Part 18 – The Princess Ponies
Princess Aquamarine arrived with little fanfare and approached the table where Milky Way greeted her warmly. She was accompanied by her dragon attendant, Prickles. Her gaze settled on Dazzleglow and Sparkler, and she smiled in greeting.
“Salutations, Little Ponies,” she said, then trotted over to them when Dazzleglow bowed deeply. “There is no need for that. Please, stand.”
Dazzleglow obeyed.
“Now then, what brings you here? It’s not often I find you visiting, Sparkler.”
Sparkler shook her head. “We have a problem, Highness. There’s a strange pony back at Paradise Estate that’s been causing all kinds of problems.”
Once more they relayed the story of Applejack and her magic, including Dazzleglow’s own magic. Princess Aquamarine listened intently, a frown on her face at the mention of magic. She remained quiet for a few moments after they finished their tale.
“This is most disturbing news,” she remarked. She sat down on the ground next to the table. “Most Earth ponies do not have that kind of talent for the magic you describe.”
“We think it’s reacting to Dazzleglow’s,” Sparkler added.
Princess Aquamarine nodded, then smiled at Dazzleglow. “The famous magical glowing ponies.”
Dazzleglow’s eyes widened and a blush crept across her face. “I didn’t realise we were known outside of Pony Land.”
“Indeed, my dear. As guardians of the Magic Wands, it is our business to know about the magic within and out of Royal Paradise.” Her smile spread into a grin. “That includes the glowing magical ponies of Pony Land.”
Dazzleglow said nothing, though her face flushed even more.
She winked at Dazzleglow, then grew serious. “The point remains, it is powerful magic on both sides. For it to react to yours means that it is indeed the opposite.”
Sparkler tilted her head. “What kind of dark magic then can hope to match?”
“Demons.”
Dazzleglow’s eyes widened, and, unconsciously, she moved closer to Sparkler. Sparkler noticed and nuzzled her mane, though her own stomach had plummeted at the mention of the dark magic’s source.
“You remember when Princess Pearl sought you out after King Lavan, yes?” Princess Aquamarine asked. When she received a nod of confirmation from the ponies, she continued. “Lavan had a whole host of lava demons under his command, though they now work together with us. However, there was not just one elemental demon in existence. There are more.”
Sparkler frowned. “Does that mean they’ve cast a spell on her?”
Princess Aquamarine nodded. “Or taken full possession of her. I would need to see to be able to tell for definite.”
Dazzleglow’s widened somewhat in surprise. “You’re coming back with us to Paradise Estate?”
Princess Aquamarine smiled at her. “Indeed. I do need to make the trip back to Royal Paradise to retrieve my wand. After that, I believe I can help.”
Prickles, who had remained silent, had a look of worry on his face. He looked at his Princess, then over to Dazzleglow and Sparkler. “Is it not dangerous to go yourself, my lady?”
Princess Aquamarine knelt down to his level and pulled him close. “Don’t worry, my dear. I will be fine.” She stood up and turned to Sparkler and Dazzleglow. “I will meet you there once I have my wand.”
Milky Way stepped forward. “I’m coming too.” She looked over to the two unicorns. “If you don’t mind, that is.”
“It’s not the safest place to be,” Dazzleglow answered.
Milky Way tilted her head. “You have her locked up in the room, yes? I’d like to see, and to make sure Aquamarine will be all right.”
Princess Aquamarine sighed and shook her head. “Such concern for my wellbeing.”
Dazzleglow looked over to her. “Highness, while she may not have hurt anyone yet, I don’t know how she’ll react to your magic.” She dipped her head. “I don’t want to be responsible for something happening to the legendary Princess Ponies.”
Princess Aquamarine stepped forward, facing all of the ponies gathered around. “I understand your worries. I am however, duty bound to investigate this. We are the guardians of the wands, and keepers of the magical balance of Pony Land.” She looked around them. “If there is something as powerful as this dark magic, I have to discover its source.”
The Princess pony glanced over her shoulder then turned away. Milky Way trotted over to her and began to follow.
Dazzleglow and Sparkler looked at each other and turned to make their own way back to Paradise Estate.
My Little Obsession 