The Inheritors of Friendship

by CinnamonToastTyler

Chapters

Prologue
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16

Prologue

It was one clear day at Canterlot.

At the castle, wedding bells were ringing.

In the castle...

"Do you, Twilight Sparkle," said Joe, "Take this stallion to be your husband?"

"I do."

"And do you, Flash Sentry, Take this mare to be your wife?"

"I do"

"May we have the rings, please?" Asked Princess Celestia

"Coming up!" Said Spike

"I now pronounce you mare and colt!"

At that instant, the whole crowd cheered.

"Long live the couple!" Shouted Pinkie Pie as the couple kissed

Chapter 1

A few years have passed since Twilight Sparkle's daughter, Melody Aurora intervened from the future. Twilight and her friends had experienced many events, from the preparation of the Equestria Games to the invasion of Lord Tirek. Now it's yet another peaceful time all across Equestria.

And it wasn't only Twilight Sparkle who was married, the rest of her friends had found their romances as well. Cheese Sandwich has decided to settle permanently at Ponyville while Applejack had found her beloved after a stallion named Nikula "Niku" Alder from a faraway land confessed his love to her. Rarity has successfully gained a whole new level in her world of fashion and was recognized by another fashion critic in Manehattan. A truly reformed Discord has tied the knot with Fluttershy, while Soarin confessed to Rainbow Dash after she was fully recognized as a Wonderbolt.

No sooner they have married they had their children of their own. Flash and Twilight had a son and they named him Orion Galaxy, hoping him to be a great element of power in the universe. Then Discord and Fluttershy had a daughter, named Honey Drops. This was followed by Niku and Applejack who had a daughter, and then Cheese and Pinkie Pie had a son. As close friends they would allow their children to socialize and be friends with each other.

It was one evening at the playground, four years after the birth of Orion.

"Oh, geez, they are so adorable!" said Rarity watching them playing from afar.

"Why do you say so?" asked Niku.

"Oh, for the pleasure," replied Rarity. "But honestly my husband would stay and work at Manehattan for months! You get what I mean. I wish I already had my children. Then I won't be so lonely working." She sighed. "I just hope that he doesn't meet another mare there, otherwise just he'll wait!"

"Aww man," said Applejack, cuddling her one month old son. His name was Raisin Brandy, and the khaki-colored filly who was playing with Orion and the others was her daughter Fiji.

"I know how you feel," sympathized Soarin. "Actually you aren't the only one in misery. Rainbow and I had to take care in a lot of affairs. In fact we were so occupied that we didn't even plan on having a kid just yet. But we also wished to have a joy in our house, too."

"Don't be miserable," pipped in Pinkie Pie, with her one-year old son, Peanut Butter. "You can get the joy when you finally had one!"

"She's right you know," agreed Rainbow Dash. "Although there are thing you have to overcome like the mess babies make!"

"You do have a point," added Discord. "I thought only unicorns and pegasi have their ability surges, but I found my house turned topsy-turvy during the days when my daughter was a baby!"

"Honey has her hidden chaotic surges," reminded Fluttershy. "But don't worry, you have at least tamed them."

Discord only blushed.

"Come to talk of it," resumed Spike. "Imagine me keeping company with Orion! Unicorn magic plus Pegasus flights… I had to deal with everything he does at home. Ugh!" The baby dragon had grown a few inches bigger, but in terms of his personality, he never changed.

"You still got a lot to learn about foalsitting, Spike. I know you're tired, but Orion has at least someone to be kept company!" reassured Twilight.

"One thing I had to ask about your son," said Cheese Sandwich. "Lately you've been encouraging him on studying, didn't you?"

"Oh, that's true," answered Flash Sentry. "We found him grabbing a book probably about a year ago, and he insisted on studying it. After that he told us that he wanted to be studious and become a professor!"

"That's a brilliant ambition!" praised Niku. "I just hope that my children would take up the same jobs that I do."

"Man, you surely are imagining lots since we've first met!" chuckled Applejack.

"Oh, my, is it time now?" asked Rarity, looking at the clock tower.

"Oh, yeah, guess it's almost dark," said Cheese.

"Maybe we should go home now," said Fluttershy. "Hey kids, time to go home!"

The foals heard Fluttershy's voice. "We're coming!" they cried and ran towards their parents respectively.

"Why, how good you are in calling them!" said Soarin. "I couldn't even do that!"

"Just remember the time when the Cutie Mark Crusaders were almost the same age as them," reminded Rarity. "She's good at such stuff."

"How was your gaming today?" asked Flash to Orion.

"Cool!" answered the Alicorn colt.

"Wanna come again tomorrow?" asked Discord to Honey Drops.

"Yeah! All of us were having fun!"

"Looks like we learned some more new stuff today," concluded Rainbow Dash. "Maybe we can meet again and discuss more about our business in the castle tomorrow!" she said to Twilight.

"Sure thing, Rainbow," replied Twilight. "See you all tomorrow!" She bade to her friends.

The next morning, Twilight woke up, feeling herself a bit weird.

"Funny," she said to herself. "Did I eat something wrong last night? If not why am I… umph…!"

Instantly she jumped from her bed, waking Flash as well while making her way to the bathroom. When Flash caught up with her, he found her throwing up at the basin.

"Twilight!" cried Flash, supporting her. "Are you okay?"

"I'm… ugh… fine…" replied Twilight uncomfortably. "I think I… ate something wrong last night…"

"Serious?" asked Flash, rather panicked. "Then we'd better see a doctor immediately!"

At that moment Orion came into the room with Spike.

"Good morning," greeted Orion. "Uh… what happened to you?"

"Hey, Twilight, are you okay?" asked Spike upon seeing Twilight's face blue.

"Uh… I'm… not too sure…"

"Spike, can you do me a favor?" asked Flash. "Twilight doesn't seem well and I need to take her to the doctor. Can you help me to see Orion off to school?"

"No problem, Flash!" promised Spike.

"Enjoy your day, sonny!" Flash called to his son.

"Um… OK…" responded Orion, feeling rather confused. "What's actually wrong with her, Mr Spike?" He asked after they left.

"Well… I'm not pretty sure," replied Spike. "Why don't we'll have our breakfast first?"

"Okay!"

At school, Orion was feeling uneasy. What happened to his mom? Was she ill or something?

"What's wrong with you, Orion?" asked Honey Drops, interrupting Orion from his ponders.

"Err, well, nothing," replied Orion. "Just that mom and dad were doing weird this morning."

"Huh? What happened to them?"

"I don't know, not even Mr Spike!" he continued. "But dad did say that mom wasn't feeling well…"

"Oh, that's bad," pitied Honey. "But your mom really needs to see the doctor if she's sick."

"Yeah, you're right. We've learned this, didn't we?"

"Of course we did! Hey, how could a prince like you forget something even basic?"

"I'm not forgetful! It's just that… I'm thinking too much…"

"Never mind," assured Honey. "I'm sure she'll get well soon."

"Thank you."

When Orion returned home, he saw his parents with Spike, with smiles on their faces.

"Mom, are you feeling better?" asked Orion.

Instead of answering, Flash asked him straight. "Hey sonny, guess what?"

"Huh, what happened?" asked Orion with doubt. "Did you buy back something for me?"

"Not yet, young fella," denied Spike.

"We're just going to tell you," revealed Twilight. "Next year you're going to be a big brother!"

"… what?"

"Your mom's expecting a foal," continued Flash. "And it's three months already! We calculated that by next year your baby brother or sister will be born!"

"A baby brother or sister…" said Orion with surprise. "I can't believe it…!" He jumped around for joy. "I'm a big brother! I'm a BIG BROTHER!"

"Well," said Spike. "He's sure excited."

"Do you think we should tell our friends now?" asked Twilight to Flash.

"Hmm, not today though, but we can call them next morning and only tell them as a surprise!"

Twilight smiled. Her wish to give her son joy was finally fulfilled.

Chapter 2

The next morning, the couple gathered their friends at the Friendship Rainbow Kingdom Castle and told them the news.

"What?" exclaimed Rainbow Dash. "You're… pregnant?!"

"Serious?" asked Applejack.

"Oh, darling," envied Rarity. "You're making me feel jealous!"

"WOOHOO! Let's have a party!" shouted Pinkie.

"Not that soon, Pinkie," said Twilight. "Anyway I just remembered something."

"What is it?" asked Fluttershy. "About Melody Aurora?"

"You've got the point, Fluttershy."

"Why? What happened?" asked Niku.

"A few years ago, my daughter came from the future and helped to warn us about an upcoming catastrophe! Now one thing I'm concerned now is that I'm expecting her!" She said, placing her hoof around her tummy.

"Wow… I never heard about that before…" commented Soarin.

"That's because you've never seen her before!" said Rainbow. "And we're trying to keep her matter as private as possible!"

"But now you've told us everything," said Cheese Sandwich, feeling rather worried. "What can we do?"

"Don't worry," began Twilight. "This matter is between only all of us and we can't let our children know about this!"

"Too true," agreed Discord.

"If we tell them all about that, I hate to think what would happen. That would be unimaginable!" said Niku.

"Don't worry about everything," assured Flash. "Let's try not to talk about my daughter to the kids. And even if Melody is born," he paused, turning to Twilight. "We aren't going to tell her either."

"What about the evil Queen Myra?" asked Twilight, recalling the great nemesis. "If Melody is born she'll surely target us!"

"We are now safe for the time being," responded Flash. "If her invasion begins we can call for the backups at any time!"

Rarity walked up to Twilight. "Rest assured, Twilight. At least, as friends together, even with our future children, Myra is no longer our enemy."

"She's right, Sugarcube," continued Applejack.

"Twilight, you're the Princess of Friendship!" added Niku. "You can lead Applejack and your friends in facing them and we'll be giving support. That way she can't stand this powerful magic!"

"Especially that powerful magic when you tried to defeat Lord Tirek," elaborated Discord.

"We're always with you, Twilight," said Fluttershy.

Twilight looked at her friends. "Thank you… thank you so much, everypony!"

Meanwhile at school, Orion Galaxy was telling his friends about the big news.

"Wow…" praised Honey Drops. "Congrats to you!"

"Good for you," said Fiji. "Hope it doesn't give you trouble."

"I'm not thinking into that matter, Fiji," replied Orion. "I was praying if it could be a boy or a girl!"

"That was sweet!" said Honey.

Time was flying by, and Twilight's pregnancy progressed fair and well, with her tummy swelling due to her growing foal despite a few more morning sicknesses at the start. Occasionally she had mood swings, but she gradually learned how to get through them quick.

And it wasn't only Twilight who was progressing. Pinkie Pie had begun to expect another foal, and so did Rarity, Rainbow Dash and then Fluttershy. To them, it was a dream come true, but their worst fears were imagining their condition on childbirth, especially Rarity, who was feeling nervous about giving birth for the first time.

But they had more reason to celebrate when both Cheese Sandwich and Pinkie Pie hosted a baby shower for Twilight, and she received lots of presents. Rarity gave her the finest baby clothes made, Applejack presented her good drinks.

It was not until the tenth month of Twilight's pregnancy. Everything went well to prepare for the birth.

Orion was very eager to see his newborn sibling that he talked endlessly about his mother's condition to his friends every day. Fiji and Honey would be pleased to listen.

One day, Orion was talking about his mom's condition again when some colts went up to the group.

"Talking about your mom, again, huh?" The red one asked.

"Yeah, uh… what's wrong?"

"Think it's good to have a brother or sister?" The orange one continued. "They're nothing but bluffs!"

"What do you mean?" asked Fiji.

"Simple. Parents love children, but when a new kid comes, they won't love him anymore!" The gray one replied.

"Yeah, that's what happened to me!" said the orange one.

"Is that so?" asked Orion.

"Hey, you can't say that to our friend!" argued Honey. "A parent's love to their children is the same, and there's no way they focus on only one."

"Oh, are you sure, bat-winged girl?" replied the red one. "Trust us, his parents won't love him anymore when he's got his brother or sister."

"Don't you dare call Honey like that just because she's a half-pony!" insisted Orion, defending Honey.

"Oh, yeah?" asked the gray one, not scared. "Then mark my words! You'll soon come to know it." And they trotted away, laughing.

"It's okay Orion," said Fiji to him. "They just got nothing to do."

Now Orion was feeling bad. "What if… mom and dad don't love me anymore?"

"Orion! What happened to you?" asked a shocked Honey. "Have you fallen into their trap?"

"Sorry girls, I have to go home first," and he galloped away.

"Has he really believed their words?" asked Honey to Fiji.

"Nah, don't bother about him!" answered Fiji. "He'll realize that we're right later after all!"

At the castle, Orion was still moody. He couldn't eat his favorite meal well and he didn't even bother responding to his parents or even Spike.

"Is there anything wrong about him?" asked Flash.

"I don't know," said Spike. "He's already like that when he came home and he didn't even spoke a few words to me."

"Don't worry," said Twilight. "I can go and find him."

Later, Twilight went into Orion's room and she found him lying on his bed, looking glum.

"Orion," called Twilight gently. "Anything wrong happened to you today?"

Orion got up. "Mom," he asked. "Do you love me?"

"Of course I do!"

"Then if my brother or sister is born," he continued. "Will you still love me?"

"Of course I will! I don't care how many children I have, my love to you all will be the same!"

Orion paused for a moment, then he wept into his mother's tummy.

"I… I thought you won't love me anymore!" he sobbed. "Some big brothers told me about that!"

"Why shouldn't I stop loving you?" comforted Twilight. "You're my dearest son, and also my new child. I would love you both."

Amidst his tears, he suddenly felt a kick from his mother's tummy. "Mom," said Orion suddenly. "The baby… moved!"

"Oh, it loves you!" said Twilight. "So you've got to love it back."

Instantly he felt an aura of warmth all around him.

"Mom," continued Orion. "Will it be a colt or a filly? And how would you name it?"

"Oh, we'll just wait. I don't know how to name my next son, but if I were to name my daughter, I would call her Melody Aurora!"

"Wow…" cried Orion as he laid on the tummy to feel the baby moving and kicking. Soon he was fast asleep.

As Twilight left the room, she patted at her tummy, saying. "Melody, you're going to have a great big brother!"

Chapter 3

It was one morning at the Friendship Rainbow Kingdom Castle.

Twilight woke up, feeling uneasy. She was to be due in two weeks' time.

Flash Sentry woke up to see her moody.

"Morning," greeted Flash. "What's wrong with you?"

"I have the strangest feeling," said Twilight. "I felt that something bad is going to happen…"

"Really?" asked Flash, now shocked.

"Anyway," continued Twilight. "We have to wake up our son, then I got some jobs to do."

Later at school, Orion was feeling tired and he couldn't pay attention during the lessons.

"What happened to you, Orion?" asked the teacher after the lessons were over. "Did you sleep late last night?"

"Uh, I'm okay, miss," said Orion, rather sleepy. "I have to go home now…"

"*sigh* Okay then, just get enough rest."

Outside the schoolhouse, Fiji and Honey were waiting for him.

"Orion!" cried Honey. "Are you okay?"

"I'm… fine," yawned Orion. "Looks like I'd better nap now…" And he trotted slowly past them.

"Hey Honey, was Orion always like this lately?" asked Fiji as they followed him behind.

"No. He always sleeps on time. He was alright yesterday!" replied Honey.

"Then there's no way he can be that tired!"

Suddenly, Honey gasped. "Fiji, look!"

Both fillies could not believe their eyes.

Instead of taking the usual route back to the castle, Orion was heading towards the Everfree Forest. What's more, his horn was glowing, but not his usual blue aura and it was red.

"I… I think something's wrong with him," said a very scared Honey. "I think he's… under control!"

"We'd better tell his parents!" declared Fiji, and they ran off to find Flash and Twilight.

"What? Orion is heading towards the Everfree Forest?" asked Twilight after hearing the story.

"We'd better get him back!" continued Flash. "In the meantime alert our friends!"

"Yes, sir!" and the fillies ran off.

"You think you still can catch him when you're almost due?" asked Flash.

"Don't worry. I'm fine after all," said Twilight. "Let's hurry!"

Ten minutes later they were in the Everfree Forest, searching for him. No sooner they found him walking deeper into the forest.

"Man," said Flash. "He's being possessed, just like what the girls said!"

"I know just what to do," said Twilight and she sneaked quietly behind Orion. Then she grabbed hold of him and struck his horn. Instantly Orion was back to his senses.

"Ugh… where am I? Mom?" asked Orion, recovered.

"Phew! Thank goodness you're alright!" said Twilight, hugging him. "This place is creepy. Now we need to get out of here!"

Orion shivered when he heard the word "creepy".

"I'm… scared…" shivered Orion.

"Don't worry," said Flash, "We're here to go home with you."

But the happiness didn't last long.

An evil laughter suddenly boomed out of nowhere, and within the dense trees, a dark gray unicorn mare stepped out of the darkness.

"Oh, I was this close to getting my target," she said as she stopped laughing.

"Who are you?" growled Flash.

"Ho, Clyra's the name," introduced the unicorn. "I happen to find a foal with such great magic, and I was looking forward into inviting it, but it seems that you have interrupted my plans."

"Are you hired by someone, who is a queen, by the name of Myra?"

Clyra paused for a moment. "Oh, my, what a good guess."

"We're not going to let you and your queen harm our son!" growled Twilight. "And don't you dare take away my soon-to-be-born daughter!"

"Queen Myra isn't intending on harming Melody now," said Clyra. "She'll deal with her when she's old enough." And with that she fired a magical blast to the family. Twilight, despite her pregnancy, was able to cast a protection barrier in time.

"Mom," cried Orion in tears. "I'm really scared…"

"Don't cry," comforted Twilight. "We'll protect you."

Then Twilight released the barrier, allowing Flash Sentry to make a dash to knock Clyra over.

"Twilight," Flash walked up to Twilight. "Take Orion back home as fast as you can. I'll deal with her."

"What about you?" asked Twilight with watery eyes, learning that she was about to be apart with her beloved husband.

"I'll take care of her. After all," said Flash. "It's a royal guard's duty to sacrifice for their clients."

"Flash…"

"I love you, Twilight," he said before kissing her. "Now go, and don't look back!"

He then turned to Orion, who was now looking sad.

"Orion, take care of your mother," he said to him. "And your sister, and family and friends!"

"Dad…!" Then Twilight levitated him onto her back.

"Let's go, Orion!" And she galloped away.

Just as Twilight left, Clyra got up and Flash charged towards her.

The battle raged on for fifteen minutes. This went on until they were forced towards a lava pit. By that time both have been battered.

Flash was taken down again by Clyra's blast. Just as Clyra laughed when she thought she had defeated him, Flash, using his remaining strength, pushed her and fell with her down to the burning lava…

And he was never seen again.

Meanwhile, Twilight was galloping swiftly and just as she was about to reach the edge of the forest, she suddenly slowed down, and groaned in pain. She knew it. It was time for Melody to be born.

"Ugh, that quick…?" She thought to herself.

"Mom! What happened to you?" Orion got down from her. "Are you okay?"

"I'm… fine…" groaned Twilight. "Looks like it's time for your sister to be born…" She finished as she felt her waters break.

Orion was now panicked. "What!? Please, somepony help me!"

Luckily, who should be coming to help, were Rainbow Dash, Spike and Soarin.

"Twilight!" cried Rainbow. "Are you okay?"

"I'm… alright…" she said, scrunching in pain. "It's about time… for Melody… to be born…"

"What!?" exclaimed Spike.

"Don't worry!" said Rainbow. "I'll take you to the hospital!"

"But… you're pregnant, too…"

"Don't worry about her," assured Soarin. "After all she's used to flying during pregnancy."

"Then get me there quick." She turned to Spike. "Spike, take care of Orion while I'm in the hospital…"

"Got it!" said Spike without hesitation. "What about Flash?"

"Don't mind about him," dismissed Twilight. "He finished his job…"

As Soarin and Rainbow carried Twilight away, Spike turned to Orion, now reduced to tears.

"Mr Spike," asked Orion. "Will mom and dad… be alright?"

"Your mom's gotta be okay, but your dad…" he looked into the enchanted forest. "I don't think he'll make it."

"What?"

"C'mon, let's go home, it's getting dark." And Spike led the young Alicorn colt back to the castle.

Chapter 4

Twilight was rushed to the hospital in time, and just half an hour she arrived, she finally heard the cries of a newborn infant.

“Congratulations!” beamed the nurse. “It’s an Alicorn filly.”

Twilight was feeling too giddy and too exhausted to see her newborn. “Oh, alright…” Then she went unconscious.

In the midst of her unconsciousness, Twilight found herself in an ethereal space, much like when Princess Celestia ascended her into an Alicorn.

“I wonder why I’m here,” thought Twilight. “Does the princess want to see me?”

“Twilight!” suddenly she heard a familiar voice. She turned around to see Flash Sentry right before her.

“So,” concluded Twilight moodily. “I guess you didn’t make it…”

“I guess that was pretty hard,” said the latter. “But honestly she too was at the verge of death.”

“Oh, I’m glad to hear it…” sighed Twilight as she went into his arms, sniffling with tears.

Flash let Twilight cry as hard as she wanted.

“Oh, hey,” resumed Flash. “I should say congrats for having Melody born!”

“Oh, yeah?” said Twilight when she stopped crying. “I think it’s time for me to teach her and Orion about the magic of friendship…”

“Don’t forget,” said Flash. “The responsibility of the family is onto you. It’s also about time to decide the future of our children.”

“I get it…”

“One more thing,” added Flash, and he took out a necklace-like item, shaped like his cutie mark. “Melody should wear this. It’s a protective charm for her. Whenever she goes, my spirit would be around to protect her, and she might make use of it, too.”

“Really?”

“Right. Now, it’s time for me to be ascended,” Flash began to drift away from her. “The future of your children, and Equestria, are on your hooves…”

“Flash…!” Twilight called, but at the same moment, her vision ended.

She slowly opened her eyes, and the first one to see was Applejack.

“Twilight! Are y’alright?” asked Applejack.

“Applejack?” asked Twilight, before looking around to see all of her friends in the ward. “Everypony?”

“Mom!” cried Orion Galaxy as he hopped onto her, hugging her.

“We were so worried about you,” said Fluttershy.

“Twilight, about Flash…” began Cheese Sandwich.

“Don’t worry about him anymore,” sighed Twilight. “He just went home…”

“Home?” wondered Niku.

Then out of the blue, Orion suddenly burst into tears.

“Dad, DAAAAD!!!!” he cried uncontrollably. The others could do nothing but sympathize the colt that lost his father.

“Life’s like that,” consoled Fluttershy. “We have to go through like that.”

“Oh, Twilight, looks like you forgot to look at her,” called Rarity.

“Who?” she turned around to see her baby daughter sleeping beside her. She was a pink Alicorn, and her mane and tail were purple with light blue streaks. She looked exactly like her future counterpart a few years ago.

“Oh, my goodness, she’s cute,” said Twilight. “Orion, stop crying and look at your sister.”

Orion stopped crying before peering towards newborn Melody. “Hi little sis,” he began. “I am your big brother.”

“Gee, she’s so adorable!” said Spike.

Then there was a knock at the door. Coming in was Princess Celestia, followed by Princess Luna, then Shining Armor and Princess Cadance, and finally Twilight’s parents.

“Princess…”

“I knew what happened,” began Celestia. “Spike sent me a letter last night telling me everything.”

“My condolences, Twilight Sparkle,” said Princess Luna.

“Glad that you’re fine, Twily,” said Shining Armor with relief.

“Wow, she’s just so adorable,” said Princess Cadance, cradling Melody. “I hope my children can be good cousins to her.”

“How are your kids doing?” asked Twilight.

“They’re doing fine. Last night Paladin and Mistral were really sad to know about your condition.”

“Rest well, my daughter,” advised Twilight Velvet. “You’ve lost all of your strength from your labor.”

“Thanks mom,” replied Twilight. Suddenly, she remembered her dream. “I think I dreamt Flash last night.”

Everypony could not believe their ears.

“Wh… what did he tell you?” asked Pinkie Pie.

“Basically,” explained Twilight. “He told me that the future of Equestria is now onto me. He even gave me a charm for Melody.” She searched around her bed and when she felt something and took it out, everyone in the room gasped. The charm looked exactly like what Twilight dreamt.

“L… looks like this dream just got real,” said Discord.

“Then we’d better follow what he says,” suggested Shining Armor. “That way Melody can be protected.”

“Princess,” resumed Twilight. “I was trying to cope with all this grief. What can I do?”

Princess Celestia thought for a moment. “I have decided,” she said. “You and Spike will nurse her and Orion. When she turns five, they will come and stay with me, and be my personal students. I am going to help you teach them about the magic of friendship, and the leaderships of royalty. By the time Melody is ten, then I’ll let her settle with you back in Ponyville.”

“What about me, Princess?” asked the young prince.

“It’s up to you. You can stay with your sister back in Ponyville or with me if you want.” She replied, stroking his mane.

“But will they miss us friends from Ponyville?” asked Rainbow Dash.

“Don’t worry. For about once in a month I can arrange for them to stay at Ponyville for a weekend a month. That way they’ll never miss you all.”

Rarity suddenly went up to Twilight.

“Twilight,” began Rarity, holding her hooves. “I always thought about the nightmares for childbirth, but hearing you giving birth to Melody has given me new courage. I will give birth to a healthy baby, and my husband will be happy when he sees it!”

“Rarity’s right,” declared Princess Celestia. “In fact our Princess of Friendship has proven us that times of happiness will arrive in the midst of crisis.”

“Twilight,” added Fluttershy. “I’ve been trying to tell you, but now I’m proud to say that I’m having twins!”

“Sounds awesome. I want to give birth to my kid as soon as I can!” boasted Rainbow Dash.

“Ooh, me too!” pipped Pinkie Pie.

“Our kids will grow up and be friends with your daughter, Sugarcube,” finished Applejack.

Twilight felt touched. “Why… thank you… thank you everypony!” At that moment, Melody woke up and started crying.

“Princess Melody Aurora,” said Twilight. “From now on, you will be learning everything about friendship, from your mother, your friends to the Princess of Equestria!”

Chapter 5

Ten years later…

Twilight was waiting at the Ponyville train station. It was her big day today, as her daughter Melody Aurora will begin to settle permanently in Ponyville to learn more about the knowledge of friendship.

“Man, I’m so excited, Spike,” she said.

“Whoa, really?” asked Spike, now a tween dragon. He had seemed to grow more mature.

“I finally get to be with my daughter forever,” said Twilight. “After all those monthly visits with Orion. Everything happened seems like yesterday…” She said, with a twinkle in her eye.

“Speak of the devil, there they are!”

The train from Canterlot soon stopped at Ponyville, and among the passengers who alighted the train, she was able to recognize Melody and Orion from the crowd, running towards her. Escorting them was Princess Celestia. Orion was now a fifteen-year-old teenage colt, and he sported a lightning striking through a shield as his cutie mark.

“Mom!” cried the siblings as they ran towards their mother.

“I’m so glad to have you with me, Melody,” said Twilight as she hugged her, then Orion.

“I’m so glad that Melody was able to be with you,” told Orion. “I decided to stay with Princess Celestia.”

“He desires to be a royal guard,” explained Princess Celestia. “I told them stories about their father and Orion seems to be inspired by him.”

“I just can’t bear to remember that,” said Orion with tears as he recounted that fateful event. “I don’t want to lose my dear friends. But this doesn’t mean I’m stopping to learn about friendship from Princess. And I will still visit you all monthly.”

“Just go ahead and take up that job,” encouraged Twilight. “After all it’s all better being an Alicorn guard.”

“Orion will stay with you for a few days,” said Princess Celestia. “Then he needs to resume his training as a royal guard.”

“Got it,” said Twilight. “Let’s go home, kids. Pinkie Pie’s throwing a party!”

“What? A party?” asked Melody.

“A party to celebrate your stay with me!” answered Twilight. “After all I’m going to be your mentor in everything about friendship.”

“Really?” gasped Melody excitedly.

“You sure are excited, aren’t you, kid?” asked Spike.

“Oh, Spike,” said Melody. “You seem not to change, don’t you?”

“For a dragon to be raised in a pony community,” added Orion. “You never seemed to be affected.”

“Yeah, but I remember that time when…” said an embarrassed Spike, recalling his past events of greed that made him grow fast.

“Good luck staying with your mother, Princess Melody,” bade Princess Celestia. “And don’t forget about your training, Prince Orion!”

“Thanks, Princess!”

“I will, Princess!”

Soon they were on their way to the Friendship Rainbow Kingdom Castle. Along the way, the townsponies greeted and welcomed the children. No long after they arrived at the castle, with Twilight’s friends waiting for them.

“Melody!” called Fluttershy. “It’s good to have you staying with us.”

“We’d love to have you here with us!” said Peanut Butter, who was Pinkie’s eldest son.

“Mom and dad specially threw this party!” added Peanut’s sister Pepper Flake.

“I guarantee that this party’s gonna be super-duper great for you two!” pipped Pinkie’s youngest son, Pizza Frenzy.

“Wow…”

“Good to have you here again, fella,” said Fiji to Orion, who was a teenage mare as well.

“I’m so proud that your sister has got a chance to communicate with us,” added Honey Drops, who was also in her teenage year.

“Man, what I could say, my sister’s really the star of attraction now,” he said, glancing at his junior friends surrounding Melody.

“Drop by at my mom’s place anytime Melody,” said Fiji’s brother Raisin Brandy. “She’s got some nice pie waiting for you!”

“Oh really? Applejack’s pies are always delicious!”

“My mom can even make you the finest dress fit for a princess!” said Platinum Royale, Rarity’s eldest daughter.

“And don’t mind if I can try to do you a good manestyle!” added Platinum Royale’s sister Prudence Aura. She was different from Platinum, as she preferred to hairstyling rather than fashion.

“Heh-heh, you sure take up Rarity’s job, huh?”

Then two Pegasus foals, one with a pair of lion paws, a lion tail and deer horns and the other one with goat hooves and goat horns approached them. They were Chaos Control and Beryl, the twin children of Discord and Fluttershy.

“Whoa, it’s glad to see you staying with us now, Melody,” said Chaos.

“Chaos!” cried Melody. “As my best friend you never seem to fail to entertain me, huh?”

“Of course we don’t,” chuckled Beryl.

Then, two shadows flashed by the foals. One of them landed with them.

“Whoa hey, what did I miss?” said a rainbow-maned green Pegasus with a fashionable hat. She was Greenie Hats, the daughter of Soarin and Rainbow Dash, and she had larger ears than them.

“You missed nothing,” said Platinum. “And where did you get that hat?”

“Big sister says that she wants a different hat because she knows that Melody is staying with us,” explained Thunder Clash, the younger brother of Greenie.

“Whoa, I can’t believe that a seven-year-old like you can fly already,” said Melody. “I still have a lot of flying moves to learn.”

“Because mom and dad were cool fliers.”

“Don’t worry, mom’s a cool teacher,” assured Greenie. “And I know that you have to master you magic as well.”

“I know. Princess Celestia has been teaching me that.”

Twilight and her friends watched her daughter socializing from afar.

“Oh dear,” gasped Rarity. “I could say that Melody’s the star of attraction right now!”

“Not just because she’s a princess,” said Soarin. “To her today’s a great day for her.”

“Really nice to see her staying with our kids,” agreed Niku.

“Totally agree, Whitesocks,” said Applejack, cuddling her one-year old daughter Malinae. One thing unique about her was despite both her parents being earth ponies, she was born a unicorn. This was due to Niku’s family’s side.

“What I can really say right now,” declared Twilight. “Melody’s beginning to learn everything about friendship from us, and our friends!”

Chapter 6

A few weeks have passed since Melody has settled with her mother in Ponyville. In fact she was quickly suited to the peaceful atmosphere around the town, and also attending school in Ponyville. At school she proved to be the brightest student, with her homework done excellently and paying full attention in lessons. Greenie Hats and Pizza Frenzy were the worst attention payers. Platinum Royale was half attentive as she kept glancing at her hooves.

One evening, the friends gathered at the park. It was their usual routine after school.

“Wow, you’re great, Melody!” complimented Beryl. “You seem to be the brightest student in our class!”

“Heh-heh, thank you,” said Melody. “If I wouldn’t have studied hard then today’s test won’t be as easy as I thought!”

“Man, how wish I’d be like you!” said Greenie Hats. “Ms Margo always punishes me!”

“That’s because she’s a princess!” explained Pepper Flake. “And not to mention she had her teeny-weeny education back at Canterlot!”

“Absolutely right, Pepper,” agreed Melody. “Maybe I should be your role model.”

“Cool…” envied Pizza Frenzy. “If only I was a prince, too…”

“In your dreams!” exclaimed Thunder Clash playfully.

“Melody,” said Chaos Control. “Actually I have something concerned about you.”

“What is it, Chaos?”

“Among all of us who are the same age here,” revealed Chaos. “You’re the only one not to have a cutie mark yet.”

“Huh?” She asked, turning to look at her flank, then looked at her friends. “Oh dear…”

“Maybe you should look out for those seniors,” said Raisin Brandy. “I’ve heard from my aunt Apple Bloom that they like to pick on those who hadn’t got cutie marks…”

“But, I’m pretty worried now…” sighed Melody. “What’s a princess supposed to be without her cutie mark?”

“Don’t worry,” consoled Beryl. “Having a cutie mark or not, we’re still your friends!”

“Yeah, our best role model!” cheered Greenie.

“My, thanks everypony!” said a cheered up Melody. But by the time it was dinner, she grew gloomy again.

“Man, what’s the matter?” asked Spike.

“Nothing, just hoping I can get my cutie mark…” sighed the latter.

“Don’t worry,” calmed Twilight. “You’ll soon get your cutie mark. Trust me, it takes everypony to get their cutie marks. You can ask the Cutie Mark Crusaders. They’re a great model for you.”

“Really?”

“Remember Melody,” continued Twilight. “Getting your cutie mark is something valuable to anypony. It could come at any time as long as you found your talent.”

That cheered Melody again. “Thanks, Mom.” She said and hugged her.

The next day, when school dismissed, Melody went to find the Cutie Mark Crusaders. The trio, of course, was willing to share out their stories on getting their cutie marks.

“… and that’s how it is!” finished Scootaloo.

“Wow…” gasped Melody every time each one of them related their stories.

“Tell you what, Melody,” said Apple Bloom. “It’s always that feeling when you get your cutie mark. I used to be very impatient to the point that I had cutie pox!”

“Trust us, we used to get bullied by Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon due to this,” added Sweetie Belle. “Now they finally knew what true determination is.”

“You will definitely find your true talent,” said Scootaloo. “This marks for a hard work paid off!”

“Thank you all!” said Melody cheerfully. “If you excuse me, I need to meet with Chaos and Beryl now.”

“Take care and good luck!” bade Apple Bloom.

Soon Melody was at Fluttershy’s cottage, discussing her homework with the twins. Fluttershy and Discord were away to Canterlot to do some shopping.

“Looks like you went to talk with the Cutie Mark Crusaders, huh?” asked Chaos.

“Yeah, They’re really good figures to us!”

“Mom told us and Honey that they were desperate about their cutie marks that they even caused trouble all around Ponyville!” explained Beryl.

“Man, how cheeky they are!” giggled Melody.

“Really naughty, aren’t they?” said Honey, arriving with tea and cookies. “At least they have matured over the years.”

“Totally agree, sis,” agreed Chaos.

Then there was a knock at the door.

“Now who could that be?” asked Honey as she went to open the door, only to find a mare clad in a cloak. “Why, hello! What brings you here?”

“Oh, hello,” said the mare. “I’m here house by house to check out every foal in every house to see if they’re fine.”

“Oh, really?” laughed Honey. “They’re always fine and always laughing.” She called to the kids. “Can you all let auntie see how you all feel?”

“Coming!” the three foals called, coming to the door.

The mare scrutinized the three.

“Hmm,” she said at last. “You three really are fine.”

“Oh, yeah,” said Melody suddenly. “I remember I left something at home. I’ll be back in a moment.”

Just as Melody walked a few steps out of the house, the unthinkable happened.

Without warning, the mare took out a sack and wrapped it around Melody, leaving the siblings shocked.

“Hey, what’s going on?” screamed Melody. “Help, help me!” But the mare ignored her cries and galloped away towards the Everfree Forest, carrying the sack with her.

“That’s horrible,” declared Honey. “Melody’s kidnapped!”

“I’ll go get her!” cried Chaos, chasing after her.

“Chaos, don’t follow her!” shouted Honey. “You don’t know what you’re doing!” But he had already gone a far way ahead.

“This is bad,” said Beryl, now concerned and scared. “What are we gonna do?”

“We need to find Princess Twilight,” decided Honey. “And tell her to save Melody!”

“Wh-what about Mom and Dad?”

“As soon as they reach home, we’ll try to alert them. Let’s go!”

Chapter 7

The mare kept running deeper and deeper into the forest, with Melody struggling to free herself from the sack. By now she was already terrified.

“Where is she taking me?” she thought to herself. “I’m getting scared already. Why is nopony coming to save me?”

The mare eventually came to stop at a tree, and then she tied Melody onto it. Once done, she unmasked herself to be no other than the evil Queen Myra.

“Well, well,” chuckled Myra. “I didn’t expect to come across you by chance!”

“Who are you? Why are you taking me away from my friends!? And what are you going to do with me!!?” growled Melody.

“Call me Queen Myra, my dear,” she introduced. “I noticed something very special about you… Princess Melody…”

Melody just stared at her, horrified.

“You see, princess,” continued the Queen. “I noticed that you have special powers. I should say that I never came across such amazing foal! It would be greatly appreciated if you can come with me, and help me out back at my place. Wouldn’t that be nice, princess?” She stroked Melody’s chin, but she shook it off.

“Go away!” barked Melody. “I want my mom! And my friends!”

“Oh really? Well I don’t think they can find us in this place…”

Unbeknown to them, Chaos was already watching them behind a bush.

“Gosh, she’s trying to harm Melody!” he thought to himself. “I’d better think of a way. Think, think, think…”

As Myra continued to play with her victim, Chaos stepped out, purposely making sounds from the bush.

“And what do you think you’re doing?”

Queen Myra was surprised when she saw Chaos appearing behind her. “Oh, another little doll?”

“I am Chaos Control and don’t you ever underestimate the son of the Master of Chaos!” he growled to her. “And don’t you dare hurt Melody!”

“Oh, the son of the Master of Chaos? Is that so, lion-pony?”

“Chaos! What are you trying to do here?” cried Melody when she saw him. “You don’t know how to handle this. Get out of here!”

“No fear,” said Chaos bravely. He turned to Myra. “I’m to defeat you with the power of Chaos!”

“Really? Try this!” laughed Queen Myra as she fired a magic blast towards him. Unfortunately, Chaos, who had never been trained in intermediate chaotic skills, took the blow.

“Chaos!” cried Melody.

“Don’t worry, I’m all right!” He stood up and continued to charge towards her.

Queen Myra had never seen a foal that can stand up against her. “Well then, let’s see how you do it!” she thought to herself.

For several minutes, Chaos used his basic chaotic skills to fight with her. Each time he was taken down, he still got up and dashed to her. However the evil Queen proved to be too powerful to him.

A terrified Melody could only watch the heated row.

This went on and on until Chaos was heavily bruised, and Queen Myra was half-fed up with him.

“Mwuh huh huh, for a colt, he sure is another powerful fellow!” chucked Queen Myra.

Melody could see he was already tired and worn out, but he was still relentless.

“Chaos, please,” pleaded Melody with tears. “I know you’re trying to save me, but you can’t push yourself too hard…”

“I don’t care…” panted Chaos. “I’m… going… to… protect you… whatever IT TAKES!!!”

He charged to Queen Myra for another time, and as usual, she struck him down with her magic. This time, he was knocked out cold.

“Chaos, NO!!!”

Queen Myra turned to her hostage. “Well, how does it feel to see your friend suffer?”

“Ugh…” Melody began to rage. “YOU’LL PAY FOR THAT!!!!”

As she spoke, she suddenly felt a huge surge of magic exploding inside her. What’s more, the charm she was wearing began to glow as well.

“What’s this?” Queen Myra was taken aback by Melody’s sudden rage. The surge was so great that Melody finally broke free. She now stood staring at her, with a massive aura of energy surrounding her.

“Now,” roared Melody. “I’LL FINISH YOU!!!”

She began her assault on Queen Myra, who was too shocked to prepare anything to defend herself. She fired countless magic beams towards her, making her unable to block them in time. In five minutes, she began to feel overwhelmed.

“*pant* Impossible! She’s stronger than I thought!” She quickly fled away before she took the next blow.

“Don’t you ever… come… back…” As Melody finished, her powers have faded, and now it was her turn to collapse to the ground unconscious.

“Melody! Melody!” Twilight arrived with Fluttershy just about half a minute after Melody passed out.

“Goodness! What happened to them?” asked Fluttershy, anxious.

“I don’t know…” said Twilight as she went over to check Melody’s condition. “She’s still alive. What about Chaos?”

“So is he,” reported Fluttershy. Then she noticed something. “Twilight, look at Melody!”

Twilight looked at her daughter. Then she noticed her flank. At its place was no other than her cutie mark – it looked like Twilight’s, but just that it was a triplicate of it.

“Melody,” whispered Twilight. “You’ve been tired enough.”

“So, what shall we do?” asked Fluttershy.

“Let’s get them treated,” declared Twilight. “They’ll be alright in a while!”

*~*~*~*

“Uohh…” groaned Melody as she got up. “Where am I?”

“You’re safe, in the hospital!” replied Twilight. With her are her friends as well. “You must have given yourself all, didn’t you?”

“Well,” explained Melody. “The first thing I knew, that mare killed Chaos. Then I feel some kind of power coming out of me, and I attacked her. After that I can’t remember everything…” She finished with tears.

“Don’t worry,” cheered Fluttershy. “Chaos is all right, he’s just got hurt too much already.”

“Oh, thank goodness…”

“And by the way,” continued Twilight. “Take a look at your flank.”

“What?” Melody pulled the blanket away only to discover her cutie mark.

“My cutie mark…” But her excitement immediately turned to confusion. “But what does that mean to me?”

“Your special talent is just like me,” explained Twilight. “You and I have the ability to specialize in magic, but with your cutie mark a trifold of mine, I believe you can do better than me. However you still need to learn some more about magic from me. Otherwise I don’t think you can do well.”

“Really?”

“Of course! You’re my daughter, after all.”

Melody went to her mother and hugged her, weeping softly.

“Where’s Chaos now?”

“He’s just next to you. Your friends are with him, too.”

Melody jumped down from her bed and she rushed to his only to find her friends crowding him.

“Melody! Are you alright?” Asked Platinum when she saw her.

“I’m fine…”

“Melody,” began Chaos. “I’m glad that you’re OK…” Almost all of his body was bandaged all over.

“Chaos!” cried Melody. “Don’t you realize that what you did was foolish? You nearly killed yourself!” Again, she finished with tears. Then, she felt her hoof being held by Chaos’s paw.

“Relax, Melody,” calmed Chaos. “I won’t die… for you…”

“You really are sure?”

“I am.”

It was then Twilight and her friends came over.

“How are you feeling now, Chaos?” asked Twilight.

“I can say, I’m feeling better, just that some of my body still aches…”

“If that’s the case, then Doctor says that you can go home in a week,” said Fluttershy.

“Whew, I’m relieved!” said Beryl.

“Mom, I’m really sorry,” apologized Chaos remorsefully. “I shouldn’t have dashed like that just to save my friend…”

“It’s okay,” forgave Fluttershy. “Actually you might need a little more training from your father.”

“But if it wasn’t for you,” resumed Twilight. “Melody couldn’t have got her cutie mark.”

“*gasp* Really?” exclaimed Pepper Flake. The others turned to Melody only to find out her cutie mark.

“Whoa, I only noticed it now!” said Raisin Brandy.

“Awesome cutie mark! Kinda like your mom’s, eh?” asked Greenie Hats.

“Hey, Melody, when you’re better shall we throw a cute-ceañera?” asked Peanut Butter.

“*gasp* I’d love to!”

“Another thing,” Twilight suddenly continued. “Since I have noticed the bravery of Chaos in protecting Melody, I would like to appoint him as Melody’s bodyguard.”

Everypony gasped as they could not believe their ears.

“Serious?” asked Melody and Chaos in unision.

“You displayed the truest courage and sacrifice you made for your friend. These qualities are fit for a bodyguard,” explained Twilight.

“If that’s the case,” said Melody, holding Chaos’ bandaged paw. “Don’t die for me.”

“Of course I won’t, Mel!” chuckled Chaos. “I’ll be always around to protect you…”

These words gave Melody a feeling of assurance. However, deep in her heart, she was determined to learn more about magic from her mother, as depending only on her friend wasn’t enough.

Chapter 8

Five years have passed since Melody Aurora got her cutie mark. Now Melody, along with her friends have reached adolescence. Her junior friends have also grown along the years, apart from finding their special talents.

However, there was one thing which still puzzled Melody. Recalling the events of her kidnapping five years ago, she still couldn’t understand about how she had her hidden powers. Only a certain somepony would know.

One morning, during breakfast at the Friendship Rainbow Kingdom Castle.

“Hey, mom,” began Melody.

“Yes, Melody?”

“Remember when I was kidnapped a few years back?”

“Yeah, and you got your cutie mark as well.”

“But something’s been troubling me,” Melody pondered for a moment. “I know that there’s a strange feeling of power coming out from me when I saw Chaos being knocked down. But how can I explain this?”

Twilight thought for a moment. Then she held Melody’s charm.

“Look Melody,” began Twilight. “On the day you were born, your father died, but I met him for the last time in my dream.”

“A dream? Really?”

“Yeah, and he gave me this charm. He says that whenever you go, his spirit’s around to protect you from danger, and he thinks that you might make use of it, too…”

Melody was still feeling unsure. Just knowing that the charm containing her father’s spirit to guide her wasn’t enough. She still needed answers.

“I see about that,” said Melody. “But I’m still not sure. Anymore answers?”

“I’m afraid that’s all I know so far,” replied Twilight. “I don’t even have time to go to the royal sisters’ old castle in the Everfree Forest. I don’t have time to visit there lately.”

“Aww…” sighed Melody, disappointed.

“But I know someone who can help me answer,” continued Twilight. “Not a somepony but some zebra!”

Melody instantly became familiar when her mother mentioned the word “zebra”. “Zecora?”

“Yep, that’s her. You see,” reminded Twilight. “We used to think that Zecora was mysterious and we all might get cursed by her, but it was actually Apple Bloom who made us get closer to her.”

“Wow…” Melody had personally met Zecora a few times in Ponyville, especially when Zecora went there to shop for some herbs. The fact that Zecora knew everything about sorcery and witchcraft gave her new hope.

“Then I’ll go find Zecora!” decided Melody.

“And you’d better don’t forget your personal bodyguard!” reminded Spike.

“Heh-heh, how can I forget my best friend, Spike?”

When lunch was over, Melody went over to look for Chaos and Beryl. Of course she wouldn’t dare to enter the Everfree Forest to find Zecora if the twins didn’t accompany her.

She was almost near Fluttershy’s cottage when she heard some commotion.

“Funny,” thought Melody to herself. “What the hay is going on?”

“Oh, Melody, glad that you’re here!” greeted Beryl at the door.

“Err, what’s going on?”

“Oh, nothing,” explained Beryl. “Just that dad was training Chaos…”

“Did you say… training!?” exclaimed Melody before rushing to the back of the cottage.

Sure enough, she could see Discord sparring with Chaos. Each time Chaos attacked, Discord kept teleporting, and they occasionally used their chaotic powers.

“That was amazing!” gasped Melody as she watched their battle. “Does your dad ever train you, too?”

“Well, sometimes. Even so I don’t think I’d do better than him.”

The spar went on until Discord commanded it to a halt.

“Hmm,” said Discord at last. “You have seemed to improve a little better than last week. Just keep up that pace and one day, you can be my heir!”

“Heh-heh, thanks, dad.”

It was then he finally noticed his visitor.

“Why, hello, Melody,” greeted Discord. “What brings you here, Princess?”

“Hi, Mr Discord. Actually err, we need to talk.”

“Oh, is it, Melody?” asked Fluttershy who had just joined the group. “Why don’t you tell us inside?”

So Melody told them her purpose on visiting them.

“So you want to learn more about your kidnapping incident?” asked Honey Drops.

“Yeah. I just can’t explain what happened to me when I saw how Chaos was knocked down. Mom couldn’t even explain about me either, but she knew everything about my charm. All I know about it is that it’s Dad’s legacy,” she said, holding the charm.

“Interesting…” said Beryl.

“If that’s the case,” said Chaos. “Then I might as well come with you.”

“What? You want to go with Melody?” asked Discord, aghast. “Listen, my boy, I think you know those things that happened in the forest…”

“But dad, you’ve said that I’ve improved!” argued Chaos. “And there’s no way I’ll be hurt like last time.”

“Oh, you said so?” retorted Discord.

“Now then, be nice to your son,” calmed Fluttershy. “I believe that he won’t be wrong this time…”

“Are you sure?” asked Discord.

“He’s been appointed as Melody’s bodyguard,” continued Fluttershy. “Don’t just try to be overprotective just because he’s our only son…”

Discord shot Chaos a disapproving look.

“Trust me, Dad,” insisted Chaos. “I know you love me, but you did say that I’ve improved just now! Also, if Princess Twilight says that I’m Melody’s bodyguard, then I’m ready at any time to give my all for her!”

“Y-you…” Discord was at a loss for words. “Fine,” he said at last. “You may go with her, but then moment I know either one of you unconscious, I’ll turn everything around you into chaos!”

Chaos shuddered upon the threat spoken by his father.

“What’s wrong? You don’t want to accompany her, don’t you?”

“I… I do…”

“*sigh* You’re always like that, Father,” said Beryl. “Come on, you two. Let’s go.”

“Take care,” said Honey.

“We will!” said Melody.

A minute after leaving the house.

“I’m sorry for that row just now,” apologized Chaos. “I don’t know why I’m like this sometimes when I’m with Dad. It feels like there’s an invisible wall between us. We just don’t seem to get along with each other.”

“Don’t worry,” consoled Melody. “You two can actually get together if you find some time to learn between yourselves!” Even though born without her father, she knew the feelings of teenage rebellions, especially when father and son disagree with each other.

“Actually it’s been like this since your kidnapping incident,” said Beryl. “Father had a little distrust on him when he’s going out. I guess he loved him too much…”

“I know that,” interrupted Chaos. “I just hope that one day he really listens to me well.”

“I’m sure he will,” said Melody.

“Thanks, Melody,” sighed Chaos. “If your dad was still alive maybe it would’ve been different… Uh… sorry, forget what I said!” he stammered as he feared that the moment he talked about her father she would be upset.

“It’s okay, I don’t mind,” said Melody. “I was always inspired by the stories of my dad, even up to the day he first met Mom.”

“Interesting love story, eh?” asked Beryl, and they both laughed.

However, there was a strange feeling in Melody’s heart. The moment she watched Chaos training with Discord, she was awed by his combat skills, which have further improved since then. She somehow had a strange feeling of admiration for him.

“Gee, Chaos, you’ve been improving over the years,” whispered Melody to herself.

Chapter 9

At Zecora’s hut, Melody told her all the questions surrounding her.

“Well,” began Zecora at last. “You do have hidden powers, high as a tower!”

“What do you mean?” asked Melody.

“A huge power further than never, which may exceed your mother.”

“So it means that I have such incredible hidden powers?”

“That’s one point,” continued Zecora. “Your charm of protection is merely your late father’s resolution.”

“I think it means that the charm is literally aiding in manifesting your special ability,” said Chaos.

“If you can get your mother to help you train it, you may use it wisely with benefit.”

“I get it now… So I still need to train with mom, huh?”

“But that’s not all,” the herbalist turned to Chaos. “There’s also some specialty in you overall.”

“Huh? I got my own powers, too?” asked Chaos with disbelief.

“If you too can handle it carefully like Melody, yours too can come good in handy.”

Chaos was stunned and speechless for a moment.

“Wait… you’ve got hidden powers, too?” asked Beryl, who was shocked to learn that from her brother.

“I didn’t know that,” said Chaos, confused. “I never even saw Dad doing this before!”

“Looks like we have to find that out ourselves!” replied Melody. “Anyway, thanks, Madam Zecora. Looks like I was able to learn more about my powers.”

“Good luck,” bade Zecora. “And don’t let your rivals have you stuck.”

The trio left Zecora’s hut. Melody was a bit pleased with what Zecora said, but Chaos was still confused and puzzled.

“I have hidden powers…” said Chaos to himself. “Nopony’s ever told me about that!”

“I was surprised, too,” agreed Melody. “I don’t remember reading anything about hidden powers in cross-bred species! How on earth did Madam Zecora know about you?”

“I’ve got no idea!”

“Me neither,” added Beryl. “How would a zebra with normal powers know about hidden stuff?”

“She’s an amazing figure, after all,” replied Melody. “Tell you what, everypony used to avoid her because they thought that she’ll curse them. Until one day, Mom and her friends misunderstood her for cursing them when they actually touched poison joke. We should actually thank Apple Bloom for this, since she knew her better than us.”

“Yeah, I remember Mom told me about that,” recalled Chaos. “I can’t imagine her voice turning deep because of this.” He laughed mildly, face-pawing himself.

“Me, too,” said Beryl.

But their conversation was abruptly interrupted.

“What’s that sound?” asked Melody as she heard the movement of leaves.

“You two, look!” cried Beryl, looking into the bushes.

Yellow eyes were glaring at them everywhere. Then they walked out of them. They were no other than Queen Myra’s minions, resembling changelings.

“Ch-changelings!?” exclaimed Chaos.

“They don’t look like changelings,” replied Melody. “As far as I have learnt and read about them, changelings don’t look like that!”

“Then what are they?” asked Beryl, terrified.

“You want to know about us, huh?” A huge one, which they assumed was the leader spoke. “We serve under our faithful queen by the name of Myra, and she’s hungry in conquering Equestria and the universe!”

“Did you say… conquer?” shivered Beryl.

“I heard that name before…” said Melody. “You must be her assistants!”

“You are correct, and now you happen to come across our trap,” continued the leader. “It’s time for you to enjoy our playtime…”

“He’s going to capture us!” announced Chaos. “Brace yourselves, girls!”

Without thinking twice, the trio made their combat with the minions. For a long time, they tried everything to repel their foes. Melody used her magic, while Chaos and Beryl made use of their chaotic powers. However, the enemies were too much for them to handle.

“How are we going to get out of here?” asked Beryl as she stood with Melody.

“I don’t know!” replied Melody. “At this rate we can’t escape!”

Meanwhile, Chaos was dealing with a pack of minions when then, he heard his sister scream, followed by Melody.

“Beryl! Melody! What happened!?” He barged through the pack only to discover the two mares lying hapless. Apparently Beryl was struck by a minion onto a tree. Seeing her being knocked down, Melody lost her guard and she was sent flying towards Beryl.

As he looked at them, Chaos trembled as he remembered his father’s threat ringing in his mind.

“Y-you…” began Chaos, turning to his enemies. “Just look what have you done to my sister and my friend! You think you are the top of the kingdom or what!?” As he said, something strange was happening to him. Lightning flashed around him and as he spoke, his voice became hoarse. “You feel that you are the superior thing that Celestia created you!?? MARK MY WORDS!!! NOPONY SHALL TOUCH OR LEAVE A SCRATCH UPON MY SISTER!!!!!”

While he spoke, he was experiencing a few more changes around him. His eyes turned from a handsome blue into a glowing red, and he grew into a monstrous form almost twice his size. After that, he bellowed a loud roar, and then began his rampage on the minions.

The minions, who were unprepared as they were shocked, fell victim to a large swipe from his paw. He then leapt to another pack of minions, stomping the ground so hard that it sent a huge tremor that caused the minions to lose their balances.

Melody and Beryl were moaning in pain at first when they were attacked, but their agonies turned to horror as they watched Chaos transforming and then annihilating the enemies.

“D-do you think he’ll recognize us?” trembled Beryl, hugging Melody.

“I… I don’t know…” cried Melody as a minion hit a tree with a large force that the tree felled.

For the next ten minutes, his onslaught continued. Then he had the surviving minions with the leader cornered into a tree.

“W-w-well…” stammered the leader. “A-a-anymore?”

“GO AWAY AND NEVER, EVER TOUCH THEM AGAIN!!!”

The survivors got their tails high and ran away.

Chaos turned to Melody and Beryl, who were still shaking with fear from everything they have seen.

“Hey,” began Chaos in his gruff voice. “Are you two okay?”

“C-chaos,” stammered Melody with tears. “C-can you recognize us?”

“Huh? Why wouldn’t I?” he asked, walking to them. As he approached them, his body shrunk until he returned to his original size.

“Whoa,” gasped Chaos, with his normal voice. “It feels like I’m like a killer running amok…”

“Chaos!” sobbed Melody as she ran over to him and hugged him. “I thought I’ll lose you forever!”

“Oh really?” smiled Chaos. “But I, too was afraid when I felt myself transforming.” He looked at the wreck around him. “This must be the hidden powers Madam Zecora must be talking about! I can’t imagine how powerful I was just now…”

“Really?” gasped Beryl, from her fears to excitement.

“Chaos,” began Melody when she finished hugging him. “I wanted to say something to you, but I’m not sure if I had the courage…”

“Go ahead. Tell me about it.”

“From the moment I saw your training with your father,” continued Melody. “I had this feeling of admiration that you were strong, and you were being able to protect me. Not to mention the way you wanted to sacrifice for me when I was kidnapped…”

Chaos was awed for a moment.

“Well… does that mean that… you love me?”

Melody was taken aback from what he asked. But she couldn’t deny her feelings longer, so she nodded.

“I felt strange, too,” confessed Chaos. “The moment your mother declared that I would be your personal bodyguard, I swore in my mind that I would always protect you until my very last drop of my blood. However, I was too shy to say it out… What do you say…?”

“Chaos,” said Melody, holding his face. “I love you…”

“I love you, too…”

And both of them did their very first kiss under the evening sky. Never did they before confessed their love for each other.

Beryl watched the two new lovers sharing their new romantic moment. She could feel serenity between them.

“Well, is it too late now?” asked Chaos when they finished kissing.

“I think uh… almost,” replied Beryl.

“Then let’s go home.”

On the way…

“You know,” said Melody. “I would always have to ask this, since we’ve confessed together: When can we have our first dating?”

“Oh, yeah,” said Chaos. “I got to explain to Dad about everything first. I know he might not be pleased, but let’s give him a bit of surprise.”

“Then what about our friends and everypony?” asked Beryl.

“We’ll see how that goes,” finished Melody, and all three laughed as the evening sun was lowered for Princess Luna to watch the night.

Chapter 10

It was yet everypony’s most exciting moment of the year again. The Grand Galloping Gala is just around the corner in a few months. As usual, Princess Twilight Sparkle and her friends were invited, and not to mention Melody Aurora and her friends. Of course, everyone agreed that this year’s Gala will be exciting.

It was one afternoon, when a crowd of ponies surrounded Melody.

“So Melody,” said a stallion. “How do you think you’re prepared for the Grand Galloping Gala?”

“Uh, I can say, fine,” she smiled nervously. “At first Princess Celestia has given me only one ticket, but I did consider about my friends, so I told her and then she sent me back some more tickets.”

“Ooh! How many did she give you?”

“Alright, that’s it, everypony,” interrupted Chaos Control as he appeared from the crowd like a genie, then put his wings around Melody’s midsection. “My marefriend needs some peace.”

“Aww, Chaos!” a crowd of mares, which Chaos was escaping cried when they realized that Chaos was already dating. Needless to say, his handsome face and mane and his glittering blue eyes have attracted any mare passing by who wanted to ask him out for a date. However they wouldn’t realize what would happen if he unleashed his hidden powers.

“Hey, Chaos,” cried another stallion. “Since when did you start dating the princess?”

“That’s a long story,” explained the draconequus-pony. “Now if you excuse me, we need to find our friends. We’ve got something very important to talk to.”

“Oh, is it?”

“Then enjoy the talk and gossip! Don’t hurt the princess too much!”

“He’s a nice gentlecolt!” chuckled Melody as they left to find their friends at Sweet Apple Acres. “He won’t hurt me!”

The lovers went to the usual big barn in Sweet Apple Acres, where Melody and her friends would use to gather here and spend their time talking about their daily lives.

“So Melody,” began Peanut Butter. “Where are the tickets?”

“At home,” replied Melody. “I can take all of them to you tomorrow.”

“Why not now?” asked Fiji.

“You see, Uncle Shiny and Aunt Cadance with Paladin Knight and Mistral Violet are coming to Ponyville tomorrow,” explained Melody. “When they come I can present you the tickets altogether!”

“Marvelous!” beamed Platinum Royale. “I spent a whole fortnight with my mom in designing the dresses for everypony.”

“Wow! Really?” exclaimed Pepper Flake.

“I can show them to you all tomorrow, because as Melody says, it’ll be more exciting when her cousins are here!”

“That’s cool!” said Beryl.

“Oh, and don’t mind me styling your hair properly!” pipped in Prudence Aura.

“You sure, lil’ Prudence?” asked Chaos.

“Hey, Prudence,” asked Melody when she noticed her smile. “Since when did you wear braces? I only noticed it now and it looks so… gorgeous…”

“Oh, you mean my braces?” replied Prudence innocently. “A week or two ago, I guess.”

“She was complaining and crying when Momma gave her an original set at first,” explained Platinum. “Then we had to choose her the braces she wanted and bingo!”

“I see about that,” concluded Raisin Brandy. “You’re kinda petty, eh?”

“Aww man, come on, Big Brother Ray!”

“Oh, and I can color your hairs and tails if you like!” added Malinae, Fiji and Raisin Brandy’s youngest sister who brought them back to their topic. The sweet unicorn filly of the Apple Family would love to color everything in sight.

“Ugh, I hate to say it, but I think you should fine some better paint specially designed for mane and tail,” said Raisin. “Mayor’s worried about your painting act!”

“Oh, really?” pouted Malinae.

“I seem to forget somepony, Melody,” said Greenie Hats. “How about your brother?”

“Orion? Don’t worry, rest assured,” said Melody. “He sent a letter to me as well, saying that he’s got his own invitation, too. Princess Celestia will give him a day off for him so that he can prepare!”

“That’s a nice thing,” agreed Honey Drops. “I wish I can be a guard, too…”

“But you’ll have to wait for vacancies!” said Peanut. “I don’t have any family members who are royal guards, but I always know that…”

“Seriously, do you?”

“I’d love to be a princess,” envied Malinae. “Then I can be cool like you, Melody!”

“Then you can learn from me,” replied Melody. “To become a princess like Mom did isn’t really an easy feat, you know.”

“Yeah, you’re right,” sighed Malinae. “I know this takes effort…”

“But you can get to enjoy the perks later on!” finished Pepper.

“I need to excuse myself first,” said Melody. “I need to help Mom and Spike to do the final preparations for Uncle Shiny and Aunt Cadance. They’re staying over with me, you know.”

“Cool…” gasped Thunder Clash.

“Tell them that I can bring them my cakies!” exclaimed Pizza Frenzy. “I’m sure they’ll love it!”

“Of course I will. See you all tomorrow!”

“Enjoy your night, Melody,” bade Chaos.

That night, Twilight, Melody and Spike were placing their final touches to their extra room.

“Whew!” sighed Twilight with relief. “That looks neat now, isn’t it?”

“Indeed!” agreed Melody. “I can’t wait to see them tomorrow!”

“Excited, huh?” asked Twilight. “Don’t forget to play host with your friends tomorrow! How are your friends today?”

“Fine,” answered Melody. “Platinum and her mom have been designing our Gala dresses for two weeks already, and I can’t wait to wear it!”

“You’ll surely look beautiful in that,” joked Spike, and they all laughed.

The next morning, Twilight, Melody and Spike were at the train station waiting for Shining Armor and his family to arrive. At 9 a.m., the train from the Crystal Empire arrived and the royal family stepped down from the train. Shining Armor and Princess Cadance alighted first, followed by their son Paladin Knight, and their daughter Mistral Violet. Paladin was like his father, but he had a light orange mane and tail and he bore a guard’s helmet as his cutie mark. Mistral had a light cobalt body with a pink mane and tail, and she had a shimmering heart as her cutie mark.

“Twily!” called Shining Armor. “You must be waiting long, huh?”

“Glad that you took your time to wait for us, Melody,” said Princess Cadance.

“Heh-heh, my pleasure,” blushed Melody.

“I hope that you’re doing well,” said Paladin. “It’s nice to come with you and your mother to the Grand Galloping Gala, not to mention the week-long stay with you.”

“Sure is, isn’t it?” asked Mistral, before she and Melody did Cadance’s special hoof-shake.

“Ugh,” moaned Spike with disgust. “How many times have I seen this already? Princess Cadance and Twilight is enough for me…”

“Seriously, do you, Spike?” asked Mistral, and she and Melody laughed.

“Alright, kids,” announced Shining Armor. “First, we need to get all things settled at your aunt’s castle. When you’re done, Melody, take them to see your friends.”

“Roger that, Uncle Shiny!”

When they have finally settled everything at the Friendship Rainbow Kingdom Castle, Melody led her cousins to Carousel Boutique, where her friends are waiting.

“So,” asked Paladin along the way. “I heard that one of your friends had done your dresses, huh?”

“With a little help from her mother,” replied Melody. “And her sister wanted to fashion our hairs and tails.”

“Oh, for a young filly, is she good?” asked Mistral.

“She’s quite okay,” continued Melody. “She just needs some amateur training. I hope she can be a great hairdresser.”

“Let’s hope she does!” chuckled Paladin.

When they reached the boutique, her friends were already there waiting for them. Upon seeing the siblings, everypony bowed.

“It’s a great pleasure to have you and your sister here, Prince Paladin,” greeted Platinum.

“No need to mention it,” smiled Paladin.

“Have you got our tickets?” asked Pizza excitedly.

“Here they are!” answered Melody as she produced a pouch of the Gala tickets, and she gave one to each of them.

“Cool…” gasped Greenie. “You are a true friend. I didn’t think you would have these much for the sake of us!”

“Coz we are meant to share and care!” said Pepper.

“Oh, so you guys are here already,” Rarity appeared from the door. “Now then, why don’t I show you all the hard work of Platinum and mine?”

“Alllright!” shrilled Peanut.

When they entered, they were all stunned. The boutique was filled with their most elegant dresses, gowns, suits and tuxedos they have ever seen.

“Wow…” cried Beryl.

“G… gorgeous…” gasped Pepper.

“I… I just don’t know where to look first…” gulped Chaos.

“So this is my dress?” asked Melody when she came upon a sparkling light indigo dress. “It’s so pretty…”

“Yes, it’s yours,” replied Platinum. Then she showed her ultramarine overalls. “This is for your brother, and I’m going to send it to Canterlot as a package tonight!”

“*gasp* Why thank you!”

“Cool! This dress is aerodynamic enough!” cried Greenie upon seeing her dress.

“I knew you would like to soar around like your parents,” said Rarity. “Your mom used to say that her dress should be ‘20% cooler’!”

“Really!? I didn’t know that,” said Thunder.

“Now that’s what I call country style!” beamed Fiji upon seeing her and her siblings’ dresses.

“Wow, you really do have talent in fashion like your mother,” complimented Mistral to Platinum.

“I’m still under training, actually,” said Platinum. “I just hope that I can be a cool fashion designer like her! And my sister, too! She can be a good hairdresser.”

“Yeah, I promise I won’t spoil your mane!” said Prudence.

“Just a little bit of practice for you two and you can make up for a great celebrity one day!” finished Paladin.

“Yay!”

“Alright, everypony,” announced Melody. “I think we’re all satisfied with our dresses. Shall we go for tea?”

“Wow! I’d love to!” complied Honey.

“Then let’s go over to Sugarcube Corner and paaartyyy!” exclaimed Pepper.

Chapter 11

The next morning, Melody was awake, but still lying on her bed.

“Ahh,” sighed Melody, looking out to the morning sky. “This morning is sooo great!” Then there was a knock at the bedroom door. “Who’s that?”

“Melody,” Spike came in, looking concerned. “You’re needed at the door.”

“Who could that be?” She arrived at the door only to find Platinum Royale and Prudence Aura, still in their pajamas and looking cross.

“Melody,” began Platinum. “Come with us to the boutique.”

“Why? What happened?”

“Just come with us and you’ll know it!” said Prudence.

When they entered the boutique, Melody was shocked. In the boutique was nothing but a pile of messed up cloth and fabric. In fact all the Gala dresses have been ruined.

“Holy Equestria…” gasped Melody. “How did that happen? And who did it?” She gasped even deeper when she came upon her dress, now unrecognizable.

“That’s why we need you,” explained Platinum. “I saw the hall in this condition, then I reported it to Momma. The next thing Momma did, she was groaning and moaning!”

“*sigh* Poor Rarity,” sympathized Melody. “She’s always like that when her fashion fails. My mom told me that.”

“We want you to help us find out who’s the culprit!” added Prudence. “Somepony must have entered here in the middle of the night and sabotaged everything!”

“Okay, I’m ready to help,” said Melody. “But first, I’m not the one doing it. I was spending my night with Uncle Shiny and his family until late last night.”

“Of course we trust you!” said Platinum. “A princess like you won’t ever do that!”

“And since you’re the princess,” went on Prudence. “You can be our supervisor.”

Melody chuckled. “OK, are we ready?”

Just as they were about to reach the door, Rarity stood at the end of the staircase.

“I hope you two are ready to help me for that,” she told the sisters.

“Understood, Momma!”

“I’m counting on you too, Melody,” said Rarity, placing her hoof upon her shoulders. “We’re not going to the Gala until the case is solved.”

“Don’t worry, Rarity. Everything’s under my hooves!”

The first one they looked for was Fluttershy and her family.

“What? Our dresses have been sabotaged!?” asked Honey Drops with shock.

“That was bad,” gasped Fluttershy.

“That’s why we’re here to know who did it,” continued Platinum. “Did any one of you do that?”

“Don’t ask me,” denied Discord.

“Me neither,” said Beryl.

“Chaos, what about you?” asked Platinum.

“HAY NO!” exploded Chaos. “How could I ever sneak out of my home in the middle of the night and mess up with your dresses!? For somepony’s sake I won’t ever do that for my marefriend!”

“Chaos, are you okay?” asked Melody, concerned. “You don’t like being accused, or is it because you saw me with them?”

“I thought that you would come to lay the blame onto me with them,” said Chaos. “But now… I’m really ashamed… for throwing my temper in front of you.” He hung his head low.

“It’s alright,” forgave Melody. “I knew you’re always not guilty.”

Those words cheered Chaos.

“Alright, then, who’s next?” asked Melody.

The next one they asked was Pinkie’s family.

“What? They’re RUINED!!??” exclaimed Pepper Flake with shock.

“Is that really so?” asked Cheese Sandwich after hearing their purpose. “I spent all night long in discussing what our party plan is for the Gala. Why would we bother to spoil your dresses?”

“Yeah, he’s got a point, you know,” defended Pinkie Pie.

Then at Sweet Apple Acres…

“No way. My beautiful dress…” sobbed Malinae.

“Is that true, Sugarcubes?” asked Applejack. “But seriously, we were sorting out at the barn, y’know.”

“She’s right,” agreed Nikula Alder. “You can ask Raisin Brandy if you’re still not sure.”

Then Melody had to fly to the Cloudominium to ask Rainbow Dash and her family.

“Serious? They’re ruined?” asked Soarin, surprised.

“I don’t really think Greenie and Thunder did that,” added Rainbow Dash. “I only remember that they were sleeping very well last night.”

Soon, all of Ponyville was asked about the incident. However, everypony claimed that they had never entered Carousel Boutique to sabotage the dresses.

“Ugh,” sighed Platinum. “How are we supposed to know the real culprit?”

“I don’t know,” said Melody. “Maybe the culprit escaped to somewhere else after spoiling them!”

“Then what are we gonna do?” asked Prudence with despair. “Do we even need to travel all around Equestria to look for him?”

“Are you crazy!? We don’t have to!”

“Hey! The three of you!” called Greenie Hats as she buzzed towards them. “We’ve got some commotion over there!”

“What happened?” asked Platinum

“We’ve got some new unicorn in town who claims that she’s more powerful than any unicorn!”

“Serious!? Then we’d better check that out!” declared Melody.

When they reached the town square, a large crowd was there gathering at a trailer, including her friends as well who were at the front. The trio had to push through the crowd to get to their friends, but Greenie managed to land in front of them first.

Then, from behind the curtains, a light ultramarine unicorn mare, clad in a lavender magician’s cape stepped out onto the stage, accompanied with fireworks.

“Hello, Ponyville! Now, watch, as the Great and Uber-rific Pixie Dust does the most mind-boggling magic you have ever seen!”

“Pixie Dust, huh?” asked Melody. “Let’s see how she does.”

Indeed, Pixie did a number of magic tricks, which went so complex that the crowd couldn’t understand how she did it.

“Not too shabby,” said Chaos. “Just a little flashy though.”

After her tricks, Pixie started her loud speech.

“Well, well, it seems that we have some neigh-sayers in this audience. Who dares to challenge the Great and Uber-rific Pixie Dust? Believe it or not, the Great and Uber-rific Pixie Dust once was able to overwhelm a hydra using the Great and Uber-rific Pixie Dust’s skills. Amazing, isn’t it?”

At once, the crowd cheered as if they believed her.

“Her speech… it reminds me of somepony my mom used to tell me. Her name is Trixie…” said Melody.

“Then could she be Trixie’s apprentice?” asked Chaos.

“Most probably,” answered Platinum.

Then Greenie Hats interrupted.

“So, Great and Uber-rific Pixie, what makes you think you’re so powerful?”

“Well, what can you say?”

“If you claim yourself to be ‘Great and Uber-rific’,” continued Chaos. “Then why don’t you show us your skills?”

“It’s pretty easy if you boast everything that you can do, but why don’t you do them?” asked Raisin Brandy.

“Yeah! Prove them!” added Pepper Flake.

“Show us your skills, meanie boaster!” mocked Pizza Frenzy.

At once, Melody’s friends were humiliating Pixie for her boasting actions.

“Oh, how dare you irritate the Great and Uber-rific Pixie Dust!?” asked Pixie, now irked. “The Great and Uber-rific Pixie shall teach you all a lesson!”

At once, everything went haywire for them.

“Hey! What’s happening to my hair!??” exclaimed Peanut Butter as his body’s fur suddenly became overgrown.

“Mmh, mmh, MMMMMMMMMMHHHHH!” mumbled Pepper. Pixie had made Pepper’s lips having superglue properties, preventing her from talking.

“Whoaaah! Heeellllp!!!” Pizza’s body had been inflated to the size of a balloon.

“What in Equestria…!?” exclaimed Fiji as she found her body turned to grayscale.

“Help! I can’t move!” cried Raisin as his hooves were rooted to the ground.

“Ugh! I feel heavy!” wailed Malinae. Her horn had apparently become long and heavy for her to keep her head up properly.

“*gasp* Your hair!” gasped Platinum and Prudence in unision as they found out their manes had turned into an icky, slimy green. “And your tail!”

“Hold it… aah!” cried Honey Drops as she was suddenly blinded due to the painfulness in her eyes.

“Wait, what am I… gaaah!” yelled Chaos as his body was suddenly made to move and twitch like crazy.

“Help! I can’t see a thing!” shouted Beryl as her predicament was like Peanuts’, but her body was overgrown by leaves instead.

“What are you…!” exclaimed Greenie as her wings suddenly became hard and heavy, preventing them from flapping.

“It… hurts… get that off!!” groaned Thunder Clash as his wings had been stretched, then tied into a loop.

The crowd became shocked and hysterical upon seeing them. All their sufferings eventually made Melody lose her patience.

“That’s it, Pixie Dust,” she shouted to her. “Stop harming my friends and even my coltfriend!”

“You’re lucky that you’re a princess,” argued Pixie. “Otherwise the Great and Uber-rific Pixie Dust would have made you and your coltfriend interesting!”

“That’s not funny!” growled Melody. “Revert them back, NOW!”

“Oh, if you say so…” With that, her friends are instantly back to normal.

“Ow…” groaned Chaos.

“Are you alright?”

“I… I felt like living in Dad’s punishment world…”

“Now then, Princess,” smirked Pixie. “Since I let go of your buddies, why don’t we make a deal?”

“What deal?”

“Have a duel with me this Saturday,” answered the exaggerating magician. “Let’s see who’s better, a superior magician or a high-class princess!”

“No way! I’m not going into competitive duels like yours!” rejected Melody strongly.

“Really? Then the Great and Uber-rific Pixie Dust will make your friends suffer again…” Her horn glowed, preparing to make her friends in agony again.

“Alright, I’ll do it!” responded Melody nervously as she saw the expressions on her friends’ faces.

“Very well,” said Pixie with a glee on her face. “If you win, the Great and Uber-rific Pixie Dust can award you a million bits. If not, the Great and Uber-rific Pixie Dust shall humiliate you!” After that she packed everything up in a jiffy and went away.

Melody now felt depressed.

“I had no choice…” sighed Melody. “But I had to do it for the sake of everypony…”

“It wasn’t your fault,” consoled Beryl. “She only caused this commotion here, after all.”

“I know, if only I hadn’t being involved…”

“Melody,” said Chaos. “You’re a princess! You can’t be down at a state of challenge! Trust me, as your coltfriend I believe in you. You can be one of the greatest princesses of Equestria, like Celestia, Luna, Cadance and your mom!”

“Yes! A princess can show true leadership and determination,” added Platinum. “Not like boasting magicians.”

“You are a role model to us all! You can’t let us down!” encouraged Greenie.

“Thanks, but I need to go home first…” and she trotted away, still hanging her head down.

“Will she eventually trust us?” asked Malinae.

“I believe she will,” replied Chaos. “She’s still got support from her family, so I don’t need to worry about her.”

“Gosh! As Melody’s coltfriend you seem to know her feelings, isn’t it?” asked Platinum.

Chapter 12

Back in the Friendship Rainbow Kingdom Castle, during dinner, Melody was still gloomy, and couldn’t even take a bite from her meal.

“What’s wrong, Melody?” asked Twilight. “Did something just bother you?”

“I just don’t know what to do!” complained Melody. “That Pixie Dust is bothering me…” And she told them everything, at the same time breaking down into tears.

“So she’s a show-off, huh?” asked Princess Cadance.

“For me I wouldn’t have bothered her,” said Paladin Knight. “But it’s truly a hard decision if I was forced to.”

“I know that, right?” sobbed Melody.

“Don’t worry, Melody,” comforted Twilight. “Listen. When I was your age, I, too had to accept a challenge by Trixie, but she did a spell that only the highest level unicorns could perform, so I was sent out of Ponyville by her. Later, I came to learn that Trixie gained her powers because she wore some artifact called the Alicorn Amulet.”

“What’s that?” asked Mistral Violet.

“It’s an artifact that makes the wearer more powerful,” explained Twilight. “But this corrupts the user as well.”

“Where can I find one?” asked Melody.

“It’s now being kept by Zecora,” continued Twilight. “Anyway, even so, with some intelligence, and the spirit of friendship, I managed to teach Trixie a valuable lesson.”

“Melly, if you have such wisdom and the great friendship you had with your friends like your mother,” said Shining Armor. “I believe you can beat her.”

“Friendship is always the element that nothing beats it,” finished Twilight.

“Why, you all…” Melody suddenly felt a surge of new spirit flowing into her. “I… I can’t thank you all enough. You guys have given me new confidence!”

“Just come into my room later and I’ll brief you how to do it!” said Twilight.

The next day, Melody’s friends were at Sweet Apple Acres, waiting for her.

“Where is she?” asked Greenie Hats. “What’s taking her so long?”

“Not sure about her,” said Raisin Brandy. “Probably having some time with her cousins?”

“Speak of the devil, there she comes!” exclaimed Platinum Royale.

“Hi guys! Sorry to keep you waiting,” greeted Melody.

“You seem to look better today,” said Chaos Control. “Did something good happen?”

“I have developed a great plan to beat Pixie Dust,” revealed Melody. “That’ll make her surprised!”

“Really!? What is it?” asked Malinae excitedly.

“Alright, I need all of you to help me out in this plan so listen here…”

Soon, Saturday arrived.

Again, Pixie Dust arrived in her caravan, at the same time drawing the crowd again. She was waiting impatiently.

“Where’s that scaredy-cat princess?” demanded Pixie. “The Great and Uber-rific Pixie Dust ain’t got time to wait!”

“Here I am!” shouted Melody as she stepped out from the crowd. Among the crowd are Twilight’s friends, Spike, Shining Armor and his family.

“So, Scaredy-cat Princess,” began Pixie, as she gathered dark clouds to make everything look scary. “Do you have the power to defeat the Great and Uber-rific Pixie Dust?”

“I am ready.”

“Well then, shall we begin?”

“Let’s!”

“Oh, please, just hope that everything goes well!” prayed Spike.

“She’ll be fine, don’t worry,” said Twilight. “Just that I hope she makes use of my wisdom.”

“Then I’m not gonna foresee another Trixie like her,” said Applejack.

“I forever support Melody,” smiled Princess Cadance. “I would love to see her win.”

“Alright, then,” announced Pixie. “You two! Come here!” She pointed to Snips and Snails.

“Us, again?” inquired Snips.

“What’s she gonna do to us?” shivered Snails.

The next thing they knew, with a puff of magic, Snips and Snails found their bodies fused together, now being a two-headed pony.

“Wh-what!?” cried Snips with shock, turning his head towards Snails.

“I didn’t think she’d do that!” exclaimed Snails, as they struggled to keep their paces.

“Now, you two!” Pixie called to Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon.

“Y-yes?? Wh-what can we do for you?” stammered Diamond Tiara.

“As long as we don’t offend you…” added Silver Spoon.

But Pixie said nothing. Instead, she casted a spell upon them. When the dust cleared, Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon found their front part of their bodies fused to each other!

“What does this mean to me?” asked Diamond Tiara with shock.

“I don’t care!” cried Silver Spoon. “I wanna go that way!”

“No! You’re coming with me!” And both the two rich ponies struggled to get to opposite directions.

“Ha-ha-ha! Serves them right!” laughed Scootaloo.

“Scootaloo! Don’t laugh!” admonished Sweetie Belle.

“We’ll be her next victim if we’re too loud!” added Apple Bloom.

“Now then, Princess, what have you got?”

“Alright then,” smirked Melody with determination. “Peanut Butter!” Then He appeared from the crowd.

“Alright then,” began Peanut. “I can blow 50 balloons in one minute and without breathless, but I don’t think I can do that without Princess Melody.” He turned to Melody. “Can you give me a hoof?”

“Here you go!” said Melody as she shot him a magic blast. Next, he took out a pack of balloons and started blowing. In exactly one minute, he inflated exactly 50 balloons.

The crowd cheered.

“I just wanna play some music, but, I’m pretty tired, you know…” admitted Peanut.

“Is that so? Then let me help you!” said Melody as she fired another blast again. In a flash, Peanut was seen playing a flute, a trumpet, a saxophone, a drum, cymbals, a tambourine, a trombone, a tuba, a triangle and a xylophone. And he played all ten instruments in a row.

Pixie Dust was sipping her own coffee, but upon hearing the crowd cheer and watching Peanut’s feats, her jaw dropped.

Then, Pepper Flake appeared with a tall cake and some jugs of cream.

“I’m going to make this cake super-duper delicious that it’s irresistible!” claimed Pepper. “Melody, can you give me extra energy?”

Melody nodded and she fired Pepper her spell. Soon she was in action, slicing the cake into layers before adding creams of different flavors into and around the cake. Once finished, she cut a slice and handed it to the mayor for her to try.

“Mmm,” beamed Mayor Mare. “Scrumptious!” The crowd cheered again.

“Hooray!” cheered Cheese Sandwich.

“Nailed it!” shouted Pinkie Pie, blowing her party horn.

Then, Fiji emerged from the crowd, dressed as a mime. She waved to the crowd, before pretending to hold a mug filled with cider and “drank” it. Next, she trotted, and fell down suddenly as if she hit a tree. As she looked up, she smiled before she “bucked” the “tree”. A few seconds later, she picked up an “apple” and “ate” it to its core before signaling a hooves-up gesture.

The crowd clapped upon Fiji’s mime performance.

“That was fine,” said Melody. “But why don’t I’ll make you more attractive?”

Fiji nodded. As she nodded, Melody fired magic towards her. The crowd applauded as Fiji was now dressed in a country style dress.

“That’s take one of my traits,” whispered Nikula Alder.

“Now then,” Fiji spoke at last. “My brother Raisin Brandy the Greenhoof will do you an amazing trick!”

As she finished, Raisin appeared with a flowerpot and a packet of sunflower seeds.

“Listen up, everypony,” began Raisin. “I brewed a special potion which can make my plant grow quickly. But, I don’t think that the plant can grow if there’s no magic in it…”

“Then I’ll do it!” said Melody quickly as she casted her magic upon the potion. Next, Raisin planted a seed in the flowerpot before pouring his potion all over it. Hey presto! A sunflower plant sprouted and grew up to six feet tall, bearing seven flowers.

“Yee-haw! Now that’s take two for mah family!” cheered Applejack.

Malinae then appeared with a large board and a set of painting tools.

“I can draw you guys a beautiful picture,” said Malinae. “Can you help me, Melody?”

“Sure thing, Linnie.” Malinae hopped with joy as if she was given a new source of energy, and started her work. In five minutes, she painted a wide portrait of Princesses Celestia and Luna.

“Way to go, Malinae!” praised Apple Bloom.

“Eeyup!” added Big McIntosh.

Platinum Royale then arrived with cloth and her sewing kit.

“Now, I can make a majestic banner that even Cloudsdale can see it,” said Platinum. “But I bet that I can’t do it without Princess Melody Aurora to help me…”

“And I’m here!” Melody casted magic on the sewing kit, and Platinum was in action. Ten minutes later, a beautiful banner, resembling Ponyville was done.

Just as the crowd cheered, Pizza Frenzy appeared and splashed Platinum with a bucket of blue paint.

“Pizza! Watch it!” cried Platinum with dismay.

“Oops! I’m sorry, Platty.”

“Ugh…! You ruined my hair!”

“Don’t worry!” called Prudence Aura with a hairdressing kit. “I can fix that.”

As usual, Melody knew what to do. The hairdressing kit was granted magic and Prudence immediately went on styling her sister’s mane. In no time, Platinum’s mane was styled into a long, beautiful hair, with blue streaks.

“Uh, where are we now?” asked Diamond Tiara, still struggling to get a better view of the show with Silver Spoon.

“Just my nieces working with each other,” replied Sweetie Belle, smiling.

Pixie Dust glared at them with more shock.

A growling sound then echoed from the crowd. Honey Drops and Beryl came with a bear.

“Ugh… This bear seems uncontrollable!” cried Honey. “But I bet that Melody can tame him down. Am I right, Princess Melody Aurora?”

“You got the point!” After using her magic, the bear suddenly went calm.

“Now then, easy there, big buddy,” tamed Beryl as she taught the bear a few tricks. Another applaud came when the bear obliged all of them well.

After the sisters left, Chaos Control appeared like magic all of a sudden.

“Well then,” began Chaos. “Everypony knows that I’m the son of the Master of Chaos But, I have to admit that. I still have a long way to catch up with my father. Maybe, but my dearest marefriend, who is Princess Melody Aurora can motivate me. Am I right, Melody?”

“Of course, sweetheart!” After casting, Chaos did a number of chaotic tricks, which mind-boggled the audience.

“Now then, one more thing from me!” The next thing they knew, Chaos transformed into his beast from, and he let out a roar. The crowd was scared at first, but then gave no shortage of wows upon his transformation.

“Hah-hah-hah, did I scare you?” laughed Chaos in his gruff voice. “But I mean no harm. I can protect everypony in this mode!”

“My coltfriend’s right,” said Melody. “You don’t have to worry.” She glanced at Pixie who was shivering with fear at a corner.

“*sniff* My son really is growing up,” said a very touched Discord with tearful eyes.

Next, Greenie Hats and Thunder Clash appeared with a cloud.

“Listen here, everypony,” announced Greenie. “My lil’ brother is going to do something that’ll shock the whole of Equestria, with a little help from my royal friend, Princess Melody Aurora!” She then stomped on the cloud until it became an overcast cloud.

“Now then, can you give me a little bit of strength?” asked Thunder to Melody.

“Here you go, speeder!” After that, Thunder did a gesture as if a new strength had been given to him.

“Now,” yelled Thunder. “CLOSE YOUR EARS!!!”

Then he disappeared in a flash. A few seconds later, an extremely loud explosion as loud as an atomic bomb rocked the town, and the dark cloud which was beside Greenie vanished. Thunder had apparently left very far away to have a good start. When he was ready, he charged and knocked through the cloud at full speed, at the same time producing the deafening thunderclap.

“Go for it, son!” cheered Soarin.

“Now that’s what I call awesome!” added Rainbow Dash.

“All hail Princess Melody Aurora!” shouted a filly, and everypony gave the loudest applaud ever to her.

“Now then, Pixie Dust,” Melody turned to her, who was still trembling from what she had seen. “What can you say about me now?”

“Th-that’s impossible!” cried Pixie after recovering from her shock, then she glared at Melody and her friends, looking cross. “How can a great princess like you beat the Great and Uber-rific Pixie Dust!!??”

“She’s a princess, after all,” answered Chaos. “More prestigious than a normal magician like you.”

“Betcha momma never told you about that before,” mocked Greenie.

All of a sudden, Pixie shuddered.

“No, no, NO!!! Don’t you ever talk about my mother!!! I’m scared of her!”

“Aha, so you’re scared now, huh?” taunted Peanut. “Now we’ll know what to do!”

“PIXIE DUST! WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU’RE DOING HERE!!?” A voice suddenly called out from the crowd. From the crowd appeared a blue unicorn mare with purple eyes, and had a magic wand and a crescent moon as her cutie mark, looking furious.

“It’s Trixie!” cried Rainbow Dash upon recognizing her.

Trixie was not at all bothering the crowd, which gasped when Rainbow called her name.

“M-mom! How did you…”

“Trixie is her MOTHER???” cried Greenie, eyes wide with shock.

“I can’t believe it!” said Chaos. “This is totally blowing my mind!”

“Do you really think you can escape my eyes by leaving a fake copy of yourself back at home???” Trixie continued scolding Pixie in front of the crowd. “If not for the dark clouds in Ponyville, I wouldn’t be here! You have given me great disgrace!” She slapped her several times as she scolded.

“Please, mom, stop!” wailed Pixie as she was being slapped.

“I hope my daughter wasn’t causing trouble to you and your friends,” said Trixie to Melody after her strident lecture.

“So you’re Trixie?” asked Melody. “My mom told me all about you.”

“I am,” introduced Trixie. “Wait, you’re…”

“Princess Melody Aurora, daughter of the Princess of Friendship, Princess Twilight Sparkle.”

“Why, I can’t believe that you’re her daughter!” cried Trixie upon realization. “I met your mom a long time ago. Back then I was arrogant and show-off. But your mom did teach me a valuable lesson so that help me to be a better somepony.” She cast a dissatisfying look at her daughter, who was still weeping. “Unfortunately I’m afraid that such negative traits are hereditary.”

“I see about that…”

It was not until Twilight and her friends approached Trixie.

“Twilight Sparkle…”

“It’s been a while since we last met, Trixie,” began Twilight, hugging her. “I hope that everything’s going well for you.”

“Didn’t think you’d turn up here, Trixie!” greeted Applejack.

“My, I’m absolutely honored!” beamed Trixie.

While Trixie chatted with Twilight and her friends, Melody and her friends went to look over Pixie Dust.

“I… I’m sorry…” apologized Pixie Dust, still with tears. “I… I didn’t mean to… hurt you all… but… how did you do all those tricks? I couldn’t even do it…”

“Not even I could do it, though. I still have a lot to learn from my mother. What you see are my friends merely demonstrating their special abilities,” explained Melody.

“I hope that this serves you a good lesson,” said Raisin.

“Which reminds me,” said Twilight who was still chatting with her former rival. “Would you and your daughter go to the Grand Galloping Gala with us?”

“The Grand Galloping Gala? Oh, my, I’d love to!” replied the latter. “But for my daughter…”

“Yes, she can go, too,” interrupted Melody. “I happen to have an extra ticket.”

“Princess Melody! What are you talking about?” asked Trixie, still furious over her daughter. “I was about to ground her…”

“She can go, as long as she can help me and my friends find out who ruined our Gala dresses.”

“Actually, it was I who did it,” admitted Pixie.

“Huh?” Everypony gasped.

“I… I can’t believe it!” cried Platinum, baffled. “What exactly happened?”

“When I was in my school years, Princess Melody was always the best one in my class,” Pixie related her story. “I was extremely jealous of her. I tried everything to humiliate her but my plans always backfire. When I heard that everypony but me was invited to the Grand Galloping Gala, I felt that I had enough, so…” She left her speech hanging as she was feeling ashamed.

“So you sabotaged the dresses to have yourself satisfied?” asked Fiji.

“So it was you again!” exclaimed Trixie. “Just let me-”

“It’s okay, Trixie. I’ll deal with her,” interrupted Twilight. She went up to Pixie.

“Look, Pixie. Everypony has his or her special ways that they deserve to get recognized. I know that you want to become as popular as my daughter, but the way you did it was an error. There is a magic, stronger than the magic we use every day that beats against all odds. In fact, my daughter used this magic and that’s how she became successful. This magic, is no other than the Magic of Friendship.”

A while later, Pixie became touched. She hugged Twilight and sobbed.

“Th-thank you, Princess Twilight!” she sniffled with tears. “I’ll promise that I’ll change my ways.”

“I hope that you understand what my mom meant,” resumed Melody. “Let bygones be bygones. It’s about time that we bury the hatchet.” She stretched out her hoof. “Will you accept my friendship?”

“I will,” said a touched and a regretful Pixie. “I’m sorry, Melody.” With that, the two former arch-rivals hugged.

“Now then,” said Melody. “Can you help me, Platinum and her sister to fix our dresses?”

“That’s fine.”

“I can make yours if you want,” said Platinum. “Under the circumstances that you should keep that promise.”

“By the name of Celestia, I swear I will!”

Pixie went up to her mother. “Mom,” she asked softly. “What do you say?”

Trixie scrutinized her for a moment.

“Alright then,” she said at last. “I shall give you another chance.”

“Thanks, Mom!” She hugged Trixie.

“I just hope that you can get along with your new friends,” said Trixie, smiling.

“Welcome to our gang, Pixie,” said Beryl.

“Let’s hope that you can get to know us more better,” said Fiji.

“I will, and I’m willing to learn!”

“Alright, shall we fix the dresses?” asked Melody.

“Yeah,” agreed Pixie.

“Woohoo! It’s time to get this fixing party started!” cheered Pepper.

“I am really amazed,” said Trixie as she watched her daughter go with her friends. “You can handle parenting so well despite a princess…”

“It’s no easy work,” replied Twilight, as the dark clouds that Pixie gathered began to disperse. “But it’s a good sight to see your children learning your good hoofsteps…”

Chapter 13

The day of the Gala finally arrived. At Carousel Boutique, Melody and her friends are getting dressed up. They were all laughing and joking.

“You look really fantastic, Melody!” cried Platinum when Melody finished dressing.

“Thanks. I can’t even fancy myself!” replied Melody.

“How do I look, Melody?” asked Malinae, showing off her dress.

“You look adorable enough, Malinae,” complimented Melody.

“Man, what an adorable hat!” cried Pepper upon seeing Greenie Hats fully dressed.

“Not to mention it,” laughed Greenie. “Albeit my ears, though.”

“I just hope that Pixie Dust can take care of her dress well,” said Beryl.

“Well, I think she’ll do,” said Melody. “Right now, we need to check out the boys.”

When Melody opened the room upstairs, she was greeted by Pizza Frenzy and Thunder Clash, who opened the door swiftly.

“Hey, yo, whassup, Melody?” rapped Pizza.

“Err, just checking you boys out.”

“Well, what can I say? We’re almost done at the moment,” finished Thunder. The two buddies moved away to reveal Peanut Butter, Raisin Brandy and Chaos Control, who were almost finished dressing.

Chaos was adjusting his bow on his overalls when he caught Melody in her beautiful dress.

“Man I just don’t know where I was looking,” he told her. “You simply look gorgeous!”

“Thanks for saying that,” said Melody. “You look great in that, too.”

Chaos only blushed.

“You surely can’t let everything go wrong with your marefriend here, huh?” teased Peanut.

“C’mon, Peanut. He needs his best space here,” said Raisin.

“Don’t worry,” assured Melody. “I actually don’t mind him, as long as he doesn’t do something that displeases me.”

“She’s right, though,” agreed Chaos.

“Boys! Are you ready?” asked Platinum from downstairs. “Melody, how are they doing?”

“Whoops. Let’s go, buddies,” said Peanut.

The gang was able to meet up with their parents at the train station. Despite being in their middle ages, Twilight and her friends still looked young in their dresses.

“You do look great as always, mom,” complimented Melody.

“What can I say more?” chuckled Twilight. “It all goes to Rarity. She’s always the best dressmaker you can even imagine.”

“I take all the credit from that,” said Rarity.

“Well, I just can’t argue about that further. Rarity’s always the best fashioner that always impresses a dragon like me…” sighed Spike, and everypony laughed.

By dusk, everypony had arrived at the train station at Canterlot. Shining Armor and his family were already there waiting for them.

“Nice to see all of you here,” called Shining Armor. “You look really great, Melly.”

“Thanks, Uncle Shiny.”

“I was expecting the Gala to be better than ever with you guys and my children,” added Princess Cadance. “Princess Celestia had always wanted more excitement.”

“That’s what Princess always hopes,” agreed Twilight.

Just then, Melody caught two familiar figures. She galloped towards them.

“Pixie Dust! Fancy seeing you here!” greeted Melody.

“Me, too!” responded Pixie. “I thought that I couldn’t find you when I arrived here.”

“I was arranging to do some performances with her,” said Trixie. “Care to drop by and watch us?”

“We’d love to,” said Chaos as he joined them. “But, as Melody’s coltfriend we would like to have some romantic moment…”

“Is that so? Then never mind.”

“Don’t worry! Enjoy your moment,” said Trixie. “You two can come together to watch us later.”

“What a pleasure!” beamed Melody.

Then, Melody saw her mom with Princess Celestia, and also her brother. She quickly galloped towards them. Chaos followed suit.

“Melody!” called Orion Galaxy. “I’m so glad you turned up.”

“You look nice in that tuxedo,” said Melody after hugging him.

“I can’t admit more. Platinum and her mom’s skills are terrific.”

“She sure is,” added Chaos.

“Oh, hey, are you taking care of Melody well?” Orion had obviously known that Chaos was already dating his sister, so he didn’t mind, as long as he can keep Melody company.

“He’s just as nice as ever,” said Melody.

“I hope you two can enjoy your moment well,” said Princess Celestia. “It’s a nice honor for you to be Melody’s bodyguard, Chaos.”

“My pleasure, Princess.”

“Enjoy, you two,” smiled Twilight.

Soon, while everyone was doing their own businesses, Chaos and Melody joined the other young couples dancing in the ballroom.

“I am still pretty amazed on the way you beat Pixie Dust that day,” said Chaos halfway during the dance.

“It’s no big deal,” answered Melody. “As the daughter of the Princess of Friendship I’m always motivated.”

“Hmm, I’m glad to hear that.”

“Well, why don’t we do this together?”

“Sure thing, my love.”

And so, the couple shared yet another romantic kiss of the Gala in the castle ballroom under the beautiful night skies of Equestria…

Chapter 14

It was one typical afternoon in Ponyville.

At Cheese Sandwich and Pinkie Pie’s home, Pepper Flake was busily making her cake, at the same time humming. Suddenly, she heard an extraordinary noise from upstairs.

“What’s that sound?” asked Pepper as she put down her tools, cleaned her hooves and went upstairs to check.

The noise came from her brothers’ room. When she opened the door, she found her brothers Peanut Butter and Pizza Frenzy singing at the top of their voices, accompanied by music. In fact they were singing to the songs of Sapphire Shores, the Pony of Pop. They were too excited in their singing that they didn’t notice their sister watching them from the door. When they finished, the brothers jumped with surprise when they turned around and saw Pepper clapping.

“Good show,” said Pepper.

“Whoa, really?” asked Peanut. “We actually decided to do it out of boredom.”

“That’s what happens when we got nothing to do and one of us would come up with fantastic ideas,” agreed Pizza.

“That was nice,” said Pepper. “Although we do cause trouble sometimes…” And they all laughed.

“Hey, Pepper,” began Peanut. “I was thinking of an idea…”

“What is it?”

“If anypony can be as popular as Sapphire Shores or any music group like the Ponytones, then we can form a musical band! I’ve been thinking about that a few days ago.”

“A musical band? That’s a good idea!”

“He talked this to me like about yesterday,” added Pizza. “He said that he might need to gather some of our friends to form it.”

“You’re right,” agreed Pepper. “Our singing talents may not be enough, so we just need a little help from our friends!”

“Yeah! Why don’t we discuss it later?” asked Peanut.

“Sure, but first, why don’t you help me to bake my cake and prepare the dinner?”

Pizza gasped deeply. “Cake? I’M COMING!!!” he obliged excitedly. The brothers managed to turn off their karaoke set before coming down to help Pepper.

Cheese Sandwich and Pinkie Pie arrived home on time to have dinner with their children. During dinner, Peanut Butter started to talk.

“Hey, Mom, Dad, I was thinking about something,” began Peanut.

“What is it, son?” asked Cheese.

“I was thinking of forming a musical band with my friends,” continued Peanut. “I talked this to Pepper and Pizza so I was wondering if I can get some of our friends to help.”

“That’s really hard to tell,” said Pinkie. “There are some of them who aren’t really interested in this kind of stuff, you know.”

“We know that,” went on Pepper. “But if we didn’t ask them, then we would never know whether they’re interested or not!”

“I see about that,” concluded Cheese. “I don’t oppose your idea, so I hope that you all may be successful in recruiting some of your friends. If you can perform your first ever concert, Pinkie and I will be glad to watch you all.”

“Yeah! I’d love to see you all perform,” added Pinkie.

“Yeah! Thanks, Mom and Dad,” said Pizza.

The next day, at Sugarcube Corner, at work, Pepper told the Cakes on her and her brothers’ plan.

“Oh, really?” asked Mrs Cup Cake, surprised.

“So you and your brothers want to perform here someday?” confirmed Mr Carrot Cake.

“Yup! In fact we’re going to make Equestria know us!”

“You do really got that amazing talent to do that, don’t you, lil’ Pepper?” joked Pound Cake.

“You and your brothers remind me of aunty Pinkie Pie,” told Pumpkin Cake. “She used to play and sing with Pound and me. In fact, I remember her as the best babysitter we’ve ever had!”

“And you remind me of that lil’ Malinae,” added Pepper, referring to her unicorn appearance. “Inheritance does run between us ponies after all!”

Everypony in the kitchen laughed.

Later, Pepper went to help out at her grandparents’ rock farm as she went there to work as part-time. Assisting her was Lapis Lazuli, who was her aunt, Maud Pie’s daughter. Her cutie mark is a lapis lazuli rock.

“So you want to form a band?” asked Lapis after hearing her cousin’s story.

“Yep! In fact everypony’s gonna love our style!”

“Ooh! I’d love to come for a concert of yours someday.” Lapis was different from her cool mother – she was more passionate and enthusiastic.

“But we hadn’t started it yet…”

“Not now, silly. When you’ve become popular, release your first music album and announce your concert, then I’ll come!”

“Oh, yeah? You bet!”

“What’s all the commotion here?” asked Maud Pie as she approached the cousins all of a sudden.

“Mom, did you know that? Pepper’s gonna form a music band!” replied Lapis, and she told her everything.

“Oh, is that so?” continued Maud, still having her cool yet warm-hearted attitude for all those years. “Then all the best for you. I guarantee that your band surely rocks.”

“Aunty Maud, I love the way you compare anything to rocks!” giggled Pepper, which made Lapis laugh as well.

Maud smiled as she watched her daughter and her niece being together.

Chapter 15

Meanwhile, Peanut Butter and Pizza Frenzy went to visit Melody Aurora and they told her about the plan.

“So you guys are going to form a band?” asked Melody, amazed.

“Yep! We’re going to be superstars all over Equestria like Sapphire Shores!” said Pepper excitedly.

“We wanted to ask you,” continued Peanut. “Whether you’re interested to help us to form our band.”

“Form a band? You want me to join with you?”

“Well, something like that.”

“I’d love to,” resumed Melody. “But, as a princess’ daughter I need to help out my mom for most of the time.”

“Aww man,” sighed Pizza, disappointed.

“But maybe I can help to contribute,” said Melody. “I can find a book back in my home about pop stars all around Equestria. You can have a good reference from them.”

“Really? Then thanks a lot!” said a cheered Pizza.

“About my joining,” continued Melody. “I might have to consider first. I think I’ll talk with my mom.”

“Never mind, take your time,” assured Peanut.

Next, they went to find Raisin Brandy and his sisters.

“A band, huh?” asked Fiji. “Sounds interesting.”

“Then would any one of you like to join us?”

“Maybe, but I only know how to do the fiddle, and that’s not a band instrument.”

“Apart from strumming the guitar with my dad every day, I’ve got nothing else more,” said Raisin.

“I don’t even know how to play an instrument,” said Malinae.

“Well, if you say so, Ray, are you in?” asked Peanut.

“Well, okay then. I’ll talk with my parents about it.”

“YAY!” The brothers high-hoofed together. “Another new member!”

At Carousel Boutique.

“Oh my, that’s majestic!” beamed Platinum Royale.

“Care to join us?”

“Count me in! Count me in!” cried Prudence Aura.

“Hmm, maybe. But I have to help out Momma all the time,” said Platinum. “But since Prudence is desperate to join you all, she can go, since she has hairdressing lessons every three days or so.”

“Yay! Thanks, big sis!” cheered Prudence.

“Just remember to behave,” reminded Platinum.

The brothers then visited Chaos Control and his sisters.

“Sounds like it. I’ll try to give it a shot,” said Chaos.

“That’s a good idea, but I don’t think I’m interested,” said Honey Drops.

“Me, too,” agreed Beryl.

Later, they met Greenie Hats and Thunder Clash at the playground.

“A band?” asked Greenie, rather surprised. “But I wanna do train myself in stuntin’. Gotta be part of the Wonderbolts, you know.”

“I wanna join! I wanna show them what I can do!” said Thunder.

“If you say so,” said Greenie, surprised by her brother’s action. “Then don’t forget about your stunt practice, though.”

“C’mon, big sis! I won’t forget it!”

At the end of the day, the siblings went to discuss the next steps at home.

“So, how did everything turn out?” asked Pepper.

“Well, that’s fine. We had four agreeing to join us. Melody just needs to think about it,” said Peanut, and he showed her the list of those who are joining.

“That’s very good,” smiled Pepper after scrutinizing the list. “We don’t need so many members by the way.”

“Now what should we do next?” asked Pizza.

“We’ll see what we can do while we meet our friends tomorrow!” replied Pepper.

The next day, while the friends gathered at the barn, Melody arrived with a book.

“Here,” began Melody. “This is a book on the music stars all across Equestria. From this book you can learn everything about their histories, their formation, their demise and legacies.”

“Ooh, interesting. Does that include Sapphire Shores as well?” asked Peanut.

“Yes, and from what I read about her, she seems to continue performing. Lately she’s been working as a judge for a musical talent show!”

“*gasp* I really want to meet her someday! It’s been a while I heard her performing in a concert, but hearing the fact that she’s a judge makes me super-duper excited!” exclaimed Pizza.

“Well, Momma used to be her costume designer. She still has a good relationship with her today,” said Platinum.

“So basically, what are we talking about now?” asked Greenie.

“Let me see,” continued Pepper. “Now for those who agreed to be part of our band, step forward!”

Raisin, Prudence, Chaos and Thunder went ahead.

“So uh, what are you going to do for us?” asked Chaos nervously.

“Now basically,” explained Pepper. “Do you all know what instruments make up a typical pop or rock band?”

“Let me guess, guitars, drums and keyboards?” asked Thunder.

“You got it right! Now we need to know who likes to play what!”

“I told you about that yesterday. Nothing else but guitars,” responded Raisin.

“Play an instrument? It’s better if I sing. I’m used to singing while doing my hairdressing lessons!” said Prudence.

“Maybe I can try the keyboards,” replied Chaos. “I would like to get a taste of it, anyway.”

“A guitar for me! That makes me cool!” answered Thunder.

“Then I’ll work on the drums,” said Pepper. “What about you, Peanut?”

“Hmm, I’m okay with a guitar. I’ll give it a try, and I’ll be glad if Ray can teach me.”

“Yep, count on me!” said Raisin.

“Looks like we can list out the things we need for the band, but where can we get them?” asked Fiji.

“Yeah, good point,” agreed Peanut.

“I think you can try out some music stores in Canterlot or Manehattan. Mom and Dad had found a few flashy ones there,” said Honey. “They sold a lot of musical instruments, from classical ones to electronic ones like they use in pop and rock bands.”

“Then we should at least give it a try,” said Chaos. “We need to determine the best one affordable.”

“Remember the fact, guys,” said Beryl. “Quality is always the priority when you choose items. That’s what Mother always told me.”

“Maybe we could get some books for practice from there as well,” suggested Thunder. “Just learning from Brother Ray isn’t enough.”

“He’s right,” agreed Raisin. “It’s useless even if I teach you the basic notes.”

“Well then, I hope that you can take up the challenge,” said Melody. “Just remember, practice makes perfect!”

“Gee, thanks Melody! Hopefully we can get Sapphire’s attention,” said Pizza. “I wanna get her autograph.”

Chapter 16

A few days after discussing about their plan, the friends soon bought their respective instruments to practice with. Even so, they need to buy some musical books to help them learn the notes. Luckily, it was Melody who did the expenditure on the books.

“I thought that I’m going to be broke after spending all that cash on the instruments!” Chaos told Melody after buying his keyboard set.

“Don’t worry,” assured Melody. “As long as you’ve got somepony who’s an expert at books like her mother.”

For the next few days, the band members were busily practicing their instruments. However, in the midst of practicing, they seemed to forget something, but not their daily duties…

“Hey guys,” said Raisin to everyone at a usual meeting. “I feel like we’re missing something…”

“What is it?” asked Peanut.

“Hmm, my Pepper Sense tells me that we are indeed missing something for our band,” revealed Pepper.

“Is it our band name?” asked Prudence.

“*gasp* Exactly! I was thinking about it, too!” exclaimed Thunder.

“Well uh, how should we name ourselves?” asked Chaos.

“The Fantastic Seven?” asked Peanut.

“Supreme Seven?” said Pepper.

“The Awesome Pals!” added Thunder.

“CUT! These names aren’t right to me. They don’t make any sense,” interrupted Pizza.

“*sigh* That didn’t work,” said Thunder. “How are we supposed to think of a name properly?”

“Maybe if we can think of something that’s got to be done with friendship,” suggested Prudence.

“You got the point, Prudence,” said Pizza. “Since we’re the kids of the Elements of Harmony, friendship is one thing that fits us!”

“So, how are we going to name ourselves?” pondered Chaos.

“Let me see…” paused Pizza, then he announced the name out loud. “Let’s call ourselves ‘The Neo-Generation Friendship Band’, for short, NGFB. How’s that, huh?”

After a few seconds’ silence, the band members clapped and cheered.

“Oh whoa, I love that name!” beamed Thunder.

“Man, Pizza, you’re such a genius!” praised Peanut.

“Count on your best brother-pal anytime!” replied Pizza and they high-hooved.

“These two sure like to get along, huh?” asked Raisin.

“Any prank they do, any joke they make, they’re inseparable,” said Chaos. “In fact everything won’t be lively without any one of them or both.”

“Though they got to minor conflictin’ sometimes,” added Pepper.

“I’d always understand my best buddy,” elaborated Thunder. “I can’t make any pranks without him.”

“Like mother, like son, eh?” asked Chaos. “I remember how Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash used to play pranks with my mom. She told me all about that.”

“Oh, really?” chuckled Raisin. “My mom even used to be rivals with her.”

The seven then spent the next few weeks mastering their instruments.

At their next meet up…

“So,” said Melody. “I wonder how’s everypony doing after all those practices and training.”

“Just doing pretty fine with Ray and Thunder,” reported Peanut.

“I’m used to the keys by the way,” commented Chaos. “Just need to keep the sound at a low volume so as not to disturb the critters in my house. Some of them did stop to listen and watch me play, though.”

“At least he didn’t disturb anyone else at home,” added Beryl.

“Getting addicted to those beatings and crash-boom-bangings,” said Pepper before imitating the sound of a drum beat and cymbals crashing.

“Sounds good all the way,” remarked Platinum.

“Oh sheesh, you’re making me jealous,” said Malinae.

Then suddenly, they heard Prudence singing.

It’s the spirit of friendship that makes our day,

Like the feeling when you’ve got heaps and heaps of hay.

“Wow, nice song!” cried Melody. “What’s that song anyway?”

“It’s a song I’ve been composing for my band,” answered Prudence. “I feel that it’s about time we did a song for ourselves.”

“Hey! Why didn’t you keep a Pinkie Promise to tell us about your latest condition?” cried Pizza.

“Sorry, it just came to my mind this morning.”

“Well then,” said Chaos at last. “I think Prudence got us motivated.”

“Huh?” asked Pepper with doubt.

“It’s about time we started making our own music. After all, we’re pretty experienced in playing and trying out all those songs so far.”

“Chaos’ right,” agreed Raisin. “We did have fun all the way in trying out all those songs, from the easiest ones we can handle until those hard-to-keep-our-hooves-right songs. I’m getting the thrill of it now.”

“Yeah, and it’s getting more and more challenging to us now.”

“And now it’s time for us to take the next step,” declared Thunder.

“Totally agree, buddy!” called Pizza, and they high-hooved. “I just wanna hope that Sapphire Shores can notice us. I’m a big fan of her all the time.”

“Don’t forget about me, too,” reminded Platinum. “I became her fan too because of Momma.”

“I remember the moment she was kidnapped by the Diamond Dogs,” recalled Melody. “Mom and everypony else had to save her. I loved the funny moment when Spike, uh…”

“I know, Spike did have a crush on Rarity before,” finished Honey, which made everypony laugh.

“But Momma did have some advice towards him, huh?” asked Prudence.

“Yeah, and he had to obey it. Now I think Spike’s making himself single for the moment,” said Melody.

“Whoa, dunno when he’ll get his new dragon mate,” said Peanut.

“We’ll just hope that she’s a nice dragon,” said Beryl.

“Not like those wild ones we always encounter,” added Greenie.

Again, the band members were busily into their work at composing their music, and it was Prudence who did the contribution. They needed to learn how to synchronize their beats and movements in time so as not to make the music sound awkward.

“So I should sing this part?” asked Pepper upon glancing the music sheet Prudence wrote.

“Correct, and after this verse it’s my role, and then everypony gets to sing that chorus…”

One afternoon, during their usual practice, Melody arrived with Spike.

“Hey guys, guess what?” asked Melody.

“What’s going on?” asked Peanut.

“Sapphire Shores is going to hold a contest in two months!” announced Spike, and he showed them a poster.

“Really? Is it?” gasped Prudence, and they all went around to take a look.

“I think it’s your chance to show Sapphire Shores who you really are!” said Melody.

“Oh gosh, I can’t believe it,” cried Thunder.

“It’s like my dream is coming true!” exclaimed Pizza.

“Then what are we waiting for?” asked Pepper. “It’s time to put some action!”

“Let’s practice really hard starting now!” said Chaos.

“Right!” the band shouted as they put their hooves together.