Writing is Magic

Chapters

Chapter 1: Hello, Ponyville!
Chapter 2: Major Situation
Chapter 3: Artistic License
Chapter 4: A Friend in Need
Chapter 5: The Write Stuff
Chapter 6: Parent Clash
Chapter 7: Pet and Parcel
Chapter 8: Winter's a Ball
Chapter 9: Winter Follies
Chapter 10: Ancient Knowledge
Chapter 11: In Defense of Harmony
Chapter 12: Heart Crusade
Chapter 13: Guys at Play
Chapter 14: Wub in the Family
Chapter 15: Black and Blueblood
Chapter 16: Cloudy Skies
Chapter 17: Wedded Deceit
Chapter 18: Future Warning
Chapter 19: Extreme Rules
Chapter 20: Chaotic Element
Chapter 21: Background Aria
Chapter 21: Background Aria (song lyrics version)
Chapter 22: Reversal of Fortune
Chapter 23: Chaos Amongst Us
Chapter 24: Aftermath
Chapter 25: Surf and Turf
Chapter 26: Powercorn
Chapter 27: Camera Flash
Chapter 28: Colter Reunion

Chapter 1: Hello, Ponyville!

*KNOCK*

*SCRAPE*

It was the first house I had come to in town. I didn’t even know where I was. I was so tired from walking. And it was so late at night, or maybe it was just really early in the morning, I don’t even remember. There was no strength left in my entire body. I collapsed onto the welcome mat at the door and passed out.

…

By the time I woke up it was afternoon. I was no longer on the doormat, but now inside of what I could only assume was the same house. When my eyes fully adjusted, I shot up. I was lying on a red velvet settee, covered by a very warm and comfortable blanket.

“I’m sure glad whoever lives here found me,” I thought out loud, “Celestia only knows what could have happened if I was out there all night.”

“Oh splendid, you’re awake,” an angelic voice rang from the kitchen which was the next room over, “You had me quite worried.”

“Well I appreciate the concern. I assume that it was your door I knocked on?”

“Indeed,” she responded, still in the kitchen, “You were in ghastly shape so I pulled you in and made you as comfortable as I could. Now just wait there for one second, lunch is almost done.”

Before she finished the sentence, an entire table set began floating toward me, enveloped in a blue glow, an obvious sign that my savior was a unicorn, just like me.

Finally, she came into the living room, with two plates of food in tow. She had a pristine white coat topped with a bright purple wavy mane. Her tail was curled in a way that I didn’t even know was possible.

“Thank you very much, Miss--…”

“Rarity.”

“Miss Rarity. Could you please tell me where I am?”

“Certainly. You are in Ponyville.”

“Ponyville,” I echoed, my head dropping and my eyes getting big, “I’ve walked all the way to Ponyville?”

“Did you travel a long way? From where are you from? And it’s terribly rude to not introduce yourself to a lady.”

“Of course. My name is Art. Art Colter.”

Rarity almost choked on her tea, “Art Colter! The Art Colter! The famous author of everything is in my house!?”

“There’s no reason to get your mane in a mess. I’m not great anymore.”

“Well dear, you simply must tell me what happened,” Rarity continued as I tried to eat and not make too much eye contact, “Nopony walks from someplace to Ponyville without knowing where they are going.”

I looked out the front window. I didn’t know how to answer.

“It doesn’t matter, Miss Rarity. I got here in one piece and fortunately ran into a very sweet lady. So from now on, Ponyville is my home.”

“Wait a moment,” Rarity said in realization, “I remember now. Didn’t you live in Fillydelphia? Yes, that was it.

Rarity looked toward a stack of books on the floor and brought one over to her. It was one of mine, “The Complete Guide to Jewels and Gemstones.”

“Indeed. It says right here ‘Published in Fillydelphia’. Fillydelphia is a very nice city. Why would you ever leave there?”

“Suffice is to say it wasn’t my choice to leave. Fillydelphia is my hometown, I loved it there. Big city, but not like Manehattan big. It was perfect. The atmosphere was just right. I never could’ve published 30 books without that perfect atmosphere.”

“Well I respect your decision to not tell me. But you’re a well-known figure. Once word gets out that you are here, everypony’s going to want to know the same thing.”

I wiped my forehead with my napkin. My mind was racing so fast that I didn’t even use magic.

“You’re absolutely right,” I sighed deeply, “It never should have happened. You see, I wrote a humor column for the Fillydelphia Daily News as just a little side thing, something to take my mind away from my professional writing. Just like my books, they covered all kinds of subjects, everything from how the Pegasus Ponies were killing me with their weather choices to funny things I saw on the street every day. But then I put my hoof in my mouth. I started talking about politics and how I really felt the mayor and city hall were working. I guess they didn’t like what I was writing. The threatened the editor, who asked me to stop. I told him to publish one more, and if the mayor gave him a hard time, that I would take the full brunt of it.”

“I’m guessing the mayor doesn’t have a sense of humor.”

“Think of the most humor-less pony you know and turn the funny meter down about ten notches. After my last column was published, he came to my house and told me that he didn’t appreciate how I was painting him. I told him I couldn’t care less what he thought. It was at this point that he threatened me with arrest if I didn’t leave town that very instant.”

“Well that’s just absurd! What was he going to charge you with? Expressing your opinion?”

“I don’t know, I didn’t ask. Five minutes later, I was gone, walking in no particular direction. My original plan was to go to Canterlot. I thought that maybe I could get an audience with the Princess. But I guess I got turned around or something, I don’t know. But by the time I knocked on your door this morning, I had been walking for five days. And, considering I only packed food for two, I’m pretty lucky to be alive.”

“You want a meeting with the Princess? Well I can make that happen. I know the Princess personally and besides one of my best friends is her top protégé.”

“You don’t know how glad I am to have knocked on your door.”

…

“Now don’t worry Mr. Colter,” Rarity said as we left her shop after lunch, “Twilight lives in the town library, which isn’t far from here.”

“As long as we get there. And Rarity, I’ve already asked you ten times to please call me Art.”

And so we strolled through the middle of Ponyville. I tried keeping my head down, doing my best to avoid being recognized. Even though I was new in town, I hoped that walking with Rarity would at the very least ease any concerns the other ponies may have had about strangers. Alas, this only held up for a short time.

“Hiya Rarity, who’s your friend,” a pink-as-can-be pony exclaimed, popping up out of nowhere, “I’ve never seen him before, and I know everypony in Ponyville, so that must mean that he’s not from Ponyville, which means he’s new in Ponyville, which means that I have to meet him.”

“Well Pinkie, this is a-a friend I met at a party in Canterlot,” Rarity lied, “He just got to Ponyville last night and I’m taking him to see the library.”

“That’s no fun,” Pinkie said in what I could only assume was her only tone of voice, “Who wants to see some books when there’s a ‘Welcome to Ponyville’ party to go to instead. Besides, it’s not like the books are going anywhere.”

“Really Pinkie Pie, we appreciate the offer, but we really don’t have time right now.”

“Oh come on Rarity, you’re always so uptight. I know that you like a good party as much as anypony and you know that I throw a better party than anypony. So why wouldn’t you want to come to one of my special ‘Welcome-to-Ponyville-Meet-and-Greet’ parties?”

“I’m sorry, but we really must be…”

“Going to a party,” I interrupted, “Pinkie Pie is right. And I’m not in that much of a rush. Besides, nopony has ever been so kind as to offer to throw me a party before. It wouldn’t be very nice of me if I didn’t attend.”

“That’s the spirit,” Pinkie cried, firing off a confetti-filled cannon that hadn’t been there a second ago, “Come on, we can have it at Sugarcube Corner.”

Before I knew it, I was knee-deep in ponies, all of whom were having a grand old time.

“I’m sure glad you don’t mind all this Mrs. Cake,” I said to the owner of the sweet shop.

“Of course not, Mr. Colter. Pinkie is always putting on some party or other. We just like seeing everypony having a good time. Besides, I remember a couple of years ago, my friend in Fillydelphia would send me your food critic column, and it was always an enjoyable read.”

“Heh, thank you,” I said, slightly embarrassed, “Didn’t think anypony remembered that column. I was just a poor writer back then after all.”

“Well you’re not a poor writer now,” Pinkie interjected, eating a whole cupcake in one bite, “Now you’re just a writer who’s missing out on these awesome Carrot Cupcakes!”

“I would be missing out if I didn’t eat any sweets,” I laughed.

*CRASH*

“Well how d’ya do, everypony!”

I whipped around to see two mares at the door to the sweet shop. One was orange and wore a cowboy hat, the other, yellow with a flowing pink mane.

“Applejack, Fluttershy, glad you finally made it. This is Art,” Pinkie exclaimed, motioning towards me, “he’s an old friend of Rarity’s.”

“Pleased to meet ya,” Applejack said, shaking my hoof rather forcefully.

“Um, he-hello,” Fluttershy said so quietly I could barely hear her.

“Come now, Fluttershy, the man’s not gonna be able to hear ya if you’re all quiet-like.”

“Oh, sorry. He-Hello” she said, obviously trying to increase the volume of her voice, but seemed to be unable to do so.

“Glad to meet you both,” I said, “Wow, the ponies of Ponyville sure are friendly, aren’t they?”

“Well duh,” Pinkie said, again popping up in front of me, “Ponies here are totally the most friendliest, most kindest, most awesomest ponies anywhere.”

“Can’t say I’m used to this sort of atmosphere.”

“Quit all the fancy talk,” Applejack said sarcastically, “What in tarnation does that even mean?”

“Let’s just say that I have more hoofs than I have real friends.”

You should have seen the look on Pinkie Pie’s face.

“How…how is that even possible,” she stuttered, “I mean, you say you have more hoofs than friends, and you only have one, two, three, four hoofs. So you’re saying that you don’t have four friends!? That’s crazy! I don’t know what I would do with less than four friends. Well say no more. We’ll all be your friends from now on. And with me, Rarity, Applejack, and Fluttershy, that at least doubles your number of friends. And then if you meet everypony at the party, you could double your double, then double your double again!”

I smiled, “Thanks Pinkie, I needed that.”

“Speaking of good friends,” Rarity quipped, “Where in Equestria is Twilight?”

Chapter 2: Major Situation

*CREAK*

As if to answer Rarity’s question, the front door slowly swung open, in the doorway stood a little purple- and green-scaled dragon.

“Ah, there you are Spikey-wikey,” Rarity cooed, “We’ve all been wondering where you and Twilight have been.”

“Twilight…forest,” the baby dragon huffed.

“Spit it out, Spike,” Applejack stomped, “What are ya trying to say?”

“Twilight went into the Everfree Forest last night and I haven’t seen her since!”

Everypony collectively gasped.

“The…Everfree…Forest,” Fluttershy shuddered, quickly diving behind Applejack.

“I already told Rainbow,” Spike continued, “She’s going to try to find Twilight from the air.”

“Yee-haw, sounds like a rescue mission. Come on, gals, let’s get going.”

Applejack and Pinkie Pie followed Spike out the door, the latter carrying an obviously frightened Fluttershy. Rarity started after them, but then stopped.

“Art, you can come along if you would like. That is, if you’re not afraid of the forest.”

I took off behind them without saying a word. Before I knew it, we were a mile into the Everfree Forest. The others, mostly Pinkie, were obviously trying to scare me. Thinking just because I’m a city pony that I’m easily frightened.

“I’m really worried,” Spike said at about this time, “I mean, what kind of trouble could Twilight find in the forest that she couldn’t handle on her own?”

“Oh Spike, it’ll be fine,” Pinkie cheerfully interjected, “We’ll find Twilight, she’ll be fine, and then we can go home and finish the party!”

“A party,” a voice called from the sky, “where?”

A Pegasus pony landed next to us. She was blue with a multi-color mane.

“Bout time ya got ‘ere, Rainbow,” Applejack semi-scolded, “have anything to report?”

“Nope, sorry. Couldn’t find Twilight anywhere.”

“Well stick with us on the ground. Maybe we’ll get lucky.”

Soon we came across a large cave, sort of like the kind you would think of a dragon living in, but of course in the forest instead of on a mountainside.

“You don’t think Twilight’s in there, do you,” Spike asked.

“Only one way to find out,” Applejack answered, stepping toward the cave’s entrance, “I’ll go in there and scout it out.”

“You’re going to go in there,” Fluttershy meekly uttered, “You don’t have to.”

“Fluttershy’s right,” I said, “You shouldn’t go in there alone. We’ll all go, safety in numbers, as they say.”

And so in we went, Applejack in front, Rarity and I behind her, and Pinkie pushing Fluttershy.

The cave was even bigger on the inside. It seemed to go on forever. I recall Pinkie making a joke about coming out on the other side of the Crystal Empire, but I can’t exactly remember it. Anyway, we finally made it to what could only be assumed to be the belly of the cave. Inside the big room were two very large creatures: a blue, opaque, bear-like animal and a much larger, purple animal which also resembled a bear.

“Holy hayseed,” Applejack whispered, “is that what I think it is?”

“An Ursa Major and an Ursa Minor,” I said, astonished, “I’ve never seen these creatures in person before. Oh, this would be a good start to a new book. I’ll call it, ‘Mystical Creatures of the Everfree Forest.’”

“That sounds like a good read,” Rarity complimented, “but perhaps you can do your research when we aren’t searching for our friend.”

“Fair enough, but then what are we going to do about her?”

The others all looked where I pointed. There was a purple pony, tied tightly to a rather large rock. She had both unicorn and Pegasus qualities.

“That’s her,” Pinkie Pie almost shouted, “that’s Twilight.”

“She’s an Alicorn,” I said as the others shushed Pinkie, “your friend Twilight is an Alicorn?”

“We’ll explain later,” Rarity assured, “for now we have to figure out how to get her out of here. Anypony have any ideas?”

“Those ropes are pretty well done,” Applejack studied, “it would take awhile to untie them.”

“No problem,” Rainbow announced, “You guys distract the Ursa, and I’ll go over there and cut the ropes.”

“And how in Equestria do you expect us to distract two Ursa,” Rarity questioned, “Usually, I would ask Fluttershy, but there is no way she’s up to the task right now.”

Fluttershy was near-paralyzed out of sheer terror.

“Does anypony else have an idea,” Rainbow asked, annoyed.

“I have an idea,” I said, “Does anypony have a writing quill?”

“Sure,” Spike answered, pulling out four of them, “I always pack extras, just in case.”

“Excellent,” I declared, magically taking them from Spike and moving them around, “I just hope this works.”

Slowly, I maneuvered the four goose quill pens into the main room of the cave, two in the direction of the Ursa Minor, two in the direction of its parent. At first, I just gently grazed the feathers against them. Then, sensing no ill response, I began to more vigorously twitch them against their bodies. Slowly, the expressions of the two creatures went from annoyance to amusement to downright laughter.

“Go, Rainbow, go.”

Rainbow zipped into the room, cut the ropes holding Twilight, picked her up, and exited the room in one motion.

“You gals get out of here. I’ll be a minute.”

The six ponies and Spike ran out of the cave. I began to slowly lessen the amount of tickling I was subjecting the Ursa to. When I felt they were reasonably subdued, I brought the pens back to me and made a mad dash for the exit, moving as fast as my city hoofs could carry me. Eventually, I made it to the mouth of the cave, the Ursa were not behind me. We were all safe.

Later, back at Sugarcube Corner, the proper introductions were made, and my welcome party continued.

“I can’t thank you enough for helping me out of the mess I got myself in,” Twilight said, “How did you even know to do that?”

“The only thing I’m good at is moving pens around,” I replied, “There didn’t seem to be a reason to harm them, so I tried to disable them with laughter instead. How did those two over-sized teddy bears capture you, anyway?”

"Suffice is to say, I should have known better. Just know that when a mystical zebra tells you to stay put, you should really stay put. The Everfree Forest is no laughing matter."

“And like I always say, laughter’s the best medicine,” Pinkie sprung up, breaking the seriousness, “And now that everypony’s here, the party can really get going!”

And so the party roared late into the night.

Chapter 3: Artistic License

It was early in the morning a few days after my welcome party, and I was pacing, just pacing back and forth across the main room of the boutique. I hadn't gotten much sleep that night, and now that I was fully awake, there was no point in trying to fall back asleep.

“Art, is that you pacing,” Rarity called, coming down the stairs into the room.

“Sorry if I woke you. I’m just trying to think, and I do that much better moving about.”

“Whatever are you thinking about at this hour?”

“That’s the thing,” I sighed, “I can’t really think of anything. Usually my head is swimming with one idea or other, whether it’s an idea for a book, or perhaps just something I’ve seen that I want to hold onto for later. But right now, my mind is completely blank, and I can’t figure out why.”

“You've been through a stressful time,” Rarity reassured, “I would think it’s only natural that since your routine and everyday life has been altered so drastically, that it could very well change your thinking process.”

“You might be right. I just hope I can get through it and get back to writing.”

“I’ve been wondering about something. Obviously you’ve written many different books on many different subjects. But the astounding thing to me is not so much the scope of knowledge as the speed at which you churn out new material. Is there some secret to it?”

“Well it’s not so much a secret, so much as it’s the only talent I really have. Here, I’ll show you.”

I trotted over to her work bench, picking up five quills and an equal amount of parchment. I suspended them in the air and faced them toward Rarity. Then I closed my eyes, my horn glowing a dull black, and began to write, using all five quills at the same time.

You see, Miss Rarity

I can not only write with multiple quills at once

But I can write out multiple trains of thought

At the exact same time

Pretty handy, don’t you think?

Rarity went slack-jawed for a moment, but then composed herself.

“That’s one of the simplest, yet most complex things I’ve ever seen,” she admired, “So you can theoretically work on five different chapters at the same time?”

“Precisely. Somehow, my mind is able to control each quill individually, allowing me to work many times faster than any other writer is capable of. But it can’t do me any good if I can’t think of anything to write about.”

“Well believe me; interesting things are always happening in town. If you just walk around for a bit, I’m sure you’ll hit on something.”

…

“Let’s see,” I thought to myself as I began walking around Ponyville after breakfast, “Everypony says Twilight’s the smartest pony around, not to mention that she lives in a library, she’ll probably be able to help me.”

It wasn’t long before I made it to the Ponyville Library, which was situated in a very large tree. When I knocked on the door, Twilight answered.

“Oh, good morning Art,” she smiled, “What are you doing here so early?”

“I hope you don’t mind princess, but I’m struggling with a bit of writer’s block, and Rarity suggested that I come over here to see your books. Maybe I’ll think of something to write about.”

“Well that’s certainly not a bad idea. After all, being a good writer starts with being well-read. Feel free to take down any book you like. And you don’t need to address me as ‘Princess’.”

I began to look over the many shelves of the library, trying to find a good starting point. Soon, I felt something on my hindquarters. I swiveled my head around to find an owl sitting there.

“Who, who.”

“Who am I? I’m Art,” I answered, “hello to you to.”

“That’s Owlowiscious,” Twilight introduced, “He’s kind of my night assistant. He can help you reach a book, if you need.”

Owlowiscious lighted off of me and flew up to the top shelf, pulling off a book and placing it on a reading pedestal. When I went over to look, I realized it was another one of mine, “The Legends of Equestria, A-Z”.

“Owlowiscious, you’re a genius,” I exclaimed, “by reading some of my own publications, I’ll rediscover my thought process.”

And so I began re-reading the book. Of course, being the author I already knew everything in the book, but it was nice to just read something for a change without thinking about what the next part of the book would be. I had just finished the Canterlot entry when I heard someone burst into the room. It was everypony’s favorite Pegasus, Rainbow Dash.

“Finish the book,” Twilight asked her.

“Five seconds ago,” Rainbow answered, “Got over here as fast as I could.”

“Well there’s only one title left in the series.”

“I know. What am I going to read after this?”

Rainbow glided to one of the shelves, replacing the book she was carrying with the adjacent one on the shelf. She was picking up the last book of the Daring Do series.

“So, a Daring Do fan,” I asked her.

“You bet. She is so awesome. I’m just sad that this is the last book. I’m going to have to find another series to read. Hey, you’re a famous writer; do you know the pony who wrote Daring Do?”

“No, I’ve never had the pleasure of meeting them.”

“Aw man, I was hoping you could get an autograph for me.”

“Well I can’t do that, but I will tell you something I probably shouldn’t. Before I left Fillydelphia, my publisher told me that there is another Daring Do book coming out.”

Rainbow flew right into my face.

“What? Really? When?”

“In a few months. And no, I don’t know anything beyond that.”

“Woohoo, this is awesome,” Rainbow cried, doing flying back-flips across the room, “Then I better get started on this one, so I can start getting excited about the next one. Gotta dash!”

And dash she did.

A few hours later, but what felt like only moments, I finished the chapter on Nightmare Moon, all the while thinking ‘Old mare’s tail my right hoof.’ When I again heard someone enter the library. This time, it was Fluttershy.

“Good afternoon, Twilight,” she said in her trademark gentle tone.

“Oh, hi Fluttershy,” Twilight responded, “What brings you here?”

“Oh, well, Angel was being a grump this morning. It took me a long time to get him to even eat. I just need something relaxing.”

“No problem. Maybe you can find a good book; everypony seems to be on a reading binge today.”

It wasn’t until Fluttershy began scanning the bookshelves that she noticed that I was there.

“Oh, I’m sorry Art,” she apologized, “I didn’t see you before.”

“It’s fine; I kind of have my muzzle deep into this book anyway. And Twilight’s right, she, Rainbow, and I are all reading something or other today.”

“That sounds nice and all, but I think I just need to relax.”

A light bulb went off in my head.

“That’s it,” I exclaimed, taking Fluttershy by the front hoofs, “the answer to my writer’s block. I’ve been going about it all wrong.”

“What was wrong,” Twilight asked, hearing the commotion.

“All this time, I’ve been trying to think about how I write, how my thoughts get conveyed onto the page in just the way I want them to. But that’s not how I should be thinking anymore. It’s not about the writer, it’s about the reader.”

“What do you mean?”

“Everypony reads for a different reason. Twilight, you read to gain knowledge, Rainbow Dash reads to be a part of fantastic adventures, and Fluttershy reads to relax. I’ve been worried all this time about rediscovering how I used to write, when the truth is I should be discovering how others read. This could be the cornerstone of my new books, including what will be my magnum opus.”

“And what will the book be called,” Fluttershy asked, suddenly excited.

“It will be called ‘The Art of Writing’.”

Chapter 4: A Friend in Need

“…and 28 inches from shoulder to flank, did you get all that Art?”

“Of course, Rarity, I got it all.”

It was a particularly busy day at Carousel Boutique. Rarity was in the process of making multiple custom orders for some bigwigs over in Canterlot. I can only assume that usually she would take down all these notes herself, but since I was here, I was more than happy to help.

“Excellent,” Rarity continued, “only ten more sets of measurements to go.”

*DING-A-LING*

The shop door opened, it was Twilight.

“Twilight, darling,” Rarity greeted, “how are you doing this afternoon?”

“You know; the usual, trying to finish a report to Princess Celestia. Actually, that’s why I came over here, to see if Art could help me with it, but he’s obviously helping you, so I’ll be on my way.”

“Oh no, no. He’s been helping me all day with these measurements. I can finish the rest on my own, he can help you. You don’t mind, do you Art?”

“Of course not,” I answered, putting down the quills and paper I had been working with.

“You two have fun then,” Rarity said, returning to her work.

Soon, both Twilight and I were busy at work. Twilight was reading multiple books at once, dictating to me the important things in them.

“Thanks for your help,” she said after a short time, “I would normally have Spike help me, but he’s in Canterlot today. And Owlowiscious is asleep.”

“No problem.”

“So, where was I, oh right. Taking into account the various permutations of the spell, it would appear that there is infinite magical potential in the world, and the only thing that could possibly make it finite is the miniscule possibility that there comes a point where you can only make new magic through new magic. Got all that Art?”

“Naturally,” I answered, “what’s next?”

“Well, let’s see.”

*SLAM*

“Art, are you here,” it was Pinkie Pie, “I’ve been looking all over town for you. Then I went to Rarity, who told me you were here, and now that I’ve found you, I need your help.”

Pinkie picked me up and started to carry me out of the library. Twilight hadn’t even seemed to notice her there, as her muzzle was deep into yet another book.

“Well Pinkie, I’m happy to help, but at the moment, I’m helping Twilight with something pretty important.”

“Oh Art, there isn’t anything that Twilight can’t handle.”

Before I knew it, I was taking down notes from three different sources: Mr. and Mrs. Cake as well as Pinkie. Each of them were giving me different sorts of instructions to write down, all talking at the same time. I may be able to manipulate multiple quills at once, but I only have two ears to listen with.

“Pinkie,” I finally got a word in, “you’re planning a party. Party-planning and throwing is what you do. I don’t see why you need my help.”

“Because this isn’t just any party. This is a birthday party for Pound Cake and Pumpkin Cake. Having a party for foals is a lot different than any other kind of party.”

“Besides,” Mrs. Cake continued, “everything has to be just right. And because of all the work we do, we don’t have as much time as we thought we had, and you’re the fastest writer around.”

Before I could get another word out, I felt a rope wrap around my legs. The rope tightened and I got dragged out of Sugarcube Corner. Only one pony I knew was capable of doing such a thing.

“Applejack,” I yelled as I was dragged, “what in Equestria are you doing?”

“Sorry Art,” she called behind her, “but I’m in a bit of a pickle. I’m way behind on the inventory and I can’t find that little Apple Bloom anywhere. I saw you in the shop and had a brainstorm.”

“You could have just asked. I’m sure Pinkie would have let me go with you.”

“No time for asking, time for action.”

Thus I got dragged to Sweet Apple Acres.

“OK, so if you just help me count all the things in this barn, I’d be most grateful.”

The big barn was filled to the brim with baskets of apples, jars of apple products, and bales of hay and other vegetables. This wasn’t going to take a second, that’s for sure. But as AJ went into the barn, I felt myself being lifted off of my hoofs.

“Fluttershy,” I said, a little annoyed, “what are you doing?”

“Oh, I’m sorry,” she apologized, “but I could really use your help. It’s the time of year where I need to take census of all the different animals that I take care of.”

“Can’t you do that on your own?”

“Well yes, I suppose, but it would go a lot faster if I had some help. And you were the first pony I thought of.”

“But…fine.”

I allowed Fluttershy to fly me to her cottage near the Everfree Forest. She has animals of all kinds, birds, rodents, rabbits, even aquatic mammals. We got through the otters and seals before I was interrupted again.

Fluttershy and I were in the middle of gathering all the different kinds of jays when I was suddenly lifted off my feet again, but much faster this time. Unlike Fluttershy who was a gentle, graceful flyer, this time I found myself in the clutches of a speed demon.

“Rainbow,” I said, my voice thick with annoyance, “what are you doing with me?”

“Well it’s like this,” she explained, “I’ve come up with a sick new trick that I’ve almost completely perfected. The trouble is the last bit, but I have no idea what I’m doing wrong. I need a fresh pair of eyes on this one. I already asked Twilight, but she said you were with her and didn’t know where you had gone off to.”

“Well there’s a reason for that.”

“Just take a look, will you?”

“Rainbow Dash,” Applejack yelled, running below us, “bring Art back down here on the double.”

Rainbow stopped in the air.

“But he’s helping me fix my latest trick.”

“Well he was supposed to be helping me with the apple inventory.”

“Wait, he was helping me with the Cake foals birthday party,” Pinkie said, coming up on the scene.

“But that was after he was helping me with my latest project,” Twilight announced.

“And my dresses,” Rarity, who was with Twilight, reported.

“And, uh, I wanted his help with the animal census,” Fluttershy admitted.

The six of them began arguing amongst themselves, all trying to talk over the others. Rainbow even brought herself down to ground level to get in AJ’s face. I watched them for a minute, turning over the situation in my head.

“Everypony quiet,” I shouted, “Now look, I am more than willing to help everypony as best as I can. But it’s hard for me to want to do that when everypony is stepping on everypony else. This has been my day so far: Rainbow, you robbed me from Fluttershy, who flittered me away from Applejack, who absconded me from Pinkie, who pulled me away from Twilight, who took me from Rarity.”

They all looked a little ashamed of themselves.

“Like I said, I’m would like very much to help all of you. But I’m just one pony, and I can’t do it all at the same time.”

“I’m sorry,” Rainbow said, “I guess I don’t really need help. I just have to practice more.”

“I’m sorry too,” Fluttershy agreed, “I shouldn’t have taken you away from Applejack while she needed your help.”

“I’m right sorry,” AJ admitted, “I should have asked Pinkie if I could take you, and not tied you up like a steer.”

“I’m sorry Twilight,” Pinkie apologized, “I shouldn’t have taken Art, especially not when your back was turned.”

“I’m sorry for yelling at everypony,” Twilight articulated, “Pinkie’s right; I didn’t need Art’s help as bad as I thought I did.”

“Now that that’s all settled,” I smiled, “how do we rectify the situation?”

…

“…and 32 inches at the shoulder,” Rarity relayed, “that’s the last one, Art.”

“Excellent.”

“And there’s 25 jars of apple preserve,” AJ announced, running up.

“Got it down.”

“The final count is 22 blue jays, 28 red jays, and 18 green jays,” Fluttershy flourished.

“That takes care of the birds, Fluttershy. The rabbits are the only thing left.”

“You got the last count, right,” Pinkie presumed.

“Down to the last balloon, Pinkie. Everything’s set.”

“Is there anything you want me to write down,” Twilight took out a quill.

“Yes. Twilight, take a letter.”

Dearest Princess Celestia,

It is often said that a friend in need is a friend indeed. Well today I learned that there is such a thing as having too many friends in need. Any friend should want to help another friend, but those friends should try their best to not step on the backs of other friends to do so.

Your faithful servant,

Art Colter

*WHOOSH*

Twilight and I looked into the clouds above us. Rainbow was finishing her trick. She twisted in mid-air multiple times, drilling holes in multiple clouds. Then she pitched higher into the air, flying upside down for some time, causing a self-enclosed, artificial rainbow to be created underneath her.

“Just like I thought,” I thought to myself.

Chapter 5: The Write Stuff

“Now class,” Miss Cheerilee announced, “we have a very special guest today. He’s a very well-known and respected author, Art Colter.”

“Thank you Cheerilee. Well now, my little ponies, your teacher asked me here today to talk about being successful in a chosen career.”

“Why did she have you come in,” a little pink-and-purple pony named Diamond Tiara asked, “Like the most successful stallion in town is my daddy. He probably made more today than you’ll make like all year.”

“Isn’t your father Filthy Rich? Yes, I met him once in Fillydelphia. He wanted me to sign his copy of my book ‘How to Win Friends and Influence Ponies’.”

Diamond Tiara turned up her nose.

“Now if you’ll let me continue. To tell you about my career, you’re going to have to get some background. You see, I didn’t figure out what I wanted to do until I was older than all of you are now.”

“Really,” Apple Bloom asked in amazement.

“Yes, really. And the worst part is I didn’t know why. I assumed for a long time that you got your Cutie Mark and then lived your life according to it, instead of the reality, which is that you have to find out what you do best, and the Cutie Mark follows. So anyway, my father and mother are a famous artist and musician respectively, and my entire family is pretty artistically-inclined, so when I was young, everyone expected me to follow in my parent’s footsteps. There were piano lessons, drawing lessons, not to mention the rich-pony school I went to.”

“Sounds like my kind of place,” Diamond Tiara commented.

“Well it wasn’t my kind of place. The ponies I went to school with all thought they were all that and a bag of chips. They never learned that just because you can get away with doing something doesn’t mean that you should do it.”

“So how did you figure out you should be a writer,” Sweetie Belle asked.

“Well it happened one day after school. It hadn’t been a good day. But then, an idea popped into my head. I was going to write down my real opinion of everypony in my class. I didn’t hold anything back. By the time my parents got home late in the evening, I must have had two dozen pages written out. When they read them, my parents got quite upset, to the point that they showed my teacher what I had written. As punishment for something that wasn’t bad, I had to read the entire thing aloud in class. I was up all night subtly tweaking my words, transforming them from enraged rants to nice little poetic couplets.”

“What happened when you got to class,” Scootaloo asked.

“I read the poems aloud. When I finished, some of the class was angry, knowing that I was writing about them. But the majority loved the little rhymes. They said it made them laugh and realize how silly some of their behavior was. Amidst all the commotion, the quill appeared on my flank, symbolizing that I was to be a writer and bring people joy and knowledge through my writing.”

“Wait a minute,” Diamond Tiara spoke up, “so like you made fun of everypony in your class and they accepted you for it?”

“Well I wouldn’t say that, and it certainly wasn’t immediate. It wasn’t until after I published the poems along with a few more in a book called ‘Classroom Observations’ that everypony began to understand what I could do.”

“What about your talent of writing multiple things at once,” Apple Bloom asked.

“That’s not a natural talent, actually. I had to practice and teach myself how to do it. But it can’t be denied that I’m glad I figured it out.”

“Wow, that’s amazing,” Sweetie Belle shouted.

“Oh yeah,” Diamond Tiara interrupted, “well if he’s so like successful, then why have I heard that he like sleeps on a couch in your sister’s shop?”

“Well it is true that I sleep on a settee, but that story is for another day.”

*RING**RING**RING*

“Well there’s the bell,” Cheerilee said, “be sure to thank Mr. Colter.”

“So,” I heard Scootaloo talking to Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle, “what’s the Cutie Mark Crusaders’ plan for today?”

“I don’t know,” Apple Bloom sighed, “it feels like we’ve tried everything.”

“You know,” Sweetie Belle suggested, “maybe we should ask Art. He knows what it’s like to wait for a Cutie Mark, I’m sure he’ll give us an idea.”

“Hold your horseshoes girls,” I said, waltzing over, “it’s great that you’re trying new things to find whatever it is your special talent is, but I’m not the pony to ask for advice. The only pony who can guide you is yourself, and if that sounds like something Twilight would say, it’s because she’s right. And besides, I promised Rarity that I would bring Sweetie Belle home from school.”

“Oh well,” Scootaloo said, “There’s always tomorrow.”

…

“Are you sure you can’t help me get a Cutie Mark,” Sweetie Belle whined as we made our way to Rarity’s shop.

“Like I said, you are the only pony who can answer that question. Believe me, you’re a lot closer to finding out your talent than I was at your age.”

“But it feels like you were born to be a writer.”

“I was, but the problem was everypony thought they knew what I was going to be. My father thought I was born to be a painter or sculptor, my mother thought I was born to be a musician or perhaps a songwriter. Nopony ever asked me what I wanted to do, and that held me back. You and your friends are already passed that point, and that’s what I call progress.”

Chapter 6: Parent Clash

“Now Sweetie, you carefully fold over the egg like so, and voila, the perfect omelet.”

“Wow Art,” Sweetie Belle exclaimed, “I didn’t think you could cook at all.”

“Well I’m no trained chef, but I make a pretty good breakfast don’t you think?”

“You certainly do,” a mare’s voice said from the kitchen table, “Not to mention that you’re teaching Sweetie Belle, I’m sure she’ll be making us breakfast everyday soon.”

At the table sat a pair of ponies, a white stallion with overly-bushy eyebrows and a straw hat, and a pink mare with a very tall purple mane, Rarity and Sweetie Belle’s father and mother.

“Never thought I’d be able to say that I’ve eaten breakfast with Art Colter,” their father said.

“Think nothing of it,” I insisted, “and please call me Art.”

*KNOCK**KNOCK**KNOCK*

Rarity answered the door. On the other side stood another pair of ponies, on the left, a red Earth stallion with a short black mane, on the right, a white unicorn with a pink mane styled in a similar fashion to Fluttershy, though her color was a bit darker.

“Welcome to Carousel Boutique,” Rarity greeted, “how can I help you?”

“My name is Brushstroke,” the stallion answered, “this is my wife Piccoli; we were told that Art Colter is now living here in Ponyville, and were wondering if you know where we might find him.”

Hearing my name at the door almost made me spit out my orange juice. I rushed to the door to see who was looking for me.

“Ah, there you are Art,” Piccoli exclaimed, “we’ve been searching for you.”

“Art, do you know these ponies,” Rarity asked.

“Yes I do. Rarity, these are my parents. How did you know I was here?”

“Well we thought you were still living in Fillydelphia,” Brushstroke explained, “but when we came to your apartment, the landlord told us you had left for parts unknown. First we tried Manehattan, then Baltimare, but with no success. We arrived in Ponyville early this morning, only meaning for it to be a stop on the way to Trottingham, but then someone at the station recognized me and said that it was funny that first Art Colter moved here, now me. There weren’t many ponies in town, and this was the first building we came across, so we decided to knock and see if we could find out anything.”

“OK. Now you’re going to tell me why you’re looking for me.”

“Art, your tone,” Piccoli said softly.

“Answer the question, mother.”

“Can you blame parents wanting to see their only foal?”

“No. I suppose you cannot. But can you blame me for hoping I would never see you again? We haven’t seen each other in five years, mom. In that time, I’ve become the most successful author in all of Equestria, all on my own. I have nothing to say to either of you. Please leave.”

“I’m sorry,” Rarity interjected, “would you please excuse us.”

“What are you doing,” I whispered after she had shut the door.

“Look, you may not like your parents very much, I understand that. But in the end, they are still your parents. Just give them one more chance, for me?”

I sighed. Rarity was right, after all.

“OK mom and dad,” I said, re-opening the door, “come on in. I’ll make two more omelets.”

“You’ll make them,” Piccoli asked, shocked, “since when do you know how to cook?”

“Well I’ve lived alone for the past six years. I was going to learn at some point.”

…

“To think,” my dad quipped after I had finished the omelets, “not only can our son cook, but he’s not too bad at it.”

“Well dad,” I responded, “you shouldn’t be that surprised. I watched your personal cook make breakfast every morning when I was a colt. You’ll recognize these omelets as his personal recipe.”

“Now I don’t think I caught your names Mr. and Mrs. Colter,” Rarity’s mother said, trying to cut the tension, “what do you do exactly?”

“Oh how rude of us. I’m Piccoli, concert flutist in the Canterlot Royal Symphony Orchestra.”

“And I’m Brushstroke, of course. If you’ve ever seen an exhibit of fine art, then you’ve seen my work.”

“Well it seems fine art runs in the family,” Rarity’s mother observed.

“Indeed,” Piccoli continued, “and what do you two do.”

“Well I…”

“So, how’s breakfast,” Rarity interrupted, “can I get anypony more orange juice?”

“Excuse you, young lady,” Piccoli scolded, “but it would serve you well not to speak out of turn.”

“I was only asking a perfectly reasonable question.”

“And I would hope that your mother taught you proper manners,” my mother pressed, sort of getting in Rarity’s face.

“Mother, father,” I spoke up, motioning out of the room, “may I have a word?”

My parents followed me into the main showroom of the boutique.

“OK you two,” I began, “if you’re going to be here, you need to be straight with me. What is the real reason you have been looking for me?”

My parents looked at each other for a moment, then back at me.

“Do you remember a pony you went to school with named Sweet Scent,” my father asked.

“Of course,” I smiled sarcastically, “her and her friends tormented me for years.”

“That may have been true then,” Piccoli admitted, “but her parents and we agree that the Colters and Scents should be united, and so we’ve come to bring you back to Canterlot so that you two can be wed.”

I closed my eyes, my lower lip quivering. After a moment, I opened my eyes once more.

“No.”

“Now son,” Brushstroke lectured, “we understand that you didn’t get along when you were younger, but that was a long time ago. In fact, Ms. Scent is completely on-board with the idea.”

“Funny how fame and fortune changes the opinions of people. Now I suggest that you go back to Canterlot and tell the Scents that I would never marry their mule of a daughter, not if she were the last mare in Equestria.”

“Art, your tone,” Piccoli snapped.

“No, you two will listen to me this time. You don’t communicate with me in five years, and that is barely less than you did when we supposedly lived under the same roof. And now, you come to me and try to talk me into an arranged marriage to one of the most unlikeable mares in Canterlot!? Well I’m having none of it! Now, you will leave now, and you will never speak to me ever again!”

My parents walked out the front entrance, my mother using her magic to close the door behind them. I walked back into the kitchen, Rarity and her family sat there in stunned silence; they had obviously heard the whole thing. I magically picked up what would have been my father’s orange juice and downed it. I put my muzzle on the table and closed my eyes. If I could have cried, I would have right then and there.

Chapter 7: Pet and Parcel

Autumn is by far my favorite season of the year. The multi-color leaves on the trees, the crisp, cool air, how it is not too breezy, just enough to get the leaves rattling. It was a perfect such day, a day where a pony could sit in the shade of a big oak tree and be at one with their thoughts. Or at least, as at one as one can be when there are sounds of happy ponies and animals alike all around.

You see, a perfect day such as this one isn’t only good for relaxing and thinking, it’s also perfect weather for some pony-pet playtime, or at least that’s how Applejack says it. All of my good friends had close pets, Applejack has her herd-dog Winona, Fluttershy with her Angel bunny, Pinkie Pie has a toothless alligator named Gummy, Rainbow Dash has a tortoise named Tank, who got around with a magical helicopter propeller attached to his shell, Rarity has her cat Opalescence, and Twilight, of course, has her assistant-slash-pet Owlowiscious.

“You sure they won’t be bothering you,” Twilight asked as Owlowiscious perched on my out-stretched front leg.

“Don’t worry about it. Watching you all play with your pets is a good way to empty my mind, so to speak.”

“Think the only pony bothering him right now is you,” Applejack interjected, throwing a stick for Winona to fetch.

So Twilight and Owlowiscious returned to the others in the autumn sun while I sat back under the tree. It’d been months since I had made the decision to write a book about writing, and I hadn’t made much progress. In my process, I have to write everything in order. I can’t write the last chapter first and the introduction last, everything has to come out in order. As such, if I can’t think of an introduction, it can take me forever to get anything done.

“Hey Art,” Pinkie said, bouncing over, “you know what I think? I think you’re going about this writing stuff the wrong way.”

“Wrong way? I do my best work when my mind is clear, which is what I’m trying to do. Do you think I would work faster if I thought about nothing else?”

“Oh I’m not saying that, and you’re the writer after all, not me.”

“So what are you suggesting?”

“Hear me out here, but I don’t think the idea of clearing your mind is working. You want to keep your mind off the task, but I think you need something or maybe somepony to keep your mind on instead.”

“Pinkie,” I raised an eyebrow, “I hardly think somepony is going to resolve the issue.”

“Just throwin’ it out there, pal.”

“Maybe what you need is a furry little friend like we have,” Fluttershy suggested.

“Me? Have a pet?”

“Why not,” Pinkie got even more excited, “if Fluttershy can get Rainbow Dash a pet, she can get you one.”

“Don’t get me wrong, I like animals. But I’m not exactly the kind of pony to have a pet.”

“But it wouldn’t hurt to look,” Fluttershy insisted, “I have plenty of animals you could meet.”

“OK, but there’s no need for you to carry me to your cottage like the last time, I’m fine walking.”

…

“Now let’s see,” Fluttershy said when we made it to her cottage, “what kind of traits would you be looking for?”

“Well it has to be something fairly independent, something that won’t mind if I’m gone for awhile at some point. Also, something that’s not very high maintenance, I don’t want to have to pay the kind of money Rarity does to keep Opal pristine at all times.”

“Well that’s pretty easy. No pet needs all that stuff, but you know how Rarity is.”

“What am I doing? I don’t even live in my own house. I can’t possibly bring another pet into Rarity’s home, which would be doing her a disservice. Besides, you think Opal could get along with any other animal? I don’t think so.”

“But you get along with Opal, don’t you?”

“Nopony ‘gets along’ with Opal. Opal chooses whether or not to accept the existence of another creature.”

“Oh, I’ve got just the pet!”

Fluttershy flew upstairs. I went through in my mind all the different animals I knew she had from the census we had done. And I couldn’t think of anything that would make any sense. Soon, Fluttershy returned, holding a small white creature in her arms.

“Here she is,” the Pegasus announced, “your perfect pet.

It was a cat, well a kitten. All white and fluffy, with big, bright blue, eyes.

“Cats are very independent creatures, and they don’t take as much work as you might think from Opal.”

“Hold your horseshoes,” I protested, “I’m not the animal expert, you are, but if I know anything it’s that the very last thing you want to bring into a house that has an established feline is another, smaller, feline.”

“Oh nonsense. Opal has met Sapphire before. In fact, it was Opal who gave me the idea for her name.”

“They’ve met here?”

“Yes, does that matter?”

“Yes, Fluttershy, it makes a difference. Before, Opal was in your house, under your watchful eye, or should I say stare. The dynamic is totally different when they’re in Opal’s territory.”

“You worry too much,” Fluttershy scoffed as Sapphire nuzzled my leg, “see, she likes you.”

“OK. But Opal takes one swipe at this little kitten, and the experiment is over.”

…

Opalescence is a big, light gray Persian cat and pampered almost to a fault. Rarity about has a heart attack any time one of the cat’s hairs is out of place. Opal is also very defensive and stand-offish, often hissing at Rarity and taking a swipe at anypony who gets near her without her permission. Fluttershy is about the only pony who is on her good side at all times.

“Rarity,” I called when we got back to the boutique, “Fluttershy and I are back.”

“Oh splendid, how did it go?”

I turned slightly to show the kitten sitting on my back. Rarity’s eyes got big and doe-like when she saw her.

“This is Sapphire,” Fluttershy explained, “I think she’ll make an excellent pet for Art.”

“Well she is quite cute,” Rarity agreed, “But what about Opalescence? You know how she can get.”

“Opal’s met her before. Besides, I’ll be here to make sure the initial meeting goes smoothly.”

The three of us went up to Rarity room, where Opal spent most of her time. When we entered, she was on Rarity’s bed. Surprisingly, she wasn’t asleep. Fluttershy picked Sapphire off of my back and glided over to Opal, placing the kitten beside her on the bed.

“Hello, Opal. You remember Sapphire, right?”

Opal sat up, looking down at the smaller feline. She then raised her right paw above her head. I winced, expecting a clawed swipe to follow. However, to my utter amazement, Opal brought her paw down and patted the kitten on the head. She then proceeded to lie back down and fall asleep. Sapphire followed in kind.

“See, no problem at all,” Fluttershy beamed, shutting my wide open mouth with her hoof, “tell me if there’s any trouble.”

“But, but, how did,” I stuttered.

“Opal moves in mysterious ways,” Rarity added, following the Pegasus downstairs.

Chapter 8: Winter's a Ball

*DING-A-LING*

“Welcome to Carousel Boutique,” Rarity greeted without looking to see who it was, “where every garment is chic, unique, and magnifique.”

I turned my head as best I could to see who it was. You see, I had let Rarity talk me into live fitting some of her latest designs for her. Unfortunately, by this point there were so many pins stuck in my hide that I feared tearing the outfit if I moved more than an inch.

“Sorry for interrupting,” Twilight apologized, quite out of breath, “but I just received a very important letter from the Princess, and I got over here as quick as I could.”

“A letter,” I asked, “about what?”

“Read it for yourself.”

I magically took the scroll from Twilight and opened it.

My Dearest Twilight,

This letter is cordially invite you, as a Princess of Equestria, to the annual Winter Formal Ball, to be held in one week’s time at the Royal Palace in Canterlot.

“Doesn’t seem like a big deal to me,” I said, “One of the responsibilities of being royalty, I suppose.”

“Keep reading,” the Alicorn implored.

While I know that you are very familiar with Canterlot and would have no problem coming here by yourself, I do ask that you bring a very particular escort: Mr. Art Colter. There is a matter that I would like to discuss with him, and so it would please me greatly to see him accompany you to the ball.

Princess Celestia

I rolled up the scroll, making a poor attempt to mask my lack of enthusiasm.

“I’m sorry,” I finally said, “But I cannot return to Canterlot.”

“But the Princess specifically requested you,” Rarity argued, “and it’s the Winter Formal Ball, the second-biggest event in Canterlot. Oh, I can see your outfit now. Winter colors, something that compliments your coloring.”

“You have to come,” Twilight said, “Princess Celestia has specifically requested you. Besides, what’s the worst that can happen in Canterlot?”

“Running into my parents would be pretty bad. They would certainly be worthy of invitation to such an event.”

“Don’t think it would hurt to be seen with a Princess,” Rarity pointed out, “or two of them.”

“Fine. You girls win.”

…

“Just hold still for one more second while I tie this.”

It was the day of the Ball, and Rarity was putting the finishing touches on Twilight and me. For me, Rarity had designed a short coat, sky blue in color, with an off-white collar. It had three big gold buttons going down the side, with similar cufflinks on the forelegs. This ensemble also came with a bowtie, the same color as the main suit, which I had tried to talk Rarity out of. But I suppose when it comes to fashion, you listen to what she says. For Twilight, she had basically just spiffed up a dress of white and purple which Princess Celestia had given to her specifically for such an occasion.

“You look dashing,” Rarity complimented when she had finished with the bowtie, “Didn’t think it would come out so well.”

“They always said I clean up nice,” I chuckled.

Before I knew it, it was time for us to leave for Canterlot. It was a bit of a carriage ride to get there, but nothing that Twilight wasn’t used to. I had heard the stories of her semi-failed attempts at making proper transportation, but fortunately this time it seemed to work out alright. Sometimes, it pays to have an Alicorn for a friend. Spike drove, as I was told was accustomed.

“What do you think the Princess wants to talk to me about,” I asked as we got underway.

“Who knows? I sent a letter asking for more information, like you asked, but she was equally sly in her response. Guess you’ll just have to wait and find out.”

“This feels like a pop quiz. And I hate pop quizzes.”

…

It had been a lifetime since I had been to the Royal Castle, so long that I had no real recollection of the place. As the carriage rolled up to the main entrance, I could see ponies of all kinds all about. It was only at this point that I remembered that I was escorting Princess Twilight Sparkle. The old school-age stage fright began to creep back into my conscience.

Spike brought the carriage to a stop. I opened the door and stepped out, my suit, which was quite silk-heavy, glinted in the moonlight. I turned back toward the carriage door and bowed as low as I could. Twilight soon exited. I allowed her to pass me before I rose again. As we walked down the path toward the castle proper, everypony we passed bowed before her. It is not in my nature to get a big ego, but I felt like a pretty important pony, even though I knew full well the bows weren’t for me.

“We’ll find the Princess first,” Twilight said, “The sooner we find out what she wants from you, the better.”

We didn’t have to look very far. Naturally, the Princess was in the center of attention, standing at the top of a very tall staircase greeting various ponies. Standing next to her were two other regal-looking ponies, a white unicorn stallion with a dark blue mane wearing a red officer’s uniform, and a pink Alicorn with a flowing tri-colored mane wearing a very beautiful purple dress.

“Shining Armor, Cadance,” Twilight said excitedly, “so good to see you.”

I about wore myself out bowing.

“It’s OK Mr. Colter,” Princess Celestia reassured, “There’s no need to be quite so formal. Allow me to introduce you. This is Shining Armor, Twilight’s older brother and captain of the royal guard, and his wife, Princess Cadance. This is Art Colter, the well-known author.”

“Pleased to meet you,” Shining greeted as we shook hooves.

“Sunshine, sunshine, ladybugs awake,” I heard the two young Princesses say in unison, “Clap your hooves and do a little shake.”

“Good to see that the sisters-in-law get along,” I quipped, “Now if we can get to the heart of the matter. Princess, why did you request my presence?”

“Twilight, Cadence, can you two handle things here? Shining, Art and I need to talk privately.”

The three of us went off to a side-room, the only room in the palace not being used in some way or fashion for the Ball.

“So,” I said when the door had been shut, “what is there to discuss.”

“What do you know about Scornbeasts,” Shining asked.

“If any other pony asked me that, I would say they are make-believe,” I began, “But I know that you wouldn’t ask me if it wasn’t something important, so I’ll explain. There is only one even remotely reliable source about them, and it is hundreds of years old. The author says that they are large, black, creatures which sort of resemble griffons. It is said that they have no heart, no soul, and are incapable of showing emotion. But, again, nopony in the history of Equestria has ever seen a Scornbeast, so their actual existence is highly questionable.”

“Nopony that you know of.”

“Nopony period.”

“There was an alleged sighting by one of my men in the far south of Equestria.”

“What!? If your men thought they saw a Scornbeast, why did you wait an entire week to take any kind of action?”

“To be honest, when I heard the description, I thought it was a griffon. Maybe a little unusual and rare, but nothing threatening. I had never heard of a Scornbeast until the Princess mentioned it to me.”

“And that is why I asked you here,” Celestia spoke up, “You are the leading expert on Pony myths and legends. We need to learn about these creatures and whether or not they are a threat to the kingdom, and you are the best pony for the job. You can explain this all to Twilight on your return trip to Ponyville.”

“Yes, Your Majesty,” I responded, “Am I to assume that outside of Twilight, I should be silent about this?”

“Yes. Until we learn all the facts.”

“With all due respect, but in my professional opinion, there are no more facts to learn. What I’ve told you is everything that has ever been said of the creatures. Unless another sighting is confirmed, there is nothing more we can do.”

“Please look into it anyway, we will as well. Now I believe there is a Ball to be had.”

…

“So, what was the big meeting about,” Twilight asked when as we stood in the main ballroom.

“Oh, I was blowing it way out of proportion. I’ll explain more on the trip back. For now, I’ll see if I can enjoy myself.

At that moment, I noticed a familiar face in the crowd, a dark gray mare with a black mane was standing just off stage.

“Excuse me, Princess; I believe I see someone I know.”

I walked over to the stage, doing my best not to bump into anypony, which was harder than you might think.

“Hello, Auntie Octavia,” I said when I reached the mare.

“Art,” Octavia greeted, giving me a hug, “how have you been? I haven’t seen you in some time.”

“Well, tell me what you do know, and I’ll fill in the rest.”

“I know you moved from Fillydelphia to Ponyville. And I know that you aren’t speaking to your parents.”

“They told you, huh?”

“Of course they told me. Art, what are you doing? I understand being upset that they tried to marry you off to that prissy Sweet Scent, but you can’t just cut them off from you for that.”

“Auntie, you know why I did it. And whether you agree with it or not, I haven’t regretted the decision yet.”

“You’re right, I suppose. I’ll admit, my sister was not the best mother on Earth,

“And that I saw more of you when I was a colt than I saw of her.”

“And that you saw me more than you saw her. I’m only saying that nopony’s perfect.”

I looked off into the middle distance in the direction of the dance floor.

“Let’s talk about something positive. I see you’re escorting the young Princess this evening. Good for you.”

“Oh no,” I chuckled, “don’t even go there, Auntie.”

“I didn’t say anything. All I’m saying is that you could do a lot worse. Besides, I hear that she is very studious, not unlike a certain favorite nephew of mine.”

Auntie Octavia returned to her work. The rest of the evening passed without any fanfare, at least not on my part. That is, until Twilight and I started back the following morning.

“Are you suggesting that my brother and Princess Celestia are over-reacting,” Twilight scolded after I had told her about the meeting.

“All I’m saying is that there’s no way to tell what the guy did or did not see. And I have no intention of being the messenger of doom if it is not warranted.”

“Do you believe they actually exist?”

“No.”

Chapter 9: Winter Follies

“Only a few days until one of the best days of the year,” Rarity said to me as we both prepared for bed.

“What happens in a few days,” I asked, completely stumped.

“Silly, it’s Winter Wrap-Up day, the day when the ponies of Ponyville clean up winter and bring in spring.”

“Of course, why didn’t I realize that? In Fillydelphia they magically change the seasons, so I’ve never had to think about getting rid of winter. Wait a moment; everypony has to pitch in to clean-up winter. What do you think I should do?”

“Hmmm, I’m honestly not sure how you can help. But I’m sure if you go talk to Twilight tomorrow, she’ll think of something.”

…

“It’s pretty simple,” Twilight explained to me the next day, “all the ponies are split into three teams: the Weather Team, the Plant Team, and the Animal Team. The Weather Team, led by Rainbow, changes the weather and gets rid of the snow, the Plant Team, led by Applejack, begins planting the crops, and the Animal Team, led by Fluttershy, wake animals from hibernation and Rarity builds nests for the birds to live in.”

“Well that all makes sense, but how do I fit into all this? I’m only good at one thing, and that certainly isn’t anything physical. I can’t fly to change the weather, I can’t push a plow, I’m not the best with animals, and I certainly don’t have the artistic capabilities that Rarity does.”

“Well there’s a job for everypony. My first Winter Wrap-Up, I didn’t think I could help at all. But then I just played to my strengths and organized the entire effort. If you want my advice, I would talk to Fluttershy. The Animal Team is your best bet. I’m sure she can give you some pointers.”

…

“Oh, I’m so happy you want to help me,” Fluttershy said after I had explained to her my plight, “I’m sure there’s something that you can do.”

“Thanks. This really is the last place I have to turn. But I am a little worried about my experience, or lack thereof, with animals.”

“Don’t be silly. You’re doing fine with Sapphire, aren’t you? Then there shouldn’t be a problem.”

At that moment, Angel decided to jump up in my face, grabbing me by the horn. He then pulled it down as he descended to the ground, causing me a great amount of whiplash upon release.

“I guess,” I said as my eyes rolled back into place, “But cats are a different kettle of fish, so to speak, then the hibernating animals you deal with.”

“Well I can teach you all about them. It really isn’t that much to learn, I promise.”

And so I spent the next two days with Fluttershy, learning about all the various animals that would need to be awoken. By the morning of Winter Wrap-Up, I figured I had it down.

Everypony gathered in front of city hall to be given final instructions before the day of work got started. Everypony wore a specially-designed vest: Weather Team in blue, Plant team in green, and Animal Team in tan, Twilight had her own vest as All-Team Organizer, a combination of all three colors.

“Thank you everypony for being here bright and early,” Mayor Mare said, “Let’s all work hard and bring in Spring!”

Everypony cheered and began to split up into their teams. I went with Fluttershy and a few other ponies to begin the process of taking care of the hibernating animals.

“It’s really quite simple,” Fluttershy explained as we reached the first group of dens, “we string the bells up and ring them all at once. Much faster than going to each individual home. But there are a couple scattered about that still need attention. Would you mind starting on those?”

“No problem,” I answered as Fluttershy placed a silver bell into my saddlebag.

So I started the work, and at first, everything was going smoothly. My first two homes consisted of a pair of porcupines and a couple of chinchillas. I began to think that Fluttershy was right about me being worried for no reason. But then came the third den. I rang the bell, just as I had done before, and poked my head in just a tad.

“Hello in there,” I softly called, “It’s Spring, so it’s time to wake-up.”

I stood by the entrance waiting for the residents to exit when I heard an unfamiliar sort of sliding sound coming from inside. Soon, three snakes came out into the sunlight. I took a step back to give them some space, but then they all yawned in unison. The sight of the fangs must have set off the fight or flight response went off in my head and, instead of running, I defended myself. I reared back a bit on my hind legs, my horn glowing dull gray. Without realizing it, I had frozen the snakes in place.

“Art, no,” I could hear Fluttershy shout. Of course, since it was Fluttershy shouting, I could barely hear it, and I didn’t react to it, not until she galloped over and put herself between me and the snakes. Seeing her and realizing what I had done, I released the snakes from my magical grasp.

“I’m sorry Fluttershy,” I apologized, my heart still racing, “I guess I just reacted without thinking.”

“It’s OK, I understand,” she said after making sure the snakes were OK, “I should have remembered that there were snakes in this den and warned you. Take a minute to breathe if you need to.”

“I’m sorry Fluttershy,” I repeated, hanging my head, “I don’t want to quit on you, but I wouldn’t be able to handle something else like that.”

I walked all the way back to city hall before I even considered raising my head, shame and guilt were the only things on my mind.

“Hey Art,” Spike called to me, “what are you doing back here? I thought you were helping Fluttershy.”

I looked up to see the little dragon, along with Twilight.

“Snakes, magic, failure,” I muttered, “that’s all you need to know.”

“Ah, don’t sweat it,” Spike consoled, “that was only one of Twilight’s many mess-ups our first Winter here.”

“You’re just trying to make me feel better. All I wanted to do was be helpful, be of some use to my new home…”

“We all want to do our part,” Twilight said, “Sometimes it just takes a little longer to figure out what part we play.”

I continued to be down, sitting on the first step of city hall, trying to think of something, anything, that I could do. But it seemed like my mind didn’t want to process anything, not a thought, not even a complete sentence. It was a long while before I got shaken up again.

“Hey Twilight,” Applejack called, coming up to city hall, “just wanting to double-check our numbers. You know, how many cups of seed we have and whatnot.”

“Sure,” Twilight responded, checking her worksheet.

“There are 250 cups of vegetable seeds,” I recited, not lifting my head, “fifty each of carrots, tomatoes, lettuce, radishes, and potatoes. There are also 100 cups of flower seeds, ten each of tulips, daffodils, chrysanthemums, sunflowers, daisies, violets, lilies, narcissus, amethyst, and forget-me-nots.”

“He’s right,” Twilight said, looking up, “how did you remember all that?”

“Guess I just have a good memory,” I shrugged.

“Oh Twilight,” Rarity sauntered up, “just making sure I know how many nests I need to design this year.”

Twilight looked at her sheet, then to me.

“The Pegasus ponies are bringing back 854 birds. Since they are all nesting pairs, you’re going to need to make 427 nests.”

“Merci ma chère,” Rarity pranced back to her work.

“Art, I think I know what you should do,” Twilight announced.

…

“Pinkie, don’t be silly,” I said, “You know quite well that you have to line them up with a pony space in between.”

“Right, I’m on it.”

“And Rainbow, I know you’re impatient, but you must let Fluttershy finish. You and the other Pegasi can generate over 800 units of wingpower, you’ll have no problem clearing the rest of the snow.”

“I know, but that’s my favorite part.”

“Big Mac, did they start planting yet? You know they have to get all the rows seeded by sundown.”

“Eeyup, AJ’s on it.”

“Brilliant, we’re all set then.”

“How are things going,” Mayor Mare asked Twilight.

“Great,” the Alicorn answered, “its uncanny how much technical knowledge Art can have of everyone’s jobs. I may be the organizer, but he is the one who understands how it all works.”

“Well Art, if you don’t mind, I’d like to ask you a favor.”

“Of course, Mayor.”

“I would like to appoint you Ponyville’s official record-keeper. If something of importance happens here, I want you to make note of it.”

“If that’s what you want, I’m more than happy to do it. But it must be noted that I can sometimes get a little long-winded.”

“You wouldn’t be an author if you weren’t.”

Chapter 10: Ancient Knowledge

“Twilight told me you’ve heard of Scornbeasts.”

The Alicorn princess and I were in the middle of the Everfree Forest. There sat a hut carved into a tree. The two of us sat at a table, drinking herbal tea. Across from us was a zebra named Zecora, a mystic and expert on traditional remedies.

“Yes indeed,” she answered, “what about them do you need?”

“There’s only one source I know of about them, and that source is troubling to say the least. Somepony claims to have seen one not long ago, but nothing more has been said about them.”

“Scornbeasts are very old; ponies are not the only writers of stories told. Civilizations far and wide tell their own story’s side. You have but one book; you have missed many a crevice and nook.”

“But those stories would have needed to be passed down orally,” Twilight theorized, “There would be the possibility of the accounts becoming exaggerated.”

“Twilight friend, you might forget, quill and ink are not the only set. The spoken word is a powerful thing; it connects history together like string.”

“That still doesn’t tell us anything,” I complained, “How do you know these accounts are valid?”

“As the old saying goes,” Zecora laughed, “I must not tell, I must show.

She walked over to a cauldron and began to fill it with various herbs and powders. Twilight and I were motioned to look inside as she continued the story.

“Long ago, before Celestia and her sister moon, there was a king known as Wassoon. In order to make his army grow, the seeds of hate he did sow.

The water in the cauldron shifted, depicting the king’s evil deeds.

“When his heart was fully black, he allowed the Scornbeasts to attack. They were big and black and flew through the sky, devouring love and friendship as they passed by. His subjects and kingdom wasted away, never again to see the light of day. But Wassoon survived a spell, until a new figure arrived to toll the bell. The figure countered the Scornbeasts, who no longer had love upon which to feast. He reversed their wants, their basic needs, and so now upon hate did they feed. The king was soon destroyed by his creation, leaving no trace of his nation.”

“Wow, that’s some story,” I said, “is it possible that Wassoon or the Scornbeasts could escape their prison.”

“I cannot say for certain; you would have to ask he who dropped the curtain.”

“The one who defeated Wassoon,” Twilight deduced, “do you know who he is?”

“Indeed I do, but you will not like it true. He was known as the chaos lord, for he is the one who embodies Discord.”

“Discord,” Twilight and I exclaimed.

“The very one you turned to stone, and then released when he atoned.”

“You mean we have to work with the guy who almost took over Equestria, twice,” I said, flabbergasted, “I’m not sure I’m good with this idea.”

“Well according to Princess Celestia, he’s gotten along a lot better since Fluttershy reformed him. But if we’re going to go talk to him, I think we’ll need The Elements of Harmony, just in case.”

“We’re going to Canterlot again, aren’t we?”

It wasn’t long before the six and I were on a train to the capital city of Equestria. Twilight and I had already explained everything to the others.

“It’s been a long time since we’ve seen Discord,” Fluttershy pointed out.

“Quite,” Rarity agreed, “I wonder if he’s been behaving like he promised.”

“You think Discord is behaving,” Rainbow said, shocked at such a concept, “He’s freakin’ Discord! I’m sure he’s been planning how he can get back at us since the last time we dealt with him.”

“Well that Princess says he’s been fine,” Twilight reassured, “But we’ll be cautious as always.”

Before I knew it, we were back at the Imperial Palace. Princess Celestia met us at the main entrance. The other six already had the Elements of Harmony on-hoof, while I was trying to look as confident as possible.

“Good to see all of you,” Celestia said after the usual bowing, “I’ve already told Discord you were coming. He’s very intrigued.”

As she said that, I could hear someone coming from down the hall. The figure that came into view was made up of the most mismatched assortment of things I’ve ever seen. I could tell why they called him Discord.

“Ah, hello there my little ponies,” he greeted, “I hadn’t realized how long it has been since I last laid eyes on you six.

He proceeded to pick up Fluttershy by the forelegs and swing her around for a bit. He stopped when he noticed me.

“And who is this, a new member of the team?”

“My name is Art Colter, perhaps you’ve heard of me?”

“Perhaps,” Discord contemplated, stroking his white beard with the lion paw that was his right hand, “I don’t keep up on current events as much as I should. But I can only assume that you have something to do with this whole Scornbeast thing Celestia told me about.”

“Precisely. We were told that it was you who banished the Scornbeasts to Tartarus all those millennia ago.”

“Guilty as charged. Although I kind of owe King Wassoon for helping bring me, chaos, into existence, I couldn’t just see him do that to his people. And so chaos reigned. But like you said, the Scornbeasts are in Tartarus forever, so I do not know why you are bringing them up again. Why do you ponies have to be so serious all the time? Can’t we have some fun as long as you’re here?”

“Business first, fun later. There was an alleged sighting of a Scornbeast in the south of the land. What do you say to that?”

“I would say that it’s impossible. And being the lord of chaos and all, for me to say something is impossible it has to be really impossible.”

As if to prove his point, he magically clothed himself in a smoking jacket and produced a chair to sit in and a pipe to smoke.

“Look…”

“Let me try,” Fluttershy interrupted, floating over, “Now Discord, you would know better than us, but is there any way you could think of that a Scornbeast could be here?”

“Have you ever been to Tartarus,” Discord snickered, “It’s guarded by the three-headed dog Cerberus and is the most miserable existence that is possible. But to answer your question, the only way it could happen is if someone else released them, the Scornbeasts cannot escape on their own.”

“What about Wassoon,” Twilight asked, “could he have done it?”

“That’s a good one princess,” Discord laughed, “I saw Wassoon breathe his last with my own eyes.”

“But wouldn’t his soul be in Tartarus as well?”

“Oh no, young Twilight, his soul is in purgatory, the middle ground between worlds.”

“Then isn’t it theoretically possible that his soul has escaped purgatory?”

“Ha. The day that that happens, I will eat my own horn.”

*SCREECH*

“What in tarnation was that?”

We all looked out of the large windows at the front of the castle. There seemed to be a large black cloud. However, this was organic, made up of hundreds of living creatures. They were large, black, winged, bearing a striking resemblance to griffons, just as all the sources depicted them. They seemed to be led by a kind of grayish-black haze.

“Scornbeasts,” I uttered in total shock.

“Guess you’re eating your horn when this is all over,” Rainbow quipped.

Chapter 11: In Defense of Harmony

The giant mass of Scornbeasts approached the castle. All of us, Celestia, Discord, the six, and I ran outside to view the on-coming threat.

“What do you say now, Discord,” I asked. He did not answer.

The grayish haze leading the squadron of hate began to become more concentrated, slowly forming another creature. It was a Pegasus, dark gray, with its wings being darker than its body. He wasn’t bigger than a Scornbeast, but he was still sizeable. His soulless eyes glowed a bright red, which seemed to intensify every time he made a motion.

“Finally,” the Pegasus boomed from the clouds, “I have found my way out of purgatory and back to my rightful throne. King Wassoon will destroy you!”

“Quick girls,” Twilight ordered, “the Elements of Harmony.”

“They won’t work,” Discord said in an almost dismissive manner.

“What do you mean,” Applejack questioned.

“Those things feed on love and harmony. They are not like Changelings who can be overloaded by the Elements. They will absorb your power, your strength, and your love.”

“Anypony got any ideas,” Pinkie spoke up.

“Oh yeah,” Rainbow said, determined, “time for an air battle.”

She flew up in the air to confront Wassoon and his soldiers. Twilight and Celestia paused for a second before following.

“Discord,” I said, “I hate to say this, but you might have to save our tails this time. You reversed them before, you can do it again.”

“Sorry Colter no can do. That only worked because there was hatred for them to feed off of. There’s no way we could build up enough hate in a short-enough time for the chaos to work again.”

“Why aren’t you ever useful when you need to be!?”

We looked up to see Rainbow putting her plan into action. She was flying around the entire group of Scornbeasts as fast as she could. After a while, this caused a trademark rainbow tornado to vacuum up the enemy. However, this didn’t last forever and when the tornado died down, Wassoon and the others didn’t seem too fazed.

“You think little aerial tricks are going to stop us,” the former king bellowed, “Scornbeasts attack!”

The black creatures flew in swift formation toward the castle. Twilight and Celestia were able to knock a few out of the sky between them, and Rainbow caused some more to fly into each other, but it didn’t really dent the overall horde.

“Everypony get ready,” AJ shouted, “We’re about to have a good old-fashioned hoof-fight.”

The first Scornbeast who flew close to us felt the brunt of an AJ back kick, sending him hurtling back at his comrades. A few more flew straight into the sights of Pinkie’s party cannon, which made a surprisingly effective weapon. Rarity and I were taking swipes as they passed by, but we weren’t doing as well. I looked back to see Discord seemingly protecting Fluttershy, toying with each Scornbeast individually, turning one into a mouse, magically de-winging another like it was nothing.

“There’s too many of them,” Rainbow reported, landing on the ground.

“Our magic isn’t as strong against them as it should be,” Celestia said, “We have to take out Wassoon.”

The nine of us were slowly forced more closely together. We were going to be between a rock and a hard place if we didn’t do something soon. Then I got an idea.

“What if we force-fed them chaos?”

“What do you mean by that,” Twilight shouted.

“Discord, do you think you can reverse the Elements of Harmony, so that they fire chaos instead of harmony?”

“I’m sure I could,” he answered lackadaisically, “But there is one small problem.”

“And what is that?”

“Reversing the Elements so that they are powered by chaos instead of harmony might work, but the chaotic powerflowing through whomever is the focal point of the energy might grow to such a level that it could destroy them.”

“We can’t risk that,” Celestia said.

“I’ll do it,” I said without hesitation, “channel the power through me.”

“Art don’t,” Rarity pleaded, “it’s not worth it. You don’t need to sacrifice yourself, we’ll find another way.”

“Its fine, Rarity, it’s worth everything if it works. When have I led you wrong? What do you say, Discord?”

“A chance to cause some chaos again? I’m in!

Discord closed his eyes and held his arms out in front of him. One by one, the gems of the Elements of Harmony turned a darker shade of their usual color.

“Art will need some kind of charm to emit the energy from,” he said, “Any ideas, Celestia?”

The princess turned to face me as I gave an AJ-esque back kick to a Scornbeast. A blink of magic later and I had a necklace of my own, adorned with a black gem in the shape of a quill pen, just like my cutie mark.

“I dub thee, Art Colter, the representation of the 7th Element of Harmony: Knowledge.”

“OK,” Discord said, “here goes everything!”

The six original Elements began to glow and emit energy as the normally would while using them, though devoid of any color. As the energy entered my necklace and my body, I began to rise into the air. Eventually, I was at the same level as Wassoon.

“Impressive display of magic,” he said, “but you cannot beat me with simple tricks. Attack him!”

Every Scornbeast remaining flew at me with great speed. As they moved closer, I closed my eyes and emptied my thoughts, allowing my body to be totally consumed by the chaos Discord has created, which had the same power as the total love and harmony of all the ponies in Equestria put together.

My eyes shot opened. They were dark and soulless. I was completely at the mercy of the power of chaos. My life, as well as the harmony of everypony I had ever known, depended on this working. My horn was also crackling with energy, shooting black sparks in every direction.

“What the,” Wassoon muttered.

All the energy released from my body at once. It shot forward like a laser beam, blowing right through the Scornbeasts as if they were not even there. The energy reached Wassoon, who, as a stronger being, resisted for quite awhile. Eventually, however, he was consumed by the chaos, rendering him into nothing. As soon as that happened, the charm in the middle of my necklace exploded. I fell out of the sky, completely unconscious.

…

“I honestly didn’t think that would work,” AJ said to Twilight later inside the castle, “but at what cost.”

Celestia, Discord, and the six stood by the bed I had been placed in. Rainbow had caught me in the free fall which followed the explosion, but I had not regained consciousness. Fluttershy was doing everything she could to keep me comfortable while the royal doctors checked my condition.

“He just can’t,” Rarity stuttered, sobbing, “He can’t go now.”

“It’ll be OK,” Pinkie said as she hugged the unicorn.

“But what if it isn’t?”

“Mhnmmm…”

I had finally woken up, but was unable to form a coherent sentence, or even a word. Rarity immediately dashed by Fluttershy and put her hooves around my neck.

“Be careful Rarity,” the shy Pegasus scolded, “we need to let him breathe.”

“Did it work,” I whispered so softly that Rarity was the only one who could hear me, “Are they gone?”

“Oh yes,” she responded, not letting go, “And it’s all thanks to you.”

It took a week for me to get back to the point where I could walk around without somepony’s help, and the first thing I wanted to see was the new stained glass window they were putting up in the palace. Whenever some important event happened, the palace glassmakers crafted a new window to commemorate the event.

“We’re almost there,” Rarity led me blindfolded toward the main hall, “OK, you can open your eyes now.”

I was speechless. The stained glass showed Wassoon at the top flanked by two Scornbeasts. I was in the middle, my body encased in a circular energy, wearing my now-destroyed Element of Harmony. At the bottom stood the six, along with Discord, sending their energy up to me.

“This is the second-most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen,” I said without even thinking about it.

“Oh really,” Rarity asked, “and what would be the first?”

I couldn’t do anything but smile.

Chapter 12: Heart Crusade

“Sweetie Belle, the next time I offer to fit some of Rarity’s designs, stop me.”

The unicorn filly just stood there and smiled. Yet again I had been tricked into getting all trussed up and used as a mannequin.

“Thanks again Art,” Rarity said, returning to the room, “You don’t know how hard it is to find stallions willing to dress up for me. I’ll promise I’ll make it up to you.”

“No problem Rarity,” I half-lied.

At that moment, two small figures dashed into the room, and stopped right in front of Sweetie Belle.

“Apple Bloom, Scootaloo,” Sweetie greeted excitedly.

“You ready to go,” Scootaloo asked.

“Of course, another Hearts and Hooves day of finding some lucky mare her very special somepony!”

“Just don’t do anything rash like before,” Rarity warned, “I’m sure you don’t want to do Big Mac’s chores again.”

“Oh we’ve got a much safer plan this time,” Apple Bloom said, “no more silly potions.”

“Well good luck then.”

The three fillies dashed out of the shop.

“Is it really Hearts and Hooves day,” I asked, contemplating it, “Never really paid much attention to the holiday.”

“How can you not enjoy Hearts and Hooves day,” Rarity asked, swooning a bit, “The day where two ponies can come together and express their true feelings for one another, it’s so chivalrous.”

“If you say so,” I sighed, “I think you missed a hem.”

…

Meanwhile, the Cutie Mark Crusaders were hard at work with their plan.

“So what is our plan,” Sweetie Belle asked her comrades.

“I don’t have a plan,” Scootaloo admitted, “I thought you had the plan, Apple Bloom.”

“I thought Sweetie Belle had the plan,” the Earth filly said, surprised.

“So what you’re saying is we don’t have a plan,” Sweetie concluded.

The three of them slumped down under a tree.

“Well the first part is to figure out which pony we should help,” Apple Bloom decided, “There are plenty of ponies in town who don’t have somepony, I’m sure we can help one of them.”

“Or two of them,” Scootaloo joked, “but where do we start?”

“Maybe with the ponies we know the best,” Sweetie suggested, “our sisters and their friends.”

“You really think they would want our help?”

“Of course, why wouldn’t they? It couldn’t hurt. And I know just which pony to start with.”

The three of them got on their way, using Scootaloo’s trusty scooter for transportation. They eventually reached their destination: Sugarcube Corner. They crashed in, as per usual, but Pinkie Pie met them at the door.

“Shhhhhhh,” the party pony shushed, “don’t wake up the foals.”

“What are you doing,” Sweetie whispered.

“I’m babysitting Pound Cake and Pumpkin Cake today. I gave Mr. and Mrs. Cake the day off so that they could have a nice Hearts and Hooves day.”

“Wow, that’s really nice of you,” Apple Bloom commented, “But Pinkie, what about your day? You should have a nice day too.”

“You kidding, I’m having a great day!”

“Babysitting foals, maybe. But don’t you want to spend the day somepony special?”

“You girls are silly. Everypony is my special somepony. That’s what makes life fun!”

“That’s a nice way of looking at it,” Sweetie said, “we’ll get out of your mane now.”

The CMC left the shop and returned to their scooter.

“Now who do we go to,” Apple Bloom asked.

“I know,” Scootaloo answered, “we’ll help a hard-working pony find her strong stallion.”

“Who’s that?”

“Your sister, of course.”

“Oh right, my sis- my sister?”

The CMC made their way to Sweet Apple Acres to find Applejack. They found her hard at work, like always, along with Big Mac.

“Howdy y’all,” the workhorse greeted.

“Howdy sis, happy Hearts and Hooves Day.”

“What are y’all doin’ all the way out ‘ere on such a nice day?”

“So, uh, we were wondering if you wanted any help finding your special somepony this year.”

AJ and Mac glanced at each other. It was Mac whom the CMC had tried to help before, with less-than-perfect results.

“Y’alls obsession with ponies findin’ a special pony is almost as big as y’alls obsessions over gettin’ your cutie marks. Trust me, if I ever find a special somepony, I won’t need y’alls help.”

The CMC swiftly left Sweet Apple Acres, no point in pushing the issue and getting on Applejack’s bad side. They were 0-for-2 so far on the day, but there were more mares where that came from. As the traveled back toward Ponyville, they passed under a cloud which happened to be carrying a sleeping Rainbow Dash. Seeing her ‘big sister’, Scootaloo stopped on a dime.

“Hey Rainbow Dash,” the Pegasus called, “are you awake?”

“I am now,” she answered, slightly irritated, “what’s up?”

“We could sure use your help with something.”

“What d’ya need,” Rainbow asked as she flew down.

“Well I figured, since its Hearts and Hooves Day that we could help you.”

“Hearts and Hooves Day?”

“Oh you know. And I’m sure that every stallion in Ponyville would want to be seen with someone as awesome as you Rainbow Dash.”

“Look, sport. As true as that statement is, I’m just not looking for somepony right now. I mean, I appreciate the thought and all, I’m sure there are plenty of lonely ponies out there, I’m just not one of them.”

The CMC scooted back to the tree under which they had started their day. They each tried to think of somepony else who they could help.

“Fluttershy,” Sweetie Belle offered.

“She’s too shy for something so sudden,” Scootaloo countered, “Twilight?”

“She’s too busy,” Apple Bloom answered, “probably knee-deep in books as we speak. Rarity?”

The three fillies all perked up at once, their eyes and pupils growing in size.

“Rarity and Art,” they said together.

“They know each other really well,” Apple Bloom listed.

“They’ve already spent all day together,” Sweetie Belle pointed out.

“And they’re both single,” Scootaloo shouted, “Let’s get to work.”

…

It was almost dusk by the time Rarity finished with me. Truth be told, my patience was wearing pretty thin. Fortunately, at this point the Crusaders burst in again.

“Rarity, Art, come quick,” Sweetie Belle called, “we have to show you something.”

Sweetie began pushing her sister out the door, while Scootaloo and Apple Bloom pulled me. We walked to the outskirts of Ponyville, to a place the locals call Stargaze Hill. There we could see a red- and white-checkered blanket upon which sat a basket. A telescope stood near-by. I could only assume that they had somehow convinced Twilight to let them borrow it.

“Oh what a splendid spread,” Rarity complimented, “and whom is all this for?”

“You two,” the Crusaders said together.

Rarity was taken back for a second. Then she turned to me, her eyes in full doe mode.

“Oh Art,” she cooed, “How thoughtful of you to set this up.”

“Believe me, I wish I could have thought of something like this.”

“You girls did this all on your own?”

“Sure,” Apple Bloom answered, “we were trying too hard to find two ponies to get together on Hearts and Hooves day when the answer was right in front of us the entire time.”

“Yeah,” Sweetie Belle continued as the other two pushed Rarity and I closer together, “you two are perfect together.”

“Well I,” I began, but was interrupted.

“Shhhh,” Rarity whispered, motioning with her hoof, “Run along girls, it would be terrible if all your work went to waste.”

The three fillies pranced off, quite pleased with themselves.

“Well now what,” I asked, taking a seat on the blanket.

Rarity sat down next to me, gently leaning her head on my shoulder.

“Happy Hearts and Hooves Day, ma chère.”

Chapter 13: Guys at Play

“Tell me again why we’re going,” Spike complained, “it doesn’t make much sense to me.”

Spike, five of the six, and I stood on the platform at the train station in Ponyville. We were awaiting the arrival of two more ponies before we departed.

“We’ve decided that Big McIntosh needs a vacation,” Twilight explained, “But there’s no way he would go on his own, so we’re going to have you two go with him to Manehattan for a week, how bad can it be?”

“You’re going and that’s that,” we could hear Applejack say as she neared the station. She was pushing Big Mac every inch of the way.

“Nnnnnope,” the work stallion resisted.

“You’ve never taken a break your whole life. You’re going to take it easy for a week.”

“But AJ, the hay…”

“Nothin’ doing,” AJ strained, giving Mac one more buck onto the platform, “I can handle it.”

“I don’t need to go,” Spike said, jumping on the excuse train, “What if you have to pass urgent correspondence to the princess?”

“I can take care of it, Spike. I’ve already informed her that you won’t be with me this week.”

“And the city noise,” I whined to Rarity, “I may not get a wink of sleep all week.”

“Darling,” the unicorn nuzzled up to me, “you lived in Fillydelphia for long enough to know how to deal with a little clatter. You’ll be back before you know it.”

“No use arguing, I suppose. C’mon you two, the sooner we leave the sooner we get there.”

“Now remember,” AJ said, “Aunt and Uncle Orange will take care of you when you get there.”

“And remember to have fun,” Pinkie Pie shouted, firing some confetti into the air.

Soon the three of us had departed Ponyville. The trip to Manehattan was not very long at all, and before we knew it, we were in the thick of it. Even for me, an experienced city pony, Manehattan can be kind of unnerving, so you can imagine what Big Mac, who had never seen a building bigger than Ponyville City Hall in his life, was going through. To put it mildly, he was quaking in his horseshoes. Applejack had removed the yoke that he usually kept around his neck, and I think part of his soul was left in that thing.

“It’ll be OK,” Spike reassured him, sitting on his back, “we’ll just find the Oranges and get settled in.”

It didn’t take very long to find the Orange residence. They lived in a very modest apartment in a very middle-class section of the city. Not that they weren’t quite well off, but I suppose you can’t be related to Applejack without being at least a little modest.

“McIntosh,” an orange pony with a green mane greeted, “great to see you, son. And you must be Spike the Dragon and Art Colter.”

“And you are Uncle Orange, I presume?”

“Naturally, but you can call me Mosely. Aren’t you excited to be here, Mac? It’s been a long time since you left the old apple farm.”

Mac couldn’t even stutter out one of his trademark one-word answers.

“Well I’ve never been to Manehattan before,” Spike spoke up, “There’s so much to do. How am I going to get to all of it in a week?”

“I’m sure you’ll figure it out,” a mare’s voice said.

I turned to see a slightly-lighter colored mare with light orange hair.

“Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Colter and Spike, my name is Valencia Orange, I’m Mac’s aunt. Oh Mr. Colter, I could hardly wait to tell my book club that you were going to be in town. Perhaps you could make an appearance at our meeting this week.”

“Now dear,” Mosely interjected, “I’m sure Mr. Colter doesn’t want to be fawned over too much while he’s here.”

“I appreciate the invitation,” I said, “We’ll see how it goes. And please call me Art. I insist.”

“I’m sure you boys are all hungry after your trip. Supper will be in a short time. We’re meeting a group of friends; you three are more than invited, of course. In the meantime, you can unpack your belongings.”

“You gonna be OK, Mac,” I asked when we were away from his relatives, “You don’t look too good.”

“Nope.”

“Look, I know the girls wanted you to take break. And I would hate to under-stay your aunt and uncle’s welcome, but if you wake up tomorrow and still aren’t feeling well, I’ll pay for the train ride home, OK?”

Mac nodded.

“Besides,” Spike said, “you’re probably really hungry too, and they said dinner is soon.”

Supper couldn’t come fast enough. The three of us, along with the Oranges, walked a short way to where a friend of theirs was hosting the dinner party. All of us had dressed up, as per the norm for the occasion. Valencia had tied Mac’s mane into a short ponytail and had ordered a large, tailored, dull orange suit for him. Spike wore a purple tuxedo, the only formal wear I knew of him to own. I donned the same outfit I had for the Winter Formal Ball, minus the bowtie.

After meeting and greeting some ponies, which included the usual faux compliments that I was used to, we finally sat down to dinner. Starting with the first course, a small mixed salad, I could see the uneasiness return to Mac. For a pony that was used to wolfing down food, the idea of using specialized silverware was a bit confusing. Valencia had tried to explain it to him, but a fork was a fork as far as Mac was concerned. I specifically seated myself across from him to give him some subtle clues as to what utensil he should use.

We made it through the salad course, which was followed by the main course. The unicorn waiters brought out large, domed trays for everypony while Spike joked about being ‘hungry as a horse’. I was hoping that the servings would be sufficient, or else Mac might faint from hunger. But when they had set the trays down and lifted the lids, I saw that we might have a problem. The servings weren’t enough to feed a new-born foal. I tried to keep a poker face, but Mac was less patient.

“Excuse me,” the big red stallion coughed, leaving the table. I motioned to Spike and we followed him out the door and into the hallway of the apartment complex. I was worried he was going to have a mental breakdown.

“It’s OK Mac,” I calmly said, “just take a breath.”

“No Art,” he said, reaching back and undoing the ponytail, “I’ve had enough. This isn’t relaxing. It’s more work to hold my tongue in there than it ever was plowing fields or bucking apples.”

“Spike, go back in there and say whatever you need to. I’m taking Mac for a stroll.”

The baby dragon gave a little salute and went back into the apartment.

“What are you doing,” Mac asked.

“I’m going to help you relax. But you’re going to need to keep the suit on. You OK with that?”

Big Mac paused for a moment, “Eeyup.”

I led the workhorse back down the stairs and out into the warm Manahattan night.

“First thing first, we need to find a meal that will satisfy both of us. And I know just the place.”

We walked a couple of blocks to my favorite place to eat in all of Manehattan: ‘Hay Oats’. It wasn’t the biggest place in the city, and it certainly wasn’t the fanciest, but it was the best.

“Here it is,” I said, magically opening the door for Mac, “hope my guy’s around. Hey Oats!”

“Is that’a who I think it is,” a big voice with an Italian accent bellowed, “I haven’t seena you in forever.”

Out from the kitchen of the restaurant stepped a very large Earth stallion. His coat was dark green, slightly covered by his red-and white-striped shirt, and while his white mane may have been receding, he more than made up for it with his massive moustache. His matching green eyes peered out through thin black frames.

“Mac, I’d like you to meet my good friend, Vitto Oats.”

“Good to meet ya Mac,” Vitto said as the two Earth ponies shook hooves, “Now Art, why do I have the pleasure of seein’ you tonight?”

“Well Oats, it’s like this. We needed something good to eat, and we needed a lot of it. Look, I’ll pay your next two months’ rent if you can scavenge up enough food to feed my friend’s sizeable appetite.”

“Make it three and you can eat too,” the restaurateur joked, returning to the kitchen, “Don’ta worry, I’ll have you two sorted out, no problem.”

We suited up, stuffing our napkins into our collars in anticipation. It wasn’t long before Vitto brought out two towering plates of spaghetti. I could tell that Mac was still a little worried about his etiquette; we weren’t the only ponies in the establishment after all. To ease his concerns, I picked up a slice of complimentary bread and a fork with my front hooves and began using the two in unison to shovel spaghetti into my mouth. Mac followed suit, and soon the two of us were blowing through the first plate, then a second plate. After that, I began to get pretty full, but Mac was still going strong.

“Hey Oats just bring him the top five things on the menu,” I shouted at Vitto, “Trust me, he’ll eat it all.”

Big Mac did not make a liar out of me. I knew that the workhorse could eat, but I’d never seen him eat so much. This was the most comfortable he’d been the whole day, the whole trip.

I paid the bill, on top of the two months’ rent I had promised. Vitto showed Mac and me to the door.

“Good seein’ ya, Art, and good to meet you Mac. If you’re ever in Manehattan again, you know where to find me.”

“Eeyup.”

We two stallions started down the street again, back the way we had came. But when we got to the street that the Oranges lived on, instead of turning down it, I kept going.

“Uh, don’t ya think we should turn in,” Mac asked, “its awful late.”

“On the contrary, my friend. The night is young. There is one more thing I want us to do tonight.”

As we kept walking and passing other ponies, I noticed that Mac was doing everything in his power to avoid eye contact, keeping his head and eyes down.

“Eyes up, McIntosh,” I scolded, “Trust me, the more you don’t want people to notice you, the more they will. Head up, eyes forward, seize the night.”

“If you say so, Art.”

As we would walk, every time we would pass a young mare I would slightly bow my head in their direction. Mac followed my lead, and, being the big strong stallion that he was, I heard more than one giggle escape the lips of the ladies we passed.

“Now here’s what we need to settle all that pasta in our stomachs.”

I had stopped in front of a high-end Cider Bar in the middle of the city.

“Are you sure, Art?”

“Sure I’m sure. We’ll have one pint and then we’ll be gone.”

But as I went to step inside, I was blocked by a rather large pony in a black t-shirt and dark sunglasses.

“Who are you,” the heavy asked.

“I’m Art Colter, well-known author.”

“I’m afraid I can’t let you in.”

“And why not?”

“There’s a private party being held here tonight, nopony who’s not on the list. And you’re not on the list.”

“I’m on everypony’s list. If you don’t believe me, ask the host.”

The bouncer talked into an earpiece for a moment.

“Wait here.”

The bouncer stepped away from the door but quickly returned. He was accompanied by a pretty young mare that I recognized from billboards around the city.

“Aren’t you Emerald Elegant, the supermodel,” I asked.

“Yes, yes I am. Guy told me Art Colter was at the door and I had to see for myself. I loved your book ‘The Complete Guide to Jewels and Gemstones’. Come on in.”

“This is Big Mac,” I introduced, “he’s a personal friend of mine. And I don’t come in unless he gets in.”

Emerald looked Mac up and down. Mac was able to crack a little smile as she did so. She nodded at the bouncer, and he let us through.

“Was it that important to get in here,” Mac asked.

“This is the best cider in the city,” I responded, “Maybe not as good as Apple Family Cider, but definitely above average.”

“One pint and we’re gone?”

“One pint and we’re gone.”

I went up to the bar and grabbed drinks for both of us. When I brought them back, Mac took a nervous first sip. Finding the cider not below his standards, he took a second, larger sip.

“So Art, you don’t mind if I call you Art, do you,” Emerald said to me, “What brings you to Manehattan?”

“Big Mac’s on vacation,” I answered, “I came with him since he’s never been to the city before.”

“You came with him? Don’t you mean he came with you? Seriously, Art, you’re the celebrity, he’s the workhorse. I know you’re being nice, but isn’t he just your bodyguard or something.”

Upon hearing this, Mac made a move to leave, but I stopped him.

“Now wait just a second, my little unicorn princess,” I said sarcastically, “Big Mac is a good friend of mine, and I’m not going to stand for you insulting him like that.

I took my first sip of the cider and purposefully spit it right in Emerald’s face. The groupies let out a simultaneous gasp.

“And on top of that, this so-called workhorse makes cider that is infinitely better than this watered-down concoction.”

“Well I never,” Emerald yelled in anger and embarrassment, “do you know who I am? I am a supermodel. I have the connections to get you banned from every bar in Manehattan!”

“Oh is that right,” I said, getting real close so only she could hear me, “Do you know who I am? I’m a writer, and I have the connections to make sure that everypony in Equestria knows about that horn extension you got. To tell you the truth, your doctor didn’t do a very good job.”

As Emerald stood there slack-jawed, I magically picked up my glass of cider and dumped it on her head, ruining her mane and partially-detaching her false eyelashes. Probably the meanest thing I’ve ever done.

“C’mon Mac,” I said, “I think they would like it if we left now.”

We went back to the Oranges to sleep, and the next morning we got on a train back to Ponyville. Mac and I had had enough fun for one vacation. When we got back home, we went straight away to Sweet Apple Acres.

“Big Mac, what in tarnation are you doin’ back ‘ere,” Applejack said, quite perplexed, “You were supposed to be on vacation for a week.”

Mac didn’t say anything. He walked right over to AJ and, using his powerful neck muscles, tossed her bodily into the nearest apple tree.

“I think that’s Mac’s way of telling you never to send him on vacation again.”

“Eeyup.”

Chapter 14: Wub in the Family

Rarity and I waited at the train station in Ponyville. We knew someone was coming, we just didn’t know who it was.

“Don’t you have any guesses,” Rarity asked, perplexed, “Surely you know whose coming and you’re just pulling my leg that you don’t.”

“Honestly, I have no idea. All I know is that I got a telegram that said ‘Be prepared, I’m coming’ and gave a date and time when they would be arriving. Believe me; I’m just as curious as you are.”

The train came into the station right on schedule. As the passengers got off, I strained my neck trying to find somepony I recognized. Then I felt a tap on my shoulder. I turned around to see a white unicorn with two-toned blue hair and over-sized sunglasses.

“What’s shakin’, cuz,” the unicorn said.

“Cousin Scratch,” I replied, “why didn’t you tell me it was you?”

We hoofbumped as Rarity stood there in disbelief.

“Wait, you’re related to DJ Pon-3,” Rarity asked, shocked.

“Like I said, we’re cousins. Her father is Metalhead, my mother’s older brother. But you still have to tell me what you’re doing here in Ponyville Vinyl.”

“Well I’ve got to get back to the shop,” Rarity excused herself, “I’m sure you two have a lot of catching-up to do.”

…

“Can’t a pony just come and see her favorite cousin,” Vinyl Scratch said as we lunched.

“I’m your only cousin. Plus, it’s something when you come all the way out to Ponyville to do so. How did you know I was here, anyway?”

“Octavia told me, of course. As soon as I heard that, I was like ‘Dang, I haven’t been to Ponyville in forever.’ So I decided to make the trip.”

“That’s more of an excuse than an explanation. C’mon, you must be here for some party or gig, right? If you don’t tell me, I know a pony who will.”

“Hey cuz, I wish I had a gig out here, Pinkie Pie’s my girl. But you know me, when have I ever lied to you?”

“I didn’t say you were lying, but you are avoiding the question.”

Scratch magically took her glasses off and placed them above her horn. She stared right at me for a moment.

“I’m here to avert a crisis.”

“A crisis,” I tried not to say that too loudly, “Why didn’t you say that from the beginning? What is it?”

“Don’t worry; it’s nothing Earth-shattering or anything. You just have to convince Piccoli that Octavia and I are right about Metalhead. Your mom feels that he should lay off his lifestyle and settle into retirement. That isn’t what he wants to do, but Piccoli says she would know better, being his sister and all.”

I rubbed my forehead with my hoof.

“You came all the way down here to convince me to get in the middle of a family feud? Believe me; I want to help your dad, but this isn’t my fight, it’s yours. What about Octavia, she’s his sister too. What does she say?”

“She agrees with me completely. Dude, your mom is trying to pull rank on us, and that’s not how it’s going to go down. Man, you have to use your way with words. I remember when we were foals; you could talk me into anything.”

“I assume that Octavia told you what happened between me and my parents?”

“Yeah, she told me, and I don’t blame you. But man, those are your parents, no matter what you said to them or what they said to you, you all can still sit down and talk, right?”

“I don’t like this one bit. But family is family, I suppose. I’ll go tell Rarity that I’m taking a trip.”

“Knew I could count on you, cuz.”

…

I was spending way too much time traveling. Canterlot one week, Manehattan the next, and this week it was Baltimare, where Uncle Metalhead was living. Scratch told me that my mother and aunt were already there, practically setting up trenches in the hallway of their hotel. We went to see Octavia first.

“Oh I’m so glad Vinyl Scratch convinced you to come,” she said over tea, “Piccoli is just being insufferable.”

“I just don’t see what the big deal is,” I said, “We all agree that Metalhead is no spring chicken, but it’s not like he is wheelchair-bound. As long as he’s capable of living on his own and is in his right mind, I don’t see why that should change.”

“Precisely right. But Piccoli isn’t so much worried about his ability to live by himself as his ability to take care of himself. You know that he has always been a kind of raucous individual.”

“Look, no matter what is said, nothing is going to get decided unless we can all peacefully sit in the same room and understand each other.”

“I suppose you’re right. Only one thing to do then.”

…

Metalhead was a stallion’s stallion. Back in his younger years, he was known as a brilliant guitar player who could make a solo instrumental album go Platinum, let alone when he was a member of Iron Horses, one of the top rock-and-roll groups of all time. But never let it be said that the lifestyle didn’t take its toll. Vinyl Scratch’s mother divorced him when my cousin was quite young. Unfortunately, she was unable to take care of her daughter properly either. Thus, like me, Scratch spent a lot of time with Octavia. Nevertheless, Scratch was her father’s daughter to a T.

“It’s quite simple,” Piccoli said to Octavia, Scratch, and I, “My big brother just can’t take care of himself anymore. It was fine when he was successful and happy, but since then the band has broken up, he’s gotten divorced twice, and all of this is having a negative effect on the family.”

“Mom,” I began, “I know where you are coming from. But it is not your decision to make.”

“Well somepony has to make a decision. And I am the eldest pony here, so while I respect the opinions of my sister, and Vinyl, and you, my decision is final.”

“It is not about seniority, it is about attachment to a pony. You may be his blood, but Scratch is his flesh and blood. If there is going to be a decision made by anypony who isn’t Metalhead himself, it is going to be made by her.”

“But that’s the problem,” Piccoli chuckled, looking right at my cousin, “You are proof that he can’t take care of himself. If he had been a good parent to you back then, you wouldn’t have turned into the rebellious pony that you became. If you were my daughter, and raised properly, you would be happy and married by now.”

“You hypocrite,” Scratch raged, tossing her glasses aside and going horn-to-horn with my mother, “I am who I am, and nothing would change that. And you shouldn’t be talking about bad parenting considering your track record. In fact, you should feel lucky that Art grew up to be such a cool dude. I mean, if I wasn’t related to him, and if I was into stallions, I would date him, and so would a lot of other mares. And he did that all on his own, without any need for you.”

Piccoli was visibly shaken by her niece’s words. I could even see some tears come to her eyes momentarily before she composed herself. Vinyl, on the other hand, had tears rolling down both cheeks, though more out of anger and frustration than sadness.

“Fine then,” Piccoli huffed, turning her back to us, “it seems that my whole family, my son included have decided to cut me out of their lives in the most hurtful way possible. I’m returning to Canterlot. Good-bye.”

My mother exited the room as Octavia comforted Vinyl. I for one wasn’t going to let it end this way. I followed my mother all the way to the lobby of the hotel.

“Mom, we need to talk.”

“Haven’t we talked enough for your taste?”

“This didn’t go the way I wanted it to. Why did you say those things to Vinyl? We have a small family, the last thing we need to do is break apart over the well-being of another family member.”

“Everything I said to her was true. She knows it and you know it.”

“And everything she said to you was true as well.”

“Metalhead chose to neglect his wife and then his child.”

“And you chose your career over your foal.”

“That’s different. My brother was already successful. He could have slowed down and taken responsibility, and he didn’t.”

“And despite all that, Vinyl doesn’t despise him; she doesn’t spend all her time wishing that they could have been together. No, she wants to make sure that he is happy, and he is happiest when he is independent, and that is how he should remain.”

Piccoli looked at the floor. I could tell that she was repeating everything that had been said in her head. When she looked up, she was on the verge of tears again.

“You’re right. I’m so sorry Art. And tell Vinyl that I’m sorry too. I guess maybe that I assumed my brother was unhappy for all those years. He wasn’t unhappy, he was just upset. Upset that he didn’t do everything he maybe should have done. But just because he didn’t always do those things doesn’t give me the right to dictate his life now.”

“Thanks,” I smiled, “Maybe there’s hope for us after all.”

Piccoli smiled and left the hotel, presumably to make her way to Canterlot. I returned upstairs to relay the news to Octavia and Scratch.

“Now what do we do,” Scratch asked, “I’m still really upset at your mother.”

“I think I have an idea. But we’ll need Metalhead.”

…

“Good evening, Ponyville,” Pinkie Pie announced, “Do we have a treat for you tonight: the musical combination of Metalhead and DJ Pon-3!”

Metalhead broke into one of his trademark solo fast rifts. Soon, Vinyl brought in her bass which gave beat to the rift and expanded the sound. Soon every pony in Ponyville was dancing and having a good time.

Dearest Princess Celestia,

Out of all of a pony’s friends, their family is probably the most important. Friends can come and go, move away, or change over time, but family is with you for life. And when you let the small things interfere with the feeling of family, that is something that hurts more than losing any number of friends.

Your faithful servant,

Art Colter

Chapter 15: Black and Blueblood

If there is one drawback when most of your friends are mares, it is this: they have a really bad habit of getting way too excited for some things. In this instance, it was the biggest event in Canterlot, the Grand Galloping Gala. It was my understanding that the six ponies went to the Gala every year since Twilight came to Ponyville and the whole Elements of Harmony fiasco. I had been invited to the Gala myself on multiple occasion, but I had always declined. Couldn’t really do that when Princess Celestia herself was sending me a ticket, now could I?

“You wouldn’t really decline the invitation,” Rarity said as she put the finishing touches on my outfit for the evening, “believe me; the Gala has gotten a lot more fun recently.”

“If you say so,” I sighed, “You know me; I’m just not as much of a fancy-schmancy party pony.”

Rarity shot me her version of Fluttershy’s Stare.

“Fancy-schmancy party pony?”

“You know what I meant.”

Rarity turned back to top the outfit, a long black jacket with diamond-embossed stitching, with a rakishly-tilted black top hat.

“That should do,” the fashionista said, not turning back to face me, “Now I must go prepare myself for the evening.”

…

It was soon time for us all to leave for Canterlot. After Twilight magically enlarged the carriage that we had used to get to the Winter Ball, I did the gentlcoltly thing and offered to assist the mares in. However, when it was Rarity’s turn to board, she turned her head away from me, smacking me in the face with her expertly-styled mane. After the six were safely in, I made a motion to close the carriage door.

“Aren’t you riding with us,” Fluttershy asked, concerned.

“Don’t worry, I’ll ride shotgun with Spike,” I answered, closing the door.

I made my way up to the driver’s seat, sitting next to the little dragon. As we were traveling, I wondered for how long Rarity would be sore at me.

“So,” Spike asked, “what did you do to get Rarity mad at you?”

“Is it that obvious?”

“Written all over her face.”

“All I did was make a remark about how I don’t really enjoy these fancy parties. I didn’t think Rarity would take it as a personal comment.”

“You know that sometimes you say one thing, and then somepony takes it a different way. Don’t beat yourself up about it, happens all the time.”

“Am I supposed to take advice on mares from a dragon? A dragon who’s never met a female of his species?”

“Hey, I never said I knew anything about female dragons. But I’ve learned quite a bit about female ponies in my time.”

“Any suggestions then?”

“I would give her some space. She’s not going to be mad at you forever.”

It’s almost odd how quick the trips to Canterlot or wherever seem to fly by when you get used to them. I blinked twice and we were at the castle. When we pulled up to the red carpet entrance, Spike and I got down from our seats, but this time it was the dragon who opened the door for the girls.

We entered the castle, and went straight to the royal entourage, as usual. There stood Celestia, Luna, Shining Armor, Cadence, and a unicorn stallion that I was not familiar with. After the usual bowing and carrying on, he stepped right up to Rarity.

“Lady Rarity.”

“Prince Blueblood, I thought you,” she sounded angry at first, but then changed her tone, “I thought you weren’t going to speak to me again.”

“I understand that I behaved most dreadfully toward you in the past, but I would hope that you would allow me to make amends.”

Rarity turned her head to one side, then opened only the eye facing the Prince, “You may.”

The two of them proceeded to walk off somewhere.

“What did I just see,” I asked the others.

“It’s actually a pretty funny story, sugarcube.”

“I’m not laughing.”

“C’mon everypony,” Pinkie Pie shouted, “are we just going to stand here, or are we going to have fun?”

Pinkie bounced off and the other four followed. I lagged behind. These kinds of events were uncomfortable enough without thinking about Rarity traipsing around with some other stallion.

The only silver lining to all the times I had to get trussed up and was seen with Twilight or the others was that it was no longer unusual. Nopony came up to me and said silly things like, ‘Aren’t you Art Colter? What are you doing with Princess Twilight Sparkle?’ And by Celestia was I glad I didn’t have to hear that rubbish anymore.

As I was contemplating the hilarity of all those awkward greetings, I heard my name being called.

“Yo, Art!”

I turned in the direction of the voice and saw a table top upon which sat a number of speakers. Behind the table, a white unicorn with tinted sunglasses was waving at me. It was my cousin Vinyl Scratch, better known as DJ Pon-3. It was always nice to see her, even if it had only been a few weeks since our last meeting.

“What’s shakin’, Scratch,” I greeted after I made my way over, “Why didn’t you tell me that you were going to be here?”

“Guess I was so excited that I forgot. But whatever, you look down, cuz, what’s up?”

I explained the situation to her.

“Dude, mare be trippin’,” Vinyl commented, “Don’t sweat it, bro. Maybe she’s just too shallow to be with anypony that doesn’t have ‘Prince’ before his name.”

“That’s the thing, though. I know she’s not that shallow. I think she’s just trying to make me jealous or something.”

“Well if you become single again, let me know. I’ve got plenty of friends who would step on somepony’s mane to date you.”

“You’re not helping, Vinyl.”

“Dude, what do you think family is for?”

“Well I know what your family’s good for,” Rainbow Dash said, walking over and bobbing her head to the rhythm, “laying down a sick beat.”

My cousin and the Pegasus hoofbumped.

“What are you doing here, Rainbow,” I asked, “Don’t you have some Wonderbolts to impress or something?”

“Nah, it’s hard to get their attention around here. Much easier to impress them the way I really know how to, you know, in the spur of the moment.”

“At least everypony else seems to be having a good time. Maybe I’ll just skip out on the festivities and go down to Donut Joe’s.”

“Don’t start getting all hung up over Rarity,” Rainbow said, “That’s exactly what she wants. Be the opposite of that. Get out there, meet some ponies, flirt with some chick who won’t give you the time of day, just do whatever to keep your mind off of her. Come on, I’ll be your wingpony. Get it? Wingpony? Cause I’m a Pegasus. I crack myself up sometimes.”

Ponyville’s resident speed demon and I walked about the grand ballroom. We passed by many ponies, some of whom I recognized, and they all seemed to be enjoying their evening. Rainbow Dash was looking high and low, at times even getting a little airborne to get a better view.

“Art,” she said after a time, turning my head with her hoof, “go talk to that pony.”

Rainbow had spotted a beautiful white Earth mare. Her dress was sky blue with accents of white lace. She had a dark blue mane, medium-length and curled, while her tail was braided. She wore the quintessential faux smile of somepony who was pretending to have a good time.

“Go already,” Rainbow said, pushing me in the right direction.

I crossed the room as best I could with the crowd. When I was within sight, I gave her a little smile, which she reciprocated.

“Hello,” I began when I had reached her, “My name’s Art, Art Colter. Pleasure to meet you.”

“Pleasure to meet you. My name’s Priscilla Prancer, but most people call me Tiny Prancer. Wait, you said your name is Art Colter, right? Why does that name sound familiar?”

“Well I’m an author, I’ve written books on many subjects.”

“You were the one who got rid of the Scornbeasts! There’s a stained glass window about it here in the castle.”

“Yes, I suppose I did. But that wasn’t just me, you know? And come to think of it, Tiny Prancer, that name sounds familiar to me.”

“I’m a dancer with the Royal Ballet. Have you ever been to a performance?”

“No, I’m sorry to say that I never have. My mother must have mentioned the name before. But a ballerina, huh? That’s an interesting career.”

“You know, that’s why I’m always so bored at these galas. They never play the right kind of music.”

“Well for your information, my cousin is DJ Pon-3, so she’s the source of some of your discomfort. But let me talk to my aunt, I’m sure she can come up with something. I’ll be right back.”

I did everything in my power not to gallop over to Octavia and her ensemble. A few words later, I popped back over to Prancer and extended a hoof as the quartet began to play a waltz.

“Dance?”

Priscilla accepted my offer and we made our way onto the ballroom floor. As soon as we did so, most of the party stopped to look at us, I assumed because of her. Now I’ll admit that I’m not the best dancer in Equestria, nowhere close, but nopony gets through school in Canterlot without at least learning how to dance a waltz.

But in the middle of the dance, I noticed for the first time that we weren’t the only pair garnering some attention. When I got a chance, I looked past Priscilla’s shoulder and whom did I see but Rarity and that Prince Blueblood. To my amusement, it seemed that the young prince had three left hooves, causing him to almost step on Rarity more than once.

My ego now determined to show him up, I began to add some spins and twists into the waltz, nothing outside the ‘rules’ of the dance. This caused the prince to attempt to copy the maneuvers, which he wasn’t able to do. At the end of the song, as I dipped my dance partner across my body with my right hoof, the Prince lost his grasp on Rarity, who would have fallen all the way to the hardwood floor if I hadn’t magically caught her.

The crowd cheered quite fervently as Vinyl opened up with more fast-paced dance music.

“Everypony dance,” I heard Pinkie Pie shout. Surprisingly, all the ponies started doing just that. Well, with the exception of Priscilla, Rarity, the Prince, and myself.

“Art,” Rarity spoke first, taking a step toward me, “I’m sorry I got upset and tried to make you jealous. You’re not mad at me, are you?”

“Mad? I was never mad.”

“Make him jealous,” the Prince thought aloud, “so all that time, that was just a show?”

“In short, yes,” Rarity answered, “truth be told, you’re still an unspeakably uncouth lout, and I don’t appreciate that personality. But I’m sure you’ll find somepony who does. Art, will you dance with me from now on?”

“Well I can’t book you for every dance ever, but I’ll certainly give you the next one. You don’t mind, do you Priscilla?”

“Of course not. Thank you for the great waltz.”

“Thank you.”

Rarity and I began dancing together to the upbeat music.

…

“Were you ever at least a little jealous,” Rarity asked as we cooled down with some punch.

“I wouldn’t call it jealousy, I would call it questioning. I was questioning why you were sore with me, even though I suppose I knew the answer. Then you jumped so quickly onto the hoof of another that I guess it shook me.”

“So in other words, you were jealous.”

“Yes. But, for the future, can we promise to talk to each other. This whole episode could’ve been easily avoided.”

“Oui, ma chère,” Rarity giggled. Then we shared a little kiss.

Chapter 16: Cloudy Skies

It was a rainy day in Ponyville, and boy was it coming down. Fortunately, everypony always knew when the Pegasus ponies had some inclement weather scheduled and could make plans accordingly. For example, on this day, Spike, the six, and I had decided to keep dry in Twilight’s house and re-tell some of our best stories. But, of course, we couldn’t begin without Rainbow Dash, who was in charge of the weather for Ponyville.

*CRASH*

Rainbow had made her entrance, and not in the most subtle of ways. The Pegasus flew right into Twilight’s face.

“Twilight, you gotta help!”

“What in tarnation,” Applejack complained, “you almost knocked the door off its hinges.”

“I’m sorry, but this is a big problem.”

“Then tell us what’s wrong,” Twilight implored.

“They’re recalling Derpy to Cloudsdale.”

Derpy Hooves was another Pegasus who helped with the weather every now and then. She was mostly known in town for being a massive klutz and often causing accidents, never maliciously or on purpose, but not always appreciated.

“Who are ‘they’,” I asked, quite perplexed.

“All the weather teams in Equestria report to a coordinator in Cloudsdale,” Rainbow explained, “they make sure the correct weather happens when it should happen, where it should happen.”

“But why would they recall Derpy,” Fluttershy said, “that almost never happens.”

“I don’t know why exactly. All I know is that I got a letter from the command center in Cloudsdale telling me to make sure that Derpy got there tomorrow. Command never asks for a non-leader pony unless they are in big trouble.”

“What kind of trouble could Derpy be in,” I asked, “whatever Command knows, you must know too.”

“Well there was that time last week when Derpy pushed a cluster of clouds south when they were supposed to go north. And the time the week before that where she made the wind gust too strongly. But, I mean, that’s nothing worse than any other time Derpy has messed up. Why would they recall her now?”

“Calm down, Rainbow,” Twilight reassured, “you, Fluttershy, and I will go with Derpy to Cloudsdale. I’m sure we can figure something out.”

“And we’ll all come too,” Pinkie said, “the more the merrier.”

“But Cloudsdale is a Pegasus city,” I said, “only they can walk on the clouds.”

“Well then it’s a good thing we know Twilight.”

…

The next day, eight ponies, including Derpy, took off for Cloudsdale. The four ponies who couldn’t fly took Pinkie’s pink and purple hot air balloon. Once we got up there, Pinkie showed no hesitation in showing me that Twilight’s ‘walk-in-the-clouds’ spell worked. Soon, we were all following Rainbow to the weather command center.

As its name would suggest, Cloudsdale is a city made of clouds. Everything, the roads, the houses, everything is built from the material. The others had all been to the city once previously to see Rainbow compete in, and win, the Best Young Flyer’s competition. I, on the other hoof, marveled at the just the sheer ingenuity necessary to make such large structures hold up.

Eventually, we made it to the weather center, literally the place where all the weather in Equestria is created. Every cloud, every snowflake, every raindrop went through this building. Rainbow led us high up the structure to a large office space that overlooked the entire operation. The name ‘Capt. Typhoon’ was written on a plaque on the door.

“Captain Typhoon,” Rainbow began, “Rainbow Dash and Derpy from Ponyville reporting.”

“Good to see you made it here promptly,” a stern voice said from behind the desk. The chair swung around to reveal a very large, black, Pegasus with a matching, slicked back, mane.

“Yes, sir. Why have you called us here?”

“Before I get to that, who are these ground ponies?”

“I am Princess Twilight Sparkle of Equestria. I, along with these other ponies, are personal friends of both Rainbow Dash and Derpy Hooves, and we are here to speak to their characters, if need be.”

“Hmph, usually I would take offense to seeing ground ponies here in Cloudsdale, but I suppose I can’t argue with the princess. Now where was I?”

“You were about to tell us why we are here,” Rainbow reminded him.

“As I was about to say, Rainbow Dash, you should know better than anypony why you are here. You cannot deny that Derpy has given both you and me more grief than we care to remember.”

“I wouldn’t say that,” Rarity said.

“That’s not how I would put it,” Applejack spoke up.

“You are quite mistaken,” I agreed.

“But Rarity,” Pinkie Pie interjected, “what about the time Derpy flew right through your bedroom window? And Applejack, what about the time Derpy accidentally struck one of the apple trees down with a bolt of lightning?”

“Pinkie Pie,” we all yelled.

“Oh, right, yeah, what they all said.”

“Regardless,” Typhoon said, “Whether or not Derpy does things by accident and whether or not what happens injuries anypony, I cannot take those risks.”

“And what exactly would she do in Cloudsdale,” I asked the captain, “I mean, it’s not like anything you are worried about her possibly doing in Ponyville couldn’t also occur in this city.”

“Oh how wrong you are. I’m sure you’ve noticed the structures in Cloudsdale are made of clouds. Unlike on the ground, where she can destroy physical buildings or objects, no such occurrence can happen up here. If she flies straight through a tall building, so what? She’ll just leave a giant hole which can be patched up in no time at all. Everypony will be much safer if Derpy remains here. Besides, what do you know about anything? You’re not a Pegasus, you’re a Unicorn.”

“Oh, you’re asking Art Colter what he knows about the weather! Ha! Well, to be completely honest, you’re probably right. What do I know? But how about this, how about we hear what Derpy has to say on the matter?”

We all looked at Derpy, who had listened to this whole exchange without moving a muscle. She tilted her head and those little crossed eyes of hers, and then tilted it back the other way.

“I’m sorry if I ever hurt anypony,” Derpy said at last, “I don’t want to hurt anypony, but I don’t want to live in Cloudsdale. I like Ponyville. Everypony there is my friend.”

“This isn’t about what you like,” Typhoon said, a little annoyed, “this is about what is best for you. And what is best for you is to come back to Cloudsdale where you will stay out of trouble.”

“What is best for her,” Rainbow snapped, flying right into the captain’s face, “What is best for her is being somewhere where nopony makes fun of her, and nopony calls her names, or tells her she’s a moron, or anything. I remember when we were little fillies here in Cloudsdale. Fluttershy may have been the worst flyer-- no offense, Fluttershy,

“None taken, Rainbow Dash,” Fluttershy said.

“And she may have been made fun of all the time. But nopony was made fun of more than Derpy. I protected Derpy then, and I’m going to protect her now.”

“Watch your tone, you little filly,” Typhoon snapped back.

“It’s OK, Dashie,” Derpy spoke up again, “You don’t have to protect me anymore. I’ll just tell the captain what I should have told him a long time ago. Captain, I know I’m not any good at helping with the weather, and I hate doing it. I’m going back to Ponyville, and I’m quitting the Pegasus ponies.”

“You’re going to do what!? You’re a Pegasus. The only Pegasus that can get away with not helping with the weather is Fluttershy over here. As a matter of fact, you should quit. It’ll get you out of my mane and off of my mind. But don’t come flapping to me when you can’t get work doing anything else. Now get out of my office!”

We all left the office and began to make our way to the edge of Cloudsdale where the balloon was parked.

“Are you sure you’re going to be OK, Derpy,” Rainbow said worryingly, “You didn’t have to quit, we could have thought of a different way.”

“Sure I’m sure. I haven’t been this happy in a long time.”

“I think this calls for a party when we get back home,” Pinkie cheered.

“But the captain did make a good point,” Twilight pointed out, “What are you going to do for work, Derpy?”

“I’m not sure right now,” the Pegasus answered.

“Well I reckon everypony in town will pitch in with ideas,” Applejack reassured, “There’s bound to be something that you’ll enjoy doing.”

When we made it back to Ponyville, we did indeed have the party that Pinkie had alluded to. During the party, all seven of us went around to see if we could find a new job for Derpy. Then, as other ponies heard of her plight, they started searching as well. Soon, everypony in town knew Derpy’s story and were acting on it.

Our first thought was to take advantage of Derpy’s well-known love of muffins. Unfortunately, no matter how much Pinkie taught her, she just wasn’t good at baking muffins. Then we tried all manner of things that might be related her cutie mark, three bubbles. Rarity and Fluttershy tried to get her a job at the spa, Pinkie and Twilight though it meant she should work at a daycare, and Rainbow and Applejack had her try her hoof at window washing. None of these panned out. I guess her cutie mark just meant that she was a ditz. Then, I came up with the winning idea.

“Derpy, you know everypony in town, don’t you?”

“Sure Art.”

“And you know where everypony lives, right?”

“Yeah. But I don’t understand how that helps.”

“Me either,” Rainbow whined, “Plenty of ponies know all that.”

“But those ponies don’t need jobs. My idea is for Derpy to work with the Ponyville Postal Service making special deliveries.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. She knows where all the ponies live, and since she can fly, she can deliver to anypony anywhere in town much quicker than an Earth pony could.”

“Art, that’s so crazy it just might work.”

Rainbow, Derpy, and I dashed over the post office to talk to the pony in charge. It took some expert wordsmanship on my part, and some begging from Rainbow, but they took Derpy on as a special delivery pony. And while it sometimes took her longer than expected to make a delivery or she sometimes forgot to have ponies fill in the right paperwork, she never lost a single package.

“Thank you guys so much,” Derpy said, throwing her arms around Rainbow and me.

“Hey,” Rainbow said, “what are friends for?”

Chapter 17: Wedded Deceit

To the esteemed gentlecolt Mr. Art Colter,

Prince Arabica of Saddle Arabia hereby invites you to his court as a special guest at the wedding of his daughter, Zaira. The people of Saddle Arabia, including the Prince himself, think very highly of your work. You are more than welcome to bring one additional guest of your own. Included with this letter are two train tickets. The Prince wishes to meet you as soon as possible.

“A royal wedding,” Rarity exclaimed after I had read the letter, “Oh dear, what do I pack?”

“Who said you’re going? Who said I’m going?”

“Of course you have to go; it would be terribly rude of you not to. And it would also be terrible to waste a train ticket.”

…

The region of Saddle Arabia is mostly desert, and the ponies who live there are very hardy creatures. Unlike in Equestria, where there is a mix of Earth ponies, Unicorns, and Pegasi, only Arabians, a kind of pony which is closely related to Earth ponies, are allowed to be citizens. Of course, this doesn’t mean that they have anything against the other types of ponies, only that Unicorns and Pegasi aren’t native to the land.

We two unicorns were met at the train station by an ambassador of the Prince. It was a good thing, because Rarity, as usual, had over-packed for the occasion. It took four stallions just to haul her luggage. I tried to apologize, but the representative hushed me.

“Don’t worry about it,” he said, “anything to make our guests feel welcome.”

He led us through the capital city toward the palace. The palace wasn’t like the one in Canterlot, but certainly nothing to sneeze at. Rarity and I were soon separated, taken into different rooms to get dressed for our audience with the Prince. Fashion in Saddle Arabia is very simple and practical, with a lot of silk, which I knew Rarity would appreciate.

“So how was your trip,” Prince Arabica asked after we had all been seated at a rather large table.

“It was fine,” I replied, “though Saddle Arabia is a bit further than I initially thought.”

“A common complaint from those traveling from Equestria. But such is life.”

“We’re very flattered that you would invite Art to this ceremony,” Rarity spoke up, “But I would have thought there would be a lot more ponies here.”

“There are not that many guests from outside Arabia, and of those there are, you two are the first to arrive.”

An Arabian mare came up to the table, said a few words to the Prince, then turned to us.

“Miss Rarity,” she asked, “would you be interested in viewing the crown jewels of Saddle Arabia?”

“Would I,” the unicorn said, her eyes lighting up, she then regained her composure, “I would be honored to, if that’s alright.”

“It’s more than alright,” the Prince said.

The two mares went off somewhere.

“Interesting choice of accompaniment,” the Prince quipped.

“And what do you mean by that,” I replied.

“Oh nothing, I just assumed when I allowed you to bring a guest that you would bring a good stallion friend of yours.”

“Well she was there when I received the letter, and she can’t resist a royal wedding, or anything royal for that matter. Speaking of the wedding, the letter failed to mention who you are marrying your daughter to. Someone I know, perhaps?”

“You could say that. You could say that because my daughter is being married to you, Mr. Colter.”

“What!? Excuse me, your highness, but while I am honored by the suggestion, I cannot possibly marry your daughter.”

“Of course you can. Unless, of course, you’re married to your escort.”

“I would be careful with your use of the word ‘escort.’ And no, we’re not married, but she is still the reason I can’t marry Zaira.”

“You misunderstand. I’m asking you as a favor to both me and my kingdom.”

“You sure sound desperate. Wouldn’t have thought it would be that hard to find a worthy stallion for a young princess.”

“It’s not. But I want you specifically. Tell me, Mr. Colter, have you ever heard of any authors from Saddle Arabia?”

“The only one I can think of lived and died long ago.”

“Precisely. My goal is to make Arabia more interwoven with other pony states, such as Equestria. One of those ways is to make Arabic art and culture more widely known. However, there are precious few artists in my kingdom who have farther-reaching appeal.”

“So you invited me here under false pretense in order to persuade me to marry your daughter, not for her benefit, but to boost your own artistic ego. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go find Rarity and we will leave.”

But as I got up to do just that, I was cut off by two guards.

“I plead with you to reconsider,” the prince said.

“And I’m asking you to not do something you will regret. I have many friends in high places, you know.”

Prince Arabica smiled.

“Who are you?”

The two guards picked me up quite easily and carried me down into the basement of the castle and tossed me into a kind of cell. After closing the heavy wooden door behind me, I could hear the prince snickering.

“Perhaps a few days in there will change your mind.”

“This is ponynapping,” I shouted, “Princess Celestia will have your head.”

“The only two Equestrians who know you are here are in my palace.”

With that he left. I immediately sat down and began to work on how to escape my predicament. After a few hours, by my guess, I heard the hoofsteps of some ponies returning to the dungeon. I heard the prince, and I heard Rarity.

“Let go of me, you ruffian,” she screamed at them, “This is a most disrespectful way to treat a guest.”

They tossed her into the cell next to mine.

“You’ll stay put until Art is married.”

“Hey prince,” I yelled, “I have a deal for you.”

“You’re not really in a position to be making deals, but I’m listening.”

“I’ll marry your daughter and everything under one condition.”

“Art, you wouldn’t,” Rarity screamed at me.

“Hush, Rarity. Like I was saying, one condition.”

“And what would that be,” the prince asked, intrigued.

“I’ll marry your daughter, if you invite two other distinguished guests from Equestria. Princess Twilight Sparkle and Prince Blueblood.”

“I don’t know. That’s awful risky.”

“It’s either that, or you’re daughter will be a widow after one day.”

Prince Arabica bought my bluff. He yelled at the guards to send the two invitations out. Phase one, buying myself a couple of days, had been successful.

The next day, when I was sure that the prince had done what I had told him to, I got an unexpected visitor: Zaira, the Princess of Saddle Arabia.

“My father says you are going to marry me,” she said.

“That may be the case,” I answered, still firmly inside the cell, “If your father does what I have asked of him.”

“Not if I have anything to say about it,” Rarity shouted.

“The reason I came all the way down here is because I felt very uneasy about marrying some stallion whom I had never met before.”

“At least you and I agree on one point,” I said, “but that doesn’t change much.”

“However, there is one other problem. You see, I have no want to marry you.”

At this, I perked right up.

“You don’t?”

“No. The truth of the matter is that I thought my father was marrying me off to some prince, perhaps a prince of Equestria. But when he told me you were instead the most famous author in Equestria, I was disappointed. When I asked him if you were rich in addition to famous, his answer did not please me.”

“So you’re more impressed by personal wealth.”

“Yes. It’s nothing against you, I assure you. It’s just that when one is a princess, you come to expect certain things. And to the mare in the next cell, are you related to Mr. Colter?”

“I’m his marefriend,” Rarity answered, most annoyed.

“And I wish that relationship many blessings. But what are we supposed to do to make sure we are all happy?”

“Princess Zaira, have no fear. I already have it covered.”

The next day was the wedding. Princess Zaira, Rarity, and I went through the motions, as if it was really going to happen. Prince Arabica had allowed Rarity to help the princess with her finery, and he also showed me proof that Twilight and Blueblood were there. Everything was going according to plan.

When Prince Arabica left my presence, I sneaked off and found Prince Blueblood myself who seemed quite shocked to see me.

“Normally,” the Equestrian prince scoffed, “I would offer my congratulations, but really, I can’t congratulate you. If this wedding goes through, Lady Rarity will be all mine.”

“Forget it. Do you remember how she told you that someday you would find the right pony? Well I believe I have found the one. Come with me.”

The two of us got around the royal guards and to where Princess Zaira was getting prepared. Rarity knew that I was making this happen, and she got us past the last few guards. When we were in the princess’ presence, I had to admit that she was the most beautiful Arabian mare I’d ever seen. And Prince Blueblood obviously thought the same way, since he quickly made his way across the room and introduced himself. She, in turn, was quite taken by him, just as I had hoped and just as I had promised her.

As the two young royals were conversing, Prince Arabica burst into the room, followed by some guards, and Twilight.

“Zaira, daughter,” he said, “what is the meaning of this?”

“If I didn’t know better,” I observed, “I would say that the two of them enjoy each other’s company. You might get a son-in-law after all. It just won’t be today, and it won’t be me.”

I left the room, followed by Rarity and Twilight, as I walked between my two friends; I sung a line from a popular play.

“Matchmaker, matchmaker, make me a match, find me a find, catch me a catch.”

Chapter 18: Future Warning

It started as any other normal day in Ponyville. Pinkie Pie, Rarity, and I were in Sugarcube Corner, all of us laughing and quite jovial, as Pinkie re-told her personal favorite story.

“And then, the wings burned up in the sun,” Pinkie said, “and Rarity plummeted to the ground below…”

*DING-A-LING*

The doorbell of the sweet shop interrupted the story. As the three of us looked at the door, we saw two ponies, the first was Twilight, and the second was a brown Earth stallion who had a cutie mark in the shape of an old-school hourglass. He was known by a few different names around town, but I knew him as Time Turner. They both were out of breath, as if they had been running.

“Thank Celestia we found you,” Time Turner huffed, “we’ve been looking all over town.”

“Take a breath,” I said, “looking for whom?”

“You, Art,” Twilight explained, “Time Turner came to me and told me he had seen something you would want to know.”

Time Turner was a strange pony. Even though he wasn’t a unicorn, he had a strange kind of magic all his own. He had somehow mastered time travel, and did so on many occasions, usually just for kicks, but every so often, he saw something interesting. However, every other time this happened, he told us that he couldn’t tell us about it, lest we change the future.

“I just returned from a trip to the near-future,” Turner began, “By near-future, I mean this coming winter, late in the season. Although I was in Ponyville, the town was very quiet, very unusual.”

“Where was everypony,” Pinkie asked.

“I went to find out. The entire town was at the Ponyville Cemetery. Not only was the entire town there, but Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, DJ Pon-3, everypony. Thinking to myself that this must be some kind of important pony, I went to see if I recognized the name on the grave. When I got very close, I could read it very clearly, and I was quite distraught at what I saw.”

“Whose name was on the grave,” I implored.

“Yours. Art Colter.”

I stood there stunned as Rarity fainted right into my arms. Pinkie’s mane and tail ‘deflated’ becoming long and straight, something that only happened when she was upset.

“How did you know that it was this coming winter,” I asked, fanning Rarity, “I know you are usually quite certain, but how did you know?”

“For one, I saw the Cutie Mark Crusaders, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo. But they weren’t exactly the same. They all had their cutie marks. Not to mention that nopony seemed particularly older than they are today.”

I began to feel a little sick.

“There is good news,” Twilight said, “Time Turner was able to piece together the possible circumstances that led to Art’s death.”

“Indeed. At the funeral, Princess Celestia mentioned Art giving his life in protection of Equestria. Art was also buried wearing the jewel which encompasses his Element of Harmony. I also overheard other pony’s say that he lost his life protecting his friends.”

“There must be some kind of evil coming to Equestria, something bad enough to require the use of the Elements to defeat it.”

“But my Element of Harmony was temporary,” I said, “Not only that, but it was destroyed. Why would I have a new one?”

“I theorize that just because it was temporary doesn’t mean that you don’t in fact represent an Element of Harmony. It may not be one of the main six elements, but it is still there. Whatever it is, it must have become necessary for us to once again use your Element.”

“Princess Celestia must be told all of this.”

“Spike has already sent an urgent letter on the matter.”

“So then what do we do?”

“We simply need to keep our eyes and ears open. Also, this doesn’t leave this room. No reason to have other ponies worry about something we don’t fully understand.”

“Right. Thank you for your concern, Time Turner. Remember, not a word.”

The time traveling pony left the shop. He left behind four ponies in an emotional mess. Rarity was openly crying into my shoulder, while I tried to soothe the unicorn by stroking her mane with my hoof. Twilight was reassuring Pinkie that we would find the answer to the situation. Eventually, the party pony’s hair returned to its normal state of curl.

“Looks like there is more research to do,” Twilight said, “I’ll get started. Maybe the princess has replied to my letter.”

“And I’ll get Rarity some water,” Pinkie offered.

“I thought you were going to die before,” Rarity sobbed, “It can’t be true, you can’t leave me, us, now.”

“There’s plenty of time,” I calmly said, “Things will work out, they always do, don’t they?”

The unicorn didn’t respond.

Chapter 19: Extreme Rules

The Ponyville market was bustling as always with ponies doing their shopping and talking with each other. Fluttershy and I were there as well. Rarity had a big project on the table, and so she asked me to give her ‘creative space.’ When I made it to the middle of town, I ran into the shy Pegasus, and offered to help her with the shopping she was doing for her animals. We were just about to step over to the tomato stand when we heard the sound of rushing air coming toward us. We turned to see two clouds of dust coming into town. When it died down, we could see the creators, two Pegasi: Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo.

“Geez Rainbow,” I said, coughing, “you really gotta watch where you kick up dust.”

“No time for that, Art,” the resident daredevil excused, “You have to see this.”

Scootaloo turned on her scooter to show her flank, which was no longer blank. It now sported a tire wheel encased in red and orange flame, as if it was going very fast. Scootaloo has finally earned her Cutie Mark.

“Oh,” Fluttershy commented, “when did this happen?”

“Just now,” Scootaloo answered, “once I saw it, we came to town as fast as we could.”

“How exactly did it happen,” I asked, “it must be some story.”

“It is. Well you know that Rainbow has been trying to help me with my flying. And she came up with this awesome idea.”

“I told her to ride her scooter as fast as she could off the side of Ghastly Gorge,” Rainbow explained, “I figured if she could build up enough speed, the wings would take over in the air and she would fly.”

“You told her to do what,” I exclaimed.

“Oh come on, I was right there. If she had fallen, I would have caught her.”

“Anyway,” Scootaloo continued, “so I rode my scooter as fast as I could toward the cliffs, with Rainbow flying right next to me to egg me on. But when I shot off the cliff, something went wrong. I leaned too far back on the jump, you know, trying to get more air. I ended up flipping upside down.”

“And you didn’t step in,” I scolded Rainbow.

“She was still climbing; I was waiting for her to fall out of the sky.”

“Well I was upside down,” the little Pegasus started again, “the only thing I could do was continue the back-flip until I was right-side up. When I completed that one, I knew that I wasn’t going to be able to fly from this, so I decided to see if I could clear Ghastly Gorge on this jump. As I started down, I did a second back-flip, and then landed clear on the other cliff.”

Fluttershy and I stood there with our mouths wide open in disbelief.

“And then the Cutie Mark appeared,” Fluttershy asked.

“Yep,” Rainbow answered, “the kid’s a born daredevil, just like me, but on the ground instead of in the air.”

“Scootaloo,” I said, “though I congratulate you on this achievement, could I ask to see this stunt myself. Do you think you could do it again?”

“That’s an awesome idea! We’ll bring everypony to see it.”

…

All of Ponyville stood on the far side of Ghastly Gorge, Scootaloo’s target landing area. Scootaloo and Rainbow Dash were on the other side, psyching themselves up.

“I’m really worried about this,” Sweetie Belle said to me, “what if she doesn’t make it twice?”

“If she falls, Twilight will use her magic to catch her,” I answered, “but I have confidence. Cutie Marks aren’t earned for nothing.”

“Art’s right,” Apple Bloom perked up, “if Scootaloo’s confident, we have to be confident.”

“They’re starting the run-up,” Twilight announced, looking through binoculars.

Everypony looked to the opposite side, trying to catch a glimpse of the two Pegasi. After a short time, we saw two blurs, one blue, one orange. I had never seen Scootaloo go so fast on her scooter before. I guess it was part of Rainbow’s training. When they were close to the edge, Rainbow broke off into the air, leaving a rainbow streak behind her. A second later, Scootaloo hit a lip of the cliff which acted as a ramp.

We all stood there with baited breath. Scootaloo completed the first back-flip with no problem. She floated in the air for a moment before starting the second. She was now on the descent and falling a bit faster than I thought she would. The Pegasus pulled back on the handlebars and began the second flip. This one wasn’t as clean, and I could hear some gasps from the ponies behind me. She completed the second flip very close to the near cliff, which she hit with the middle of her scooter, with the back wheel off the side. Fortunately, her momentum bounced her forward onto solid ground.

For a second, there was no sound. Everypony was taking in what they had just witnessed. Then, all at once, everypony exploded in thunderous cheering and hoof stomping. As soon as Scootaloo dismounted her scooter, Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom rushed over to hug and congratulate their friend. Rainbow flew down and proceeded to pick up all three of them in her arms.

“Hey Rainbow,” I shouted over the noise, “If I didn’t know better, I’d say you enjoyed this more than any Sonic Rainboom.”

“Maybe I did,” Rainbow countered.

Chapter 20: Chaotic Element

“I can’t believe we have to deal with Discord again,” I said on the train to Canterlot.

“Princess Celestia told me that he has possibly come up with an answer,” Twilight responded, “Besides, it wasn’t like he wasn’t any help the last time.”

“I still don’t trust him farther than I can throw him. And I can’t throw him very far.”

The six and I soon made it to the Canterlot Palace and into the presence of both Celestia and Discord. The master of chaos seemed uncharacteristically glum.

“Tell them what you have to report,” the princess of the sun told him.

“There is only one thing that could bring about all the events you described,” Discord began, “The Elements of Chaos.”

“The Elements of Chaos,” Twilight pondered aloud, “No such thing exists.”

“Of course they do. Just like the Elements of Harmony, they exist in the soul of everypony. But unlike your elements, they have never been brought together under one banner.”

“They sound like something you would create,” Rainbow Dash scoffed.

“I can assure you that I did no such thing.”

“What makes these things such a big threat,” Applejack inquired, “I reckon they’re mighty powerful.”

“Yes, they are. There are seven Elements of Chaos: Hatred, Melancholy, Greed, Treachery, Corruption, Sorcery, and Ignorance.”

“They are the opposites of the Elements of Harmony,” Twilight deduced, “Kindness, Laughter, Generosity, Loyalty, Honesty, Magic, and…”

“Knowledge,” I finished her sentence.

“Precisely,” Discord said, “That explains why you are involved, Art. Each element needs to defeat its opposing element. However, there is one little problem.”

“And what is that?”

“Although I know that the Elements of Chaos exist, I don’t know what form they will take. When whatever or whomever is using them appears, you may not know it until they begin their work.”

“So in other words, you’re just as useless as always.”

“Art,” Fluttershy interjected, “there is no need for such harsh words.”

“Well Discord, if you were using the Elements of Chaos against the seven of us, how would you do it?”

“I would try to overpower each of you individually. It’s nearly impossible to defeat all of you when you are together. The only time I ever got close was when I forced the six to separate.”

“There’s no way we’d fall for that tactic twice,” Rainbow protested, “We’ll stay together and fight back as a team.”

“That’s the goal, I suppose. But there is a big difference between saying you will do something and actually doing it in the heat of the moment.”

“Discord,” I spoke up, “if I didn’t know better, I would say that you are actually being logical.”

“I may be the lord of chaos and all, but it doesn’t mean that my thought process is just as chaotic. As someone who has tried more times than I can count to think up a strategy to once again take over Equestria, I do believe anything that can be thought up has already gone through my head.”

“What’s the common denominator? What makes all those plans fail?”

“I am only me. One being against six, now seven of you ponies. But if I imagine a scenario where there are equal numbers that may produce a different result.”

“Here’s my question,” Twilight said, “if the Elements of Chaos are like the Elements of Harmony, can they truly be destroyed. Nightmare Moon tried to destroy Harmony, and failed.”

“As with me,” Discord answered, “they cannot be completely destroyed. But if you could get your hands on the Elements of Chaos, they could be better controlled.”

“That is your mission,” Celestia said, “When the chaos makes itself apparent, you seven will stop them and bring them under control.”

“Understood princess,” Twilight answered.

“Oh, and to do that, Art you will need this.”

The princess lowered her head, pointing her horn toward my neck. After a little magic, I once again wore a necklace adorned with my Element of Harmony.

“We won’t fail,” I said, “you can count on us.”

Chapter 21: Background Aria

“So what’s our plan for this year’s talent show,” Apple Bloom asked her fellow Crusaders in their treehouse.

“We should do another group act,” Sweetie Belle suggested.

“Well,” Scootaloo said, glancing back at her Cutie Mark, “I was really thinking of doing my own act showing off some of my tricks. You guys understand, right?”

The Earth and Unicorn fillies glanced at each other, and then back at their Pegasus friend.

“Of course we understand,” Apple Bloom nodded, “You’ve found your special talent, and you should be doing everything to work on it.”

“Hey,” Sweetie exclaimed, “this is the perfect opportunity for Apple Bloom and I to find our own talents. We should each do our own act.”

“Yeah. That is, if I can think of something.”

“Well there’s two more weeks until the show, we’re both bound to think up something.”

The three friends left their clubhouse and went their separate ways to work on their talents.

…

A few days later, while I was in the market doing Rarity’s shopping, Sweetie Belle ran right into me, almost causing me to spill the groceries out of my saddlebag.

“Woah Sweetie,” I said, “where’s the fire?”

“Sorry Art, but Rarity told me you were here. I’ve been looking all over for you. I was hoping I could ask you for a favor.”

“What kind of favor?”

“Could you get Vinyl Scratch to come to Ponyville?”

“My cousin? Why do you want her here?”

“Well you know the talent show is coming up, and I have an idea for a song I want to sing, but I need some sort of musical back-up, and Vinyl’s music is perfect.”

“I guess I could ask, but no promises, OK?”

“Thank you, thank you, thank you.”

The unicorn filly pranced off, as I stood there wondering what Sweetie had in mind.

…

Apple Bloom sat next to the flagpole in the Ponyville schoolyard. Miss Cheerilee, seeing her moping student, trotted over to see what was wrong.

“You seem down, Apple Bloom,” the teacher observed, “anything you want to talk about?”

Apple Bloom took a deep breath before answering.

“There’s less than a week until the talent show, and everypony is working on their acts except for me because I don’t know what my talent is, if I even have a talent. What am I going to do?”

“First off, of course you have a talent, everypony has a special talent. But I understand. You and Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle have been working for so long to earn your Cutie Marks and now that Scootaloo has hers, you’re wondering why you haven’t discovered yours yet. But you will.”

“I know.”

“You know what,” Cheerilee’s eyes brightened, “I could use your help with something. Would you like to help me finish the stage decorations?”

The two ponies walked over to the stage where the talent show would be held. There were various materials strewn all about: plywood, cardboard, bows, ribbons, and more.

“The stage is a mess,” Apple Bloom commented, “where do we even begin?”

“I was thinking of a simple painted backdrop,” Cheerilee answered, “perhaps something seasonal.”

“But what if it doesn’t fit? I mean, with so many different acts, what if it doesn’t make sense? Every act should have their own individual background.”

“That would take a lot of effort. Do you have a plan?”

“Do I? Of course, leave everything to me.”

Apple Bloom spent the next week running all over Ponyville working on her creation. She came to Rarity to get more decorations; she had Big Mac haul in a lot more wood, and she drafted Pinkie to help her do the painting and crafting. By the day of the talent show, she was worn-out, but seemed satisfied, though none of us were completely sure what the finished product would look like.

The night of the talent show, everypony gathered in the schoolyard, where the stage was set-up. The six, Spike, and I got good front-row seats, the best possible view of the action.

Scootaloo performed first, and wowed the crowd with some impressive scooter tricks. It was so good that Rainbow Dash was almost doing flips in the air.

I was patiently waiting to see what Sweetie Belle had up her sleeve. I had been able to get Vinyl to come to town, and I knew that they had been practicing something, but no matter how hard I pressed, my cousin would not give away what the song was.

As the night went along, it was very apparent that all that hard work Apple Bloom did was paying dividends. Each act had a unique and imaginative backdrop which fit with them perfectly.

Finally, Rarity’s little sister took the stage, the last performance of the evening. The background consisted of a black curtain which had many holes cut in it to resemble stars. In the middle sat the full-length mirror from Rarity’s creation room. I had been wondering where it had disappeared to. Rarity had created an outfit for her sister for the show, a black dress accented by silver, which had the effect of her almost blending into the background. Her mane was tied back, held by a large black bow.

“This song,” Sweetie Belle began, “goes out to Rarity and Art, and any couple who reflect one another.”

She pointed off stage to Vinyl, who began spinning a simple, yet strong, beat.

As the song began, I found myself mesmerized by it almost from the very beginning. Usually, I would be focused on remembering the exact words, but I couldn't get my mind to concentrate long enough to do that. Of course, I could still make out the song's meaning. It told of how great couples seems to reflect each other, as if they are two halves of the same whole.

By the halfway point of the song, Rarity had her head sitting firmly on my shoulder, her eyes closed, just taking in the melodic, romantic tune that her sister had expertly crafted. I leaned my head over hers in kind, and for the duration of the performance, it was if Sweetie was singing only to us.

A brief interlude by Vinyl’s beat, and the song was over. The audience erupted in hoof-stomping and whistling. Sweetie Belle almost looked embarrassed as she did a little bow and exited the stage.

After the show, we met up with the fillies known as the Cutie Mark Crusaders. There were congratulations all around, particularly for Sweetie Belle.

“Well would you look at that,” Rarity said after she had helped her sister out of the dress, “is that what I think it is?”

We all looked and saw what Rarity was referring to. Sweetie’s flank was no longer blank. On it sat three purple eighth notes, arranged in a pattern much like her sister’s diamonds. Add in the fact that the body of the notes were diamond-shaped and not circles, and the mark looked like a musical version of Rarity’s.

The three fillies pranced around, overjoyed at another friend earning their mark. Apple Bloom stopped prematurely, the look of realization covering her face.

“I’m the only one,” she said solemnly.

“Don’t be silly, sugarcube,” Applejack commented, “The way you created all those backgrounds and such from nothing, that has to be worth something.”

“You’re right,” the Earth filly perked up, “that’s got to be it.”

With that statement, a glow appeared near Apple Bloom. When it subsided, we all gasped in excitement. On her flank now rested an artist’s palette, shaped like an apple, with seven color splotches, one for each color of the rainbow.

The three fillies once again began prancing about in celebration.

Chapter 21: Background Aria (song lyrics version)

“So what’s our plan for this year’s talent show,” Apple Bloom asked her fellow Crusaders in their treehouse.

“We should do another group act,” Sweetie Belle suggested.

“Well,” Scootaloo said, glancing back at her Cutie Mark, “I was really thinking of doing my own act showing off some of my tricks. You guys understand, right?”

The Earth and Unicorn fillies glanced at each other, and then back at their Pegasus friend.

“Of course we understand,” Apple Bloom nodded, “You’ve found your special talent, and you should be doing everything to work on it.”

“Hey,” Sweetie exclaimed, “this is the perfect opportunity for Apple Bloom and I to find our own talents. We should each do our own act.”

“Yeah. That is, if I can think of something.”

“Well there’s two more weeks until the show, we’re both bound to think up something.”

The three friends left their clubhouse and went their separate ways to work on their talents.

…

A few days later, while I was in the market doing Rarity’s shopping, Sweetie Belle ran right into me, almost causing me to spill the groceries out of my saddlebag.

“Woah Sweetie,” I said, “where’s the fire?”

“Sorry Art, but Rarity told me you were here. I’ve been looking all over for you. I was hoping I could ask you for a favor.”

“What kind of favor?”

“Could you get Vinyl Scratch to come to Ponyville?”

“My cousin? Why do you want her here?”

“Well you know the talent show is coming up, and I have an idea for a song I want to sing, but I need some sort of musical back-up, and Vinyl’s music is perfect.”

“I guess I could ask, but no promises, OK?”

“Thank you, thank you, thank you.”

The unicorn filly pranced off, as I stood there wondering what Sweetie had in mind.

…

Apple Bloom sat next to the flagpole in the Ponyville schoolyard. Miss Cheerilee, seeing her moping student, trotted over to see what was wrong.

“You seem down, Apple Bloom,” the teacher observed, “anything you want to talk about?”

Apple Bloom took a deep breath before answering.

“There’s less than a week until the talent show, and everypony is working on their acts except for me because I don’t know what my talent is, if I even have a talent. What am I going to do?”

“I know.”

“You know what,” Cheerilee’s eyes brightened, “I could use your help with something. Would you like to help me finish the stage decorations?”

The two ponies walked over to the stage where the talent show would be held. There were various materials strewn all about: plywood, cardboard, bows, ribbons, and more.

“The stage is a mess,” Apple Bloom commented, “where do we even begin?”

“I was thinking of a simple painted backdrop,” Cheerilee answered, “perhaps something seasonal.”

“But what if it doesn’t fit? I mean, with so many different acts, what if it doesn’t make sense? Every act should have their own individual background.”

“That would take a lot of effort. Do you have a plan?”

“Do I? Of course, leave everything to me.”

The night of the talent show, everypony gathered in the schoolyard, where the stage was set-up. The six, Spike, and I got good front-row seats, the best possible view of the action.

Scootaloo performed first, and wowed the crowd with some impressive scooter tricks. It was so good that Rainbow Dash was almost doing flips in the air.

As the night went along, it was very apparent that all that hard work Apple Bloom did was paying dividends. Each act had a unique and imaginative backdrop which fit with them perfectly.

“This song,” Sweetie Belle began, “goes out to Rarity and Art, and any couple who reflect one another.”

She pointed off stage to Vinyl, who began spinning a simple, yet strong, beat.

“Aren't you somethin' to admire, cause your shine is somethin' like a mirror

And I can't help but notice, you reflect in this heart of mine

If you ever feel alone and the glare makes me hard to find

Just know that I'm always parallel on the other side

“Cause with your hoof in my hoof and a saddle full of soul

I can tell you there's no place we couldn't go

Just put your head on the glass, I'll be tryin' to pull you through

You just gotta be strong

“Cause I don't wanna lose you now

I'm lookin' right at the other half of me

The vacancy that sat in my heart

Is a space that now you hold

Show me how to fight for now

And I'll tell you baby, it was easy

Comin' back into you once I figured it out

You were right here all along

It's like you're my mirror

My mirror staring back at me

I couldn't get any bigger

With anyone else beside of me

And now it's clear as this promise

That we're making two reflections into one

Cause it's like you're my mirror

My mirror staring back at me, staring back at me”

By this point, Rarity was completely leaned up against me. Her eyes were shut, just listening to the song.

“Aren't you somethin', an original, cause it doesn't seem merely assembled

And I can't help but stare cause I see truth somewhere in your eyes

I can't ever change without you, you reflect me, I love that about you

And if I could, I would look at us all the time

“Cause with your hoof in my hoof and a saddle full of soul

I can tell you there's no place we couldn't go

Just put your head on the glass, I'll be tryin' to pull you through

You just gotta be strong

“Cause I don't wanna lose you now

I'm lookin' right at the other half of me

The vacancy that sat in my heart

Is a space that now you hold

Show me how to fight for now

And I'll tell you baby, it was easy

Comin' back into you once I figured it out

You were right here all along

It's like you're my mirror

My mirror staring back at me

I couldn't get any bigger

With anyone else beside of me

And now it's clear as this promise

That we're making two reflections into one

Cause it's like you're my mirror

My mirror staring back at me, staring back at me

“Yesterday is history

Tomorrow's a mystery

I can see you lookin' back at me

Keep your eyes on me

Baby, keep your eyes on me”

Vinyl stopped the beat entirely, allowing Sweetie to sing the chorus completely acapella, an impressive performance.

“Cause I don't wanna lose you now

I'm lookin' right at the other half of me

The vacancy that sat in my heart

Is a space that now you hold

Show me how to fight for now

And I'll tell you baby, it was easy

Comin' back into you once I figured it out

You were right here all along

It's like you're my mirror

My mirror staring back at me

I couldn't get any bigger

With anyone else beside of me

And now it's clear as this promise

That we're making two reflections into one

Cause it's like you're my mirror

My mirror staring back at me, staring back at me”

A brief interlude by Vinyl’s beat, and the song was over. The audience erupted in hoof-stomping and whistling. Sweetie Belle almost looked embarrassed as she did a little bow and exited the stage.

After the show, we met up with the fillies known as the Cutie Mark Crusaders. There were congratulations all around, particularly for Sweetie Belle.

“Well would you look at that,” Rarity said after she had helped her sister out of the dress, “is that what I think it is?”

We all looked and saw what Rarity was referring to. Sweetie’s flank was no longer blank. On it sat three purple eighth notes, arranged in a pattern much like her sister’s diamonds. Add in the fact that the heads of the notes were diamond-shaped and not circles, and the mark looked like a musical version of Rarity’s.

The three fillies pranced around, overjoyed at another friend earning their mark. Apple Bloom stopped prematurely, the look of realization covering her face.

“I’m the only one,” she said solemnly.

“Don’t be silly, sugarcube,” Applejack commented, “The way you created all those backgrounds and such from nothing, that has to be worth something.”

“You’re right,” the Earth filly perked up, “that’s got to be it.”

The three fillies once again began prancing about in celebration.

Chapter 22: Reversal of Fortune

This chapter is written by Princess Twilight Sparkle.

That spell should’ve never been used, at least not until I knew more about it. Ever since I had discovered that short-term time travel was not only possible, but quite efficient, I wanted to experiment with other magic in a similar vein. This was increased by the thought of Art being killed and the possibility of changing history. On this particular occasion, I was seeing whether or not it was possible to safely view alternate history, that is to say, to see visions of the present which came about in a different historical manner than what we actually knew. But I didn’t think I would almost become part of the story and alter history myself.

My first attempt at viewing alternate history was a monumental project. The goal was to see what the present time would look like if Discord and, by extension, the Elements of Chaos, had never existed.

At first, I merely viewed a vision of the alternate present. It was like a cinematic picture of events. Ponyville seemed relatively the same. I could see all the ponies I saw every day. But then I noticed something strange. The picture panned to Lyra Heartstrings and Bon-Bon, two good friends. There was something different about them. Bon-Bon had a picture of a lyre on her flank, while Lyra had three bowties, the reverse of their normal Cutie Marks. As I leaned in to get a better look, I felt the image pulling me in. Before I knew it, I had passed through the picture and was now in an alternate version of Ponyville.

I’ll admit I was scared at first. I quickly checked myself to make sure nothing was different about me, and fortunately there was not. Same horn, same wings, same Cutie Mark, same magic, thank Celestia. Again, I saw Lyra and Bon-Bon pass by and was astounded by the appearance of alternate Cutie Marks. I decided the first order of business should be to check on my friends to see how they were getting along. From where I was standing, the closest place where I was sure to see somepony was Carousel Boutique.

The boutique looked very different. It wasn’t even the same building, though it sat in the same spot in town. It had a strong black and red motif, and instead of a carousel design, it was just a simple building.

*DING-A-LING*

“Twilight, what a pleasure to see you, and how are you doing this afternoon?”

It wasn’t Rarity who greeted me, but Art. He had a tape measure slung around his shoulders and a quill pen behind his left ear.

“I’m fine Art,” I said as he magically removed a finished suit from a mannequin, “Do you know where Rarity is?”

“She was upstairs the last time I checked. You know how she gets when she gets in the writing mood. Tough to get her to think about anything else.”

“Writing mood?”

“Rarity, darling. Could you come down, please? Twilight is looking for you.”

When Art turned to call Rarity I checked his flank. Gone was the black quill pen and in its place sat three black diamond-shaped markings, a color-swap of Rarity’s Cutie Mark. I made sure to compose myself before he turned back around.

When Rarity made it downstairs I quickly peeked at her flank, which was emblazoned with a purple quill pen, a shade which matched her mane. It seems that these two had swapped Cutie Marks, and thus destinies in this alternate universe.

“Yes Twilight,” the unicorn mare said, “What do you want?”

“Oh, yes, sorry. I’m just feeling a little off today, so bear with me. But, uh, could you remind me what Element of Harmony you two represent?”

“Silly,” Art answered, “Generosity, of course.”

“And I represent Knowledge,” Rarity followed in turn.

“Of course, I knew that,” I excused myself, “I’ll see you around.”

I quickly exited the boutique, extremely puzzled. Not so much as to how or why their destinies and even personalities seemed flipped, but more about how I was supposed to get out of this alternate universe. I needed some water, so I headed over to Sugarcube Corner.

“Well howdy partner,” Applejack greeted before I could even step in the door, “Haven’t seen ya all day. Care for a cupcake?”

“No, thank you,” I replied, looking Applejack over. Her mane and tail were not tied back like usual, but were styled long. It actually wasn’t all that bad of a look.

“Oh come on,” I heard Pinkie Pie’s voice, “Nopony turns down an AJ Apple Cupcake.”

Pinkie, on the other hand, didn’t have her puffed-up, curly mane. Instead, it was long and straight, like when it gets deflated. But you could hardly tell, since both her mane and tail were tied back, in a way Applejack’s usually was.

“I suppose that’s true,” I politely answered.

The two Earth ponies walked together behind the counter. That’s when I could see that, like Art and Rarity, their Cutie Marks were reversed. I didn’t even want to think about how Applejack discovered her destiny was to be the life of the party, while Pinkie decided to work on in an apple orchard.

After eating the cupcake happily offered me, I once again made an exit. However, I didn’t get very far before I bumped into another pony.

“Oh I’m so sorry,” the pony apologized. When I looked up, I saw a blue, rainbow-maned Pegasus.

“No, excuse me, Rainbow,” I said, “I should have been watching.”

“No, really,” Rainbow continued in a meek voice I didn’t even know she possessed, “I was distracted by the fresh flowers.”

“Distracted by flowers?”

At that moment, I heard the sound of rushing air overhead. Rainbow and I both looked up to see a pink streak cut across the sky. There was no way, was there? The source of the streak flew right up to both of us.

“What’s happening, everypony,” the pony I know as Fluttershy greeted.

“Not much, Flutter,” Rainbow answered, “just bumped into Twilight here.”

“Fluttershy,” I said, but she cut me off.

“Shhhhhh,” the yellow and pink Pegasus shushed me, “How many times do I have to ask you not to call me by that name. It’s so lame. C’mon Twi, cut a pony a break.”

“Sorry, guess I have a lot on my mind.”

It was at this point that I noticed three butterflies on the flank of the pony known as Rainbow Dash, while Fluttershy, or whatever she went by in this universe, sported a Cutie Mark which resembled Rainbow’s usual one, though instead of a rainbow bolt, it was three shades of pink.

After excusing myself to the two Pegasus, I made my way to my own home, the Ponyville Library. I didn’t know what I would say if I met my alternate self, but I didn’t know what else to do. I had to find a way out of this universe.

I reached the library and opened the door. Everything seemed normal inside, but it didn’t look like anypony was home. I walked over to the book stand, which held a familiar book. It was the same magic book I had been reading to learn more about time travel. As I began to read the open section, I heard somepony enter. Turning around, I saw myself, or rather, this universe’s Twilight Sparkle.

“What in the name of Celestia,” the other Twilight asked, puzzled.

“I’m sorry,” I apologized, “but I am from an alternate universe and I accidentally entered yours.”

“So it’s really possible!”

“Yes, but I wouldn’t recommend it. Now I don’t know exactly how to get back.”

“Oh I have so many questions! What’s your universe like? What’s different, what’s the same, is everypony there just like here?”

“The ponies have the same names, but they all have different jobs. In my universe, for example, Rarity is a fashion designer, and Art is a famous writer.”

“That actually makes a strange amount of sense. I’ve studied a lot about why almost nopony does the job that they seem to be made for. But I’ve never come up with an explanation.”

“I have a theory. In my universe, there exists a being called Discord. He embodies chaos. I believe in my universe, chaos and order are better balanced because of his existence. In this universe, chaos is random and found everywhere in much greater amounts.”

“I should write this all down.”

“Later. Right now I have to find a way back to my universe.”

“Well why don’t you just go back the way you came? How did you get here anyway?”

“I visualized an alternate universe and saw an image of it, which I unfortunately got sucked into.”

“Well there you go.”

“There’s one problem. To do that, I would have to visualize a universe where Discord exists; however, because no such thing would ever be thought of in this universe, I’m not sure I can jump back.”

“Well didn’t you just implant the idea of his existence? The fact that now one pony in this universe knows that he exists somewhere, it is now something that would, and could, be thought.”

“Never thought I would literally listen to my own advice.”

“What are selves for?”

We both had a good laugh for a minute before I got to work envisioning our universe. A universe where chaos and disorder may exist, but in a strange way it makes perfect sense.

After a short while, an image appeared before the two of us, the exact same kind of thing that I saw before. As before, I saw the scene of Ponyville, and like before, I saw Lyra and Bon-Bon walking together. This time, however, their Cutie Marks and general demeanors were that of the ponies I knew back home.

“Here I go,” I said to my alternate self, “Good-bye.”

“Good-bye and good luck.”

I came through the image and landed back in Ponyville. I ran as fast as I could to Carousel Boutique. There I saw Rarity working on her latest creation, while Art was working at a writing desk.

“Oh, hello Twilight,” Art said, looking up, “Where have you been all day?”

“You wouldn’t believe me if I told you.”

Chapter 23: Chaos Amongst Us

That fateful day started out like any other. It was a beautiful, sunny, clear day. Since Rarity was at the spa with Fluttershy and I had the whole day to myself, I decided to take a long walk and formulate the next chapter in my book. As I passed in front of Sugarcube Corner, I saw Rose, Daisy, Lily Valley, and a few other ponies running in the opposite direction, as if trying to get away from something.

“Art, why are you destroying stuff,” Golden Harvest yelled at me, “what are you doing?”

“What are you talking about,” I responded in confusion. She didn’t even stop long enough to wait for my answer.

Hearing the racket, Pinkie Pie and Applejack exited the confectionary.

“What the hay is going on,” AJ asked.

“I have no idea,” I answered, “but whatever it is, it’s coming from that direction.”

The three of us ran in the direction the other ponies were coming from, which happened to also be in the direction of the spa. When we reached the building, we saw a magical gray bolt knock down the entire front wall. The two blue-and-pink spa ponies quickly ran out, followed closely by Fluttershy and Rairty, the latter with her face still covered in the beauty mask.

When the smoke cleared we saw the perpetrators, seven ponies, each one a mirror version of us, each wearing a familiar necklace.

“The Elements of Chaos,” I said.

“What is with that awful color palette,” Rarity said after she magically cleaned herself up.

She was right, although they were very similar to us, there were a few differences. Each of their coats were gray, but their mane was the same vibrant color as their counterpart. There were two notable exceptions: Sorcery, Twilight’s counter, was only a unicorn, not an alicorn, and Ignorance, my counter, was not gray, but instead had the exact same coat color as me. Add in the fact that the Elements of Chaos were all black instead of some color, and Ignorance looked like my clone.

“Hello all,” Ignorance spoke in my exact voice, “sorry to barge in on you on this nice day, but what can you do? Oh, but aren’t you missing two? Wherever could they be?”

“Right here,” I heard Twilight yell as she blasted the ground right in front of Ignorance with her magic.

“The cavalry has arrived,” Rainbow announced as the two of them landed on the ground.

“Here, take these,” Twilight said, magically passing the Elements of Harmony out to each of us.

“Now that we’re all present and accounted for,” Ignorance continued, “what say we get things started? Pray tell if you would like us to destroy you all quickly and painfully or slowly and painfully.”

“How ‘bout we destroy y’all instead,” AJ shouted.

“Split up,” I said, “Rainbow and Fluttershy take to the sky, AJ and Pinkie team up, and Twilight and Rarity magically decimate them.”

“What about you,” Twilight asked.

“It wouldn’t be an evil clone scenario if I didn’t have to take care of the clone myself. Go, now.”

The six ponies split off as I suggested, with their opposites following suit. That left just me and Ignorance standing in the middle of the street.

“You don’t get it, do you,” Ignorance mocked, “the Elements of Chaos are stronger than the Elements of Harmony. They cannot be destroyed, no matter what you try.”

“Your name fits you well,” I insulted, “you really are ignorant. Friendship and harmony have foiled the strongest chaotic element in existence, Discord, multiple times. You are nothing compared to that power. Now that I think about it, why is it that Magic is the most secret Element of Harmony while you seem to be the leader of the Elements of Chaos?”

“For being the Element of Knowledge,” he counter-insulted, “you sure are stupid. You think one Discord is worse than seven chaotic elements? To answer your question, all of the chaotic elements exist because of me, Ignorance. There will always be ignorance, and as long as I exist, then chaos will exist.”

“Chaos will exist with or without you. And I would prefer if it was the latter.”

“Your fate is sealed.”

With that, we began to actually fight. At first, he tried to blast me with magic, but I was able to dodge around it, getting close enough to him for some hoof-to-hoof combat. I could hear the sounds of Twilight magic and party cannons in the background as the forces of knowledge and ignorance slugged it out.

It was a stalemate at first. Since we were basically the same pony, we were pretty much the same kind of fighter. Then we heard an explosion coming from the sky, we both looked up, and I was paralyzed in awe of what I saw: a Sonic Rainboom, except it was grayscale. Corruption had pulled off a Sonic Rainboom and knocked Rainbow and Fluttershy clear out of the sky. Ignorance took advantage of the distraction to lick me a good one right on the chin, which sent me flying backwards near where the two pegasi landed.

The other four combatants, having been pretty stalemated in their own right, returned to their perspective sides to regroup.

“It’s time my brethren,” Igornace announced, “Time to destroy the Elements of Harmony.”

The holders of the Elements of Chaos began to levitate in a manner that I recognized from how Twilight had described the defeats of Nightmare Moon and Discord, the only difference being that in this case Ignorance was at the center of the formation.

My mind raced, thinking about the future Time Turner had seen and what it all meant. Surely, if I was to die, the time was near. But then I remembered what he said had been said at my funeral. I died protecting my friends. And if there was any time when my friends needed protecting, it was right now.

I stopped thinking entirely and just moved on pure instinct. I got to my feet and rushed toward Ignorance and the others, running as fast as my hooves could carry me. I heard Rarity and maybe Applejack yell at me to come back, but I ignored them. I had to do this, I didn’t know why, but I had to. When I was within jumping distance, I leapt up and tackled Ignorance, breaking the formation and interrupting whatever they had in mind. As I did so, I felt a strong surge of magical energy enter my body, very similar to when we had defeated King Wassoon, but much, much stronger.

Chapter 24: Aftermath

Dear Princess Celestia,

It happened. The Elements of Chaos appeared in Ponyville and tried to destroy both the town and the Elements of Harmony. Unfortunately, I did not see the entire fight, you will have to ask Twilight for more details, but this is what I saw, which includes the final outcome.

The Elements of Chaos were in formation, like when our Elements make a combined attack. For some reason, Art sprang up from his apparently being knocked down and charged at the attackers. He tackled what appeared to be his clone right out of the middle, which short-circuited the magic. When the magic subsided, I could see Art and the clone both down, Art surrounded by glowing energy of what kind we’re not completely sure.

Regrouping and re-gaining their strength, Twilight and the others set up to perform their own combination attack. It seems that six Elements of Harmony are enough on their own; you need seven Elements of Chaos to create the same amount of power.

Without the seventh element, the forces of chaos were overtaken by the Rainbow-colored attack of harmony. This caused them each to be turned into stone, not unlike Discord in the past. However, upon further examination, Art’s clone, which I assume to be Ignorance, has escaped for the time being. In their defense, even seeing it with my own eyes, I’m not sure I would have been able to tell the two unicorns apart, so perhaps it is better that they didn’t accidentally turn Art to stone in his stead.

The six rushed to check on Art’s condition, but he was still surrounded in what Twilight described as a “magical shield” which blocked any and all attempts to get through it for some time. It was unknown at this time whether Art was dead or alive.

Applejack and Rainbow Dash went in search of Ignorance, as they presumed that he couldn’t have gotten very far. However, their efforts have so far been in vain, though on his own, without the other six Elements of Chaos, it is questionable what threat Ignorance could pose, if any.

The “magic shield” eventually subsided, and it turned out that it was actually helping keep Art alive, since his body absorbed a great deal of magical energy. He was very carefully moved to the hospital where he is currently resting, though it is unclear how long it will take him to recover, if he ever does so fully.

At the request of Princess Twilight Sparkle, we would be very honored if you came to Ponyville, not only to hear the full account of the events, but to decide what to do with the six new statuettes that we have in our possession.

Your humble servant,

Spike

One of these days, when I'm old, gray, and retired, I'll look back on days like this and laugh, but not right now. I may have been alive, but I felt half-dead. Jumping right into the face of such strong magical energy was not good for anypony, much less one that wasn't used to such power. So there I laid in the hospital, again, awaiting my prognosis.

The six and Spike were already there when Princess Celestia herself showed up to visit me, per Twilight's request.

"Shall I give my report," I asked the princess.

"I've heard it all from Twilight," she responded, "no need to rehash the events. Though I will say I am happy that you are all still alive and well."

"I wouldn't exactly call my current condition 'well'. The docs haven't been able to tell me how long I'll be on the shelf this time."

As if to answer my question, the head doctor walked into the now pretty crowded room. He set a glass of water on the table at the foot of my bed, though I didn't know why.

"Mr. Colter," the doctor began, "I have good news, and I have bad news. The good news is that you will make a full physical recovery in a very short time. We were all quite surprised that your actions didn't injure you more than they did."

"What's the bad news," I inquired.

The doctor pointed to the glass of water, "Try to bring that to you."

I tilted my head to the side, unsure of why he wanted me to do this. I turned back to the glass, and relaxed, doing what would be normal in order to do such a simple feat of magic. However, nothing happened. I tried concentrating harder, but there was nothing, not even sparks from my horn.

"I regret to inform you that there does not seem to be any magical energy in your entire body," the doctor proclaimed, "you are incapable of using magic, and I have no idea how to fix it."

The others collectively gasped as I flopped my head back down onto the pillow in shock.

"That's impossible," Rarity exclaimed, "a unicorn with no magic?"

"I'm afraid it's not impossible," Celestia answered, "there are times when a unicorn can use more magic than they are capable of controlling, causing their body to 'short-out'. The magical shield that has been alluded to must have been Art's own body protecting itself. Using such high-level magic when one is not used to it can be very dangerous."

"Well there must be some kind of cure," I said, "or do I just have to wait it out?"

"There have been cases of unicorns using so much power that they have to recharge," the doctor answered, "however, all the tests that we've done show absolutely zero magical activity. It's as if you never had magic at all. I've never seen or heard of anything like this before."

I closed my eyes, my limbs involuntarily shaking. What was I going to do if I couldn't use my magic?

"There must be a solution of some kind," Twilight finally said, "come on girls, we have a cure to hunt down."

"I will see if I can find out anything as well," Celestia echoed.

They all left the room in much higher spirits than I was. My mind was racing. I didn't know a great deal about magic itself, and certainly nothing about something so rare. It would have to be up to them, I figured.

When I finally opened my eyes again, I saw somepony standing at the window. It was Time Turner, the very pony who had seen the future which I had risked life, limb, and magic to prevent. He just stood there and stared at me for a moment, as if he was trying to make sense of everything as well. Then he smiled and nodded slowly. This calmed me for some reason, made me feel better about what I had done, made me momentarily forget about the consequences and just made me remember that I was still alive. I smiled and nodded back, before promptly falling back asleep.

Chapter 25: Surf and Turf

*Sigh*

"I know the princess means well," I said, "but I don't think this is what I need."

The doctor was right, I had recovered physically, or at least enough to where they discharged me from the hospital. However, my magic had still not returned. Princess Celestia, meanwhile, had given the seven holders of the Elements of Harmony, as well as Spike, a paid-for vacation in Pensacolta Beach, the number one seaside destination in all of Equestria. Of course I appreciated the gesture, but it wasn't going to get me my magic back, which was at the forefront of my mind.

"Next stop, Pensacolta Beach," the train conductor cried.

"Well," Rarity said, "a little R-and-R never hurt anypony."

"Right," Pinkie Pie said, poking her head between ours from the seat behind, "you get the sand underneath your hooves and feel the bright sunshine and you'll forget all your problems."

I sighed again.

The train station in Pensacolta literally sits right on the beachfront. Obviously, the seaside property is the selling point of the entire tourist town. We had the attendents at the station take all the luggage that we weren't going to immediately use over to the hotel while we all went down to the beach. I reminded myself to give them a big tip for having to haul all of Rarity's luggage away.

"Last one in's a blank flank," Rainbow Dash yelled, speeding off toward the water with Applejack and Pinkie in hot pursuit.

Rarity and I, on the other hand, took this opprotunity to claim our piece of the beach. In doing so, I instintively tried to use magic to open the umbrella and such, reminding myself of my current plight.

"Just lay down," Rarity suggested, "trust me, a few minutes of lying in the sun will do you wonders."

After throwing on a pair of sunglasses, I proceeded to do just that. Rarity wasn't wrong, the feeling of the warm sun on my body was uplifting in a strange sort of way.

For a while, Rarity and I both laid there, soaking up the sunshine. I could hear Rainbow and Applejack horsing around in the water. Pinkie, Fluttershy, and Spike seemed to be building a sand castle, at least judging from what I could hear. I assumed that Twilight was reading a book, as she is wont to do.

Eventually, I got to a point where I was on the verge of dozing off, and I probably would have if Rarity hadn't said anything.

"Art, darling," she said in an annoyed voice, "you're in my sun."

"That's not me, dear," I replied, not yet opening my eyes, at least that was until my own light got blocked.

I removed my sunglasses and opened my eyes, to be greeted by a large pony hovering over me. He was wearing his own pair of dark sunglasses, which matched his coat color, his crew-cut white mane stuck out above everything else. Looking over to Rarity, I could see a similar pony standing over her.

"What is the meaning of this," she snapped at them.

Without answering, the one standing near me picked me up by my tail, holding me upside down for a bit before tossing me like a ragdoll all the way into the water. Since I didn't know how to swim, I flailed about for a bit before being fished out by Rainbow.

Everypony on the beach saw the attack on me.

"Hey, what'd you do that for," Pinkie yelled at the two assailants, showing no fear.

"Just doing our jobs," the one who threw me answered.

"Husky, Stout," a voice familiar to me called, "good work."

The two big stallions walked over in the direction of the voice. There stood a unicorn mare, green in color, with a green two-tone mane. She was swathed in a very expensive-looking summer dress.

"Emerald Elegant," I said, spitting out the last bit of salt water still in my mouth, "what a displeasure seeing you again."

"Oh, but it's such an unexpected surprise to see you here," she countered in a voice that surprisingly wasn't filled with disgust, "just thought I would pay you back for what you did to me in Manehattan. You got me wet, so I got you wet."

"A little petty, don't you think," I replied, motioning for Rainbow to put me down.

"Not at all. You embarrassed me infront of my entourage. So since we're both here, I figured I would pay back the favor. Oh, and this one is just for fun."

Her horn emitted a green glow, and before I knew what hit me, I was sent crashing right through the sand castle.

"That'll be quite enough of that," Rarity snapped, getting right in Emerald's face, "I'm not going to stand here and let you toss him around like that."

"And who might you be, one of Art's groupies," Emerald then paused in thought, "Do authors have groupies?"

"It doesn't matter much who I am. The question is who are you to think you can come around and throw your substantial weight around?"

I roared with laughter at Rarity's insult as Spike and Fluttershy dug me out of the sand castle destruction.

"How dare you," Emerald gasped, "you're one to talk little Miss Arm Candy."

Everypony got real quiet. I shot up from my prone position. Even from behind, I could tell Rarity was about to explode.

"You asked for it," I yelled at Emerald.

Now it was Rarity's turn to do some magic, picking up my beach towel and throwing around Emerald's head and mane. A few twists of the horn later, and Rarity allowed the towel to float away.

We all stood there in shock at what Rarity had done, until Emerald's bodyguards began rolling in the sand in laughter.

"What did she do," Emerald screamed, "what did she do!?"

"See for yourself," Twilight said, pulling out the mirror from Rarity's bag and holding it up to Emerald.

Emerald's mane is usually two-tone and green, a nice match with her coat color, but Rarity had certainly changed that. Now it was the ugliest shade of puke yellow I'd ever seen, not to mention being styled in a way that can only be described as a bird's nest. Emerald let out a scream on-sight.

"Look what you've done," she yelled, "change it back, change it back."

"I might change it back," Rarity quipped, "if you apologize to me, and to Art, and promise not to bother us again."

"Ok, Ok," Emerald pleaded, "I went a little overboard, I'm sorry. I promise I won't do anything like that ever again."

Rarity looked back at me, and I nodded. Rarity pulled in the beach towel for a second time, and a few moments later had Emerald's hair back the way it was, perhaps even better than how it was. Emerald, after confirming that her mane was OK, quickly trotted away, along with her muscle.

"Are you Ok, darling," Rarity asked as I made my way back.

"I'm fine. After what I've been through, no amount of being tossed around can hurt me that much. Although I think I should make it a point to learn how to swim when we get back home. You didn't have to do all that, you know."

"Well I would like to think that if you could have done something about her you would have, especially after she insulted me like that. But since you couldn't, I thought I would make her think twice about doing such a thing."

I smiled, "That I would have."

After this, the rest of our little vacation went off without a hitch, and believe it or not, I actually felt relaxed. Perhaps this is a good sign, a sign of things to come.

Chapter 26: Powercorn

It was a particularly early morning at Carsousel Boutique, for me anyways. You see, after the little run-in with Emerald in Pensacolta, I had decided to quit feeling so sorry for myself and start learning how to do things sans magic. There were many tasks on my list, but for right now I was concentrating on cooking one of my famous omelets as a surprise breakfast for Rarity.

"Oh my, what smells so good," my beautiful marefriend asked, entering the kitchen.

She saw me standing with both front hooves up on the stove, hoof-flipping omelets.

"Good morning, darling," I replied, not turning around at first, "just making breakfast."

"Really," she came to look, "my stars, they look just as good as they did when you used.."

She stopped before finishing the sentence, a dour look on her face.

"It's okay, you can say it, I don't care anymore. This not-having-magic thing is really a good way to assess oneself and figure out what you really need to do to get by. For example, I don't need to write anymore, I make enough in royalties to live comfortably for the rest of my life. It's time now to focus on what I'm going to do from now on. And on top of that list is taking care of you."

Rarity looked at me very affectionately, giving me a little kiss before going over to the breakfast table. I quickly finished the food, and we quickly ate. As per the usual, Rarity had much to do today, and I had to figure out what new thing I was going to learn today.

"Hey," I said laughing, "what do you think Pinkie would say if I asked to learn how to bake?"

"She would probably enjoy the help."

"Then I'm off."

But as I made my way to the doorway of the boutique, there was a knock at the door. On the other side of the door stood Princess Twilight, along with Spike.

"Good morning," I beamed, "you sure are up early."

"Art," Twilight said, "I had a brilliant idea, a way to get your magic back.

I hesitated before reacting to this news. With my new attitude about my post-magic life, I wasn't sure I wanted to hear anymore ideas about retrieving my magical abilities. But then again, I wanted to know what the idea was anyhow.

"We could use the Alicorn Amulet," the princess continued, "it holds great magical power and..."

"Hold your horseshoes," I interrupted, "you know where the Alicorn Amulet is!?"

"Well sure, Zecora has it."

"Why did I not know about this!? I thought that amulet was lost forever. I even wrote in one of my books that its whereabouts were unknown. How did Zecora come to possess it?"

"It's a bit of a story, but if we go out to Zecora's place, I'll be glad to tell it."

I looked back at Rarity, an expression of worry on my face. I wasn't sure if I wanted to go along with this idea.

"Go on," she said, "there's nothing wrong with seeing it."

I smiled and nodded, following the alicorn and the dragon out the door and toward Zecora's hut in the Everfree Forest. On the way, Twilight told me about the Great and Powerful Trixie, a magician pony who tried to use the Alicorn Amulet to become stronger than Twilight. But after tricking her to give up the amulet, Zecora had taken possession of it and kept it hidden away. Just as Twilight finished the tale, we came across Zecora, seemingly on her way to Ponyville.

"Ah, good to see you princess, and Art Colter too," the mystic zebra greeted, "tell me, how is your horn treating you?"

"That's why we came to see you," Twilight replied, explaining her plan to Zecora.

"The item you seek is quite powerful indeed. However, I don't think it is what you need."

"I know I shouldn't be trying," I sighed, "but this is my last attempt. If this doesn't help, nothing will."

"Are you familiar with the amulet? It will corrupt you if you hold its power in contempt."

"I know, and I certainly don't want that. I don't even know if this will work. I just want to see."

I could tell that Zecora didn't much care for this plan either, but she didn't say anything directly. When we arrived at her home, she quickly dug through her various trinkets before finding the box which contained the magguffin. For the first time, I saw the Alicorn Amulet in person. I had only ever seen it in books and such while doing research for one of my books. The black necklace had a red jewel center which was very striking, almost hypnotic.

"You should try it on," Twilight suggested, "see if the power of the amulet is enough to let you do magic."

Slowly I reached for the box, but just before I could grab it, Zecora nearly slammed the lid of the box down on my hoof.

"But know this, and hear me well," she said sternly, "only you can take it off, never say I didn't tell."

I'll admit I had almost forgotten that little nugget of information. I nodded my head in agreement, and Zecora opened the box once more. This time, I took the amulet and placed it around my neck. As soon as I did this, I could feel the power from the amulet surge through my body, similarly to when I had felt the combined Elements of Harmony. I turned toward a table which had a cup on it and focused. Soon the cup was surrounded by a red aura, and it lifted in the air. I quickly placed it back down and took the amulet off my neck.

"It works," I gasped, "I can't believe it actually works."

"Do you feel anything strange," Twilight asked, "anything out of the ordinary?"

"I don't think so. As soon as I take the amulet off, the power goes away."

"That is good news to hear," Zecora commented, "an evil Art would be something to fear."

The three of us returned to Ponyville, Alicorn Amulet in hoof. I couldn't stop thinking about how careful I would have to be with this amount of power. Eventually, Twilight and Zecora went off one way while I went another, though Zecora wouldn't let me leave her sight before making me Pinkie Promise not to put it on when I didn't need it.

I quickly hoofed it back to the boutique. With the unexpected excitement of my day over with, I just wanted to take it easy for awhile. No doing anything that might tempt me to using the amulet.

"Ah, Art, you're back," Rarity greeted, "so how did it go?

I told her what had happened at Zecora's.

"Well do be careful. I would hate for you to do something that you would regret."

"Trust me," I replied, "I have the same fear."

For a couple of days, everything was fine. Yes I ended up using the amulet a couple of times, but for very small things and I was diligent to remember to take it off and put it back in its box when I was done. One interesting thing I noted was that I could not perform my trick of writing with multiple quills with the amulet, so it wasn't a perfect replacement of magical abilities, but good enough for me.

However, and I take full responsibility for this, I began to get used to it. The first time, I just completely forgot that I was even wearing it, mistakenly thinking that I was doing the magic on my own. Rarity had to tell me to take it off, which I did with no fuss. But then the next time that happened, Rarity was out so I had it on for much longer. I thought I was OK, since I could still take it off just fine, but I really wasn't.

I guess the tipping point came on one of these days. Rarity had gone to her usual spa appointment with Fluttershy and I was all alone in the boutique. I had finally decided to sit down and get some writing done for a change, so I tentatively put on the amulet. I promised myself that I would only write for an hour at most, then take it off. But, as often happens when writing, time began to fly by. Before I knew it, four hours had passed, the entire time spent writing, the entire time spent using magic. And as I could tell you, the more magic you use, the more the amulet takes you over.

By the fourth hour, my writing had become very unusual. I was writing strange theories about whether or not it would be possible to destroy the Elements of Harmony, and whether or not magic power could be transferred from one unicorn to another, things that I would never write normally. I didn't even realize any of this at the time.

It was about halfway through the fifth hour that Rarity finally returned home. Finding me hunched over and writing frantically, she called to me to take off the amulet, scolding me for obviously forgetting. But I was too far gone.

"Why would you want me to take it off," I asked, turning around. According to Rarity, my usual gray eyes had begun to glow a blood red.

"Art, please take the amulet off."

"Be honest, you prefer me like this. Without my magic, I'm just a useless pony, not up to your standards. You don't want to be with a magic-less me, admit it."

"Don't be silly," she replied, nervously laughing, "what would give you that impression?"

"You said it yourself, back in Pensacolta. You said that if something had happened to you, you were sure I would have taken care of it. Well that truth of the matter is that no, I couldn't. I can't do anything without my power. You know it, and I know it."

"Darling," Rarity got a little teary-eyed, "you leave me with no choice."

She bolted out the door, and I followed. As we ran in the direction of the library, Rarity was screaming at the top of her lungs, obviously trying to get the other ponies in town to react. However, as per the usual, they reacted with fear, running in all different directions. On the other hand, the other holders of the Elements of Harmony also heard it. By the time we reached the library, Rainbow Dash and Applejack were already there, with Pinkie and Fluttershy soon joining them. A second later, Twilight, Rarity, and Spike emerged from the library, Elements of Harmony in tow.

"Don't make us use these against you, Art," Twilight threatened, "just take off the amulet, and everything will be OK."

"Like you would unleash the power of the elements against me," I smirked, "I don't think Princess Celestia would enjoy hearing that you all turned me to stone."

"I think the princess would understand. Plus, we can also turn you back."

"Do what you must then."

The six got in their usual formation for using the elements. The rainbow ribbon connected each of their necklaces as they collectively rose into the air. However, just before they would have launched the attack that would have turned me into a statue, I trapped them all inside a magical bubble, breaking their concentration, and thus, breaking their attack.

"Seems like you all are going to be stuck for awhile," I smiled, "see you ponies later."

But before I could turn and walk off, Rarity did something I didn't expect. She unclasped her own necklace, which somehow allowed her to fall out of the bubble. Upon getting up after her short fall, she did not look mad, but instead, she smiled at me.

"Art, darling," she cooed, "you weren't really going to leave me up there, were you?"

"Well now that you mention it, that was kind of short-sighted of me."

"Would you let them down if they promised not to use the elements?"

"I don't see why not."

Everypony quickly said a Pinkie Promise. I tilted my head and popped the bubble.

"Thank you sweetie," Rarity said, throwing both hooves around my neck, "I knew you weren't that bad."

I felt something strange during that hug, something strange in my head. It was so brief, I almost missed it. A brief moment of clarity, where I was back to being me.

Sensing this, I quickly threw my hooves up, undid the clasp of the amulet and tossed it aside. I fell to the ground, covered my face with both hooves, and began to cry, ashamed of what I had done. Rarity got on the ground next to me, patting me on the head. The other five made their way over, trying to comfort me. As they did this, none of us noticed as our zebra friend arrived on the scene.

"I hope you learned your lesson true," Zecora said, "the powers of the amulet were too much even for you. This is the last time we will hear of this pox, for it is never again leaving that box."

"I am sorry," I said, "truly I am. I should have been happy as I was."

"Perhaps it is a result of strife, the endless harm that has taken over your life."

"I promise, I will not try to change my situation again. If and when my magic ever returns then it will return on its own."

Pinkie Pie initiated a group hug as Zecora left with the Alicorn Amulet.

Chapter 27: Camera Flash

*Ding-a-ling*

"Welcome to the Carousel Boutique," Rarity greeted, "where every style is chic, unique, and manifique."

I was sitting with my back to the door, so I didn't see who it was at first. That all changed when they responded to Rarity.

"Um, I'm looking for Art Colter," a mare's voice I recognized said, "I was told he would probably be here."

I swiveled around in my chair to face the mare who was searching for me. She was a brown-colored Earth pony,

with a slightly darker brown mane. If there was any doubt in my mind who this was, that all went away when I saw her

cutie mark, an old-style camera, and the similar one slung around her neck.

"Flashpoint," I said, quite shocked, "what are you doing here?"

"Well it's a little complicated," she answered, smiling.

"Flashpoint," Rarity said to herself outloud, as if trying to figure why that name sounded familiar, "wait, Fl-Fl-Flashpoint!

THE Flashpoint!? You're THE Flashpoint!?"

"Yes, I suppose I am," Flashpoint said sheepishly, "I'm the only Flashpoint I know."

"Art," Rairty whipped her head around toward me, "you really should tell me when one of your famous friends is coming

for a visit. I'm simply not prepared to entertain guests on such short notice."

"Well I wouldn't...," Flashpoint started saying.

"I didn't know she was coming," I interrupted, countering Rarity's point.

"Um, this isn't exactly a visit," Flashpoint continued, "I've decided to move to Ponyville permanently."

"What," I said, it being my turn to be shocked, "Why? Did something happen?"

"I'd say so," my friend laughed.

"Perhaps I should make some tea," Rarity offered.

"So here's what happened," Flashpoint began once we were all seated with our tea, "Art, you remember my boss?

Indeed I did. He was based out of Fillydelphia, and he was actually the one who introduced us. Flashpoint had done some

photography that appeared in a few of my books. As a professional photographer, Flashpoint worked with a lot of ponies.

There were ponies who paid for the photos to be taken, ponies who's job it was to distribute any of the work she did on

her own time, and then there was her boss. He was kind of a middlepony between all these others, allowing Flashpoint to

spend all of her energy on her work. However, I also recall him being in love with money and as such did everything in his

power to have Flashpoint work as much as possible.

"Well I quit his publishing company, so I am now working completely freelance."

"Are you sure that's for the best," I asked, "I mean, you'll have a lot less work, won't you?"

"Art don't be silly," Rarity answered, "she's well-enough known that I'm sure her services are still clamored for. I mean, if

you disappeared for a few years but then suddenly had a new book, you don't think every publisher would want to get

their hooves on it?"

"Besides," Flashpoint continued, "that's the entire point. I was way over-worked. So I decided to have my first permanent

residence in years, and right here in Ponyville. I've always found this town to be very photogenic, and I heard that you

moved here, so it all made sense. There is one little problem..."

"What's that," I asked.

"I don't know where I'm going to sleep."

I about choked on my tea. "You didn't figure that out before you came?"

"Well...no. I thought I might be able to stay at your place until I got my own. Where is your house anyway?"

I quickly explained my living situation and my relationship with Rarity.

"It seems my problem isn't little anymore," Flashpoint laughed, "any suggestions?"

Rarity and I looked at each other, then back at Flashpoint.

"At a time like this," Rarity said, "it's a good thing to have lots of friends."

"Indeed it is," I continued, "and we know two friends who probably have some space.

I got up from my seat and led Flashpoint to the door.

"I'll take you to them."

"You sure they won't mind," Flashpoint asked worringly, "I wouldn't want to be a burden on anypony."

"Don't worry, these two are the nicest and most dependable of them all."

With that, we set out for our first destination: Sweet Apple Acres. I figured Applejack would have some room somewhere

on that farm. When we got there, we found AJ and Big Mac tilling some soil, a regular task during the spring months.

"Howdy, Apples," I greeted.

"Howdy, Art," Applejack replied, "who's your friend?"

"This is Flashpoint, she's a photographer and has decided to move to Ponyville."

"Well it's a pleasure to meet ya."

"Eeyup," Mac added after clearing his throat a bit.

I proceeded to explain the situation to the siblings.

"Boy Art," AJ replied, "you know that we'd love to help y'all, but we don't have any extra space right now. Come to think

of it, we have been thinkin' of building onto the old house, haven't we, Mac?"

"Eeyup."

"I sure hope y'all find somepony who can help."

"Don't worry, I know just the pony to go to next."

We said goodbye to the Apples and made our way along the edge of the Everfree Forest until we reached the cottage of

Ponyville's resident animal whisperer, Fluttershy. When we knocked on the door, it was answered not by the Pegasus, but

by the bunny known as Angel. He led us behind the house to where Fluttershy was tending to her own flower and

vegetable garden.

"Oh, hello Art," Fluttershy greeted after Angel had made her away of our presence.

"Good afternoon, Fluttershy," I replied, "this is my friend, Flashpoint, she just moved to Ponyville."

"He-hello Flashpoint. Wait...Flashpoint...Flashpoint!"

"You know who she is too?"

"Oh, I just love your nature photography," the shy Pegasus complimented, flying right up to Flashpoint, "I just have to

introduce you to all my animal friends."

I explained the situation to Fluttershy while I still had a chance.

"Really? Oh, well she can stay with me for awhile. That is, if she would want to."

"I'd love to," Flashpoint happily said, "then you can introduce me to your other friends."

"Oh this is so exciting," Fluttershy said.

"Well I'll leave you two to it," I said, heading back toward the front of the house.

"Where should I start," I could hear Fluttershy say as I walked off, "well you already met Angel, isn't he just adorable..."

Chapter 28: Colter Reunion

Since the first time I stepped into Ponyville, I have been very happy about it. I never thought leaving the comfort and certainty of Fillydelphia would be such a great turn of events. I've never been so happy to be so wrong. But that's not to say life in Ponyville always turns out the way I plan it. Especially when certain ponies show up without a moment's notice.

The day started like any other day I suppose. I had gotten up early, much earlier than Rarity, who, while not lazy in the slightest, did enjoy her 10-hour beauty sleep every night. And I wasn't about to deny her that, not that she needed it, of course. I was just taking care of breakfast in the new manner in which I had learned to do it when there was a knock at the front door. Since it was so early in the morning, I had no idea who it could have been.

"What's shakin' cuz," a blue-maned unicorn said when I opened the door. It was my cousin, Vinyl Scratch, along with her father, Metalhead.

"Um, nothing, I suppose," I answered, bewildered, "what are you two doing here?"

"Didn't Piccoli tell you," Metalhead asked.

"No she didn't tell me anything."

"Oh boy," Vinyl sighed, magically moving her shades above her horn, "we were afraid she hadn't."

I invited the two inside, trying to keep it down, not an easy fit with Metalhead's natural lumbering figure and loud, rock star voice.

"You see," he started after we had all taken a seat in the kitchen, "your parents have organized a little family reunion right here in Ponyville. She invited everyone in their immediate family that I know of. Me, Vinyl, Octavia, Splatterplot, Chisel Cut..."

"Wait," I interrupted, "I understand her inviting Uncle Splatterplot, but did she have to invite cousin Chisel too?"

"I don't see the problem. I thought you got along with Chisel Cut."

"You wouldn't happen to know when the others will be arriving, do you?"

"Nah," Vinyl answered, "but it was scheduled for today, so they should be getting here soon."

"Art," I could hear Rarity's sleepy morning voice coming down the stairs, "what's all the commotion."

By the time I turned around to answer, she was in the kitchen doorway. I have to say, no matter how much she denies it, I think she's just as beautiful when she first wakes up as she is after she goes through her morning routine.

I introduced her to Uncle Metalhead and re-introduced Vinyl for good measure. I decided to wait until she was a little more awake before springing the reason for their visit on her.

"Well, well, well," Metalhead chuckled, slapping me on the back, "seems like you fished up a good one."

"Dad, be cool," Vinyl laughed, "Art has enough on his plate right now without you giving him grief about his marefriend."

"Ok, ok," my uncle laughed in turn, "at least now I know why he's so worried about Chisel Cut coming here."

"Will you two knock it off," I implored, "my parents organized this get-together in the town where I live, and I wasn't told about it. I need to know why."

"The truth is, we really don't know either," Vinyl explained, "we just got the letter in the mail."

"C'mon, we'll meet the others at the train station."

The three of us walked back to Ponyville's train depot. We didn't have to wait long for the rest of the members of the Colter family to arrive. The morning train from Canterlot came in right on schedule. And off of it stepped three ponies, my Aunt Octavia, Uncle Splatterplot, and Cousin Chisel Cut. Splatterplot, my father's older brother, a sculptor, was beginning to show his years. His black mane was beginning to gray, and his brown coat coloring was beginning to fade. His cutie mark, three splotches of paint, red, blue, and yellow, still stood out quite vibrantly. His son, my slightly older cousin Chisel, looks pretty much like a taller, better-looking, version of myself. Same white coat, same color mane, though his is a little lengthier, same horn. His cutie mark, three black marks that sort of resembled camera flashes, marked him out as the stallion model that he was. There was no way we were going to get halfway through town without him getting mobbed by mares.

After we had all greeted each other, I myself hadn't seen Splatterplot or Chisel since I left Canterlot, we decided to try to make it back to the boutique. My parents were supposedly getting on the afternoon train, so there was no point waiting for them at the depot.

We booked it as best we could back to my place. As I suspected, most of the mares around town noticed Chisel and began following us. Something told me that they would all try to get his number off of me later.

When we were all inside, with Metalhead and Splatterplot huffing and puffing a little bit, I could hear hoofsteps coming down the stairs into the main gallery. Before long, Rarity appeared, decked out in the nines, wearing a luxurious violet and blue dress, mane all done up as if she was going to some grand party. Suffice is to say, I was smitten with her all over again.

"It seems I have perfect timing," she started, "but, Art, I thought you're parents were coming to visit as well."

"Wow," I said, at the moment paying more attention to how she looked than her question, "you are..."

"By far the most gorgeous mare I've ever laid eyes on," cousin Chisel interrupted, "I must know your name."

"Hoofs off, cousin. She's taken."

"Oh really, by who?"

"By me," I said, sliding over to Rarity's side and giving her a little peck on the cheek, "you look lovely."

"Thank you, Art," she replied, "now would you be so kind as to introduce me to these ponies."

I made the proper introductions and apologized for making a racket.

"Uncle Splatterplot," I asked after this, "do you know why my parents are gathering us here?"

"Can't say that I do Art," he replied, "my brother's been pretty mum about it. It's really rather odd."

"Shouldn't one of us go down to the depot to meet them," Octavia suggested.

"Don't worry," I said, "they've been here before, they know where to find me."

It turned out that while I was out, Rarity had already made some tea and a nice plate of triangle sandwiches, it was almost like she was trying to impress my parents. Didn't think she would have to try that hard.

The seven of us milled around the boutique, waiting for my parents to finally arrive. Chisel wasn't quite done trying to be all suave with Rarity, but after dealing with Prince Blueblood, I was able to handle this a lot better.

Eventually, there was another knock on the door. Metalhead answered it, and there stood the two ponies that we had been waiting for, my parents, Brushstroke and Piccoli. They both seemed a little tired, but otherwise the same. They said hello to all the other relatives, and Piccoli even greeted Rarity. It was at this time that I noticed that Piccoli had on her back a kind of basket, something I had never seen before. The contents seemed to be partially covered by a red and white blanket.

"Now what could that be," I asked my mother as she magically lifted the basket off of her back and set it down.

"This is why we're all here," she replied. With that, she magically tugged on the blanket, revealing the contents of the basket. It was a little unicorn foal, red with a tuft of black hair on his head. A spitting image of Brushstroke if I did say so myself, "may I be the first to introduce you to our new son, Cree Colter."

My jaw about dropped off of my face. My parents had another foal, I had a little brother, I was a big brother. This was a lot to take in at one time, so I just stood back and breathed while the mares oohed and ahhed at the newborn and the stallions gave congratulations to Brushstroke. Rarity was the first to pay notice to my shocked condition.

"Is everything alright, Art?"

"How did you both keep this a secret from everypony," I asked befuddled, "From the entire family?"

"Well it wasn't easy," Piccoli began answering, "Octavia was the only one who knew we were expecting, but even she didn't know when the foal was due. I made her promise to keep it all a secret."

I walked over to the basket holding the little foal. I stared at him for a second, and he stared right back with that curious face a newborn has when they see something or someone new.

"Well little brother," I addressed him, "I'm about to say something that is going to change your entire life.

I slowly turned around to face my parents once more, the shock gone and a big grin on my face.

"Congratulations," I said, my face turning sourer by the word, "But if I may make one request. When Cree becomes old enough to go to school, I ask that you send him here to live with me."

"What are you talking about," Piccoli said, flabbergasted, "he's going to receive proper Canterlot schooling just like you did."

"And what did that get me, huh? I don't want him to live my life, I want him to live his own life. And that starts by getting him away from you two as soon as possible. Now I'll repeat, when he gets old enough for school, send him to me. I'll see that he gets the proper education."

"No, Art. I will not stand here and be accused yet again of being a terrible mother. I was not a terrible mother. And what, do you think you can provide proper care for him when you sleep on a settee in the middle of a boutique every night?"

"Oh I know I can't do it all by myself, I'm not that arrogant. I'm going to need a great mare to help me.

I turned again, this time to Rarity and stepped toward her.

"I was going to wait, but now seems as good a time as any," I reached out to hold Rarity's left hoof in my right, "Rarity, will you marry me?"

No words I could write would do justice to the look on her face. Words do not exist to describe that mix of joy, shock, and beauty.

"Yes. Of course, Art, darling, yes."

Rarity pulled me in for a long kiss. I could hear Vinyl and Octavia applauding in the background. I had waited so long for this moment, I never thought it would come.