Sumponeigh Knot Yew visits Pony Villeby Uncle KnotChaptersA dangerous conversationFor the price of a songTime Travel & TransformationsElopingSomething wicked this way trotsThe Standard Wedding ArgumentA Very Dark EndingThe Star ChamberPinkie's confusionStrange DoingsA dangerous conversationThe next morning Twilight opened her eyes to the dawn and some sharp knocking upon the library door. It was such a peaceful morning outside the window. The sky breath warmth and light turning to look at the cookoo clock, Twilight realized that it was 8:35 “Oh my, Spike wake up!” “What?” “We’re late to open the library” “It’s Saturday Twilight” responded Spike “No pony comes early to the library on …” More knocking could be heard upon the door “Answer the door Spike!” demanded Twilight “I have to fix my mane” Spike reluctantly complied “Good morning Zecora” said Spike “come on in” “Good morning Spike” said Zecora “Good morning” said a 2nd voice “we had a pleasant hike” Zecora and the stranger entered the library single file. Zecora came 1st. The 2nd larger pony ducked his head as he entered. The library seemed very suddenly very small to Spike. “Good morning Zecora” said Twilight as she came down the stairway. She stared at Zecora’s larger companion. Worse - the larger companion stared back. He stared back at the pony upon the stairway with an indescribable expression. The hairs on Twilight’s mane stood on end at the emotions she was feeling. “Good morning Twilight, as you can see” said Zecora “I have brought a very special pony with me” “Good morning Miss Sparkle, tis a pleasure to meet” said the stranger “some pony who has done so many wonderful feats” the stranger continued “I am not your uncle, but you may call me Uncle Knot. Knot with a ‘k’ as in a way to fasten a rope” “So what brings you to my realm of literature?” asked Twilight “I come bearing gifts” said Uncle Knot and with that comment he pulled a book from his saddle bag. “These are my notes on how to turn a dragon into a pony” “What !” exclaimed Spike “Could that really work?” asked Twilight “Yes it can, but there are certain conditions” said Uncle Knot “Conditions?” asked Twilight “Firstly, only Zecora, Spike, myself and you may know of this” said Uncle Knot “Who?” said Owliwiscious “Okay, you too, but no pony else” said Uncle Knot “secondly, Spike must write a letter describing how he feels about you, Twilight” “Why?” asked Spike “So we will have a way to turn you back into a dragon” said Uncle Knot “But what if I don’t want to become a dragon again?” asked Spike “That thought had not occurred to me” said Uncle Knot “but remember Spike, this is only a test spell, a more permanent solution requires this paliminary research” “I concur” said Twilight “Spike, being a dragon is who you were meant to be” “And finally, Spike, this magic comes with a cost” said Uncle Knot “How much do I have to pay?” asked Spike “No exchange is necessary of bits, upon your heart will come the hits” said Zecora “to be sure dear is the price, for as in love, lucky is the dice” “Very cryptic Zecora” said Uncle Knot “but right on target” “I don’t think Spike is ready for this” said Twilight “Understood” said Uncle Knot “But Twilight, I know I’m ready” said Spike “Enough, we’ll talk about this latter” said Twilight “There is another option to consider” said Uncle Knot “Oh, what is that? Turning a pony into a dragon?” said a sarcastic Twilight “An interesting idea, but no, there is a necessity to enable Spike to get his wings” said Uncle Knot “And what price would he pay for that?” asked Twilight “Significantly more, but he might avoid the cost through the use of the first spell” said Uncle Knot “How do you, Uncle Knot, know these spells?” demanded Twilight “It has been my duty to know all sorts of things.” “And who gave you these duties?” “Celestia” responded Uncle Knot “You mean Princess Celestia?” “Of course, as you say” said Uncle Knot “So you wouldn’t mind if I consulted her about this magic?” asked Twilight “Yes I would mind” said Uncle Knot “Surely you know how important it would be to do some research and surprise her with the result” “Yes, I do” responded Twilight “So you can sympathize with my desire to keep this confidential?” said Uncle Knot “Well, I still don’t know … “ said Twilight “But” interrupted Spike “No ‘buts’ Spike” said Twilight “It is most improper to interrupt your governess” said Uncle Knot “So I will leave you to think it over, if you have a change of mind, contact Zecora, she will know where to find me” With that Uncle Knot left, leaving Zecora, Spike and Twilight to think about things. “You’re not going with him?” asked Twilight “He told me to stay a bit, said you might have a question or two” said Zecora “that by asking me might get an answer that fits or at least a puzzle solved is due” ”Alright, how long have you known Uncle Knot?” asked Twilight “Since I was a foal in my home land” said Zecora “far across the world over ocean and sand. He adopted me when I was in peril and called me his little pet sparrow” “Do you think his plan to help give either wings to Spike or let him be a pony for a few days will work?” asked Twilight “Yes his plan will work, they always do” answered Zecora “but not always by book and clerk, that could hide a clue” “Thank you Zecora” said Twilight showing her to the door “we will talk about this latter” “Just think Twilight if I could grow my wings I could keep up with you” said Spike “But the price you may have to pay yourself may be very painful” said Twilight “Growing up is painful” responded Spike “I can handle it” “But are you ready for that type of pain?” “Well, at least, let me be a pony for a few days” “I just don’t like the restriction of not being able to talk with any pony about this” “You can talk with Zecora” offered Spike “I want to talk to Celestia about this” “But wouldn’t you rather surprise her with this magic?” For the price of a songOutside Fluttershy’s home, near a tree where her bird friends had gathered to sing. Fluttershy is conducting the birds in her bird band and as they finish their piece, a stranger addresses Fluttershy “Hello miss” said Uncle Knot “your birds sing very nice. What a wonderful concert they treated me too” “Hello” said Fluttershy “My name is some pony not you” said Uncle Knot “and I believe you are Miss Flut-ter-shy?” “Yes, I think I have to go now” said Fluttershy “I was hoping you would introduce me to some of your animals” said Uncle Knot “REALLY! HAVE YOU COME TO ADOPT ONE?” asked Fluttershy “No, I only adopt ponies” said Uncle Knot smiling “So tell me how long have you been living here? “Since I came to Pony Ville” said Flutter shy “and you look familiar. Have we meet?” “Maybe, but I don’t think I could forget such a pretty young filly” said Uncle Knot “Oh my” said the blushing Fluttershy “I love what you did with the old place” commented Uncle Knot “did it cost very much to buy it?” “B-b-buy it?” queried Fluttershy “Yes, I suppose some pony sold it to you so are you renting it?” stated Uncle Knot “Renting it” queried Flutter shy “Oh my” “Oh, but wait, I am so glad to hear that no pony tried to sell it to you as I still have the deed here in my saddlebag” said Uncle Knot pulling a deed out of his saddle bag “Me and my animal friends will move out right away” said Flutter shy “if that is okay with you” “It is certainly NOT OKAY” said Uncle Knot “you have made SERIOUS ALTERATIONS to the old place that make it UNUSEABLE to me. I think I shall allow you to stay and pay rent” “Rent, oh my” said Flutter shy “I can’t really afford too much, with food for all my animal friends there isn’t very many bits left” “Well perhaps you can have your birds sing for your rent” said Uncle Knot “The ponies of Pony Ville don’t pay very much for my birds to sing to them” said Flutter shy “they don’t even pay enough for the bird seed” “No, Miss Fluttershy” said Uncle Knot “that type of thinking will not due. Have your birds SING TO ME to pay the rent” “Of course, now I remember you” said Fluttershy “your father’s portrait hung above the mantle place when I first moved in” “That wasn’t my father” said Uncle Knot “that was me. I got rid of my bushy mustache years ago, since they are no longer in style” “But I thought that portrait was very old” said Fluttershy “It is very old” said Uncle Knot “do you still have it?” “I put it in the attic” answered Fluttershy “do you want it now?” “No thank you” responded Uncle Knot “keep it until I grow myself a new home” “But where are you staying?” asked Fluttershy “and did you say ‘grow’?” “The railroad is lending me space at the moment and call me ‘Uncle Knot’” :”Why are you being so nice to me and my animal friends?” asked Fluttershy “Because if I were to claim all my land and property back - half of Pony Ville would have to move away” said Uncle Knot “That’s very nice of you” said Fluttershy “In addition the land I still possess has risen in value because Pony Ville is here” said Uncle Knot “what concerns me most is that a certain princess seems to have been giving away my land and property” “Oh no“ said Fluttershy “Not Twilight” “Not Twilight is correct” said Uncle Knot “thank you for this month’s bird concert. I hope to see you before next months…” “LOOK OUT” shouted Rainbow Dash arriving and scattering the birds off the tree. “Did you see my latest trick Fluttershy?” then noticing she wasn’t alone repeated her question “did you both see how awesome I was?” “Rainbow Dash” said Fluttershy trying to introduce “this is some pony not you” “No Miss Dash, we didn’t see your new trick” said Uncle Knot “I bet it was smashing” “Smashing? It was awesome, cool, and radical” exclaimed Rainbow Dash “so Fluttershy who is this old starch?” “I’m her Uncle Knot” interrupted Uncle Knot Pinky Pie then interrupted “his is also Zecora’s Uncle Knot too” “So his is not Zecora’s uncle” said Rainbow Dash “Do you always appear out of nowhere Pinky?” asked Uncle Knot “He is not my uncle either” said Fluttershy “Pretty much” said Pinky “so he is Fluttershy’s Uncle Either, Zecora’s Uncle Knot, and my Uncle Too” “I’m hungry” said Rainbow Dash “Nice to meet you Hungry” said Pinky “I’m too” “Nice to meet you Miss Too” said Uncle Knot “Shall we seek out some refreshments?” “Do you mean go to Sugarcube Corner and get something to eat?” said Fluttershy “Either” said Rainbow Dash “That’s Uncle Either to you” said Pinky The group of four began their arduous trek to the pastry shop. Pinky bouncing along with Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash flying at eye level to Uncle Knot, while continuing this conversation. “What kind of pony name is Uncle Knot?” asked Rainbow Dash “Silly Dashie” said Pinky “he is not our uncle so we call him uncle not” “But he is your uncle Too” responded Rainbow Dash “Silly Dashie” said Pinky “he is my Uncle Knot, not my uncle two” Rainbow Dash hoof her head in a grimace “What is his name?” “Some Pony Not You” answered Pinky “Yeah, I know he is not some pony not me” said Rainbow Dash “Oh no Rainbow Dash” interrupted Flutter shy “he is not some pony not me, he is some pony not you” “She’s right” said Pinky “he is some pony not you” “So who is uncle too?” asked Fluttershy “I call myself Sumponeigh Knot Yew or Uncle Knot” “I think I can call you some pony not my uncle” said Rainbow Dash “That’ll work” responded Uncle Knot “It will?” said Pinky “How do you do Some Pony Not My Uncle, it is always nice to meet a new pony” “But we already meet” said Uncle Knot “I already meet Some Pony Not You” said Pinky “and now I am meeting Some Pony Not My Uncle” “So where are you from?” asked Rainbow Dash “And why are you here?” asked Pinky “I am from around here” said Uncle Knot “before there was a here” “Oh, that was a long time ago” exclaimed Pinky Pie “Not that long ago” said Uncle Knot “Pony Ville has only been around 3 or 4 generations” “And why are you here?” asked Rainbow Dash “Collecting rent” muttered Fluttershy “Magical Experiments” said Uncle Knot “That sound like something Twilight would like to do” said Pinky “I can only hope so” said Uncle Knot “so tell me does Spike have a special some pony?” “Rar…” said Rainbow Dash “Shush” said Pinky “it’s a secret” “Some secret, ha ha” laughed Rainbow Dash “Every pony in Pony Ville knows that Spike likes…” “Shush” said Pinky “Thank you, but no thank you” said Uncle Knot “if it’s a secret, then I don’t need to know” The group of 4 entered Sugarcube Corner. Pinky returned to the kitchen as Uncle Knot ordered 3 slices of cheese cake topped with cherries. Fluttershy ate her slice nervously, while Rainbow Dash said “I won’t be able to fly for the rest of the day with this in my belly” As Fluttershy was about to take her last bit of cake, Applejack and Apple Bloom entered and immediately spotted their friends in the company of a strange and older brown pony. “Howdy” said Applejack “Oh Fluttershy” said Apple Bloom teasingly “you are so in trouble” “Oh my” said Fluttershy “Can we have it with (Apple Bloom gasps) cherries” asked Applejack “That is so traitorous” said Apple Bloom “You can have some cheesecake with apple slices and chocolate syrup” said Applejack “mmm” said every pony “Hi Applejack” said Pinky bounding out of the kitchen “Hi Pinky” responded Applejack “Let me introduce myself as Uncle Knot” said Uncle Knot “Oh yeah” said Applejack “I just had a long talk with Twilight about you” “Oh?” said Uncle Knot “She says you got some magic you would like to try” said Applejack “but she doesn’t know if she can trust you” “Did she tell you what it would do?” asked Uncle Knot “No” responded Applejack “she says it wouldn’t work if she tells” “mm” said Uncle Knot “It’ll still work if she talks about it, I just need her to keep it a secret until I get it to work” “Oh, so it is a big secret” said Pinky “Of course every pony thinks his or her secret is big and with me being as big as I am“ said Uncle Knot “big ponies always have big secrets” “That explains a lot about Big Mac” said Fluttershy :”What was that, sugar cube?” asked Applejack “Oh, never mind” said Fluttershy “Well, this has been delightful” said Uncle Knot” but I have one more errand to run. I must be going” “And that errand would be?” asked Pinky “I think I will need a new cape soon” said Uncle Knot “You should go to Rarity’s Carousel Boutique” said Applejack “she makes the greatest dresses” “Sounds good and where would that be?” “I can show you” volunteered Apple Bloom “We’ll both show you” said Applejack As Uncle Knot, Applejack and Apple Bloom left the shop, Rainbow Dash took to the sky and Fluttershy flew low home. Pinky went back into the kitchen to clean up at the Carousel Boutique. Applejack introduce Uncle Knot to Rarity while Apple Bloom spoke with Sweetie Belle. “Thank you Miss Applejack” said Uncle Knot “you and your sister were a fine assessor to my stroll” “Oh, a gentle colt” said Rarity Applejack looked puzzled. Directing her response to Applejack, Rarity said “that was a compliment to you and your sister for being such good company” “Or as some might reckon on the farm” said Uncle Knot “you have a nice … hat” Applejack turned a delicious shade of Roma apple at that. Yelled for Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom that they had to leave and quickly escaped Rarity’s boutique “Its nice to see some color in her visage” said Rarity “I hope I didn’t overdue it” said Uncle Knot “Maybe, but she needed it” said Rarity “ so what do you need from me?” “Discretion with a bit of sewing” said Uncle Knot “I am going to need a new cape” “Discretion is my middle name” said Rarity “can I use your cape to make a rough pattern?” “Of course” said Uncle Knot removing it. Rarity levitated it to her cutting table and started her tracing, trying not to look upon Uncle Knot. He was a big pony, bigger than Big Mac. Taught muscles seemed to play beneath his brown and tan fur. The mane also in brown and tan offset against his silhouette, and his eyes were big and green with narrow slits for pupils, almost like a changeling. But the real shocker for Rarity was… Sweetie Belle came charging through the fitting room “I forgot my back pack” “Sweetie Belle!” demanded Rarity “you are to KNOCK before entering the fitting room” “Sorry” Sweetie Belle yelled out as she scampered up the stairs, but only part way before stopping short. Her head turned around slowly and she stared open mouth at Uncle Knot. “You … you don’t have … a cutie mark?!” “So much for discretion” muttered Uncle Knot “Sweetie Belle! Go to your ROOM!” demanded Rarity “but … but … you don’t have a cutie mark!” said Sweetie Belle “Perhaps an explanation is in order” said Uncle Knot “I hunt the monsters that hide beneath the bed, I seek the beasties that lurk in the closet, I chase the troubles in your head, I squeeze the last drop of water from the facet. I cook the monsters for breakfast, I catch the bumps in the night for snacks, I hang the skins of shadows on the mast, I watch over your shoulder from behind your back. You have no need to worry, No cause to be afraid, Your lashes need not flurry, Your debts have all been paid. I am not your uncle, But you can call me 'uncle knot’ “ “In other words, the reason I do not have a cutie mark is because I am not cute” said Uncle Knot “and I need you to keep this secret for a few more days. Can you do that Sweetie Belle?” “Yes” said Sweetie Belle “would you like to be a cutie mark crusader?” “If you keep my secret, I would be most honored to join your illustrious group, now go get your backpack and rejoin your friends” Sweetie Bell ran up to her room, got her stuff and ran out. “I’m very sorry about that” said Rarity “you seem to be good with foals” “I have raised several orphans over the years” said Uncle Knot “like Zecora, she was one of my first” “Yes, she is a good friend of Twilight’s” said Rarity “but getting a new cape isn’t the real reason you came to my shop, is it?” “Quite right” said Uncle Knot “you are more perceptive than most. I have a much more difficult task for you” Time Travel & TransformationsArriving at the library Applejack saw 3 cloaked ponies waiting a short distance discretely outside. One was clearly Uncle Knot by his size, beside him stood a mare about AJ’s size and another taller pony. Uncle nodded a greeting to AJ as she approached the library door. Applejack knocked, and Spike opened the door. Inside were Pinky, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, and Twilight discussing the strangeness of recent events. “Them timber wolves are acting real skittish” said Applejack “I bet it is all Fluttershy’s uncle’s fault” said Rainbow Dash “He is not my uncle” said Fluttershy “He is not my uncle too” said Pinky “Twilight” asked Applejack “ do you know what’s going on?” “I think I do” answered Twilight “Some pony not you is gathering magic to cast a spell. A spell I can’t tell you about. A spell I haven’t agreed to yet.” “Tell him to spot gathering” said Rainbow Dash “the clouds and winds are being most contrary” “I can’t” said Twilight “I couldn’t find him earlier” “Well shucks, he is right outside, seems to be waiting for something” Rainbow Dash and Twilight went to the door, looked out, and saw Uncle Knot standing next to another pony (also in a dark cloak). “Hey uncle not or uncle two” yelled Rainbow Dash “get in here we want to talk to you” “How can I refuse such a gracious invitation?” said Uncle Knot impassively “I’m sorry” said Twilight “would you please come inside and bring your ‘friend’ as well” “On behalf of my friend” said Uncle Knot “we gladly accept your hospitality” Once inside Pinky tried to get a good look at Uncle Knot’s companion, but she only seemed to sink deeper into her cloak. “I can sense you are getting ready to cast some type of magic” said Twilight “Yes, I am” said Uncle Knot “I am getting ready to send my apprentice on a little trip” “A teleportation spell?” asked Twilight “you are gathering a lot of power for it and how did you learn to gather magic like this? “It’s swirl magic, with it I gather all the little bits of leftover magic that are scattered all about and concentrate them for my spell” “Why do you need so much?” asked Pinky “It is a matter of how far away I have to send my apprentice” said Uncle Knot “allow me to introduce her, but wait, that would be silly. You already know her.” The mysterious pony pulled her cloak off with a flourish, revealing her white mane and blue fur. “Trixie!” exclaimed Rainbow Dash, Applejack and Twilight “Hello Twilight” said Trixie “Thank you for inviting me into your library” “You’re his apprentice?” asked Twilight “how or why would you ever be willing to be any pony’s student?” “His magic is greater and he is willing to teach me” responded Trixie “How do you know his magic is greater?” asked Twilight “Haven’t you noticed?” asked Trixie “He is an earth pony that can do magic” “But I thought it was because Zecora taught him” said Twilight “ha ha” laughed Uncle Knot “it is I who was Zecora’s teacher, many years ago” “You were Zecora’s teacher?” asked Twilight “how old are you?” “Old enough to have learned swirl magic” replied Uncle Knot “As in Star Swirl the bearded?” asked Twilight “So you know of Star Swirl” said Uncle Knot “Oh yes” said Twilight “She recently completed a spell of his” said Pinky “She’s a big fan of his” said Spike “she even made a costume for nightmare night” “A costume, really?” asked Uncle Knot “I would so like to see that” “But you are not here for a fashion show” commented Twilight “Indulge me, will you, we have time” “Alright, but I won’t wear it for you” said Twilight then turning to Spike “Spike go get it” “Already there” said Spike “Oh, very nice, hoof stitching, not from a machine” said Uncle Knot “look Trixie, she even did the bells” “Very nice” said Trixie taking the garment “I think I will need this” “Correct” said Uncle Knot “now before you go, repeat your instructions before I send you off” “As my first test as your apprentice, I must take a student that you are sending me too. I can not tell him my name, although I can call myself Great and Powerful. I will teach him all my magic, the swirl magic, and the elements of harmony… “Wait, what?” exclaimed Twilight “… the elements of harmony; loyalty, honesty, kindness, humor …” “Laughter” corrected Pinky “… laughter, and generosity. And also teach him that the sixth element must remain a mystery and that in exchange for my teaching he must never shave his beard again” finished Trixie As Twilight was about to interrupt again, Uncle Knot closed his eyes and summoned the last of the swirl magic. A black transparent horn appeared on his head and pulsed five times with five auras while Trixie vanished in a ball of bright white. “What have you done?” exclaimed Twilight “Where did you send her? Or should I say When?” “Quite right, Twilight” said Uncle Knot “’When’ is the correct term” “What has he done?” asked Fluttershy “Bring Trixie back” demanded Rainbow Dash “That was remarkably easy” commented Uncle Knot “Will she be okay?” asked Applejack “Yes, she will be okay” said Uncle Knot “at least the history book suggests so” “History book?!” exclaimed Twilight “Star Swirl’s history book” said Uncle Knot “more of a personal diary, which states that in his early days, he was instructed by a great and powerful unicorn in swirl magic and the elements of harmony” “So you sent TRIXIE back in time, to BE HIS TEACHER” screamed Twilight with her mane and tail bursting into flame momentarily. “Oh, yes” laughed Uncle Knot “it was worth it, just to see your reaction” “So how long before she returns?” asked Applejack “Return?” answered Uncle Knot “do you actually want her back?” “Of course we do” said Rainbow Dash “you don’t trap some pony in time” “Bring her back” demanded Pinky Pie “Moo ha ha” laughed Uncle Knot “your concern is so touching, but the matter is out of our control. Either Trixie teaches Star Swirl how to use the elements of harmony to send her back to us or she isn’t done teaching him.” “I can try” said Twilight “But you can’t” said Uncle Knot “you already use Star Swirl’s magic to go back in time once - you cannot repeat that again” "How do you know that? So I’ll send some pony to help Trixie” answered Twilight “But who would go?” asked Uncle Knot “We could send Rarity to help” said Fluttershy “she’s a unicorn” “I would” proclaimed Rainbow Dash “I would too” said Pinky “Me too” said Applejack “Wow, such commitment on behalf of Trixie” said Uncle Knot “and I thought you had problems with her” “We don’t abandon our friends” said Twilight “Friends” said Uncle Knot “you would claim her as a friend?” “Yes” said Applejack “We do” said Pinky “Trixie is our friend” said all “I don’t believe you” said Uncle Knot “say it louder” “TRIXIE IS OUR FRIEND” shouted the group of ponies With that, a bright white ball of light appeared and grew to contain the blue unicorn. Trixie had no moment to regain her bearings before she was mob hugged by the other ponies. “Tell us everything that happened” asked Twilight “How long have I been gone?” asked Trixie “Just a few necessary and long moments” said Uncle Knot “I was someplace, no sometime long ago. Every pony talked strange. There was no Pony Ville, only the tree house. There wasn’t even a Canterlot” said Trixie, then turning toward Uncle Knot “You put me in the middle of a dragon war!” “Yes, I did” said Uncle Knot “so sorry, it was the only way to be sure you would meet Star” “You mean Star Swirl the bearded?” commented Twilight “Well yes” answered Trixie “but they didn’t start calling him that until after I had taught him swirl magic. And thanks for that costume. It really made the others take him seriously.” “And the elements of harmony?” asked Uncle Knot “We had to make them from stones” said Trixie “it was very primitive, but I’m here so it worked” “Star Swirl sent you forward in time?” asked Twilight “He tried” said Trixie “but I think I got lost. Then I heard voices yelling that I was a friend and those voices guided me back” “So it comes to this Uncle Knot” said Twilight “I won’t let you cast that other spell unless I can tell my friends what you are doing” “Agreed” said Uncle Knot “but only those who are with you at this moment” “What is he going to do?” asked Applejack “He has a spell that will turn Spike into a pony for a few days and then help him grow wings” answered Twilight “Radical” said Rainbow Dash “Rarity will so love that” said Pinky “Where is Rarity?” asked Fluttershy “Uncle Knot, where is she?” demanded Trixie “She is in her shop” said Uncle Knot “Why wasn’t she here?” asked Twilight “First, she was busy with some project” said Uncle Knot “and second, I asked her not to come here tonight” “Why?” asked Spike “Do you want to gain your wings” countered Uncle Knot “Yes” said Spike “Why are his wings so important?” asked Twilight “As unicorns keep their magic in their horns” said Uncle Knot “so do dragons keep their smarts in their wings. Do you really want Spike to grow again into that greedy beast?” “How do you know this?” asked Applejack “I don’t” said Uncle Knot “I am only guessing, but you have evidence that suggests this. You have meet dragons with wings and again your Spike when he became a big dragon without wings. Did you not notice the relative difference in intelligence?” “Point granted” said Twilight “we can do this tomorrow” “Tomorrow may be too late” said Uncle Knot “I now have all that I need to know. Casting this spell is nearly irreverent to me, but probably important to Spike’s long term development” “What do you mean?” asked Spike “Elephants have big ears to cool their blood, likewise, dragons have big wings to cool their blood.” expounded Uncle Knot “Otherwise, large dragons without wings tend to cook their brains, eventually making them as stupid as a turnip” “Nooo!” exclaimed Spike “Twilight we have to do this now!” “Yes Spike” said Twilight “so it would seem” “Excellent” said Uncle Knot “Spike take a letter” “What’s an elephant?” asked Fluttershy “To whom?” asked Spike “To yourself” answered Uncle Knot “describe how you feel about Twilight, how she has been both mother and older sister to you, how you would never forget her” “Trixie” asked Uncle Knot “did you retrieve that sand I asked for from the ancient days?” “Yes” said Trixie hoofing it to him “I almost forgot” Spike finishes the letter and claws it to Uncle Knot, who makes a funnel of it and pours the sand into it. As the sand falls through the small opening at the bottom of the funnel, it takes on a purple and black glow, coalescing into a glass statue that becomes a beautiful transparent miniature of Twilight Sparkle. The purple and black glow now envelopes Spike, obscuring him from view. Then revealing a green pony with a pink mane and for a cutie mark; a vertical dagger overlapped by an eye. This new pony was about the same size as the other ponies with a dragon’s distinctive eyes and vertical pupils. “Allow me to introduce Knife Eyes” said Uncle Knot “Special Police Investigator Knife Eyes” “Special Police Investigator?” asked Rainbow Dash “Oh Spike” said Fluttershy “you look so, oh never mind” “You look dreamy” said Pinky “Thanks” said Spike “So Spike, how does it feel to be a pony?” asked Twilight “It’s different Princess” responded Spike nervously “No need to be so formal” said Applejack “Well okay” said Spike “except I know all of you ; Applejack, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Pinky Pie, and even Trixie, but who is this princess?” “Spike! It’s me, Twilight” said Twilight “Have we meet?” asked Spike “What!?” exclaimed Twilight “It’s a side effect of the transformation spell” commented Uncle Knot “all his memories and affection for you is trapped inside this pretty little statue of you Twilight” “Well undue that spell right now” demanded Twilight “I want my Spike back, right now!” “Excuse me princess” asked Spike “just what type of relationship goes on between us?” “What!? This is insane!” exclaimed Twilight “Remember the long term goal, Twilight” said Uncle Knot “It will only last for a few days” then directing his next comment to Spike “you can stay with me at the train station for the next few days. After all, as a special police investigator, you will be working with me” “But this is my home” said Spike “this is my library” “Trixie, please stay here with Twilight” said Uncle Knot “Tell her all about your adventures with Star Swirl” then turning to leave said “come along Special Police Investigator Knife Eyes” As Knife Eyes and Uncle Knot left, the tension in the room threatened to explode. Twilight’s eyes turned bright red, but she composed herself with a deep breath, waved her hoof, and said “It will be alright” “We better follow them” said Applejack “I’m with you” said Rainbow Dash “Okay” said Twilight “but just you two” “Okay, do key, Loki” said Pinky “Trixie” said Twilight “tell me about Star Swirl” “Well when I found myself still at the library without all of you and Pony Ville gone. I was a little confuse” said Trixie “but the Great & Powerful Trixie recovered, then I meet a young pony who called himself Star. He needed protection from the sky pirates who were trying to enslave him, so we hid in the library. Amazingly the sky pirates couldn’t see the tree house. They didn’t like the Trixie's Great & Powerful fireworks either and that drove them off. Then Star pledge to be my faithful student if only I would teach him a little of my magic.” “Did you teach him” asked Twilight “Of course” said Trixie “that’s what Uncle Knot told me to do” “What else did you teach him?” asked Twilight “I taught him the swirl magic and then about the elements of harmony” said Trixie “kindness, honesty, loyalty, generosity, and humor …” “Laughter” interrupted Pinky “Anything else?” asked Twilight “I told him that there was a sixth element” said Trixie “and that it must remain a secret” “Why must it remain a secret?” asked Fluttershy “Because it was me who discovered it” answered Twilight “No, Twilight” said Trixie “you misunderstood the meaning about this. There must always be an element that remains a secret and that if it is ever given a meaning, another element must be added” “What!?” exclaimed Twilight “Uncle Knot told me that your cutie mark changed” explained Trixie “when we first meet, you had one star surrounded by five stars. Now look at you, you have one surrounded by six. That’s the proof that you now need a 7th element.” “But I thought I got an additional star on my cutie mark when I became a princess” said Twilight “You did” said Pinky “I remember that I had been planning a party for you using your cutie mark as a decoration, but then it changed and I made a mess of the icing, and well, I ate the cake” “So now we have to find a pony with an another element of harmony” said Twilight “Not so fast” said Trixie “Uncle Knot told me you already have the 7th element nearby” “Who?” said Owliwisious “Who?” echoed the others “The Great & Powerful Trixie” said Trixie “You got the 7th element?” stated Fluttershy “That’s great” said Pinky “What is it?” asked Twilight The Great & Powerful Trixie’s element MUST remain a mystery” said Trixie “Trixie cannot tell you even if Trixie knew what it is, and I don’t” ElopingRainbow Dash flew through the library window into the group of Twilight, Pinky, Fluttershy, and Trixie. “Twilight” shouted Rainbow Dash “this is so awesome” “Twilight” shouted Applejack coming through the library door “this is a disaster” “Awesome” said Dash “Disaster” said Applejack “What’s happening?” asked Twilight “Rarity and Spike are eloping” said Rainbow Dash and Applejack in unison “Eloping party” exclaimed Pinky “Oh no” shouted Fluttershy “That’s not suppose to happen” said Trixie “We have to stop them” said Twilight “Come on girls” as they all galloped out of the treehouse and toward … “Where are we going?” asked Twilight “The train station” answered Applejack and Rainbow Dash in chorus Something wicked this way trotsAs Twilight, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Pinky Pie, and Fluttershy arrived at the train station, they encounter Rarity, Knife Eyes, Uncle Knot and the station conductor in a heated exchange. “You can’t shut down the train” said Rarity “I can” said the station conductor firmly “This is all your doing” said Knife Eyes accusing Uncle Knot “Yes, it is” said Uncle Knot “as a member of the board of railroad commissioners, I do have some influence here, and while I can’t dissuade you from eloping, I can suspend railroad service. Please reconsider your rash decision, and post pony …” “Oh, Twilight” said Rarity “I’ve found the most wonderful pony” “So I’ve heard” said Twilight “what is this about eloping?’ “We love each other” said Knife Eyes “And we want to be together forever” added Rarity “Ever and ever and ever and ever” said Knife Eyes “That’s four ever” said Pinky “What’s the rush?” asked Uncle Knot “But you’ve never been in love like this” responded Knife Eyes “YOU HAVE NO IDEA! Special Police INVESTIGATOR KNIFE EYES” yelled Uncle Knot “You MUST learn to think before you make a blanket statement like that!” “He’s quite right” said Rarity “we are sorry for being so unfeeling” “That’s right Rarity” said Twilight “you should consider the feelings of your friends before you make quick decisions like eloping” “Didn’t you want to share in your happiness with us?” asked Pinky “I’m so sorry” said Rarity “my only excuse is we were caught up in the excitement of being together” “So you won’t run off?” asked Applejack “No, we won’t run off” answered Rarity “No, we will stay” said Knife Eyes “Excellent” said Uncle Knot “Pinky are the party preparations I asked you to make, ready?” “Oh, yes” said Pinky “still waiting for some of the guests to respond to their invitations, but everything is ready” “Smashing” said Uncle Knot “perhaps, if some ponies would like, we could combine the party with a wedding ceremony and celebration?” “Oh, that would be delightful” responded Rarity “Wait, what?” said Twilight “Oh, darling” said Rarity to Twilight “I know this is sudden, but it’s just meant to be” “Now hold on there” interrupted Applejack “just what makes you think that your friends want this to happen” “Yes” said Fluttershy “it seems too sudden” “I think it’s awesome” said Rainbow Dash “And Princess Twilight can officiate at the wedding” volunteered Pinky “Wow, would you do that for us, Princess?” asked Knife Eyes “Of course Spi, spa, special investigator Knife Eyes” said Twilight “only don’t be so formal and call me Twilight” “Yes Princess, er, Princess Twilight” answered Knife Eyes Puff “What’s this a wedding?” “Discord!” said every pony in chorus “How did you find out?” asked Twilight “I just happened, not on purpose mind you, to look over Celestia’s shoulder when she was reading about an invitation to a party and now it has become a wedding as well. How delicious” said Discord “so I’m oh so happy to drop in” “I didn’t put you on the invitation list” said Uncle Knot “Purely an oversight” said Discord “I’m sure” “How smashing” said Uncle Knot “it is so nice to meet you, for the first time” “Why yes” said Discord “I know so little about you, and I look forward to getting to know you better” “Alas, I know more than I would want to know about you” said Uncle Knot “maybe some things you do not even know” “Oh, how curious” said Discord “me not know something, how incredulous” “Things like responsibility, dependability “said Uncle Knot “kindness …” “Kindness” said Discord “why Fluttershy has been most instructive in … “ “It seems our audience has slipped away” commented Uncle Knot “So it would seem” said Discord “it has been so nice meeting you Sumponeigh Knot Yew, I’ll be back for the party” “Of course you will” said Uncle Knot “do tell …” Puff “Celestia, oh, never mind, I seem to be talking to the wind” said Uncle Knot, noticing that he was alone at the train station. The Standard Wedding ArgumentOn a grassy hill between the Everfree forest and Pony Ville, tents and pavilions had been set up presenting all sorts of snacks for the guests to consume. Some pavilions acted as private changing rooms, like the one in which Rarity was getting dress in her gown with the help of Fluttershy and Granny Smith. Some tents acted as hiding places for others like Knife Eyes. Some were being guarded. Ponies from Pony Ville drifted into the area and were welcomed by Pinky or reluctantly by Uncle Knot. With one exception, three dark cloaked figures had come from the train station. They were taller than most, and generated much speculation and gossip. Princess Twilight was annoyed at Uncle Knot’s secret guests and insisted on disclosure. Uncle Knot complied, which later brighten Twilight’s countenance dramatically. Princess Twilight greeted Princess Celestia, Princess Luna and Discord upon the grassy hill. Celestia seemed uncustomary nervous and asked “Where is Spike?” “Oh, he’s getting ready” answered Twilight “So he’s a part of this too?” asked Luna “Of course” said Twilight “Special Police Investigator Knife Eyes is the groom” “Wait, what?” exclaimed Celestia “what do you mean?” “Oh, I’m sorry” said Twilight “I guess I spoiled Uncle Knot’s surprise. He discovered a way to turn a dragon …” “… into a pony” interrupted Celestia with a look of utter horror on her face. “What is wrong, sister?” asked Luna “How could I be so blind” said Celestia “that’s why he picked this place” “Oh, this promises to be fun” commented Discord “Wait” asked Twilight “did I do something wrong? Is there anyway to stop it?” “No, Twilight” said Celestia “I’ve known Uncle Knot long enough to know he has always been planning this, and has a counter plan for anything we might do” “So what shall we do sister?” asked Luna Celestia responded “Smile and play …” “… our parts” interrupted Uncle Knot “for we are all pawns upon the stage, fretting this way and that” “Who art thou?” demanded Luna interposing herself between and Celestia “Verily, I have been most remiss” said Uncle Knot doffing his hat and bowing with his eyes closed “I be thy most humble servant and vassal of Equestria, known in the common vulgar as Sumponeigh Knot Yew” “Very well” said Luna “what mischief have thee wrought?” “Mischief?” responded Uncle Knot “mischief, nay. As a simple vassal, not mischief but due tell if thee but prick me, will I not bleed? If thee but wrong me, will I not seek revenge?” “Revenge!” exclaimed Twilight “I knew you were trouble” “Tell us of the revenge thou hast sought” asked Luna “Revenge trice rewarded already” answered Uncle Knot “against thee, Twilight Sparkle” “What?!” exclaimed Twilight “I don’t understand” “Then in more common usage, I sought revenge for the discomfort and inconvience you have three times caused me” said Uncle Knot “ and I have received my reward three times as well. First you hatched Spike” “Why would you want revenge for that?” asked Twilight “Who do you think gathers dragon eggs for the magic academy?” asked Uncle Knot rhetorically “did you not think it odd, that a plebe on her first day of school would be asked to hatch a dragon egg? Did you not noticed that you were the only student to have a pet dragon? Didn’t you realize that the first exam was a way to evaluate not your power but your character to handle stress, pressure, and failure” “But I passed the test” said Twilight “I hatched the egg” “Yes, you hatched the egg” said Uncle Knot “an egg I had taken special effort to get for some pony else” “Who?” asked Twilight “Think on it” answered Uncle Knot “they are both pink” “And what revenge did you receive?” asked Celestia “I stole her beloved pet” said Uncle Knot “he has no memory of her, and interesting coincidence, eh Celestia” “But when he becomes a dragon again” said Twilight “he will get it back? Right, that’s what you told me?” “Yes” said Uncle Knot “he will, but the pain you felt to think you had lost him fulfilled the first requirement of my revenge.” “Oh, I’m beginning to like you” commented Discord “Shut up, Discord” said Fluttershy, as she had joined the group along with Applejack and Rainbow Dash. “And your second revenge?” queried Celestia “I sent the ridiculously self promoting ‘Great & Powerful’ Trixie back in time to teach the unicorn most idolized by Twilight, the magic Star Swirl would need to become powerful enough to help the good king establish Canterlot” said Uncle Knot “it is such a delicious joy to me to see Twilight’s anger at my choice, and I may take future comfort knowing she will always know” “Trixie is a lot better than you give her credit for” said Twilight Puff “The Great & Powerful Trixie has appeared” said Trixie “My fireworks are ready for tonight” “Indeed” said Uncle Knot “but stay, you have been missing the fireworks here. I have never doubted her ability Twilight Sparkle. Did I not bring her to your attention because I noticed long ago she had an element of harmony?” “And why didst thou seek this second revenge?” asked Luna “Because she hast cost me the most precious of moments” said Uncle Knot “a moment in time that cannot be repeated. The wedding of Cadence.” “And why would that be important?” asked Applejack “Because Uncle Knot should have been there to give me away” said Cadence, removing her cloak as she and Shining Armor and one other (still cloaked pony) joined the every enlarging crowd of ponies gathering on the grassy hill. “Cadence” greeted Twilight “why would he do that for you?” “Uncle Knot found me first, adopted me and brought me to Canterlot” answered Cadence “he taught me ‘sunshine, sunshine, ladybugs aw…” “But you never did master the second verse; ‘moonlight, moonlight, fireflies awake, make a wish and do a little shake” said Uncle Knot “I remember that!” exclaimed Luna “where did you learn that?” “You don’t remember?” said Uncle Knot “Do you Luna?” Celestia then interrupted “you should go back to the palace Luna. It’s getting dangerous here” “Nay, dearest sister” said Luna “I would face any danger with you, even this pompous Uncle Knot” “Well said, Princess of the Night” stated Uncle Knot “Well said” “Ha ha, pompous” laughed Discord “pompous, ha ha, that’s it, we will perish from his pomposity” “A much better fate than dying from your selfishness and irresponsibility Discord” retorted Uncle Knot “But I’m Discord” said Discord “But you didn’t have to be” stated Uncle Knot “you could have been a source of joy and laughter for Celestia. You could have helped her escape the stress of being new to the throne. She and Luna were so unsure of themselves then, but in your jealousy for the priority of time they gave to Equestria, you turned selfish and evil and forced them to turn you to stone.” “I, I, I don’t remember much from that time” stuttered Discord “And how do you know? You weren’t there. I don’t remember you.” "There is more to your story than you want to know. Has not both Celestia and Twilight demonstrated knowledge of King Sombra's magic? Of course they have, and did you know that his magic causes fear because it causes one to FORGET why they have courage." “You don’t remember me from then” said Uncle Knot “because I wasn’t hatched until after you were turned to stone!” “Hatched?” asked Twilight “did you say hatched?” “Yes, Twilight” said Celestia “he said hatched” “Miss Twilight, does it not seem odd that I would devote time to understanding how to turn a dragon into a pony? Did you really think it was the first time it happened?” asked Uncle Knot “Wait, what?!” said Twilight “did you hatch a dragon, Princess Celestia?” “So affirmed” stated Luna “but not this vulgar and pompous creature before us” “Oh, such stinging words” responded Uncle Knot “do the stars still twinkle with thy smile?” “What?” answered Luna “And do thy gossamer wings still whisper our dreams with each flight?” asked Uncle Knot “WHO ART THOU?” demanded Luna “WE WILL NOT TAKE ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR THY WELFARE!” “Thank you” said Uncle Knot with a smile “what a boom it is to quit thy residence and thy hospitality, but I still have one little revenge left to claim” “I’m beginning not to like you anymore Uncle Knot” said Discord “What dragon did Celestia hatch?” “Still being selfish Discord, can’t wait your turn, answer this; would a rose by any other name still smell as sweet?” asked Uncle Knot “or would a dragon equus…” “… would a dragonequus by any other name still be a dragon” stated Discord before crumpling into a ball of distress at Celestia’s feet. “It will be okay” said Fluttershy “I didn’t know” cried Discord “Celestia I didn’t remember, I’m so sorry, ... mommy” “ALRIGHT Sumponeigh Knot Yew” yelled Twilight “I’m ready for your last revenge, but I warn you I think I know who you really are” “Impressive, at last, my compliments Twilight” countered Uncle Knot “your intelligence may have come to understand, but your awareness is certainly lacking. Do you know where you are?” “I know that I am standing with my friends facing a loveless creature who turns helpfulness into harm, who turns kindness into cruelty” said Twilight “just to fulfill his need for revenge” “Did you hear that Celestia?” asked Uncle Knot “she called me loveless” “Another victory to you Uncle Knot” said Celestia “still, it seems hollow to me” “Hollow is the key, we should have an armistice” suggest Uncle Knot “to regroup and prepare. After all we have a wedding to attend to, who would want to spoil Rarity’s special day? Twilight, you have a marriage to officiate at and poor me, I have a bride to escort down the isle.” “You!” cried out Rainbow Dash “that’s Rarity’s dad’s job” “He has consented that honor to me in compensation for that function that both Twilight and Celestia cost me” said Uncle Knot “as a special favor to Celestia” “So you know about that too” said Celestia “I know I asked you Celestia to postpone the wedding until I could return. I know it was you who pushed up the wedding for Shining Armor and Cadence, so that no matter what effort I could make, I would not arrive in time.” said Uncle Knot “I know that when I warned you of a danger, you pressed on, drafting Shining Armor to protect Canterlot.” “And I know it was you that sent Chrysalis into Canterlot” countered Celestia “THOU ART GUILTY OF TREASON, KNAVE!” spoke Luna “No, he isn’t” said the 3rd cloaked tall figure standing next to Cadence and Shining Armor. “he is no more guilty than I am” said Chrysalis removing her cloak. “he asked me to disrupt the wedding long enough for him to return. The coup d’etate was my idea, I don’t work FOR Uncle Knot, I work with him, sometimes, but I had my own ponies needs to consider. I am not a subject of Equestria, therefore my actions were that of a foreign aggressor.” “Is this another attack Chrysalis?” asked Celestia “No, this is a debt paid” responded Chrysalis “this is an honesty owed” “Shining Armor, do you sense any others of her kind here?” asked Celestia “No” said Shining Armor “she is being most candid and contrite” “But we can’t have her here” said Twilight “It’s a wedding” said Cadence “lots of estranged guests show up at weddings” “An interesting truce?” asked Uncle Knot “you owe me a ‘princess wedding’ Celestia. Let us return to our official duties.” “But Rarity is no princess” said Luna “It will have to do Luna” responded Twilight “after all, it is the character of the pony that matters, not the title” A Very Dark EndingTwilight stood upon the hill looking down and out at the assembled mass of ponies. Behind her was some object that had either been too big or too heavy to move, redecorated by Pinky to hide what it had originally been. To her front was a purple and white walkway stretching across the meadow to the tents, in which Rarity was putting the final touches to her gown. On both sides of this walkway were the assembled masses of Ponies from Pony Ville, Canterlot and other places. To Twilight’s immediate left stood a nervous Knife Eyes. Next to the groom stood Rainbow Dash. Spike, er, Knife Eyes had insisted that Rainbow Dash would be his best ‘colt’(?). Next to them where the ushers, Big Macintosh, Mr. Cake, and Clockwork. At some unknown prearranged signal, they left to go to the back to escort the brides maids in. Fluttershy’s birds had taken up all the branches about the meadow and were singing their hearts out. They were so loud that Twilight could not hear any of the hushed taking from the mass of ponies. On Twilight’s right (that would be the left) Luna and Shining Armor stood as the representatives of the Groom’s family, beside them stood Fancy Pants, and Mayor Mare. On the left or brides side (that would be the right) stood Cadence, Zecora, Celestia, Cranky and Matilda Donkey. Far in the back stood a tall pony in a dark cloak. Twilight would guess correctly that she was Chrysalis. Twilight was also guessing correctly as to why Uncle Knot owed her or himself a third revenge. And then it hit her, the obscure decoration that Pinky had worked so hard to disguise was directly behind her. It was the hollow key, just as the beautiful and delicate miniature glass statue of Twilight Sparkle, which was now sitting safely in the library, had changed Spike into Knife Eyes, so too… The music of the birds changed to the more traditional wedding march. Twilight started to panic, if Uncle Knot was going to take his revenge, Twilight was sure it would happen during the ceremony, not after. Clockwork started down the aisle escorting Pinky Pie, who looked so happy that her event was going off so well. All the ponies turned and smiled back. Pinky was wearing a purple dress with just the slightest touch of green and white trim, as were all the other brides maids. Next down the aisle came Mr. Cake escorting a somewhat downcast Fluttershy, who looked like she was attending a wake. Mr. Cake didn’t seem to mind. Mrs. Cake on the left side of the aisle did. After them came Big Mac with Applejack, there was some slight hesitation as Big Mac tried to get Applejack not to wear her hat, but she gave him a look that would’ve stopped a stampede. Now the music of the wedding march changed. A subtle little melody entered the score. It was both light and refreshing, and also sober and melancholy. Rainbow Dash started down the aisle escorting a Miss Octavia. Twilight realized the diplomatic solution that Rarity had done in choosing Octavia as her premier bridesmaid. Which friend would have been correct for Rarity to choose without hurting some other friends feelings? But Twilight’s affirmation of Rarity’s diplomacy was shaken by her strategy. Octavia looked absolutely beyond stunning in that purple dress with white and green trim. Every eye was fixated upon her. Surely, Twilight thought, Rarity would have known this. As Rainbow Dash retook her slot next to Knife Eyes, and Octavia took her slot as leader of the brides maids, the music made another subtle change. The traditional march lost it’s melancholy and acquired a bouncy and fruity flavor. The entire assemblage seemed to want to start dancing, and so did Twilight as she forced herself to remain vigilant. Then Sweetie Belle entered in a bit of a prance sprinkling flower petals upon the walkway as she went. It was such a happy moment that Twilight almost let her guard down. When Sweetie Belle reached the front, she took a spot next to Cadence. Now the wedding march returned to the very traditional, yet something was in the music that had not ever been heard before. Twilight thought there were timber wolves howling in the background as sort of a wind section to the birds’ singing. Butterflies hovered above the entire area adding a myriad of colors to the to the meadow like a roof of stained glass. The entire audience stood at attention quietly directing their gaze backward. Entered the bride Rarity, in a veil made of pearls, in a dress of pleats and lace, pleats and lace, pleats and lace that seemed to go on forever. Every pony sighed at a sight they thought they would not see this side of heaven. Every pony saw a Rarity they knew they would never see again. Like a snowflake gliding down from the ethereal realms, so did Rarity descend to be with these mortal ponies. The tall figure escorting her down the aisle was invisible to them. Only Twilight seemed to see him, only Twilight could see Uncle Knot and Rarity whispering calmly to each other. And only Uncle Knot seemed to notice that Twilight was looking at him. He held her gaze and played with it as a cat plays with a mouse. Twilight tensed herself waiting for the attack she was sure would come. Uncle Knot’s lips twisted into the most evil of smiles and then blow her a kiss. No pony noticed, only Twilight. All eyes were upon Rarity. The blow of that kiss was as gentle as a mountain falling and as harsh as a soft breeze in a dream. While Twilight’s body did not stagger, she knew her soul had suffered a mortal blow. She also knew Uncle Knot meant no harm, no attack was to happen. Twilight knew he would see this wedding through, not because he had given up on his revenge, but that this wedding was his revenge. Twilight’s mind scrambled, she was caught in a trap. She couldn’t do anything, only play her part. Rarity exchanged her escort for Knife Eyes. Uncle Knot stood next to Cadence. Twilight suddenly realized she was suppose to say something. An eternity of indecision rampaged through Twilight’s mind. Then the words started flowing without Twilight even thinking about them. “Mares and Gentlecolts, we are gathered here today to celebrate the union of two special friends, Special Police Investigator Knife Eyes and Rarity Licorice Belle. It is not only my duty, but my cherished privilege to officiate this wedding. The Strength of their commitment is clear. The power of their love, undeniable. May we have the rings, please?” Rainbow Dash produced the rings and hoofed them, while Twilight used her magic to levitate them; one unto Rarity’s horn and the other onto Knife Eyes’ lifted hoof. “Do you?” asked Twilight “Rarity Licorice Belle, take Knife Eyes to be your partner, for better or worse, in sickness or in health, in wealth or in poverty, for this day and this night, and these many days and nights forthcoming forever, evermore?” “I do” said Rarity “Do you?” asked Twilight “Special Police Investigator Knife Eyes, take Rarity…” “Stop” said Knife Eyes “my code won’t allow this” There was an audible gasp from the audience. “What do you mean?” asked Twilight “Your code?” “My dragon code” said Knife Eyes “I can’t continue this deception. Please Uncle Knot, can I have that letter” “Yes, you may have the letter” said Uncle Knot “but no pony is being deceived here except you” “What do you mean?” asked Spike “do you mean even Rarity knows?” “Yes Spike, I mean Knife Eyes” said Rarity “I’ve known even before this began” “You mean” stammered Knife Eyes “You …” “Let me make this clear for you, Spike” stated Rarity batting her eyelashes “I, Rarity Licorice Belle, take you Knife Eyes to be my partner, for better or worse, in sickness or in health, in prosperity or depravity, this day and night, and for as many days and nights, forever, evermore.” “R - R - Rarity … ?” stammered Knife Eyes “Excuse me” said Twilight “If I may continue? Do you Spike, er, Knife Eyes take Rarity to be your partner, for better or worse, in sickness or in health, in a pithier of gems or starving, for this day and night, and forthcoming forever, evermore?” “I -I - I most certainly do” “Then by the power invested in me” said Twilight “I now pronounce you Mare and Colt. You may kiss the mare” And what a kiss it was. Rarity’s embrace was so aggressive that even Celestia blushed. “Mares and Gentlecolts” interrupted Twilight “May I be the first to present to you, the loving couple, Rarity and Knife Eyes” This brought a thunderous clopping of hooves by the assemblage. The butterflies overhead scattered and then reformed into a transparent cloud that shadowed the couple as they walked down the isle. “I didn’t teach them that trick” said Fluttershy “It will be our little secret” said Discord Elsewhere and later, Twilight confronted Uncle Knot “I don’t understand, I was expecting an attack, why didn’t you?” “Why didn’t I fulfill my third revenge?” answered Uncle Knot “because I didn’t need too” “Or is it because your revenge isn’t against Twilight” said Celestia “but against me?” “What?” asked Twilight “I thought Uncle Knot or Sumponeigh Knot Yew, was actually Sky” “Correct” stated Uncle Knot “And it was me” said Twilight “that deduced that Sky was a dragon hatched by Nightmare Moon” “What?” asked Luna “I don’t remember doing that” “You didn’t” said Uncle Knot “you are not my princess, Nightmare Moon is …” “… was” interrupted Twilight “I, using the elements of harmony, banished her forever” “So you did” said Uncle Knot “If I had any feelings for her, I would seek the most terrible revenge, as Spike would seek, if anything had happened to you” “But …” said Twilight “His feelings for Nightmare Moon are trapped” said Celestia “they are trapped inside that statue of Nightmare Moon behind you” “And it was time they were released” stated Uncle Knot “NO” said Celestia “you presented a great danger to Equestria before. Your wings threatened to stretched from horizon to horizon.” “Your fear is unwarranted, Celestia” said Uncle Knot “I have learned to control my shape and size in these past thousand years” and to demonstrate Uncle Knot transformed himself into a dark blue dragon with a white mane. “That … that’s not possible” exclaimed Celestia “Surprise, surprise Celestia” said Sky “How do you like me now?” “That’s not possible” echoed Twilight and Luna “Or perhaps you would prefer ..” Uncle Knot then transformed himself into a Pegasus, then a manticore, then a unicorn, then a griffin, and finally back into a earth pony. “So do you have any other objection to dispelling the statue?” asked Uncle Knot Celestia bowed her head and said “I can’t, I tried when I got my sister back. You were there, when Nightmare Moon returned” “Correct” said Uncle Knot “you were keeping me busy least I interfere with her return. You promised me that my suffering was at an end. You tricked me.” “But my magic wasn’t strong enough to dispel the statue” said Celestia “What suffering?” asked Luna “Answer me this Twilight Sparkle” demanded Uncle Knot “to dispel something made with magic, does it not take an equal or greater magic?” “Yes” said Twilight “But this statue was made with more than just magic” stated Uncle Knot “What do you mean by that?” asked Celestia “It was made … “ responded Uncle Knot “… was made with his love for Nightmare Moon” interrupted Luna “Then I’ll try again” said Celestia “my love for Equestria should be sufficient …” “NO” said Uncle Knot “your love for Equestria is insufficient. To dispel the statue requires your love for me to be greater” “My love for you … ?” asked Celestia “For a thousand years, I have acted as an extra set of eyes and ears for Equestria FOR YOU, I have retrieved dragon eggs for the magic academy FOR YOU, I have watched for the return of the Crystal Empire FOR YOU” said Uncle Knot “I am tired of living up to your expectations. We have exchanged over twelve thousand letters, we have debated the riddles of life, luck and love, we have faced dangers unnumbered together, and endured troubles most sorrowful together. Can you really truthfully say you have no feelings for me?” “Please, Princess Celestia” encouraged Twilight “try to dispel the statue now” “But you always told me …” said Celestia “… that to be around you was like looking upon the sun” said Uncle Knot “and that I would either go blind or fall in love …” “… and that you would not yield to blindness” said Celestia “All too true” said Uncle Knot “But would you yield to love?” asked Twilight “Wait, what?” said Celestia “Would Uncle Knot yield to your love sister?” asked Luna After a long moment, with Celestia head bowed and eyes closed, while Luna and Twilight watched expectantly, Uncle Knot said “my choice is clear, the statue remains” “But …” said Luna “I can now remove that which has stopped me from telling those special ponies like Zecora and Cadence how I feel about them” said Uncle Knot “But you will also get back your need for revenge against me” stated Twilight “That revenge is exceeded by a new need” said Uncle Knot “and that is to tell a certain special some pony how I feel about her” “But is your magic strong enough?” asked Twilight “My magic is not in question” said Uncle Knot as he approached the statue. The statue started to shimmer as a black shadow horn appeared on Uncle Knot’s head. With the gentlest of touch, Uncle Knot tapped the statue. Nothing happened at first, but then the gray statue turned black and purple. It looked like it was moving as it turned to small stones which became dust that drifted away on the wind. “So you’re finally free” said Celestia “And your feelings of revenge?” asked Twilight “Yes, I am finally free, free from my duties” said Uncle Knot “and free from my need for revenge” “That’s a good thing?” asked Twilight “And now I can finally tell those I love that I love them” said Uncle Knot “starting with the most special some pony I could ever want to tell. Celestia, I love you” “…” said Celestia not really saying anything “I’m so sorry” said Luna “Yeah” said Uncle Knot “It is said” said Twilight “it is better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all” “That is little comfort” said Uncle Knot “So what will you do now?” asked Luna “I think” said Uncle Knot “I’m overdue for a vacation. Time to say good bye, nice to meet you Luna, and you Twilight” “Yes, Uncle Knot” responded Twilight “Look after Celestia for me” The Star ChamberIn the Star Chamber “My dear brother Knot” said Mr. Yew “What a fantastic story, your proposed serano of what might happen should you seek OUR revenge in Ponyville is only slightly amazing” “Indeed” said Professor Sum P “while there is nothing technically wrong with your proposal. The eventual ending is less than satisfactory” “I must concur with our brothers, Knot” said Lt O’Neigh “I of all of us best know that any plan, even such a well thought out one, would not survive contact with the enemy. There are too many independent variables to your battle plan for revenge. Besides …” “Besides?” asked Knot “We need not seek out our revenge with those who destroyed our mother - Nightmare Moon” said Prof Sum P “Why not?” asked Knot “What of our dragon code?” “We are not really dragons anymore” said Mr. Yew “and Nightmare Moon’s destruction was not absolute” “What do you mean?” asked Knot “What Twilight and her friends did with the elements of harmony only separated Luna from the power of Nightmare Moon” said Prof Sum P “We need to be vigilant least that power find a new home” said Lt O’Neigh “Indeed we may have to induce that power to return to Luna” said Mr. Yew “for our counter measure is crafted for the Luna/Nightmare Moon combination. Adjustments for an unexpected host could take dangerous amount of time.” “No” said Lt O’Neigh “I will not allow Luna to be the subject of such an experiment. She has suffered enough and there is no evidence that that dark power will ever return” “Nor is there evidence that it, our mother, will not return” said Sum P “What does our guest think?” asked Uncle Knot “Yes, answer us, Sunset Shimmer of that other world” said Sum P “First, WOW, this is better than any holodeck from Star Trek. I could feel the rumblings of the train when it pulled into Ponyville. I could smell what the other ponies were smelling. I tasted the foods they ate, even though I was not eating. And the most fantastic thing of all was hearing the thoughts of the other ponies. This was more than a recreation of what you had planned out, Uncle Knot. This was like a projection of unexpected events playing out in front of us.” “We are not familiar with what holodecks are or star trek. But you seemed to have grasped the purpose of the Star Chamber, Sunset Shimmer of the other world” said Prof Sum P. “The Star Chamber takes the thoughts and will of the giver and projects a possible conclusion, not only based on the giver’s will, but also on the subconscious of all the participants. Our subconscious thoughts acted as checks upon the presentation.” “I see, but please stop calling me ‘Sunset Shimmer of the other world’, just call me Sunset Shimmer, or Sunset, or Captain Shimmer. Thank you again for the Argyle, my airship. It is a wonderful gift.” “And you have used it so well” said Mr. Yew “You and your crew have aided us many times, and in addition, you have done great work locating, assessing, and when necessary disabling inter-dimensional doorways. Only ancient threats like Sombra, Discord, Tirek, Crysalis, and Nightmare Moon have threatened the realm since you started working here. New monsters and dangers that could have come through dimensional doorways you have either blocked or neutralized. Thank you so much and all Equestria would thank you, if they knew of your glory.” “Glory is not why I am here, is it?” asked Sunset “No, you know of our plan for revenge and you need not concern yourself with that.” said Knot “But you also need to know of the threat of the return of Nightmare Moon’s power” “Wait” said Prof Sum P “you had another comment to make about Knot’s presentation. What was it?” “Well, yes” responded Sunset “Knot, I know your, er, simulation comes from your heart, and that you want to tell Celestia how you feel about her, and that the stature where you keep your love blocks this…” “Go on” said Knot “So why not tell Celestia of your feelings for her here in the star chamber?” asked Sunset “But I can’t tell her I love her while the statue remains” said Knot “But you were able to tell her in the simulation, so bring her here and tell her here” said Sunset “It might work” said Lt O’Neigh “A radical solution” said Mr. Yew “An interesting experiment” said Prof Sum P “ … “ said Knot “Ha ha ha” laughed Lt O’Neigh “our brother is speechless” “That’s a first” said Prof Sum P “I’m … “ said Knot “You’re scared” said Lt O’Neigh “Shut up” said Knot “I will not, Knot” said Lt O’Neigh “You have always been the bravest of us, and here you are with the solution to your heart ache and you’re afraid” “So this is what fear is” said Knot “Do you fear her rejection?” asked Sum P “I think he fears her acceptance” said Sunset “I don’t …” said Knot “So here is what we’ll do” said Lt O’Neigh “invite Celestia to the Star Chamber for tea. Make it a light dinner or ‘low tea’ with candlelight and soft music” “isn’t that called a ‘high tea’” asked Sunset “In some un-enlightened circles it is” said Prof Sum P “but in fact high tea was a large meal that the common workers would eat at the end of the day, and low tea was a light meal for the high society types” “We have more pressing business to discuss” said Knot “I know” said Sunset “May I guess?” “Go on” said Prof Sum P “You have a plan to trap the power that turned Luna into Nightmare Moon inside the Star Chamber, and you wanted me to know about it, just in case something happened to you” “Very good” said Prof Sum P “our investment in you is paying large dividends” “Actually we wanted you to know if anything happened to any one of us” said Lt O’Neigh “the plan requires four of us” “We have to use the Star Chamber into tricking the power of Nightmare Moon into thinking she has won” said Mr. Yew “and them sealing her inside here forever” “But we’d be sealed inside her with her” said Sunset “An acceptable sacrifice” said Knot “Says you!” exclaimed Sunset “Why does it take four to do this?” “We would have to take turns maintaining the deception of the illusion that the Star Chamber provides” said Sum P “and if possible we would also need to be reinforcing the illusion that even if the ‘power of Nightmare Moon’ discovered the Star Chamber, she would in fact be only discovering the illusion of a fake Star Chamber” “What the professor is saying” said Knot “is that we don’t know if this will work, but it is our best option, if we ever need it” “So you still think this power will seek out Luna?” asked Sunset “Probably” said Sum P “There is some pony more likely that this terrible power will seek out” said Sunset “Oh, who?” asked Mr. Yew “The one most responsible for her defeat last time” said Sunset “Twilight Sparkle” Pinkie's confusion“Hello Cranky, Hello Matilda” “Hello Pinky” “Shush, don’t tell her” whispered Cranky to Matilda “Don’t tell me what” said Pinky “That we are going to the train station” volunteered Matilda “Are you going on a trip?” “No, we meeting some pony” answered Matilda “Oh, who?” asked Pinky “Don’t tell her” whispered Cranky “Cranky’s former boss” said Matilda “Oh, he’s the reason Cranky is so cranky today” ventured Pinky “No Pinky” interrupted Cranky “I’m the reason I am Cranky” “So what is your old boss’s name?” asked Pinky At this a mischievous smile crossed over Cranky’s face as he answered “Some Pony Not You” “So you’re not going to tell me?” asked Pinky “Actually, I just did” said Cranky “His name is some pony not you” “Some pony not me?” asked Pinky “Of course, he is some pony not me” “No not ‘not me’, not you” said Cranky “Oh, that’s a quadruple negative!” said Pinky This conversation would have continue if not for the interruption of a zebra “The sky looks like rain, since we are all going to the train” said Zecora “Are you going on a trip?” asked Pinky “No I am going to my uncle Knot to meet” responded Zecora “When he comes to visit it is always a treat” “Oh I like sweet treats and caramel treats and chocolate treats” said Pinky “but what is a not your uncle treat?” “Uncle he is not” said Zecora “so I call him uncle Knot” “As in some pony not you” said Cranky “Of course, silly, he is not me” said Pinky “I’m me, at least for the moment I’m me” “So Zecora’s uncle Knot is also some pony not you?” asked Matilda “Uncle Knot has many names” said Zecora “and also a brown and tan mane” Upon arriving at the station, Pinky looked down the track toward Canterlot. Seeing nothing she turned her head the other direction, as the others had already done and saw the approaching train. It’s engine hissed steam as it came into the station and lined up with the platform. It was smaller the Pinky expected, consisting of an engine, a wood car for fuel, two coaches and a freight car. The front of the engine has a double ‘E’ symbol as well as matching smaller copies of the symbol on the coaches. Pinky was excited at the prospect of meeting a new pony, but Zecora also appeared excited. Zecora waited until the train stopped and then rushed inside the 1st Carriage. Cranky and Matilda looked over at Pinky and she returned the stare. All were wondering if they should board the carriage after Zecora and Pinky was about to chase Zecora, when the engineer in his cap, climbed down from the engine onto the platform. Cranky approached the smut covered engineer and exchanged a bro hoof. “Well meet Cranky” said Uncle Knot “Well meet Some Pony Not You” said Cranky Zecora came out of the 2nd carriage and exclaimed loudly “My uncle is not on the train” “Then you must be insane” said Uncle Knot jokingly “Uncle Knot, Uncle Knot, Uncle Knot” exclaimed Zecora as she ran back “Yeah, its me, glad to see you a lot” said Uncle Knot. Zecora leaped at Uncle Knot and he caught her with a big hug. Big in that Uncle Knot is really big - bigger that even Big Mac or Celestia. “So how is my favorite niece?” asked Uncle Knot “Were you tending the engine fire?” asked Zecora “and did you buy it, rent, or lease?” “I ran the engine cause the crew had some errand dire” answered Uncle Knot “Excuse me” said Cranky “do you two always talk that way?” “Of course they do” said Matilda “They do?” asked Pinky “Yes, we do” said Uncle Knot “some while back when Zecora was just a little foal, I taught her to speak in rhythm least she talk my ears off” “But you’re not speaking in rhythm to us” observed Pinky “Not unless you want me too” said Uncle Knot “and who are you?” “Me, I’m Pinky Pie” “Oh, how convenient” said Uncle Knot “I want to arrange a party” Strange DoingsSweetie Belle, Scootaloo, and Apple Bloom are in the club house. “What are you smiling about Sweetie Belle?” asked Apple Bloom “It’s a secret” “What kind of a secret?” asked Scootaloo “He said if I didn’t tell he would join our club” said Sweetie Belle “Who said that?” asked Apple Bloom and Scootaloo “I can’t tell” said Sweetie Belle “it’s a secret” “I have a secret too” said Apple Bloom “Oh what?” asked Scootaloo “I saw Applejack eating cheesecake with cherries on top” said Apple Bloom “and I had a slice with apple slices and chocolate” “Applejack eating cherries!” said Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle “Girls! Come down here” yelled Applejack for below. The cutie mark crusaders came out onto the porch of their tree house “We were going to have a sleepover” whined Apple Bloom “You still are, but not in the treehouse tonight” said Applejack “Granny and Big Mac say the timber wolves are acting strange, so we want you three in the house tonight.” “But AJ” whined Apple Bloom “Get yourselves down here right now!” yelled Applejack “some thing strange is going on and we need to hurry” The three fillies raced down to catch Applejack as she broke into a canter, forcing the fillies to gallop just to keep up. They got back to the house without incident. At the house, Applejack left the fillies in the charge of Big Mac and Granny. She gallop off to the library to see Twilight. Something strange was in the air and she had this feeling that the elements of harmony would be needed.
A dangerous conversationThe next morning Twilight opened her eyes to the dawn and some sharp knocking upon the library door. It was such a peaceful morning outside the window. The sky breath warmth and light turning to look at the cookoo clock, Twilight realized that it was 8:35 “Oh my, Spike wake up!” “What?” “We’re late to open the library” “It’s Saturday Twilight” responded Spike “No pony comes early to the library on …” More knocking could be heard upon the door “Answer the door Spike!” demanded Twilight “I have to fix my mane” Spike reluctantly complied “Good morning Zecora” said Spike “come on in” “Good morning Spike” said Zecora “Good morning” said a 2nd voice “we had a pleasant hike” Zecora and the stranger entered the library single file. Zecora came 1st. The 2nd larger pony ducked his head as he entered. The library seemed very suddenly very small to Spike. “Good morning Zecora” said Twilight as she came down the stairway. She stared at Zecora’s larger companion. Worse - the larger companion stared back. He stared back at the pony upon the stairway with an indescribable expression. The hairs on Twilight’s mane stood on end at the emotions she was feeling. “Good morning Twilight, as you can see” said Zecora “I have brought a very special pony with me” “Good morning Miss Sparkle, tis a pleasure to meet” said the stranger “some pony who has done so many wonderful feats” the stranger continued “I am not your uncle, but you may call me Uncle Knot. Knot with a ‘k’ as in a way to fasten a rope” “So what brings you to my realm of literature?” asked Twilight “I come bearing gifts” said Uncle Knot and with that comment he pulled a book from his saddle bag. “These are my notes on how to turn a dragon into a pony” “What !” exclaimed Spike “Could that really work?” asked Twilight “Yes it can, but there are certain conditions” said Uncle Knot “Conditions?” asked Twilight “Firstly, only Zecora, Spike, myself and you may know of this” said Uncle Knot “Who?” said Owliwiscious “Okay, you too, but no pony else” said Uncle Knot “secondly, Spike must write a letter describing how he feels about you, Twilight” “Why?” asked Spike “So we will have a way to turn you back into a dragon” said Uncle Knot “But what if I don’t want to become a dragon again?” asked Spike “That thought had not occurred to me” said Uncle Knot “but remember Spike, this is only a test spell, a more permanent solution requires this paliminary research” “I concur” said Twilight “Spike, being a dragon is who you were meant to be” “And finally, Spike, this magic comes with a cost” said Uncle Knot “How much do I have to pay?” asked Spike “No exchange is necessary of bits, upon your heart will come the hits” said Zecora “to be sure dear is the price, for as in love, lucky is the dice” “Very cryptic Zecora” said Uncle Knot “but right on target” “I don’t think Spike is ready for this” said Twilight “Understood” said Uncle Knot “But Twilight, I know I’m ready” said Spike “Enough, we’ll talk about this latter” said Twilight “There is another option to consider” said Uncle Knot “Oh, what is that? Turning a pony into a dragon?” said a sarcastic Twilight “An interesting idea, but no, there is a necessity to enable Spike to get his wings” said Uncle Knot “And what price would he pay for that?” asked Twilight “Significantly more, but he might avoid the cost through the use of the first spell” said Uncle Knot “How do you, Uncle Knot, know these spells?” demanded Twilight “It has been my duty to know all sorts of things.” “And who gave you these duties?” “Celestia” responded Uncle Knot “You mean Princess Celestia?” “Of course, as you say” said Uncle Knot “So you wouldn’t mind if I consulted her about this magic?” asked Twilight “Yes I would mind” said Uncle Knot “Surely you know how important it would be to do some research and surprise her with the result” “Yes, I do” responded Twilight “So you can sympathize with my desire to keep this confidential?” said Uncle Knot “Well, I still don’t know … “ said Twilight “But” interrupted Spike “No ‘buts’ Spike” said Twilight “It is most improper to interrupt your governess” said Uncle Knot “So I will leave you to think it over, if you have a change of mind, contact Zecora, she will know where to find me” With that Uncle Knot left, leaving Zecora, Spike and Twilight to think about things. “You’re not going with him?” asked Twilight “He told me to stay a bit, said you might have a question or two” said Zecora “that by asking me might get an answer that fits or at least a puzzle solved is due” ”Alright, how long have you known Uncle Knot?” asked Twilight “Since I was a foal in my home land” said Zecora “far across the world over ocean and sand. He adopted me when I was in peril and called me his little pet sparrow” “Do you think his plan to help give either wings to Spike or let him be a pony for a few days will work?” asked Twilight “Yes his plan will work, they always do” answered Zecora “but not always by book and clerk, that could hide a clue” “Thank you Zecora” said Twilight showing her to the door “we will talk about this latter” “Just think Twilight if I could grow my wings I could keep up with you” said Spike “But the price you may have to pay yourself may be very painful” said Twilight “Growing up is painful” responded Spike “I can handle it” “But are you ready for that type of pain?” “Well, at least, let me be a pony for a few days” “I just don’t like the restriction of not being able to talk with any pony about this” “You can talk with Zecora” offered Spike “I want to talk to Celestia about this” “But wouldn’t you rather surprise her with this magic?”
For the price of a songOutside Fluttershy’s home, near a tree where her bird friends had gathered to sing. Fluttershy is conducting the birds in her bird band and as they finish their piece, a stranger addresses Fluttershy “Hello miss” said Uncle Knot “your birds sing very nice. What a wonderful concert they treated me too” “Hello” said Fluttershy “My name is some pony not you” said Uncle Knot “and I believe you are Miss Flut-ter-shy?” “Yes, I think I have to go now” said Fluttershy “I was hoping you would introduce me to some of your animals” said Uncle Knot “REALLY! HAVE YOU COME TO ADOPT ONE?” asked Fluttershy “No, I only adopt ponies” said Uncle Knot smiling “So tell me how long have you been living here? “Since I came to Pony Ville” said Flutter shy “and you look familiar. Have we meet?” “Maybe, but I don’t think I could forget such a pretty young filly” said Uncle Knot “Oh my” said the blushing Fluttershy “I love what you did with the old place” commented Uncle Knot “did it cost very much to buy it?” “B-b-buy it?” queried Fluttershy “Yes, I suppose some pony sold it to you so are you renting it?” stated Uncle Knot “Renting it” queried Flutter shy “Oh my” “Oh, but wait, I am so glad to hear that no pony tried to sell it to you as I still have the deed here in my saddlebag” said Uncle Knot pulling a deed out of his saddle bag “Me and my animal friends will move out right away” said Flutter shy “if that is okay with you” “It is certainly NOT OKAY” said Uncle Knot “you have made SERIOUS ALTERATIONS to the old place that make it UNUSEABLE to me. I think I shall allow you to stay and pay rent” “Rent, oh my” said Flutter shy “I can’t really afford too much, with food for all my animal friends there isn’t very many bits left” “Well perhaps you can have your birds sing for your rent” said Uncle Knot “The ponies of Pony Ville don’t pay very much for my birds to sing to them” said Flutter shy “they don’t even pay enough for the bird seed” “No, Miss Fluttershy” said Uncle Knot “that type of thinking will not due. Have your birds SING TO ME to pay the rent” “Of course, now I remember you” said Fluttershy “your father’s portrait hung above the mantle place when I first moved in” “That wasn’t my father” said Uncle Knot “that was me. I got rid of my bushy mustache years ago, since they are no longer in style” “But I thought that portrait was very old” said Fluttershy “It is very old” said Uncle Knot “do you still have it?” “I put it in the attic” answered Fluttershy “do you want it now?” “No thank you” responded Uncle Knot “keep it until I grow myself a new home” “But where are you staying?” asked Fluttershy “and did you say ‘grow’?” “The railroad is lending me space at the moment and call me ‘Uncle Knot’” :”Why are you being so nice to me and my animal friends?” asked Fluttershy “Because if I were to claim all my land and property back - half of Pony Ville would have to move away” said Uncle Knot “That’s very nice of you” said Fluttershy “In addition the land I still possess has risen in value because Pony Ville is here” said Uncle Knot “what concerns me most is that a certain princess seems to have been giving away my land and property” “Oh no“ said Fluttershy “Not Twilight” “Not Twilight is correct” said Uncle Knot “thank you for this month’s bird concert. I hope to see you before next months…” “LOOK OUT” shouted Rainbow Dash arriving and scattering the birds off the tree. “Did you see my latest trick Fluttershy?” then noticing she wasn’t alone repeated her question “did you both see how awesome I was?” “Rainbow Dash” said Fluttershy trying to introduce “this is some pony not you” “No Miss Dash, we didn’t see your new trick” said Uncle Knot “I bet it was smashing” “Smashing? It was awesome, cool, and radical” exclaimed Rainbow Dash “so Fluttershy who is this old starch?” “I’m her Uncle Knot” interrupted Uncle Knot Pinky Pie then interrupted “his is also Zecora’s Uncle Knot too” “So his is not Zecora’s uncle” said Rainbow Dash “Do you always appear out of nowhere Pinky?” asked Uncle Knot “He is not my uncle either” said Fluttershy “Pretty much” said Pinky “so he is Fluttershy’s Uncle Either, Zecora’s Uncle Knot, and my Uncle Too” “I’m hungry” said Rainbow Dash “Nice to meet you Hungry” said Pinky “I’m too” “Nice to meet you Miss Too” said Uncle Knot “Shall we seek out some refreshments?” “Do you mean go to Sugarcube Corner and get something to eat?” said Fluttershy “Either” said Rainbow Dash “That’s Uncle Either to you” said Pinky The group of four began their arduous trek to the pastry shop. Pinky bouncing along with Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash flying at eye level to Uncle Knot, while continuing this conversation. “What kind of pony name is Uncle Knot?” asked Rainbow Dash “Silly Dashie” said Pinky “he is not our uncle so we call him uncle not” “But he is your uncle Too” responded Rainbow Dash “Silly Dashie” said Pinky “he is my Uncle Knot, not my uncle two” Rainbow Dash hoof her head in a grimace “What is his name?” “Some Pony Not You” answered Pinky “Yeah, I know he is not some pony not me” said Rainbow Dash “Oh no Rainbow Dash” interrupted Flutter shy “he is not some pony not me, he is some pony not you” “She’s right” said Pinky “he is some pony not you” “So who is uncle too?” asked Fluttershy “I call myself Sumponeigh Knot Yew or Uncle Knot” “I think I can call you some pony not my uncle” said Rainbow Dash “That’ll work” responded Uncle Knot “It will?” said Pinky “How do you do Some Pony Not My Uncle, it is always nice to meet a new pony” “But we already meet” said Uncle Knot “I already meet Some Pony Not You” said Pinky “and now I am meeting Some Pony Not My Uncle” “So where are you from?” asked Rainbow Dash “And why are you here?” asked Pinky “I am from around here” said Uncle Knot “before there was a here” “Oh, that was a long time ago” exclaimed Pinky Pie “Not that long ago” said Uncle Knot “Pony Ville has only been around 3 or 4 generations” “And why are you here?” asked Rainbow Dash “Collecting rent” muttered Fluttershy “Magical Experiments” said Uncle Knot “That sound like something Twilight would like to do” said Pinky “I can only hope so” said Uncle Knot “so tell me does Spike have a special some pony?” “Rar…” said Rainbow Dash “Shush” said Pinky “it’s a secret” “Some secret, ha ha” laughed Rainbow Dash “Every pony in Pony Ville knows that Spike likes…” “Shush” said Pinky “Thank you, but no thank you” said Uncle Knot “if it’s a secret, then I don’t need to know” The group of 4 entered Sugarcube Corner. Pinky returned to the kitchen as Uncle Knot ordered 3 slices of cheese cake topped with cherries. Fluttershy ate her slice nervously, while Rainbow Dash said “I won’t be able to fly for the rest of the day with this in my belly” As Fluttershy was about to take her last bit of cake, Applejack and Apple Bloom entered and immediately spotted their friends in the company of a strange and older brown pony. “Howdy” said Applejack “Oh Fluttershy” said Apple Bloom teasingly “you are so in trouble” “Oh my” said Fluttershy “Can we have it with (Apple Bloom gasps) cherries” asked Applejack “That is so traitorous” said Apple Bloom “You can have some cheesecake with apple slices and chocolate syrup” said Applejack “mmm” said every pony “Hi Applejack” said Pinky bounding out of the kitchen “Hi Pinky” responded Applejack “Let me introduce myself as Uncle Knot” said Uncle Knot “Oh yeah” said Applejack “I just had a long talk with Twilight about you” “Oh?” said Uncle Knot “She says you got some magic you would like to try” said Applejack “but she doesn’t know if she can trust you” “Did she tell you what it would do?” asked Uncle Knot “No” responded Applejack “she says it wouldn’t work if she tells” “mm” said Uncle Knot “It’ll still work if she talks about it, I just need her to keep it a secret until I get it to work” “Oh, so it is a big secret” said Pinky “Of course every pony thinks his or her secret is big and with me being as big as I am“ said Uncle Knot “big ponies always have big secrets” “That explains a lot about Big Mac” said Fluttershy :”What was that, sugar cube?” asked Applejack “Oh, never mind” said Fluttershy “Well, this has been delightful” said Uncle Knot” but I have one more errand to run. I must be going” “And that errand would be?” asked Pinky “I think I will need a new cape soon” said Uncle Knot “You should go to Rarity’s Carousel Boutique” said Applejack “she makes the greatest dresses” “Sounds good and where would that be?” “I can show you” volunteered Apple Bloom “We’ll both show you” said Applejack As Uncle Knot, Applejack and Apple Bloom left the shop, Rainbow Dash took to the sky and Fluttershy flew low home. Pinky went back into the kitchen to clean up at the Carousel Boutique. Applejack introduce Uncle Knot to Rarity while Apple Bloom spoke with Sweetie Belle. “Thank you Miss Applejack” said Uncle Knot “you and your sister were a fine assessor to my stroll” “Oh, a gentle colt” said Rarity Applejack looked puzzled. Directing her response to Applejack, Rarity said “that was a compliment to you and your sister for being such good company” “Or as some might reckon on the farm” said Uncle Knot “you have a nice … hat” Applejack turned a delicious shade of Roma apple at that. Yelled for Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom that they had to leave and quickly escaped Rarity’s boutique “Its nice to see some color in her visage” said Rarity “I hope I didn’t overdue it” said Uncle Knot “Maybe, but she needed it” said Rarity “ so what do you need from me?” “Discretion with a bit of sewing” said Uncle Knot “I am going to need a new cape” “Discretion is my middle name” said Rarity “can I use your cape to make a rough pattern?” “Of course” said Uncle Knot removing it. Rarity levitated it to her cutting table and started her tracing, trying not to look upon Uncle Knot. He was a big pony, bigger than Big Mac. Taught muscles seemed to play beneath his brown and tan fur. The mane also in brown and tan offset against his silhouette, and his eyes were big and green with narrow slits for pupils, almost like a changeling. But the real shocker for Rarity was… Sweetie Belle came charging through the fitting room “I forgot my back pack” “Sweetie Belle!” demanded Rarity “you are to KNOCK before entering the fitting room” “Sorry” Sweetie Belle yelled out as she scampered up the stairs, but only part way before stopping short. Her head turned around slowly and she stared open mouth at Uncle Knot. “You … you don’t have … a cutie mark?!” “So much for discretion” muttered Uncle Knot “Sweetie Belle! Go to your ROOM!” demanded Rarity “but … but … you don’t have a cutie mark!” said Sweetie Belle “Perhaps an explanation is in order” said Uncle Knot “I hunt the monsters that hide beneath the bed, I seek the beasties that lurk in the closet, I chase the troubles in your head, I squeeze the last drop of water from the facet. I cook the monsters for breakfast, I catch the bumps in the night for snacks, I hang the skins of shadows on the mast, I watch over your shoulder from behind your back. You have no need to worry, No cause to be afraid, Your lashes need not flurry, Your debts have all been paid. I am not your uncle, But you can call me 'uncle knot’ “ “In other words, the reason I do not have a cutie mark is because I am not cute” said Uncle Knot “and I need you to keep this secret for a few more days. Can you do that Sweetie Belle?” “Yes” said Sweetie Belle “would you like to be a cutie mark crusader?” “If you keep my secret, I would be most honored to join your illustrious group, now go get your backpack and rejoin your friends” Sweetie Bell ran up to her room, got her stuff and ran out. “I’m very sorry about that” said Rarity “you seem to be good with foals” “I have raised several orphans over the years” said Uncle Knot “like Zecora, she was one of my first” “Yes, she is a good friend of Twilight’s” said Rarity “but getting a new cape isn’t the real reason you came to my shop, is it?” “Quite right” said Uncle Knot “you are more perceptive than most. I have a much more difficult task for you”
Time Travel & TransformationsArriving at the library Applejack saw 3 cloaked ponies waiting a short distance discretely outside. One was clearly Uncle Knot by his size, beside him stood a mare about AJ’s size and another taller pony. Uncle nodded a greeting to AJ as she approached the library door. Applejack knocked, and Spike opened the door. Inside were Pinky, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, and Twilight discussing the strangeness of recent events. “Them timber wolves are acting real skittish” said Applejack “I bet it is all Fluttershy’s uncle’s fault” said Rainbow Dash “He is not my uncle” said Fluttershy “He is not my uncle too” said Pinky “Twilight” asked Applejack “ do you know what’s going on?” “I think I do” answered Twilight “Some pony not you is gathering magic to cast a spell. A spell I can’t tell you about. A spell I haven’t agreed to yet.” “Tell him to spot gathering” said Rainbow Dash “the clouds and winds are being most contrary” “I can’t” said Twilight “I couldn’t find him earlier” “Well shucks, he is right outside, seems to be waiting for something” Rainbow Dash and Twilight went to the door, looked out, and saw Uncle Knot standing next to another pony (also in a dark cloak). “Hey uncle not or uncle two” yelled Rainbow Dash “get in here we want to talk to you” “How can I refuse such a gracious invitation?” said Uncle Knot impassively “I’m sorry” said Twilight “would you please come inside and bring your ‘friend’ as well” “On behalf of my friend” said Uncle Knot “we gladly accept your hospitality” Once inside Pinky tried to get a good look at Uncle Knot’s companion, but she only seemed to sink deeper into her cloak. “I can sense you are getting ready to cast some type of magic” said Twilight “Yes, I am” said Uncle Knot “I am getting ready to send my apprentice on a little trip” “A teleportation spell?” asked Twilight “you are gathering a lot of power for it and how did you learn to gather magic like this? “It’s swirl magic, with it I gather all the little bits of leftover magic that are scattered all about and concentrate them for my spell” “Why do you need so much?” asked Pinky “It is a matter of how far away I have to send my apprentice” said Uncle Knot “allow me to introduce her, but wait, that would be silly. You already know her.” The mysterious pony pulled her cloak off with a flourish, revealing her white mane and blue fur. “Trixie!” exclaimed Rainbow Dash, Applejack and Twilight “Hello Twilight” said Trixie “Thank you for inviting me into your library” “You’re his apprentice?” asked Twilight “how or why would you ever be willing to be any pony’s student?” “His magic is greater and he is willing to teach me” responded Trixie “How do you know his magic is greater?” asked Twilight “Haven’t you noticed?” asked Trixie “He is an earth pony that can do magic” “But I thought it was because Zecora taught him” said Twilight “ha ha” laughed Uncle Knot “it is I who was Zecora’s teacher, many years ago” “You were Zecora’s teacher?” asked Twilight “how old are you?” “Old enough to have learned swirl magic” replied Uncle Knot “As in Star Swirl the bearded?” asked Twilight “So you know of Star Swirl” said Uncle Knot “Oh yes” said Twilight “She recently completed a spell of his” said Pinky “She’s a big fan of his” said Spike “she even made a costume for nightmare night” “A costume, really?” asked Uncle Knot “I would so like to see that” “But you are not here for a fashion show” commented Twilight “Indulge me, will you, we have time” “Alright, but I won’t wear it for you” said Twilight then turning to Spike “Spike go get it” “Already there” said Spike “Oh, very nice, hoof stitching, not from a machine” said Uncle Knot “look Trixie, she even did the bells” “Very nice” said Trixie taking the garment “I think I will need this” “Correct” said Uncle Knot “now before you go, repeat your instructions before I send you off” “As my first test as your apprentice, I must take a student that you are sending me too. I can not tell him my name, although I can call myself Great and Powerful. I will teach him all my magic, the swirl magic, and the elements of harmony… “Wait, what?” exclaimed Twilight “… the elements of harmony; loyalty, honesty, kindness, humor …” “Laughter” corrected Pinky “… laughter, and generosity. And also teach him that the sixth element must remain a mystery and that in exchange for my teaching he must never shave his beard again” finished Trixie As Twilight was about to interrupt again, Uncle Knot closed his eyes and summoned the last of the swirl magic. A black transparent horn appeared on his head and pulsed five times with five auras while Trixie vanished in a ball of bright white. “What have you done?” exclaimed Twilight “Where did you send her? Or should I say When?” “Quite right, Twilight” said Uncle Knot “’When’ is the correct term” “What has he done?” asked Fluttershy “Bring Trixie back” demanded Rainbow Dash “That was remarkably easy” commented Uncle Knot “Will she be okay?” asked Applejack “Yes, she will be okay” said Uncle Knot “at least the history book suggests so” “History book?!” exclaimed Twilight “Star Swirl’s history book” said Uncle Knot “more of a personal diary, which states that in his early days, he was instructed by a great and powerful unicorn in swirl magic and the elements of harmony” “So you sent TRIXIE back in time, to BE HIS TEACHER” screamed Twilight with her mane and tail bursting into flame momentarily. “Oh, yes” laughed Uncle Knot “it was worth it, just to see your reaction” “So how long before she returns?” asked Applejack “Return?” answered Uncle Knot “do you actually want her back?” “Of course we do” said Rainbow Dash “you don’t trap some pony in time” “Bring her back” demanded Pinky Pie “Moo ha ha” laughed Uncle Knot “your concern is so touching, but the matter is out of our control. Either Trixie teaches Star Swirl how to use the elements of harmony to send her back to us or she isn’t done teaching him.” “I can try” said Twilight “But you can’t” said Uncle Knot “you already use Star Swirl’s magic to go back in time once - you cannot repeat that again” "How do you know that? So I’ll send some pony to help Trixie” answered Twilight “But who would go?” asked Uncle Knot “We could send Rarity to help” said Fluttershy “she’s a unicorn” “I would” proclaimed Rainbow Dash “I would too” said Pinky “Me too” said Applejack “Wow, such commitment on behalf of Trixie” said Uncle Knot “and I thought you had problems with her” “We don’t abandon our friends” said Twilight “Friends” said Uncle Knot “you would claim her as a friend?” “Yes” said Applejack “We do” said Pinky “Trixie is our friend” said all “I don’t believe you” said Uncle Knot “say it louder” “TRIXIE IS OUR FRIEND” shouted the group of ponies With that, a bright white ball of light appeared and grew to contain the blue unicorn. Trixie had no moment to regain her bearings before she was mob hugged by the other ponies. “Tell us everything that happened” asked Twilight “How long have I been gone?” asked Trixie “Just a few necessary and long moments” said Uncle Knot “I was someplace, no sometime long ago. Every pony talked strange. There was no Pony Ville, only the tree house. There wasn’t even a Canterlot” said Trixie, then turning toward Uncle Knot “You put me in the middle of a dragon war!” “Yes, I did” said Uncle Knot “so sorry, it was the only way to be sure you would meet Star” “You mean Star Swirl the bearded?” commented Twilight “Well yes” answered Trixie “but they didn’t start calling him that until after I had taught him swirl magic. And thanks for that costume. It really made the others take him seriously.” “And the elements of harmony?” asked Uncle Knot “We had to make them from stones” said Trixie “it was very primitive, but I’m here so it worked” “Star Swirl sent you forward in time?” asked Twilight “He tried” said Trixie “but I think I got lost. Then I heard voices yelling that I was a friend and those voices guided me back” “So it comes to this Uncle Knot” said Twilight “I won’t let you cast that other spell unless I can tell my friends what you are doing” “Agreed” said Uncle Knot “but only those who are with you at this moment” “What is he going to do?” asked Applejack “He has a spell that will turn Spike into a pony for a few days and then help him grow wings” answered Twilight “Radical” said Rainbow Dash “Rarity will so love that” said Pinky “Where is Rarity?” asked Fluttershy “Uncle Knot, where is she?” demanded Trixie “She is in her shop” said Uncle Knot “Why wasn’t she here?” asked Twilight “First, she was busy with some project” said Uncle Knot “and second, I asked her not to come here tonight” “Why?” asked Spike “Do you want to gain your wings” countered Uncle Knot “Yes” said Spike “Why are his wings so important?” asked Twilight “As unicorns keep their magic in their horns” said Uncle Knot “so do dragons keep their smarts in their wings. Do you really want Spike to grow again into that greedy beast?” “How do you know this?” asked Applejack “I don’t” said Uncle Knot “I am only guessing, but you have evidence that suggests this. You have meet dragons with wings and again your Spike when he became a big dragon without wings. Did you not notice the relative difference in intelligence?” “Point granted” said Twilight “we can do this tomorrow” “Tomorrow may be too late” said Uncle Knot “I now have all that I need to know. Casting this spell is nearly irreverent to me, but probably important to Spike’s long term development” “What do you mean?” asked Spike “Elephants have big ears to cool their blood, likewise, dragons have big wings to cool their blood.” expounded Uncle Knot “Otherwise, large dragons without wings tend to cook their brains, eventually making them as stupid as a turnip” “Nooo!” exclaimed Spike “Twilight we have to do this now!” “Yes Spike” said Twilight “so it would seem” “Excellent” said Uncle Knot “Spike take a letter” “What’s an elephant?” asked Fluttershy “To whom?” asked Spike “To yourself” answered Uncle Knot “describe how you feel about Twilight, how she has been both mother and older sister to you, how you would never forget her” “Trixie” asked Uncle Knot “did you retrieve that sand I asked for from the ancient days?” “Yes” said Trixie hoofing it to him “I almost forgot” Spike finishes the letter and claws it to Uncle Knot, who makes a funnel of it and pours the sand into it. As the sand falls through the small opening at the bottom of the funnel, it takes on a purple and black glow, coalescing into a glass statue that becomes a beautiful transparent miniature of Twilight Sparkle. The purple and black glow now envelopes Spike, obscuring him from view. Then revealing a green pony with a pink mane and for a cutie mark; a vertical dagger overlapped by an eye. This new pony was about the same size as the other ponies with a dragon’s distinctive eyes and vertical pupils. “Allow me to introduce Knife Eyes” said Uncle Knot “Special Police Investigator Knife Eyes” “Special Police Investigator?” asked Rainbow Dash “Oh Spike” said Fluttershy “you look so, oh never mind” “You look dreamy” said Pinky “Thanks” said Spike “So Spike, how does it feel to be a pony?” asked Twilight “It’s different Princess” responded Spike nervously “No need to be so formal” said Applejack “Well okay” said Spike “except I know all of you ; Applejack, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Pinky Pie, and even Trixie, but who is this princess?” “Spike! It’s me, Twilight” said Twilight “Have we meet?” asked Spike “What!?” exclaimed Twilight “It’s a side effect of the transformation spell” commented Uncle Knot “all his memories and affection for you is trapped inside this pretty little statue of you Twilight” “Well undue that spell right now” demanded Twilight “I want my Spike back, right now!” “Excuse me princess” asked Spike “just what type of relationship goes on between us?” “What!? This is insane!” exclaimed Twilight “Remember the long term goal, Twilight” said Uncle Knot “It will only last for a few days” then directing his next comment to Spike “you can stay with me at the train station for the next few days. After all, as a special police investigator, you will be working with me” “But this is my home” said Spike “this is my library” “Trixie, please stay here with Twilight” said Uncle Knot “Tell her all about your adventures with Star Swirl” then turning to leave said “come along Special Police Investigator Knife Eyes” As Knife Eyes and Uncle Knot left, the tension in the room threatened to explode. Twilight’s eyes turned bright red, but she composed herself with a deep breath, waved her hoof, and said “It will be alright” “We better follow them” said Applejack “I’m with you” said Rainbow Dash “Okay” said Twilight “but just you two” “Okay, do key, Loki” said Pinky “Trixie” said Twilight “tell me about Star Swirl” “Well when I found myself still at the library without all of you and Pony Ville gone. I was a little confuse” said Trixie “but the Great & Powerful Trixie recovered, then I meet a young pony who called himself Star. He needed protection from the sky pirates who were trying to enslave him, so we hid in the library. Amazingly the sky pirates couldn’t see the tree house. They didn’t like the Trixie's Great & Powerful fireworks either and that drove them off. Then Star pledge to be my faithful student if only I would teach him a little of my magic.” “Did you teach him” asked Twilight “Of course” said Trixie “that’s what Uncle Knot told me to do” “What else did you teach him?” asked Twilight “I taught him the swirl magic and then about the elements of harmony” said Trixie “kindness, honesty, loyalty, generosity, and humor …” “Laughter” interrupted Pinky “Anything else?” asked Twilight “I told him that there was a sixth element” said Trixie “and that it must remain a secret” “Why must it remain a secret?” asked Fluttershy “Because it was me who discovered it” answered Twilight “No, Twilight” said Trixie “you misunderstood the meaning about this. There must always be an element that remains a secret and that if it is ever given a meaning, another element must be added” “What!?” exclaimed Twilight “Uncle Knot told me that your cutie mark changed” explained Trixie “when we first meet, you had one star surrounded by five stars. Now look at you, you have one surrounded by six. That’s the proof that you now need a 7th element.” “But I thought I got an additional star on my cutie mark when I became a princess” said Twilight “You did” said Pinky “I remember that I had been planning a party for you using your cutie mark as a decoration, but then it changed and I made a mess of the icing, and well, I ate the cake” “So now we have to find a pony with an another element of harmony” said Twilight “Not so fast” said Trixie “Uncle Knot told me you already have the 7th element nearby” “Who?” said Owliwisious “Who?” echoed the others “The Great & Powerful Trixie” said Trixie “You got the 7th element?” stated Fluttershy “That’s great” said Pinky “What is it?” asked Twilight The Great & Powerful Trixie’s element MUST remain a mystery” said Trixie “Trixie cannot tell you even if Trixie knew what it is, and I don’t”
ElopingRainbow Dash flew through the library window into the group of Twilight, Pinky, Fluttershy, and Trixie. “Twilight” shouted Rainbow Dash “this is so awesome” “Twilight” shouted Applejack coming through the library door “this is a disaster” “Awesome” said Dash “Disaster” said Applejack “What’s happening?” asked Twilight “Rarity and Spike are eloping” said Rainbow Dash and Applejack in unison “Eloping party” exclaimed Pinky “Oh no” shouted Fluttershy “That’s not suppose to happen” said Trixie “We have to stop them” said Twilight “Come on girls” as they all galloped out of the treehouse and toward … “Where are we going?” asked Twilight “The train station” answered Applejack and Rainbow Dash in chorus
Something wicked this way trotsAs Twilight, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Pinky Pie, and Fluttershy arrived at the train station, they encounter Rarity, Knife Eyes, Uncle Knot and the station conductor in a heated exchange. “You can’t shut down the train” said Rarity “I can” said the station conductor firmly “This is all your doing” said Knife Eyes accusing Uncle Knot “Yes, it is” said Uncle Knot “as a member of the board of railroad commissioners, I do have some influence here, and while I can’t dissuade you from eloping, I can suspend railroad service. Please reconsider your rash decision, and post pony …” “Oh, Twilight” said Rarity “I’ve found the most wonderful pony” “So I’ve heard” said Twilight “what is this about eloping?’ “We love each other” said Knife Eyes “And we want to be together forever” added Rarity “Ever and ever and ever and ever” said Knife Eyes “That’s four ever” said Pinky “What’s the rush?” asked Uncle Knot “But you’ve never been in love like this” responded Knife Eyes “YOU HAVE NO IDEA! Special Police INVESTIGATOR KNIFE EYES” yelled Uncle Knot “You MUST learn to think before you make a blanket statement like that!” “He’s quite right” said Rarity “we are sorry for being so unfeeling” “That’s right Rarity” said Twilight “you should consider the feelings of your friends before you make quick decisions like eloping” “Didn’t you want to share in your happiness with us?” asked Pinky “I’m so sorry” said Rarity “my only excuse is we were caught up in the excitement of being together” “So you won’t run off?” asked Applejack “No, we won’t run off” answered Rarity “No, we will stay” said Knife Eyes “Excellent” said Uncle Knot “Pinky are the party preparations I asked you to make, ready?” “Oh, yes” said Pinky “still waiting for some of the guests to respond to their invitations, but everything is ready” “Smashing” said Uncle Knot “perhaps, if some ponies would like, we could combine the party with a wedding ceremony and celebration?” “Oh, that would be delightful” responded Rarity “Wait, what?” said Twilight “Oh, darling” said Rarity to Twilight “I know this is sudden, but it’s just meant to be” “Now hold on there” interrupted Applejack “just what makes you think that your friends want this to happen” “Yes” said Fluttershy “it seems too sudden” “I think it’s awesome” said Rainbow Dash “And Princess Twilight can officiate at the wedding” volunteered Pinky “Wow, would you do that for us, Princess?” asked Knife Eyes “Of course Spi, spa, special investigator Knife Eyes” said Twilight “only don’t be so formal and call me Twilight” “Yes Princess, er, Princess Twilight” answered Knife Eyes Puff “What’s this a wedding?” “Discord!” said every pony in chorus “How did you find out?” asked Twilight “I just happened, not on purpose mind you, to look over Celestia’s shoulder when she was reading about an invitation to a party and now it has become a wedding as well. How delicious” said Discord “so I’m oh so happy to drop in” “I didn’t put you on the invitation list” said Uncle Knot “Purely an oversight” said Discord “I’m sure” “How smashing” said Uncle Knot “it is so nice to meet you, for the first time” “Why yes” said Discord “I know so little about you, and I look forward to getting to know you better” “Alas, I know more than I would want to know about you” said Uncle Knot “maybe some things you do not even know” “Oh, how curious” said Discord “me not know something, how incredulous” “Things like responsibility, dependability “said Uncle Knot “kindness …” “Kindness” said Discord “why Fluttershy has been most instructive in … “ “It seems our audience has slipped away” commented Uncle Knot “So it would seem” said Discord “it has been so nice meeting you Sumponeigh Knot Yew, I’ll be back for the party” “Of course you will” said Uncle Knot “do tell …” Puff “Celestia, oh, never mind, I seem to be talking to the wind” said Uncle Knot, noticing that he was alone at the train station.
The Standard Wedding ArgumentOn a grassy hill between the Everfree forest and Pony Ville, tents and pavilions had been set up presenting all sorts of snacks for the guests to consume. Some pavilions acted as private changing rooms, like the one in which Rarity was getting dress in her gown with the help of Fluttershy and Granny Smith. Some tents acted as hiding places for others like Knife Eyes. Some were being guarded. Ponies from Pony Ville drifted into the area and were welcomed by Pinky or reluctantly by Uncle Knot. With one exception, three dark cloaked figures had come from the train station. They were taller than most, and generated much speculation and gossip. Princess Twilight was annoyed at Uncle Knot’s secret guests and insisted on disclosure. Uncle Knot complied, which later brighten Twilight’s countenance dramatically. Princess Twilight greeted Princess Celestia, Princess Luna and Discord upon the grassy hill. Celestia seemed uncustomary nervous and asked “Where is Spike?” “Oh, he’s getting ready” answered Twilight “So he’s a part of this too?” asked Luna “Of course” said Twilight “Special Police Investigator Knife Eyes is the groom” “Wait, what?” exclaimed Celestia “what do you mean?” “Oh, I’m sorry” said Twilight “I guess I spoiled Uncle Knot’s surprise. He discovered a way to turn a dragon …” “… into a pony” interrupted Celestia with a look of utter horror on her face. “What is wrong, sister?” asked Luna “How could I be so blind” said Celestia “that’s why he picked this place” “Oh, this promises to be fun” commented Discord “Wait” asked Twilight “did I do something wrong? Is there anyway to stop it?” “No, Twilight” said Celestia “I’ve known Uncle Knot long enough to know he has always been planning this, and has a counter plan for anything we might do” “So what shall we do sister?” asked Luna Celestia responded “Smile and play …” “… our parts” interrupted Uncle Knot “for we are all pawns upon the stage, fretting this way and that” “Who art thou?” demanded Luna interposing herself between and Celestia “Verily, I have been most remiss” said Uncle Knot doffing his hat and bowing with his eyes closed “I be thy most humble servant and vassal of Equestria, known in the common vulgar as Sumponeigh Knot Yew” “Very well” said Luna “what mischief have thee wrought?” “Mischief?” responded Uncle Knot “mischief, nay. As a simple vassal, not mischief but due tell if thee but prick me, will I not bleed? If thee but wrong me, will I not seek revenge?” “Revenge!” exclaimed Twilight “I knew you were trouble” “Tell us of the revenge thou hast sought” asked Luna “Revenge trice rewarded already” answered Uncle Knot “against thee, Twilight Sparkle” “What?!” exclaimed Twilight “I don’t understand” “Then in more common usage, I sought revenge for the discomfort and inconvience you have three times caused me” said Uncle Knot “ and I have received my reward three times as well. First you hatched Spike” “Why would you want revenge for that?” asked Twilight “Who do you think gathers dragon eggs for the magic academy?” asked Uncle Knot rhetorically “did you not think it odd, that a plebe on her first day of school would be asked to hatch a dragon egg? Did you not noticed that you were the only student to have a pet dragon? Didn’t you realize that the first exam was a way to evaluate not your power but your character to handle stress, pressure, and failure” “But I passed the test” said Twilight “I hatched the egg” “Yes, you hatched the egg” said Uncle Knot “an egg I had taken special effort to get for some pony else” “Who?” asked Twilight “Think on it” answered Uncle Knot “they are both pink” “And what revenge did you receive?” asked Celestia “I stole her beloved pet” said Uncle Knot “he has no memory of her, and interesting coincidence, eh Celestia” “But when he becomes a dragon again” said Twilight “he will get it back? Right, that’s what you told me?” “Yes” said Uncle Knot “he will, but the pain you felt to think you had lost him fulfilled the first requirement of my revenge.” “Oh, I’m beginning to like you” commented Discord “Shut up, Discord” said Fluttershy, as she had joined the group along with Applejack and Rainbow Dash. “And your second revenge?” queried Celestia “I sent the ridiculously self promoting ‘Great & Powerful’ Trixie back in time to teach the unicorn most idolized by Twilight, the magic Star Swirl would need to become powerful enough to help the good king establish Canterlot” said Uncle Knot “it is such a delicious joy to me to see Twilight’s anger at my choice, and I may take future comfort knowing she will always know” “Trixie is a lot better than you give her credit for” said Twilight Puff “The Great & Powerful Trixie has appeared” said Trixie “My fireworks are ready for tonight” “Indeed” said Uncle Knot “but stay, you have been missing the fireworks here. I have never doubted her ability Twilight Sparkle. Did I not bring her to your attention because I noticed long ago she had an element of harmony?” “And why didst thou seek this second revenge?” asked Luna “Because she hast cost me the most precious of moments” said Uncle Knot “a moment in time that cannot be repeated. The wedding of Cadence.” “And why would that be important?” asked Applejack “Because Uncle Knot should have been there to give me away” said Cadence, removing her cloak as she and Shining Armor and one other (still cloaked pony) joined the every enlarging crowd of ponies gathering on the grassy hill. “Cadence” greeted Twilight “why would he do that for you?” “Uncle Knot found me first, adopted me and brought me to Canterlot” answered Cadence “he taught me ‘sunshine, sunshine, ladybugs aw…” “But you never did master the second verse; ‘moonlight, moonlight, fireflies awake, make a wish and do a little shake” said Uncle Knot “I remember that!” exclaimed Luna “where did you learn that?” “You don’t remember?” said Uncle Knot “Do you Luna?” Celestia then interrupted “you should go back to the palace Luna. It’s getting dangerous here” “Nay, dearest sister” said Luna “I would face any danger with you, even this pompous Uncle Knot” “Well said, Princess of the Night” stated Uncle Knot “Well said” “Ha ha, pompous” laughed Discord “pompous, ha ha, that’s it, we will perish from his pomposity” “A much better fate than dying from your selfishness and irresponsibility Discord” retorted Uncle Knot “But I’m Discord” said Discord “But you didn’t have to be” stated Uncle Knot “you could have been a source of joy and laughter for Celestia. You could have helped her escape the stress of being new to the throne. She and Luna were so unsure of themselves then, but in your jealousy for the priority of time they gave to Equestria, you turned selfish and evil and forced them to turn you to stone.” “I, I, I don’t remember much from that time” stuttered Discord “And how do you know? You weren’t there. I don’t remember you.” "There is more to your story than you want to know. Has not both Celestia and Twilight demonstrated knowledge of King Sombra's magic? Of course they have, and did you know that his magic causes fear because it causes one to FORGET why they have courage." “You don’t remember me from then” said Uncle Knot “because I wasn’t hatched until after you were turned to stone!” “Hatched?” asked Twilight “did you say hatched?” “Yes, Twilight” said Celestia “he said hatched” “Miss Twilight, does it not seem odd that I would devote time to understanding how to turn a dragon into a pony? Did you really think it was the first time it happened?” asked Uncle Knot “Wait, what?!” said Twilight “did you hatch a dragon, Princess Celestia?” “So affirmed” stated Luna “but not this vulgar and pompous creature before us” “Oh, such stinging words” responded Uncle Knot “do the stars still twinkle with thy smile?” “What?” answered Luna “And do thy gossamer wings still whisper our dreams with each flight?” asked Uncle Knot “WHO ART THOU?” demanded Luna “WE WILL NOT TAKE ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR THY WELFARE!” “Thank you” said Uncle Knot with a smile “what a boom it is to quit thy residence and thy hospitality, but I still have one little revenge left to claim” “I’m beginning not to like you anymore Uncle Knot” said Discord “What dragon did Celestia hatch?” “Still being selfish Discord, can’t wait your turn, answer this; would a rose by any other name still smell as sweet?” asked Uncle Knot “or would a dragon equus…” “… would a dragonequus by any other name still be a dragon” stated Discord before crumpling into a ball of distress at Celestia’s feet. “It will be okay” said Fluttershy “I didn’t know” cried Discord “Celestia I didn’t remember, I’m so sorry, ... mommy” “ALRIGHT Sumponeigh Knot Yew” yelled Twilight “I’m ready for your last revenge, but I warn you I think I know who you really are” “Impressive, at last, my compliments Twilight” countered Uncle Knot “your intelligence may have come to understand, but your awareness is certainly lacking. Do you know where you are?” “I know that I am standing with my friends facing a loveless creature who turns helpfulness into harm, who turns kindness into cruelty” said Twilight “just to fulfill his need for revenge” “Did you hear that Celestia?” asked Uncle Knot “she called me loveless” “Another victory to you Uncle Knot” said Celestia “still, it seems hollow to me” “Hollow is the key, we should have an armistice” suggest Uncle Knot “to regroup and prepare. After all we have a wedding to attend to, who would want to spoil Rarity’s special day? Twilight, you have a marriage to officiate at and poor me, I have a bride to escort down the isle.” “You!” cried out Rainbow Dash “that’s Rarity’s dad’s job” “He has consented that honor to me in compensation for that function that both Twilight and Celestia cost me” said Uncle Knot “as a special favor to Celestia” “So you know about that too” said Celestia “I know I asked you Celestia to postpone the wedding until I could return. I know it was you who pushed up the wedding for Shining Armor and Cadence, so that no matter what effort I could make, I would not arrive in time.” said Uncle Knot “I know that when I warned you of a danger, you pressed on, drafting Shining Armor to protect Canterlot.” “And I know it was you that sent Chrysalis into Canterlot” countered Celestia “THOU ART GUILTY OF TREASON, KNAVE!” spoke Luna “No, he isn’t” said the 3rd cloaked tall figure standing next to Cadence and Shining Armor. “he is no more guilty than I am” said Chrysalis removing her cloak. “he asked me to disrupt the wedding long enough for him to return. The coup d’etate was my idea, I don’t work FOR Uncle Knot, I work with him, sometimes, but I had my own ponies needs to consider. I am not a subject of Equestria, therefore my actions were that of a foreign aggressor.” “Is this another attack Chrysalis?” asked Celestia “No, this is a debt paid” responded Chrysalis “this is an honesty owed” “Shining Armor, do you sense any others of her kind here?” asked Celestia “No” said Shining Armor “she is being most candid and contrite” “But we can’t have her here” said Twilight “It’s a wedding” said Cadence “lots of estranged guests show up at weddings” “An interesting truce?” asked Uncle Knot “you owe me a ‘princess wedding’ Celestia. Let us return to our official duties.” “But Rarity is no princess” said Luna “It will have to do Luna” responded Twilight “after all, it is the character of the pony that matters, not the title”
A Very Dark EndingTwilight stood upon the hill looking down and out at the assembled mass of ponies. Behind her was some object that had either been too big or too heavy to move, redecorated by Pinky to hide what it had originally been. To her front was a purple and white walkway stretching across the meadow to the tents, in which Rarity was putting the final touches to her gown. On both sides of this walkway were the assembled masses of Ponies from Pony Ville, Canterlot and other places. To Twilight’s immediate left stood a nervous Knife Eyes. Next to the groom stood Rainbow Dash. Spike, er, Knife Eyes had insisted that Rainbow Dash would be his best ‘colt’(?). Next to them where the ushers, Big Macintosh, Mr. Cake, and Clockwork. At some unknown prearranged signal, they left to go to the back to escort the brides maids in. Fluttershy’s birds had taken up all the branches about the meadow and were singing their hearts out. They were so loud that Twilight could not hear any of the hushed taking from the mass of ponies. On Twilight’s right (that would be the left) Luna and Shining Armor stood as the representatives of the Groom’s family, beside them stood Fancy Pants, and Mayor Mare. On the left or brides side (that would be the right) stood Cadence, Zecora, Celestia, Cranky and Matilda Donkey. Far in the back stood a tall pony in a dark cloak. Twilight would guess correctly that she was Chrysalis. Twilight was also guessing correctly as to why Uncle Knot owed her or himself a third revenge. And then it hit her, the obscure decoration that Pinky had worked so hard to disguise was directly behind her. It was the hollow key, just as the beautiful and delicate miniature glass statue of Twilight Sparkle, which was now sitting safely in the library, had changed Spike into Knife Eyes, so too… The music of the birds changed to the more traditional wedding march. Twilight started to panic, if Uncle Knot was going to take his revenge, Twilight was sure it would happen during the ceremony, not after. Clockwork started down the aisle escorting Pinky Pie, who looked so happy that her event was going off so well. All the ponies turned and smiled back. Pinky was wearing a purple dress with just the slightest touch of green and white trim, as were all the other brides maids. Next down the aisle came Mr. Cake escorting a somewhat downcast Fluttershy, who looked like she was attending a wake. Mr. Cake didn’t seem to mind. Mrs. Cake on the left side of the aisle did. After them came Big Mac with Applejack, there was some slight hesitation as Big Mac tried to get Applejack not to wear her hat, but she gave him a look that would’ve stopped a stampede. Now the music of the wedding march changed. A subtle little melody entered the score. It was both light and refreshing, and also sober and melancholy. Rainbow Dash started down the aisle escorting a Miss Octavia. Twilight realized the diplomatic solution that Rarity had done in choosing Octavia as her premier bridesmaid. Which friend would have been correct for Rarity to choose without hurting some other friends feelings? But Twilight’s affirmation of Rarity’s diplomacy was shaken by her strategy. Octavia looked absolutely beyond stunning in that purple dress with white and green trim. Every eye was fixated upon her. Surely, Twilight thought, Rarity would have known this. As Rainbow Dash retook her slot next to Knife Eyes, and Octavia took her slot as leader of the brides maids, the music made another subtle change. The traditional march lost it’s melancholy and acquired a bouncy and fruity flavor. The entire assemblage seemed to want to start dancing, and so did Twilight as she forced herself to remain vigilant. Then Sweetie Belle entered in a bit of a prance sprinkling flower petals upon the walkway as she went. It was such a happy moment that Twilight almost let her guard down. When Sweetie Belle reached the front, she took a spot next to Cadence. Now the wedding march returned to the very traditional, yet something was in the music that had not ever been heard before. Twilight thought there were timber wolves howling in the background as sort of a wind section to the birds’ singing. Butterflies hovered above the entire area adding a myriad of colors to the to the meadow like a roof of stained glass. The entire audience stood at attention quietly directing their gaze backward. Entered the bride Rarity, in a veil made of pearls, in a dress of pleats and lace, pleats and lace, pleats and lace that seemed to go on forever. Every pony sighed at a sight they thought they would not see this side of heaven. Every pony saw a Rarity they knew they would never see again. Like a snowflake gliding down from the ethereal realms, so did Rarity descend to be with these mortal ponies. The tall figure escorting her down the aisle was invisible to them. Only Twilight seemed to see him, only Twilight could see Uncle Knot and Rarity whispering calmly to each other. And only Uncle Knot seemed to notice that Twilight was looking at him. He held her gaze and played with it as a cat plays with a mouse. Twilight tensed herself waiting for the attack she was sure would come. Uncle Knot’s lips twisted into the most evil of smiles and then blow her a kiss. No pony noticed, only Twilight. All eyes were upon Rarity. The blow of that kiss was as gentle as a mountain falling and as harsh as a soft breeze in a dream. While Twilight’s body did not stagger, she knew her soul had suffered a mortal blow. She also knew Uncle Knot meant no harm, no attack was to happen. Twilight knew he would see this wedding through, not because he had given up on his revenge, but that this wedding was his revenge. Twilight’s mind scrambled, she was caught in a trap. She couldn’t do anything, only play her part. Rarity exchanged her escort for Knife Eyes. Uncle Knot stood next to Cadence. Twilight suddenly realized she was suppose to say something. An eternity of indecision rampaged through Twilight’s mind. Then the words started flowing without Twilight even thinking about them. “Mares and Gentlecolts, we are gathered here today to celebrate the union of two special friends, Special Police Investigator Knife Eyes and Rarity Licorice Belle. It is not only my duty, but my cherished privilege to officiate this wedding. The Strength of their commitment is clear. The power of their love, undeniable. May we have the rings, please?” Rainbow Dash produced the rings and hoofed them, while Twilight used her magic to levitate them; one unto Rarity’s horn and the other onto Knife Eyes’ lifted hoof. “Do you?” asked Twilight “Rarity Licorice Belle, take Knife Eyes to be your partner, for better or worse, in sickness or in health, in wealth or in poverty, for this day and this night, and these many days and nights forthcoming forever, evermore?” “I do” said Rarity “Do you?” asked Twilight “Special Police Investigator Knife Eyes, take Rarity…” “Stop” said Knife Eyes “my code won’t allow this” There was an audible gasp from the audience. “What do you mean?” asked Twilight “Your code?” “My dragon code” said Knife Eyes “I can’t continue this deception. Please Uncle Knot, can I have that letter” “Yes, you may have the letter” said Uncle Knot “but no pony is being deceived here except you” “What do you mean?” asked Spike “do you mean even Rarity knows?” “Yes Spike, I mean Knife Eyes” said Rarity “I’ve known even before this began” “You mean” stammered Knife Eyes “You …” “Let me make this clear for you, Spike” stated Rarity batting her eyelashes “I, Rarity Licorice Belle, take you Knife Eyes to be my partner, for better or worse, in sickness or in health, in prosperity or depravity, this day and night, and for as many days and nights, forever, evermore.” “R - R - Rarity … ?” stammered Knife Eyes “Excuse me” said Twilight “If I may continue? Do you Spike, er, Knife Eyes take Rarity to be your partner, for better or worse, in sickness or in health, in a pithier of gems or starving, for this day and night, and forthcoming forever, evermore?” “I -I - I most certainly do” “Then by the power invested in me” said Twilight “I now pronounce you Mare and Colt. You may kiss the mare” And what a kiss it was. Rarity’s embrace was so aggressive that even Celestia blushed. “Mares and Gentlecolts” interrupted Twilight “May I be the first to present to you, the loving couple, Rarity and Knife Eyes” This brought a thunderous clopping of hooves by the assemblage. The butterflies overhead scattered and then reformed into a transparent cloud that shadowed the couple as they walked down the isle. “I didn’t teach them that trick” said Fluttershy “It will be our little secret” said Discord Elsewhere and later, Twilight confronted Uncle Knot “I don’t understand, I was expecting an attack, why didn’t you?” “Why didn’t I fulfill my third revenge?” answered Uncle Knot “because I didn’t need too” “Or is it because your revenge isn’t against Twilight” said Celestia “but against me?” “What?” asked Twilight “I thought Uncle Knot or Sumponeigh Knot Yew, was actually Sky” “Correct” stated Uncle Knot “And it was me” said Twilight “that deduced that Sky was a dragon hatched by Nightmare Moon” “What?” asked Luna “I don’t remember doing that” “You didn’t” said Uncle Knot “you are not my princess, Nightmare Moon is …” “… was” interrupted Twilight “I, using the elements of harmony, banished her forever” “So you did” said Uncle Knot “If I had any feelings for her, I would seek the most terrible revenge, as Spike would seek, if anything had happened to you” “But …” said Twilight “His feelings for Nightmare Moon are trapped” said Celestia “they are trapped inside that statue of Nightmare Moon behind you” “And it was time they were released” stated Uncle Knot “NO” said Celestia “you presented a great danger to Equestria before. Your wings threatened to stretched from horizon to horizon.” “Your fear is unwarranted, Celestia” said Uncle Knot “I have learned to control my shape and size in these past thousand years” and to demonstrate Uncle Knot transformed himself into a dark blue dragon with a white mane. “That … that’s not possible” exclaimed Celestia “Surprise, surprise Celestia” said Sky “How do you like me now?” “That’s not possible” echoed Twilight and Luna “Or perhaps you would prefer ..” Uncle Knot then transformed himself into a Pegasus, then a manticore, then a unicorn, then a griffin, and finally back into a earth pony. “So do you have any other objection to dispelling the statue?” asked Uncle Knot Celestia bowed her head and said “I can’t, I tried when I got my sister back. You were there, when Nightmare Moon returned” “Correct” said Uncle Knot “you were keeping me busy least I interfere with her return. You promised me that my suffering was at an end. You tricked me.” “But my magic wasn’t strong enough to dispel the statue” said Celestia “What suffering?” asked Luna “Answer me this Twilight Sparkle” demanded Uncle Knot “to dispel something made with magic, does it not take an equal or greater magic?” “Yes” said Twilight “But this statue was made with more than just magic” stated Uncle Knot “What do you mean by that?” asked Celestia “It was made … “ responded Uncle Knot “… was made with his love for Nightmare Moon” interrupted Luna “Then I’ll try again” said Celestia “my love for Equestria should be sufficient …” “NO” said Uncle Knot “your love for Equestria is insufficient. To dispel the statue requires your love for me to be greater” “My love for you … ?” asked Celestia “For a thousand years, I have acted as an extra set of eyes and ears for Equestria FOR YOU, I have retrieved dragon eggs for the magic academy FOR YOU, I have watched for the return of the Crystal Empire FOR YOU” said Uncle Knot “I am tired of living up to your expectations. We have exchanged over twelve thousand letters, we have debated the riddles of life, luck and love, we have faced dangers unnumbered together, and endured troubles most sorrowful together. Can you really truthfully say you have no feelings for me?” “Please, Princess Celestia” encouraged Twilight “try to dispel the statue now” “But you always told me …” said Celestia “… that to be around you was like looking upon the sun” said Uncle Knot “and that I would either go blind or fall in love …” “… and that you would not yield to blindness” said Celestia “All too true” said Uncle Knot “But would you yield to love?” asked Twilight “Wait, what?” said Celestia “Would Uncle Knot yield to your love sister?” asked Luna After a long moment, with Celestia head bowed and eyes closed, while Luna and Twilight watched expectantly, Uncle Knot said “my choice is clear, the statue remains” “But …” said Luna “I can now remove that which has stopped me from telling those special ponies like Zecora and Cadence how I feel about them” said Uncle Knot “But you will also get back your need for revenge against me” stated Twilight “That revenge is exceeded by a new need” said Uncle Knot “and that is to tell a certain special some pony how I feel about her” “But is your magic strong enough?” asked Twilight “My magic is not in question” said Uncle Knot as he approached the statue. The statue started to shimmer as a black shadow horn appeared on Uncle Knot’s head. With the gentlest of touch, Uncle Knot tapped the statue. Nothing happened at first, but then the gray statue turned black and purple. It looked like it was moving as it turned to small stones which became dust that drifted away on the wind. “So you’re finally free” said Celestia “And your feelings of revenge?” asked Twilight “Yes, I am finally free, free from my duties” said Uncle Knot “and free from my need for revenge” “That’s a good thing?” asked Twilight “And now I can finally tell those I love that I love them” said Uncle Knot “starting with the most special some pony I could ever want to tell. Celestia, I love you” “…” said Celestia not really saying anything “I’m so sorry” said Luna “Yeah” said Uncle Knot “It is said” said Twilight “it is better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all” “That is little comfort” said Uncle Knot “So what will you do now?” asked Luna “I think” said Uncle Knot “I’m overdue for a vacation. Time to say good bye, nice to meet you Luna, and you Twilight” “Yes, Uncle Knot” responded Twilight “Look after Celestia for me”
The Star ChamberIn the Star Chamber “My dear brother Knot” said Mr. Yew “What a fantastic story, your proposed serano of what might happen should you seek OUR revenge in Ponyville is only slightly amazing” “Indeed” said Professor Sum P “while there is nothing technically wrong with your proposal. The eventual ending is less than satisfactory” “I must concur with our brothers, Knot” said Lt O’Neigh “I of all of us best know that any plan, even such a well thought out one, would not survive contact with the enemy. There are too many independent variables to your battle plan for revenge. Besides …” “Besides?” asked Knot “We need not seek out our revenge with those who destroyed our mother - Nightmare Moon” said Prof Sum P “Why not?” asked Knot “What of our dragon code?” “We are not really dragons anymore” said Mr. Yew “and Nightmare Moon’s destruction was not absolute” “What do you mean?” asked Knot “What Twilight and her friends did with the elements of harmony only separated Luna from the power of Nightmare Moon” said Prof Sum P “We need to be vigilant least that power find a new home” said Lt O’Neigh “Indeed we may have to induce that power to return to Luna” said Mr. Yew “for our counter measure is crafted for the Luna/Nightmare Moon combination. Adjustments for an unexpected host could take dangerous amount of time.” “No” said Lt O’Neigh “I will not allow Luna to be the subject of such an experiment. She has suffered enough and there is no evidence that that dark power will ever return” “Nor is there evidence that it, our mother, will not return” said Sum P “What does our guest think?” asked Uncle Knot “Yes, answer us, Sunset Shimmer of that other world” said Sum P “First, WOW, this is better than any holodeck from Star Trek. I could feel the rumblings of the train when it pulled into Ponyville. I could smell what the other ponies were smelling. I tasted the foods they ate, even though I was not eating. And the most fantastic thing of all was hearing the thoughts of the other ponies. This was more than a recreation of what you had planned out, Uncle Knot. This was like a projection of unexpected events playing out in front of us.” “We are not familiar with what holodecks are or star trek. But you seemed to have grasped the purpose of the Star Chamber, Sunset Shimmer of the other world” said Prof Sum P. “The Star Chamber takes the thoughts and will of the giver and projects a possible conclusion, not only based on the giver’s will, but also on the subconscious of all the participants. Our subconscious thoughts acted as checks upon the presentation.” “I see, but please stop calling me ‘Sunset Shimmer of the other world’, just call me Sunset Shimmer, or Sunset, or Captain Shimmer. Thank you again for the Argyle, my airship. It is a wonderful gift.” “And you have used it so well” said Mr. Yew “You and your crew have aided us many times, and in addition, you have done great work locating, assessing, and when necessary disabling inter-dimensional doorways. Only ancient threats like Sombra, Discord, Tirek, Crysalis, and Nightmare Moon have threatened the realm since you started working here. New monsters and dangers that could have come through dimensional doorways you have either blocked or neutralized. Thank you so much and all Equestria would thank you, if they knew of your glory.” “Glory is not why I am here, is it?” asked Sunset “No, you know of our plan for revenge and you need not concern yourself with that.” said Knot “But you also need to know of the threat of the return of Nightmare Moon’s power” “Wait” said Prof Sum P “you had another comment to make about Knot’s presentation. What was it?” “Well, yes” responded Sunset “Knot, I know your, er, simulation comes from your heart, and that you want to tell Celestia how you feel about her, and that the stature where you keep your love blocks this…” “Go on” said Knot “So why not tell Celestia of your feelings for her here in the star chamber?” asked Sunset “But I can’t tell her I love her while the statue remains” said Knot “But you were able to tell her in the simulation, so bring her here and tell her here” said Sunset “It might work” said Lt O’Neigh “A radical solution” said Mr. Yew “An interesting experiment” said Prof Sum P “ … “ said Knot “Ha ha ha” laughed Lt O’Neigh “our brother is speechless” “That’s a first” said Prof Sum P “I’m … “ said Knot “You’re scared” said Lt O’Neigh “Shut up” said Knot “I will not, Knot” said Lt O’Neigh “You have always been the bravest of us, and here you are with the solution to your heart ache and you’re afraid” “So this is what fear is” said Knot “Do you fear her rejection?” asked Sum P “I think he fears her acceptance” said Sunset “I don’t …” said Knot “So here is what we’ll do” said Lt O’Neigh “invite Celestia to the Star Chamber for tea. Make it a light dinner or ‘low tea’ with candlelight and soft music” “isn’t that called a ‘high tea’” asked Sunset “In some un-enlightened circles it is” said Prof Sum P “but in fact high tea was a large meal that the common workers would eat at the end of the day, and low tea was a light meal for the high society types” “We have more pressing business to discuss” said Knot “I know” said Sunset “May I guess?” “Go on” said Prof Sum P “You have a plan to trap the power that turned Luna into Nightmare Moon inside the Star Chamber, and you wanted me to know about it, just in case something happened to you” “Very good” said Prof Sum P “our investment in you is paying large dividends” “Actually we wanted you to know if anything happened to any one of us” said Lt O’Neigh “the plan requires four of us” “We have to use the Star Chamber into tricking the power of Nightmare Moon into thinking she has won” said Mr. Yew “and them sealing her inside here forever” “But we’d be sealed inside her with her” said Sunset “An acceptable sacrifice” said Knot “Says you!” exclaimed Sunset “Why does it take four to do this?” “We would have to take turns maintaining the deception of the illusion that the Star Chamber provides” said Sum P “and if possible we would also need to be reinforcing the illusion that even if the ‘power of Nightmare Moon’ discovered the Star Chamber, she would in fact be only discovering the illusion of a fake Star Chamber” “What the professor is saying” said Knot “is that we don’t know if this will work, but it is our best option, if we ever need it” “So you still think this power will seek out Luna?” asked Sunset “Probably” said Sum P “There is some pony more likely that this terrible power will seek out” said Sunset “Oh, who?” asked Mr. Yew “The one most responsible for her defeat last time” said Sunset “Twilight Sparkle”
Pinkie's confusion“Hello Cranky, Hello Matilda” “Hello Pinky” “Shush, don’t tell her” whispered Cranky to Matilda “Don’t tell me what” said Pinky “That we are going to the train station” volunteered Matilda “Are you going on a trip?” “No, we meeting some pony” answered Matilda “Oh, who?” asked Pinky “Don’t tell her” whispered Cranky “Cranky’s former boss” said Matilda “Oh, he’s the reason Cranky is so cranky today” ventured Pinky “No Pinky” interrupted Cranky “I’m the reason I am Cranky” “So what is your old boss’s name?” asked Pinky At this a mischievous smile crossed over Cranky’s face as he answered “Some Pony Not You” “So you’re not going to tell me?” asked Pinky “Actually, I just did” said Cranky “His name is some pony not you” “Some pony not me?” asked Pinky “Of course, he is some pony not me” “No not ‘not me’, not you” said Cranky “Oh, that’s a quadruple negative!” said Pinky This conversation would have continue if not for the interruption of a zebra “The sky looks like rain, since we are all going to the train” said Zecora “Are you going on a trip?” asked Pinky “No I am going to my uncle Knot to meet” responded Zecora “When he comes to visit it is always a treat” “Oh I like sweet treats and caramel treats and chocolate treats” said Pinky “but what is a not your uncle treat?” “Uncle he is not” said Zecora “so I call him uncle Knot” “As in some pony not you” said Cranky “Of course, silly, he is not me” said Pinky “I’m me, at least for the moment I’m me” “So Zecora’s uncle Knot is also some pony not you?” asked Matilda “Uncle Knot has many names” said Zecora “and also a brown and tan mane” Upon arriving at the station, Pinky looked down the track toward Canterlot. Seeing nothing she turned her head the other direction, as the others had already done and saw the approaching train. It’s engine hissed steam as it came into the station and lined up with the platform. It was smaller the Pinky expected, consisting of an engine, a wood car for fuel, two coaches and a freight car. The front of the engine has a double ‘E’ symbol as well as matching smaller copies of the symbol on the coaches. Pinky was excited at the prospect of meeting a new pony, but Zecora also appeared excited. Zecora waited until the train stopped and then rushed inside the 1st Carriage. Cranky and Matilda looked over at Pinky and she returned the stare. All were wondering if they should board the carriage after Zecora and Pinky was about to chase Zecora, when the engineer in his cap, climbed down from the engine onto the platform. Cranky approached the smut covered engineer and exchanged a bro hoof. “Well meet Cranky” said Uncle Knot “Well meet Some Pony Not You” said Cranky Zecora came out of the 2nd carriage and exclaimed loudly “My uncle is not on the train” “Then you must be insane” said Uncle Knot jokingly “Uncle Knot, Uncle Knot, Uncle Knot” exclaimed Zecora as she ran back “Yeah, its me, glad to see you a lot” said Uncle Knot. Zecora leaped at Uncle Knot and he caught her with a big hug. Big in that Uncle Knot is really big - bigger that even Big Mac or Celestia. “So how is my favorite niece?” asked Uncle Knot “Were you tending the engine fire?” asked Zecora “and did you buy it, rent, or lease?” “I ran the engine cause the crew had some errand dire” answered Uncle Knot “Excuse me” said Cranky “do you two always talk that way?” “Of course they do” said Matilda “They do?” asked Pinky “Yes, we do” said Uncle Knot “some while back when Zecora was just a little foal, I taught her to speak in rhythm least she talk my ears off” “But you’re not speaking in rhythm to us” observed Pinky “Not unless you want me too” said Uncle Knot “and who are you?” “Me, I’m Pinky Pie” “Oh, how convenient” said Uncle Knot “I want to arrange a party”
Strange DoingsSweetie Belle, Scootaloo, and Apple Bloom are in the club house. “What are you smiling about Sweetie Belle?” asked Apple Bloom “It’s a secret” “What kind of a secret?” asked Scootaloo “He said if I didn’t tell he would join our club” said Sweetie Belle “Who said that?” asked Apple Bloom and Scootaloo “I can’t tell” said Sweetie Belle “it’s a secret” “I have a secret too” said Apple Bloom “Oh what?” asked Scootaloo “I saw Applejack eating cheesecake with cherries on top” said Apple Bloom “and I had a slice with apple slices and chocolate” “Applejack eating cherries!” said Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle “Girls! Come down here” yelled Applejack for below. The cutie mark crusaders came out onto the porch of their tree house “We were going to have a sleepover” whined Apple Bloom “You still are, but not in the treehouse tonight” said Applejack “Granny and Big Mac say the timber wolves are acting strange, so we want you three in the house tonight.” “But AJ” whined Apple Bloom “Get yourselves down here right now!” yelled Applejack “some thing strange is going on and we need to hurry” The three fillies raced down to catch Applejack as she broke into a canter, forcing the fillies to gallop just to keep up. They got back to the house without incident. At the house, Applejack left the fillies in the charge of Big Mac and Granny. She gallop off to the library to see Twilight. Something strange was in the air and she had this feeling that the elements of harmony would be needed.
