Being Brave part II

"Thanks so much for coming along with me Cory." Said Twilight. "My family is very eager to meet you."

"Well, the pleasure's all mine." Said Cory as he looked out the train window. "Besides, this is the first real Christmas-like holiday I'm celebrating. I assume you know by now what Christmas is."

"From what you've told me," Said Twilight "That sounds like a very fun holiday in your world, and I'm sure you'll like our holiday just as much."

It was the holiday season in Equestria and the choice weather had come right on time. Snow had covered much of the land giving each cottage and building a crystal gleam. The citizens were already decorating their houses with the customary apparel needed to celebrate the annual occasion.

On this day, Cory could be found on the train to Canterlot with Twilight. It would be the first time he would meet her family, and he was very nervous as to what they would make of him. Given the occasion, he was dressed in what looked like his sunday best, complete with a tie and polished shoes. As he looked out the train window calming himself to a nice cup of hot chocolate, he reminisced as to how his old friends celebrated Christmas with him. Though they weren't the fanciest of parties, and the gifts weren't all that good, the memories of those times still held a warm place in his heart.

For those four magical years they were together, each Christmas took place in their secret shack. It was here they played games, ate cake, sung songs, shared a joke or two and decorated their makeshift Christmas tree out of tinfoil and metal. The next morning they would exchange each others gifts, eager to find out what was inside of it (though it would usually turn out to be something from the junkyard). Then they would each execute one good deed somewhere in the town, whether it was entertaining kids in the hospital, or helping build a home for a new couple. Finally, they'd end the day with a glorious meal at one of his friend's houses, decided upon with a game of twister.

"Now Cory, I almost forgot." Said Twilight as they hopped onto the Canterlot station. "My BBBFF..."

Cory's face looked puzzled.

"Big Brother Best Friend Forever Shining Armor is married to a princess."

"Who?" Asked Cory

"I'm pretty sure you're aware by now of Princess Cadence, the leader of the Crystal Empire."

"He's married to her?"

Twilight nodded with pride. "Plus she used to be my foal sitter when I was a filly. So we are very close."

"Well I hope our encounter will be interesting, in a good sort of way."

"I know it will be." And off they went into the crowd of Canterlot with their small luggage behind them.

It was the first time Cory visited the capital since his first outing with Rarity and Pinkie Pie. The City was bustling with holiday cheer. With the exception of the name, almost everything reminded Cory of Christmas time back home. From a pony couple kissing underneath a mistletoe, to young ponies building a snow pony in the front yard, to the frequent holiday tree covered with all the necessary ornaments. Songs and carols could be heard chiming from street to street, echoing voices young and old. The displays behind the windows of shops were as elaborate as a stage production, with groups of ponies taking a moment to just look and admire the craftsmanship. A few mares and stallions were seen at a nearby ice rink practicing their figure eights. Cory was still wondering as to how these four legged creatures were able to easily balance themselves on a sheet of frozen water.

It was at that moment the two of them stopped at the middle of one of the city squares. They were face to face with a large sculpture of a young Pegasus with milky white eyes. In her mouth was a quill plucked out from her wings and to her side was a large snowflake delicately crafted to the finest detail.

"Why are we stopping here?" asked Cory

"I just wanted to let you know there are ponies here Equestria whom like you fought the courage to showcase their talent. Snowdrop here was one of them. She was a young blind Pegasus from Cloudsdale whom 1000 years ago created the first modern snowflake. But she wasn't always the craftsmare pony we know of today. Before that, she was just a simple student who struggled to make it through the day without ridicule of her blindness. One morning, as spring was drawing nearer, her teacher assigned the class to bring gifts to Celestia and Luna for upcoming Spring Sunrise.

"At first, Snowdrop was hesitant, putting herself down and calling herself useless. But that night, she remembered how she was able to clearly hear the twinkle of stars as well as many things most ponies couldn't notice. After a moment of thinking, she took a frozen tear from her eye and delicately sculpted it into a crudely crafted snowflake. Now what made this discovery monumental was before then, all snowflakes were just formless masses with no pattern or design."

"Two days later, as every filly and colt in Cloudsdale presented their creations to the princesses, Snowflake was ready to give hers. Though she heard a few chuckles in the background, she remembered that if stars can make wishes, so can ice crystals. After a moments hesitation, she presented her creation. Though it wasn't much, she went on to defend to work stating that she loves her passion as much as herself and that winter should receive just enough recognition as any other holiday. Touched by her speech, Celestia and Luna asked if she could make more snowflakes. So she did, making each one more intricate and detailed in design, and the following year, snowfall became one of Equestria's most celebrated events.

"So, to this day, generation after generation of Pegusi have copied Snowdrop's revolutionary technique of turning Snowflakes into a work of art, and all she had to do was muster up the courage to let her talent shine, just like you Cory."

As Twilight said this, she went over to Cory and wrapped her foreleg around her.

"Well, I'm glad I remind you of someone special." Replied Cory

"You are special Cory." She whispered into his ear. "Don't you ever forget that."

Finally the two of them arrived at Twilight's childhood home. It was a quaint house, typical for a Canterlot neighborhood. With it's medieval architectural theme and Italian renaissance texture, the residence looked typically welcoming for anypony who wished to stay for the night. The outside was decorated with the customary Hearths Warming Eve ornaments, seamlessly melding it with the other neighboring houses.

The two of them approached the door, which was decorated with bells tied to a large, red ribbon. Twilight knocked on it and after a few moments, it was magically opened by a unicorn couple.

"TWILIGHT!" Gleefully shouted the male unicorn.

"Hi daddy." Said Twilight as he brought her in for a hug.

"It's so great to have you here." Said the female unicorn.

"Well, the pleasure's all mine mom." She replied.

"And who is this young gentleman behind you?" Her dad asked.

"Oh, where are my manners. Mom, Dad, I'd like you to meet my friend and student, Cory Agees."

Cory sheepishly walked up to two them and wearily shook hoof and hand.

"Aren't you that human who's really skilled in painting and sculpting masterpieces?" Asked Twilights mom.

"Well, you might say that." Cory replied.

"I think I may have bought something you made at a recent traders exchange."

She walked over to a nearby dresser and pulled out two large multicolored earrings.

"Oh. I remember making that." Cory replied "It was a mail order I made a month ago for somepony in Canterlot."

"Lets head over to the living room Twilight." Her dad said. "I think two ponies are waiting in there for you."

A childlike smile grew across her face as she sped down the hallway with Cory behind her. There, sitting on the couch was a very tall couple who looked like they popped out of a fairy tale. The Stallion was a very brawn looking unicorn with a bright white coat and a luscious navy blue mane and tail. His body structure looked like he had been working out at the gym on a daily basis, and would look like the the perfect steed for a noble prince. The Mare was a gorgeous looking Alicorn with a velvet mane and tail scheme that perfectly matched her pink coat. On her head was a crystal crown and on her hooves were golden horseshoes that looked like slippers. She bore on her chest a rather attractive pendant that seemed seemed to have been made from the highest of authority, even though it's material was that of smoothed glass and copper wire. Everything about her: eyes, mane, body structure, everything, was enchanting to Cory. With the exception of Princess Luna, he had never beheld such beauty.

"TWILY!" Gleefully shouted the young stallion as he galloped forward and embraced Twilight.

"Hi BBBFF." Replied a tearful Twilight. "I'm still amazed how you and Cadence were able to get the holidays off."

"The Crystal Empire does wondrous things when it comes to functioning in our absence."

"Gasp Cadence!!" Shouted Twilight.

"Twilight!!" Shouted Cadence.

The two galloped forward until they were nose to nose with each other. Then, they engaged in a small childlike dance:

"SUNSHINE SUNSHINE
LADYBUGS AWAKE
CLAP YOUR HOOVES AND
DO A LITTLE SHAKE." They said Together.

"I wish I had a family like this." Cory murmured.

"Oh, I almost forgot," Said Twilight. "I'd like you two to meet Cory Agees."

Cory waved his hand shyly and the couple waved back.

"Cory, this is my brother Shining Armor, and his wife, Princess Cadence."

"Hey Champ." Said Shining Armor " So you're one of those humans my sister met huh? Not too shabby. Twily's been telling me a lot of stuff about ya. I hear she's helping you with some of your basic skills."

"She sure is." Cory replied "You're very lucky to have a sister like Twilight."

"Well she isn't my LSBFF for nothin." Said Shining Armor.

Cory was confused.

"That means Little Sister Best Friend Forever." Twilight replied.

"Hello Cory." Said Cadence "I've heard many things about you."

Cory was awestruck as she approached him. He didn't know what to do as this was the leader of an entire kingdom that stood before his eyes. So he thought of the first thing that popped into his head and went into a kneeling position.

"Cory. Remember what we talked about." Said Twilight

"Oh yeah." Cory chuckled "Sorry."

Then he went back on his feet and shook hands with Cadence's hoof.

"Twilight tells me you are very skilled in sculpting and painting." Said Cadence "In fact, I believe this pendant I'm wearing was made by you."

Cory went up for a closer examination.

"Yeah. I actually do remember making that." he said "How did you get that?"

"I kind of mailed it to Cadence after you fell asleep from a long days work." Replied Twilight.

"Well lets not just stand here counting dust." Said Twilights mom "I've got a big meal waiting for us."

"It's about time." Said Shining Armor "I am starving."

Before he knew it, Cory found himself in the middle of a large dining room fit for a king. Above the six of them was a chandelier decorated to look like an upside down christmas ornament. Below them was a tiled floor with an abstract pattern akin to Miro. The table itself was just as complimentary. All six, cushioned seats were placed in front of cleanly scrubbed plates and finely washed cups with folded napkins placed on top of a dainty embroidery of tablecloth. In the center of it all was a set of candles floating above it all as if they were dancing. Strangely, the only thing missing was the utensils.

The meal of tonight was a neat assortment of large oat and haysteaks (which were really mushed soy beans and tofu cooked to look like hay), topped with glazed teriyaki sauce and crushed herbs. A second entree was a hearty lemon grass soup mixed with mushrooms, grass, tomatoes, peppers and a few flower petal swimming in a thick garlic spice. The wide assortment of side dishes included roasted red potatoes, sauteed deviled eggs, cooked carrot pieces, hash browns, fruit salad, chips n dip and about a dozen types of crushed spices and sauces for a nice topping.

As everyone got their choice of food, Cory just stared in puzzlement as Twilight and members of her family either magically levitated a piece of food into their mouth or mostly just dug their face into the plate. For a civilized species, they clearly needed some catching up with their table manners. But then again, he was in a world different of his own, which meant the laws of etiquette were slightly differential as well. So he decided to pick up the food with his napkin and eat it that way. That was when everypony looked at him funny.

"I'm sorry." He said "It's just in my world, we have certain tools for picking up food and..."

"It's alright." Twilight's mom chuckled "Shining Armor. Could you give our guest a fork, spoon and knife?"

Shining armor nodded and took a few utensils from a nearby drawer, placing them near Cory's plate.

"Almost everypony in Equestria has utensils for those with small snouts." Twilight assured.

"Thanks." Cory replied as he started cutting up his oatburger.

"So, we heard you made an amazing speech over at Appleoosa a few months ago." Said Shining Armor.

"Mmm-Hmm," Cory replied with his mouth full.

"Twilight showed us an excerpt from it via mail." Said Cadence "It's a very impressive piece of work. How long did it take you to perfect it?"

Cory counted his fingers.

"About 2-3 weeks." He answered.

"I remember that was a very intense time for us." Said Twilgiht. "Luckilly we we're able to help him calm his nerves with the aid of our zebra friend Zecora."

As she said this, Cory took one of the table's paper doilies and started to rip it apart.

"And how exactly did she help calm his nerves?" Twilights mom asked.

"Through the handy methods of meditation and Tai Chi." replied Twilight

"What's Tai-Chi?" Asked Her dad.

"I've heard from a few scholarly accounts it's an ancient technique from days of yore in which practitioners moved their body against wind and air in order to ease stress." Said Cadence.

As the conversation went on, Cory carefully placed the pieces of the doily on the table, and started to make a mosaic out of it.

"So where's he been living?" Twilights mom asked.

"I've heard he takes residence over at... Sweet Apple Acres?" Asked Twilights Dad.

"That is correct." Said Twilight "In fact, Applejack's sister Applebloom and her friends found him when he arrived here. He has been working as their stable boy ever since. Plus he has a side job as Rarity's chauffeur."

By now, Cory had finished his little rippy bit masterpiece and proceeded to chowing down on his food.

"Sounds like one busy kid ya got there." Said Shining Armor "Isn't he learning some self defense moves with Rainbow Dash?"

"She's his personal coach." Said Twilght. "He has really improved on his self defense skills thanks to her. In fact, my five friends, Zecora and I did a little mountain trekking with him. I can still remember how he tirelessly was able to reach to top of that mountain. I'd never seen him that happy in all my life."

"I don't know about you." Said Shining Armor "But if the time comes, I might like to teach him the ways of the Royal Guards."

"I think that might be a little too advanced for him BBBFF." Chuckled Twilight

"Hey, anything is Possible." Said Cadence "By the way, didn't he also plan a Nighmare Night festival recently?"

"That was a show to remember wasn't it Cory?" Asked Twilight, to which Cory nodded with a full mouth.

"Well, I think his parents would've been very proud of him." Said Twilight's dad.

At that moment, Cory dropped his fork, pushed his seat back and messaged his forehead.

"Oh, I'm sorry, did we offend you?" Asked Twilight's mom.

"No, no. It's..it's my fault." Said Cory as he tried to hold back tears. "you didn't know, you didn't know."

Then he got out of his seat and ran upstairs, much to everypony's bewilderment.

"What's the matter?" Asked Shining Armor.

"Ummm..." Twilight hesitated for a moment "I forgot to tell you all that he really hasn't had a happy childhood. If you don't want Hearths Warming Eve to be spoiled for you all..."

"No, no. We want to hear." Said Cadence. "If somethings bothering him, maybe we can help him sometime in the future."

Twilight took a deep breath and proceeded to tell the very sad story of Cory. She talked about how his parents left him, How he was abused at the orphanage and his school, how his friends were taken away from him and how he struggled each day to figure out what he was good at. After she finished on he got to Equestria, everyone in the room was in state of shock and disbelief.

"What kind of monsters would just dump a talented colt like that?" Asked Shining Armor.

"I mean, I know there were times when you two made me want to pull my mane out, but weren't we all to our parents sometimes?" Commented Twilight's mom.

"I don't know about you all but that Principal should be locked up for life for treating him so poorly." Said Twilights dad.

"Sorry I kind of ruined this evening for you all." Said Twilight shamefully.

"Don't be ashamed Twilight." Said Cadence. "You did the right thing to tell us. Because now we'll know to help him when the time is right."

"Hey, mom? dad?" Said Shining Armor. "How bout you two finish dinner while the three of us go up and talk to him."

The two nodded as they went back to eating while Cadence, Shining Armor and Twilight proceeded upstairs.