Tales of Apple Scratch: The Council of Harmonyby Mariacheat-BronyChaptersThe Princess' Student by Wolfie 03Octavia's Symphony for the Princess by Kapuchu (extended ending)Ruin and Rescue of a Fashion show by Wolfie 03 (extended version)A rainbow that breaks the limits for a friend by OdinsgardFluttershy – The Lionhearted Lamb By RoyalRainbowPinkie's Party Cannon: model 1.0. by G3K0771The Princess' Student by Wolfie 03“Alright Twily, I have to go back to training for the summer; hug for your big brother?” Shining Armor held open tan arms towards his younger sister who smiled back before stepping forward to comply with the request. The siblings were saying their farewells before the oldest returned to complete his training to be a commanding officer in the guard. Shining scuffed purple with pink highlighted hair, causing Twilight to push playfully at her brother in mock annoyance. “Try to meet new friends while studying for that big exam... What school was it for again? Magical Nerd Academy?” Twilight crossed her arms at the teasing smirk with a frown. “It's Princess Celestia's Canterlot Academy for Gifted Titanians and it's the most advanced school for magic in the land.” The young guard in training smiled at the indignant tone and gave his sister one last hug. “I know; you go and show them just how gifted I know you are.” Twilight couldn't help the pleased grin at the encouraging words and waved her brother off as he exited the entrance hall of the modest mansion located on the edge of upper Canterlot. As the large dark blue double doors closed on her B.B.B.F.F., Twilight looked around the classical décor before heading up the large staircase to her bedroom which doubled as her own personal study and perused a list of books she wanted to get in order to be prepared for the entrance exam at the end of the summer. Checklist in hand, the studious Titanian exited the light blue mansion to head for the Canterlot Archives, the largest collection of information in the land (which was near the best magical institution for that very purpose). Twilight consulted the long scroll to ensure it's accuracy and relevance when the sidewalk was blocked by some local boys who were teasing a much younger boy huddled on the ground. As the milk chocolate girl looked up at the disturbance, she frowned at how they were using terminology incorrectly as well as their overall attitude. “Oy, green haired little worm, what are you doing on our street?” A brown haired Jupitarian sneered at their target, which upon closer inspection on Twilight's part, was a very young boy of four or five with light green hair and light tan skin; though it was hard to tell under the dirt and grime. “Yeah, your parents shriveled up because of some table salt?” Another boy, a dark skinned Eponian, kicked at the bundle of dark brown clothing, drawing a deeper frown from the purple haired Titanian. “Actually, a worm wouldn't react like snails do when introduced with sodium; which happens due to the fact that snails are made up of mostly H2O which combined with sodium, commonly known as table salt, causes the-” “Geeze, I didn't want a stinking science lesson; let's get outta here.” Twilight frowned even more as the three boys stared back in blank confusion before leaving. “Lessons don't have olfaction to them unless there is a lesson using the nose function; which a lesson on snails and slugs would usually not have.” The boy on the street stared up at the young teenager with a blank face; Twilight gazed at the retreating figures before glancing down into green eyes. “nugneH?” [What do you want?] Two purple brows rose at the strange guttural words and the studious teen stared closer at the youngster. “What was that?” The green haired youth stared back shrewdly as he remained silent. The teenager waited a moment longer before remembering her original purpose. With another thoughtful frown at the young boy, Twilight continued towards the Archives as she added a note on her list of personal things to do of searching linguistic books on what he may have said. Within an hour Twilight had over a dozen new books to study from and returned home with a short glanced to see that the green haired boy was still sitting on the side of the street like before; giving a short shrug at the sight, she continued on her way without a second thought. Two days later, Twilight went to return the books and found that the young boy hadn't moved from his spot on the street. They shared curious glances though the Titanian didn't attempt to converse, as she was falling behind slightly since she searched through tomes to find the language he spoke with no success. Once she was back on track for her studies, a few days later, the curious Titanian tried to communicate with the boy again. The child stared curiously at the darker skinned girl as she leaned towards him with a few books in her magical grip. “Hello, my name is Twilight Sparkle; who are you?” The boy tilted his head curious as he frowned back. “nuqneH?” As Twilight scribbled furious away, the youth watched with guarded eyes; the next fifteen minutes were spent trying to gain any other forms of communication with no success. Twilight slumped in place before her stomach reminded her that she hadn't eaten in the past day, having spent more time doing research so she could try and question the green eyed boy. At the sound, the youngster looked to where it came from, emphasizing the need to find something to silence the growls. The teenager stood and did a quick search of the surrounding food venders, rapidly calculating price differences and serving sizes before settling on a donut shop; after quickly ordering some with sprinkles, the purple haired teen shot a thoughtful glance at the boy who stared hungrily back and made it an even dozen instead. She came out with the white box and settled in front of the lightly tanned child who was drooling at the smells coming from it. Twilight opened the box to reveal the pink with blue and white sprinkled donuts and offered one to the lad who stared blankly back; with another thoughtful frown, the teen bit into the donut and made over exaggerated motions to demonstrate what one does with a donut before offering the box to the boy once more. The starving child needed no other encouragement and tore through the remaining surgery treats with a fury; Twilight watched with slight confusion as the various facts and evidence pointed to an uncomfortable conclusion. With a large belch (with something that looked suspiciously like green fire that floated up for a millisecond), the lad leaned backwards wearing a satisfied smirk and rubbed his stomach. “maj!” [Good!] They boy flinched as the studious teen began to write further of the new word as well as notes of his condition and other facts; the next hour and a half was spent trying to get the green eyed youth to speak or respond which was met with failure once again. Twilight glanced around in frustration before catching sight of a clock showing just how long she had been working with the boy with few results; with a frightened yelp, the milk chocolate teen jumped up from her seat and ran for the library, giving a hasty wave goodbye to the half standing child who looked on in confusion and worry. Twilight barely noticed the half-hearted return wave, though she did pause long enough to make a note on the papers that documented the encounters. The teenager grabbed the next twenty books on her list to study but paused on the way out when she passed the parenting help section. With a hesitant hand, Twilight pulled out a book on caring for younger children who have been abused or mistreated. After thinking a moment longer, the Titanian nodded sharply and added it to the stack before going to the checkout. On the way back, Twilight started to read about how to gain a young child's trust as she walked, her feet taking traveling the well know paths automatically. She was so focused on the words before her that it wasn't until a small hand pulled on her lavender blouse that she heard the sounds of angry and worried yelling flying through the air. Twilight looked first at the young boy who stared back in worry before glancing around to find that she was on the edge of the sidewalk, about to cross in front of a speeding carriage that swerved slightly at the sight of the girl not paying attention to her surroundings. Twilight looked back down to the boy who let go of her shirt once he saw she was paying attention once more and gave him a sheepish smile. “Oh, uh, thank you.... Oh no, my books!” Glancing beyond the small child, Twilight noticed that at the shock of sudden loud sounds and the almost accident, her already fragile hold on her books broke completely, leaving them in disarray along the ground; upon seeing the teenager scramble to pick up the books, the green haired boy slowly picked up some as well and offered them to Twilight who stared back in thought before nodding to herself. “Could you help me carry this to my place?” The child tilted his head in non-understanding and offered the books forward once more. Twilight gave them a pat, pushing them towards the youngster instead and waving to him to follow along. The Titanian walked along for a few paces before the lad soon trotted to catch up, all the while watching the older girl curiously. The boy slowed down slightly as he looked on in awe at the mansion before them but quickly snapped forward at Twilight's questioning call. The Titanian led the way to her room where they wouldn't be bothered by any of the servants that kept up the house and they settled the books in their proper places before going into the kitchen and making several sandwiches. The green haired lad watched hungrily from across the counter, something Twilight took note of as she put the finishing touches on the sandwiches. “I'm Twilight Sparkle. T w i l i g h t.” As Twilight pushed the plate towards the child, she pointed to herself as she spoke, trying to see if he could speak plain Equestrian. “Twi- Twilight?” The young Titanian clapped her hands in excitement before nodding rapidly with a grin. “Yes! Me, I'm Twilight.” The boy watched curiously before trying again to test how it sounded. “Twilight?” The milk chocolate teen squealed in joy before nodding and pulling out her notes to mark the results. The sudden movement and scribbling didn't startle the youth as much as the first time and he watched Twilight add a few more notes before pushing the now crumb riddled plate forward. “Twilight?” “Yes?” the teen responded almost immediately before realizing that it was the child across the way who spoke and clapped her hands once more before noticing the now empty plate and pleading green eyes; after giving the advice book a quick check for the proper response, the purple haired girl nodded and made a few more sandwiches. Before he could grab and devour them however, Twilight made him pause and tried to get him to say something else instead of just her name. “Sandwich. This is a sandwich. Well, technically it's a ham and lettuce sandwich but that's-” The studious girl noticed the growing blank look on the hungry face and sheepishly grinned. “Oh, eh heh heh... 'Sandwich'.” “Sa-sandwich?” Once it was said properly, Twilight allowed the boy to go for the food and watched with growing satisfaction at how well he learned. This soon became the pattern for the rest of the day, with the teenager teaching the youngster various words and verbs while showing him around the house. She couldn't get him to speak anything else in his native tongue, but he learned Equestrian quickly and was soon speaking simple sentences. Twilight was privately pleased at the turn of events that made it so her parents were out of town; if she wanted to find out more about the boy she would have to be able to speak with him with the best course of action being close observation, something that would be harder to do with family there when he couldn't communicate. The teenager found that he was much like any other four or five year old, going to sleep where he sat learning the alphabet at an early time. After tucking him away, Twilight consulted the advice book a little more before returning to her other studies, worried about falling behind her schedule what to study when. The next morning found the young student asleep at her desk after working through most of the night. She was poked awake and opened a bleary eye to find a plate and messy sandwich laying next to her face, causing her to jerk further awake and sitting upright. “Twilight, sandwich!” The young girl looked to the green haired boy who smiled proudly from his place next to her; he had been the one to wake her up after making the sandwich. Twilight smiled gratefully and pulled it closer to look at it; he had paid close attention when she made the second batch and had all the right ingredients, though they weren't properly placed due to inexperience. “Thank you, it looks good.” The youngster watched expectantly as Twilight ate it and found no hidden surprises waiting for her; it tasted just as good as one she or the cook would have made. After a refreshing method to wake up, the two got down to work on learning more words and making larger sentences. In the midst of this, Twilight felt the need to set up the ground work for writing skills, finding herself surprised at how well the young boy learned. By the end of the first full day of work, Twilight felt as though she could finally ask what the youth's name was and perhaps even learn a little of where he came from; his answers surprised and frustrated her, however. “.... I am Spike.” The boy, Spike, had searched his new vocabulary for a moment before he was able to answer the question; Twilight grinned at the progress so far and pressed forward. “Really? Ok, nice to meet you Spike. Where do you live?” Spike frowned at the question, his mind running through the new information before realizing what was asked. “.... Nowhere.” Twilight frowned at the slight snag in her plan and tried a different tactic. “What about your parents? Where are they?” Spike shrugged his small shoulders as he stared blankly at the teenager who tried to control her frustration with the lack of answers. “.... Ok, uh, how about we continue learning things?” At this, the green haired boy smiled slightly and nodded, settling further in his seat as Twilight taught him more about grammar and the world around them. At the end of another long day of answering question after question, the studious teenager turned back to her normal studies, doing another all-nighter in an attempt at staying on track even with such an interesting side studies going on. Spike came into the Titanian's room the next morning (he had been given one of the extra bedrooms for his own use) and found his teacher at her desk, face deep in a large book with a scroll half-finished next to it and ink well dried from being left open. The young boy went and made another sandwich for the older girl and gently woke her up once more. “Twilight? Why do you read in the night?” The purple haired Titanian rubbed the sleep from her eyes as she smirked in amusement at the sight of another sandwich before realizing the question Spike asked. “Oh, well I have these more difficult studies to read for my test at the end of summer but you want to learn a lot so I just read these at night.” Spike frowned at the explanation understanding a little over half of what was said but getting the hunch it was due to him being there that there was an issue; with a sharp nod, the green eyed youth looked back at Twilight determinedly. “I'll help!” “Huh?” “I'll help you! Anything you need, I'll help.” Twilight blinked at the determined boy before smiling indulgently. “Oh, uh, ok. How about we get started on your reading then?” Spike nodded once more and got out the book he was to learn from but when Twilight made to join him, he pointed at her desk. “No no, I can do this. You read like you need to.” The teenager looked back in surprise before slowly returning to where she had left off, only to groan when she noticed the dried out ink well; Spike, having seen what Twilight reached for, jumped up from his place and ran to where he had last seen more ink, grabbing a bottle from the supply drawer and dashing back to the studious girl who watched in surprise. “Here you go!” Twilight reached out automatically for the ink before smiling at the youngster. “Thanks Spike!” The boy nodded once more before resettling down at his desk, picking up from where he left off. The rest of the day continued in this fashion, the youth showcasing his sharp memory as he helped the teen while at the same time learning more from the books assigned to him, slowly making his way upwards in skill. By the end of the day, Twilight was willing to admit that it helped to have an assistant, making fetching and getting different books faster with Spike's help. They both went to bed that night pleased with the day's work and excited for what could be done in the morning. There was little issue with the servants as to the extra child staying in the mansion, his presence explained as she was making a friend and helping tutor him (which was true in a way, even if she had no real idea about who he was aside from his name). The real trial came when her parents came back at the end of the week from their meeting; luckily by this time Twilight was prepared and had a presentation for her argument as to why Spike should continue to stay in the Sparkle mansion. Two hours into the presentation of how his help sped up her studying process Night and Velvet Sparkle gave in to the pleads, allowing the young boy to stay and help Twilight with her studies; something that she hadn't fabricated when it came to how useful the young child was. He spoke almost like a normal Equestrian child now, with a reading level slightly high for someone of his age. But it was his sharp memory that made the difference, his ability to remember where things were put and fetching and keeping an eye on the studious teen meant that Twilight could focus on her work without spending extra time searching for a certain reference or extra supplies. Before either one of them noticed, the summer passed in a blur of knowledge and budding friendship. Spike was talking like a native while Twilight was learning more and faster than ever before while satisfying her parents' desire that she make more friends. When it came time for the entrance exam, the teenager asked the young boy to go with her as moral support and to help test her before she actually took the exam; no matter what Spike said or did helped to relieve her stress, so he merely did as she asked and went with her to the large towering academy. The pristine white towers and castle-like academy posed an intimidating aura to those who entered it for the first time, causing Twilight to shiver as she made her way to the front desk to sign in for the exams. She was escorted by her parents and Spike, all of whom tried to help make the teenager less worried to no avail. Twilight gave each a brief hug before heading to the first room where the hopeful students would take the written portion of the test, the pale-gray door shutting behind her with an ominous sound to the nerve-racked students waiting inside. Spike couldn't help but pace as he waited with the Sparkles as well as other parents who came to support their children in their efforts; the two hours feeling like a day for those left waiting outside. Before long, the students were released from their written exam, staggering on wobbly legs before lining up for their practical application of the test. Spike raced up to Twilight as she shakily walked out and gave the young boy a pat on the head before taking her place in line. The practical portion of the test was done in an auditorium where the practitioners watched from the top row while allowing family and friends to support the tester by sitting in the center rows. When it came time for the milk chocolate teen's turn, Spike sat as close as he could and tried to encourage the young Titanian with gestures and mouthing kind words. As he watched Twilight try to focus on creating any kind of magic to go off, the young boy suddenly felt a tightening in his gut and a voice whispered softly in his ears. “reH tay' ghot tuqDaj je. SuvmeH 'ej charghmeH bogh tlhInganpu'. Hoch 'ebmey tIjon.” [One is always of his tribe. We are born to fight and conquer. Capture all opportunities.] Green eyes shrank to pinpricks at the words as he clamped a hand over his mouth and stood rapidly, the sudden movement drawing Twilight's attention to her young friend who staggered to the side as he tried to exit the room. “Spike?” A black haired professor cleared his throat and tapped his pencil onto his clipboard. “Ms. Sparkle, focus please.” Purple eyes shifted to the professor just long enough to miss what exactly happened but looked in time to catch the last sight of a green flame that sparked an explosive reaction with a previous student's attempt at growing a plant, making it burn up in a bright flash of light and loud bang. Twilight could barely see Spike being surrounded by others who were shouting and yelling about a monster before closing her eyes in fright for the boy and of the noise caused. The young Titanian's mind went blank as her magic surged beyond her control, blasting throughout the room; it encased the youth causing him to grow rapidly taller and stronger than those who tried to surround and catch him, appearing like a full grown Eponian but stronger and somehow tougher. Other beams hit those who tried to pursue him, freezing some in place while others turned to stone or even into harmless objects; while some beams hit the professors at the top of the room, causing them to float in a dark pink aura, incapable of moving or doing anything. The light and sound of all the magical discharge drew the attention of the Princesses themselves; ascertaining that it came from the Academy for Gifted Titanians, Princess Celestia went to investigate. What the lightly tanned Princess found in the practical test room astounded her, causing her to pause in place; it was rare that she saw anyone with that much potential, though it was obvious the young girl would need to learn control. The Sun Princess made her regal way to Twilight who flinched at the comforting hand on her shoulder before looking towards the Princess with frightened eyes, the glow of her magic slowly lessening until with a flash of light and soft pop everything went back as it was before. While the rest of the room looked at one another in confusion, Twilight had her head bowed in worry as she tried to apologize. “Your highness, I'm so sorry, I-” “Everything is fine my dear, and no lasting harm was done.” Princess Celestia smiled warmly at the teenager who fidgeted in place. “Uhm, I know I caused trouble with this exam, but please may I take it over again? I really really wanted to join the school...” Celestia smiled even brighter at the timid words and put a single finger to her in chin in mock ponder. “Hmmm, I suppose I could over look this transgression, on one condition.” The Solar Princess waited for the young Titanian's full attention before smiling once more. “You agree to become one of my private students, with whom I'll teach magic among other things.” Twilight's eyes widened in surprise before hopping in place excitedly. “Yes yes yes yes yes yes! Please, I would be honored to be one of your private students!” With a warm chuckle at the over excited girl, Princess Celestia led the way to an unused office to discuss what it entails with Spike, Night and Velvet Sparkle following as well. That evening was spent in celebration and discussion; while they were pleased with Twilight's effort, her parents weren't sure of Spike continuing to stay with them. The young teen had seen how well she worked with an assistant and even though he had caused a disturbance (admittedly one dwarfed by her own not even moments later) she still trusted him and wanted to help him. After promising to keep a closer eye on the young boy, Spike was able to stay with the Sparkles as an assistant to Twilight as she began her work both in a top end academy and as one of the Princess' own private students. After five years of living with the Sparkle Household, it felt like Spike had always been a part of the family; Twilight could only barely remember what it was like to not have her number one assistant there to help. Despite the Titanian's best efforts, Spike made sure Twilight ate right and got out every so often, even if it was to read in the sunlight. On a regular day like any other, the youth went to the donut shop Twilight had first treated him to, way back when they first met; it was actually the anniversary of when they met and Spike wanted to make it special. While it was something Twilight had long since planned for in order to not mess up her schedules, it was still a special occasion for the green haired lad; a bright mark in an otherwise dark past that would lead into a bright and friend-filled future. The young boy was so lost in memories that he hadn't noticed three slightly familiar boys sneaking up on him before shoving him down a side alley where they rained blows on him. “You little slime, finally away from your nerdy care-taker huh? What did we tell you about being on our streets oh so long ago?” The brown haired boy cruelly stated before kicking at ribs that was soon covered defensively by tan arms as Spike groaned at the pain. “Yeah, you should have stayed home with your new mommy; now you'll have to play with the big boys and we play rough.” With this, the three teens continued to mercilessly beat the curled youth who tried to weather out the storm of pain, wondering if anyone would notice or care. “What is taking Spike so long? It's not like him to take such a long time to come back from Donut Joe's.... He certainly knows where it is...” Twilight had been finishing her work as she waited, but as time drew on and it crept closer to evening, the young woman steadily grew more worried. By the time the clock struck five, the studious Titanian stopped her pacing and went towards the exit, her hands glowing slightly as she began to make a tracking spell to find the errant boy. Twilight frowned as she found herself drawn by a gentle tug in her hand down the path that one would normally take to reach the famous donut shop before sharply being pulled down a side alley where three boys shouted a few last insults before running off. On the ground where they had been lay a lump of clothing and bruises that moaned lightly as a green topped face looked where the boys had run off to in an effort to be sure it was safe out. The sight of green eyes in pain brought Twilight out of her shock and racing to the boy who flinched back at the sudden sound. “Shhh Spike, it's me.” “Twilight?” The Titanian scrunched her face at sight of the hurt youngster and quickly tried to recall if she knew of any healing spells. “Yes Spike, I'm here now.... Oh, for all the times to put off studying the body and healing spells! I don't know anything that can fix this, but I know someone who can. Just stay still Spike, I'm going to teleport us to someone who's hopefully willing to help.” Before the boy could make any sound or movement, the Titanian snapped her fingers that were surrounded in her magic's glow, bringing them to the foot of Princess Celestia's thrown in the main hall of Canterlot Castle. “Twilight, what is the matter?” The Solar Princess stood from her seat as she waved away the guards who came to attention at the sudden intrusion and the scribe who had been reading some of the reports of other meetings. “Princess, it's Spike! He's been hurt and I don't know any healing spells; please, can you help?” The fair Princess frowned in concentration as she nodded before waving the young Titanian back so she could get to the younger boy. As a gold aura surrounded the Princess' hands, Twilight watched the magic with close attention, trying to see if something would go wrong and how to do it herself should the need arise later. With a short frown of confusion, Princess Celestia paused in her administrations as she looked the youngster in the eye briefly. “What-what is it Princess!?” Celestia glanced at her pupil before looking at the boy before her with a pensive frown once more. “He is not like others, something I haven't encountered in a long time...” Twilight's eyes twitched slightly at these words as her mind jumped to the worse possible conclusion. “Wait, does this mean you can't help?! I can! I saw what you did, I'll just-” “Wait, no Twilight, I can help -” The Solar Princess never managed to finish her sentence as she was almost pushed aside by the frantic young woman who simply poured all of her magic and focus into the spell that she had memorized from watching it performed by the Alicorn Princess. Celestia watched amazed as Twilight's magic surged before narrowing to fixate on the small boy laying before the two, causing the bruises and abuse to simply shrink as though traveling forward in time rapidly. Just as the last sign of the beating vanished, the Titanian's magic diminished into nothing as Twilight fell over, unconscious from the effort it took. After giving her star pupil a quick check to make sure she was ok, the Princess summoned two couches to be brought over to set the two friends on as they recovered with a light chuckle, plans for the studious woman forming. It was much later in the evening that Twilight woke to find herself in the grand hall of Canterlot Castle, and a half second later she remembered why she had gone to see the Princess. “Spike? SPIKE?!” “Over here!” Twilight snapped her head towards the sound to find the solar monarch and young green eyed lad talking as they had tea and cake near where the young Titanian was laying. “Oh, thank goodness! You're alright? No lasting effects? No extra pain?” The young woman pulled the lad into a tight hug before pulling away to glance him over to check for anything her spell may have missed. “Perfectly fine, like brand new; are you ok? The Princess says you fainted afterwards...” Twilight smiled at the worried frown before looking towards her mentor with a sheepish grin. “I used too much magic at once and my body had to rest from the effort, right?” At the agreeing nod, Twilight looked to the boy once more as she joined them at the table covered in treats. “See? I'm fine, I had a good nap... Princess, I'm sorry for pushing you out of the way like that... I was just so worried about Spike that I-” Celestia waved a calming hand towards the young woman who trailed off at the gesture. “It's fine, it means that you care a great deal for your friend. In fact, you've just proven that you are ready for the next stage of your development, if you're willing.” Twilight straightened from her worried hunch with bright eyes at the mention of new work. “Yes, what is it?” “You remember how my sister and I are usually consulted by a council made up of each generation's greatest minds and abilities?” At the rapid nod confirming the knowledge, the Sun Princess continued with a gentle smile. “I would greatly appreciate it if you would be willing to be the first member in the latest Council of Harmony, as the representative of Magic.” Twilight stared on slack-jawed for a moment before jumping up and hugging her mentor tightly. “OH YES PLEASE I'D LIKE- oh, uhm, hem-hem, sorry.... I'd like that very much Princess.” The young woman suddenly released the Princess who merely smiled back and opened her arms once more; taking the hint, Twilight leaned forward to hug her mentor once more as Celestia returned the gesture before waving for Spike to join in as well. The three spent a moment longer in the hug before settling back down with the young Titanian looking curiously at her teacher. “But, why would you want me to be on the Council?” Princess Celestia smiled at the question, pleased that the studious woman wanted to know exactly how she earned the position. “You showed both exceptional skill in the field of magic and knowledge while still caring for your friends and family. I see so many talented Titanians in my time, but they all become obsessed with power and ambition; I'm glad to see you care so deeply for your friend that you would even knock me aside to help him when I faltered.” Twilight blushed at the words, relieved at knowing that the Solar Princess held no qualms with being pushed aside to take over the healing. “I do believe that this calls for a celebration and your family should be notified; if you two are able to follow me?” The two friends grinned at one another before rising along with the Sun Princess and exiting the grand hall, on the way to start a new kind of life that held the promise of being very interesting. Author's Note And Magic makes it all complete as they say :p that concludes the Origins of the Council of Harmony :) Thanks to Wolfie 03 for the chapter, and to GWG for editing it. I hope you enjoyed it. Mariacheat-Brony Octavia's Symphony for the Princess by Kapuchu (extended ending)“Octavia Philharmonica, I already said there will be no discussion about this! I will not allow it!” “Mother, I am eighteen years old! I am not a child anymore nor should you treat me as one. I am one of the top, upcoming cellists for a reason. If you would just believe in me for once in your life and back me up when I make a decision!” Octavia and her mother were currently having a fight, one of them wanting to challenge herself and the other wanting only to have her daughter follow the path she clears for her. They were standing in their living room, Vito Philharmonica standing behind and a bit to the side of his wife Sonata, and the older brother of Octavia, Cornelio Philharmonica, standing some distance away in the door with a hesitant look on his face. Neither of the two males had said anything since the youngest of the family, had brought up the idea of her composing a piece for the princesses themselves. Or, more specifically, the Lunar Princess. She was already rising in fame, a lot of big companies were keeping an eye on her. The same for her rivals, all of the driving themselves to exhaustion in an attempt to leave the natural that was Octavia behind. “Eighteen years old yet you still act like a child that does not get what they want. I have done so much for you, spent so much money to get you the very best teachers and this is how you repay me? With disobedience? Why, I have never! Look at Cornelio for once. He does what is asked of him, never asks questions. Why can’t you be like him!?” Octavia grit her teeth, her hands balling into fists. “Because I am not him, Sonata. I am Octavia Philharmonica, not Cornelio. I suspected you knew that, but evidently you do not. Stop living your dream through me, and expecting me to do what you dictate. I am your daughter, not your puppet!” With that she turned on her heel, and left the room, heading for her bedroom where the large black case which contained her precious cello stood. She hefted it up on her back, and started towards the main entrance, grabbing a coat on the way as well as a bag of bits. “I will be staying at a friend’s house for the time being. Father, brother, Sonata,” she greeted as she gave them each a respectful nod. Her mother’s angry voice was cut off as the door closed with a click behind her. Her mind already made, she set her course for a certain old friend of hers; Harshavardhan. Or Harpo, as they called him. She needed his help more than ever right now. Not only because she needed a shoulder to lean on, but also because she was in need of another musician, someone of equal skill and similar mindset. “Yes?” Harpo asked as he opened the door to his apartment, hair unkempt and wearing only a pair of jeans and a T-shirt. If his appearance was anything to go by then he had just woken up from an afternoon nap. “Harpo… I need you help,” Octavia said, head held low and shoulders slumped. It didn’t take long for the sleepy harpist to wake up fully and usher Octavia inside, closing the door behind her. “Is there anything I can help you with?” He asked hesitantly, already kicking himself for asking such a question right after she had said she needed it. “Let me rephrase that, what can I do for you?” Octavia looked up, her eyes looked like she had cried, even if just a little. “I had a fight with my mother. I want to challenge myself, and compose a piece for Princess Luna, but Sona- my mother won’t let me. She refuses to let me do anything she doesn’t order me to do.” She sighed and took a seat on the couch, looking out the window, the cello leaning against the armrest. She had been here a few times before. It was a cozy little place with a couch, small table, and one of those new magical contraptions people called a television. The kitchen was separated from the living room she was in by a large shelf that went from floor to ceiling, a door leading to the bathroom and another one to the door to the outside. A carpet decorated with red, brown and black swirls lay beneath the table. Octavia looked up, a determined spark gleaming in her eyes, all thoughts of her mother forgotten. “I want to compose a piece for Princess Luna, and I want you to help me.” Harpo, his own expression changing from concerned to determined, nodded and dug a few pieces of composition paper and two pens out of a drawer. He went back to her and sat down, laying the papers between them and handing one pen to her. “Oh, and one more thing,” she started sheepishly. “Can I stay here for a few days as well? I don’t think I want to go home until we’re done here.” The neighbours could perfectly hear Harpo’s hand impacting on his forehead. Octavia looked at her wrist watch. It showed the time to be 22:27. Still three minutes until she would be allowed entry to the throne room for her audience. Or rather, her impromptu performance. She wore her usual pink bowtie, a flowing grey dress hugged her body without making her appear provocative. It was simple yet pretty, allowing her plenty of movement to boot. She sighed and looked at her watch again. 22:28. An unladylike groan escaped her as she cursed time for moving so slowly when one was waiting. She went about tidying up her black braid that hung loosely over her left shoulder. At least that would give her roughly thirty seconds of something to do. Time passed, and hours seemed to go by until finally she was approached by a guard in golden armour and told that she could enter. The massive doors ahead of her opened, revealing a long room with a red carpet decorating the middle. Large glass-stains decorating each window as they portrayed heroic deeds done by either the princesses or heroes of old. She walked inside, her cello case hefted over her shoulder. When there were but ten steps to the stairs leading to the throne she stopped and looked up for the first time. If not for her incredible self control, she would have adorned a surprised, nay, incredulous expression at the sight of both princesses standing side by side. “Princess Celestia,” Octavia began, curtseying as best she could while balancing the large cello case with one hand. “I do not mean disrespect, but may I ask why I am graced with your presence? I asked only for a private audience with your sister, Princess Luna.” A smile graced the sun goddess’ lips. “I heard word that a musician would ask for a private audience with my sister, and when I was informed that you had taken your cello with you I assumed that there would be music involved. As a result I asked my sister if she would allow my attendance as well, and she agreed.” Octavia glanced at Luna, and saw her nod once in confirmation. “You are correct, Your Majesty, my visit does include music. In fact, it is wholly about that. You see, I have composed, together with a friend, a piece dedicated to Princess Luna, and I wish to present it to her in person. If you allow it, I will start playing immediately.” A smile and a nod from the diarchs told her that she was free to start whenever she wished to. Octavia bent down and opened the case, retrieving her polished cello, the bow and the papers upon which the pieces was written. She took a moment to look through them, making sure she had memorised everything before she balanced the cello in front of her and put the bow to the strings. Her amethyst eyes caught Luna’s as the she prepared to play the first notes. “Eight days. Three spent composing, four spent practicing. Only one days break to go home and inform my family that I was fine and would be home soon, then back to Harpo’s. Two skillful musicians creating one piece for one person, taking everything we know and translating it into notes. This is for you, Princess Luna.” She drew the bow across the strings, playing the first note of the most important composition she had ever written or played. It started out as uplifting and happy, yet calm and somewhat sombre. Higher notes came into play, depicting a joy unprecedented despite the piece’s relative slowness. It dropped, becoming darker before speeding up and becoming light and happy again. It wasn’t long before it took a much deeper and sadder feel to it, making it sound like some catastrophe was about to happen, but it also spoke of courage and happiness not long after. The music overtook the young musician’s mind and she swayed in tandem with the notes flying from her bow and strings. To her, there existed nothing but the music. It stopped suddenly, the notes seemingly bleeding from the instrument. They were no longer high and chipper, but slow and mournful until they died out with a hint of the earlier happiness and joy. Octavia Philharmonica lowered her bow, and opened her amethyst eyes to look directly at the lunar princess. “Since the return and redemption of Princess Luna, countless of pieces have been dedicated to her Highness, all of them praising her return and casting light on her beauty, grace and praising her and her night. Clair De Lune is a perfect example. It glorifies the night, glorifies the princess. It portrays both as perfect with no flaw or failures.” She shook her head. “I call those composers and poets fools. Fools who willingly turn the blind eye to the obvious that is ignored.” Octavia put her right hand to her heart, bow held firmly in her fist. “This piece, ‘Secrets’, portrays the life of Princess Luna. Her fall from grace as the shadows tried to overtake her and nearly turned her against that which she loved the most. It glorifies neither her past nor her present. It portrays her as she is; Flawed like any living being. ‘Secrets’ unveils the lies that other pieces hide behind. Unlike the meaningless praise, this music shows you for who you are. One who fought and almost fell, but rose and emerged victorious. It glorifies you none, but it praises you for who you are.” Both princesses stood immobile, neither blinking nor betraying any thought or emotion. Octavia stood stock still as well, awaiting judgement for her, honestly, rather provocative speech that followed the piece. “What do you think, Sister?” Celestia asked, turning to Luna. “The piece was dedicated to you, after all.” Luna turned to her sister with, a slight frown creeping upon her brow. “She certainly does have talent, and she has a mind unlike any other musician. She’s right in what she says, that the others glorify my night, whereas she praises where praise is due.” She nodded, a small smile playing at her lips. “I think we both agree, do we not?” Celestia chuckled and smirked in return. “We do, sister.” She then turned to the cellist, eyes shining. “Octavia Philharmonica, I must confess that I did not come here purely by coincidence. I, no, we have been watching you for some time. Watching your progress and keeping an eye out on your development both personality and skill wise. I came here for a reason somewhat more… important than merely watching you play, beautiful as it was,” Octavia couldn’t help the blush colouring her cheeks at the compliment. “You see, my sister and I have been looking for certain.... individuals, and we would like to ask if you would be interested in a position in a grand institution?” Octavia’s eyes widened. When worded like that, there was only one option. “Y-You mean the Royal Canterlot Orchestra?” She stammered, not being able to believe it. She had come with the goal of impressing the princess of the night, this went far beyond any crazy dream she could have possibly cooked up in her sleep. “No, not the orchestra,” Luna replied, causing Octavia to slump her shoulders and otherwise just look crestfallen. Her hopes had been raised and then crus- “Think bigger than that, Miss Philharmonica.” “What? Bigger? What could possibly be bigger than playing in the ROYAL Orchestra. It was what all canterlot musicians strived for, the only thing that could possibly be more prestigious would be-” Her eyes could easily be compared to saucers at this moment. There was only one thing she could think of that would be bigger than the orchestra. “You… Your majesties, I am only eighteen. I cannot possibly be a teacher at Canterlot’s Music School.” She bowed her head respectfully. “As much as I would love to be at such a position later in my life, I am unable to do so at present time. Not only would I not be able to play for enjoyment as I primarily do now, but I am also far too young. I am afraid I must decline that offer.” Luna and Celestia both chuckled at the almost crestfallen cellist. “Octavia, that is not of what I speak either,” Luna continued, grinning. To say Octavia looked puzzled would be a misunderstanding. She couldn’t for the life of her think of any position that would be grander than the Royal Orchestra and not be a teacher at one of Canterlot’s Music Schools. “Pardon my ignorance, your majesties, but what exactly do you mean?” “Miss Octavia Philharmonica,” Celestia began, walking down towards the eponian cellist with Luna at her side. “We extend to you an invitation,” Luna continued off where Celestia left off. “We offer you a seat in a position that will allow you to, literally, question any decision we should make in the area of music, of any kind, for so long as you hold the position. Your political power will be grand-” Celestia took the reins again. “And your personal influence on any areas of music even grander. Octavia, we extend to you the offer of a seat in the Council of Harmony." Octavia stood stunned. She had read a little about the Council of Harmony and knew that it was no more. To hear that she was invited to join it, and possibly as one of the first members in centuries, was an honor beyond comparison. It was something she had never thought possible. To say it exceeded her every hopes and dreams would be a misunderstanding; this was an impossibility! “I… Your majesties, I don’t know what to say. It is an honor beyond anything I could possibly imagine.” She stopped for a moment before quickly adding, “I do not know what I have done to earn it, but I gladly accept.” It was all she could do to not cry out in girlish glee. She had hoped only for a little bonus points to get into the Canterlot Symphony, but this? She truly didn’t know what to think. “You have earned it by being an excellent musician as well as showing remarkable judgement of character as well as a critical eye on, not only your own work, but every other piece of music out there. We believe that you’ll be able to look past the differences of the different types of music and see them for the pieces of art they are, and not judge them by their differences.” Luna lay a hand on Octavia’s shoulder which prompted to cellist to look up. “Now, I have a question, Octavia. As of right now you are a member of the Council of Harmony and have nearly unlimited power in anything about music, so is there anything you want to do as your first -ah- act as the head of all music?” She brought a finger to her chin, tapping it in thought as various different things shot through her mind. There were a lot of options as to what she could do for her first act as the Musical part of the Council. “Your Majesties, if I may have my friend enter? He’s waiting outside for me to return.” At the word of Celestia, a guard left the throne room and returned a few minutes later with the harpist and composer in tow just as Octavia was finished whispering a few words to the princesses. “Is there something the matter, your majesties?” Harpo asked as he knelt down in front of the two diarchs. He looked up. “I apologise if Octavia’s piece offended either of you. I was part of the creation of this piece, so if any punishment is to be dealt I will take my share of it.” “Stand up, Harpo, there’s no reason to kneel,” Octavia said with a bit more authority in her voice than had previously been, a detail that did not pass by the composer. Octavia turned to the two smiling princesses and received a nod from both. The mask of professionalism that she had worn so far slipped away as she smiled in turn, turning to Harpo. “Harpo Nedermane, what would you say to compose pieces, and possibly play, for the Royal Canterlot Symphony Orchestra from tomorrow onwards?” A loud thud echoed throughout the throne room as Harpo hit the ground, unconscious. “I’ll take that as a yes,” Octavia said with a grin. Author's Note First of the six chapters on the Council of Harmony's members, given to you straight from the quill of Kapuchu. If you're interested in participating in this fiction : here! We still need someone for Twilight . Stay tuned for the next ones Mariacheat-Brony Ruin and Rescue of a Fashion show by Wolfie 03 (extended version)The Ruin and Rescue of a Fashion Show Rarity Belle, Baroness of Northern Canterlot, was currently having lunch with the most notable of nobles; her parents, the Viscount and Visdame Magnum and Pearl Belle, as well as Lady Octavia Philharmonico with her Uncle and Aunt who were also Viscount and Visdame Fancy Pants and Fleur. Rarity's younger sister, Sweetie Belle, was currently on a field trip for school and wasn't expected back until the afternoon. The nobles were discussing some of the upcoming celebrity events, one of which was Fancy Pants' Grand Featured Art Show. The six nobles enjoyed their meal in the Belle Manor; each with a different drink, most being a type of wine aside from the blue haired noble who had a cup of Apple Cider which he had specially imported from a nearby town. Rarity could hardly believe that it tasted all that great compared to some of the fine wines they had available; just as she was about to try to once again convince him to taste some of the wine instead of the cider from a small nearby town, a messenger strode quickly to the small group. After handing a scroll to Fancy Pants, the carrier attempted to catch his breath while the noble read the message since he had run a good portion of the city to get the letter to the noble as quickly as possible. At his pensive frown, the others couldn't contain themselves any longer and politely asked what it contained. “It seems that the studio where all the designers and artists were working was broken into the night before. All of our extra supplies were taken and everything that was going to be presented was destroyed.” Fancy Pants frowned as the others all gave small gasps at the news. “Also, the main designer was there at the time of the break in and was badly hurt. He will recover, but not in time for our show.” Rarity and Octavia covered their mouths in shock, horrified that someone had been injured. “Uncle, what will you do?” Octavia reached out and put a hand onto Fancy Pants' shoulder, concerned for what will happen. The long black haired noble had been enjoying her time of relaxation from Council duties but in face of trouble for her uncle cut the relaxation short. “I suppose we'll just have to suspend the show...” Fancy Pants trailed off as he looked at the others at the table. “Well, I suppose, I could offer my assistance.” Rarity shyly suggested as she looked at the Manehatten noble. Fancy Pants raised a brow while Octavia, along with Rarity's parents, brightened at her offer. “Indeed, our Rarity here is a wonderful designer. She'll be able to help tremendously at your show.” Magnum Belle chipped in with a proud smile at his daughter. Rarity blushed at her father's praise as her mother nodded along with a smile. Fancy Pants was intrigued by the suggestion, especially as Octavia also voiced her support of Rarity's help and took the baroness up on her offer. “That sounds like a splendid idea. But can you do so in time for the show to happen as originally planned?” Fancy Pants looked to the baroness who sat up straighter with a resolute nod. “Indeed I can. Though may I see the report from the break in? How will you deal with finding the robbers?” Rarity asked as she held out a hand for the scroll which was given readily as the blue haired noble thought out loud. “Hmmm, I suppose I'll have to gather a team of guards and detectives who will try and track down the perpetrators...” The Viscount from Manehatten starred into the distance, trying to think of top notch guards who would be willing to help. “Perhaps I could suggest someone? Phoebe Wright?” Rarity questioningly raised a brow that quickly furrowed into a pensive frown as she looked over the report. “The Ace Attorney... ? Is something the matter my dear?” Fancy Pants leaned towards the purple haired woman as she tapped a single finger to her chin in thought. “Hmm? Oh yes, that's the one. She's a dear friend of mine who has an absolutely marvelous record of 'getting the perp' as she puts it. Viscount -” “Please, call me Fancy Pants.” The Manehatten noble commented as he smiled warmly at the baroness. Rarity flashed a small smile in return and dipped her head in acknowledgment. “Fancy Pants, what does it mean by the designer was the only one hurt? Were there more in the building at the time?” Rarity turned her sapphire eyes towards the noble who turned pensive at the question. “It was late in the evening when the burglars came in; they ransacked everything, scaring the other seven staff members away before getting to Orion who was just putting the finishing touches on his masterpiece that was to be the center of the show.” At this news, Rarity's eyebrows rose in surprise. “Orion? The Orion of Vanhoover fame and not Sir Peter Moore? And how odd that the burglars didn't harm anyone else but him...” Rarity mused as she continued to watch the older noble. “Yes indeed, very odd. A panel of judges and myself had samples of all the latest designers, and it was decided that Orion had the edge over the competition; though had I known you were a designer we would have asked for your own work as well my dear. I would ask the runner up, which was Sir Peter, to perhaps showcase something, but if you are sure you can do it in two days...” Fancy Pants raised a brow of his own, wanting to be sure that the young baroness would be able to make the deadline that most of the current society's designers would declare impossible. He wasn't sure this nineteen year old baroness was up to the challenge of the short deadline, though he was willing to give her a chance. “Oh pish posh. Everything shall be ready in time, and it shall be fabulous! Just don't forget to have Phoebe on your investigation team.” Rarity wagged a finger towards Fancy Pants who lightly chuckled as he nodded along. While everyone else wanted to have a relaxing lunch before Rarity became unavailable for the next two days, it was agreed that the two nobles would be better off seeing the damages done so far. When they arrived, they found the whole studio in shambles, the supplies for the half-finished projects stolen while anything that was finished or nearly complete was destroyed; the pair walked through room after room where the artists were lamenting the loss as the nobles looked on. Just as they finished looking through the whole place, the team of detectives and guards had arrived and began to look for clues as well as a more thorough questioning of the witnesses. “Ah, Phoebe Wright! How are you, darling?” Rarity asked as she stepped towards a young woman who wore a blue suit over a white shirt and pink necktie. She had her light brown hair cut short, with natural spikes along the back. Light gray eyes lit up in recognition at the sight of the baroness as their owner stepped forward as well and shook her hand. “Rarity Belle! It has been a while, thank you for suggesting my services to Viscount Fancy Pants; hopefully I can be of some help to the two of you.” Phoebe Wright stated as she took in the appearance of the baroness before her as well as more of the surrounding area, noting that Rarity managed to keep her slim figure that she had since childhood when the two of them first became friends. “Indeed it has been a while, darling, and I'm sure you will be extremely helpful! Though I must say, it is a shame that this had to happen to Orion, he was the only one of eight working that night who was injured. And he was to present his latest masterpiece to the world the night of the show.” Rarity trailed off as the spark of intrigue lit in light gray eyes as Phoebe put the information away for later use. “Orion you say? The one from Vanhoover? Main rival of Sir Peter Moore from Baltimare?” Phoebe rubbed her chin as she peppered the woman before her with questions who seemed a little pleased that she was thinking along that train of thought. “That is the one. But enough idle gossip, you will keep me informed of any breakthroughs won't you?” Rarity pleaded with a small hint of puppy-dog eyes, batting her lashes and pouting lightly. Phoebe laughed loudly, causing some of the nearby workers and investigators to look at her in question before continuing their work. “Oh Rarity, you never change! Sure I'll let you know what's happening; I'll bet you asked for my help just for that reason!” Phoebe laughed lightly once more as Rarity just gave a sly smile. “I'll contact you later Rarity, have a nice day.” “You as well dear. Thanks so much for your help.” Rarity politely waved goodbye as the team left the area after gathering all the evidence they could before starting their investigation. As the young baroness turned away from the exiting team, she noticed that Fancy Pants was nearby, watching with interest at the scene though he was unable to hear what had been said. “Oh, uhm, hum-hum. Is something the matter Fancy Pants?” “Nothing at all, my dear. Are you ready to take over? Do you need anything?” Fancy Pants asked as he followed the baroness who gathered everyone into the main room. “Yes, I am ready and I do need a few things....” Rarity began to recite a list of supplies as well as enough lunch for everyone who was going to be working a lot harder the next two days than ever before. She had half the workers get more supplies on the double, helping pave the way with her own finances to speed up the process of acquiring the needed supplies, and the other half to gather the broken yet similar materials into various piles to be reused. Nothing was trashed if possible, and being in a giant pile of similar materials made it easier to see new possibilities and not old pieces of art. She then invited the artists to look at all the bits and pieces left as well as what was being ordered and then had everyone go for a nice relaxing lunch with enough proteins and vitamins to keep up their strength for the next two days of hard work to catch up on lost time. Even as the baroness was thinking of different ideas for designs and art, she spoke with nearly everyone eating; sharing ideas, giving encouragements, even just exchanging pleasantries to help them relax about being in a noble's presence. Once everyone had eaten, they got to work on the busiest two and a half day deadline they have ever tried to meet. Having seen all the supplies they were able to work with had inspired the artists and they set about their work with enthusiasm. Rarity made sure that all the other artists were set up and working once more before heading to the fashion designer's room to see what could be salvaged. The clothing was mostly shredded, with only minimal parts that could be reused; a bow here, a neckline there, and so on. She looked at the damages with surprise, compared to the rest of the studio, it was as though the burglars knew to find and completely ruin Orion's designs. Orion had tried to make all of the clothing at the same time, resulting in varying degrees of progress that was consequently destroyed. The only one dress that had been finished was his masterpiece, something that even from the shreds Rarity could tell was a breakthrough in fashion and would lead to whole new trends. The young baroness tried to find the original designs, but soon found a pile of ash in the nearby trash bin that had a few bits and pieces identifying the thing used for the 'fire' was the original clothing design sheets. Rarity continued her search of the room and found a small binder hidden away behind some of the furniture; it was Orion's, he had tried to hide some of his designs from the burglars, making it possible for Rarity to try and create his masterpiece since he had put its design back after completing it. After one last quick look around the room, the baroness called to other dressmakers to help speed up production as she created new designs using some of the remaining bits as well as Orion's masterpiece. Since they would still be a dress short, Rarity threw in her own masterpiece, though she was nervous about debuting as well as putting the rest of the show back on track. Once the plans were finished, Rarity settled down to help with making the clothes; doing the more finer details and putting it altogether at the same time as getting requests and helping the rest of the staff with the details of the show. By the time that most of the finer details of how the show would change and most of the other artists were into their own zone of creation, the other dressmakers had adjusted to a baroness making clothing and began to gossip amongst themselves. Rarity knew that dressmakers and arts were the best source of celebrity and noble gossip, since they needed to be in the know faster than some of the very ones talked about in order to keep up with the trends. The young baroness listened and offered her own gossip that took place as the others worked, while none slowed their efforts on the clothing that needed to be made. The conversation traveled between this designer and that celebrity before settling on Sir Peter Moore, who seemed to be in an agitated state since the burglary. “Hmm, so Sir Peter Moore has been staying in Canterlot for a while now?” Rarity asked with a raise of her brow, curious as to what could bring him to an extended stay. “Oh yes. He's been in Canterlot since everyone was offered the chance to present their designs in this Grand Featured Art Show. Seems he's gotten more worked up, maybe he heard about the break in and is waiting for Viscount Fancy Pants to offer him the work instead?” One woman said from behind a sewing machine as others nodded along. “I heard that he thought that his being a noble would grant him the position of head designer for the show automatically.” Another woman stated as she cut the fabric needed. A few more tutted as one leaned towards the center of the room to be better heard. “I hear that when Orion won, Sir Peter threw a fit in his home here in Canterlot and swore that Orion would 'be sorry to ever try and enter into a world fit for the nobility only'.” At these words Rarity's brows shot up and she levitated a scroll and quill over to herself unnoticed by the others, writing a note with her findings to Phoebe who would be in need of such information. “Seems Sir Peter Moore is having staffing issues too; he's hiring three more staff members for full time positions. It's been years since he changed anything in his staff, though I'm not sure if it's worth the pay to work for that snob.” Another woman who was making some of the smaller detailed items added before the conversation turned to another noble who was hiring. Rarity added a note to check why Sir Peter would be hiring for staff when all of his previous ones had been at their jobs for more than a decade and sent it via express mail to the young attorney detective. With full production happening in the studio, no one really left for much of anything; having all meals delivered and sleeping for only minimal amounts to ensure that their work was at prime condition. This meant that there was never a chance for the burglars to come back and finish the job, not that Rarity or Fancy Pants were going to risk it; they had some guards stand watch at all times and were even scheduled to stay for the duration of the show as well, since it seemed as though someone was trying to sabotage it. Phoebe had written back to Rarity about how they found the burglars after following up on some leads that she had provided and were working on getting a court date and arrest order for a noble; making it one more thing Rarity had to worry about aside from the show. They had found a lot more in Sir Peter's place of residence in Canterlot, including threatening letters, scrolls detailing how to break in and hurt Orion the most as well as some designs that would work for the Grand Show had Sir Peter had been chosen to work for it. Rarity felt rather smug that not only was the show going on as planned, but that one of Orion's masterpieces would be presented that night as well, meaning that the burglars' work wasn't as effective as their backer would hope. As the opening time came closer, Rarity found herself organizing more of the show than helping to make the clothing line, the dressmakers doing an excellent job of finishing as the head designer's attention was drawn elsewhere. Soon enough the two days went by in a blur of busyness and it was time for the show. While most of the audience enjoyed the pre-show of the displays of art as well as some appetizers, Rarity never left the back room as she organized from behind the scenes; making sure it was just right and that everything went perfectly. They made it through the pre-show without issue and were currently presenting the latest fashion trends when a disturbance came from the back. Orion had awoken and was attempting to join the show in any way possible. He was a sorry sight, barely able to stand and heavily bandaged, with a nurse following close behind him trying to convince him to return to bed. He had snuck out somehow and made it through the city before anyone noticed his absence and tried to track him down. They only caught up with him at the show itself, and by then he had made a scene in the back room asking for Fancy Pants. Fancy Pants was just entering and found the scene of trouble after being alerted that Orion was in the back trying to find him. He was slightly annoyed at how he was not told that the designer was awake and was prepared to try and make it up to him when he found Rarity already speaking with Orion in calming tones; whatever was being said set the designer at ease and he allowed himself to be lead to a seat in the audience. When the young baroness had heard that Orion was awake and wanted part in the show, she mentally patted herself on the back for having planned ahead having expected his desire to have something of his presented; though she was concerned a little about his health, and tried to get him to calm down before explaining herself. They were able to finish his masterpiece and it was to be the center of the show just as before, with a little speech about it and its creator. While Orion actually coming was a slight surprise, Rarity had a seat reserved in his honor in the front row which he accepted with great pleasure. The nurse followed to his seat and stayed for duration of the event to make sure nothing else happened to him. Fancy Pants was impressed twice over, given how the young baroness had known how much it meant to Orion and to even have a seat set aside for him in his honor. He gave her a small smile and nod before turning back around to sit among the audience once more. The rest of the show went perfectly, the two most talked about pieces being the two masterpieces from both Orion and Rarity. At the soirée held afterwards, meant to allow the artists to mingle with possible clients, Rarity stayed close by Orion as they spoke with their peers and members of the audience, wanting to be sure he got the credit he deserved and to make sure nothing happened to him. In the midst of speaking with Sir Peter Moore who was giving grudging praise for the designer outfits, Rarity was approached by Phoebe Wright looking solemn and presented the baroness designer with a scroll which she quickly looked over. She glanced back at the two rivals who had continued talking as the baroness walked away, noting the difference in the appearance and how others saw them. One was a young man with an elegantly styled short black hair and light blue eyes, dressed for all occasions in a neat suit with tie, with an obvious air of confidence that most nobles had these days. The other was a young man covered in bandages, his short light blue hair out of sorts and mostly hidden by the head wrap he wore, one arm in a sling with the other in a cast, sitting in a wheelchair with a dark-green bathroom hastily thrown on; and while he still had an air of joy and happiness that some of his work made it through the burglary, he was tired and weary, making him seem weaker in comparison with his main rival. Rarity nodded to Phoebe who signaled to guards waiting in the side hallway and the two women strode back to the two men, wanting to get this sorted out quickly. The baroness did not want Sir Peter to come off as the better designer due to no fault of Orion's aside from being a victim of sabotage. “My dear Sir, would you please follow me and my associate to the hallway?” Rarity asked politely in a lull of the half-praises that were being given by Sir Peter to Orion. Sir Peter raised a brow at this unusual request and humphed lightly. “And why would I want to do such a thing? I do believe I was speaking with my dear Orion about his... lovely... masterpiece.” Sir Peter turned back to the designer though he paused when Rarity cleared her throat softly. “Hum hum. Please, let us not cause a disturbance in the guests' presence, if you would follow me to the hallway.” Rarity said with slightly more force than before as she gave a small wave to the side of the room where she wanted him to go to. “My dear Rarity, I shall do no such thing. I merely wanted to say how pleased I am that Orion did not suffer too greatly at the hands of those ruffians...” Sir Peter turned away once more but was approached by members of the Guard as the young baroness waved them over. “Sir Peter, it is not a request, it is a demand. These guardsmen shall escort you to a holding cell until proper judgment of your crimes can be reached.” Rarity watched for any signs of trouble from the noble who was surrounded by guards as she pulled Orion back from the situation. “I beg your pardon!? For what am I to be apprehended by such methods?!” Sir Peter raised his voice slightly as he tried to stay out of the guardsmen's reach, attracting everyone's attention to the scene. “You are being arrested for burglary, damage of nobility property, theft, and assault and battery.” The baroness stated with a raised brow, daring him to contradict her. “I object!” Sir Peter began to try to defend himself when Phoebe gave a small frown and interrupted him. “Hey, that's my line!” Rarity flashed the young attorney a soothing smile before turning to face the noble in front of her with a frown. “The team of investigators has found plenty of proof. Here is the list of things found that prove it.” Rarity handed the upset noble the scroll which he rapidly scanned, with the crowd looking on and the baroness continuing to speak. “The wonderful team led by Phoebe Wright found the letters of intent to do the crime as well as testimony from the burglars themselves who say you were their backer. It didn't help that you used members of your own staff to do such a crime, they were able to trace their original working location to you. “We have eye witnesses who are willing to testify that you made threats against Orion and how you seemed to know that something was wrong with the show before the break in happened, staying in your Canterlot residence and having some of your work already designed and made with these models in mind. And how the most damage and actual physical harm was to Orion himself, showing that they knew who to aim for. “Handling the situation in such a way is never proper; now please, remove him from any decent company.” Rarity watched with a small frown as Sir Peter Moore was led away by three guards as the fourth kept watch, shouting profanities at the two designers the entire time. After saying goodbye to Phoebe who then followed the guards out, Rarity turned back to the crowd and apologized for the display. She soon found herself peppered with questions as to how she knew he was the one behind it all; to which she answered as though it was the simplest thing in the world, leaving her peers in awe of her ability to gather facts and leads for the team to do its work. After some more time spent discussing what had happened as well as the show, Rarity went to make sure nothing else had happened while she was socializing. Unbeknownst to the new fashionista, the two Princesses had come in without notice and had watched the entire show, as well as the resulting encounter with the saboteur. Both were greatly impressed and agreed silently, Baroness Rarity Belle would make a good addition to the Council of Harmony. Princess Celestia, led by Octavia who had come to support her friend and family presenting the show, found the young baroness congratulating all of the staff and artists for a job well done in the back room. The immortal princess walked up to the purple haired baroness who was alerted to royal presence by the bowing and curtsying of everyone around her. “Why, Princess Celestia! To what do I owe this great honor?” Rarity asked as she curtsied. “I wanted to congratulate you on a wonderful show and how well you handled the saboteur.” The Princess said with a warm smile at the baroness who was a little flustered at the praise. “Oh no, it was nothing really.” “My sister and I both agree, you would make an excellent addition to the Council. Would you be willing to join the Council of Harmony as a Representative of the Arts, Rarity Belle?” Princess Celestia asked as the baroness stood up quickly at the offer. “Princess Celestia offering me –ohh aa – a member of the Council – uhh ooh – of Harmony – ah ya waahh~” The young fashionista promptly fainted on a conveniently placed couch behind her with a large grin on her face. Author's Note And, here's the extended version of Rarity's introduction to the Council of Harmony, written to you by Wolfie 03, and edited by her friend GWG! A huge thank you for their contribution. ^^ Stay tuned for what's next. Mariacheat-Brony A rainbow that breaks the limits for a friend by Odinsgard“Rainbow Dash? Oh, yes, she’s home. Let me run and grab her,” Rainbow Springs told a young dark grey haired kid. “This will take just a minute.” The kid nodded in understanding, waiting patiently for his friend to come out and get going to the Wonderbolt performance like they had planned out, luckily it was a perfect day outside. “RAINBOW! We got these tickets two months ago and we can’t be late. Now, come on!” He yelled out of frustration. Rainbow poked her head out of the second story of the cloud house. “Whoa hold up, Thunder! This is our day remember! Have you forgotten who saved her allowance for to pay for both of us?” Rainbow smugly stated. “Anyways, I’m waiting for my mom to finish up a lunch for me. You ready for the show?” “DUH!” Thunder said exasperated. “We’ve been planning this for the past couple months now, you think I would forget or something? What could be more important than seeing the Wonderbolts!” “Kay! Just a sec, my Mom’s calling me. My lunch is probably ready.” Rainbow went back into the house only to appear at the door a second later, with a bag full of snacks. “Come on, lets see if you still can’t beat me! Race to the stadium?” Counting down on her fingers before Thunder could respond, she yelled. “THREE, TWO, ONE, GO!” Her wings materialized on her back and let out a mighty thump. She shot into the air, shortly followed by Thunder. As they raced through the city of Cloudsdale, a large building, much like the Colosseum, jutted from the bottom cloud level of the Jupiterian city. Both Rainbow and Thunder looked at the cloud building with growing excitement, “I’m so nervous about this, what if one of them comes to see us!” Thunder shouted over the wind. “Just wave!” Smiled Rainbow before she landed at the front gate a full second before Thunder, jeering at him, “Late, as always.” “Pfft, whatever, we both know you had a head start. Come on, we need to get in there before the seats get filled up!” Too excited to act cool, they both ran into the colosseum grabbing the first seats they could find in row one and ripping into the snacks Rainbow brought. All around the two kids, the seats began to fill up, one by one until the entire place was packed to the brim. “This is going to be so cool! They need to do the Double Helix, that move is so awesome, then they need to do…” He stopped abruptly when three tall people in brightly colored jumpsuits walked out of an alcove to center stage. “OH MY GOD! They look so COOL!” Thunder yelled as quietly as he could, not noticing the look he got for his fan-boying form Rainbow. “Wow you need to calm down before I need to find some tissues for you,” Rainbow snarked, earning a sharp punch to the shoulder from Thunder. “Shuddup will you? They're about to start!” Thunder’s attention was now fully focused on the three people readying for the performance. Not paying Rainbow any more heed she focused in on the Wonderbolts and what amazing tricks they had in store for them. The first to move was the leader, she had sported her wings from the minute she walked out and now that they were visible to Rainbow she noticed that they were white, pure white, with red flame coloring at the tips as well as the base, she looked at the other two and nodded. In unison they jumped forward and down through the floor of clouds and out of sight, Rainbow and Thunder both confused by their action looked at each other only to miss two men explode out of the walls on either side of the colosseum, split seconds after they jumped. Shooting their heads back to the spectacle before them, a double line of dark blue smoke was flowing from the male Wonderbolts and their formation leader could be seen up above them preparing to dive. “It’s the Double Helix!” Shouted an ecstatic Thunder. Their leader took off at an insane dive straight for the middle of the helix and with a bright flash of red light emanating from her wings causing the outside of the cylinder to look like a sunset on a cloudy afternoon. ~~~~ A few hours later Rainbow and Thunder left the colosseum awestruck and amazed that such fliers could be real. “That was the greatest thing I’ve ever seen in my life!” An exuberant Rainbow yelled, pumping her fists into the air. “Gee look who needs the tissues now.” Snarked Thunder quick to avoid a punch from a flustered Rainbow. “So you a fan now, I’m guessing?” “Are you kidding me? Of course! How could I not be?! They were all so cool, and Spitfire was amazing with that double helix maneuver of hers.” Approaching a bench they sat as one and shared in the memories of the night. “We should try that move!” Thunder said suddenly. “What?” “You heard me, I think we should try it and show that we’re Wonderbolt material!” “OK, take a breath there Thunder. Do you know how dangerous that would be? We can’t even fly as fast as our parents. To pull that trick off… It’s insane even thinking about it!” Rainbow said, giving Thunder a look that she hoped would convey her desire to not try it. “Come on, Rainbow! I know we can do it, I just know we can. Maybe all we need is some practice and then we could do it, but I can tell that we’re capable.” A look came over his eyes as if challenging Rainbow to say otherwise. After several tense moments, Rainbow sighed, “Fine, but I hope to Celestia that you’re right about this. I don’t want to become a meat pancake anytime soon!” Snorting at her quib, Rainbow said her goodnights, promising to meet at the bench in the morning so they could start training. ~~~ Morning came too fast as Rainbow slid out from her covers and looked around her newly decorated room. ‘Eight years can really change things, I really need to talk with him more.’ Rainbow reminiscently thought. New posters hung from the wall, most were of the Wonderbolts in different poses, the others were of bands she loved. Rainbow moved out of her room, groggy as ever, sitting at the kitchen table, which clearly was used the previous night for a wild 18th party, she cleared away any bottles and plates that scattered her eating spot vowing to take care of it before her parents got home from their trip. As she poured her cereal and began to eat, her mind drifted from thought to thought, suddenly frozen Rainbow slowly looked at a picture of her and Thunder at the front of the Wonderbolt academy with an inscription of ‘Never give up on your dreams, Rainbow!’, “Shit! I said I’d meet him for that Double Helix trick of his an hour ago.” Rainbow yelled at the wall. Shoving the rest of the food down her throat she ran then flew straight to where Thunder waited patiently as ever. “Still can’t get up before 12 can we? Not even for your oldest friend?” Thunder asked with a mock pout plastered on his face. “Sorry *huff* long night *huff* big party *huff*...” “Ya ya, same old thing. You never stop to amaze me how much you like to party without me.” An annoyed smile crept across his face. “What has it been now a year since you invited me last? I know I’ve been kept up with the academy but that still does not mean I don’t need to relax.” “Ya… Sorry about that I’ve just kinda forgotten about that stuff…” Rainbow looked sheepishly at the ground. “More like forgotten about me, but nevermind that. I figured out how to do the DOUBLE HELIX! I just wanted you to be the first one to see.” His expression a striking contrast from his calm and annoyed expression not minuted before hand. Rainbow was definitely not going to let his remark slide but agreed to amuse him for the moment. “OK, so you figured it out. Big whoop! They put that trick in the trash 8 years ago, and I don’t think they'd be impressed if they found you copying their moves.” “I don’t think you understand, Dashie. This trick was never figured out, it’s the only one unsolved until today!” He spread his thunder cloud black wings out and shot into the air. “I can’t wait to see your face when I do this, so don’t blink!” Watching with bated breath, Rainbow observed her friend make his cylinder of grey smoke as he ascended stopping at the top of his climb, giving Rainbow a cocky thumb up, aimed himself into the start of a dive. Rainbow calculated his trajectory and was impressed to say the least, ‘Wow last time I saw him, he was scrawny as a twig and not that great at flying to match, but now look at him. What did I miss in him?’ She ideally mussed. ‘Looks like he figured it out too. Damn, I really am impressed, looks like I’m going to have to…’ The sound of a water balloon smashing into the ground shook her ears, flinging her back into reality. Shock was all she felt, terror rising in her as she ran with all her might searching the smoke for Thunder. “This is not funny Thunder! Get out here now!” Rainbow screamed into the dark fog, “Get out here or you're never invited to a party… Of… Mine.” Tears started to well up in her eyes as she found Thunder, his body broken but still alive. She ran to him faster than she had ever ran in her life. “OH GOD! I need to get help. Any one help, help!” When she heard nothing she realised that this was on her head to get Thunder to a hospital. Grabbing Thunder around the shoulders, nestling his neck on hers. Once her friend was secured in her arms, she extended her wings and took off faster than she ever had before. Focused on her destination and her friend's injuries, Rainbow didn't pay much attention to the sensation of being slowed down like pushing against a flexing, but resilient wall. She just kept pushing forward, ignoring the feeling of being compressed by the air itself. With a growl, Rainbow broke through that invisible wall, not seeing that a rainbow colored jet stream formed behind her and that a loud explosion was heard all across Equestria. She didn't even noticed that she was flying so fast that all records to that day held no ground to her, but she didn't think about it at the moment. All that mattered was her friend, one of her best and oldest friends, laying lamely in her arms, maybe on the verge of death. Crashing in the front doors of a hospital would normally raise question but with an unconscious bleeding young man in your arms and your hair and wings ablaze with rainbows those questions could come later, as evidence was the stunned crowd of people in the waiting room. “WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? HEAL HIM!” Rainbow Dash screamed. “HEAL HIM FOR FAUST’S SAKE!” Five nurses and the doctors in the room responded immediately, sprinting forward to take Thunder out of her arms, this was the last thing she saw before she blacked out unconscious from the exhaustion and the draining of adrenaline as the horrors of the day seemed to dissolves into inky blackness. ~~~ Rainbow awoke to the beeping of a heart monitor. Needles poking her arm and tubes running down her throat was the worst experience of walking up she ever had encountered. She did not notice though, a soft flow of something, maybe hair, drifted over her legs and she felt warmth enter her body. She felt warmth sail through her spine and down her arms and chest. ‘Eyes! Yes, I can still use them.’ She slowly opened her eyes revealing a woman in a flowing white dress and hair of sunlight. In a start she realized it was the princess, her ruler, a goddess made mortal but with eternal life. “Oh good, you’re awake," the Monarch replied in warm tone. "Huh?" the young Jupitarian blinked in shock. "I heard what you did for your friend," The Sun Princess said calmly. "Quite admirable thing to do. You’re a hero, and a loyal friend to the end.” A large smile crept across her face. “With a nice little flying trick to boot,” she softly chuckled, earning no response from the young girl. "You're probably wondering why I'm here, aren't you?" In a tone of steel and ice, Rainbow snarled “In all honesty, I don't really care about that. I’m more surprised that no one has told me how Thunder is doing, and why I have these?” Rainbow struggled against a pair of cloth restraints eyeing Celestia closely. "You had an agitated sleep." Looking at Rainbow in thought, Celestia made up her mind and with one snap the restraints disappeared. “There! Your friend is sleeping but you can still go visit him." she invited Rainbow to follow her outside the room. "While we're on the way to his room, I'd like to ask you something.” “Yeah?” “How would you like to work for me?” Celestia asked, in the most innocent and kind manner a being who has dealt with everything could. ".........................Huh?" Rainbow let out in confusion, obviously not prepared for the life-changing conversation that was about to happen. "Do you know what you did?" Celestia asked softly. "I ..I brought my friend to the hospital after he got hurt," Rainbow replied in a quiet whisper. "That's the rather obvious part, Renée." "How do you know my name?!" "My sister pays attention to promising flyers," The sun Princess explained. "And you're one of the most promising ones. She once referred to you as the next generation's Spitfire!" "Really?!" Rainbow asked with excitement. "Indeed." Celestia nodded. "I was skeptical when she first said that, but what you did changed my opinion about your ability." "What exactly are you talking about? What the heck did I do......Your Highness?" Rainbow asked in polite whisper after nearly snapping at the princess. "Haven't you heard that big explosion when you were flying your friend here?" "Huh...no. I had other things in mind at that time," Rainbow explained. "My friend's health for example," she added sternly. "Interesting. I thought that breaking the sound barrier would have excited an upcoming flyer like you," Celestia commented playfully. "Hey! My friend needed me, ok?" Rainbow snapped. "I don't care that I broke some stupid sonic fence or whatever!" "Are you sure? Your flight school records say that you have a tendency to be a bit of a show-off," The sun Princess remarked with a knowing grin. "First of all, it's not showing off because I'm the best!" Rainbow argued strongly. "Secondly, I'm sure the whole Wonderbolts team can fly as fast as I did! Thirdly and most importantly, Thunder was injured, and what matters to me is that he's okay now, not that I did something of wonderbolt-worthwhile!" Celestia simply smiled in response. "You have a good way of life. It's rare to see people with your loyalty and ethics, Renée," "Thanks..I guess," "But, do not underestimate what you accomplished today!" Celestia claimed strongly. "You flew faster than the speed of sound! Do you have any idea of how many people in the world can accomplish that feat?" "I don't know... Ten.. Twenty people?" Rainbow suggested. "Take the zero away from that number and you'll get the answer." "Only two people?" Rainbow asked in shock. "Well, three if you count yourself," Celestia answered with a wink. "Wow! Who are they? Wait, they're Spitfire and Soarin' from the Wonderbolts, right?" The Sun Princess shook her head. "Given we're in the middle of the afternoon, one is probably sleeping, and the other is currently speaking to you." "You mean that..." Rainbow asked with wide eyes. "Now, you realize the extent of your little stunt, don't you?" Rainbow slowly nodded, her mouth agape. "You broke a limit that had never been even approached by others, and you did it for the sake of another." Celestia closed the young girl's mouth with her fingers. "You've shown a great potential, both as a flyer and as a human being. My sister and I need potentials like yours, Rainbow Dash!" the Princess glanced at a nearby chamber's door. "It's your friend's room, and this is where we part ways for now. Try to think about my proposition," She said before leaving the Jupitarian with rainbow colored hair in front of her friend's room. "Ok..." Rainbow whispered as the Princess was walking away from her. "Hum, that stunt that I did... What is it called?" she asked. "It doesn't have a name yet." The Princess looked back with a small smile. "Why don't you find one for the next time we meet?" Author's Note Here's Rainbow's story, done by Odinsgard It's his/her first attempt at writing ponyfic (I think... I might get corrected on that) I'm honored that my idea lead to this first try (I'm gonna look like an idiot if it's not a first try ) Anyway, what do you think of it? Mariacheat-Brony Ps: we need an author for Pinkie's story, if you're interested : go check there! Fluttershy – The Lionhearted Lamb By RoyalRainbowAt a balcony that was facing the majestic Royal Gardens of Canterlot stood a young woman, who was certainly showing little patience as she was frowningly crossing her arms while rapidly tapping her right foot on the hard, sturdy floor. She was a well-toned athlete, who wore a tight, navy blue, matching pair of a tank top and exercise shorts, blue and yellow running sneakers, a light, sky blue jacket featuring a few designs of a rainbow, and a couple of fingerless gloves. Of course, the most distinguished feature of this impatient sportsperson was her slightly messy, shoulder-length, rainbow-colored hair. This was Rainbow Dash, the newly appointed member of the Council of Harmony, where she will serve as a representative of sports and ethics. On the balcony’s edge, the impatient tomboy continued to lean on the columned bench as she frustratingly contemplated on what’s happening right now. Ugh! What’s taking her so long?! She should have gotten this in the bag by now! What if… they don’t think she’s good enough? No! No, I can’t think like that! I’ve gotta stay positively! She’s always been there for me whenever I needed support! Now it’s my turn to do the same for her! After renewing her determination, Rainbow was almost startled as she heard the heavy doors opening from within the castle. From those massive doors, a tall, young woman with long, flowing, pink hair and a surprisingly busty, mature figure meekly stepped out of the room. She was wearing a lovely, pastel green summer dress, a canary yellow, long-sleeved, unbuttoned, woolen sweater, and a pair of olive green sandals. Stepping onto the balcony, the tall girl met up with her best friend, who greeted with an eager smile, “Fluttershy! What happened in there?! I’ve been waiting forever for you!” “It’s been less than 10 minutes ago, Rainbow Dash,” Fluttershy stated in a very quiet voice. “Like I said, ‘FOR-E-VER!’” Rainbow enunciated exaggeratedly. “I’m… sorry for keeping you waiting like that.” Fluttershy apologized timidly. Noticing how sensitive her friend was, Rainbow reassured her in friendlier tone, “Oh, that’s okay, Fluttershy! It’s wasn’t that big of a deal! Really! Anyway, enough about me! How did your meeting with the Princesses go? Did you finally get your seat in the Council yet?” “Umm… well… I think… they said… they’ll notify me later… I think.” the meekly quiet woman answered with uncertainty. Rainbow blinked a couple times before coming up with something positive to say, “Oh, well… that’s good! That means you still have an opportunity to get your rightful place at the Council of Harmony, right?” “Rainbow Dash… I… really appreciate your support on this as well as your recommendation to the Princesses.” Fluttershy said with gentle gratitude as she sat next to Rainbow. “But… I don’t think I’m qualified enough to deserve such a privileged honor as being a member of the Council. At least, not as qualified as you are, of course.” “What are you talking about?” the athlete puzzled at this. “Rainbow, please don’t pretend that you don’t know already!” Fluttershy snapped in self-pity. “You’re one of the coolest, most talented people I know! You not only broke the record as the fastest Jupitarian flyer in Equestria's history with your Sonic Rainboom, but because of that, you’re now an esteemed member of the renowned Council of Harmony! As for me, well… you should have seen me when the Princesses interviewed me! I mean, they were very nice to me of course, but I couldn’t help myself from being so nervous in front of them! Though I wish it for myself, I know that I’m not as cool and confident as you are! I should count myself lucky to have someone like you as my friend when you could have chosen so many others instead of me! I’m nothing special, Rainbow… I’m just… some shy girl who’s better at making friends with animals than with actual people.” As Fluttershy softly wept to herself, Rainbow just blankly stared at her before expressing her opinion bluntly, “Wow… That has got to be the biggest amount of bull I have ever heard from you!” “Wh-What?” she stammered in surprise as she ceased her soft weeping. “First off, you being nervous in front of the Princesses?” Rainbow Dash smiled with a cocked eyebrow. “Who else isn’t? It’s pretty much natural for everyone to tremble in fear before the almighty presences of the Alicorn Princesses! Well… except for me of course ‘cause I don’t get scared so easily you know!” Fluttershy started to smile a little after hearing her friend’s amusing display of boastfulness. “Second of all, I would never pity like you that, Fluttershy! Never!” Rainbow continued as she draped an arm over her friend’s shoulders. “We’ve been best friends since we were kids, remember? Sure, you can be incredibly shy for just about anything…” “Sorry.” Fluttershy apologized downheartedly in an automatic response. “…but you have a lot of nice characteristics to show off too! You’re kind, caring, patient and a very bright person! Heck, if it weren’t for you, I may have never passed some of those ridiculous classes without your help!” “Well, I didn’t contribute that much.” The shy woman responded sheepishly. “You already know much about the human anatomy that it’s no wonder the Princesses took an interest in you as their representative for sports.” “Are you kidding me?” Rainbow chuckled mildly. “If you weren’t the one who helped me out with my studies, I won’t have realized how important it was to know so much about the body when it comes to improving my own fitness and athletic abilities! You, on the other hand, know hundreds of different animal anatomies out there! Far more so than what the school have taught us!” “Which brings us to my final contradiction!” Rainbow finished it up with a triumphant smile. “You do have a special talent! You are wonderful caretaker when it comes to animals! That is what makes you special, Fluttershy! And you should be proud of that no matter what anyone else has to say!” After hearing all those kind, encouraging words from her very good friend, Fluttershy’s eyes started to get watery again as she whispered with a growing smile, “Dashie…” Immediately, she hugged Rainbow Dash tightly as her newly happy tears began to soak into the athlete’s jacket. “Hey, come on, now!” Rainbow soothed Fluttershy with a giggling grin as she gently patted her on the back. “I’m trying to cheer you up, not making you cry some more!” Once they were finished with their hug, Fluttershy wiped her remaining tears as she responded with a nice smile, “You’re right… I’m sorry.” “Hey, tell me this.” Rainbow began to ask with all-knowing grin. “Who helped save that baby bird when it fell off from its nest the other day?” “Umm… I did?” Fluttershy answered hesitantly. “Mm-hmm!” she nodded. “And who was willing to take the time to help out every kind of pet in the neighborhood?” “Well… I did.” “Right! And who’s the best volunteer veterinarian in your hometown right now?” “I guess… I am.” Slowly but surely, her confidence began to build up from all of the good deeds Rainbow Dash was pointing out to her. “Exactly! So with all of your accomplishments at this point… Who do you think is going be the best candidate as the Council’s representative in the study of flora and fauna?” “I will!” Fluttershy announced as she stood up with pride. “Damn right you will!” Rainbow agreed with an encouraging smile as she stood alongside her friend. “Now let’s hear a big cheer from you!” “Yay?” “Louder.” “Yay.” “Louder!” “Yay!” “LOUDER!” Rainbow screeched out loud. At her command, Fluttershy took a big, air-sucking breath, and just as she was about to release it… “RAAAAAAARR!!” An unexpected roar shook the two friends to the bone as they nearly lost their balance on the balcony’s floor. “Whoa! Never thought you had it in you!” Rainbow smiled in startling surprise. “Umm… that wasn’t me, Rainbow.” Fluttershy confirmed after gradually recovering from that sudden fright. “Really?” Rainbow puzzled a bit. “Then who was it--?” “RAAAAAAARR!!” Another feral roar was heard before Fluttershy could pinpoint where it was coming from. With her curiosity overcoming her usual fears, she looked down below from the balcony’s bench and spotted the source of the terrifying noise earlier. “Look! Down there!” she pointed out in an alarming gasp. Rainbow turned around and followed where the finger was pointing. Just like Fluttershy, she too was incredibly shocked to see on what was down there. For in the middle of the Royal Gardens stood a rare and frightening beast, the Manticore! This monstrous giant looked like a golden brown lion measuring about 16 feet in length from head to body. Except this lion-like creature had a few distinctive features such as having the stinging tail of a scorpion and the large wings and ears of a bat. But a more unique feature about this Manticore was that it doesn’t have its own mane, which might indicate that it’s a female. Surrounding the enormous lioness were several Royal Guards, each one armed to the teeth in their own way. Some had long spears while others had woven nets just ready to be casted. “A Manticore!” Rainbow declared out loud. “What’s that doing here in Canterlot?!” But Fluttershy wasn’t paying any attention to what her friend just said. She was too focused on the cornered Manticore herself. Since she was little, Fluttershy knew quite a lot about each individual animal such as their behaviors, dietaries, and their ways of communicating. Carefully, she listened to the roars of the struggling lioness. With her sharp sense of hearing, Fluttershy verified that these roars weren’t filled with anger and bloodlust; they were filled with sadness, fear, and pain. While Fluttershy was preoccupied with listening to the Manticore’s calls, Rainbow Dash was busy watching the guards in action. In their circle, one winged guard, whose armor is more decorative than the others, stepped forward and prepared his hands to charge up a surge of electricity. This supposed leader must be a Jupitarian, since only they can manipulate the elements of the weather so easily. “Well, at the very least, it looks like the guards got everything under--!” “She’s… crying.” Fluttershy muttered to herself softly “Wha…?” said the baffled athlete. “She’s crying, Rainbow! We’ve got to help her!” Without any hesitation, Fluttershy quickly conjured her pair of yellow, magical wings and swooped down to the Manticore’s aid. “W-w-wait a minute, Fluttershy! Come back!” Rainbow chased after her reluctantly with the use of her blue wings as she surprisingly tried to keep up with Fluttershy’s astonishing burst of speed. “Sergeant, we’ve just tightened up our perimeter around the target!” the guard saluted to his brown-bearded superior. “Looks like it’s got nowhere to run now!” “Good. I’m going charge up my attack now. Hopefully this would surely be enough to stun this beast momentarily. Tell everyone to stand ready for anything!” “Yes, sir! You heard him, men! Standby!” While the rest of the soldiers readied themselves with their spears and nets, the Jupitarian Sergeant prepared his hands as they magically formed a ball of intense, electrical energy. With his spell ready, he eyed the roaring Manticore while ignoring the misunderstood calls. And just as he was about to unleash his power… “STOP!!” Fluttershy cried out loud as she immediately landed between the Sergeant and the Manticore. However, she was too late to stop the spell as the lightning bolt flied out of the caster’s hands. And just when the worse is expected, Fluttershy instinctively extended her right hand’s two fingers to redirect the path of the lightning away from the targeted Manticore. With her left hand stretched upward, the magical bolt left from the other hand’s two fingers as it was shot towards the sky. As Rainbow Dash and the guards are completely stunned by the other girl’s unforeseen mastery, Fluttershy takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly before she stared menacingly at the suddenly petrified Sergeant. “What do you think you’re doing to her?” she demanded with condensed fury. “Please step aside, ma’am!” he tried to compose his authority. “This is a dangerous monster we’re apprehending right now! You don’t know what you are dealing with!” “Oh really?” she inquired with a raised eyebrow. “Did she cause any casualties in the midst of her escape?” “Well… no. She didn’t.” “And did she try to fight back when you and your men were pursuing her?” “N-no.” “Well then, from the way I see it, this Manticore isn’t the real monster after all! You are!” Fluttershy expressed her accusation in immense outrage as she hovered right towards the startled Sergeant. “How dare you try to harm her like that! Can’t you see just how scared she is right now?! All she was doing was trying to get away from everything, and all of you have to done was threaten her with pointy spears and entangling nets, and now you even resorting to use lightning on her! I should have the right mind to report you for such animal cruelty!” After hearing that, the guards suddenly felt deep shame for their actions as Rainbow smirked to herself by Fluttershy’s sudden assertiveness. Whoa. Go, Fluttershy! “We… we were only doing our jobs.” the Sergeant explained himself pitifully. “Don’t you make any excuses, mister!” Fluttershy scolded in a strict, motherly tone. “Now you going to put those spears and nets away and step away from the Manticore this instant!” “Y-you can’t tell us what to--!” But before he could even finish that sentence, Fluttershy immediately went up to his face as her glare became more petrifying than ever. “I said: step away from her RIGHT NOW!" “I’d do as she’s said if I were you.” Rainbow Dash stepped in with sly smirk. “You don’t want to deal with two, angry females, now would you?” Giving it some thought, the Sergeant made a big gulp before stating in a defeated tone, “Sigh… Stand down, men.” Without any complaints, the troops put away their weapons as they slowly stepped away from the animal. Satisfied, the young maiden smiled gratefully before turning around to face the bewildered Manticore. Automatically, the enormous cat growled and bore her teeth to scare off the new stranger. Surprisingly, her usual tactic didn’t work as the smiling human kept approaching her before laying a gentle hand on her head. “It’s okay. Don’t be afraid. I’m here for you.” Fluttershy reassured sweetly as she gently rubbed the lioness’ golden fur. Soon enough, the Manticore started to relax as she gave in to the strangely soothing presence of this unforeseen savior. Once she felt more at ease, the calmed Manticore laid on the ground as she nuzzled with her new friend like an affectionate kitten. “There there, sweetie.” Fluttershy cooed softly as she continued to gently stroke the purring lioness. “No one’s going to hurt you now. Everything’s going to be alright.” Once Rainbow Dash saw that Fluttershy got everything under control, she turned her attention to the gaping Sergeant. “So, what’s going on here?” “Th-this doesn’t concern you, citizen!” he tried to reassume his authority again. “Please take your friend and leave the area at once!” “Hmph! I’ve only been on the Council for only a short time, and this is the kind of welcoming treatment I get?” she grumped in response. “Wait, aren’t you Rainbow Dash, the newest Councilor of Harmony?” one of the guards asked her. “The one and only!” she answered with pride. Surprised to not realize this, the embarrassed Sergeant readdressed himself in a humbler tone. “R-R-Rainbow Dash! I’m sorry, ma’am! I-I didn’t recognized you!” Astounded by this, Rainbow gave off a frowning, deadpan expression. Really? The rainbow-colored hair wasn’t a dead giveaway to you? Ugh… whatever! “Forgot about it!” she shrugged to herself. “Now, tell me what’s going on! Why are you and your men attacking this Manticore?” “Well, you see… it got out of a zoo recently.” The Sergeant explained himself. “We were only trying to capture it and bring it back alive.” “The zoo, huh?” she pondered to herself. “I don’t remember anyone announcing a new exhibit recently.” “Actually, this one is under special treatment by its veterinary facility. A while ago, someone found this Manticore lying on the outskirts of the city with an injured wing. The veterinarians were only trying to fix it before it was release into the wild.” In the midst of their conversation, he pointed towards the Manticore’s left wing where there is a small tear on the bottom of its wingspan. “That explained why it couldn’t fly earlier.” “Yes, exactly. But suddenly, it became enraged and managed to escape before the vets could sustain it. No one informed us on why it was so out of controlled earlier.” “Well, if I was taken into some room without anyway to fly, I would be pretty ticked off too.” Meanwhile, Fluttershy was busy comforting the lying Manticore, but then the animal caretaker noticed that something was wrong with her new friend. Not only is the lioness panting heavily, but her feral eyes looked far more tiresome than usual. “Oh, you poor thing! You look awfully ill right now! What’s happening to you?” All Fluttershy got was a sickening groan from her furry friend. Wanting to figure this out herself, Fluttershy listened to the Manticore’s breathing carefully before placing a hand on the lioness’s sweaty, scorching forehead. “Heavy breathing. Slight fever.” She diagnosed the symptoms herself. Then, she fluttered to the side and noted how extremely large the cat’s stomach was. Leaning her head on the exposed stomach, Fluttershy used her exceptional hearing to verify the rate of the lioness’s heart. “Hmm… Heartbeat is strong but beating rapidly.” She commented quietly as she kept listening in. “Wait… there’s another set of beats--! No, two more separate heartbeats! They both sound very faint, but I can definitely hear them! Then… that means…! And such as she was about to confirm her diagnosis, Fluttershy felt something moving from the inside. “GASP! RAINBOW DASH! THIS MANTICORE’S PREGNANT!” Surprised by the sudden outburst, Rainbow simply responded in shock, “…What?!” “AND SHE’S GOING INTO LABOR RIGHT NOW!” “Sergeant, where’s the zoo at?” Rainbow asked him firmly. “Umm… On the other side of the city, ma’am.” She groaned in disappointment as she said, “We’re never gonna have enough time to get a veterinarian over here! What should we do now?” Fluttershy gave this some deep thought before answering it with total conviction, “I’ll do it!” This revelation shocked everyone around her as she takes off her yellow, long-sleeved sweater. “I’ll help deliver the cubs myself!” “Fluttershy, no!” Rainbow stepped forward with a horrified expression. “You can’t do this! It’s too risky!” “I’ve delivered plenty of kitties before, Rainbow! I have to do this!” Then determined maiden pulled out a green hair ribbon from one of her pockets. “This isn’t some household cat!” Rainbow snapped in a state of panic. “This is an extremely dangerous beast we’re dealing with! Do you have any idea on what this thing can do to you?!” “Of course I do.” Fluttershy affirmed as she adjusted her long hair in a neat bun. “The Manticore possesses many deadly qualities with its razor-sharp teeth, claws, and poisonous stinger. It’s no wonder that it’s one the deadliest animals in Equestria.” After taking a deep sigh, she tightened the ribbon to keep her hair bun intact as her face expressed nothing but absolute resolve. “But that doesn’t matter to me! I’ve never turn my back on any animal before, and I’m not going to stop now!” Rainbow Dash took a moment to process on what her best friend just said. She knew that there was no way for her to stop her when animals are in danger. There was only one thing she can do now. “I still can’t let you do that, Fluttershy.” “Rainbow, please!” Fluttershy snapped at her friend. “I need to do this--!” “Not alone you won’t!” Rainbow smirked widely as she tossed aside her jacket in a very cool manner. “You… you mean that?” Fluttershy stammered in surprise. “Hey, what kind of best friend would I be if I wasn’t willing to lend a hand every now and then?” Rainbow grinned to her friend. “Thank you, Dashie.” Fluttershy smiled while her eyes got watery again. “Alright, save those tears for later! We’ve got a job to do first!” Rainbow chuckled with a wink. “Right, of course!” Fluttershy responded with a giggle after wiping her eyes. “So, what’s first, Dr. Fluttershy?” “Tell the Royal Guards to setup a very wide perimeter so that we can give our patient enough space as well as to keep anyone else away from here!” Fluttershy issued with such authority and professionalism. “Also, have one of them inform the zookeepers about this!” “You heard her, men!” Rainbow announced to the troops. “Get to it!” “Are you sure you don’t want anyone to stay behind?” the Sergeant asked with concern. “Are you questioning my orders, Sergeant?” Rainbow cocked an eyebrow at the ranked soldier. “If so, I would hate to see what would happen if we have to drag the Princesses into this mess.” Not wanting to risk that, the Sergeant followed councilwoman’s orders. “You heard Miss Rainbow Dash! Form a wider perimeter! Let no one else come near here!” Once the Royal Guards were gone, Rainbow asked, “Okay, what’s next?” “Well, I hate to ask you this…” Fluttershy briefly resorted back to her timid self. “…but can you get my emergency vet kit for me please? It’s in my room--!” “--in a white bag marked with paw mark and a red cross! Got it!” And in a flash, Rainbow was gone. In ten seconds flat, Rainbow Dash came back expeditiously with a large carrying bag that Fluttershy described earlier. After thanking her, the self-appointed veterinarian reached into her bag as her proud assistant waited for her next order. “Anything else, doc?” “Actually yes, I need you to take over for me and comfort her as much as possible during the procedure.” Fluttershy gestured towards the sickly Manticore. “No prob--! Waitaminute! No! Bad idea! I can’t do that!” she refused hastily. “Why not?” Fluttershy asked in surprised by Rainbow’s sudden dread. “Because you’re the animal expert here, not me! What if she tries to eat me?!” the usually boastful athlete gulped in fear of this possibility. “She wouldn’t do that.” Fluttershy reassured her gently. “I know she wouldn’t. Will you, sweetie?” The Manticore couldn’t reply in her condition, but it didn’t show any hostility towards the idea. “Besides, she’s in no condition to attack anyone at this point, and I really need you help to hold her down for me.” “But--!” “Please, Dashie?” Fluttershy pouted in such an adorable expression with wide, puppy-dog eyes. “…Dammit! How can I say ‘no’ to you whenever you make a face like that?! Alright fine, I’ll do it!” Rainbow sighed in a defeated tone. “Don’t fret about, Rainbow. Just pretend she’s a big, cuddly teddy bear.” “Yeah… a big, cuddly teddy bear with razor-sharp teeth I might add.” she muttered to herself before reluctantly going over there to gently wrap her arms around the Manticore’s strong, thick neck. With her shaky left hand, she slowly stroked the forehead of the surprisingly relaxed, big cat. “There there kitty. Nice kitty. Good kitty.” Rainbow cooed in a trembling voice while she repeatedly stroked the Manticore’s fur. Satisfied by Rainbow’s comforting action, Fluttershy pulled out two items from her bag: a bottle of transparent medicine and a capped syringe. Noticing the sharp-looking object, the Manticore panicked greatly as she roared constantly over her sudden fear. Seeing how much the creature is struggling, Rainbow quickly put her wrestling moves to good use as she maintained to pin the frustrated lioness down. “Fluttershy! She’s getting restless again!” Rainbow cried out while pinning the frightened Manticore to the ground. Seeing what’s causing this, Fluttershy hid the needle away from the Manticore’s sight as she went up to ease her patient’s worries. “Oh, I know you don’t want this, honey. But this for your own good, I promise.” After feeling the veterinarian’s familiar, soothing touch, the Manticore finally calmed down before Fluttershy took her tools with her before flying to the big cat’s side. Once she was out of the Manticore’s eyesight, Fluttershy punctured the needle into the sealed bottle and filled up with syringe with clear medicine. “What’s that for anyway?” Rainbow questioned as she kept on patting the oversized cat. “Well, not only will this medicine lower her fever, but it will also help her relax a bit when she gives birth to her cubs.” Fluttershy answered as she rubbed some alcohol on the chosen spot on the lioness’s inflated stomach. “Now hold still for a minute, Mrs. Manticore. This might hurt for just a second.” she said sweetly to her feline patient. “Ready? One… Two… Three…” And in a pinch, Fluttershy injected the medicine into the feline stomach. The Manticore groaned from this, but fortunately for the two girls, that was short lived. “There you go!” Rainbow praised the lioness’s bravery by gently rubbing one of her ears. “Yeah, you’re a very tough kitty, aren’t you?” This earned Rainbow an adorable purr from the cooperative cat. After a gentle rub on the Manticore’s tummy, Fluttershy goes around to face the cat’s posterior before pulling some towels out of her bag and setting some them on the ground. Lastly, she put on rubber gloves before saying in a supportive tone, “Alright, Mrs. Manticore. We’re ready whenever you are, so just do your best, and give it a big push.” As if on cue, the soon-to-be-mother followed Fluttershy’s instructions and began to contract her first cub. In the midst of all of the Manticore’s pushing, her entire body shivered excessively as she continued the birthing process. Suddenly, something popped out of the birth canal as Fluttershy gasped in joy from seeing the first signs of new life. “Rainbow, I can see it! I can see the head of the first cub!” “That’s awesome! Don’t stop now, mommy Manticore! Keep going!” With Fluttershy helping with the pulling as the Manticore kept on pushing, the first cub made it through and announced its arrival through its adorable, squeaking meows. “It’s… it’s a girl! Rainbow Dash! The first cub is a girl!” Fluttershy squealed in overwhelming delight before she dried off the cub with one of the towels nearby. “You hear that, tiger? You’re halfway there!” Rainbow enthusiastically cheered for the mother cat. “Now it’s time to bring your A-game, and finish it all off with just one more push!” Considering that she got the hard part out of the way, the Manticore concentrated with all of her might to push out her last cub. Finally, it was all over as the last cub made its breakthrough from the mother’s womb. “Here it is! It’s another girl!” Fluttershy stated with glee. “Congratulations, missy!” Rainbow congratulated the exhausted Manticore. “You’re the proud mother of twin cubs!” As a way of saying thanks, the purring mother gave a couple of licks to the supportive athlete who smiled at this gratifying affection. “Oh, you're such a good, little kitty, aren't you?” she cooed ecstatically as she continued to rub the affectionate Manticore’s fur. “Yes you are! Yes you are!” Too distracted by her own baby talk, Rainbow froze after hearing a brief giggle from her smirking friend, who was busy attending to the cubs. Caught by surprise, Rainbow glared at the smirking Fluttershy with a heavy blush. “You heard… nothing, ok?” Shrugging that aside, Fluttershy then brought to cubs to the mother and announced in a sing-song voice, “Mrs. Manticore… your new cubs are here to meet you!” Happily, the Manticore gratefully licks Fluttershy for all that she has done for such a misunderstood creature. “Ooh, you are most certainly welcome, sweetheart!” Fluttershy beamed cheerfully as she gratefully received the happy Manticore’s affection. Eventually, the mother Manticore turned her attention to her new cubs as she gave each of them a proper lick. Fluttershy and Rainbow sat beside the new feline family as watch them attentively. “Can I hold one of them?” Rainbow asked softly. “Sure!” Fluttershy agreed before picking one up and handing it over to Rainbow. In her arms, Rainbow stared at the tiny cub before an uncontrollable, awestricken smile crept on her face. “You know… they’re kind of cute for a bunch of man-eating predators.” Rainbow chuckled to herself as she lightly tickled the newborn cub. Suddenly, she felt an unusual poke on her arm, and to her horror, she found out it came from the cub’s dull stinger. “AHH! FLUTTERSHY! SHE STUNG ME! QUICK! SAVE ME WITH YOUR MEDICINE!” Fluttershy giggle softly as she explained with a smile, “Silly Dashie! Their stingers aren’t fully developed until they’re a couple years older. For now, their soft tails are nothing to worry about.” Realizing that the stinger wasn’t as painful as she originally thought it was, Rainbow Dash blushed immensely as she did her best to cover her tracks. “Oh! Right, I knew it! I was just… testing you!” After having another giggle over Rainbow’s shenanigans, Fluttershy picked up the other cub and informed her embarrassed friend, “Now enough playtime. It’s time for their nursing.” Before following Fluttershy along, Rainbow glared back at the innocent-looking cub she was holding before saying, “Don’t think this is over between the two of us.” As the two small cubs suckled on the teats of their overly exhausted mother, Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash sat on the grass as they continued to awe over this tender moment together. “Hey Fluttershy?” Rainbow asked her. “Yes?” “I’m proud of you. You did an awesome job today.” “Well… I certainly couldn’t have done it without you, Rainbow.” “Hey, I was just the wingman here. You’re the one who got us through all of this, and look how happy they are right now because of you.” Taking a brief moment, Fluttershy looked at what was in front of her: a beautifully rare creature who is happily nursed her own litter of cubs. Realizing on what an accomplishment she has made for herself, she smiled warmly as she said with pride. “Yeah… I guess you’re right.” “And you know something else?” Rainbow Dash continued. “If you’re not on the Council of Harmony by the end of this, then I’m going to quit right on the spot!” “What?!” Fluttershy gasped in surprise. “No, you shouldn’t do that for me, Rainbow!” “Hey, if no one else can see just how awesome and special you really are, then it isn’t worth my time to be on the Council in the first place!” Then, Rainbow wraps a strong arm over the delicate Fluttershy before winking at her with a winning grin. “Besides, we’re best friends. We stick up for one and another, right?” After blankly staring at her, Fluttershy smiled warmly over her best friend’s conviction before saying to her, “Thanks, Rainbow. But you know what? It doesn’t matter whether I am on the Council or not. I don’t need to prove nor show anyone that I’m special. As long as there are animals or friends in need, I will always be happy to lend a helping hand not matter what.” Rainbow just shook her head before she chuckled, “You’re just too kind for your own good. You know that, right?” After Fluttershy shrugged it off, the two continue to watch over this touching scene together before the zookeepers would arrive to handle the situation from there. Of course, not without Fluttershy’s aid at least. “Heh, if only the Princesses could see you now.” Rainbow muttered with a smirk. Little did the Jupitarian friends know that on the same balcony they were once on before, three privileged women now stand over the edge as they’ve witnessed the turn of events regarding with the Manticore situation. In the middle of the two taller women was a brightly gifted, Titanian student, Twilight Sparkle, the first initiated member to the Council of Harmony. As for the ones behind Twilight, they were no other than the Alicorn Princesses themselves, Celestia and Luna. After bearing witness to such a miraculous event, all three had their own expression of shocked and awe. “Incredible!” Princess Celestia beamed to herself. “Amazing!” Princess Luna commented with fascination. “This is unbelievable!” Lady Twilight Sparkle confirmed bewilderedly. “There hasn’t been any record of somebody being able to tame a Manticore with sheer kindness alone! “Yes! And did you see that stare of hers?” Luna chimed in excitedly. “Even I started to get the jitters from this far away! No wonder Rainbow Dash was so confident in this one’s remarkable abilities!” Celestia smiled all-knowingly before saying, “Well then, for Fluttershy’s case, I say her actions speak louder than her words.” “Gasp! Does that mean…?” Twilight faced the Sun Princess with anticipated delight. “Yes, my faithful student.” Celestia continued with an endearing smile. “I believe we have just found our fifth member to the Council of Harmony, Fluttershy!” Author's Note Here's Fluttershy's story by Royal Rainbow! (a bit longer than the previous ones and with a nice reference to a great animated series... A cookie to the one who get it first ^_^) Well, what do you think about it? Stay tuned for what's coming next (only three to go!) We still need someone for Pinkie's story. Mariacheat-Brony. PS: if they're grammar mistakes in the chapter, it's because I'm a lousy editor :p Pinkie's Party Cannon: model 1.0. by G3K0771"Wrench, wrench, wrench....." Pinkie Pie stated as she hopped around the room. "Where's the wrench?" Throwing a toolbox and two boxes across the workshop and into a corner, she picked up the gleaming wrench from underneath. "There you are, gotcha!" Pinkie Pie turned back to her latest project, that was taking up most of the room in her rather small workshop/party planning station. It was a huge cannon painted a matte blue with the words "PARTY CANNON 1.0" painted in block letters with white paint. Towards the back of the cannon, on the top, was a short rope that connected to the firing mechanism inside the device. Just below that, were two large wheels, both a deep purple with a neon pink outline. Neither of the wheels were attached however, which Pinkie Pie quickly remedied with a few quick turns of her wrench. "Hmmm, I feel like it's missing something..." Pinkie Pie said, eyeing the contraption. "What do you think Gummy?" Pinkie Pie inquired as she turned to his position. In the far corner of the workshop, was a small pink upholstered chair with a lamp hanging from the ceiling overhead. This chair was the area in which Pinkie Pie's newborn pet alligator spent most of his time. He had hatched around a week earlier, much to Pinkie Pie's delight. However, after an incident involving Gummy, Pinkie Pie's mother, and the kitchen of the rock farm's farmhouse he had to have his teeth removed. Gummy, upon hearing Pinkie Pie's inquiry, just blinked. To most people this would have been seen as a sign of indifference, but to his owner it was his way of communicating. "It needs flowers? Okie doki then!" PInkie Pie skipped over to one of the shelves positioned around the room and pulled two paint cans off. She whipped around to face the cannon, causing the paint can in her right hand hit a nearby shovel, sending it into the shelf's supports. It collapsed, with the paint can's falling right behind Pinkie Pie and creating a large crashing noise. Pinkie Pie winced, and glanced towards the door. The racket the the falling paint cans had made might have been heard at the farmhouse, which was what she was fearing. She quickly bounced around the room, putting the shelf back on the wall, then putting the paint cans back on it. As she finished, she heard the sound of stomping outside of her workshop, then a knock. "Come in!" Pinkie called out with feigned happiness. The door opened and Pinkie Pie's Dad poked his head in. "Pinkamena, you woke your mother and me up with that racket. Try to keep it down." "Oki doki loki Daddy! I'll just test this far away from the house." As he closed the door he muttered, "She'd better not damage any of our crop this time." Getting back to work, Pinkie grabbed two paint brushes and put them in separate paint cans. jumping to each side of the cannon, she painted two white flowers with yellow centers on the wheels. After surveying it for a minute, from all possible angles, Pinkie reached the conclusion that it was as complete as it was going to get. "Yay, it's done! Let's go test it!" Pinkie Pie skipped over to Gummy and placed him on her shoulder. After opening the door, she went back over to the Party Cannon and began pushing it to one of the outer fields. Pinkie Pie had just finished the final preparations when Gummy hopped off of her shoulder and onto the Party Cannon. “Gummy, if you wanted off you could’ve just asked!” Pinkie said. Gummy just blinked and slipped off, waddling over to a small patch of grass and lying down. After making sure the device was secured to the ground, Pinkie picked up a nearby rock and prepared to throw it. “Lets get this party started!” she yelled with excitement and hurled the rock as hard as she could. The rock soared through the air, lining up perfectly with the trajectory of the cannon around 100 feet away. Pinkie Pie let out a whoop and tugged on the firing rope. BOOM! The noise that the cannon let out was huge, but the barrage of streamers and confetti was even larger. It blew back all of the nearby rocks, flattened the plantlife, and shook the ground. The cloud of party decorations barreled past the rock that Pinkie had thrown, hitting it out of the air, but the cloud continued flying until Pinkie Pie couldn’t see it anymore. “Maybe I should turn the power down…” Princess Luna was having a good day. She and her sister had already found and recruited 5 young ladies to be part of the Council of Harmony, and they only needed one more candidate. She was flying in a carriage with an armed escort, on her way to Stalliongrad to attend a meeting with the mayor of the town. She looked out over the countryside, gazing at the acres of rock farms. A rainbow colored blur caught her eye and she turned her attention towards it. ‘Hmm, that’s odd. Whoever that is is going extremely fast. A courier perhaps? But as far as I know only Rainbow Dash has that kind of contrail...’ As the blur quickly travelled closer, Princess Luna saw that it wasn’t a person, but rather a… cloud? A guard spotted the rainbow cloud and moved across the carriage to the princess. “Princess! We’ve spotted a-- WHAT THE HELL?!” The cloud roared as it rocketed past the carriage with the force of a hurricane. Pelting the Princess and her guards, the vehicle flipped over on its side spilling out its passengers as it went into a steep nosedive, straight towards a nearby rock farm. Pinkie Pie watched as the spinning chariot began its descent towards her rock farm. “Oh no, oh no!” After watching the cloud fly past the point that she could see it, Pinkie had quickly grabbed her Party Cannon and Gummy, and set off after it. Now, she was sprinting towards the inevitable wreck of the chariot that was coming down on the outskirts of her farm. “Oh, I hope no one was hurt!” Pinkie said as she watched the chariot hit the ground, with what seemed like a person underneath. Now, only around 150 meters away from the chariot wreck, she called out. “Hold on, I’ll be right there!” Princess Luna was now having a bad day. After her chariot was impacted by a cloud of assorted party supplies, her Jupitarian guards had attempted to get her off of the structure before anyone else. She instead yelled at them to get everybody else, the ones incapable of flight to the ground safely. When she had evacuated everyone, she and her Jupitarian guards had tried to fly down themselves, only to be swatted out of the air by the spinning chariot. Now, she was partially buried underneath the flipped vehicle, which she was sure would give her bruises later. She heard a very high pitched voice yell, “Hold on, I’ll be right there!” Princess Luna attempted to flip over to push the chariot off, but could not get into a suitable position to do so, instead just pushing herself deeper into the soft dirt. She also attempted to levitate the structure off of her, but found that she couldn’t concentrate enough to do so, her knock on the head from the chariot giving her a splitting headache. She resigned to kicking the heavy vehicle, producing only a small clang each time. Hopefully her Lunar Guard would find her soon, or she would have to start destroying things to get out. Pinkie Pie sprinted into the scene of the wreck, looking around for the chariot’s occupants. “Where is everyone? I thought I saw other people. Shouldn’t there be people flying in a carriage?” The only response she received was in the form of a small clank. *clank* Pinkie Pie walked over to the chariot and knocked on the side. *clank* *clank* “Oh my gosh!” Pinkie exclaimed, “There’s someone under there! Don’t worry, I’ll get you out!” She ran back over to the Party Cannon and pulled it alongside the carriage. Turning the device towards the vehicle and the power down, she grabbed the rope and tugged. The Party Cannon let out a much smaller *BLAM*, and shot out a small concussive blast that blew the chariot over onto its other side and covered it in assorted party supplies, revealing the figure underneath. Before Pinkie Pie could get a good look at the person, there was an extremely loud, “STOP RIGHT THERE!” Pinkie Pie turned around in surprise to see two full squads of Lunar Guards, with their weapons pointed at her. “You’re under arrest for assault upon the Princess! Please, kneel down and put your hands on your head!” Pinkie Pie did as he was told, then let out a sigh. “I’m in a lot of trouble….” Princess Luna walked next to their eccentric prisoner. The pink-haired girl had at first thrown a fit when they were mistreating “Gummy”, who was apparently her pet… toothless alligator? Right now, she was rambling on about baking cupcakes or something of the sort, worsening Princess Luna’s headache. Only then did she realize that the girl had stopped talking, and was now looking at her expectantly. “What was that again?” Princess Luna asked. “Oh, I was just saying how I was really, really sorry for accidentally hitting you with my Party Cannon.” Pinkie Pie said with regret apparent in her voice. “Party….. Cannon?” Princess Luna glanced over at the machine that had managed to inflict so much damage upon the Royal Chariot. “I was meaning to question you about that device.” Princess Luna said, “What kind of parents would entrust their child with a device that dangerous?” “Oh no silly, my Mom and Dad didn’t get it for me, I built it myself!” Princess Luna continued to walk along with the enthusiastic girl in shock. While the girl prattled on about her various inventions, the Princess was only half listening. This girl was clearly much more clever than she seemed, and the other member of the Council had come from unexpected places as well…. Princess Luna interrupted Pinkie Pie’s rambling. “Listen, I would like to see your inventions.” Pinkie Pie squeed. “In exchange for you showing me them, I shall release you and….” “And?” Pinkie Pie inquired. “I may be able to offer you a job.” “AWWWW YEAH!” Pinkie Pie leaped in the air with her fist held above her head. “Let’s go!” Pinkie Pie grabbed Princess Luna’s wrist and dragged along after her, skipping all the way back to her farm, the Lunar Guard struggling to keep up. Claude Pie and his wife awoke to a pounding at the door. Groaning at the second disturbance in the space of a few hours that had woken him, he slipped out of bed and walked to the door in his pajamas. The pounding on the door increased in frequency and volume. “I’m coming, I’m coming.” He wrenched open the door and let loose a long yawn. “Whadda ya want-- HUH?!” At his doorstep stood Her Royal Majesty herself! He could hardly believe it. One of the country’s rulers had come to visit his humble rock farm? Unfathomable. “Hello,” Princess Luna said happily. “Are you Claude Pie?” Claude was shocked, and had to gather his excitement up into a ball and push it into a corner. “Erm, yes your Majesty. That is me.” Princess Luna nodded and stepped aside revealing a scene that yet again shocked the man. “And is this your daughter?” Behind Princess Luna, on the porch of his house, was a squad of Lunar Guards, all burying their faces into brightly colored cupcakes. Behind them, was another squad of Lunar Guards, all of them playing tag, with Pinkie Pie leading the group. Claude just stood there and gaped, staring out the doorway. “Great,” Princess Luna said happily, “I’d like to talk to you about her possibly joining the Council of Harmony!” All Claude could let out was a very small, “Whaaaaa…..” before fainting. “Honey, what’s all the commotion about? Is there something going on?” Claude’s wife inquired as she walked down the stairs, before being met with the same sights that her husband had seen, and promptly fainted as well. Pinkie Pie just held out a tray behind the baffled Princess. “Cupcake, your Highness?” Author's Note And finally, Pinkie's story had been released. Written by my faithful editor : G3K0771 (it's his first attempt at Ponyfiction (without ponies though :p)) Hoping you've enjoyed it. Mariacheat-Brony. Now, as you see, we have 6 six Council members, but only 5 chapters.... Anyone is ready to volunteer for Twilight's story? (let me know by comment or PM)
The Princess' Student by Wolfie 03“Alright Twily, I have to go back to training for the summer; hug for your big brother?” Shining Armor held open tan arms towards his younger sister who smiled back before stepping forward to comply with the request. The siblings were saying their farewells before the oldest returned to complete his training to be a commanding officer in the guard. Shining scuffed purple with pink highlighted hair, causing Twilight to push playfully at her brother in mock annoyance. “Try to meet new friends while studying for that big exam... What school was it for again? Magical Nerd Academy?” Twilight crossed her arms at the teasing smirk with a frown. “It's Princess Celestia's Canterlot Academy for Gifted Titanians and it's the most advanced school for magic in the land.” The young guard in training smiled at the indignant tone and gave his sister one last hug. “I know; you go and show them just how gifted I know you are.” Twilight couldn't help the pleased grin at the encouraging words and waved her brother off as he exited the entrance hall of the modest mansion located on the edge of upper Canterlot. As the large dark blue double doors closed on her B.B.B.F.F., Twilight looked around the classical décor before heading up the large staircase to her bedroom which doubled as her own personal study and perused a list of books she wanted to get in order to be prepared for the entrance exam at the end of the summer. Checklist in hand, the studious Titanian exited the light blue mansion to head for the Canterlot Archives, the largest collection of information in the land (which was near the best magical institution for that very purpose). Twilight consulted the long scroll to ensure it's accuracy and relevance when the sidewalk was blocked by some local boys who were teasing a much younger boy huddled on the ground. As the milk chocolate girl looked up at the disturbance, she frowned at how they were using terminology incorrectly as well as their overall attitude. “Oy, green haired little worm, what are you doing on our street?” A brown haired Jupitarian sneered at their target, which upon closer inspection on Twilight's part, was a very young boy of four or five with light green hair and light tan skin; though it was hard to tell under the dirt and grime. “Yeah, your parents shriveled up because of some table salt?” Another boy, a dark skinned Eponian, kicked at the bundle of dark brown clothing, drawing a deeper frown from the purple haired Titanian. “Actually, a worm wouldn't react like snails do when introduced with sodium; which happens due to the fact that snails are made up of mostly H2O which combined with sodium, commonly known as table salt, causes the-” “Geeze, I didn't want a stinking science lesson; let's get outta here.” Twilight frowned even more as the three boys stared back in blank confusion before leaving. “Lessons don't have olfaction to them unless there is a lesson using the nose function; which a lesson on snails and slugs would usually not have.” The boy on the street stared up at the young teenager with a blank face; Twilight gazed at the retreating figures before glancing down into green eyes. “nugneH?” [What do you want?] Two purple brows rose at the strange guttural words and the studious teen stared closer at the youngster. “What was that?” The green haired youth stared back shrewdly as he remained silent. The teenager waited a moment longer before remembering her original purpose. With another thoughtful frown at the young boy, Twilight continued towards the Archives as she added a note on her list of personal things to do of searching linguistic books on what he may have said. Within an hour Twilight had over a dozen new books to study from and returned home with a short glanced to see that the green haired boy was still sitting on the side of the street like before; giving a short shrug at the sight, she continued on her way without a second thought. Two days later, Twilight went to return the books and found that the young boy hadn't moved from his spot on the street. They shared curious glances though the Titanian didn't attempt to converse, as she was falling behind slightly since she searched through tomes to find the language he spoke with no success. Once she was back on track for her studies, a few days later, the curious Titanian tried to communicate with the boy again. The child stared curiously at the darker skinned girl as she leaned towards him with a few books in her magical grip. “Hello, my name is Twilight Sparkle; who are you?” The boy tilted his head curious as he frowned back. “nuqneH?” As Twilight scribbled furious away, the youth watched with guarded eyes; the next fifteen minutes were spent trying to gain any other forms of communication with no success. Twilight slumped in place before her stomach reminded her that she hadn't eaten in the past day, having spent more time doing research so she could try and question the green eyed boy. At the sound, the youngster looked to where it came from, emphasizing the need to find something to silence the growls. The teenager stood and did a quick search of the surrounding food venders, rapidly calculating price differences and serving sizes before settling on a donut shop; after quickly ordering some with sprinkles, the purple haired teen shot a thoughtful glance at the boy who stared hungrily back and made it an even dozen instead. She came out with the white box and settled in front of the lightly tanned child who was drooling at the smells coming from it. Twilight opened the box to reveal the pink with blue and white sprinkled donuts and offered one to the lad who stared blankly back; with another thoughtful frown, the teen bit into the donut and made over exaggerated motions to demonstrate what one does with a donut before offering the box to the boy once more. The starving child needed no other encouragement and tore through the remaining surgery treats with a fury; Twilight watched with slight confusion as the various facts and evidence pointed to an uncomfortable conclusion. With a large belch (with something that looked suspiciously like green fire that floated up for a millisecond), the lad leaned backwards wearing a satisfied smirk and rubbed his stomach. “maj!” [Good!] They boy flinched as the studious teen began to write further of the new word as well as notes of his condition and other facts; the next hour and a half was spent trying to get the green eyed youth to speak or respond which was met with failure once again. Twilight glanced around in frustration before catching sight of a clock showing just how long she had been working with the boy with few results; with a frightened yelp, the milk chocolate teen jumped up from her seat and ran for the library, giving a hasty wave goodbye to the half standing child who looked on in confusion and worry. Twilight barely noticed the half-hearted return wave, though she did pause long enough to make a note on the papers that documented the encounters. The teenager grabbed the next twenty books on her list to study but paused on the way out when she passed the parenting help section. With a hesitant hand, Twilight pulled out a book on caring for younger children who have been abused or mistreated. After thinking a moment longer, the Titanian nodded sharply and added it to the stack before going to the checkout. On the way back, Twilight started to read about how to gain a young child's trust as she walked, her feet taking traveling the well know paths automatically. She was so focused on the words before her that it wasn't until a small hand pulled on her lavender blouse that she heard the sounds of angry and worried yelling flying through the air. Twilight looked first at the young boy who stared back in worry before glancing around to find that she was on the edge of the sidewalk, about to cross in front of a speeding carriage that swerved slightly at the sight of the girl not paying attention to her surroundings. Twilight looked back down to the boy who let go of her shirt once he saw she was paying attention once more and gave him a sheepish smile. “Oh, uh, thank you.... Oh no, my books!” Glancing beyond the small child, Twilight noticed that at the shock of sudden loud sounds and the almost accident, her already fragile hold on her books broke completely, leaving them in disarray along the ground; upon seeing the teenager scramble to pick up the books, the green haired boy slowly picked up some as well and offered them to Twilight who stared back in thought before nodding to herself. “Could you help me carry this to my place?” The child tilted his head in non-understanding and offered the books forward once more. Twilight gave them a pat, pushing them towards the youngster instead and waving to him to follow along. The Titanian walked along for a few paces before the lad soon trotted to catch up, all the while watching the older girl curiously. The boy slowed down slightly as he looked on in awe at the mansion before them but quickly snapped forward at Twilight's questioning call. The Titanian led the way to her room where they wouldn't be bothered by any of the servants that kept up the house and they settled the books in their proper places before going into the kitchen and making several sandwiches. The green haired lad watched hungrily from across the counter, something Twilight took note of as she put the finishing touches on the sandwiches. “I'm Twilight Sparkle. T w i l i g h t.” As Twilight pushed the plate towards the child, she pointed to herself as she spoke, trying to see if he could speak plain Equestrian. “Twi- Twilight?” The young Titanian clapped her hands in excitement before nodding rapidly with a grin. “Yes! Me, I'm Twilight.” The boy watched curiously before trying again to test how it sounded. “Twilight?” The milk chocolate teen squealed in joy before nodding and pulling out her notes to mark the results. The sudden movement and scribbling didn't startle the youth as much as the first time and he watched Twilight add a few more notes before pushing the now crumb riddled plate forward. “Twilight?” “Yes?” the teen responded almost immediately before realizing that it was the child across the way who spoke and clapped her hands once more before noticing the now empty plate and pleading green eyes; after giving the advice book a quick check for the proper response, the purple haired girl nodded and made a few more sandwiches. Before he could grab and devour them however, Twilight made him pause and tried to get him to say something else instead of just her name. “Sandwich. This is a sandwich. Well, technically it's a ham and lettuce sandwich but that's-” The studious girl noticed the growing blank look on the hungry face and sheepishly grinned. “Oh, eh heh heh... 'Sandwich'.” “Sa-sandwich?” Once it was said properly, Twilight allowed the boy to go for the food and watched with growing satisfaction at how well he learned. This soon became the pattern for the rest of the day, with the teenager teaching the youngster various words and verbs while showing him around the house. She couldn't get him to speak anything else in his native tongue, but he learned Equestrian quickly and was soon speaking simple sentences. Twilight was privately pleased at the turn of events that made it so her parents were out of town; if she wanted to find out more about the boy she would have to be able to speak with him with the best course of action being close observation, something that would be harder to do with family there when he couldn't communicate. The teenager found that he was much like any other four or five year old, going to sleep where he sat learning the alphabet at an early time. After tucking him away, Twilight consulted the advice book a little more before returning to her other studies, worried about falling behind her schedule what to study when. The next morning found the young student asleep at her desk after working through most of the night. She was poked awake and opened a bleary eye to find a plate and messy sandwich laying next to her face, causing her to jerk further awake and sitting upright. “Twilight, sandwich!” The young girl looked to the green haired boy who smiled proudly from his place next to her; he had been the one to wake her up after making the sandwich. Twilight smiled gratefully and pulled it closer to look at it; he had paid close attention when she made the second batch and had all the right ingredients, though they weren't properly placed due to inexperience. “Thank you, it looks good.” The youngster watched expectantly as Twilight ate it and found no hidden surprises waiting for her; it tasted just as good as one she or the cook would have made. After a refreshing method to wake up, the two got down to work on learning more words and making larger sentences. In the midst of this, Twilight felt the need to set up the ground work for writing skills, finding herself surprised at how well the young boy learned. By the end of the first full day of work, Twilight felt as though she could finally ask what the youth's name was and perhaps even learn a little of where he came from; his answers surprised and frustrated her, however. “.... I am Spike.” The boy, Spike, had searched his new vocabulary for a moment before he was able to answer the question; Twilight grinned at the progress so far and pressed forward. “Really? Ok, nice to meet you Spike. Where do you live?” Spike frowned at the question, his mind running through the new information before realizing what was asked. “.... Nowhere.” Twilight frowned at the slight snag in her plan and tried a different tactic. “What about your parents? Where are they?” Spike shrugged his small shoulders as he stared blankly at the teenager who tried to control her frustration with the lack of answers. “.... Ok, uh, how about we continue learning things?” At this, the green haired boy smiled slightly and nodded, settling further in his seat as Twilight taught him more about grammar and the world around them. At the end of another long day of answering question after question, the studious teenager turned back to her normal studies, doing another all-nighter in an attempt at staying on track even with such an interesting side studies going on. Spike came into the Titanian's room the next morning (he had been given one of the extra bedrooms for his own use) and found his teacher at her desk, face deep in a large book with a scroll half-finished next to it and ink well dried from being left open. The young boy went and made another sandwich for the older girl and gently woke her up once more. “Twilight? Why do you read in the night?” The purple haired Titanian rubbed the sleep from her eyes as she smirked in amusement at the sight of another sandwich before realizing the question Spike asked. “Oh, well I have these more difficult studies to read for my test at the end of summer but you want to learn a lot so I just read these at night.” Spike frowned at the explanation understanding a little over half of what was said but getting the hunch it was due to him being there that there was an issue; with a sharp nod, the green eyed youth looked back at Twilight determinedly. “I'll help!” “Huh?” “I'll help you! Anything you need, I'll help.” Twilight blinked at the determined boy before smiling indulgently. “Oh, uh, ok. How about we get started on your reading then?” Spike nodded once more and got out the book he was to learn from but when Twilight made to join him, he pointed at her desk. “No no, I can do this. You read like you need to.” The teenager looked back in surprise before slowly returning to where she had left off, only to groan when she noticed the dried out ink well; Spike, having seen what Twilight reached for, jumped up from his place and ran to where he had last seen more ink, grabbing a bottle from the supply drawer and dashing back to the studious girl who watched in surprise. “Here you go!” Twilight reached out automatically for the ink before smiling at the youngster. “Thanks Spike!” The boy nodded once more before resettling down at his desk, picking up from where he left off. The rest of the day continued in this fashion, the youth showcasing his sharp memory as he helped the teen while at the same time learning more from the books assigned to him, slowly making his way upwards in skill. By the end of the day, Twilight was willing to admit that it helped to have an assistant, making fetching and getting different books faster with Spike's help. They both went to bed that night pleased with the day's work and excited for what could be done in the morning. There was little issue with the servants as to the extra child staying in the mansion, his presence explained as she was making a friend and helping tutor him (which was true in a way, even if she had no real idea about who he was aside from his name). The real trial came when her parents came back at the end of the week from their meeting; luckily by this time Twilight was prepared and had a presentation for her argument as to why Spike should continue to stay in the Sparkle mansion. Two hours into the presentation of how his help sped up her studying process Night and Velvet Sparkle gave in to the pleads, allowing the young boy to stay and help Twilight with her studies; something that she hadn't fabricated when it came to how useful the young child was. He spoke almost like a normal Equestrian child now, with a reading level slightly high for someone of his age. But it was his sharp memory that made the difference, his ability to remember where things were put and fetching and keeping an eye on the studious teen meant that Twilight could focus on her work without spending extra time searching for a certain reference or extra supplies. Before either one of them noticed, the summer passed in a blur of knowledge and budding friendship. Spike was talking like a native while Twilight was learning more and faster than ever before while satisfying her parents' desire that she make more friends. When it came time for the entrance exam, the teenager asked the young boy to go with her as moral support and to help test her before she actually took the exam; no matter what Spike said or did helped to relieve her stress, so he merely did as she asked and went with her to the large towering academy. The pristine white towers and castle-like academy posed an intimidating aura to those who entered it for the first time, causing Twilight to shiver as she made her way to the front desk to sign in for the exams. She was escorted by her parents and Spike, all of whom tried to help make the teenager less worried to no avail. Twilight gave each a brief hug before heading to the first room where the hopeful students would take the written portion of the test, the pale-gray door shutting behind her with an ominous sound to the nerve-racked students waiting inside. Spike couldn't help but pace as he waited with the Sparkles as well as other parents who came to support their children in their efforts; the two hours feeling like a day for those left waiting outside. Before long, the students were released from their written exam, staggering on wobbly legs before lining up for their practical application of the test. Spike raced up to Twilight as she shakily walked out and gave the young boy a pat on the head before taking her place in line. The practical portion of the test was done in an auditorium where the practitioners watched from the top row while allowing family and friends to support the tester by sitting in the center rows. When it came time for the milk chocolate teen's turn, Spike sat as close as he could and tried to encourage the young Titanian with gestures and mouthing kind words. As he watched Twilight try to focus on creating any kind of magic to go off, the young boy suddenly felt a tightening in his gut and a voice whispered softly in his ears. “reH tay' ghot tuqDaj je. SuvmeH 'ej charghmeH bogh tlhInganpu'. Hoch 'ebmey tIjon.” [One is always of his tribe. We are born to fight and conquer. Capture all opportunities.] Green eyes shrank to pinpricks at the words as he clamped a hand over his mouth and stood rapidly, the sudden movement drawing Twilight's attention to her young friend who staggered to the side as he tried to exit the room. “Spike?” A black haired professor cleared his throat and tapped his pencil onto his clipboard. “Ms. Sparkle, focus please.” Purple eyes shifted to the professor just long enough to miss what exactly happened but looked in time to catch the last sight of a green flame that sparked an explosive reaction with a previous student's attempt at growing a plant, making it burn up in a bright flash of light and loud bang. Twilight could barely see Spike being surrounded by others who were shouting and yelling about a monster before closing her eyes in fright for the boy and of the noise caused. The young Titanian's mind went blank as her magic surged beyond her control, blasting throughout the room; it encased the youth causing him to grow rapidly taller and stronger than those who tried to surround and catch him, appearing like a full grown Eponian but stronger and somehow tougher. Other beams hit those who tried to pursue him, freezing some in place while others turned to stone or even into harmless objects; while some beams hit the professors at the top of the room, causing them to float in a dark pink aura, incapable of moving or doing anything. The light and sound of all the magical discharge drew the attention of the Princesses themselves; ascertaining that it came from the Academy for Gifted Titanians, Princess Celestia went to investigate. What the lightly tanned Princess found in the practical test room astounded her, causing her to pause in place; it was rare that she saw anyone with that much potential, though it was obvious the young girl would need to learn control. The Sun Princess made her regal way to Twilight who flinched at the comforting hand on her shoulder before looking towards the Princess with frightened eyes, the glow of her magic slowly lessening until with a flash of light and soft pop everything went back as it was before. While the rest of the room looked at one another in confusion, Twilight had her head bowed in worry as she tried to apologize. “Your highness, I'm so sorry, I-” “Everything is fine my dear, and no lasting harm was done.” Princess Celestia smiled warmly at the teenager who fidgeted in place. “Uhm, I know I caused trouble with this exam, but please may I take it over again? I really really wanted to join the school...” Celestia smiled even brighter at the timid words and put a single finger to her in chin in mock ponder. “Hmmm, I suppose I could over look this transgression, on one condition.” The Solar Princess waited for the young Titanian's full attention before smiling once more. “You agree to become one of my private students, with whom I'll teach magic among other things.” Twilight's eyes widened in surprise before hopping in place excitedly. “Yes yes yes yes yes yes! Please, I would be honored to be one of your private students!” With a warm chuckle at the over excited girl, Princess Celestia led the way to an unused office to discuss what it entails with Spike, Night and Velvet Sparkle following as well. That evening was spent in celebration and discussion; while they were pleased with Twilight's effort, her parents weren't sure of Spike continuing to stay with them. The young teen had seen how well she worked with an assistant and even though he had caused a disturbance (admittedly one dwarfed by her own not even moments later) she still trusted him and wanted to help him. After promising to keep a closer eye on the young boy, Spike was able to stay with the Sparkles as an assistant to Twilight as she began her work both in a top end academy and as one of the Princess' own private students. After five years of living with the Sparkle Household, it felt like Spike had always been a part of the family; Twilight could only barely remember what it was like to not have her number one assistant there to help. Despite the Titanian's best efforts, Spike made sure Twilight ate right and got out every so often, even if it was to read in the sunlight. On a regular day like any other, the youth went to the donut shop Twilight had first treated him to, way back when they first met; it was actually the anniversary of when they met and Spike wanted to make it special. While it was something Twilight had long since planned for in order to not mess up her schedules, it was still a special occasion for the green haired lad; a bright mark in an otherwise dark past that would lead into a bright and friend-filled future. The young boy was so lost in memories that he hadn't noticed three slightly familiar boys sneaking up on him before shoving him down a side alley where they rained blows on him. “You little slime, finally away from your nerdy care-taker huh? What did we tell you about being on our streets oh so long ago?” The brown haired boy cruelly stated before kicking at ribs that was soon covered defensively by tan arms as Spike groaned at the pain. “Yeah, you should have stayed home with your new mommy; now you'll have to play with the big boys and we play rough.” With this, the three teens continued to mercilessly beat the curled youth who tried to weather out the storm of pain, wondering if anyone would notice or care. “What is taking Spike so long? It's not like him to take such a long time to come back from Donut Joe's.... He certainly knows where it is...” Twilight had been finishing her work as she waited, but as time drew on and it crept closer to evening, the young woman steadily grew more worried. By the time the clock struck five, the studious Titanian stopped her pacing and went towards the exit, her hands glowing slightly as she began to make a tracking spell to find the errant boy. Twilight frowned as she found herself drawn by a gentle tug in her hand down the path that one would normally take to reach the famous donut shop before sharply being pulled down a side alley where three boys shouted a few last insults before running off. On the ground where they had been lay a lump of clothing and bruises that moaned lightly as a green topped face looked where the boys had run off to in an effort to be sure it was safe out. The sight of green eyes in pain brought Twilight out of her shock and racing to the boy who flinched back at the sudden sound. “Shhh Spike, it's me.” “Twilight?” The Titanian scrunched her face at sight of the hurt youngster and quickly tried to recall if she knew of any healing spells. “Yes Spike, I'm here now.... Oh, for all the times to put off studying the body and healing spells! I don't know anything that can fix this, but I know someone who can. Just stay still Spike, I'm going to teleport us to someone who's hopefully willing to help.” Before the boy could make any sound or movement, the Titanian snapped her fingers that were surrounded in her magic's glow, bringing them to the foot of Princess Celestia's thrown in the main hall of Canterlot Castle. “Twilight, what is the matter?” The Solar Princess stood from her seat as she waved away the guards who came to attention at the sudden intrusion and the scribe who had been reading some of the reports of other meetings. “Princess, it's Spike! He's been hurt and I don't know any healing spells; please, can you help?” The fair Princess frowned in concentration as she nodded before waving the young Titanian back so she could get to the younger boy. As a gold aura surrounded the Princess' hands, Twilight watched the magic with close attention, trying to see if something would go wrong and how to do it herself should the need arise later. With a short frown of confusion, Princess Celestia paused in her administrations as she looked the youngster in the eye briefly. “What-what is it Princess!?” Celestia glanced at her pupil before looking at the boy before her with a pensive frown once more. “He is not like others, something I haven't encountered in a long time...” Twilight's eyes twitched slightly at these words as her mind jumped to the worse possible conclusion. “Wait, does this mean you can't help?! I can! I saw what you did, I'll just-” “Wait, no Twilight, I can help -” The Solar Princess never managed to finish her sentence as she was almost pushed aside by the frantic young woman who simply poured all of her magic and focus into the spell that she had memorized from watching it performed by the Alicorn Princess. Celestia watched amazed as Twilight's magic surged before narrowing to fixate on the small boy laying before the two, causing the bruises and abuse to simply shrink as though traveling forward in time rapidly. Just as the last sign of the beating vanished, the Titanian's magic diminished into nothing as Twilight fell over, unconscious from the effort it took. After giving her star pupil a quick check to make sure she was ok, the Princess summoned two couches to be brought over to set the two friends on as they recovered with a light chuckle, plans for the studious woman forming. It was much later in the evening that Twilight woke to find herself in the grand hall of Canterlot Castle, and a half second later she remembered why she had gone to see the Princess. “Spike? SPIKE?!” “Over here!” Twilight snapped her head towards the sound to find the solar monarch and young green eyed lad talking as they had tea and cake near where the young Titanian was laying. “Oh, thank goodness! You're alright? No lasting effects? No extra pain?” The young woman pulled the lad into a tight hug before pulling away to glance him over to check for anything her spell may have missed. “Perfectly fine, like brand new; are you ok? The Princess says you fainted afterwards...” Twilight smiled at the worried frown before looking towards her mentor with a sheepish grin. “I used too much magic at once and my body had to rest from the effort, right?” At the agreeing nod, Twilight looked to the boy once more as she joined them at the table covered in treats. “See? I'm fine, I had a good nap... Princess, I'm sorry for pushing you out of the way like that... I was just so worried about Spike that I-” Celestia waved a calming hand towards the young woman who trailed off at the gesture. “It's fine, it means that you care a great deal for your friend. In fact, you've just proven that you are ready for the next stage of your development, if you're willing.” Twilight straightened from her worried hunch with bright eyes at the mention of new work. “Yes, what is it?” “You remember how my sister and I are usually consulted by a council made up of each generation's greatest minds and abilities?” At the rapid nod confirming the knowledge, the Sun Princess continued with a gentle smile. “I would greatly appreciate it if you would be willing to be the first member in the latest Council of Harmony, as the representative of Magic.” Twilight stared on slack-jawed for a moment before jumping up and hugging her mentor tightly. “OH YES PLEASE I'D LIKE- oh, uhm, hem-hem, sorry.... I'd like that very much Princess.” The young woman suddenly released the Princess who merely smiled back and opened her arms once more; taking the hint, Twilight leaned forward to hug her mentor once more as Celestia returned the gesture before waving for Spike to join in as well. The three spent a moment longer in the hug before settling back down with the young Titanian looking curiously at her teacher. “But, why would you want me to be on the Council?” Princess Celestia smiled at the question, pleased that the studious woman wanted to know exactly how she earned the position. “You showed both exceptional skill in the field of magic and knowledge while still caring for your friends and family. I see so many talented Titanians in my time, but they all become obsessed with power and ambition; I'm glad to see you care so deeply for your friend that you would even knock me aside to help him when I faltered.” Twilight blushed at the words, relieved at knowing that the Solar Princess held no qualms with being pushed aside to take over the healing. “I do believe that this calls for a celebration and your family should be notified; if you two are able to follow me?” The two friends grinned at one another before rising along with the Sun Princess and exiting the grand hall, on the way to start a new kind of life that held the promise of being very interesting. Author's Note And Magic makes it all complete as they say :p that concludes the Origins of the Council of Harmony :) Thanks to Wolfie 03 for the chapter, and to GWG for editing it. I hope you enjoyed it. Mariacheat-Brony
Octavia's Symphony for the Princess by Kapuchu (extended ending)“Octavia Philharmonica, I already said there will be no discussion about this! I will not allow it!” “Mother, I am eighteen years old! I am not a child anymore nor should you treat me as one. I am one of the top, upcoming cellists for a reason. If you would just believe in me for once in your life and back me up when I make a decision!” Octavia and her mother were currently having a fight, one of them wanting to challenge herself and the other wanting only to have her daughter follow the path she clears for her. They were standing in their living room, Vito Philharmonica standing behind and a bit to the side of his wife Sonata, and the older brother of Octavia, Cornelio Philharmonica, standing some distance away in the door with a hesitant look on his face. Neither of the two males had said anything since the youngest of the family, had brought up the idea of her composing a piece for the princesses themselves. Or, more specifically, the Lunar Princess. She was already rising in fame, a lot of big companies were keeping an eye on her. The same for her rivals, all of the driving themselves to exhaustion in an attempt to leave the natural that was Octavia behind. “Eighteen years old yet you still act like a child that does not get what they want. I have done so much for you, spent so much money to get you the very best teachers and this is how you repay me? With disobedience? Why, I have never! Look at Cornelio for once. He does what is asked of him, never asks questions. Why can’t you be like him!?” Octavia grit her teeth, her hands balling into fists. “Because I am not him, Sonata. I am Octavia Philharmonica, not Cornelio. I suspected you knew that, but evidently you do not. Stop living your dream through me, and expecting me to do what you dictate. I am your daughter, not your puppet!” With that she turned on her heel, and left the room, heading for her bedroom where the large black case which contained her precious cello stood. She hefted it up on her back, and started towards the main entrance, grabbing a coat on the way as well as a bag of bits. “I will be staying at a friend’s house for the time being. Father, brother, Sonata,” she greeted as she gave them each a respectful nod. Her mother’s angry voice was cut off as the door closed with a click behind her. Her mind already made, she set her course for a certain old friend of hers; Harshavardhan. Or Harpo, as they called him. She needed his help more than ever right now. Not only because she needed a shoulder to lean on, but also because she was in need of another musician, someone of equal skill and similar mindset. “Yes?” Harpo asked as he opened the door to his apartment, hair unkempt and wearing only a pair of jeans and a T-shirt. If his appearance was anything to go by then he had just woken up from an afternoon nap. “Harpo… I need you help,” Octavia said, head held low and shoulders slumped. It didn’t take long for the sleepy harpist to wake up fully and usher Octavia inside, closing the door behind her. “Is there anything I can help you with?” He asked hesitantly, already kicking himself for asking such a question right after she had said she needed it. “Let me rephrase that, what can I do for you?” Octavia looked up, her eyes looked like she had cried, even if just a little. “I had a fight with my mother. I want to challenge myself, and compose a piece for Princess Luna, but Sona- my mother won’t let me. She refuses to let me do anything she doesn’t order me to do.” She sighed and took a seat on the couch, looking out the window, the cello leaning against the armrest. She had been here a few times before. It was a cozy little place with a couch, small table, and one of those new magical contraptions people called a television. The kitchen was separated from the living room she was in by a large shelf that went from floor to ceiling, a door leading to the bathroom and another one to the door to the outside. A carpet decorated with red, brown and black swirls lay beneath the table. Octavia looked up, a determined spark gleaming in her eyes, all thoughts of her mother forgotten. “I want to compose a piece for Princess Luna, and I want you to help me.” Harpo, his own expression changing from concerned to determined, nodded and dug a few pieces of composition paper and two pens out of a drawer. He went back to her and sat down, laying the papers between them and handing one pen to her. “Oh, and one more thing,” she started sheepishly. “Can I stay here for a few days as well? I don’t think I want to go home until we’re done here.” The neighbours could perfectly hear Harpo’s hand impacting on his forehead. Octavia looked at her wrist watch. It showed the time to be 22:27. Still three minutes until she would be allowed entry to the throne room for her audience. Or rather, her impromptu performance. She wore her usual pink bowtie, a flowing grey dress hugged her body without making her appear provocative. It was simple yet pretty, allowing her plenty of movement to boot. She sighed and looked at her watch again. 22:28. An unladylike groan escaped her as she cursed time for moving so slowly when one was waiting. She went about tidying up her black braid that hung loosely over her left shoulder. At least that would give her roughly thirty seconds of something to do. Time passed, and hours seemed to go by until finally she was approached by a guard in golden armour and told that she could enter. The massive doors ahead of her opened, revealing a long room with a red carpet decorating the middle. Large glass-stains decorating each window as they portrayed heroic deeds done by either the princesses or heroes of old. She walked inside, her cello case hefted over her shoulder. When there were but ten steps to the stairs leading to the throne she stopped and looked up for the first time. If not for her incredible self control, she would have adorned a surprised, nay, incredulous expression at the sight of both princesses standing side by side. “Princess Celestia,” Octavia began, curtseying as best she could while balancing the large cello case with one hand. “I do not mean disrespect, but may I ask why I am graced with your presence? I asked only for a private audience with your sister, Princess Luna.” A smile graced the sun goddess’ lips. “I heard word that a musician would ask for a private audience with my sister, and when I was informed that you had taken your cello with you I assumed that there would be music involved. As a result I asked my sister if she would allow my attendance as well, and she agreed.” Octavia glanced at Luna, and saw her nod once in confirmation. “You are correct, Your Majesty, my visit does include music. In fact, it is wholly about that. You see, I have composed, together with a friend, a piece dedicated to Princess Luna, and I wish to present it to her in person. If you allow it, I will start playing immediately.” A smile and a nod from the diarchs told her that she was free to start whenever she wished to. Octavia bent down and opened the case, retrieving her polished cello, the bow and the papers upon which the pieces was written. She took a moment to look through them, making sure she had memorised everything before she balanced the cello in front of her and put the bow to the strings. Her amethyst eyes caught Luna’s as the she prepared to play the first notes. “Eight days. Three spent composing, four spent practicing. Only one days break to go home and inform my family that I was fine and would be home soon, then back to Harpo’s. Two skillful musicians creating one piece for one person, taking everything we know and translating it into notes. This is for you, Princess Luna.” She drew the bow across the strings, playing the first note of the most important composition she had ever written or played. It started out as uplifting and happy, yet calm and somewhat sombre. Higher notes came into play, depicting a joy unprecedented despite the piece’s relative slowness. It dropped, becoming darker before speeding up and becoming light and happy again. It wasn’t long before it took a much deeper and sadder feel to it, making it sound like some catastrophe was about to happen, but it also spoke of courage and happiness not long after. The music overtook the young musician’s mind and she swayed in tandem with the notes flying from her bow and strings. To her, there existed nothing but the music. It stopped suddenly, the notes seemingly bleeding from the instrument. They were no longer high and chipper, but slow and mournful until they died out with a hint of the earlier happiness and joy. Octavia Philharmonica lowered her bow, and opened her amethyst eyes to look directly at the lunar princess. “Since the return and redemption of Princess Luna, countless of pieces have been dedicated to her Highness, all of them praising her return and casting light on her beauty, grace and praising her and her night. Clair De Lune is a perfect example. It glorifies the night, glorifies the princess. It portrays both as perfect with no flaw or failures.” She shook her head. “I call those composers and poets fools. Fools who willingly turn the blind eye to the obvious that is ignored.” Octavia put her right hand to her heart, bow held firmly in her fist. “This piece, ‘Secrets’, portrays the life of Princess Luna. Her fall from grace as the shadows tried to overtake her and nearly turned her against that which she loved the most. It glorifies neither her past nor her present. It portrays her as she is; Flawed like any living being. ‘Secrets’ unveils the lies that other pieces hide behind. Unlike the meaningless praise, this music shows you for who you are. One who fought and almost fell, but rose and emerged victorious. It glorifies you none, but it praises you for who you are.” Both princesses stood immobile, neither blinking nor betraying any thought or emotion. Octavia stood stock still as well, awaiting judgement for her, honestly, rather provocative speech that followed the piece. “What do you think, Sister?” Celestia asked, turning to Luna. “The piece was dedicated to you, after all.” Luna turned to her sister with, a slight frown creeping upon her brow. “She certainly does have talent, and she has a mind unlike any other musician. She’s right in what she says, that the others glorify my night, whereas she praises where praise is due.” She nodded, a small smile playing at her lips. “I think we both agree, do we not?” Celestia chuckled and smirked in return. “We do, sister.” She then turned to the cellist, eyes shining. “Octavia Philharmonica, I must confess that I did not come here purely by coincidence. I, no, we have been watching you for some time. Watching your progress and keeping an eye out on your development both personality and skill wise. I came here for a reason somewhat more… important than merely watching you play, beautiful as it was,” Octavia couldn’t help the blush colouring her cheeks at the compliment. “You see, my sister and I have been looking for certain.... individuals, and we would like to ask if you would be interested in a position in a grand institution?” Octavia’s eyes widened. When worded like that, there was only one option. “Y-You mean the Royal Canterlot Orchestra?” She stammered, not being able to believe it. She had come with the goal of impressing the princess of the night, this went far beyond any crazy dream she could have possibly cooked up in her sleep. “No, not the orchestra,” Luna replied, causing Octavia to slump her shoulders and otherwise just look crestfallen. Her hopes had been raised and then crus- “Think bigger than that, Miss Philharmonica.” “What? Bigger? What could possibly be bigger than playing in the ROYAL Orchestra. It was what all canterlot musicians strived for, the only thing that could possibly be more prestigious would be-” Her eyes could easily be compared to saucers at this moment. There was only one thing she could think of that would be bigger than the orchestra. “You… Your majesties, I am only eighteen. I cannot possibly be a teacher at Canterlot’s Music School.” She bowed her head respectfully. “As much as I would love to be at such a position later in my life, I am unable to do so at present time. Not only would I not be able to play for enjoyment as I primarily do now, but I am also far too young. I am afraid I must decline that offer.” Luna and Celestia both chuckled at the almost crestfallen cellist. “Octavia, that is not of what I speak either,” Luna continued, grinning. To say Octavia looked puzzled would be a misunderstanding. She couldn’t for the life of her think of any position that would be grander than the Royal Orchestra and not be a teacher at one of Canterlot’s Music Schools. “Pardon my ignorance, your majesties, but what exactly do you mean?” “Miss Octavia Philharmonica,” Celestia began, walking down towards the eponian cellist with Luna at her side. “We extend to you an invitation,” Luna continued off where Celestia left off. “We offer you a seat in a position that will allow you to, literally, question any decision we should make in the area of music, of any kind, for so long as you hold the position. Your political power will be grand-” Celestia took the reins again. “And your personal influence on any areas of music even grander. Octavia, we extend to you the offer of a seat in the Council of Harmony." Octavia stood stunned. She had read a little about the Council of Harmony and knew that it was no more. To hear that she was invited to join it, and possibly as one of the first members in centuries, was an honor beyond comparison. It was something she had never thought possible. To say it exceeded her every hopes and dreams would be a misunderstanding; this was an impossibility! “I… Your majesties, I don’t know what to say. It is an honor beyond anything I could possibly imagine.” She stopped for a moment before quickly adding, “I do not know what I have done to earn it, but I gladly accept.” It was all she could do to not cry out in girlish glee. She had hoped only for a little bonus points to get into the Canterlot Symphony, but this? She truly didn’t know what to think. “You have earned it by being an excellent musician as well as showing remarkable judgement of character as well as a critical eye on, not only your own work, but every other piece of music out there. We believe that you’ll be able to look past the differences of the different types of music and see them for the pieces of art they are, and not judge them by their differences.” Luna lay a hand on Octavia’s shoulder which prompted to cellist to look up. “Now, I have a question, Octavia. As of right now you are a member of the Council of Harmony and have nearly unlimited power in anything about music, so is there anything you want to do as your first -ah- act as the head of all music?” She brought a finger to her chin, tapping it in thought as various different things shot through her mind. There were a lot of options as to what she could do for her first act as the Musical part of the Council. “Your Majesties, if I may have my friend enter? He’s waiting outside for me to return.” At the word of Celestia, a guard left the throne room and returned a few minutes later with the harpist and composer in tow just as Octavia was finished whispering a few words to the princesses. “Is there something the matter, your majesties?” Harpo asked as he knelt down in front of the two diarchs. He looked up. “I apologise if Octavia’s piece offended either of you. I was part of the creation of this piece, so if any punishment is to be dealt I will take my share of it.” “Stand up, Harpo, there’s no reason to kneel,” Octavia said with a bit more authority in her voice than had previously been, a detail that did not pass by the composer. Octavia turned to the two smiling princesses and received a nod from both. The mask of professionalism that she had worn so far slipped away as she smiled in turn, turning to Harpo. “Harpo Nedermane, what would you say to compose pieces, and possibly play, for the Royal Canterlot Symphony Orchestra from tomorrow onwards?” A loud thud echoed throughout the throne room as Harpo hit the ground, unconscious. “I’ll take that as a yes,” Octavia said with a grin. Author's Note First of the six chapters on the Council of Harmony's members, given to you straight from the quill of Kapuchu. If you're interested in participating in this fiction : here! We still need someone for Twilight . Stay tuned for the next ones Mariacheat-Brony
Ruin and Rescue of a Fashion show by Wolfie 03 (extended version)The Ruin and Rescue of a Fashion Show Rarity Belle, Baroness of Northern Canterlot, was currently having lunch with the most notable of nobles; her parents, the Viscount and Visdame Magnum and Pearl Belle, as well as Lady Octavia Philharmonico with her Uncle and Aunt who were also Viscount and Visdame Fancy Pants and Fleur. Rarity's younger sister, Sweetie Belle, was currently on a field trip for school and wasn't expected back until the afternoon. The nobles were discussing some of the upcoming celebrity events, one of which was Fancy Pants' Grand Featured Art Show. The six nobles enjoyed their meal in the Belle Manor; each with a different drink, most being a type of wine aside from the blue haired noble who had a cup of Apple Cider which he had specially imported from a nearby town. Rarity could hardly believe that it tasted all that great compared to some of the fine wines they had available; just as she was about to try to once again convince him to taste some of the wine instead of the cider from a small nearby town, a messenger strode quickly to the small group. After handing a scroll to Fancy Pants, the carrier attempted to catch his breath while the noble read the message since he had run a good portion of the city to get the letter to the noble as quickly as possible. At his pensive frown, the others couldn't contain themselves any longer and politely asked what it contained. “It seems that the studio where all the designers and artists were working was broken into the night before. All of our extra supplies were taken and everything that was going to be presented was destroyed.” Fancy Pants frowned as the others all gave small gasps at the news. “Also, the main designer was there at the time of the break in and was badly hurt. He will recover, but not in time for our show.” Rarity and Octavia covered their mouths in shock, horrified that someone had been injured. “Uncle, what will you do?” Octavia reached out and put a hand onto Fancy Pants' shoulder, concerned for what will happen. The long black haired noble had been enjoying her time of relaxation from Council duties but in face of trouble for her uncle cut the relaxation short. “I suppose we'll just have to suspend the show...” Fancy Pants trailed off as he looked at the others at the table. “Well, I suppose, I could offer my assistance.” Rarity shyly suggested as she looked at the Manehatten noble. Fancy Pants raised a brow while Octavia, along with Rarity's parents, brightened at her offer. “Indeed, our Rarity here is a wonderful designer. She'll be able to help tremendously at your show.” Magnum Belle chipped in with a proud smile at his daughter. Rarity blushed at her father's praise as her mother nodded along with a smile. Fancy Pants was intrigued by the suggestion, especially as Octavia also voiced her support of Rarity's help and took the baroness up on her offer. “That sounds like a splendid idea. But can you do so in time for the show to happen as originally planned?” Fancy Pants looked to the baroness who sat up straighter with a resolute nod. “Indeed I can. Though may I see the report from the break in? How will you deal with finding the robbers?” Rarity asked as she held out a hand for the scroll which was given readily as the blue haired noble thought out loud. “Hmmm, I suppose I'll have to gather a team of guards and detectives who will try and track down the perpetrators...” The Viscount from Manehatten starred into the distance, trying to think of top notch guards who would be willing to help. “Perhaps I could suggest someone? Phoebe Wright?” Rarity questioningly raised a brow that quickly furrowed into a pensive frown as she looked over the report. “The Ace Attorney... ? Is something the matter my dear?” Fancy Pants leaned towards the purple haired woman as she tapped a single finger to her chin in thought. “Hmm? Oh yes, that's the one. She's a dear friend of mine who has an absolutely marvelous record of 'getting the perp' as she puts it. Viscount -” “Please, call me Fancy Pants.” The Manehatten noble commented as he smiled warmly at the baroness. Rarity flashed a small smile in return and dipped her head in acknowledgment. “Fancy Pants, what does it mean by the designer was the only one hurt? Were there more in the building at the time?” Rarity turned her sapphire eyes towards the noble who turned pensive at the question. “It was late in the evening when the burglars came in; they ransacked everything, scaring the other seven staff members away before getting to Orion who was just putting the finishing touches on his masterpiece that was to be the center of the show.” At this news, Rarity's eyebrows rose in surprise. “Orion? The Orion of Vanhoover fame and not Sir Peter Moore? And how odd that the burglars didn't harm anyone else but him...” Rarity mused as she continued to watch the older noble. “Yes indeed, very odd. A panel of judges and myself had samples of all the latest designers, and it was decided that Orion had the edge over the competition; though had I known you were a designer we would have asked for your own work as well my dear. I would ask the runner up, which was Sir Peter, to perhaps showcase something, but if you are sure you can do it in two days...” Fancy Pants raised a brow of his own, wanting to be sure that the young baroness would be able to make the deadline that most of the current society's designers would declare impossible. He wasn't sure this nineteen year old baroness was up to the challenge of the short deadline, though he was willing to give her a chance. “Oh pish posh. Everything shall be ready in time, and it shall be fabulous! Just don't forget to have Phoebe on your investigation team.” Rarity wagged a finger towards Fancy Pants who lightly chuckled as he nodded along. While everyone else wanted to have a relaxing lunch before Rarity became unavailable for the next two days, it was agreed that the two nobles would be better off seeing the damages done so far. When they arrived, they found the whole studio in shambles, the supplies for the half-finished projects stolen while anything that was finished or nearly complete was destroyed; the pair walked through room after room where the artists were lamenting the loss as the nobles looked on. Just as they finished looking through the whole place, the team of detectives and guards had arrived and began to look for clues as well as a more thorough questioning of the witnesses. “Ah, Phoebe Wright! How are you, darling?” Rarity asked as she stepped towards a young woman who wore a blue suit over a white shirt and pink necktie. She had her light brown hair cut short, with natural spikes along the back. Light gray eyes lit up in recognition at the sight of the baroness as their owner stepped forward as well and shook her hand. “Rarity Belle! It has been a while, thank you for suggesting my services to Viscount Fancy Pants; hopefully I can be of some help to the two of you.” Phoebe Wright stated as she took in the appearance of the baroness before her as well as more of the surrounding area, noting that Rarity managed to keep her slim figure that she had since childhood when the two of them first became friends. “Indeed it has been a while, darling, and I'm sure you will be extremely helpful! Though I must say, it is a shame that this had to happen to Orion, he was the only one of eight working that night who was injured. And he was to present his latest masterpiece to the world the night of the show.” Rarity trailed off as the spark of intrigue lit in light gray eyes as Phoebe put the information away for later use. “Orion you say? The one from Vanhoover? Main rival of Sir Peter Moore from Baltimare?” Phoebe rubbed her chin as she peppered the woman before her with questions who seemed a little pleased that she was thinking along that train of thought. “That is the one. But enough idle gossip, you will keep me informed of any breakthroughs won't you?” Rarity pleaded with a small hint of puppy-dog eyes, batting her lashes and pouting lightly. Phoebe laughed loudly, causing some of the nearby workers and investigators to look at her in question before continuing their work. “Oh Rarity, you never change! Sure I'll let you know what's happening; I'll bet you asked for my help just for that reason!” Phoebe laughed lightly once more as Rarity just gave a sly smile. “I'll contact you later Rarity, have a nice day.” “You as well dear. Thanks so much for your help.” Rarity politely waved goodbye as the team left the area after gathering all the evidence they could before starting their investigation. As the young baroness turned away from the exiting team, she noticed that Fancy Pants was nearby, watching with interest at the scene though he was unable to hear what had been said. “Oh, uhm, hum-hum. Is something the matter Fancy Pants?” “Nothing at all, my dear. Are you ready to take over? Do you need anything?” Fancy Pants asked as he followed the baroness who gathered everyone into the main room. “Yes, I am ready and I do need a few things....” Rarity began to recite a list of supplies as well as enough lunch for everyone who was going to be working a lot harder the next two days than ever before. She had half the workers get more supplies on the double, helping pave the way with her own finances to speed up the process of acquiring the needed supplies, and the other half to gather the broken yet similar materials into various piles to be reused. Nothing was trashed if possible, and being in a giant pile of similar materials made it easier to see new possibilities and not old pieces of art. She then invited the artists to look at all the bits and pieces left as well as what was being ordered and then had everyone go for a nice relaxing lunch with enough proteins and vitamins to keep up their strength for the next two days of hard work to catch up on lost time. Even as the baroness was thinking of different ideas for designs and art, she spoke with nearly everyone eating; sharing ideas, giving encouragements, even just exchanging pleasantries to help them relax about being in a noble's presence. Once everyone had eaten, they got to work on the busiest two and a half day deadline they have ever tried to meet. Having seen all the supplies they were able to work with had inspired the artists and they set about their work with enthusiasm. Rarity made sure that all the other artists were set up and working once more before heading to the fashion designer's room to see what could be salvaged. The clothing was mostly shredded, with only minimal parts that could be reused; a bow here, a neckline there, and so on. She looked at the damages with surprise, compared to the rest of the studio, it was as though the burglars knew to find and completely ruin Orion's designs. Orion had tried to make all of the clothing at the same time, resulting in varying degrees of progress that was consequently destroyed. The only one dress that had been finished was his masterpiece, something that even from the shreds Rarity could tell was a breakthrough in fashion and would lead to whole new trends. The young baroness tried to find the original designs, but soon found a pile of ash in the nearby trash bin that had a few bits and pieces identifying the thing used for the 'fire' was the original clothing design sheets. Rarity continued her search of the room and found a small binder hidden away behind some of the furniture; it was Orion's, he had tried to hide some of his designs from the burglars, making it possible for Rarity to try and create his masterpiece since he had put its design back after completing it. After one last quick look around the room, the baroness called to other dressmakers to help speed up production as she created new designs using some of the remaining bits as well as Orion's masterpiece. Since they would still be a dress short, Rarity threw in her own masterpiece, though she was nervous about debuting as well as putting the rest of the show back on track. Once the plans were finished, Rarity settled down to help with making the clothes; doing the more finer details and putting it altogether at the same time as getting requests and helping the rest of the staff with the details of the show. By the time that most of the finer details of how the show would change and most of the other artists were into their own zone of creation, the other dressmakers had adjusted to a baroness making clothing and began to gossip amongst themselves. Rarity knew that dressmakers and arts were the best source of celebrity and noble gossip, since they needed to be in the know faster than some of the very ones talked about in order to keep up with the trends. The young baroness listened and offered her own gossip that took place as the others worked, while none slowed their efforts on the clothing that needed to be made. The conversation traveled between this designer and that celebrity before settling on Sir Peter Moore, who seemed to be in an agitated state since the burglary. “Hmm, so Sir Peter Moore has been staying in Canterlot for a while now?” Rarity asked with a raise of her brow, curious as to what could bring him to an extended stay. “Oh yes. He's been in Canterlot since everyone was offered the chance to present their designs in this Grand Featured Art Show. Seems he's gotten more worked up, maybe he heard about the break in and is waiting for Viscount Fancy Pants to offer him the work instead?” One woman said from behind a sewing machine as others nodded along. “I heard that he thought that his being a noble would grant him the position of head designer for the show automatically.” Another woman stated as she cut the fabric needed. A few more tutted as one leaned towards the center of the room to be better heard. “I hear that when Orion won, Sir Peter threw a fit in his home here in Canterlot and swore that Orion would 'be sorry to ever try and enter into a world fit for the nobility only'.” At these words Rarity's brows shot up and she levitated a scroll and quill over to herself unnoticed by the others, writing a note with her findings to Phoebe who would be in need of such information. “Seems Sir Peter Moore is having staffing issues too; he's hiring three more staff members for full time positions. It's been years since he changed anything in his staff, though I'm not sure if it's worth the pay to work for that snob.” Another woman who was making some of the smaller detailed items added before the conversation turned to another noble who was hiring. Rarity added a note to check why Sir Peter would be hiring for staff when all of his previous ones had been at their jobs for more than a decade and sent it via express mail to the young attorney detective. With full production happening in the studio, no one really left for much of anything; having all meals delivered and sleeping for only minimal amounts to ensure that their work was at prime condition. This meant that there was never a chance for the burglars to come back and finish the job, not that Rarity or Fancy Pants were going to risk it; they had some guards stand watch at all times and were even scheduled to stay for the duration of the show as well, since it seemed as though someone was trying to sabotage it. Phoebe had written back to Rarity about how they found the burglars after following up on some leads that she had provided and were working on getting a court date and arrest order for a noble; making it one more thing Rarity had to worry about aside from the show. They had found a lot more in Sir Peter's place of residence in Canterlot, including threatening letters, scrolls detailing how to break in and hurt Orion the most as well as some designs that would work for the Grand Show had Sir Peter had been chosen to work for it. Rarity felt rather smug that not only was the show going on as planned, but that one of Orion's masterpieces would be presented that night as well, meaning that the burglars' work wasn't as effective as their backer would hope. As the opening time came closer, Rarity found herself organizing more of the show than helping to make the clothing line, the dressmakers doing an excellent job of finishing as the head designer's attention was drawn elsewhere. Soon enough the two days went by in a blur of busyness and it was time for the show. While most of the audience enjoyed the pre-show of the displays of art as well as some appetizers, Rarity never left the back room as she organized from behind the scenes; making sure it was just right and that everything went perfectly. They made it through the pre-show without issue and were currently presenting the latest fashion trends when a disturbance came from the back. Orion had awoken and was attempting to join the show in any way possible. He was a sorry sight, barely able to stand and heavily bandaged, with a nurse following close behind him trying to convince him to return to bed. He had snuck out somehow and made it through the city before anyone noticed his absence and tried to track him down. They only caught up with him at the show itself, and by then he had made a scene in the back room asking for Fancy Pants. Fancy Pants was just entering and found the scene of trouble after being alerted that Orion was in the back trying to find him. He was slightly annoyed at how he was not told that the designer was awake and was prepared to try and make it up to him when he found Rarity already speaking with Orion in calming tones; whatever was being said set the designer at ease and he allowed himself to be lead to a seat in the audience. When the young baroness had heard that Orion was awake and wanted part in the show, she mentally patted herself on the back for having planned ahead having expected his desire to have something of his presented; though she was concerned a little about his health, and tried to get him to calm down before explaining herself. They were able to finish his masterpiece and it was to be the center of the show just as before, with a little speech about it and its creator. While Orion actually coming was a slight surprise, Rarity had a seat reserved in his honor in the front row which he accepted with great pleasure. The nurse followed to his seat and stayed for duration of the event to make sure nothing else happened to him. Fancy Pants was impressed twice over, given how the young baroness had known how much it meant to Orion and to even have a seat set aside for him in his honor. He gave her a small smile and nod before turning back around to sit among the audience once more. The rest of the show went perfectly, the two most talked about pieces being the two masterpieces from both Orion and Rarity. At the soirée held afterwards, meant to allow the artists to mingle with possible clients, Rarity stayed close by Orion as they spoke with their peers and members of the audience, wanting to be sure he got the credit he deserved and to make sure nothing happened to him. In the midst of speaking with Sir Peter Moore who was giving grudging praise for the designer outfits, Rarity was approached by Phoebe Wright looking solemn and presented the baroness designer with a scroll which she quickly looked over. She glanced back at the two rivals who had continued talking as the baroness walked away, noting the difference in the appearance and how others saw them. One was a young man with an elegantly styled short black hair and light blue eyes, dressed for all occasions in a neat suit with tie, with an obvious air of confidence that most nobles had these days. The other was a young man covered in bandages, his short light blue hair out of sorts and mostly hidden by the head wrap he wore, one arm in a sling with the other in a cast, sitting in a wheelchair with a dark-green bathroom hastily thrown on; and while he still had an air of joy and happiness that some of his work made it through the burglary, he was tired and weary, making him seem weaker in comparison with his main rival. Rarity nodded to Phoebe who signaled to guards waiting in the side hallway and the two women strode back to the two men, wanting to get this sorted out quickly. The baroness did not want Sir Peter to come off as the better designer due to no fault of Orion's aside from being a victim of sabotage. “My dear Sir, would you please follow me and my associate to the hallway?” Rarity asked politely in a lull of the half-praises that were being given by Sir Peter to Orion. Sir Peter raised a brow at this unusual request and humphed lightly. “And why would I want to do such a thing? I do believe I was speaking with my dear Orion about his... lovely... masterpiece.” Sir Peter turned back to the designer though he paused when Rarity cleared her throat softly. “Hum hum. Please, let us not cause a disturbance in the guests' presence, if you would follow me to the hallway.” Rarity said with slightly more force than before as she gave a small wave to the side of the room where she wanted him to go to. “My dear Rarity, I shall do no such thing. I merely wanted to say how pleased I am that Orion did not suffer too greatly at the hands of those ruffians...” Sir Peter turned away once more but was approached by members of the Guard as the young baroness waved them over. “Sir Peter, it is not a request, it is a demand. These guardsmen shall escort you to a holding cell until proper judgment of your crimes can be reached.” Rarity watched for any signs of trouble from the noble who was surrounded by guards as she pulled Orion back from the situation. “I beg your pardon!? For what am I to be apprehended by such methods?!” Sir Peter raised his voice slightly as he tried to stay out of the guardsmen's reach, attracting everyone's attention to the scene. “You are being arrested for burglary, damage of nobility property, theft, and assault and battery.” The baroness stated with a raised brow, daring him to contradict her. “I object!” Sir Peter began to try to defend himself when Phoebe gave a small frown and interrupted him. “Hey, that's my line!” Rarity flashed the young attorney a soothing smile before turning to face the noble in front of her with a frown. “The team of investigators has found plenty of proof. Here is the list of things found that prove it.” Rarity handed the upset noble the scroll which he rapidly scanned, with the crowd looking on and the baroness continuing to speak. “The wonderful team led by Phoebe Wright found the letters of intent to do the crime as well as testimony from the burglars themselves who say you were their backer. It didn't help that you used members of your own staff to do such a crime, they were able to trace their original working location to you. “We have eye witnesses who are willing to testify that you made threats against Orion and how you seemed to know that something was wrong with the show before the break in happened, staying in your Canterlot residence and having some of your work already designed and made with these models in mind. And how the most damage and actual physical harm was to Orion himself, showing that they knew who to aim for. “Handling the situation in such a way is never proper; now please, remove him from any decent company.” Rarity watched with a small frown as Sir Peter Moore was led away by three guards as the fourth kept watch, shouting profanities at the two designers the entire time. After saying goodbye to Phoebe who then followed the guards out, Rarity turned back to the crowd and apologized for the display. She soon found herself peppered with questions as to how she knew he was the one behind it all; to which she answered as though it was the simplest thing in the world, leaving her peers in awe of her ability to gather facts and leads for the team to do its work. After some more time spent discussing what had happened as well as the show, Rarity went to make sure nothing else had happened while she was socializing. Unbeknownst to the new fashionista, the two Princesses had come in without notice and had watched the entire show, as well as the resulting encounter with the saboteur. Both were greatly impressed and agreed silently, Baroness Rarity Belle would make a good addition to the Council of Harmony. Princess Celestia, led by Octavia who had come to support her friend and family presenting the show, found the young baroness congratulating all of the staff and artists for a job well done in the back room. The immortal princess walked up to the purple haired baroness who was alerted to royal presence by the bowing and curtsying of everyone around her. “Why, Princess Celestia! To what do I owe this great honor?” Rarity asked as she curtsied. “I wanted to congratulate you on a wonderful show and how well you handled the saboteur.” The Princess said with a warm smile at the baroness who was a little flustered at the praise. “Oh no, it was nothing really.” “My sister and I both agree, you would make an excellent addition to the Council. Would you be willing to join the Council of Harmony as a Representative of the Arts, Rarity Belle?” Princess Celestia asked as the baroness stood up quickly at the offer. “Princess Celestia offering me –ohh aa – a member of the Council – uhh ooh – of Harmony – ah ya waahh~” The young fashionista promptly fainted on a conveniently placed couch behind her with a large grin on her face. Author's Note And, here's the extended version of Rarity's introduction to the Council of Harmony, written to you by Wolfie 03, and edited by her friend GWG! A huge thank you for their contribution. ^^ Stay tuned for what's next. Mariacheat-Brony
A rainbow that breaks the limits for a friend by Odinsgard“Rainbow Dash? Oh, yes, she’s home. Let me run and grab her,” Rainbow Springs told a young dark grey haired kid. “This will take just a minute.” The kid nodded in understanding, waiting patiently for his friend to come out and get going to the Wonderbolt performance like they had planned out, luckily it was a perfect day outside. “RAINBOW! We got these tickets two months ago and we can’t be late. Now, come on!” He yelled out of frustration. Rainbow poked her head out of the second story of the cloud house. “Whoa hold up, Thunder! This is our day remember! Have you forgotten who saved her allowance for to pay for both of us?” Rainbow smugly stated. “Anyways, I’m waiting for my mom to finish up a lunch for me. You ready for the show?” “DUH!” Thunder said exasperated. “We’ve been planning this for the past couple months now, you think I would forget or something? What could be more important than seeing the Wonderbolts!” “Kay! Just a sec, my Mom’s calling me. My lunch is probably ready.” Rainbow went back into the house only to appear at the door a second later, with a bag full of snacks. “Come on, lets see if you still can’t beat me! Race to the stadium?” Counting down on her fingers before Thunder could respond, she yelled. “THREE, TWO, ONE, GO!” Her wings materialized on her back and let out a mighty thump. She shot into the air, shortly followed by Thunder. As they raced through the city of Cloudsdale, a large building, much like the Colosseum, jutted from the bottom cloud level of the Jupiterian city. Both Rainbow and Thunder looked at the cloud building with growing excitement, “I’m so nervous about this, what if one of them comes to see us!” Thunder shouted over the wind. “Just wave!” Smiled Rainbow before she landed at the front gate a full second before Thunder, jeering at him, “Late, as always.” “Pfft, whatever, we both know you had a head start. Come on, we need to get in there before the seats get filled up!” Too excited to act cool, they both ran into the colosseum grabbing the first seats they could find in row one and ripping into the snacks Rainbow brought. All around the two kids, the seats began to fill up, one by one until the entire place was packed to the brim. “This is going to be so cool! They need to do the Double Helix, that move is so awesome, then they need to do…” He stopped abruptly when three tall people in brightly colored jumpsuits walked out of an alcove to center stage. “OH MY GOD! They look so COOL!” Thunder yelled as quietly as he could, not noticing the look he got for his fan-boying form Rainbow. “Wow you need to calm down before I need to find some tissues for you,” Rainbow snarked, earning a sharp punch to the shoulder from Thunder. “Shuddup will you? They're about to start!” Thunder’s attention was now fully focused on the three people readying for the performance. Not paying Rainbow any more heed she focused in on the Wonderbolts and what amazing tricks they had in store for them. The first to move was the leader, she had sported her wings from the minute she walked out and now that they were visible to Rainbow she noticed that they were white, pure white, with red flame coloring at the tips as well as the base, she looked at the other two and nodded. In unison they jumped forward and down through the floor of clouds and out of sight, Rainbow and Thunder both confused by their action looked at each other only to miss two men explode out of the walls on either side of the colosseum, split seconds after they jumped. Shooting their heads back to the spectacle before them, a double line of dark blue smoke was flowing from the male Wonderbolts and their formation leader could be seen up above them preparing to dive. “It’s the Double Helix!” Shouted an ecstatic Thunder. Their leader took off at an insane dive straight for the middle of the helix and with a bright flash of red light emanating from her wings causing the outside of the cylinder to look like a sunset on a cloudy afternoon. ~~~~ A few hours later Rainbow and Thunder left the colosseum awestruck and amazed that such fliers could be real. “That was the greatest thing I’ve ever seen in my life!” An exuberant Rainbow yelled, pumping her fists into the air. “Gee look who needs the tissues now.” Snarked Thunder quick to avoid a punch from a flustered Rainbow. “So you a fan now, I’m guessing?” “Are you kidding me? Of course! How could I not be?! They were all so cool, and Spitfire was amazing with that double helix maneuver of hers.” Approaching a bench they sat as one and shared in the memories of the night. “We should try that move!” Thunder said suddenly. “What?” “You heard me, I think we should try it and show that we’re Wonderbolt material!” “OK, take a breath there Thunder. Do you know how dangerous that would be? We can’t even fly as fast as our parents. To pull that trick off… It’s insane even thinking about it!” Rainbow said, giving Thunder a look that she hoped would convey her desire to not try it. “Come on, Rainbow! I know we can do it, I just know we can. Maybe all we need is some practice and then we could do it, but I can tell that we’re capable.” A look came over his eyes as if challenging Rainbow to say otherwise. After several tense moments, Rainbow sighed, “Fine, but I hope to Celestia that you’re right about this. I don’t want to become a meat pancake anytime soon!” Snorting at her quib, Rainbow said her goodnights, promising to meet at the bench in the morning so they could start training. ~~~ Morning came too fast as Rainbow slid out from her covers and looked around her newly decorated room. ‘Eight years can really change things, I really need to talk with him more.’ Rainbow reminiscently thought. New posters hung from the wall, most were of the Wonderbolts in different poses, the others were of bands she loved. Rainbow moved out of her room, groggy as ever, sitting at the kitchen table, which clearly was used the previous night for a wild 18th party, she cleared away any bottles and plates that scattered her eating spot vowing to take care of it before her parents got home from their trip. As she poured her cereal and began to eat, her mind drifted from thought to thought, suddenly frozen Rainbow slowly looked at a picture of her and Thunder at the front of the Wonderbolt academy with an inscription of ‘Never give up on your dreams, Rainbow!’, “Shit! I said I’d meet him for that Double Helix trick of his an hour ago.” Rainbow yelled at the wall. Shoving the rest of the food down her throat she ran then flew straight to where Thunder waited patiently as ever. “Still can’t get up before 12 can we? Not even for your oldest friend?” Thunder asked with a mock pout plastered on his face. “Sorry *huff* long night *huff* big party *huff*...” “Ya ya, same old thing. You never stop to amaze me how much you like to party without me.” An annoyed smile crept across his face. “What has it been now a year since you invited me last? I know I’ve been kept up with the academy but that still does not mean I don’t need to relax.” “Ya… Sorry about that I’ve just kinda forgotten about that stuff…” Rainbow looked sheepishly at the ground. “More like forgotten about me, but nevermind that. I figured out how to do the DOUBLE HELIX! I just wanted you to be the first one to see.” His expression a striking contrast from his calm and annoyed expression not minuted before hand. Rainbow was definitely not going to let his remark slide but agreed to amuse him for the moment. “OK, so you figured it out. Big whoop! They put that trick in the trash 8 years ago, and I don’t think they'd be impressed if they found you copying their moves.” “I don’t think you understand, Dashie. This trick was never figured out, it’s the only one unsolved until today!” He spread his thunder cloud black wings out and shot into the air. “I can’t wait to see your face when I do this, so don’t blink!” Watching with bated breath, Rainbow observed her friend make his cylinder of grey smoke as he ascended stopping at the top of his climb, giving Rainbow a cocky thumb up, aimed himself into the start of a dive. Rainbow calculated his trajectory and was impressed to say the least, ‘Wow last time I saw him, he was scrawny as a twig and not that great at flying to match, but now look at him. What did I miss in him?’ She ideally mussed. ‘Looks like he figured it out too. Damn, I really am impressed, looks like I’m going to have to…’ The sound of a water balloon smashing into the ground shook her ears, flinging her back into reality. Shock was all she felt, terror rising in her as she ran with all her might searching the smoke for Thunder. “This is not funny Thunder! Get out here now!” Rainbow screamed into the dark fog, “Get out here or you're never invited to a party… Of… Mine.” Tears started to well up in her eyes as she found Thunder, his body broken but still alive. She ran to him faster than she had ever ran in her life. “OH GOD! I need to get help. Any one help, help!” When she heard nothing she realised that this was on her head to get Thunder to a hospital. Grabbing Thunder around the shoulders, nestling his neck on hers. Once her friend was secured in her arms, she extended her wings and took off faster than she ever had before. Focused on her destination and her friend's injuries, Rainbow didn't pay much attention to the sensation of being slowed down like pushing against a flexing, but resilient wall. She just kept pushing forward, ignoring the feeling of being compressed by the air itself. With a growl, Rainbow broke through that invisible wall, not seeing that a rainbow colored jet stream formed behind her and that a loud explosion was heard all across Equestria. She didn't even noticed that she was flying so fast that all records to that day held no ground to her, but she didn't think about it at the moment. All that mattered was her friend, one of her best and oldest friends, laying lamely in her arms, maybe on the verge of death. Crashing in the front doors of a hospital would normally raise question but with an unconscious bleeding young man in your arms and your hair and wings ablaze with rainbows those questions could come later, as evidence was the stunned crowd of people in the waiting room. “WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? HEAL HIM!” Rainbow Dash screamed. “HEAL HIM FOR FAUST’S SAKE!” Five nurses and the doctors in the room responded immediately, sprinting forward to take Thunder out of her arms, this was the last thing she saw before she blacked out unconscious from the exhaustion and the draining of adrenaline as the horrors of the day seemed to dissolves into inky blackness. ~~~ Rainbow awoke to the beeping of a heart monitor. Needles poking her arm and tubes running down her throat was the worst experience of walking up she ever had encountered. She did not notice though, a soft flow of something, maybe hair, drifted over her legs and she felt warmth enter her body. She felt warmth sail through her spine and down her arms and chest. ‘Eyes! Yes, I can still use them.’ She slowly opened her eyes revealing a woman in a flowing white dress and hair of sunlight. In a start she realized it was the princess, her ruler, a goddess made mortal but with eternal life. “Oh good, you’re awake," the Monarch replied in warm tone. "Huh?" the young Jupitarian blinked in shock. "I heard what you did for your friend," The Sun Princess said calmly. "Quite admirable thing to do. You’re a hero, and a loyal friend to the end.” A large smile crept across her face. “With a nice little flying trick to boot,” she softly chuckled, earning no response from the young girl. "You're probably wondering why I'm here, aren't you?" In a tone of steel and ice, Rainbow snarled “In all honesty, I don't really care about that. I’m more surprised that no one has told me how Thunder is doing, and why I have these?” Rainbow struggled against a pair of cloth restraints eyeing Celestia closely. "You had an agitated sleep." Looking at Rainbow in thought, Celestia made up her mind and with one snap the restraints disappeared. “There! Your friend is sleeping but you can still go visit him." she invited Rainbow to follow her outside the room. "While we're on the way to his room, I'd like to ask you something.” “Yeah?” “How would you like to work for me?” Celestia asked, in the most innocent and kind manner a being who has dealt with everything could. ".........................Huh?" Rainbow let out in confusion, obviously not prepared for the life-changing conversation that was about to happen. "Do you know what you did?" Celestia asked softly. "I ..I brought my friend to the hospital after he got hurt," Rainbow replied in a quiet whisper. "That's the rather obvious part, Renée." "How do you know my name?!" "My sister pays attention to promising flyers," The sun Princess explained. "And you're one of the most promising ones. She once referred to you as the next generation's Spitfire!" "Really?!" Rainbow asked with excitement. "Indeed." Celestia nodded. "I was skeptical when she first said that, but what you did changed my opinion about your ability." "What exactly are you talking about? What the heck did I do......Your Highness?" Rainbow asked in polite whisper after nearly snapping at the princess. "Haven't you heard that big explosion when you were flying your friend here?" "Huh...no. I had other things in mind at that time," Rainbow explained. "My friend's health for example," she added sternly. "Interesting. I thought that breaking the sound barrier would have excited an upcoming flyer like you," Celestia commented playfully. "Hey! My friend needed me, ok?" Rainbow snapped. "I don't care that I broke some stupid sonic fence or whatever!" "Are you sure? Your flight school records say that you have a tendency to be a bit of a show-off," The sun Princess remarked with a knowing grin. "First of all, it's not showing off because I'm the best!" Rainbow argued strongly. "Secondly, I'm sure the whole Wonderbolts team can fly as fast as I did! Thirdly and most importantly, Thunder was injured, and what matters to me is that he's okay now, not that I did something of wonderbolt-worthwhile!" Celestia simply smiled in response. "You have a good way of life. It's rare to see people with your loyalty and ethics, Renée," "Thanks..I guess," "But, do not underestimate what you accomplished today!" Celestia claimed strongly. "You flew faster than the speed of sound! Do you have any idea of how many people in the world can accomplish that feat?" "I don't know... Ten.. Twenty people?" Rainbow suggested. "Take the zero away from that number and you'll get the answer." "Only two people?" Rainbow asked in shock. "Well, three if you count yourself," Celestia answered with a wink. "Wow! Who are they? Wait, they're Spitfire and Soarin' from the Wonderbolts, right?" The Sun Princess shook her head. "Given we're in the middle of the afternoon, one is probably sleeping, and the other is currently speaking to you." "You mean that..." Rainbow asked with wide eyes. "Now, you realize the extent of your little stunt, don't you?" Rainbow slowly nodded, her mouth agape. "You broke a limit that had never been even approached by others, and you did it for the sake of another." Celestia closed the young girl's mouth with her fingers. "You've shown a great potential, both as a flyer and as a human being. My sister and I need potentials like yours, Rainbow Dash!" the Princess glanced at a nearby chamber's door. "It's your friend's room, and this is where we part ways for now. Try to think about my proposition," She said before leaving the Jupitarian with rainbow colored hair in front of her friend's room. "Ok..." Rainbow whispered as the Princess was walking away from her. "Hum, that stunt that I did... What is it called?" she asked. "It doesn't have a name yet." The Princess looked back with a small smile. "Why don't you find one for the next time we meet?" Author's Note Here's Rainbow's story, done by Odinsgard It's his/her first attempt at writing ponyfic (I think... I might get corrected on that) I'm honored that my idea lead to this first try (I'm gonna look like an idiot if it's not a first try ) Anyway, what do you think of it? Mariacheat-Brony Ps: we need an author for Pinkie's story, if you're interested : go check there!
Fluttershy – The Lionhearted Lamb By RoyalRainbowAt a balcony that was facing the majestic Royal Gardens of Canterlot stood a young woman, who was certainly showing little patience as she was frowningly crossing her arms while rapidly tapping her right foot on the hard, sturdy floor. She was a well-toned athlete, who wore a tight, navy blue, matching pair of a tank top and exercise shorts, blue and yellow running sneakers, a light, sky blue jacket featuring a few designs of a rainbow, and a couple of fingerless gloves. Of course, the most distinguished feature of this impatient sportsperson was her slightly messy, shoulder-length, rainbow-colored hair. This was Rainbow Dash, the newly appointed member of the Council of Harmony, where she will serve as a representative of sports and ethics. On the balcony’s edge, the impatient tomboy continued to lean on the columned bench as she frustratingly contemplated on what’s happening right now. Ugh! What’s taking her so long?! She should have gotten this in the bag by now! What if… they don’t think she’s good enough? No! No, I can’t think like that! I’ve gotta stay positively! She’s always been there for me whenever I needed support! Now it’s my turn to do the same for her! After renewing her determination, Rainbow was almost startled as she heard the heavy doors opening from within the castle. From those massive doors, a tall, young woman with long, flowing, pink hair and a surprisingly busty, mature figure meekly stepped out of the room. She was wearing a lovely, pastel green summer dress, a canary yellow, long-sleeved, unbuttoned, woolen sweater, and a pair of olive green sandals. Stepping onto the balcony, the tall girl met up with her best friend, who greeted with an eager smile, “Fluttershy! What happened in there?! I’ve been waiting forever for you!” “It’s been less than 10 minutes ago, Rainbow Dash,” Fluttershy stated in a very quiet voice. “Like I said, ‘FOR-E-VER!’” Rainbow enunciated exaggeratedly. “I’m… sorry for keeping you waiting like that.” Fluttershy apologized timidly. Noticing how sensitive her friend was, Rainbow reassured her in friendlier tone, “Oh, that’s okay, Fluttershy! It’s wasn’t that big of a deal! Really! Anyway, enough about me! How did your meeting with the Princesses go? Did you finally get your seat in the Council yet?” “Umm… well… I think… they said… they’ll notify me later… I think.” the meekly quiet woman answered with uncertainty. Rainbow blinked a couple times before coming up with something positive to say, “Oh, well… that’s good! That means you still have an opportunity to get your rightful place at the Council of Harmony, right?” “Rainbow Dash… I… really appreciate your support on this as well as your recommendation to the Princesses.” Fluttershy said with gentle gratitude as she sat next to Rainbow. “But… I don’t think I’m qualified enough to deserve such a privileged honor as being a member of the Council. At least, not as qualified as you are, of course.” “What are you talking about?” the athlete puzzled at this. “Rainbow, please don’t pretend that you don’t know already!” Fluttershy snapped in self-pity. “You’re one of the coolest, most talented people I know! You not only broke the record as the fastest Jupitarian flyer in Equestria's history with your Sonic Rainboom, but because of that, you’re now an esteemed member of the renowned Council of Harmony! As for me, well… you should have seen me when the Princesses interviewed me! I mean, they were very nice to me of course, but I couldn’t help myself from being so nervous in front of them! Though I wish it for myself, I know that I’m not as cool and confident as you are! I should count myself lucky to have someone like you as my friend when you could have chosen so many others instead of me! I’m nothing special, Rainbow… I’m just… some shy girl who’s better at making friends with animals than with actual people.” As Fluttershy softly wept to herself, Rainbow just blankly stared at her before expressing her opinion bluntly, “Wow… That has got to be the biggest amount of bull I have ever heard from you!” “Wh-What?” she stammered in surprise as she ceased her soft weeping. “First off, you being nervous in front of the Princesses?” Rainbow Dash smiled with a cocked eyebrow. “Who else isn’t? It’s pretty much natural for everyone to tremble in fear before the almighty presences of the Alicorn Princesses! Well… except for me of course ‘cause I don’t get scared so easily you know!” Fluttershy started to smile a little after hearing her friend’s amusing display of boastfulness. “Second of all, I would never pity like you that, Fluttershy! Never!” Rainbow continued as she draped an arm over her friend’s shoulders. “We’ve been best friends since we were kids, remember? Sure, you can be incredibly shy for just about anything…” “Sorry.” Fluttershy apologized downheartedly in an automatic response. “…but you have a lot of nice characteristics to show off too! You’re kind, caring, patient and a very bright person! Heck, if it weren’t for you, I may have never passed some of those ridiculous classes without your help!” “Well, I didn’t contribute that much.” The shy woman responded sheepishly. “You already know much about the human anatomy that it’s no wonder the Princesses took an interest in you as their representative for sports.” “Are you kidding me?” Rainbow chuckled mildly. “If you weren’t the one who helped me out with my studies, I won’t have realized how important it was to know so much about the body when it comes to improving my own fitness and athletic abilities! You, on the other hand, know hundreds of different animal anatomies out there! Far more so than what the school have taught us!” “Which brings us to my final contradiction!” Rainbow finished it up with a triumphant smile. “You do have a special talent! You are wonderful caretaker when it comes to animals! That is what makes you special, Fluttershy! And you should be proud of that no matter what anyone else has to say!” After hearing all those kind, encouraging words from her very good friend, Fluttershy’s eyes started to get watery again as she whispered with a growing smile, “Dashie…” Immediately, she hugged Rainbow Dash tightly as her newly happy tears began to soak into the athlete’s jacket. “Hey, come on, now!” Rainbow soothed Fluttershy with a giggling grin as she gently patted her on the back. “I’m trying to cheer you up, not making you cry some more!” Once they were finished with their hug, Fluttershy wiped her remaining tears as she responded with a nice smile, “You’re right… I’m sorry.” “Hey, tell me this.” Rainbow began to ask with all-knowing grin. “Who helped save that baby bird when it fell off from its nest the other day?” “Umm… I did?” Fluttershy answered hesitantly. “Mm-hmm!” she nodded. “And who was willing to take the time to help out every kind of pet in the neighborhood?” “Well… I did.” “Right! And who’s the best volunteer veterinarian in your hometown right now?” “I guess… I am.” Slowly but surely, her confidence began to build up from all of the good deeds Rainbow Dash was pointing out to her. “Exactly! So with all of your accomplishments at this point… Who do you think is going be the best candidate as the Council’s representative in the study of flora and fauna?” “I will!” Fluttershy announced as she stood up with pride. “Damn right you will!” Rainbow agreed with an encouraging smile as she stood alongside her friend. “Now let’s hear a big cheer from you!” “Yay?” “Louder.” “Yay.” “Louder!” “Yay!” “LOUDER!” Rainbow screeched out loud. At her command, Fluttershy took a big, air-sucking breath, and just as she was about to release it… “RAAAAAAARR!!” An unexpected roar shook the two friends to the bone as they nearly lost their balance on the balcony’s floor. “Whoa! Never thought you had it in you!” Rainbow smiled in startling surprise. “Umm… that wasn’t me, Rainbow.” Fluttershy confirmed after gradually recovering from that sudden fright. “Really?” Rainbow puzzled a bit. “Then who was it--?” “RAAAAAAARR!!” Another feral roar was heard before Fluttershy could pinpoint where it was coming from. With her curiosity overcoming her usual fears, she looked down below from the balcony’s bench and spotted the source of the terrifying noise earlier. “Look! Down there!” she pointed out in an alarming gasp. Rainbow turned around and followed where the finger was pointing. Just like Fluttershy, she too was incredibly shocked to see on what was down there. For in the middle of the Royal Gardens stood a rare and frightening beast, the Manticore! This monstrous giant looked like a golden brown lion measuring about 16 feet in length from head to body. Except this lion-like creature had a few distinctive features such as having the stinging tail of a scorpion and the large wings and ears of a bat. But a more unique feature about this Manticore was that it doesn’t have its own mane, which might indicate that it’s a female. Surrounding the enormous lioness were several Royal Guards, each one armed to the teeth in their own way. Some had long spears while others had woven nets just ready to be casted. “A Manticore!” Rainbow declared out loud. “What’s that doing here in Canterlot?!” But Fluttershy wasn’t paying any attention to what her friend just said. She was too focused on the cornered Manticore herself. Since she was little, Fluttershy knew quite a lot about each individual animal such as their behaviors, dietaries, and their ways of communicating. Carefully, she listened to the roars of the struggling lioness. With her sharp sense of hearing, Fluttershy verified that these roars weren’t filled with anger and bloodlust; they were filled with sadness, fear, and pain. While Fluttershy was preoccupied with listening to the Manticore’s calls, Rainbow Dash was busy watching the guards in action. In their circle, one winged guard, whose armor is more decorative than the others, stepped forward and prepared his hands to charge up a surge of electricity. This supposed leader must be a Jupitarian, since only they can manipulate the elements of the weather so easily. “Well, at the very least, it looks like the guards got everything under--!” “She’s… crying.” Fluttershy muttered to herself softly “Wha…?” said the baffled athlete. “She’s crying, Rainbow! We’ve got to help her!” Without any hesitation, Fluttershy quickly conjured her pair of yellow, magical wings and swooped down to the Manticore’s aid. “W-w-wait a minute, Fluttershy! Come back!” Rainbow chased after her reluctantly with the use of her blue wings as she surprisingly tried to keep up with Fluttershy’s astonishing burst of speed. “Sergeant, we’ve just tightened up our perimeter around the target!” the guard saluted to his brown-bearded superior. “Looks like it’s got nowhere to run now!” “Good. I’m going charge up my attack now. Hopefully this would surely be enough to stun this beast momentarily. Tell everyone to stand ready for anything!” “Yes, sir! You heard him, men! Standby!” While the rest of the soldiers readied themselves with their spears and nets, the Jupitarian Sergeant prepared his hands as they magically formed a ball of intense, electrical energy. With his spell ready, he eyed the roaring Manticore while ignoring the misunderstood calls. And just as he was about to unleash his power… “STOP!!” Fluttershy cried out loud as she immediately landed between the Sergeant and the Manticore. However, she was too late to stop the spell as the lightning bolt flied out of the caster’s hands. And just when the worse is expected, Fluttershy instinctively extended her right hand’s two fingers to redirect the path of the lightning away from the targeted Manticore. With her left hand stretched upward, the magical bolt left from the other hand’s two fingers as it was shot towards the sky. As Rainbow Dash and the guards are completely stunned by the other girl’s unforeseen mastery, Fluttershy takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly before she stared menacingly at the suddenly petrified Sergeant. “What do you think you’re doing to her?” she demanded with condensed fury. “Please step aside, ma’am!” he tried to compose his authority. “This is a dangerous monster we’re apprehending right now! You don’t know what you are dealing with!” “Oh really?” she inquired with a raised eyebrow. “Did she cause any casualties in the midst of her escape?” “Well… no. She didn’t.” “And did she try to fight back when you and your men were pursuing her?” “N-no.” “Well then, from the way I see it, this Manticore isn’t the real monster after all! You are!” Fluttershy expressed her accusation in immense outrage as she hovered right towards the startled Sergeant. “How dare you try to harm her like that! Can’t you see just how scared she is right now?! All she was doing was trying to get away from everything, and all of you have to done was threaten her with pointy spears and entangling nets, and now you even resorting to use lightning on her! I should have the right mind to report you for such animal cruelty!” After hearing that, the guards suddenly felt deep shame for their actions as Rainbow smirked to herself by Fluttershy’s sudden assertiveness. Whoa. Go, Fluttershy! “We… we were only doing our jobs.” the Sergeant explained himself pitifully. “Don’t you make any excuses, mister!” Fluttershy scolded in a strict, motherly tone. “Now you going to put those spears and nets away and step away from the Manticore this instant!” “Y-you can’t tell us what to--!” But before he could even finish that sentence, Fluttershy immediately went up to his face as her glare became more petrifying than ever. “I said: step away from her RIGHT NOW!" “I’d do as she’s said if I were you.” Rainbow Dash stepped in with sly smirk. “You don’t want to deal with two, angry females, now would you?” Giving it some thought, the Sergeant made a big gulp before stating in a defeated tone, “Sigh… Stand down, men.” Without any complaints, the troops put away their weapons as they slowly stepped away from the animal. Satisfied, the young maiden smiled gratefully before turning around to face the bewildered Manticore. Automatically, the enormous cat growled and bore her teeth to scare off the new stranger. Surprisingly, her usual tactic didn’t work as the smiling human kept approaching her before laying a gentle hand on her head. “It’s okay. Don’t be afraid. I’m here for you.” Fluttershy reassured sweetly as she gently rubbed the lioness’ golden fur. Soon enough, the Manticore started to relax as she gave in to the strangely soothing presence of this unforeseen savior. Once she felt more at ease, the calmed Manticore laid on the ground as she nuzzled with her new friend like an affectionate kitten. “There there, sweetie.” Fluttershy cooed softly as she continued to gently stroke the purring lioness. “No one’s going to hurt you now. Everything’s going to be alright.” Once Rainbow Dash saw that Fluttershy got everything under control, she turned her attention to the gaping Sergeant. “So, what’s going on here?” “Th-this doesn’t concern you, citizen!” he tried to reassume his authority again. “Please take your friend and leave the area at once!” “Hmph! I’ve only been on the Council for only a short time, and this is the kind of welcoming treatment I get?” she grumped in response. “Wait, aren’t you Rainbow Dash, the newest Councilor of Harmony?” one of the guards asked her. “The one and only!” she answered with pride. Surprised to not realize this, the embarrassed Sergeant readdressed himself in a humbler tone. “R-R-Rainbow Dash! I’m sorry, ma’am! I-I didn’t recognized you!” Astounded by this, Rainbow gave off a frowning, deadpan expression. Really? The rainbow-colored hair wasn’t a dead giveaway to you? Ugh… whatever! “Forgot about it!” she shrugged to herself. “Now, tell me what’s going on! Why are you and your men attacking this Manticore?” “Well, you see… it got out of a zoo recently.” The Sergeant explained himself. “We were only trying to capture it and bring it back alive.” “The zoo, huh?” she pondered to herself. “I don’t remember anyone announcing a new exhibit recently.” “Actually, this one is under special treatment by its veterinary facility. A while ago, someone found this Manticore lying on the outskirts of the city with an injured wing. The veterinarians were only trying to fix it before it was release into the wild.” In the midst of their conversation, he pointed towards the Manticore’s left wing where there is a small tear on the bottom of its wingspan. “That explained why it couldn’t fly earlier.” “Yes, exactly. But suddenly, it became enraged and managed to escape before the vets could sustain it. No one informed us on why it was so out of controlled earlier.” “Well, if I was taken into some room without anyway to fly, I would be pretty ticked off too.” Meanwhile, Fluttershy was busy comforting the lying Manticore, but then the animal caretaker noticed that something was wrong with her new friend. Not only is the lioness panting heavily, but her feral eyes looked far more tiresome than usual. “Oh, you poor thing! You look awfully ill right now! What’s happening to you?” All Fluttershy got was a sickening groan from her furry friend. Wanting to figure this out herself, Fluttershy listened to the Manticore’s breathing carefully before placing a hand on the lioness’s sweaty, scorching forehead. “Heavy breathing. Slight fever.” She diagnosed the symptoms herself. Then, she fluttered to the side and noted how extremely large the cat’s stomach was. Leaning her head on the exposed stomach, Fluttershy used her exceptional hearing to verify the rate of the lioness’s heart. “Hmm… Heartbeat is strong but beating rapidly.” She commented quietly as she kept listening in. “Wait… there’s another set of beats--! No, two more separate heartbeats! They both sound very faint, but I can definitely hear them! Then… that means…! And such as she was about to confirm her diagnosis, Fluttershy felt something moving from the inside. “GASP! RAINBOW DASH! THIS MANTICORE’S PREGNANT!” Surprised by the sudden outburst, Rainbow simply responded in shock, “…What?!” “AND SHE’S GOING INTO LABOR RIGHT NOW!” “Sergeant, where’s the zoo at?” Rainbow asked him firmly. “Umm… On the other side of the city, ma’am.” She groaned in disappointment as she said, “We’re never gonna have enough time to get a veterinarian over here! What should we do now?” Fluttershy gave this some deep thought before answering it with total conviction, “I’ll do it!” This revelation shocked everyone around her as she takes off her yellow, long-sleeved sweater. “I’ll help deliver the cubs myself!” “Fluttershy, no!” Rainbow stepped forward with a horrified expression. “You can’t do this! It’s too risky!” “I’ve delivered plenty of kitties before, Rainbow! I have to do this!” Then determined maiden pulled out a green hair ribbon from one of her pockets. “This isn’t some household cat!” Rainbow snapped in a state of panic. “This is an extremely dangerous beast we’re dealing with! Do you have any idea on what this thing can do to you?!” “Of course I do.” Fluttershy affirmed as she adjusted her long hair in a neat bun. “The Manticore possesses many deadly qualities with its razor-sharp teeth, claws, and poisonous stinger. It’s no wonder that it’s one the deadliest animals in Equestria.” After taking a deep sigh, she tightened the ribbon to keep her hair bun intact as her face expressed nothing but absolute resolve. “But that doesn’t matter to me! I’ve never turn my back on any animal before, and I’m not going to stop now!” Rainbow Dash took a moment to process on what her best friend just said. She knew that there was no way for her to stop her when animals are in danger. There was only one thing she can do now. “I still can’t let you do that, Fluttershy.” “Rainbow, please!” Fluttershy snapped at her friend. “I need to do this--!” “Not alone you won’t!” Rainbow smirked widely as she tossed aside her jacket in a very cool manner. “You… you mean that?” Fluttershy stammered in surprise. “Hey, what kind of best friend would I be if I wasn’t willing to lend a hand every now and then?” Rainbow grinned to her friend. “Thank you, Dashie.” Fluttershy smiled while her eyes got watery again. “Alright, save those tears for later! We’ve got a job to do first!” Rainbow chuckled with a wink. “Right, of course!” Fluttershy responded with a giggle after wiping her eyes. “So, what’s first, Dr. Fluttershy?” “Tell the Royal Guards to setup a very wide perimeter so that we can give our patient enough space as well as to keep anyone else away from here!” Fluttershy issued with such authority and professionalism. “Also, have one of them inform the zookeepers about this!” “You heard her, men!” Rainbow announced to the troops. “Get to it!” “Are you sure you don’t want anyone to stay behind?” the Sergeant asked with concern. “Are you questioning my orders, Sergeant?” Rainbow cocked an eyebrow at the ranked soldier. “If so, I would hate to see what would happen if we have to drag the Princesses into this mess.” Not wanting to risk that, the Sergeant followed councilwoman’s orders. “You heard Miss Rainbow Dash! Form a wider perimeter! Let no one else come near here!” Once the Royal Guards were gone, Rainbow asked, “Okay, what’s next?” “Well, I hate to ask you this…” Fluttershy briefly resorted back to her timid self. “…but can you get my emergency vet kit for me please? It’s in my room--!” “--in a white bag marked with paw mark and a red cross! Got it!” And in a flash, Rainbow was gone. In ten seconds flat, Rainbow Dash came back expeditiously with a large carrying bag that Fluttershy described earlier. After thanking her, the self-appointed veterinarian reached into her bag as her proud assistant waited for her next order. “Anything else, doc?” “Actually yes, I need you to take over for me and comfort her as much as possible during the procedure.” Fluttershy gestured towards the sickly Manticore. “No prob--! Waitaminute! No! Bad idea! I can’t do that!” she refused hastily. “Why not?” Fluttershy asked in surprised by Rainbow’s sudden dread. “Because you’re the animal expert here, not me! What if she tries to eat me?!” the usually boastful athlete gulped in fear of this possibility. “She wouldn’t do that.” Fluttershy reassured her gently. “I know she wouldn’t. Will you, sweetie?” The Manticore couldn’t reply in her condition, but it didn’t show any hostility towards the idea. “Besides, she’s in no condition to attack anyone at this point, and I really need you help to hold her down for me.” “But--!” “Please, Dashie?” Fluttershy pouted in such an adorable expression with wide, puppy-dog eyes. “…Dammit! How can I say ‘no’ to you whenever you make a face like that?! Alright fine, I’ll do it!” Rainbow sighed in a defeated tone. “Don’t fret about, Rainbow. Just pretend she’s a big, cuddly teddy bear.” “Yeah… a big, cuddly teddy bear with razor-sharp teeth I might add.” she muttered to herself before reluctantly going over there to gently wrap her arms around the Manticore’s strong, thick neck. With her shaky left hand, she slowly stroked the forehead of the surprisingly relaxed, big cat. “There there kitty. Nice kitty. Good kitty.” Rainbow cooed in a trembling voice while she repeatedly stroked the Manticore’s fur. Satisfied by Rainbow’s comforting action, Fluttershy pulled out two items from her bag: a bottle of transparent medicine and a capped syringe. Noticing the sharp-looking object, the Manticore panicked greatly as she roared constantly over her sudden fear. Seeing how much the creature is struggling, Rainbow quickly put her wrestling moves to good use as she maintained to pin the frustrated lioness down. “Fluttershy! She’s getting restless again!” Rainbow cried out while pinning the frightened Manticore to the ground. Seeing what’s causing this, Fluttershy hid the needle away from the Manticore’s sight as she went up to ease her patient’s worries. “Oh, I know you don’t want this, honey. But this for your own good, I promise.” After feeling the veterinarian’s familiar, soothing touch, the Manticore finally calmed down before Fluttershy took her tools with her before flying to the big cat’s side. Once she was out of the Manticore’s eyesight, Fluttershy punctured the needle into the sealed bottle and filled up with syringe with clear medicine. “What’s that for anyway?” Rainbow questioned as she kept on patting the oversized cat. “Well, not only will this medicine lower her fever, but it will also help her relax a bit when she gives birth to her cubs.” Fluttershy answered as she rubbed some alcohol on the chosen spot on the lioness’s inflated stomach. “Now hold still for a minute, Mrs. Manticore. This might hurt for just a second.” she said sweetly to her feline patient. “Ready? One… Two… Three…” And in a pinch, Fluttershy injected the medicine into the feline stomach. The Manticore groaned from this, but fortunately for the two girls, that was short lived. “There you go!” Rainbow praised the lioness’s bravery by gently rubbing one of her ears. “Yeah, you’re a very tough kitty, aren’t you?” This earned Rainbow an adorable purr from the cooperative cat. After a gentle rub on the Manticore’s tummy, Fluttershy goes around to face the cat’s posterior before pulling some towels out of her bag and setting some them on the ground. Lastly, she put on rubber gloves before saying in a supportive tone, “Alright, Mrs. Manticore. We’re ready whenever you are, so just do your best, and give it a big push.” As if on cue, the soon-to-be-mother followed Fluttershy’s instructions and began to contract her first cub. In the midst of all of the Manticore’s pushing, her entire body shivered excessively as she continued the birthing process. Suddenly, something popped out of the birth canal as Fluttershy gasped in joy from seeing the first signs of new life. “Rainbow, I can see it! I can see the head of the first cub!” “That’s awesome! Don’t stop now, mommy Manticore! Keep going!” With Fluttershy helping with the pulling as the Manticore kept on pushing, the first cub made it through and announced its arrival through its adorable, squeaking meows. “It’s… it’s a girl! Rainbow Dash! The first cub is a girl!” Fluttershy squealed in overwhelming delight before she dried off the cub with one of the towels nearby. “You hear that, tiger? You’re halfway there!” Rainbow enthusiastically cheered for the mother cat. “Now it’s time to bring your A-game, and finish it all off with just one more push!” Considering that she got the hard part out of the way, the Manticore concentrated with all of her might to push out her last cub. Finally, it was all over as the last cub made its breakthrough from the mother’s womb. “Here it is! It’s another girl!” Fluttershy stated with glee. “Congratulations, missy!” Rainbow congratulated the exhausted Manticore. “You’re the proud mother of twin cubs!” As a way of saying thanks, the purring mother gave a couple of licks to the supportive athlete who smiled at this gratifying affection. “Oh, you're such a good, little kitty, aren't you?” she cooed ecstatically as she continued to rub the affectionate Manticore’s fur. “Yes you are! Yes you are!” Too distracted by her own baby talk, Rainbow froze after hearing a brief giggle from her smirking friend, who was busy attending to the cubs. Caught by surprise, Rainbow glared at the smirking Fluttershy with a heavy blush. “You heard… nothing, ok?” Shrugging that aside, Fluttershy then brought to cubs to the mother and announced in a sing-song voice, “Mrs. Manticore… your new cubs are here to meet you!” Happily, the Manticore gratefully licks Fluttershy for all that she has done for such a misunderstood creature. “Ooh, you are most certainly welcome, sweetheart!” Fluttershy beamed cheerfully as she gratefully received the happy Manticore’s affection. Eventually, the mother Manticore turned her attention to her new cubs as she gave each of them a proper lick. Fluttershy and Rainbow sat beside the new feline family as watch them attentively. “Can I hold one of them?” Rainbow asked softly. “Sure!” Fluttershy agreed before picking one up and handing it over to Rainbow. In her arms, Rainbow stared at the tiny cub before an uncontrollable, awestricken smile crept on her face. “You know… they’re kind of cute for a bunch of man-eating predators.” Rainbow chuckled to herself as she lightly tickled the newborn cub. Suddenly, she felt an unusual poke on her arm, and to her horror, she found out it came from the cub’s dull stinger. “AHH! FLUTTERSHY! SHE STUNG ME! QUICK! SAVE ME WITH YOUR MEDICINE!” Fluttershy giggle softly as she explained with a smile, “Silly Dashie! Their stingers aren’t fully developed until they’re a couple years older. For now, their soft tails are nothing to worry about.” Realizing that the stinger wasn’t as painful as she originally thought it was, Rainbow Dash blushed immensely as she did her best to cover her tracks. “Oh! Right, I knew it! I was just… testing you!” After having another giggle over Rainbow’s shenanigans, Fluttershy picked up the other cub and informed her embarrassed friend, “Now enough playtime. It’s time for their nursing.” Before following Fluttershy along, Rainbow glared back at the innocent-looking cub she was holding before saying, “Don’t think this is over between the two of us.” As the two small cubs suckled on the teats of their overly exhausted mother, Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash sat on the grass as they continued to awe over this tender moment together. “Hey Fluttershy?” Rainbow asked her. “Yes?” “I’m proud of you. You did an awesome job today.” “Well… I certainly couldn’t have done it without you, Rainbow.” “Hey, I was just the wingman here. You’re the one who got us through all of this, and look how happy they are right now because of you.” Taking a brief moment, Fluttershy looked at what was in front of her: a beautifully rare creature who is happily nursed her own litter of cubs. Realizing on what an accomplishment she has made for herself, she smiled warmly as she said with pride. “Yeah… I guess you’re right.” “And you know something else?” Rainbow Dash continued. “If you’re not on the Council of Harmony by the end of this, then I’m going to quit right on the spot!” “What?!” Fluttershy gasped in surprise. “No, you shouldn’t do that for me, Rainbow!” “Hey, if no one else can see just how awesome and special you really are, then it isn’t worth my time to be on the Council in the first place!” Then, Rainbow wraps a strong arm over the delicate Fluttershy before winking at her with a winning grin. “Besides, we’re best friends. We stick up for one and another, right?” After blankly staring at her, Fluttershy smiled warmly over her best friend’s conviction before saying to her, “Thanks, Rainbow. But you know what? It doesn’t matter whether I am on the Council or not. I don’t need to prove nor show anyone that I’m special. As long as there are animals or friends in need, I will always be happy to lend a helping hand not matter what.” Rainbow just shook her head before she chuckled, “You’re just too kind for your own good. You know that, right?” After Fluttershy shrugged it off, the two continue to watch over this touching scene together before the zookeepers would arrive to handle the situation from there. Of course, not without Fluttershy’s aid at least. “Heh, if only the Princesses could see you now.” Rainbow muttered with a smirk. Little did the Jupitarian friends know that on the same balcony they were once on before, three privileged women now stand over the edge as they’ve witnessed the turn of events regarding with the Manticore situation. In the middle of the two taller women was a brightly gifted, Titanian student, Twilight Sparkle, the first initiated member to the Council of Harmony. As for the ones behind Twilight, they were no other than the Alicorn Princesses themselves, Celestia and Luna. After bearing witness to such a miraculous event, all three had their own expression of shocked and awe. “Incredible!” Princess Celestia beamed to herself. “Amazing!” Princess Luna commented with fascination. “This is unbelievable!” Lady Twilight Sparkle confirmed bewilderedly. “There hasn’t been any record of somebody being able to tame a Manticore with sheer kindness alone! “Yes! And did you see that stare of hers?” Luna chimed in excitedly. “Even I started to get the jitters from this far away! No wonder Rainbow Dash was so confident in this one’s remarkable abilities!” Celestia smiled all-knowingly before saying, “Well then, for Fluttershy’s case, I say her actions speak louder than her words.” “Gasp! Does that mean…?” Twilight faced the Sun Princess with anticipated delight. “Yes, my faithful student.” Celestia continued with an endearing smile. “I believe we have just found our fifth member to the Council of Harmony, Fluttershy!” Author's Note Here's Fluttershy's story by Royal Rainbow! (a bit longer than the previous ones and with a nice reference to a great animated series... A cookie to the one who get it first ^_^) Well, what do you think about it? Stay tuned for what's coming next (only three to go!) We still need someone for Pinkie's story. Mariacheat-Brony. PS: if they're grammar mistakes in the chapter, it's because I'm a lousy editor :p
Pinkie's Party Cannon: model 1.0. by G3K0771"Wrench, wrench, wrench....." Pinkie Pie stated as she hopped around the room. "Where's the wrench?" Throwing a toolbox and two boxes across the workshop and into a corner, she picked up the gleaming wrench from underneath. "There you are, gotcha!" Pinkie Pie turned back to her latest project, that was taking up most of the room in her rather small workshop/party planning station. It was a huge cannon painted a matte blue with the words "PARTY CANNON 1.0" painted in block letters with white paint. Towards the back of the cannon, on the top, was a short rope that connected to the firing mechanism inside the device. Just below that, were two large wheels, both a deep purple with a neon pink outline. Neither of the wheels were attached however, which Pinkie Pie quickly remedied with a few quick turns of her wrench. "Hmmm, I feel like it's missing something..." Pinkie Pie said, eyeing the contraption. "What do you think Gummy?" Pinkie Pie inquired as she turned to his position. In the far corner of the workshop, was a small pink upholstered chair with a lamp hanging from the ceiling overhead. This chair was the area in which Pinkie Pie's newborn pet alligator spent most of his time. He had hatched around a week earlier, much to Pinkie Pie's delight. However, after an incident involving Gummy, Pinkie Pie's mother, and the kitchen of the rock farm's farmhouse he had to have his teeth removed. Gummy, upon hearing Pinkie Pie's inquiry, just blinked. To most people this would have been seen as a sign of indifference, but to his owner it was his way of communicating. "It needs flowers? Okie doki then!" PInkie Pie skipped over to one of the shelves positioned around the room and pulled two paint cans off. She whipped around to face the cannon, causing the paint can in her right hand hit a nearby shovel, sending it into the shelf's supports. It collapsed, with the paint can's falling right behind Pinkie Pie and creating a large crashing noise. Pinkie Pie winced, and glanced towards the door. The racket the the falling paint cans had made might have been heard at the farmhouse, which was what she was fearing. She quickly bounced around the room, putting the shelf back on the wall, then putting the paint cans back on it. As she finished, she heard the sound of stomping outside of her workshop, then a knock. "Come in!" Pinkie called out with feigned happiness. The door opened and Pinkie Pie's Dad poked his head in. "Pinkamena, you woke your mother and me up with that racket. Try to keep it down." "Oki doki loki Daddy! I'll just test this far away from the house." As he closed the door he muttered, "She'd better not damage any of our crop this time." Getting back to work, Pinkie grabbed two paint brushes and put them in separate paint cans. jumping to each side of the cannon, she painted two white flowers with yellow centers on the wheels. After surveying it for a minute, from all possible angles, Pinkie reached the conclusion that it was as complete as it was going to get. "Yay, it's done! Let's go test it!" Pinkie Pie skipped over to Gummy and placed him on her shoulder. After opening the door, she went back over to the Party Cannon and began pushing it to one of the outer fields. Pinkie Pie had just finished the final preparations when Gummy hopped off of her shoulder and onto the Party Cannon. “Gummy, if you wanted off you could’ve just asked!” Pinkie said. Gummy just blinked and slipped off, waddling over to a small patch of grass and lying down. After making sure the device was secured to the ground, Pinkie picked up a nearby rock and prepared to throw it. “Lets get this party started!” she yelled with excitement and hurled the rock as hard as she could. The rock soared through the air, lining up perfectly with the trajectory of the cannon around 100 feet away. Pinkie Pie let out a whoop and tugged on the firing rope. BOOM! The noise that the cannon let out was huge, but the barrage of streamers and confetti was even larger. It blew back all of the nearby rocks, flattened the plantlife, and shook the ground. The cloud of party decorations barreled past the rock that Pinkie had thrown, hitting it out of the air, but the cloud continued flying until Pinkie Pie couldn’t see it anymore. “Maybe I should turn the power down…” Princess Luna was having a good day. She and her sister had already found and recruited 5 young ladies to be part of the Council of Harmony, and they only needed one more candidate. She was flying in a carriage with an armed escort, on her way to Stalliongrad to attend a meeting with the mayor of the town. She looked out over the countryside, gazing at the acres of rock farms. A rainbow colored blur caught her eye and she turned her attention towards it. ‘Hmm, that’s odd. Whoever that is is going extremely fast. A courier perhaps? But as far as I know only Rainbow Dash has that kind of contrail...’ As the blur quickly travelled closer, Princess Luna saw that it wasn’t a person, but rather a… cloud? A guard spotted the rainbow cloud and moved across the carriage to the princess. “Princess! We’ve spotted a-- WHAT THE HELL?!” The cloud roared as it rocketed past the carriage with the force of a hurricane. Pelting the Princess and her guards, the vehicle flipped over on its side spilling out its passengers as it went into a steep nosedive, straight towards a nearby rock farm. Pinkie Pie watched as the spinning chariot began its descent towards her rock farm. “Oh no, oh no!” After watching the cloud fly past the point that she could see it, Pinkie had quickly grabbed her Party Cannon and Gummy, and set off after it. Now, she was sprinting towards the inevitable wreck of the chariot that was coming down on the outskirts of her farm. “Oh, I hope no one was hurt!” Pinkie said as she watched the chariot hit the ground, with what seemed like a person underneath. Now, only around 150 meters away from the chariot wreck, she called out. “Hold on, I’ll be right there!” Princess Luna was now having a bad day. After her chariot was impacted by a cloud of assorted party supplies, her Jupitarian guards had attempted to get her off of the structure before anyone else. She instead yelled at them to get everybody else, the ones incapable of flight to the ground safely. When she had evacuated everyone, she and her Jupitarian guards had tried to fly down themselves, only to be swatted out of the air by the spinning chariot. Now, she was partially buried underneath the flipped vehicle, which she was sure would give her bruises later. She heard a very high pitched voice yell, “Hold on, I’ll be right there!” Princess Luna attempted to flip over to push the chariot off, but could not get into a suitable position to do so, instead just pushing herself deeper into the soft dirt. She also attempted to levitate the structure off of her, but found that she couldn’t concentrate enough to do so, her knock on the head from the chariot giving her a splitting headache. She resigned to kicking the heavy vehicle, producing only a small clang each time. Hopefully her Lunar Guard would find her soon, or she would have to start destroying things to get out. Pinkie Pie sprinted into the scene of the wreck, looking around for the chariot’s occupants. “Where is everyone? I thought I saw other people. Shouldn’t there be people flying in a carriage?” The only response she received was in the form of a small clank. *clank* Pinkie Pie walked over to the chariot and knocked on the side. *clank* *clank* “Oh my gosh!” Pinkie exclaimed, “There’s someone under there! Don’t worry, I’ll get you out!” She ran back over to the Party Cannon and pulled it alongside the carriage. Turning the device towards the vehicle and the power down, she grabbed the rope and tugged. The Party Cannon let out a much smaller *BLAM*, and shot out a small concussive blast that blew the chariot over onto its other side and covered it in assorted party supplies, revealing the figure underneath. Before Pinkie Pie could get a good look at the person, there was an extremely loud, “STOP RIGHT THERE!” Pinkie Pie turned around in surprise to see two full squads of Lunar Guards, with their weapons pointed at her. “You’re under arrest for assault upon the Princess! Please, kneel down and put your hands on your head!” Pinkie Pie did as he was told, then let out a sigh. “I’m in a lot of trouble….” Princess Luna walked next to their eccentric prisoner. The pink-haired girl had at first thrown a fit when they were mistreating “Gummy”, who was apparently her pet… toothless alligator? Right now, she was rambling on about baking cupcakes or something of the sort, worsening Princess Luna’s headache. Only then did she realize that the girl had stopped talking, and was now looking at her expectantly. “What was that again?” Princess Luna asked. “Oh, I was just saying how I was really, really sorry for accidentally hitting you with my Party Cannon.” Pinkie Pie said with regret apparent in her voice. “Party….. Cannon?” Princess Luna glanced over at the machine that had managed to inflict so much damage upon the Royal Chariot. “I was meaning to question you about that device.” Princess Luna said, “What kind of parents would entrust their child with a device that dangerous?” “Oh no silly, my Mom and Dad didn’t get it for me, I built it myself!” Princess Luna continued to walk along with the enthusiastic girl in shock. While the girl prattled on about her various inventions, the Princess was only half listening. This girl was clearly much more clever than she seemed, and the other member of the Council had come from unexpected places as well…. Princess Luna interrupted Pinkie Pie’s rambling. “Listen, I would like to see your inventions.” Pinkie Pie squeed. “In exchange for you showing me them, I shall release you and….” “And?” Pinkie Pie inquired. “I may be able to offer you a job.” “AWWWW YEAH!” Pinkie Pie leaped in the air with her fist held above her head. “Let’s go!” Pinkie Pie grabbed Princess Luna’s wrist and dragged along after her, skipping all the way back to her farm, the Lunar Guard struggling to keep up. Claude Pie and his wife awoke to a pounding at the door. Groaning at the second disturbance in the space of a few hours that had woken him, he slipped out of bed and walked to the door in his pajamas. The pounding on the door increased in frequency and volume. “I’m coming, I’m coming.” He wrenched open the door and let loose a long yawn. “Whadda ya want-- HUH?!” At his doorstep stood Her Royal Majesty herself! He could hardly believe it. One of the country’s rulers had come to visit his humble rock farm? Unfathomable. “Hello,” Princess Luna said happily. “Are you Claude Pie?” Claude was shocked, and had to gather his excitement up into a ball and push it into a corner. “Erm, yes your Majesty. That is me.” Princess Luna nodded and stepped aside revealing a scene that yet again shocked the man. “And is this your daughter?” Behind Princess Luna, on the porch of his house, was a squad of Lunar Guards, all burying their faces into brightly colored cupcakes. Behind them, was another squad of Lunar Guards, all of them playing tag, with Pinkie Pie leading the group. Claude just stood there and gaped, staring out the doorway. “Great,” Princess Luna said happily, “I’d like to talk to you about her possibly joining the Council of Harmony!” All Claude could let out was a very small, “Whaaaaa…..” before fainting. “Honey, what’s all the commotion about? Is there something going on?” Claude’s wife inquired as she walked down the stairs, before being met with the same sights that her husband had seen, and promptly fainted as well. Pinkie Pie just held out a tray behind the baffled Princess. “Cupcake, your Highness?” Author's Note And finally, Pinkie's story had been released. Written by my faithful editor : G3K0771 (it's his first attempt at Ponyfiction (without ponies though :p)) Hoping you've enjoyed it. Mariacheat-Brony. Now, as you see, we have 6 six Council members, but only 5 chapters.... Anyone is ready to volunteer for Twilight's story? (let me know by comment or PM)
