville. The streets were lively today, with ponies going about their daily lives. With all of the ponies gathered in place, Pinkie Pie still stood out like a sore hoof, bouncing up and down as she traveled down the road. Spotting her friend, Starlight called out to her.
"Hey, uh, Pinkie Pie!" Called Starlight.
Starlight galloped over to Pinkie to catch up to her. The party pony stopped bouncing and looked back at her.
"Hey… you!" Said Pinkie with some slight hesitation.
"So… you're probably wondering why I'm back so soon," Said Starlight, nervously rubbing her right foreleg.
"Where were you?" Asked Pinkie.
Pinkie's question confused Starlight. She should have known where she had gone, considering she had asked for her help with her fears of going to the Sunset Festival.
"I… went to my old village? For the festival?" Answered Starlight, trying to job Pinkie's memory.
"Ooh, sounds fun! How was it?" Asked Pinkie with an eerily big grin.
As weird as it was that she seemed to have forgotten about it, Starlight concluded that Pinkie's hyperactivity probably caused her to forget about what happened a couple days prior.
"It was kind of a disaster. I came back early because I freaked out!" Explained Starlight.
"Ooh, sounds awful! Bye!" Said Pinkie rather cheerily.
Pinkie went on her way, leaving a flabbergasted Starlight. She's no stranger to Pinkie's eccentricities, but she found her response and abrupt goodbye baffling. As she watched the party pony hop away, Trixie and Deadpool walked up to her.
"Wade, did you hear everything?" Asked Starlight.
"Yeah," Replied Deadpool.
"Did that seem strange to you?" Asked Starlight.
"It's Pinkie. She's normally strange," Answered Deadpool.
"Takes somepony strange to recognize it in others," Remarked Trixie while taking off her hat and cape.
"Pot, meet kettle," Said Deadpool irritatedly.
"I know she's normally strange, but that was strange, even for her," Said Starlight.
"At this rate, if we keep saying strange long enough, we might summon Doctor Strange," Remarked Deadpool.
(Holy shit! There's a portal forming right above us!)
"Really?" Said Deadpool while looking up.
(Gotcha!)
Seeing that a portal wasn't above his head, Deadpool was disappointed. Starlight spotted Rarity and Applejack together ahead of her.
"Hey!" Cried Starlight, walking over to her friends. "I'm back early."
"Ah. Welcome back?" Said Rarity hesitantly, just like with Pinkie Pie.
Trixie and Deadpool walked over to listen in on the conversation.
"Have you two noticed Pinkie acting a little strange?" Asked Starlight.
"Pinkie Pie always acts strange," Answered Applejack.
Rarity agreed with Applejack with a nod of her head.
"See?" Said Deadpool.
"Anyway, I wanted to talk to you two. Things didn't go the way I thought they were going to at the Sunset Festival," Said Starlight sadly.
"What happened?" Asked Rarity concerningly.
"I kind of freaked out and ran out of the village," Admitted Starlight shamefully.
"HA HA HA!"
To her utter disbelief, Starlight heard Rarity and Applejack laugh at her.
"You freaked out and ran away from a festival? Ha! That's the funniest danged thing I've heard all day!" Said Applejack, smacking Rarity in the shoulder in amusement.
"(Laughing) Oh my. Let me guess: the decorations were terrifying?!" Asked Rarity out of ridicule.
The trio of ponies watched in disbelief as they watched Rarity and Applejack laugh at Starlight's expense. Just then, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy flew down towards the group, landing next to Applejack and Rarity respectively.
"Rarity and Applejack for friendship business," Whispered Fluttershy to Rarity.
Rainbow Dash roughly pushed Applejack aside.
"Hello, Wade and friends. We need Applejack and Rarity. Very important friendship business," Said Rainbow Dash rather vaguely.
The four Elemental Bearers left, with Rainbow Dash flicking her tail in a disrespectful manner. Both Starlight and Deadpool watched them leave, confusion plastered all over their faces.
"I have to say, I'm really not as impressed with your friends as the rest of Equestria is," Admitted Trixie.
"Okay, that was all kinds of weird," Said Deadpool.
(Great, a word other than-)
(Don't say it!)
"We need to talk to Twilight!" Said Starlight concerningly.
Starlight galloped towards the Castle of Friendship. It took her no time to arrive at the front doors. She tried opening one of them with her magic, but it wouldn't budge. Realizing that it was locked, she knocked on the door.
KNOCK KNOCK! KNOCK!
"Twilight? Hello?" Shouted Starlight, hoping to get her friend's attention.
Suddenly, a peephole slid open, revealing a familiar pair of draconic eyes.
"What do you want? Twilight's very busy!" Asked Spike impatiently.
"Spike, I really need to speak with her," Answered Starlight urgently.
"Make an appointment! She's a princess after all," Said Spike uncharacteristically curtly.
SLAM!
Spike slammed the peephole closed, adding on to Starlight's confusion.
KNOCK! KNOCK! KNOCK! KNOCK!
"What's wrong with you?" Asked Starlight in bewilderment. "Why are you being so-"
"Hey, Trixie wanted me to tell you that she said goodbye, and that she understands why you didn't do so yourself," Said Deadpool.
Suddenly, the peephole opened up again, revealing a now petrified Spike.
"D-Deadpool?" Stuttered Spike.
"Yeah, it's me. What are you doing on the other side of the door?" Asked Deadpool. "I know you're Twilight's servant, but I didn't think she would have you greet us at the door.
"He's doing the opposite; he's not letting me in!" Informed Starlight.
"Oh, really?" Said Deadpool with a scowl.
He looked Spike directly in the eyes through the peephole.
"Spike, you better let Starlight in, or else I'll tear this door off its hinges and float you out to sea on top of it!" Threatened Deadpool.
"Y-Yup! Un-Understood!" Stuttered Spike fearfully.
Spike quickly opened the door, revealing that he was standing on a stool. Just then, Twilight walked up to the door with a stern look on her face.
"I think a certain dragon didn't get his nap today," Scorned Twilight.
"Nope! I certainly didn't!" Said Spike fearfully.
Spike hopped down from atop the stool, and dragged it away. With him out of the way, Starlight and Deadpool stepped into the castle.
"Hey, Twilight," Greeted Deadpool.
"Hey-"
Before Twilight could finish her greeting, Deadpool kissed her on the lips. She seemed rather shocked by this act of affection, but she eventually reciprocated the kiss.
"Sorry about Spike. He's been acting a little off all day. I think he missed a meal or something," Said Twilight irritatedly.
"He's not the only one. Everypony's acting a little strange today," Said Starlight.
(She said it again!)
"Yeah, our friends have been remarkably inconsiderate. As a certified asshole, I would know a thing or two about being inconsiderate," Said Deadpool.
"Yes, it's definitely been one of those days! How are you?" Asked Twilight slightly nervously.
"Not great, actually. You're probably wondering why we're back from the village so early," Said Starlight.
"I didn't want to bring it up, but yeah, it did seem strange. Did it not go well?" Asked Twilight concerningly.
(For the love of Celestia, make it stop!)
"The townsponies kept asking me things, like they expected me to be in charge again, but being a leader is the last thing I should ever be. So we left. Very suddenly. In a literal puff of smoke," Explained Starlight.
"Poof!" Added Deadpool with an arching motion of his fore hooves.
"Wow, you should definitely never go back to that village," Said Twilight with a friendly smile.
Both Deadpool and Starlight looked at their friend in complete shock.
"What?!" Said Starlight in utter confusion.
"If you were worried about what they thought of you before, it's probably way worse now. I'd cut my losses," Explained Twilight with a dismissive wave of her hoof.
"That's… surprising advice coming from you," Said Starlight.
"Trust me. I'm the Princess of Friendship," Said Twilight, extending her wings. "You don't need those ponies. You can always make more friends."
CREAK!
The door to the throne room opened up, revealing Rainbow Dash leaning from the other side. She waved Twilight over.
"Ah! Speaking of friends, if you'll excuse me, important business to attend to!" Sang Twilight nervously.
Twilight raced over to the door. Spike walked over, and gestured to Starlight that he was watching her. He then ran over to the throne room, and shut the door behind him.
Deadpool and Twilight looked at each other in absolute bewilderment.
"... What. The. Fuck?!" Said Deadpool quietly.
Later that evening…
Starlight Glimmer was in her bedroom, ready to get some much needed rest. As she walked up to her bed, she thought back to what Twilight had told her.
"Cut my losses? That can't be right," Affirmed Starlight.
Nonetheless, she hopped into bed, and tucked herself in. Using her magic to turn the lantern hanging on the wall above her off, she closed her eyes, and drifted off to sleep. As she slept, she ended up in yet another dream. She was in her village in the dead of night. As she walked down the main street, she saw that the area was devoid of other ponies. The decorations for the Sunset Festival were still up, and tumbleweeds rolled across the street in front of her. Suddenly, the doors to the various houses opened, and all of the villagers walked across the town. Seeing Double Diamond, Starlight tried to speak to him.
"Hey, I wanted to apologize for my behavior earlier," Said Starlight sincerely.
Double Diamond ignored her, continuing to walk in a seemingly random direction. Seeing Party Favor, Starlight tried to talk to him instead.
"Party Favor, can you hear me?" Asked Starlight, waving a hoof in front of his face.
This got no reaction from him.
"I told you you can never speak to them again!"
Hearing the surprisingly angry voice of her mentor, Starlight looked straight ahead. She saw Twilight and the rest of her mare friends walking angrily towards her.
"What are you all doing here?" Asked Starlight, taking a few steps back.
"Making sure you do what I said! I'm your teacher, aren't I? Didn't I say to never come back here?!" Asked Twilight rhetorically.
Twilight and her friends continued their advance towards Starlight. Starlight nervously backed away from them.
"Yes, but that just doesn't seem right. You aren't acting like yourself," Answered Starlight.
"Something is wrong!"
As Starlight said those three words, a panicked, regal voice mirrored her. A gust of wind picked up, causing the Mane Six to blow away like dust.
"A dream? This is another dream!" Said Starlight, catching on to what was going on.
"Starlight Glimmer!" Whispered the voice.
Instantly, Starlight Glimmer knew who she heard.
"Princess Luna?" Said Starlight.
"Starlight Glimmer!" Whispered Luna again.
"Princess Luna, where are you?" Asked Starlight.
Looking up at the night sky, she saw the moon. Princess Luna appeared, poking her head out as if it were a window.
"Starlight Glimmer there is no time! You must get help!" Said Luna urgently.
"What? What are you talking about? This is just a dream!" Reasoned Starlight.
"Not here! In the waking world! They've taken my sister and I! It's worse than the last time! Your dream called to me, and I was able to break through! You must find help!" Explained Luna hastily.
Princess Luna was being pulled by something unseen to Starlight.
"What are you saying?! Who's taken you?!" Asked Starlight worriedly.
"Be careful who you trust!" Warned Luna. " You need all the help you can find! The changelings have returned and-"
GASP!
Before she could finish, Luna was grabbed by two changelings, and dragged away, disappearing from the moon.
"Princess Luna!" Cried Starlight.
Starlight ran, only for her dream to get sucked up in a black hole-like vortex. She stopped mid stride, and ended up getting sucked into the vortex. All that was now left was a black void.
GASP!
Starlight woke up late into the night with a startled jolt. Grappling from the nightmare that was created not by her dream, but what was transpiring in the waking world, she hyperventilated as the severity of the situation sank in.
"They're back!"
A few minutes later…
Starlight Glimmer quietly sneaked out onto the balcony on the left side of the castle. She used her magic to gently levitate down to the ground, concealing herself inside a bush. Slightly poking her head from the top of the bush, she surveyed her surroundings. Seeing no one in sight, she quietly walked towards Trixie's wagon, which was parked at the base of Twilight's castle. Her mane and horn had a couple of stray leaves on them, but they quickly fell off when she walked over to the wagon's back door. Biting her bottom lip, she quietly knocked on the door.
Knock! Knock! Knock!
"Trixie? Trixie, it's Starlight! Are you awake?" Asked Starlight quietly.
"Of course, Princess Celestia… I'd love to perform for peanut butter crackers…" Muttered Trixie with a sleepy slur.
Slightly taken aback by what her friend said in her sleep, Starlight knocked on the door more roughly.
"Trixie, wake up!" Ordered Starlight.
The wagon rocked heavily.
POP! BANG! CRACKLE!
Due to the wagon's sudden movements, some fireworks went off! Starlight jumped out of freight as multiple fireworks exploded, their light emitting through the wagon. The window facing away from the castle opened up, and a bunch of smoke poured out of it. Trixie leaned out the window in a coughing fit, the light, smoke, or even both causing her eyes to water. Surprisingly, that was all the damage the fireworks did to her. Not even her star patterned night cap was tarnished! Returning to a dreary state, she looked at her friend.
"Starlight? What time is it?" Whined Trixie while rubbing one of her eyes.
"It's late. I think I figured out what's wrong with my friends!" Said Starlight.
"(Yawn) I have a whole list of things that are wrong with your friends, especially Twilight and that maniac she has for a coltfriend. We can go over it in the morning," Said Trixie drearily.
Trixie slowly closed the window.
"No, Trixie, we're in danger!" Explained Starlight.
Starlight used her magic to open the front door of the wagon. She then levitated a surprised Trixie over to her, and gently set her on the ground.
"(Sigh) Okay, fine! Aside from the lack of sleep, how are we in danger?" Asked Trixie annoyedly.
"I think the-"
Starlight cut herself off when she realized something. For all she knew, Trixie could have been replaced by a changeling. Looking suspiciously at her "friend", she decided to give her a simple test to see if she is who she appears to be.
"What did you tell me never to tell another pony?" Asked Starlight.
Instead of giving her an answer, Trixie scowled at her friend.
"Starlight, if you woke me up to play guessing games-"
"After we left my village, what did you tell me to never tell another pony you said?" Pressed Starlight, pushing herself up against Trixie.
Her friend scowled, then uttered a reluctant sigh.
"That even Trixie's made mistakes," Said Trixie through gritted teeth.
Not satisfied with the muffled answer, Starlight pressed her further.
"Trixie, there's no time for this! What did you say?" Demanded Starlight.
Fed up with her, Trixie pushed her friend off her.
"That even Trixie's made mistakes! Okay? Are you happy?!" Said Trixie, seething with anger.
Finally given the answer she wanted, Starlight sighed in relief.
"Yes. Sorry, I just had to make sure you weren't… one of them!" Said Twilight in a hushed tone.
"One of who?" Asked Trixie irritatedly.
"A changeling! I think they've taken Princess Celestia and Princess Luna!" Said Starlight fearfully.
"What?! Are you sure?! I mean, what do we-? We have to tell Twilight!" Said Trixie fearfully, pulling her friend in close till their muzzles touched.
"If I'm right, then it's too late for that," Said Starlight grimly.
A few moments later…
After taking some time to collect themselves, Starlight and Trixie attempted to sneak back into the castle. Starlight opened one of the front doors as quietly as she could.
Creeaak…
It unfortunately made a creaking sound, but it was at a low enough register that no one likely heard it. She stuck her head out, and looked around, spotting none of her "friends", she gestured to Trixie to follow her. Trixie quietly shut the door, and followed Starlight to the throne room. One of the doors was slightly ajar, the light of the throne room's chandelier partially radiating out into the hallway. Voices could be heard from the other side. Stopping a couple feet away, Starlight told her friend to stay silent and look through the gap between both doors.
Peaking through the gap, they saw Starlight's "friends" were gathered in the throne room. Most of them were engaged in idle chatter. Fluttershy was leaning back in her throne with her hind legs propped up on the Cutie Map, and Applejack took a bite out of a pear before tossing it aside. Spike was using a green crayon to draw a crude drawing of Fluttershy, with squiggly lines above it indicating she smelled. Seeing it, Fluttershy pushed Spike into Pinkie's throne.
WHACK!
Catching Pinkie's attention, she grabbed Spike by the back of his head, and pushed him face first into the edge of the Cutie Map.
WHAM!
THUD!
Spike fell onto the floor with a groan of pain. Witnessing the brutal assault, Rarity laughed hysterically at his expense. Seeing everyone's behavior, Starlight and Trixie knew that they were most likely changelings. Laid out on the Cutie Map were three objects that resembled black scarab beetles. Twilight walked over to her throne.
"Is it ready?" Asked Twilight.
"Just one more," Said Applejack ominously.
Placing a fourth beetle onto the map, the beetles formed the four corners of a square. One of the beetles' elytra opened up, creating a beam of green magic. It connected to one of the beetles, which then opened its elytra and created another beam of magic. This continued until all four beetles were connected in a proper square. They rose into the air, enveloped in a rotating magical orb. Web-like strands formed a base underneath the orb, and the orb rotated faster. The orb then burst into a flash of light, and a large black-and-green vortex took its place. An image appeared in the center of the vortex, revealing the Queen of the Changelings - Chrysalis!
"Queen Chrysalis!" Said Starlight in silent shock.
Chrysalis looked upon the Mane Six and Spike, all of whom bowed in her presence.
"Ugh. I can't take any of you seriously when you look like that," Said Chrysalis.
"Oh, right," Said Twilight with a sinister smirk.
She and everyone else were enveloped in a green fire, revealing their true changeling forms underneath.
"Much better. Now report!" Ordered Chrysalis.
"Everything here is going according to plan! We've replaced the six ponies and their dragon, and have taken control of the castle!" Reported the changeling impersonating Twilight, who seemed to be the leader of the group.
The changeling's associates nodded their heads in confirmation.
"Excellent. And I've just received word that the princesses from Canterlot have successfully been replaced as well," Informed Chrysalis.
The changeling drones laughed and cheered in celebration. Starlight and Trixie looked at each other in horror as they got confirmation that some of Equestria's greatest champions have been replaced.
"We thought too small last time. One ponynapped princess wasn't enough. With all the most beloved ponies of Equestria taken care of, nopony can stop us! Mwahaha!"
As Queen Chrysalis laughed maniacally, her underlings joined in. After having a good laugh, she went back to business.
"Is there anything else to report?" Asked Chrysalis.
"Yes, Your Majesty!" Said the changeling impersonating Spike. "We have yet to-"
"Shut up!" Yelled the changeling leader.
"Silence! Let them speak," Ordered Chrysalis.
"Thank you, Your Highness. As I was going to say before I was so rudely interrupted, we have yet to replace Deadpool," Informed the changeling impersonating Spike.
"What?! Why not?!" Asked Chrysalis furiously.
"W-Well, you see. When we arrived, he had been out of town. He just came back earlier today with Twilight's pupil. We were going to replace him after we updated you on our progress," Said the changeling leader nervously.
"You better! As long as Deadpool remains free, our entire operation is in jeopardy! With his capabilities, we can't risk him finding out that his friends have been taken! Go do it, now!" Ordered Chrysalis.
"(Gulp) Yes, Your Highness," Said the changeling leader fearfully.
On that note, the vortex disappeared, and the scarab beetles separated and closed their elytra.
"What is wrong with you?!" Asked the changeling leader.
"She had to know. If I didn't know any better, I'd say you're not loyal to our Queen," Accused the changeling snitch.
"How dare you accuse me of treachery! I just didn't want to concern the Queen with something so trivial as replacing one pony," Said the changeling leader.
"If he's so trivial, then why didn't we take him while he was asleep?" Asked the changeling snitch.
"Well, I… needed to come up with a back up plan in case he woke up!" Said the changeling leader nervously.
"Are you afraid of him?" Asked the changeling snitch mockingly.
A couple of the changelings laughed at their leader.
"No! I have all of you! We outnumber him seven-to-one!" Said the changeling leader defensively.
"Ooh! I get it, you're hesitant to face him because he kissed you," Mocked the changeling impersonating Rainbow Dash.
"And you're embarrassed to admit that you liked it," Said the changeling impersonating Rarity, making smooching noises to mock their superior.
All of the changelings were laughing hysterically at the leader, which made their blood boil.
"NO, I DON'T!" Shouted the changeling leader furiously.
"Alright, we've heard enough. Let's get out of here!" Said Trixie fearfully.
"Wait! You heard what they said; they haven't taken Deadpool yet! We should go wake him up! We can then all escape, and-"
YAWN!
Hearing a yawn, both Starlight and Trixie saw the changelings look towards the entrance. Fear overtaking them, they slowly looked behind them, and saw Deadpool. He was only wearing a pair of leopard print underwear, and he looked like he had just woken up.
"Excuse me, you two," Said Deadpool drearily.
Deadpool pushed the throne room doors open, revealing himself as well as Starlight and Trixie.
"Don't mind me, gals," Said Deadpool with a yawn. "I was just going to grab myself a late night beer."
Once his vision started to get less blurry, he realized there was something off. Rubbing his eyes, he noticed that his "friends" did not look like they normally do.
"... Um, Rarity. I can't believe I'm asking this, but remind me how much makeup you use?" Asked Deadpool hesitantly.
HISS!
Caught red hoofed, the changelings leapt from their seats, preparing to attack the three ponies. Thinking on her hooves, Starlight fired a bolt of magic at the Cutie Map. The bolt destroyed all of the scarab beetles, preventing the changelings from being able to contact Queen Chrysalis. Just as the changelings ran over to grab them, Starlight teleported herself and her friends out of the castle, ending up by Trixie's wagon.
"Holy shit! The changelings are back!" Said Deadpool in shock. "No wonder why all of our friends were acting-"
THUD!
Before he could finish what he was saying, Deadpool was tackled into the side of the wagon by an enraged Trixie.
"You idiot! You blew our cover! If Starlight hadn't saved us, we would have been captured!" Said Trixie furiously, trying her best to keep her voice down.
"How was I supposed to fucking know?! As far as I was aware, our friends were just not themselves. In hindsight, that should have tipped me off that they were changelings, but that doesn't change the fact that I didn't know you were uncovering a conspiracy!" Said Deadpool defensively.
"Deadpool's right, Trixie. It was an unfortunate accident. We have to focus on the greater problem at hoof. All of my friends have been replaced, the Princesses have been taken, and all of Ponyville could have been replaced by changelings! Now that they know that we've caught on to them, we have to come up with a way to stop them, and quickly. It's not going to take them long to find us out here," Reasoned Starlight.
Knowing that her friend was right, Trixie let go of Deadpool.
"You're right, Starlight, but what can we do? What can I do?" Pondered Trixie. As the gravitas of the situation sinked in, she found herself starting to panic. "I can't deal with this! I'm just a performer! This is- This is princess-level stuff, but the changelings have all the princesses! We're doomed!"
Trixie hunkered down onto the ground and shaked in fear. Wanting to help her friend out, Starlight tried to calm her down by coming up with something.
"Maybe not," Said Starlight, patting her friend on the flank. "Uh, Queen Chrysalis said they only took Luna and Celestia, and obviously Twilight and the others, but maybe Cadance is still safe. Our best bet is to get to the Crystal Empire before the changelings do. That way we can-"
"There's no help coming from the Crystal Empire."
Hearing somebody speaking to them, all three ponies raised their guard up. They tried looking for whoever spoke to them. That was when a bush in front of them shook, and a changeling stepped out. Unlike the other changelings, their wings sparkled like the stars in the night sky.
"AAH! AH! AHH! AH!"
Upon seeing the changeling, Trixie screamed hysterically. Starlight enveloped her in a force field that muted her screaming. She and Deadpool didn't panic as they recognized the changeling.
"Thorax?" Questioned Starlight and Deadpool in unison.
"Yes," Confirmed Thorax.
"Your wings look… different," Said Starlight, smiling when she noticed how pretty they were.
Thorax looked at his wings, and flapped them a bit.
"I guess they do," Said Thorax.
Starlight and Deadpool were overjoyed seeing their friend again, but then remembered that their friends and allies were replaced by changelings. For all they know, changelings could be just as willing to imitate other changelings. Starlight lit up her horn, and both she and Deadpool slowly approached Thorax.
"How do we know you aren't some other changeling pretending to be Thorax?" Asked Starlight.
Thorax took a moment to think of a way he could prove his identity.
"You were there when Spike defended me to the ponies of the Crystal Empire. Princess Twilight said-" Thorax used his shapeshifting to impersonate Twilight. "As the Princess of Friendship, I should set an example for all of Equestria, but today it was Spike who taught me-"
"Okay, okay. I believe you. We don't need the whole speech," Said Starlight.
"Hold on. Say my name," Ordered Deadpool.
"Deadpool," Replied Thorax.
"No, I meant my real name," Corrected Deadpool.
"Oh. Wade," Said Thorax.
"Oh, yeah…" Said Deadpool in bliss.
Weirded out by Deadpool, Thorax turned back into his changeling form. Seeing that she was no longer screaming, Starlight decided to introduce Trixie to Thorax.
"Trixie, this is Thorax. He's a reformed changeling. He's on our side. Understand?" Asked Starlight gently.
Seeing as she couldn't be heard outside the forcefield, Trixie nodded her head in understanding. Starlight removed the force field, causing Trixie to fall onto her butt. Thorax decided to properly greet her.
"Hi. It's a pleasure to-"
He tried to walk over to shake Trixie's hoof, but she was still nervous around him, so she pressed herself up against her wagon.
"If Starlight says you're on our side, I believe her, but maybe just stay over there for now, okay?" Asked Trixie nervously.
Thorax was saddened by Trixie's fear towards him, but he understood. He walked back over to Starlight and Deadpool.
"What did you mean there's no help? Did the changelings get Cadance too?" Asked Starlight.
"They took Cadance, Shining Armor, and Flurry Heart! They tried to get me too, but Sunburst saved me from the changeling in charge of the infiltration! He sent me here to get Princess Twilight's help, but it sounds like it's too late for that, too! So, what should we do?" Asked Thorax.
Hearing that Cadance and Flurry Heart were taken by the changelings, Deadpool felt an intense rage build up inside him.
"I'll tell you what we're going to do! I'm going to get my hooves on Chrysalis and the changelings responsible for taking Cadance and Flurry Heart, and pluck their wings!" Said Deadpool angrily.
"What about Shining Armor and Sunburst?" Asked Thorax.
"And the Princesses and potentially the rest of Ponyville and the Crystal Empire?" Added Starlight.
"... Oh, yeah. Uh, I'm going to deliver justice for everypony, but I'm only going to get slicey-dicey on a select few changelings," Said Deadpool.
Deadpool tried to head back inside the castle to fight the changelings who impersonated Twilight and his friends, but she stopped him.
"As great as it is that you want to stop the changelings, we can't just go charging into any fights. Heck you don't even have your weapons!" Reasoned Starlight.
"Plus, as much as I understand how angry you are, the changelings are still my people. I don't want you to go to any extremes if it's not necessary," Added Thorax.
"(Sigh) I guess you're both right. Well then, Starlight, do you have any ideas on what we should be doing?" Asked Deadpool.
"Yeah, Starlight. What are we going to do?" Asked Trixie nervously.
Starlight tried to think of a plan. Particularly, she tried to think of somepony who could help them, but the only ponies she can think of who could help have been taken. She now found herself starting to panic.
"I… I don't know! There has to be somepony else who can handle this," Said Starlight panickedly.
"There is nopony else! Everypony with powerful magic is already gone!" Said Trixie.
"You know whenever ponies talk about powerful magic, they always leave me out. If I weren't so evolved, I might decide to take it personally."
Hearing another voice, the group looked towards Trixie's wagon. To their surprise, they saw the Lord of Chaos himself - Discord - laying atop the roof of the wagon, knitting a stuffed bunny.
"Well, isn't this quite the combination of secondary characters?" Mused Discord.
"... Secondary character? SECONDARY. CHARACTER?!"
Insulted by being called a secondary character, Deadpool waltzed over to the wagon.
"You've clearly not been paying attention, bub, but this is my fanfiction! Not yours, not theirs, mine!" Said Deadpool irritatedly.
Discord was enjoying getting on Deadpool's nerves, as evidenced by the smirk he had on his face.
"Oh please. Ignoring the fact that this is an unlicensed product, don't let this fanfiction along with the movies and your video game get to your head. If it weren't for Ryan Reynolds and meme culture, your best role outside the comics would have been as a supporting antagonist in the Wolverine segment of Hulk Vs. And I'm sure I don't have to remind you of your other notable appearance that same year," Said Discord.
Deadpool was now foaming at the mouth. This along with growling like a rabid dog made it seem like he would attack Discord at any moment.
"Alright, Discord. If you want to avoid having Deadpool unleashed upon you, prove that you aren't a changeling," Ordered Starlight.
With an annoyed look on his face, Discord snapped his fingers.
SNAP!
The entire area was altered by Discord's magic. Among the most chaotic were three flowers uprooting themselves from the ground and dancing, a tree turned into a cuckoo clock that had Discord's lion paw holding a squirrel, the ground turning into soap (causing everyone but Discord to slip), and Trixie's wagon turning into a purple pumpkin.
"Shall I continue?" Asked Discord smugly.
Starlight shook her head no.
"Good. By the way, if you really want to make an immortal god who can bend reality at his fingertips do what you want, I'd suggest coming up with better threats," Said Discord.
"Oh, so now I'm not a threat to you?! I'll bet I can change your mind by spitroasting you with your horn and antler!" Said Deadpool irritatedly.
(What's with all the shade thrown at us all of a sudden?)
(I don't know, but I would be lying if I said I wasn't enjoying it!)
"Where are Twilight and the girls?" Asked Discord, ignoring Deadpool.
"Chrysalis and the changelings are back. They've ponynapped all of the most powerful ponies in Equestria!" Informed Starlight.
Discord seemed rather bored by this news. He struggled to keep his eyes open, and he yawned.
"Celestia Luna, Cadance, Shining Armor, Flurry Heart, Twilight and her friends. We need to-"
Hearing Starlight say that Twilight and her friends were kidnapped, Discord gasped in shock.
SNAP!
Before Starlight could finish what she was saying, Discord returned everything to normal, and got uncomfortably close to her face. He was now angry, and he looked like he could snap at any moment.
"They took Fluttershy?" Asked Discord angrily.
"Yes!" Answered Starlight.
"Where?" Asked Discord menacingly. His eyes flashing red.
"The Changeling Kingdom," Answered Starlight. "With you on our side, I can-"
SNAP!
Discord didn't let Starlight finish, yet again. He snapped his fingers, teleporting him and everyone else into a forest. His chaos magic conjured saddlebags on everyone but Thorax, a scarf for himself, Trixie's cape and hat, and Deadpool's costume and weapons. While the ponies and Thorax looked around their surroundings in confusion, Discord looked around more meticulously.
"Odd. I was trying to take us right to Fluttershy, but there is no Fluttershy," Said Discord inquisitively.
He effortlessly lifted up a large rock with one hand, and stretched his eyes out so that they wiggled across the bare earth. After he was done looking in that one spot, he nonchalantly dropped the boulder back where it had laid. As Discord stroked his goatee in thought, Trixie saw something that frightened her.
"I think I have a pretty good idea where she might be…" Said Trixie nervously.
Pointing slightly to the left. Looking over the edge of a cliff, everyone saw that the land in front of them was nearly devoid of life compared to the forest. The ground was riddled with large mounds that had sharpened points, and a few trees were dispersed across the landscape. What stood out the most was a large stone castle that was irregularly shaped and riddled with holes. A large number of creatures could be seen flying in and out of the castle - changelings.
"I'd hoped to never see that place again. What now?" Asked Thorax.
Everyone looked at Starlight, hoping that she could offer guidance. Starlight bit her bottom lip as she tried to figure out what she should do.
To be continued…
Hey everyone! I hope you all enjoyed part one of the last chapter of the season six arc of "Deadpool: Mercenary of Harmony", centered around the season finale episode "To Where and Back Again"! Will Deadpool and friends be able to save the Mane Six and the Princesses? Will Starlight be able to get past her fear of being a leader again? Be sure to stay tuned for part two! Until next time, this has been ThePhantomArchives, and I hope you all have a fantastic day!