Shining Feather

“Hahaha! And Twilight walked into our room holding her teddy Ursa minor saying that Nightmare Moon was haunting her dreams. I couldn't let her sleep all by herself so I let her sleep with us that night. She was so cute as a filly!” Velvet said with a laugh.

“Mom! Don't tell her that! I was three years old at the time!” Twilight said blushing.

Fluttershy let out a small laugh. “Sounds like you had a fun childhood Twilight”

Twilight blushed deeply. “Well I'm sure your childhood was just as amusing as mine was...”

“Oh uh...ye-yeah...” Fluttershy stopped and looked down at her lap she didn't want to talk about her childhood. She couldn't let her friends now about what it was really like.

“Fluttershy? You okay?” Twilight cocked her head. She hadn't Fluttershy looking that worried before.

“Oh its...nothing I'm just thinking...about the days when I was a filly” Fluttershy bit her lip gently.

Twilight knew something was wrong with her. But she didn't want to push her on something she didn't want to talk about. “Oh okay then”

“Oh come now you two are far to serious, just relax a little” Velvet said. “So Twilight? What's next on the list?”

“Well I have to go see Rarity for a gown to wear at the next ball, I haven't see Rarity in a long time though. I hope she hasn't changed to much” Twilight said.

“Well I'm free for awhile today. How about I come along? It'll be like old times” Fluttershy said with a smile.

“That would be fine with me Fluttershy. I like the company” Twilight smiled at her.

“Once Misty is done with her shower we can get going then” Velvet said. She had felt a lot better lately due to all the stuff happening with Twilight and forgetting about her own troubles.

“She's been up there pretty long, I wonder if she's okay?” Twilight wondered.

“And I noticed Applejack disappeared as well” Fluttershy pointed out.

“Hehe, don't worry they'll be back down here soon” Velvet said with a grin. She could tell what was going on upstairs. Sometimes girls just needed to some stress relief.

Meanwhile at the castle Luna was outside the doors of Shining Star's new work space. “Shining Star? Are you busy?”

She didn't get a response of course, but she was hoping to spend some time with her. “If your not busy we could go out into the town?”

Shining Star poked her head out of the door. She was wearing a pair of goggles and she smiled at her. “What did you want Luna?”

“I was wanting to spend time with you. Your project will take a long time after all. So there is no rush am I right?” Luna questioned.

“Well actually thanks to my blue prints I'm more then half way done with the prototypes!” Shining Star said. She sounded completely different and her smile was wide. She was so different when she was working with technology or magic that it rather shocked Luna.

“Oh uh...wow. That's amazing. You work so fast” Luna said confused on how it was even possible to be that fast. “So is that a no on...oh what do they call it now...the hangings?”

“Hangings? What's that?” Shining Star asked confused.

“Well I suppose it is a group of people that gather around to watch a criminal be hanged. It was a fun pass time back then!” Luna said excitedly.

“Uuh...I don't think that sounds very fun...” Shining Star pointed out.

“Oh right, punishment has been banned since I was banished” Luna said a bit annoyed.

“Well if there is nothing else, I guess I'll go back to work” Shining Star said about to close the door when Luna stopped the door.

“Hold on. I merely wish to get to know you. Twilight suggested once I be more social” Luna pointed out. “Is that okay with you?”

“Oh is that all? Okay then I don't mind. Come on in” Shining Star opened the door for her. Luna walked in and saw all the strange metals and buzzing magic spheres around the room with an even stranger device in the middle.

“What is that?” Luna asked walking over to it. When she got near it, it seemed to glow gently.

“It's not done yet. But it's going to be my answer to Magi-technology” Shining Star explained.

“Magi-what?” Luna raised an eye-brow. “It's beautiful whatever it does”

“Here I'll explain” Shining Star smiled happy to explain. “You see, I used special gems that contain magic in them. It's not unicorn magic or even forbidden magic. It's magic in it's purest form hardened and formed into a natural gem. Using the gems with my technology I can build means to talk to others even if their far away. Make food grow without labor. The possibilities are endless!”

Luna felt most of what she said fly over her head. She had a general idea of what she meant though. “I see..so in a way this..uh device...does many things?”

“Well if you simplify it, different devices do different things even with the same kind of gem” Shining Star tried to explain a little easier.

“It sounds dangerous. Such power could truly change the world” Luna said worried.

“It's not dangerous at all. I'd never make something harmful to anyone” Shining Star explained confused on why she would think that.

“I just hope you know what your doing. That is all I am saying” Luna pointed out.

“Well put your worries away Luna I'll test it out and make sure it works before I do anything big with it” Shining Star said happily.

“That's good to know” Luna felt a lot better, but still didn't know if this new technology was truly safe.

Shining Star noticed her worry but didn't say anything. She knew it was strange for them, it was something they never saw before let alone thought it was possible. “Can I ask you something?”

“Of course Shining Star” Luna was glad for a change of subject. “What is it?”

“Why is Celestia so nice to me? We barely know each other and yet she treats me like family” Shining Star said confused. “I just don't understand”

“I'll let you in on a little secret Shining Star” Luna said before sitting down on a nearby chair. “You see...my dear sister has gone through a lot. She desires a family but never found a love to start one, well from this world anyway..she thought she could make Twilight into something of a daughter but she already had a mother so it didn't work out. Cadance was adopted into the family but as a niece, however your not like them. Your like us. Born as an alicorn so she feels a closer bond with you”

“Wow...She thinks that way about me? That's a lot to take in” Shining Star admitted. “I think I understand how she feels. I never had a family ether”

“You two are more alike then you both realize” Luna said with a smile. “I for one am actually jealous of that trait you share”

“Really?” Shining Star asked. “But your sisters, how closer can you be?”

“We're family this is true. But we couldn't be further apart” Luna admitted. “Sometimes I wonder how we're related”

Shining Star went over to her and put a hand on her shoulder. “I don't know much about family..or anything about it really, but I know that you and Celestia are closer then you think”

“Thanks Shining Star. You are wiser then your age suggests” Luna said feeling better.

“Now could you be a dear and help me with my project?” Shining Star asked getting back to work.

“I do not mind at all” Luna got up and went to help her.

Back in Ponyvile Applejack came walking down looking strangely satisfied. She wobbled a little but managed to get to a chair before anyone really noticed. “Hey girls. What did I miss?”

“Not much we were just talking” Twilight said. “What were you doing? You sure took a long time”

“I uh...I just had to talk with Misty for a bit, something I wanted to discuss with her in private” Applejack said a bit sweaty.

“Okay?” Twilight raised an eye-brow. “That was a long talk though”

“I had a lot to talk about that's all” Applejack said trying to avoid the subject.

“Well I think it's nice that Applejack is getting along with Misty Gale. Making friends is important after all” Fluttershy pointed out.

“That is true Fluttershy. So no harm no foul” Twilight said.

Misty Gale soon came downstairs with the same satisfied look Applejack came down with. She was now wearing a white shirt and blue hoodie with a blue skirt and white and black boots. “Glad to be in my own skin again, hey ladies!”

“Hey Misty, did you enjoy your shower?” Fluttershy asked innocently.

“I loved it! I hadn't had a shower that good in a long time!” Misty said as she dried off her hair.

“I'm glad you feel better Misty. Now how about we get going to Rarity's?” Twilight asked getting up.

“Okay let's get going” Fluttershy said getting up. “I'd like to see Rarity again”

“Me too, shall we?” Applejack said waiting at the door.

They all got up and walked out of Fluttershy's place. Velvet only grinned at Misty which made her confused as they walked.

“What are you so happy about?” Misty asked.

“Oh it's nothing. I just haven't heard a shower that fun in a long time” Velvet said happily.

“Oh uh...yeah” Misty blushed. She could tell Velvet knew what actually happened. But she could also tell that she wasn't going to say anything. She was relived to know that mostly. “It was a nice shower”

It wasn't too long before they made it to Rarity's shop however when they got there, there was a sign on the door that read “Closed” Twilight looked at it confused. “Huh? She should still be open, did something happen?”

“I wish I knew” Fluttershy said as Twilight checked the door. It opened without any problem so it wasn't locked. They walked in the shop and noticed the lights were on but Twilight could feel something was off about the place.

“Twilight? Fluttershy? Applejack? Is that you?” A voice came from around the corner. “What are you all doing here?”

“Actually I wanted to talk to you about a dress for an upcoming ball. It's not big so it doesn't need to be fancy. Do you think you come up with something?” Twilight asked happy to hear her friend's voice.

Rarity came out of the next room over. She was wearing a similar outfit like she had before but it her shirt was dark blue and her skirt was black. “It's been awhile ladies. How are you?”

“I've been so-so” Applejack said.

“Oh I've been great actually. You wouldn't believe what I've done” Fluttershy said happily.

“I'm just doing my princess duties...and I wanted an excuse to see my friends” Twilight said with a bit of a giggle.

“I'm glad to see you all. I really am..but I'd actually like to be alone” Rarity said wit ha sigh. “Things haven't been good for me lately”

“Did something happen?” Twilight asked.

“I'd rather not speak of it. It's a terrible tale...” Rarity said with a hint of sadness and anger.

“Did you miss some kind of fancy party? Or did you mess up your make up?” Applejack asked jokingly.

However Rarity didn't find it as funny and crossed her arms in anger. “Oh yes. Make up and party's are my ONLY problems I don't have anything else to worry about. It's not like I'm a unicorn or something!”

The girls looked at each other concerned. They knew Rarity was sensitive but that was strange. Twilight knew she was having some real problems now. “Rarity relax, why are you so upset? Is there anything I can do?”

“Oh the princess has time for a lowly peasant like me? I'm flattered really but I don't need or want your help” Rarity said with a huff.

Twilight was taken by surprise by what Rarity said. She wasn't normally like that last time they talked she was happy for her. Now she didn't know if that was a mask or something. “Rarity...”

“Well not everyone can be the best. Some of us actually have to work to get where we are!” Rarity snapped at her.

“Rarity it's okay. We're all friends here” Fluttershy tried to speak up. “Please don't be angry”

Rarity realized what she said and let out a sigh. “I'm sorry Twilight...these last few days have been horrible and I took it out on you...please just...leave me be...”

“Can't you tell us what happened?” Twilight asked.

“Well...alright” Rarity hung her head and spoke. “I found out...I'm weak..my magic is weaker then a child's...my own sister thinks I'm a failure. She ran off to Trixie saying she's the best unicorn there is...”

“Ha! Trixie!? Skilled in magic? Please” Applejack laughed at that but Twilight looked at her annoyed.

“Applejack she is skilled. Just because she's gloats about it doesn't mean she's not good at it” Twilight explained and turned back to Rarity. “But why do you think your weak?”

“Because I couldn't even cast a level two spell!” Rarity said upset with herself. “I can only do basics! I haven't used magic in so long I lost my touch!”

“Well...magic isn't everything right?” Fluttershy tried to comfort her. This however only made Rarity more upset.

“Oh yes. Magic doesn't matter. Why don't we just cut off my horn and forget about it!” Rarity said with a stomp of her foot. “Why don't we chop off your wings and see how you fair!?”

“Oh uh...I'm sorry...” Fluttershy backed away and stared at her feet.

“A unicorn can't live without magic. It's a part of what they are. That's like asking a pegasi to never fly! It doesn't work” Rarity explained trying not to be as angry as she was.

“Rarity, I'm sorry things haven't been going well for you. But it sounds like you need help more then ever. Let your friends help you” Twilight pointed out.

“I'm sorry Twilight. But right now...I want to be alone” Rarity said before she went over to a bag full of things. “I was actually planning a trip before you got here. I need to study my magic”

“Do you have to go so soon?” Applejack asked.

“I'd like to go soon. But Twilight needs a dress...I'll see what I can do while I'm away” Rarity said a lot calmer.

“Would you come with us until I'm done with my duties today? I'd like to talk with you again like the old days” Twilight explained.

“Well...I guess I could...” Rarity thought about it and smiled. “Okay then”

Rarity then took her bag and walked outside followed by Applejack. Twilight was about to head outside with them when Fluttershy grabbed her shoulder. “Wait Twilight...are you okay?”

Twilight sighed and shook her head. “No...Rarity was right about me you know? I did get everything served to me. I earned some of it sure but it still hurts to heard my friends say it”

Fluttershy hugged her suddenly from behind. “You know she didn't mean it. We're all going through though times. You might be an alicorn princess, but your still a person. Just like Celestia. Your not perfect”

“Thanks Fluttershy. That means a lot to me” Twilight was glad to hear that. She turned to her and gave her a hug.

“What you need is some Pinkie Pie cheering up. And didn't you say you wanted to go to Sugarcube corner for lunch?” Fluttershy asked.

Twilight's stomach growled as she was reminded of food. “Your right. I'm starving!”

“Then let's go!” Fluttershy said letting her go and going outside. Twilight smiled and left the shop to join her friends.

Meanwhile in the Crystal Empire. Melody Bloom was scanning the area. She loved watching the town and all it's people. Melody was a bit of a traveler really. She loved all sorts of the new cultures around the world. But her favorite was the Crystal Empire so far. Mainly because it was the closest to how she used to live.

She wandered into the castle gates and saw the guards walking around. With a couple of them standing guard over the new princess's old room. She saw Flash Sentry pacing around as a guard normally did and went over to him. “Hey Flashy!”

“Huh?” Flash Sentry looked at her confused. “You know me? I'm afraid I'm at a disadvantage”

“You don't remember me? Melody Bloom. I'm the girl sealed away in ice for four thousand years? Twilight's friend?” Melody said shaking her tail a little. She was rather excited.

“Oh! Twilight told me about you. It's nice to meet you!” Flash said as he shook her hand. “What can I do for you?”

“Well it's more like what I can do for you” Melody said looking him over and licked her lips. “She was right about you hot stuff”

Flash blushed at her comment. “Thank you, but what do you mean what you can do for me?”

“I'm setting up a little dating for a certain princess. You see she's been lonely lately and she needs someone to help her rule her kingdom and you look like a great could be king” Melody pointed out.

“Me? But I'm just a guard...” Flash said looking away.

“So? That didn't stop Twilight's brother...uh Shining Plate or whatever” Melody said. She barely knew the guy but only a little bit.

“That would be prince Shining Armor actually. And you have a point” Flash said with a smile. “Do you really think I'd have a shot?”

“I could get you a chance. That's better then most if you ask me” Melody said.

“You know what? I'll take you up on that offer” Flash nodded.

“Great! I'd like to see your seed run around someday!” Melody said bluntly.

“Uh...my...what?” Flash said confused and embarrassed. “Thanks?”

“If it doesn't work out with Twilight I might want you myself” Melody said enjoying teasing him.

Flash didn't know what to say but he got she was messing with him so he smiled at her. “Your different from the rumors. What was that one about your into pain or something?”

Melody blushed at this. She didn't really like to talk about her...other half. She was rather ashamed of how she got during..those times. But she couldn't help it. “Yeah...uh..those rumors are...a little off”

“But there is truth to it?” Flash asked raising an eye-brow.

“I don't like to talk about it much” Melody said plainly.

“I understand. People are into different things right?” Flash said reassuring her.

“That is true. Thanks Flashy” Melody said before she turned away and walked off. “I'll come get you when Twilight's ready!”

“Sure thing!” Flash said feeling rather good now. He needed it more then he realized as he went back to work.

Back at ponyville Velvet watched as she walked with her daughter and her friends to Sugarcube Corner. Twilight looked over at her and smiled. “How are you feeling mom?”

“I'm a bit hungry. But other then that I'm feeling much better” Velvet said.

“By the way Twilight? Why is your mother visiting? You didn't tell us” Rarity asked a bit annoyed.

“She actually just came here on her own. She came here because she and my dad broke up recently” Twilight explained still hurt about the news.

“O-oh...I'm sorry” Rarity felt stupid for asking something that hurtful. “I'm sorry Ms. Velvet”

“Oh don't worry about it. It's my problem” Velvet said. She didn't want others getting involved in her love life. She just wanted to forget about the pain. “This whole town is full of problems. It's no wonder my little Twilight stays here. She can't help but put her nose in things”

Twilight blushed at her mother's words. “Mom! I am not nosy!”

“That sounds like Twilight to a tee! Haha!” Applejack laughed.

“I think it's nice. Not many people care about so many random people like her” Fluttershy pointed out.

They enjoyed a good laugh as they got to into the shop. As they entered Winter Sugar greeted them happily. “Welcome!”

Winter saw who there were and smiled. “Oh hey girls it's been a long time since I saw you all together!”

“Hey Winter Sugar. It really as been awhile” Twilight said getting a table for them. They all sat with her and Winter went over to them. “So what can I get you girls?”

Twilight's stomach growled as loud as an Ursa Major making her blush a deep red. “I uh....well”

Winter Sugar however knew that that meant. “Sounds like someone could go for a big helping of my special cream cheese tarts!”

“I'd love some! Thank you” Twilight said almost drooling thinking about the delicious food.

“How about the rest of you?” Winter Sugar asked.

“We'll have the same. Just not as big” Fluttershy spoke up.

“I like that idea. You girls?” Rarity said.

“Sure!” Velvet said excitedly. “I love tarts!”

“Me too!” Applejack said.

“Well okay then! Tarts all around!” Winter said and got back into the kitchen.

As she left Pinkie Pie came walking from the downstairs. Not even noticing them. “Winter? Could I get some more of that...what was it again? Coffee?”

“But Pinkie you don't like that stuff, why do you want more?” Winter asked from the other room.

“So I don't fall asleep during my next job silly” Pinkie said.

“Pinkie?” Twilight looked over and smiled seeing her. “Hey Pinkie!”

Pinkie looked over and gave a huff. “Oh...hey Twilight”

Twilight knew that she deserved that. But it still hurt nonetheless. “Pinkie...I know I've missed our hanging out time a lot and I'm sorry. I want to make it up to you and everyone else”

“Well your a bit late for that princess Twilight. I'm an older sister soon. I have to shape up and be a good role model now” Pinkie said annoyed and with a yawn. She looked like she hadn't slept in awhile.

Twilight looked at her hurt and confused. “Pinkie...I'm so sorry...please don't be mad at me. I really did try to be there with you...I just lost track of time and then some things came up, I've been so busy lately”

“What do you mean an older sister soon?” Applejack asked.

Pinkie sighed and rubbed her tired eyes before going over to them and sitting next to Twilight. “Yeah. It's great news! My parents are having another baby soon and that means I'll be a big sister!”

“That's great news Pinkie. I'm really happy for you!” Fluttershy said with a smile.

“Thanks!” Pinkie said before she let out a loud yawn.

“Are you okay? You don't look well” Twilight tried to speak to her but it seemed Pinkie was ignoring her.

Winter Sugar came over and gave Pinkie a cup of coffee. “You really should sleep Pinkie”

“I'll be fine” Pinkie said taking it and then taking a sip. “Gah...it still tastes bad...”

“You hate coffee. Why are you drinking that?” Applejack asked.

“Because I need to stay awake for my other jobs. I have to save up a lot of money to go visit my family and I want to do it as soon as I can so I can see my baby sister!” Pinkie explained.

“That's not healthy Pinkie. And that's a drink for adults of course it tastes terrible” Fluttershy pointed out. “I don't know why but adult tastes are...really...really bad”

“Tell me about it” Pinkie said looking sickened from drinking it.

“Pinkie!” Twilight sudden said loudly making her jump. “Stop ignoring me!”

Pinkie huffed and crossed her arms. “You ignored me! So fair is fair!”

“I want to make it up to you Pinkie. We're friends and I've been stupid but please don't push me away!” Twilight said upset mainly at herself, she turned away and hung her head.

Pinkie stopped and noticed how sad Twilight was. She was mad but she couldn't stay mad at Twilight. “Listen..Twilight. I'm sorry..”

Twilight looked back at her and smiled. “So...are we still friends?”

Pinkie smiled and hugged her. “We never stopped”

“Looks like we're all back together now!” Applejack pointed out.

“Actually we're still missing Rainbow Dash” Fluttershy said.

“Why do we need her? She's always such a brute” Rarity said with a sigh.

“You really need to lighten up Rarity” Applejack said.

“What I need is real magic skills” Rarity frowned.

“Okay girls!” Winter called out as she brought over a huge plate of large tarts. “Enjoy!”

“Oh finally! I'm so hungry!” Twilight said taking a few and started to eat. “Mmmmm! Delicious as always Winter Sugar!!”

They all got some and started to eat. Pinkie chugged her coffee and stood up. “Well girls. I should get going”

“Wait. Why don't you come with us?” Velvet spoke up. “We're going to the Hospital next for a charity. We could use someone to liven the place up”

Pinkie stopped and thought about it. It had been awhile since she got to have fun for no reason. She smiled widely and sat down with them. “Well if you insist!”

Twilight was overjoyed by this. She was finally with her friends again and things were looking up once more. Although she felt something was wrong with each of them she knew she could help. All she had left today was the charity and then she could find Rainbow Dash and finally be with all her past friends. She was rather looking forward to it.