The Next Generation of Harmony

by SammyRosePony

Rating: everyone
Tags: Spike, Comedy, Cutie Mark Crusaders, Random, Slice of Life, Main 6, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Alternate Universe, Other, Original Character
Length: 21903

The ponies you know and love now have KIDS. Read on to experience their adventures

Many years after FIM, the Mane 6/CMC settled down, got married, and had kids. Now follow their children on their adventures. Watch as they face dangers, help each other, and spread harmony and the magic of friendship just like their parents did.
Basically my interpretation of the show using characters that are their children.

Next Generation of ponies belong to me, and you can see them here:
http://samantha0912.deviantart.com/gallery/51805847/My-MLP-Next-Gen

Published 2015-05-25 01:00:02 UTC
Last updated 2017-01-22 22:01:18 UTC

1: And The Adventure Begins...Part 1

S1 E1: Elements Part 1

Ponyville. Home to many ponies of different species. Earth ponies working hard, Unicorns using there magic, and Pegasi flying through the skies. Ponyville is even home to a princess and her family. Ponyville is also known for its friendship. The Elements of Harmony live peacefully with their families. Those six ponies always brought, cheer, joy, and harmony to the land of Equestria. Though, that was several years ago. Those six ponies are still living in Ponyville, married, and raising their children. At the Castle of Friendship, Princess Twilight Sparkle ruled in Ponyville. She was married to Flash Sentry, a pegasus guard from the Crystal Empire. Together they had three children. Their oldest was a 19 year old alicorn mare named Midnight Sparkle. Their second child was a 15 year old pegasus colt named Flashlight. Their youngest was a 10 year old unicorn filly named Starlight. Life for the princess was peaceful.

“MOM!”

Well almost peaceful.

“What is it,” yelled Twilight to her three children.

“Flashlight took my Junior Spells Spell Book,” Midnight told her.

“Why do you need it? You’re already so good at magic,” yelled Flashlight.

“Why do you need it? You’re a pegasus,” yelled Midnight.

“Hey I asked you first.”

“I’m trying to teach Starlight spells.”

“Yeah,” Starlight yelled at her older brother. The three of them continued to bicker at each other.

“Oh Celestia these three,” Twilight said to herself. “Look! Flashlight, give your sisters the book.” Flashlight opened his wing and handed his sister the book. “Now, you three go back upstairs.” As they started going upstairs, Twilight received a letter.

“What’s that mommy,” asked Starlight.

“It’s a letter from Celestia and Luna.”

“Did Stargaze send anything,” Midnight asked immediately.

“You love him don’t you,” Flashlight said teasing his sister.

“Shut up.”

“Um, can you three go get my friends,” said Twilight.

“Why?”

“Just go. I-I’ll tell you later,” said Twilight. “It’s just to important right now.”

“Okay mom.” The three ponies left their castle home to hang out with their friends. They do have many friends in Ponyville, but the friends Twilight was talking about was the ones they’ve known forever. They first went to meet up with friends at Sweet Apple Acres.

“Hey everypony,” yelled Midnight.

“Howdy there,” said a 19 year old earth pony stallion.

“Hey Apple Slice. What’s new?”

“Oh nothin really. Just arguing with Appleseed,” Apple Slice said chuckling.

“Hey! He said I can’t use mah magic to get the apples out of the trees,” said a 16 year old  unicorn colt. “I have to actually buck ‘em out.”

“I know how you feel,” said Midnight.

“Excuse me,” said Starlight. “But where is my best friend.”

“I think she’s in the barn doing-”

“Were you guy talking about me,” an 11 year old earth pony filly said.

“Hey Sweet Apple. What’s up.”

“Oh nothing much. Just looking through random pictures I found in the barn.”

“Really. Like what?”

“Like I found a picture with my dad and my uncle. They were standing in front of this weird looking machine.”

“Oh I know what you’re talkin about,” said Appleseed.

“Yeah Pa said that that there machine made cider. Ma said that Pa owned the machine when she first met him,” said Apple Slice.

“That machine is known as the Flim Flam Brothers Super Speedy Cider Squeezy 6000,” said a grown unicorn walking to his children. This unicorn was known as Flim. “I here you were looking at old pictures in the barn Sweets.”

“Eeyup. I found tons of cool pictures.”

“What else did ya find,” asked Appleseed.

“Yeah. Was there any of this dude in diapers,” asked Flashlight playfully pointing at Appleseed.

“Shut up.”

“Well I found a huge family picture of a family reunion.”

“Really? Which one? I’ve heard you guys have had plenty,” said Midnight.

“It was one where all of the Apple Family attended. Mom and Uncle Macintosh were younger than what they are now, Aunt Apple Bloom was probably about my age, and Granny Smith was well, alive.”

“That’s mah favorite family reunion. That’s the one where we had to raise the barn,” said an orange mare. “That there is also the one where Aunt Apple Bloom and Aunt Babs Seed did that crazy race, fruit bats attacked ponies, over a hundred fritters were made, and the quilt was finished.”

“Hey mom,” said her kids.

“How did all that stuff happen,” asked Sweet Apple.

‘Well..”

“Because of your mother,” said Flim.

“Hi Flim,” said Applejack

“H-Hey Applejack. We were just talking about the past,” said Flim.

“Like how you were conning ponies by sayin that that there tonic actually worked.”

“Well-I-uh...” All the kids laughed together at Flim.

“Oh yeah I almost forgot. My mom wants you to see her at the castle,” said Midnight.

"Oh my. What's goin on?"

“I don’t know. She said it was too important.”

“Well if it’s too important I best be goin then.”

“Good. We best be goin too. We gotta go tell the others too,”

The three ponies walked off the farm to tell the next pony on their list.

They walked up to a house where they have been at on many occasions. Only this house wasn’t on the ground. It was a cloud in the sky with rainbows around it.

“Hey! Anybody home,” yelled Flashlight.

A 12 year old pegasus colt saw the ponies and immediately flew down.

“Hey guys.”

“Hey Rainboom. What ya doin,” said Starlight.

“Oh nothin. Just being awesome,” said Rainboom.

“You really are your mother’s child,” Midnight thought to herself.

“Rainboom! Who are you talking to,” an 18 year old pegasus mare said as she walked to the edge of the clouds. “Oh hey. What’s new,” she said as she flew to her friends. “Hey Skylar. Nothing new. Can I talked to your mom really quick,” said Midnight.

“Sure. MOM! SOMEPONY’S HERE, AND SHE WANTS TO TALK TO YOU,” Skylar yelled.

“Coming,” said their mom. Soon a blue pegasus with rainbow mane came flying down. “Hey kids. Heard you wanted to talk to me,” said Rainbow Dash.

“Yes. My mom wants to see you at the castle.”

“Really? What for?”

“We don’t know,” said Starlight. “It’s too important I guess.”

Oh. Well I gotta dash then. Soarin! I’m leaving!”

“Okay! you takin the kids?”

“We’re not going daddy,” said Skylar.

“Alright,” said Soarin.

“Bye kids. Be back soon,” Rainbow said as she dashed away.

“Hey you guys wanna hangout,” asked Rainboom.

“Sorry but we gotta tell the others,” said Flashlight.

“Okay. See you around,” said Rainboom.

“We are we going now? My hooves hurt from walking all over the place,” cried Starlight.

“Well lucky for you we’re here. You can go sit down and get a snack,” said Midnight.

“Sugarcube Corner!” The three ponies walked in the bakery. Starlight and Flashlight took a seat at one of the tables while Midnight went to the front. Nobody was there, so she rang the bell.

“Hello. Anypony there?”

“Hold on just a second,” called out an 18 year old pony with high pitched voice. “Okay I’m here.” the yellow pony with a pink mane said as she walked out from the back. “Hello. My name is Cheesecake. How can I help you today. May I interest you in today’s special Lemon Muffin Surprise.”

“I’ll take two for my brother and sister,” said Midnight.

“Hey Nighty! Didn’t see you here,” said Cheesecake.

“Well maybe if you open your eyes before or while saying your little thing maybe you would have realized it was me.”

“Sorry.”

“It’s fine.” As they talked, a 14 year old pink pony with brown mane walked out.

“Hey sis, what are you doing,” asked the pony.

“Hey Berry. Just talking to Miss Midnight Sparkle.”

“Hi Chocolate Strawberry. How’ve you been?”

“Pretty good. Is your brother here with you today?”

“Yep. He’s back there with my sister.”

“You know Strawberry,” Cheesecake started. “Midnight ordered Lemon Muffin Surprises for her siblings. You wanna get two from the back and bring them to them?”

“I’ll make it three,” said Strawberry walking to the back to get the muffins.

“My sister totally has a crush on your brother,” said Cheesecake.

“I’d ship it,” said Midnight.

“So what did you come here for. My Cheesy Sense tells me you didn’t just come here for a couple of muffins.”

“You are so much like your parents. Speaking of parents is your mom around?”

“I guess my Cheesy sense needs to be checked on cause I totally thought you were asking for my dad. Then I would have said that he is not around because he is in Vanhoover planning a super duper party.” The two ponies laughed at the incorrect Cheesy Sense.

“No but seriously is your mother around. It’s kind of important.”

“Really? How important?”

“Important to the point where my mom sent me and didn’t tell me why.”

“Oh that is important. Yes she is here today. Mom! Can you come down here please!”

“Be right there,” yelled a voice from upstairs. The pink mare walked downstairs to her daughter and her friend.

“Hey Nighty! Haven’t seen you in awhile,” Pinkie said hugging Midnight. Pinkie Pie may have matured and had to take on bigger responsibilities after getting married and having kids, but she never lost that personality that made her, well, Pinkie.

“It’s good to see you too. My mom kind of needs you. It’s kind of an emergency,” said Midnight.

“Oh I better get going then, but the shop-”

“Don’t worry mom. Strawberry and I got it,” said Cheesecake.

“You sure sweetie?”

“Totally. Now go face whatever dangers you may face and have to defeat it using the magic of friendship.”

“Thank you. Mr. and Mrs. Cake are visiting the twins at college, so don’t blow the place up.”

“Don’t worry mom. We got it.”

“Okay. I’ll be back.... Oh who am I kidding I don’t know when I’ll be back. Just know that I’ll be back. Bye sweetie,” Pinkie yelled as she ran out the door.

“Well better get back to work,” said Cheesecake.

“We better go too. We still have a couple of ponies to bring news to,” said Midnight.

“Bye Nighty!”

“Come on Starlight and Flashlight, we gotta go.”

“Okay,” said Starlight.

“Excuse me but Strawberry and I are having a conversation,” said Flashlight.

“It’s fine Flashlight. I got to get back to work anyway. Bye.” said Strawberry.

The three ponies walked out the door.

“So who we seeing next,” asked Starlight.

“I’ll just say this. Out of all of mom’s friends families, we are the closest with this family,” said Midnight. It took Starlight awhile, but she soon realized where they were going.

“YAY!”

“Are we there yet,” asked Starlight.

“Can you please shut up,” said Flashlight.

“The last thousand times you asked that it was no, this time the answer is yes,” explained Midnight.

“Finally.” The three ponies walked into the building.

“Um.. Hello? Anypony home,” yelled Midnight.

“Well well well. Why it’s Twilight’s kids,” said a figure standing upstairs.

“Uncle Spike,” yelled the ponies.

“Hey how’ve you guys been,” asked Spike.

“We’ve been good. Just been busy,” replied Midnight.

“Us too,” said Spike.

“Yeah. Been training to be in the guard,” said Flashlight.

“Wow. You’re father must be really proud,” replied Spike.

‘I’ve been trying to get my cutie mark. I tried everything and still no cutie mark,” said Starlight.

“Don’t worry. You’re only 10. You still have a couple more years,” said Spike.

“Not when you and your two friends are the only one’s in your class that doesn’t have their cutie marks.”

“Speaking of friends,” Midnight started, “Is-”

“Sapphire home? Yeah she’s upstairs. I’ll call her down,” said Spike.

“That’s not what I-”

“Sapphire! You’ve got friends over!”

“Coming,” yelled the 20 year old dragon-pony hybrid. “Hey Midnight. What’s up?”

“Oh nothing. I didn’t come here for you to be honest.”

“Oh?”

“Yeah. I came for your mom,” Midnight said looking at Spike.

“Why do you need to speak to Rarity,” asked Spike.

“My mom wanted me to get her for her. It’s an emergency. After this I’m off to Fluttershy’s.”

“What kind of emergency,” asked Sapphire.

“We don’t know,” said Flashlight.

“Yeah mommy wouldn’t tell us,” added Starlight.

“I’m assuming it’s some kind of friendship thing,” said Midnight.

“Well maybe I should just go since Rarity isn’t home at the moment,” said Spike.

“Go where,” asked a unicorn standing in the door way.

“Hi mom,” said Sapphire.

“Hello my little jewel,” said Rarity, “Oh and Hello to the royals too.”

“Hi Aunt Rarity. My mom said there’s some kind of emergency and she needs you to go to the castle,” explained Midnight.

“Oh wow. We haven’t had some kind of emergency in years. Well I guess I’m off.”

“Can I come too,” asked Spike.

“Fine. You are part of them team anyways.”

“Alright let’s go,” said Spike walking out the door.

“I’ll be back later,” Rarity told her daughter.

“Okay mom. Have fun,” Sapphire said as her mom walked out the door. “So you’re off to get Fluttershy after this?”

“Yeah.”

“Maybe we should get everypony and just hang out,” said Sapphire.

“You know that’s not a bad idea. We’ll totally do that after. Well we better get going.”

“Okay see you later then.”

“Okay bye!”

“Bye!” The three ponies walked out of Carousel Boutique and towards the direction of Fluttershy’s house.

The three ponies walked up to the small house in which the last of their friends lived. Midnight knocked on the door and a yellow-green pegasus with pink and yellow mane opened the door. “Hey Midnight. What brings you here?”

“Hi Lightning Rose. Is your mom home,” asked Midnight.

“She sure is . Mother! Midnight needs you.” Not to long after a yellow pegasus with pink mane flew down.

“Why hello Midnight. Okay let me guess, your mother sent you guys to get me because there’s some kind of emergency,” said Fluttershy.

“Wow,” said Flashlight.

“How’d you know that,” asked Starlight.

“Angel Bunny was being a bad boy and snuck into the castle and heard everything.”

“That’s makes sense,” said Midnight.

“I gotta go then. Bye.”

“Bye mom.”

“Hey where’s your dad,” asked Midnight, “Haven’t seen him in awhile.”

“He’s at the gym,” said Lightning.

“Again.”

“Well his name is Bulk Biceps.”

“Yeah. Hey wanna hang out. we are gonna gather everyone and just hang out.”

“That’s sounds fun. I’m in.”

“Okay. Let’s go.”

It was towards the end of the day when 12 ponies between the ages 10-20 returned to the castle.

“That was so much fun,” said Cheesecake.

“I know it’s been so long since the last time we hung out like that,” said Skylar.

“Yeah. Well we’re here at the castle. I’m assuming our parents can tell us about the emergency,” said Midnight.

All 12 ponies walked into the castle. The castle was quiet, but a little too quiet. Midnight knew something was up. Usually when all of there parents were talking, they could at least here muffling from the door. Yet there were no sounds except for there own hoof steps. “I have a feeling something bad happened or is going to happen,” said Midnight.

“What makes you say that,” asked Strawberry.

“Well for one thing,” Midnight started, “Our parents are no where to be found.” The 12 ponies walked into the throne room which was empty.

“Okay that there is weird,” said Apple Slice.

They all walked around to find any clues on what could have happened. Starlight walked up to her mom’s throne. On the throne was a piece of paper. She read it.

“What do you got there,” asked Midnight.

After reading it, all Midnight could say was, “Oh no.”

2: And The Adventure Begins...Part 2

S1 E2: Elements Part 2

Midnight has never been so shocked in her life before. She’s never seen a situation like this before. Midnight wasn’t sure what to do. All these thoughts were going through her head. What am I going to do? What if I fail? What if I let my friends down? What if I let my siblings down? What if I let my parents down? What if this situation shows that I’m not good enough to be princess?

“Midnight,” yelled Sapphire.

“What?!”

“Are you okay. What’s going on,” asked Lightning Rose.

“I’m fine. It’s just...I..”

“Well what’s going on sis,” asked Flashlight.

“I’ll handle this,” said Starlight, “Our parents have been kidnapped. And we have to go save them.”

“Okay. Who caused this? And how is your mom able to write so fast,” asked Sweet Apple.

“Well, it’s not from my mom,” said Starlight.

“Then who is it from,” asked Rainboom.

“It’s from *gulp* Lord Tirek.” Everybody gasped.

“Why would he want us to go save them,” asked Sweet Apple.

“Don’t you get it,” said Appleseed, “He’s the villain. It’s a trap. He wants us to come so he can trap us as well.”

“Well we gotta go,” said Flashlight.

“No way. I’m not gettin trapped like our moms,” said Appleseed.

“We gotta go,” said Midnight finally getting herself together, “We have to save our mothers.”

“Tirek is tryin to lure us in,” said Appleseed, “And you’re saying we have to go face danger to save our mothers who can defeat anything with the magic of friendship.”

“Well yeah,” said Midnight.

“They can defeat him with the magic of friendship can’t they?”

“I guess they could.”

“Actually no they can’t,” said Starlight.

“Huh?”

“Each time they’ve defeated something with the magic of friendship, they’ve learned something about friendship. When they defeated Nightmare Moon, they learned about how much they actually care about each other. When they defeated Discord, they found out that friendships have their ups and downs but they will always have each other’s back. Didn’t mom ever tell you that time she went through that portal and had to defeat those Sirens. They went to just use the magic of friendship and it didn’t work because they didn’t learn anything,” explained Starlight. Everypony just stared at her. “What?”

“You’re 10. You are the youngest of the 12 of us. You just stood up to your 19 year old sister who is the smartest pony out of all of us,” said Cheesecake.

“Yeah?”

“I think what she means is that we were not expecting that,” said Skylar.

“Oh yeah. I get that a lot.”

“Anyway, Starlight is right. They can’t do it right now. We have to go and save them.”

“I guess your right,” said Appleseed.

“Alright. Let’s go save our parents,” said Midnight.

‘Well where are we going,” asked Strawberry.

“I have no idea,” replied Midnight.

“I know,” said Starlight, “We’re going to the Castle of the Two Sisters.”

“Okay how do you know that,” asked Midnight.

“It’s right there in the note.”

“Oh. Well everypony, let’s go to the Castle of the Two Sisters!” All the ponies ran out the door to the Everfree Forest.

“Mom says we’re not allowed to go in the Everfree Forest without permission,” stated Sweet Apple.

“Well Ma’s not here. We can’t really ask her for permission can we,” said Appleseed.

“Appleseed leave your sister alone. She’s just nervous that’s all,” said Strawberry.

“Nervous? Ha! I’m not nervous,” Sweet Apple said as she trotted into the forest. The wind started picking up, and the leaves on the trees made ruffling sounds as the wind went through them. This spooked Sweet Apple causing her to hide behind her big brother.

“It’s alright Sweet Apple,” said Apple Slice, “We’re going to go through the forest together. And nopony is going to separate from the group.”

“You sure?”

“I’m positive.”

“Well we better get going if we want to get to the castle before sun down,” said Midnight. The ponies walked for several minutes. Most of them were determined to get to the castle, and the others were just bored out of there minds.

“Are we there yet,” complained Starlight.

“My hooves hurt,” complained Sweet Apple.

“My wings hurt from flying all the way over here,” complained Rainboom.

“Y’know you have hooves right? You can just walk,” said Skylar being annoyed by her younger brother.

“I don’t want to walk. My hooves will start hurting”

“Well I guess you’re going to have to deal with the pain in your wings,” said Sweet Apple.

“Wow. Since when did you get sassy Sweets,” said Starlight.

“I don’t know. When did Rainboom get so arrogant?”

“Excuse me miss, but I’ve always been arrogant. If you haven’t noticed, I’m the son of Rainbow Dash. What would you expect from a pony who is the son of that kind of pony.”

“Well yes, but you aren’t really loyal like your mom,” said Starlight.

“Well you’re one to talk,” Rainboom said to Starlight.

“What is that supposed to mean!?”

“I at least have my arrogance and my dream to be in the Wonderbolts in common with my mom. Sweet Apple has almost everything except for honesty in common with her mom. What do you have in common with your mom? What that your a unicorn and she used to be a unicorn. That you’re both female?”

“Well those are physical traits,” said Sweet Apple, “We’re talking about personality traits.”

“Okay well there’s my point.”

“What,” said Starlight.

“You have almost nothing in common with your mom. You’re not really book smart. Your not next in line after your mom, your sister is. You can’t even get your magic to work correctly,” explained Rainboom. Starlight was on the verge of tears.

“Why does the matter,” she yelled.

‘Well in order to save our moms, we must have the same traits as them.”

“No we don’t.”

“How else would you save them?”

“Well I-”

“Exactly. You’re basically the reject child”

‘WELL AT LEAST I HAVE FRIENDS! THAT’S SOMETHING MY MOM HAS THAT I HAVE!” Starlight at that point was balling her eyes out.

“RAINBOOM,” yelled Skylar as she marched back to her brother. “Starlight, go with your sister. I’m sure she’ll make you feel better.” Starlight nodded and walked to her sister.

“Rainboom what were you thinking,” Skylar said interrogating her brother.

“I don’t know,” said Rainboom.

“You realized you probably lost a friend. You’ve been best friends since forever. Why would you say stuff like that.”

“I don’t know. I’m kind of in distress. I mean our moms are missing. What if we never see them again. You know how I get when I’m in distressed.”

“I know. But you’re gonna have to make it up to Starlight. Okay?”

“Okay.”

“Promise?”

“Promise.”

“Pinkie Promise?”

“*sigh* Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye.”

“Good boy. Now I’m gonna go back to talking with Cheesecake.” Skylar walked back to where she was before.”

“Sweet Apple, you think you could help me with this apology?”

“Rainboom, you may be my best friend, but I know when not to help a best friend when he should be the one to fix the problem he caused. I’m gonna go walk with my brother now,” Sweet Apple said as she walked away.

Midnight looked down at her sister who was really upset. “Hey sis, you alright?”

“Midnight,” Starlight started, “Do I seem like, the reject child?”

“Why would you ever think that?”

“Well it’s what Rainboom said. I have nothing in common with mom. You have so much in common with her. And Flashlight has so much in common with dad. Everyone has something in common, except me.”

“Oh Starlight. You’re not the reject child. Mom and Dad love you as much as they do Flashlight and I. I can also ensure you that Flashlight and I couldn’t have asked for a better little sister,” Midnight said as she hugged her sister with her wing.

“But what about my magic? I haven’t been able to do anything with my magic.”

“Don’t worry. You’ll get it one d-” The two of them fell down a cliff along with two other ponies. The each were able to grab on to rocks and shelves that were on the side of the cliff.

“Midnight! Starlight! Strawberry! Sapphire! You guys alright,” yelled Lightning.

“Yeah,” all four of them replied.

“You guys need help.”

“Don’t worry,” said Sapphire, “I can get myself back up.” Sapphire clawed herself back up. Sapphire enjoyed having claws at the end of her hooves. They’ve come in handy in many situations, mostly involving her talent.

“Wow. I always forget how well your claws come in handy,” said Lightning.

“The joys of being half dragon,” said Sapphire.

“Um hello! Three ponies still hanging on for our lives here,” yelled Strawberry.

“Sis. Grab my hoof,” Cheesecake said leaning over the edge. Strawberry grabbed her sister’s hoof and climbed up.

“Midnight,” Flashlight yelled, “You have wings, just fly up.”

“I can’t. My left wing is hurt,” said Midnight.

“Don’t worry. Grab my hoof.” It was one of these moments in which Flashlight was truly worried for his sisters. Midnight was just about to grab her brother’s hoof when she realized something.

“Wait! Starlight,” she yelled. She looked down and saw her little sister hanging on for dear life on a little shelf.

“Help,” Starlight yelled at the top of her lungs.

“Don’t worry sis. I’m coming,” Midnight said sliding down the cliff. Starlight was scared to death. She didn’t want to fall.

“I have to get back up,” Starlight said to herself. She looked up at her horn. “Come on. Just to help this one situation.” She tried to levitated herself, but all that came out of her horn was little blue sparks. “I can’t do anything.” The rock that she was hanging on to broke off.

“Starlight,” Midnight yelled. She jumped off the cliff the save her sister. She was able to grab her sister. She was expecting the two of them to fall to the ground, but the didn’t. Midnight opened her eyes. She looked at her sister who’s eyes were shut closed in fear. She looked up and saw ponies hanging on to each other. Cheesecake was hanging on to Midnight, who was being held by Lightning, who was held by Skylar, who was held by Sapphire, who was held by Appleseed, who was held by Strawberry, who was held by Flashlight, who was held by Apple Slice who had Sweet Apple and Rainboom hanging on to his tail. They were able to get the two ponies up to the top of the cliff.

“You-You guys saved us,” said Starlight.

“Well of course we did,” said Sapphire.

“Yeah we wouldn’t let our friends fall to their deaths,” said Cheesecake.

“I’m glad you’re okay,” said Sweet Apple hugging Starlight.

“Me too,” said Rainboom. “To be honest, I wouldn’t have let you fall even if it was to save my own life.” Starlight smiled. “Y’know, I’m so sorry at what I said earlier. I didn’t mean ANY of it.”

“Apology accepted,” said Starlight.

“Hey guys,” said Lightning, “There’s a safer way to get down the cliff we can just take that path.” The 12 ponies took the safe way down and continued on their journey.

The ponies have been on their journey for a long time now.

“I can’t believe we got this far,” said Midnight, “And Lightning, how’d you know what to do with that manticore?”

“Well I am the daughter of Fluttershy. I may be a gardener, but I know what to do with a lot of animals.”

“Hey Sweet Apple,” said Cheesecake, “How did you know about our mom’s giggle at the ghosties theory.”

“My mom told me about all the adventures our moms had,” said Sweet Apple.

“I can’t believe that sea serpent knows our moms,” said Sapphire, “Especially my mom.”

“Guys,” said Skylar.

“I know weird,” said Lightning.

“Guys.”

“I saw somethin that looked very much like your mother’s tail,” said Apple Slice.

“GUYS!”

“Um yeah Skylar,” said Midnight.

“The castle’s right there,” she said pointing her hoof at the castle.

“Oh, well, let’s just go across the bridge.” The ponies crossed the bridge and got to the castle. They all looked through the windows before going inside. Inside the castle was Tirek. He looked as if he got almost all of Equestria’s magic, but he didn’t have all of Equestria’s magic. Beside Tirek was a cage that held six ponies. It was there moms. They all had their magic drained by Tirek. None of them wanted to face Tirek, and it looked like they were having some conversation.

“Why are none of you ponies are facing me,” Tirek asked.

“Why should we face you, you took all of our magic,” said Rarity.

“Yeah,” said Pinkie Pie.

“Um, I agree with Rarity and Pinkie,” said Fluttershy.

“What are you waiting for Tirek,” asked Rainbow.

“Yeah. We’ve been sittin here for ages,” said Applejack.

“I’m just waiting for more, guests,” said Tirek.

“Whatever do you mean,” asked Twilight.

“You’ll see,” replied Tirek.

Outside the ponies could see what was going on.

“We have to go in,” said Midnight.

“We can’t go in there,” said Appleseed, “We’ll get our magic drained.”

“We have to do something.”

“How’d he get so big like that anyway,” asked Strawberry, “He only drained the magic of six ponies.”

“Six ponies who possess the most powerful magic in Equestria,” said Midnight.

“Oh right.”

“We gotta go in there,” said Midnight, “It’s the only way.”

“I’m with Appleseed on this one,” said Flashlight, “I’m sorry sis, but if he drains our magic how are we supposed to save our moms?”

‘What would our moms do,” Midnight asked.

“Well-”

“They’d help anypony no matter the situation,” said Starlight.

“That’s right,” said Midnight, “So are we going to be like the ponies our moms are or are we going to forget about them and let Equestria fall.”

“We’re going to help our moms,” said Starlight.

“Okay. We all in?” Everypony else nodded and they ran inside the castle.

“Tirek,” Midnight yelled, “Playtime is over!”

“Well well well. If it isn’t the rest of my guests. Hey ponies, why don’t you turn around and see who the rest of my guests.” The six ponies turned around to see their own children standing there before their very eyes.

“KIDS,” they all yelled.

“MOM,” the children yelled as they ran to their mothers. Unfortunately, Tirek had snapped his fingers and trapped the six kids in a cage.

“Great,” said Flashlight.

“Tirek let our kids go,” yelled Twilight.

“Okay. I’ll just do something first.”

“No,” Twilight whispered to herself. Tirek started levitating the ponies. He immediately drained their magic.

“Told you,” said Appleseed.

“Now I have all of your magic. There is no way you can defeat me now.”

“Actually we can defeat you still,” said Starlight standing up.

“Star? What are you doing,” asked Twilight.

“Don’t worry mommy. I go this.”

“Um hello? Giant monster about to destroy Equestria here,” said Tirek.

“What I’m saying is that you may have our magic physically, but you don’t have it mentally.”

“Isn’t that the same thing?”

“No, it’s not. What you have on the outside isn’t the same as what you have on the inside. We have the magic of friendship, and you can’t take away friendship,” Starlight said as the other ponies stood up behind her. “Friendship is a special kind of magic that can’t be taken away or given to. You have to find it for yourself. I’ve learned that friendship can be hard, but your friends care about you so much that they’d do anything for you.” Starlight started glowing along with the others.

“Well even if that’s true, you don’t have a pony for each element,” said Tirek.

“True,” Starlight started, “But each of us could represent an element. Actually, we all represent all of the elements. There’s always that something in us the makes us represent all of the elements.” Colors stared appearing on each of the ponies manes. “You may have taken our magic, but you can never take the power of FRIENDSHIP!” The colors of each ponies’ coat started shooting towards Tirek. Tirek shrank back to the size he was before the magic and disappeared. The cages disappeared, the ponies got their magic, and the ponies returned normal.

“Starlight, I’m so proud of you,” said Twilight running to give her kids a hug. “how did you figure out all that.”

“You know mom, I thought I was nothing, but it was my friends who helped me realize that.”

“Starlight is right,” said Lightning.

“Yeah. We found out stuff about ourselves by trusting in our friends.”

“Why don’t we go home, and you guys can learn more about the magic of friendship,” said Twilight.

“I agree. I’m tired and want to go to sleep,” Starlight said as she yawned.

Everypony laughed as they enjoyed the moment together with all their friends.

3: Friends With the Princess

S1 E3: Friends With the Princess

It was a beautiful day in Ponyville. At Sweet Apple Acres, Apple Slice and Midnight Sparkle were walking down the path with baskets full of apples.

“Thanks for helpin me with apple bucking today,” said Apple Slice.

“No problem. Always happy to help out a friend,” said Midnight.

“Yeah there’s no way I could’ve done all of it on my own. My mom and Aunt Apple Bloom are visitin relatives. My Uncle Macintosh, Aunt Cheerilee, and my cousins Big Apple and Cherry Blossom are on their own little family vacation. Appleseed and Sweet Apple can do it, but they always get distracted. And my dad and Uncle Pipsqueak can’t apple buck for the life of them.”

“You forgot somepony,” said Midnight.

“Who?”

“Your little cousin Sapling. You know, your Aunt Apple Bloom and Uncle Pipsqueak’s little filly.”

“She’s not little for an eight year old. Sure she’s not as tall as Sweet Apple who’s eleven, but she’s taller than most fillies her age. Haven’t you seen her next to Sweetie Belle’s filly or Scootaloo’s filly.”

Midnight started giggling at Apple Slice. “I didn’t mean little as literally little. I meant little as in young. Last time I checked she’s the youngest in your family.

“Oh.”

“Well why couldn’t she help,” Midnight asked.

“Two reasons,” said Apple Slice, “One: a pony like her at that age would get tired after a few trees. Two: she’s scared to.”

“Scared? She’s all into adventure. How’s she scared?”

“She’s scared she might break her legs, or the apples will fall on her head.”

“Oh. Poor thing.”

“Okay my point of this whole conversation is that I’m glad you were able to help me out.”

“Like I said before, no problem.”

After walking for a couple more minutes, Apple Slice was reminded of something. “Hey-um Midnight?”

“Yeah,” Midnight replied.

“Could you do me another favor?”

“Sure thing.”

“I have a second cousin that lives in Applewood. Her name is Apple Cider.”

“Okay...”

“Her dream is to one day meet royalty. Since I’m friends with you she looks highly up to you.”

“Really? Why’s that?”

“Because she said she looks up to any pony, especially a princess, who wants to be friends with a simple farm pony like me.”

“She does know that we’ve been friends since we were foals right? We probably wouldn’t have met if our moms weren’t best friends.”

“I know. My point is that she’s comin to visit on Monday, and I was wonderin if you could stop by and meet her.”

“I would lo-”

“INCOMING,” yelled a blue pegasus falling from the sky. “OUCH,” she yelled as it hit the ground.

“Skylar! You alright,” asked Midnight.

“You hit that there ground pretty hard. Are you hurt,” asked Apple Slice.

“Nope. Just a couple scratches. This isn’t the first time this happened.”

“It isn’t,” Midnight asked.

“No. I always race my brother.”

“How does racin your brother result in you falling to the ground,” asked Apple Slice.

“I’m not as fast as my mom, dad, or brother. Whenever I race Rainboom, I always go faster than I’m used to. When I reach a certain speed, I loose control of my wings and end up falling.”

“Shouldn’t you go see a doctor or something about that,” asked Midnight.

“Nope. My mom and dad said it’s normal for pegasus to loose control if they go too fast.”

“Really? Never heard that before,” said Apple Slice.

“I never heard it before they told me either. My mom’s a former Wonderbolt and dad’s one of the captains of the Wonderbolts. I trust them when they tell me things about wings and flying.”

“Makes sense. Hey, why is your mom not a Wonderbolt anymore. My mom told me that it was her dream to be a Wonderbolt,” asked Midnight.

“I was born. When my mom was able to go back to work after having me, she and dad hired a nanny. Mom felt bad about not being with me given how young I was. She saw that I needed her and she needed me, so she quit. She’s still good friends with the Wonderbolts though.”

“Well that’s nice,” said Apple Slice.

“Speaking of friends, Midnight I need you on Monday,” said Skylar.

“For what?”

“So remember how I went to Flight Camp when I was younger?”

“Yeah.”

“Well I had a Flight Camp Reunion recently and my best friend wants to meet you. I mentioned to him that I’ve been friends with you since we were babies. His name is Comet Fire. He’s Spitfire’s son.”

“Oh?”

“I know it may be sudden, but he’s visiting Ponyville and I really want him to think of it as an awesome place like Cloudsdale.”

“Wow. You’ve never acted this way towards anypony else.” Midnight started smiling, “Do you have a cru-”

“Don’t. Say. A word.”

“Okay, okay. I guess I could-”

“Wait. What about my second cousin,” said Apple Slice.

“Oh yeah. I guess I could-”

“Please Midnight. I need you,” said Skylar.

“You know Skylar, I asked first. First come first serve,” said Apple Slice.

“Guys.”

“Ever heard of ladies first,” said Skylar.

“Guys.”

“Midnight and I were born in the same year. Sure I’m older by like ten months, but we’re still pretty close in age,” said Apple Slice.

“Guys.”

“Well I might have been born in the following year, but I’m closer in age than you. Midnight and I were in school together in Miss Cheerilee’s class,” said Skylar.

“GUYS!”

“Yeah Midnight,” they both said.

“Both of you have good reasons for me to meet your friends, but I just can’t choose on the spot. I need to think about this,” explained Midnight.

“That’s okay Midnight,” said Skylar.

“Yeah. Take all the time you need,” said Apple Slice.

“Thank you. Now, I’m gonna go out to town and get lunch. See ya later.” Midnight started to walk away when Apple Slice and Skylar started glaring at each other. “And don’t you dare hoof wrestle you two.”

Midnight was walking into town to get food when all of sudden...

BAM!

“Cheesecake? What are you doing,” Midnight asked.

“Oh hi Nighty. I’ve been looking for you everywhere,” said Cheesecake.

“Why.”

“So you know Pumpkin Cake.”

“Yeah.”

“Well she has a friend from college that totally adores Strawberry and I.”

“Yeah, and...”

“Pumpkin Cake mentioned that we’re friends with a princess.”

“Okay.”

“AND SHE WANTS TO MEET YOU!!”

“Wait. What even is this “friend’s” name?”

“Sugar Sprinkles, she lives in a bakery in Baltimare. That’s kind of how her and Pumpkin Cake got to know each other.”

“And when is Sugar Sprinkles coming over?”

“MONDAY!”

“Monday? Um.. I don’t know. I’ll have to se-”

“Oh there you are Midnight,” said a dragon/pony hybrid.

“Sapphire? You’re looking for me?”

“Yeah. You know how we’re so close. We’re practically cousins,” said Sapphire.

“We are kind of cousins I guess. I mean your dad is a dragon that was hatched and raised by my mom and is basically a brother to her.”

“Exactly! So can I ask a favor of you?”

“What is it,” Midnight asked a little annoyed.

“My friends from Canterlot are coming over this week. They meet royalty all the time, but they have yet to meet you. They’ve met Princess Celestia, Princess Hypnosis, Princess Luna, Prince Stargaze, Princess Cadence, Prince Shining Armor, Princess Melody, and Princess Twilight Sparkle.”

“They haven’t met me, but they’ve met my mom.”

“Yeah weird right. So my friends are the son of Hoity Toity and Photo Finish, Shining Star, and the daughter of Fancy Pants and Fleur De Lis, Crystal. They’re coming on Monday!”

“Monday!?”

“Yeah Monday!”

“I think I’m-”

“Um, Midnight,” asked a yellow-green pegasus, “Do you have a minute?”

“What do you need Lightning?”

“So, my mom has a friend named Tree Hugger.”

“Okay...”

“And she has a daughter named Tree Embrace.”

“Tree Embrace? I’ve heard many odd names in Equestria, but that one is probably the weirdest.”

“My mom blames Discord. Not sure what that’s supposed to mean. Anyway, she’s coming to visit and she wants to meet you.”

“Why?”

“Because I mentioned to her that I’m friends with a princess.”

“Of course.”

“So can you meet with us on Monday.”

“Monday? Really? I-uh-”

“Sorry to be rude, but Midnight’s meeting my friends on Monday,” said Sapphire.

“NO! She’s coming to meet Pumpkin Cake’s friend on Monday,” said Cheesecake.

“What are you talking about,” said a voice, “She’s coming to meet my second cousin on Monday,” said Apple Slice.

“Apple Slice!? What are you doing here. Have you been following me?”

“No. I’ve been following her,” said Apple Slice pointing at Skylar.

“What!? I just want to make sure Midnight’s meeting Comet Fire on Monday,” said Skylar.

“But she has to meet Tree Embrace on Monday,” said Lightning. The five of them just continued to argue over who Midnight gets to meet on Monday until Midnight couldn’t take it anymore.

“ENOUGH! Look I know all of you have good reasons for me to come meet your friends.

“To have a second cousin’s dream to come true,” said Apple Slice.

“Two ponies getting to meet all of Equestria’s royalty,” said Sapphire.

“TRUE LOVE,” said Skylar. Everypony just stared at her. “I-I mean for a fr-friend to meet a p-princess.”

“Look. I’m starving. I can’t think of anything on an empty stomach. I gonna go eat.”

“Fine,” they all said.

“I don’t want to hurt any of their feelings. Which one am I gonna choose,” Midnight asked herself. “I should just eat. I shouldn’t worry about this right now-”

“HEY THERE MIDNIGHT,” yelled Apple Slice.

“Apple Slice? What are you doing here? What’s that behind you?”

“Just a cart full of delicious apple products. I’m not gonna tell you all the names of these meals, so why don’t dig into this here delicious pile of deliciousness.”

“You made all of this?”

“Nope,” said a voice from behind the cart, “He did not.”

“Hey Sweet Apple. Who made all these meals?”

“I did. If you remember correctly, this guy has no cooking talent what so ever,” said Sweet Apple.

“Now I remember,” said Midnight.

“Well what are you waitin for? Take a bite,” said Apple Slice.

“Well to does look deli-wait, why are you doing this? Are you trying to get me to come to you on Monday,” asked Midnight.

“No. I’m just trying to help out a very hungry friend,” said Apple Slice.

“What are you talking about,” said Sweet Apple, “You said that’s exactly why you’re doing this-,” she was cut of because Apple Slice had covered her mouth with his hoof.

“Look, I know you really want me to come meet your second cousin on Monday, but giving me food is not gonna work. Now if you excuse me, I’m gonna go eat,” Midnight said as she walked away.

Midnight sat at the outside dining part of a restaurant. She was still trying to decide which friend to help out. “Oh, they all have really good reasons. I could go with Skylar because it’s to impress a stallion, but there would be four sad ponies.”

“Uh Miss,” said a waiter

“I CAN’T DECIDE!” Midnight had almost got the attention of everyone outside. “I mean, I’d like a Hayburger with Horse Shoe Fries please.”

“Sure thing,” said the waiter as he walked away.

“I wish I had someone to talk to about this. Like mom with the gala tickets. She had Uncle Spike to talk to,” Midnight said to herself.

“Here you go miss,” said the waiter.

“Thank you. I’m starving.”

Midnight was about to take a bite, but the waiter interrupted her. “Uh Miss? Are you going to eat in the rain?”

“What do you mean? It’s not raining.” She looked out to Ponyville and saw that it was raining, just not on her. She looked up and saw Skylar. “Skylar, what are you doing? Are you trying to get me to come to you on Monday?”

“What? Of course not. I’m just trying to keep my best friend dry while she eats her food,” said Skylar with the sun shining behind her.

“I’m not choosing you right now,” said Midnight.

“Fine,” said Skylar as she zipped up the clouds.

“Thank you.” Midnight picked up her food with her magic. As soon as she picked up her food, rain started pouring down. “Just great”

“Midnight, it’s raining,” said Sapphire who was dressed in a raincoat with an umbrella.

“No. Really,” Midnight said sarcastically.

“Come one let’s go fix you up,” said Sapphire, “We’ll go to the spa. We can have a girls’ day out!”

“No no no! I’m not choosing right now,” Midnight said as she flew away.

Midnight flew all the way back to her home in the castle. She then flew all the way up to her room. When she got there, Lightning was cleaning her room.

“Lightning, not you too,” said Midnight.

“I remember you mentioning awhile back that your room needed cleaning, so I decided to help you out.”

“No no no!” Midnight flew out of her house and landed right in front of the doors of the castle. “Can’t they just leave me to decide who I’m gonna choose.” Midnight continued to think about it until she was swept off her feet

“Midnight is my bestest friend whoopee whoopee...” Cheesecake sang as random ponies threw Midnight in the air.

“Cheesecake...”

“She’s the cutest, smartest. all-around best pony..”

“Cheesecake...”

“I bet if I throw a super-duper fun party party...”

“Cheesecake...”

“She’ll come to visit Pumpkin’s friend for me!”

“CHEESECAKE!” As soon as Midnight said that, she was dropped. “I don’t know if i’m gonna meet your friend on Monday.”

“Your meeting ponies on Monday,” asked one of the ponies. “I actually have a relative coming in on Monday and-”

“NO!” Midnight then flew off and had ponies chasing her. “Why are my friends just like their mothers.”

‘You should be saying that about yourself too,” said Flashlight.

“Flashlight? What are you doing here?”

“I have no idea.”

“Okay...”

Midnight was chased all the way back to her house. She went up to her room which was dark. Suddenly the lights turned on, and her friends were standing right there.

“No! I’m sorry guys. I just can’t choose. You all have really good reasons and I just can’t decide who to choose. I don’t want to hurt any of your feelings.” Midnight was now crying into her hooves.

“We’re sorry Midnight,” said Lightning.

“Huh?”

“She said we’re sorry,” said Skylar.

“Instead of thinking about your feelings, we took advantage of your status as princess, and that we’re best friends with a princess,” said Sapphire

“We should be grateful that we’re best friends with such an important pony like you,” said Cheesecake.

“We shouldn’t have taken advantage of this with us wanting you to meet ponies we know just to make ourselves look good in front of the other pony,” said Apple Slice.

“It’s okay everypony,” said Midnight, “I forgive you.”

“You don’t have to come meet my friends on Monday. You can choose somepony else,” said Sapphire.

‘But I want to meet your friends. I just don’t know who to choose.”

“Why don’t you meet everypony on different days,” said a voice coming into the room.

‘Mom? What are you doing here,” asked Midnight.

“I heard noises so I decided to come up. Now why don’t you meet everypony on different days,” said Twilight.

“That could work,” said Midnight.

‘It could,” said Skylar, “But I still need Monday. Comet Fire will only be here on Monday.”

“I guess I could take Tuesday,” said Sapphire.

“I got Wednesday,” said Cheesecake.

“Tree Embrace is leaving Friday, so Thursday would be best for me,” said Lightning.

“And I’ve got Friday,” said Apple Slice.

‘Hey that worked out perfectly,” said Midnight. Midnight’s stomach started making noises. “Looks like I’m still hungry.”

“That you are,” said Twilight, “Why don’t we go get Hayburgers for dinner?”

“Yeah,” they all said. They were now happy that it was able to work out for everypony in the end.

4: Gardening Season

S1 E4: Gardening Season

It was late in the evening, but not too late to the point where ponies were already going to bed. Though, one pony was off to bed preparing herself for the next day.

“Lightning Rose, why are you going to bed at this time,” Fluttershy had asked her daughter, “You usually are up for at least another hour or two.”

“I know it’s early, but tomorrow is the start of my Gardening Season,” said Lightning.

“Gardening Season?”

“Yeah. A whole ton of ponies asked me to do their gardens. Not to mention I got to work on my own garden.”

“Explain how much a “whole ton” is exactly,” Fluttershy wondering what her daughter got herself into.

“Oh, about a couple dozen,” said Lightning.

“What!? This is going to take you at least a minimum of a month right?”

“Nope. I’m doing it all in a week.”

“A week? But sweetie, that’s a lot to do. Can’t one of the other garden ponies such as Daisy or Roseluck do some of it?”

“I guess they could, but all these ponies asked for me specifically.”

“Well if they asked for you specifically I guess you got to do it,” said Fluttershy.

“Thanks for understanding mom,” said Lightning, “Now I got to go to bed now if I want to get an early start.”

“Why don’t you get one or two of your friends to help. You could get a couple dozen gardens done in a week faster,” suggested Fluttershy.

“No! I mean, I’m pretty sure I got this.”

“Okay. Goodnight sweetie.”

“Goodnight mom,” said Lightning.

“Wait Lightning. Just remember, don’t overwork yourself,” Fluttershy said remembering and incident that had happened with one of her friends.

“Okay mom.”

The very next day Lightning got up bright and early. She got her supplies and headed out the door. She walked half way across town to her first stop. She knocked on the door. A greenish colored pony who had a greenish colored mane and golden yellow eyes opened the door.

“Hello there Miss Lyra Heartstrings. I’m here to tend to your garden,” Lightning said as she greeted Lyra.

“Why hello Miss Lightning Rose,” said Lyra, “I’m so glad you could come at this time of day. I’m having a get together with some of my friends, and I want the garden to look nice.”

“Cool. When are you having your get together so I have an idea of how long it should take me,” said Lightning.

“In a few hours,” said Lyra.

“In a few hours? Then why’d you want me to come so early,” asked Lightning.

“I’m gonna take it you haven’t seen my garden,” said Lyra. Lightning shook her head. Lyra directed Lightning to the backyard. Lightning’s jaw dropped at the sight of the poor yard. Most of grass was dying, weeds were popping up everywhere, flowers were all droopy, vegetables and fruits did not look appetizing, and the trees looked like they could fall at any moment. “This is why I wanted you to come early,” said Lyra. Sweat started coming down Lightnings face.

“Hehe, looks like I better get started,” said Lightning.

“Take all the time you need.” Lightning was left frozen. She had not seen a garden that bad before. She knew that this wouldn’t end well for her.

A few hours past and Lightning was finally done. Everything looked like it was all brand new. “Wow,” said Lyra, “You really have a talent for gardening.”

“Well it is my talent,” Lightning said pointing at her cutie mark.

“I just can’t believe you did it. You’re a miracle worker,” said Lyra.

“By the way,” Lightning started, “What time is it?”

“It’s about 1:00,” said Lyra.

“WHAT!! I was supposed to be at Cranky and Matilda’s house like three hours ago!” Lightning quickly grabbed all her stuff and quickly burst out of Lyra’s yard and flew as quick as she could to Cranky and Matilda’s house.

“I can’t believe it,” said Cranky, “She said she could do it for cheap, and she’s not even here three ours past the time that she was supposed to be here! It’s the wedding invitations all over again.”

Calm down Cranky. It’s not like it’s the end of the world. Lightning’s a nice young mare. I’m sure she has a reason for being late,” said Matilda. A few minutes later there was a knock on the door. “See Cranky, what did I tell you?”

“So so so so SOOOOOO sorry I’m late. I’m doing a whole bunch of ponies’ gardens and my first one took way longer than I thought,” explained Lightning.

“It’s totally fine,” said Matilda, “Take all the time you need.”

“What? I can’t take time. I have to work extra hard now if I want to do all the other ponies that are scheduled for today.”

I’m sure you can get your friends to help. They’re always there to lend a ho-”

“No I’m fine. I can do this on my own.”

“Are you sure?”

“I’m super sure.” Lightning then started working on the garden.

Celestia’s sun has set, and Luna’s moon had risen. Fluttershy was now awaiting the return home of her daughter.

“It’s getting pretty late,” said Bulk Biceps, Fluttershy’s husband and Lighting’s father, “Where’s Lightning.

“She’s out doing ponies’ gardens.”

“How long has she been out?”

“Probably since the sun came up this morning.”

“Does she at least have somepony helping her?”

“I don’t think so. I mentioned it last night. She kinda yelled no and then claimed she could do it all on her own.” The front door then opened and Lightning came in. “Oh hello Lightning. How was your day.”

“Great. Just great,” said Lightning. Lightning had bags under eyes, and she could hardly keep her balance.

“Lightning dear, are you alright,” asked Fluttershy.

“You don’t look so good,” said Bulk Biceps.

“I’m fine. I’m totally fine,” Lightning said trying to smile through her tiredness.

“How many gardens did you get done today,” asked Fluttershy.

“two,” mumbled Lightning.

“What was that,” asked Bulk Biceps.

“TWO,” yelled Lightning in the same way as her father. “Oops. Sorry I yelled. It’s just not fair. How am I supposed to get a couple dozen ponies’ gardens done by the end of the week when I only got two done on the first day.”

“You can always ask help from your friends,” said Fluttershy.

“Mom, I already said no.”

“I know what you said, but these are your best friends we’re talking about. They’d help anypony.”

“Mom. I already said no. I can do this.” Lightning then let out a large yawn. “I’m getting tired.”

“You’re just now getting tired,” asked Bulk Biceps. Fluttershy then glared at Bulk telling him to not speak.

“I’m off to bed,” said Lightning.

“Wait aren’t you going to have dinner,” asked Fluttershy.

“If I want to get an early start tomorrow, I have to go to bed now,” said Lightning.

“Well, I uh, okay. Good night.”

“Good night.”

Fluttershy then looked down at the food on the table.

“Don’t worry Shy. She’s twenty, I’m sure she’ll realize it soon,” said Bulk Biceps.

“Are you sure,” Fluttershy asked.

“To be honest, I have no idea.”

The next morning, Lightning continued to work on ponies’ gardens. She had finished about 3 ponied gardens in just about six hours. The forth pony she was helping out was Twilight.

“Wow,” said Twilight, “Garden looks nice. I haven’t haven’t seen it this good since I asked you to fix it for me when you were twelve.”

“Well it says it right there in my cutie mark,” said Lightning.

“It sure does,” Twilight replied. She looked at Lightning concerned. Lightning looked like she was about to fall asleep and then having to wake herself up. “You alright sweetie?”

“Huh? Oh yeah. I’m fine,” said Lightning.

“Oh hi Lightning,” said Twilight’s daughter Midnight, “How are you doing-.” She was cut off by how tired she looked. “Are you alright Lightning?”

“Like I told your mother, I’m fine.”

“Are you sure. How long have you been working,” asked Midnight.

“I’m sure of it. I’ve only been working all day today and all day yesterday.”

“You sure you don’t need help?”

“Nope. I’m fine. Everything is fine. I can do this on my own.”

“If you say so.”

“Oh look at the time! I’ve gotta go. Still a lot more ponies to do this whole week.”

“Oh-well bye then,” said Midnight.

“Stay safe,” said Twilight. Lightning waved and then flew away. “I want you to follow her,” Twilight told Midnight.

“Follow her? You mean like stalk her,” asked Midnight.

“No not like that. Though I’ve seen you do that to other ponies including myself, and your pretty good at it.” Midnight giggled at what her mother just said. “I mean follow her as to make sure she’s okay.”

“Okay mom,” Midnight said. She then flew off to find Lightning.

Lightning continued on with her day fixing up other gardens. Like Twilight told Midnight, Midnight followed her. She always knew Lightning wasn’t the best when offered help, but she knew that Lightning couldn’t do this all on her own. Suddenly, Skylar came to talk to Lightning.

“Hey Lightning,” said Skylar.

“Huh!? Oh. Hello Skylar. What brings you here,” asked Lightning.

“I have a couple rain clouds to get rid of. I was wondering if you could help me get rid of them. I know you’re busy, but I really need to get this done quickly.”

Lightning looked at the position os the sun to see what time it was. “I guess I could help you for a few minutes.”

“Great!” Skylar then flew up towards the clouds and Lightning followed behind her.

“So what should I do,” asked Lightning.

“Just kick the clouds. But not too hard. You could send a cloud flying across Ponyville, and crash into somepony flying. I don’t want ponies getting mad at me. Again.”

“Okay,” Lightning replied. Lightning and Skylar were busting clouds for about ten minutes before Lightning realized what time it was. “Oh my Celestia! I’ve been busting clouds for ten minutes. I need to get back to gardening.” She then kicked the last cloud as hard as she could.

“WHAT DID I JUST TELL YOU ABOUT KICKING THE CLOUDS TO HARD,” Skylar yelled as she chased the cloud.

“I know I saw her go this way,” said Midnight, “Maybe she over-OOF!” Midnight was knocked out of the sky by a cloud. “I think I know which way to go now.”

“Oh my goodness! Are you okay Midnight,” said Skylar coming down to help her up.

“Yeah I’m fine. Let me guess, Lightning Rose?”

“Yeah. How’d you know that?”

“Lucky guess. I’m gonna go talk to her.”

“I’m pretty sure you’re not going to get anything out of her,” said Skylar. “She won’t accept anypony’s help. Out of you, me, Lightning, Sapphire, Apple Slice, and Cheesecake, who’s the oldest?”

“Lightning.”

“And you know why she won’t accept anypony’s help?”

I know, I know. Since she’s the oldest of all our moms’ kids, she feels she should be the one who can do everything herself. This is a huge issue for her.”

“I know. Now do you think you’ll be able to help her?”

“My mind is telling me no, but something else is telling me, there’s a way.”

“Good luck.”

“Thanks. I’ll need it.” Midnight then flew off.

“Where did she go,” Midnight asked herself when she saw that Lightning was no longer there. As she looked into the distance, she saw all different kinds of animals coming towards Ponyville.

“Stampede,” yelled a random pony. A ton of animals started running into Ponyville. Behind all the animals, Sweet Apple and Sapling were seen running after them.

“Come back here,” yelled Sapling.

“You guys are gonna get us grounded,” yelled Sweet Apple.

“Sapling! Sweet Apple!  What’s going on,” asked Midnight.

“First of all,” said Sapling, “Her fault.”

“Hey,” said Sweet Apple.

“Well it was.”

“Explain what happen,” said Midnight.

“Well, Winona Jr. started acting up. We decided to go get Fluttershy,” said Sweet Apple.

“Okay...”

“Fluttershy’s house is all the way across town, and I didn’t feel like walking that far. I saw Lightning working on somepony’s garden, and asked her instead. I thought since she’s Fluttershy’s daughter that she would be just as good as Fluttershy. Long story short, she sent all the animals at the farm on a rampage.”

“Like I said,” said Sapling, “Her fault.”

“Okay, I’ll go talk to her,” said Midnight, “Don’t cause anymore trouble.”

“You got it,” they both said.

As Midnight flew away, the two fillies turned around. When they turned around, they didn’t expect to see who was standing behind them.

“H-Hey Aunt Apple Bloom,” said Sweet Apple.

“Hi mom. How is it going,” said Sapling.

“You two. Home. Now.”

“Yes ma’am.”

After helping with the animals, Midnight continued on her search for Lightning.

“Okay seriously, where is that mare.” Midnight then finally spotted Lightning. “Hi Lightning. Still doing those gardens I see.”

“Well what else what I be doing this week,” Lightning asked. Lightning couldn’t even stand still. Her body was swaying back and forth like she was on a boat. At certain moments she would quickly open her wings to catch her balance so she doesn’t fall.

“Lightning, you don’t look so good.”

“I assure you I’m perfectly fine.”

“You can’t keep going like this. You need some help. You know, I could-”

“No Midnight! I don’t need your help! I don’t need anypony’s help! I can do this on my own! Now if you excuse me, I need to finish up this garden. After this I get to head home, and then I get to continue tomorrow morning.”

“Are you sure it has to be tomorrow morning? Can’t it be tomorrow afternoon. At least give yourself a break.”

“I’m sorry Midnight, I just need to get everypony’s garden done by the end of the week. I got to go know. Bye.”

“Bye.” Walking back home to the castle, Midnight thought to herself, “Tomorrow is only Tuesday. There’s no way she’s going to make it to Saturday.”

The next day, Midnight decided to stop by Lightning’s house. “Hello Aunt Fluttershy. How’ve you been?”

“Why I’ve been just fine dear. And you,” said Fluttershy.

“I’ve been good. Is Lightning still here,” Midnight asked.

“I’m afraid not. She left probably about half an hour ago.”

“Of course she did,” Midnight said to herself.

“What was that?”

“Oh nothing. Who’s garden is she working on now?”

“Actually no one’s. Cheesecake came by and asked if she could help her with a foal’s birthday party. She’s most likely at Sugar Cube Corner.”

“Alright. Thank you Aunt Fluttershy.”

“Anytime sweetie.”

“Welcome to the birthday bash of Shooting Star,” Cheesecake cheered proudly. “With me today is my assistant, Lightning Rose.” Lightning smiled at the crowd of little foals and waved. She did have the look of wanting to be somewhere else at the moment. “Okay everypony! Who wants to play Pin the Tail On the Pony!” “We do,” yelled all the children. “Alright, I’ll leave you with Miss Lightning.”

“Excuse me,” said Lightning, “You expect me to run the game for them.”

“It’s just for a little bit. Just until I get the snacks, foods, cake, cupcakes, ice cream, and punch out. Trust me. It’ll be okay.”

“Alright fine.”

As Cheesecake walked over to the kitchen area, Midnight walked in. “Hey Nighty! What brings you hear,” asked Cheesecake.

“Fluttershy told me Lightning was here,” said Midnight.

“Yep. She’s over there with those little kids helping with Pin the Tail On the Pony,” Cheesecake said pointing at her. Lightning was helping the children play the game, but she didn’t look to happy.

“You know what she rather be doing right,” Midnight asked.

“Of course I do,” said Cheesecake, “She told me that she’s heading to Sweet Apple Acres after this.” All of a sudden, they heard complaining.

“That’s not fair! I should have won,” said one of the little foals.

“Look. This little filly right here got the closest to the pony. Therefore, she’s the winner,” Lightning said.

“But I need to win at everything!”

“You can’t have everything you want kid. Trust me. I rather be some where else at the moment.”

“IT”S NOT FAIR!”

“Well guess what? Life’s not fair. Now would you just please SHUT UP!” The room was filled with silence after that.

“Doesn’t Lightning get angry when she hasn’t had enough sleep,” Cheesecake asked.

“Yep,” said Midnight, “Remember that camping trip we took four years ago.”

“Yeah. Not one of my favorite memories.”

Lightning started walking towards the door. “H-Hey where you going,” asked Cheesecake.

“I’m done here. I’m going back to my gardening. If anypony needs me, I’ll be at Sweet Apple Acres.” Lightning then walked out slamming the door.

“You’re gonna follow her aren’t you,” asked Cheesecake.

“I have to. Plus there’s somepony there who I think could put some sense into her.”

“Good luck.”

“Thanks. I’ll need it.” Midnight then walked out the door and headed to Sweet Apple Acres.

———————————————————————————————

Midnight then arrived at Sweet Apple Acres. She spotted Lightning and started to walk up to her. That’s when Apple Slice saw her. “Hey Midni-“ He was cut of because Midnight had flew up to him and covered his mouth.

“Shhh,” said Midnight.

“Now what in tarnation was that for,” said Apple Slice. Midnight then whispered something in his ear. “Okay I think I could do that.”

“Do you understand,” asked Midnight.

“Eeyup.”

“Okay. Now don’t do it until I give you the signal.”

“Alright.”

Midnight trotted over to Lightning. “Hey Lightning.”

“Midnight. When are you going to see that I can do this on my own,” said Lightning.

“When I believe it. Right now, I don’t think you can do it.”

“Midnight! What a thing to say to a friend.”

‘I’m not trying to be mean. I’m trying to help you. I want to help you.”

“Midnight. Like I said before, I can handle this.”

“But look at you. It’s only Tuesday. How are you gonna last ’til the end of the week?”

“Some how I will. I don’t need help from ponies like you. No offense.”

That’s when Midnight looked back at Apple Slice. She winked at him. He then ran into the barn. “What makes you think that ponies like me can’t help.”

“Nothing. It’s just…”

“Does it have to do with the fact that I’m a princess?”

“No, no, no. It’s hard-It’s hard to explain.”

“Let’s just say that there’s nothing to explain.”

“Oh sugar cube,” said a voice, “I don’t think that’s a valid reason for not getting help.” Midnight and Lightning both looked in the direction of the voice. They both saw an orange mare with blonde mane and three apples for a cutie mark.

“A-Applejack,” Lightning said kind of confused.

“Hey there.”

“What are you doing here?”

“These two said I should come.”

“Why?”

“Sugar cube, I went through something like you went through. I didn’t help from anypony. I even thought I was able to harvest all the apples during Apple Buck Season all by myself. I was wrong. I wasn’t until Midnight’s mom, Twilight, showed me that there will be times where a pony can’t do everything on her own. With the help of my friends, including your mom, I was able to finish harvesting in time. Now what’s the reason you don’t want anypony’s help?”

“I-I don’t really want to talk about it,” said Lightning.

“Well why not?”

“I-I just don’t feel comfortable about it.”

“Does your mom know what it’s about?”

“No.”

“Mind if I ask her?”

“Sure.”

“Okay. Now I understand you don’t want help really, but this is a time where you really need it. Now go ask for help,” Applejack said pointing at Midnight.

Lightning took a deep breathe and asked her. “Midnight Sparkle, would you like to help me with gardening? For the rest of the week?”

“I would loved to,” replied Midnight. The two ponies walked towards the garden to start there job.

“Hey Midnight,” said Lightning.

“Yeah?”

“Thank you. I wouldn’t have survived the rest of the week if you hadn’t done what you did.”

“No problem. Besides, that’s what best friends are for.”

5: In the Shadow

S1 E5: In the Shadow

It was a wonderful day in Ponyville when Pinkie Pie, her husband Cheese Sandwich, and their children Cheesecake and Chocolate Strawberry were trotting through town together. “It is gorgeous, super, duper, fantabulous day,” said Pinkie Pie.

“You said it mom. Today is great,” said Cheesecake.

“It’s a super, duper, perfect-for-a-party day,” said Cheese Sandwich.

“It’s fine I guess,” said Strawberry.

“Strawberry. Is there something wrong my little cupcake,” said Pinkie Pie.

“No mommy. It’s just I-”

“OH MY CELESTIA,” yelled Cheesecake. “We should plan a party to celebrate what an amazing day today is!”

“That’s a good idea Cheesecake,” said Cheese Sandwich.

“Yeah we should do that. Cheesecake, you are so much like your father and I when we were younger.”

“Thanks mom. I’d have to say I agree with you. Don’t you agree Berry?”

“Well, sure. I mean you plan parties like them, you’re crazy like them, and you make everypony around you smile. You basically are them in eighteen year old mare form.”

“Strawberry sweetie,” started Pinkie “You were about to say something weren’t you?”

“Never mind mommy. It’s not important.”

“Are you sure,” asked Cheese Sandwich.

“Yes I’m sure.”

“It’s okay if it’s not okay sis. We’re your family. You can tell us anything. We’re here for you,” said Cheesecake.

“Strawberry, please tell us if there is something wrong ever,” said Pinkie, “You’re only fourteen years old. At this age I understand you can be a bit emotional. I mean once you start growing up your body will start changing and-”

“Okay mommy! I get the idea. Trust me on this one I’m fine. Now why don’t you three go ahead and gather party supplies. I’ll be fine on my own.”

“Okay,” said Cheese Sandwich.

“Okie dokie lokie,” said Cheesecake.

“Are you sure Strawberry?”

“Mom! I said I’m fine!”

“Okay. Be careful.”

“Don’t worry mom. I will.”

————————————————————————————————————————

Strawberry was walking back to her home with her head down. “I know I lied to them, but I don’t want them feeling bad for me. Why do I have to be so different.” As she was walking, she saw Skylar panting over by the Ponyville fountain. “Hey Skylar.”

“Hey. Straw. Berry. How. Are. You,” said Skylar trying to catch her breathe.

“I’m fine, but what about you? Why are you so out of breathe?”

“I’m trying to increase my wing power,” explained Skylar.

“Why exactly? For all the years that I’ve known you, which is basically all my life, I don’t think I’ve ever seen or heard of you living your life in the “fast lane”. It just doesn’t seem like you.”

“Oh. It’s nothing.”

“You sure. I mean I can imagine your mom, dad, and brother doing something like this. I mean your mom’s wing power is 25.7, your dad’s is 17.2, and your brother’s is 10.0.”

“Yeah…”

“By the way what’s your wing power?”

“6.3”

“What was that?”

“6.3”

“Wow that’s impressive.”

“No it’s not! It may seem like a lot to you, but your just an earth pony. No offense.”

“Non taken. I imagine wing power is a huge thing for pegasi like you.”

“Yeah. I know I have a greater wing power than some ponies, but I want my wing power to be stronger.”

“Why do you care about it so much?”

“Well-”

“Skylar!”

“Oh, hi mom,” said Skylar.

“Sky, what are you doing out here,” asked Rainbow Dash.

“Nothing mom.”

“Okay. Oh hey there Strawberry. What are you doing?”

“I’m doing nothing at the moment,” Strawberry stated. “My parents and sister are getting party supplies for a party.”

“What is the party for,” asked Rainbow Dash.

“It’s for today being wonderful.”

“Of course they would,” said Rainbow Dash smiling.

“Um mom. What did you come here for,” asked Skylar.

“Oh yeah. I need your help at the house.”

“What did Rainboom destroy this time?”

“Like half the house.”

Okay. Well I’ll see you later Strawberry. Bye!”

“Bye Sky!” Skyler then flew off with her mom as Strawberry continued walking by herself. As she walked, she thought to herself, “He. Bye Sky. That rhymes.” Strawberry was definitely Pinkie Pie’s kid.

—————————————————————————————————————————

Rainbow Dash and Skylar flew together to there cloud home.

“So what were you doing out in Town Square,” asked Rainbow Dash.

“Excuse me,” asked Skylar.

“When you left you never said where you were going.”

“Oh well, I wasn’t doing anything really.”

“Uh huh. Why are you wearing those goggles?”

Skylar looked up at her mane. She had forgotten she was wearing a pair of goggles. “Um, I have no idea,” Skylar said trying to act serious.

“Come one Sky, I’m not that gullible.”

“I know, I know.”

“So would you like to tell me what you were doing.” Skylar looked down shamefully. She didn’t want to tell Rainbow what she was doing. The most important thing she didn’t want Rainbow to know was why she was doing it. “Hey. Is something wrong sweetie?”

“No mom. I’m fine,” Skylar said obviously trying to hide her feelings. Rainbow Dash then flew in front of Skylar.

“Skylar I know that voice. I’ve used that voice when I was your age. I know you were doing something. I know you don’t want to tell me why you were doing it. Is there something going on?” Skylar just looked away. “Sky, please. As your mother I want to know what’s going on, and I want to help with whatever you are going through.”

“I really don’t want to talk about it mom. I just don’t,” said Skylar. Rainbow Dash decided just to stop. She knew that Skylar was easily emotional. Rainbow was the kind of mother who cared about her daughter’s feelings, but didn’t want to dig to deep due to Skylar’s emotional side. “So why did Rainboom destroy like half the house. You know other than the reason that he’s a twelve year old colt.”

“He’s training for the Best Young Flyer’s Competition.”

“Oh yeah that’s right. Why didn’t he go outside and practice.”

“Who knows.” After that they were back to awkward silence. A memory came into Rainbow’s mind that made her smile and feel warm inside. “Do you remember when you entered the Best Young Flyer’s Competition?”

“Yeah. How can I forget?”

“You know, that day was probably the most I’ve ever been proud of you. Not only were you a ten year old filly who won the competition, but you also got your cutie mark in that competition. As your mother, you getting your cutie mark was one of the best moments in my life.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. How could I not be proud of my little girl.”

“I can think of a few reasons,” Skylar muttered.

“What was that?”

“Nothing. Let’s just go home. I’m really tired.”

———————————————————————————————————————————

Chocolate Strawberry had just arrived home when the rest of her family were already home planning the party. “Hey everypony,” said Strawberry as she walked through the door.

“Hey sis. What took you so long to get home,” asked Cheesecake.

“Oh I just ran into Skylar and Rainbow Dash. Nothing big and special.” Strawberry then headed up the stairs towards her room.

“Hey sweetie,” said Pinkie. “You wanna help with the party. I know there was the incident three years ago but-”

“Do you have to mention the incident mommy.”

“I’m sorry, but that doesn’t mean you still can’t help.”

“Mommy, I basically ruined that party. I just don’t want to ruin this party.”

“Sweetie you were only eleven at the time. You’re a teenager now, and you’ve grown up.”

“Still. I just don’t want to let everypony down. You guys make it so easy to make ponies smile. For me it’s just easy to let ponies down.”

“Sweetie I-”

“I’m just going to go upstairs now. You can go back to planning the party,” Strawberry said while trying to put a smile on her face.

“Oh-Okay.” Pinkie then headed back to plan the party with a solemn look on her face.

“Is everything okay Pinkie,” asked Cheese Sandwich.

“I-I don’t know. I feel like you should be asking Strawberry that. I definitely feel like something’s wrong.”

“I know what you mean. She’s been down lately. I wish there was something we could do,” said Cheese Sandwich.

“Maybe I could talk to her,” said Cheesecake.

“You sure you can get through to her,” asked Cheese Sandwich.

“I’m not entirely sure, but I can try. She’s my little sister. If I’ve learned anything from having a sister is that sisters are the ponies who are always there for you.”

“Where did you learn that,” asked Pinkie.

“Well a few ponies taught me it. That would include Aunt Applejack, Aunt Rarity, and you mom.”

“I taught you that?”

“Well you all didn’t like talk to me about it, but I’ve seen you with your sisters. By the way which are the best aunts ever.”

“Well, I guess you can talk to her. I’d really appreciate it if somepony could at least talk to her,” Pinkie said smiling at her eldest child.

—————————————————————————————————————————

“Hey sis,” said Cheesecake poking her head in her sister’s room.

“Hey,” Strawberry said. Cheesecake then walked in and closed the door behind her. “What are you doing?”

“I came here to talk to you. I thought it would be best if mom and dad would not hear. I’m guessing you don’t want them to know”

“I guess your right.”

“Strawberry, you wanna tell me what’s going on. We’re all worried about you.”

“Cheesecake, I-I don’t know.”

“How long has it been going on?”

“As long as I could remember.”

“Wow. That’s a long time.”

“Yeah.”

“You wanna tell me now.” Strawberry just shrugged her shoulders. “Come one Strawberry. I’m your older sister. You can tell me anything.”

“Well-”

“YES!?!”

“Would you let me explain.”

“Sorry.”

“Ever since I could remember, your personality is just like mommy and daddy’s. You’re crazy. You’re funny. You’re a party planner like them, though you do center towards little fillies and colts. Most of all, you’re able to make everypony smile wherever you go. I can’t even do half the things I you, mommy, or daddy do.” Cheesecake was stunned by what she was hearing from her little sister. “I guess what I’m saying is, I feel like mommy and daddy are more proud of your accomplishments than mine. All I do is make sweet treats. It says it right there in my cutie mark,” Strawberry said pointing at her cutie mark, which is a chocolate covered strawberry. “Sure they do get excited for me sometimes, but it happens more often to you than me.”

“Oh Strawberry. I had no idea. If you would’ve told me I could-”

“It’s alright Cheesecake. It’s not your fault. You never meant to do it. It’s just destiny I guess.”

“You know mom and dad are worried about you. If you tell them-”

“Please don’t tell them how I feel! I don’t want them feeling bad. I didn’t want you to feel bad either. That’s why I never said anything.”

“Don’t worry. I won’t tell them, but they’re still going to worry.”

“They’ll get over it. They always do.” When Strawberry said that, Cheesecake’s heart nearly shattered into pieces.

“Well, I’m going to go back downstairs. Need anything?”

“Nope. I’m fine.”

“Well, okay. See you later I guess.”

“See ya later sis.”

———————————————————————————————————————

Back at Rainbow Dash’s family’s cloud home, Skylar and her had just finished fixing up the house.

“Wow. I never thought that we would get it done in time,” said Rainbow Dash.

“Me neither. I guess that’s what happens when you have the best mother-daughter pair in Equestria,” said Skylar.

“You are definitely my daughter.”

“Yeah.”

“Now do you wanna tell me what you were doing?”

“What?”

“You know what I mean.” Skylar just looked at Rainbow with a confused look. “Come on now Skylar. You can tell me.”

“Mom, I know you mean well, but I just don’t want to talk about it. Okay? Can this be just one of those times where you let me fix my own problems?”

“Okay sweetie, but if anything happens ever I’m gonna come straight to you if you need me. Got it?”

“Got it.” Skylar then flew upstairs and headed towards her room. That’s when her younger brother, Rainboom, noticed her.

“Hey Sky,” said Rainboom.

“Oh hey Rainboom. What’s up?”

“Nothing. Just standing up here while you and mom clean up my mess.”

“Yeah what was that all about?”

“I was practicing.”

“Hey. You know there’s this wonderful thing known as outside. It’s way better place to practice than in A FREAKING CLOUD HOUSE!”

“Yeah I guess I should have thought about that first.”

“Yes you should have.”

“Hey Sky?”

“Yeah?”

“Why are you all upset?”

Skylar looked at her younger brother. Normally he could really care less about her, but there was something in him that told him that it was an obligation to make sure his sister was okay. It’s not that often when Rainboom wants to make sure Skylar is fine. “Do you really want to know,” Skylar asked knowing she couldn’t get out of it. Rainboom immediately nodded his head. Skylar then looked to see where their mother was. She was still downstairs fixing up little things in the house. “Come with me.” Skylar then brought Rainboom into her room and shut the door behind her.

“Why are we in here,” Rainboom asked.

“I don’t want mom to hear.”

“Okay. Now that she can’t hear us, spill.”

“Okay fine. You see I’ve never been a fan of living life in the fast lane like you, mom, or dad. Mom was a former Wonderbolt, dad is a Co-Captain of he Wonderbolts, and you strive to become a Wonderbolt. As for me, I still don’t really have a career in mind. I’m going to guess it has something to do with flying gracefully in the sky since tat’s what I got my cutie mark for.”

“So you’re confused about what your future is?”

“No. My point is ponies see you three as ‘important ponies’ and see me as just that one pony who’s related to them. You guys are like a big ball of shining light and I’m just a shadow. To be honest, I feel like mom and dad have most of their pride in you because you’re like their legacy child and here I am not being known all over Equestria. Yeah you guys are there to protect me and mom’s there if I need to talk to somepony, but I don’t feel like you guys are proud of me. I still remember in school when I was a filly they would say mean this to me because I was different from my family.”

“Skylar, I never knew. How come you never told mom this?”

“I don’t want her to find out. I don’t want her feeling bad for me. That’s why I haven’t told her.”

“Okay.”

“Now that you know this, promise me you won’t tell mom.”

“I promise.”

Skylar scanned her brother up and down. She wasn’t sure if he would be able to keep it from their mother, so she took extreme measures. “Pinkie Promise?”

Rainboom got a little nervous after she said that. He realized then that he was going to get no where if he didn’t. “Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye. There, I Pinkie Promise.”

—————————————————————————————————————

Later that day, Rainbow Dash and Rainboom went out to town and just flew around. They usually get some mother-son bonding through this.

“Oh how I love the outdoors and flying,” Rainboom said while doing flips in the air.

“If that’s so, then why were you practicing for the Best Young Flyers Competition in the house,” Rainbow replied.

“Details, details,” Rainboom said waving his hoof at his mother.

“I wonder what’s been going on with your sister.”

“What?”

“I mean your sister has been acting strange lately. Haven’t you noticed.”

“Um I uh-Nope. Haven’t noticed at all,” Rainboom said as he smiled trying to look like he didn’t know anything.

“Do you have any ideas to why your sister could be acting like that?”

“No!”

“Are you sure?”

Rainboom didn’t know what to say at this point. He was gonna have to tell her. Luckily, he noticed a couple of ponies on the ground. “Hey look! It’s Pinkie Pie and Cheesecake.” Both Rainbow Dash and Rainboom flew down to them.

“Hey Pinkie, hey Cheesecake,” said Rainbow.

“Hiya Rainbow Dash. And hello to you Mr. Rainboom,” said Pinkie Pie.

“Hi Mrs. Pinkie Pie. How are you,” said Rainboom.

“I’m just swell. Well, except for the fact that Chocolate Strawberry has been acting strange lately.”

Rainboom did a quick look at Cheesecake. She had the face of somepony wanting to say something, but couldn’t. “Maybe she’s in the same situation that I’m in,” Rainboom said to himself.

“Chocolate Strawberry’s acting strange,” asked Rainbow. “Skylar’s acting strange too.”

“Oh my Celestia. By acting strange do you mean looking depressed at all?”

“Yeah.”

“Wow. I daughter’s must have the same thing wrong with them.”

“Probably do,” Cheesecake muttered to herself.

“Oh what was that Cheesecake,” Pinkie asked.

“Nothing.”

Rainbow and Pinkie continued to walk and talk about how their daughters have been acting.

“So you know what’s wrong with your sister,” Rainboom whispered at Cheesecake.

“Yeah. I’m gonna guess same goes for you,” Cheesecake whispered.

“Yeah.”

“So what’s making my best friend ‘depressed’?”

“Basically, she’s living in the shadow of my parents and I.”

“Really?! Strawberry’s basically living in the shadow of my parents and myself.”

“I can’t believe our sisters are upset about the same thing,” Rainboom yelled.

“Me too. Isn’t this exciting,” Cheesecake yelled.

Pinkie and Rainbow looked at their respective child. “So you do know why Skylar’s been depressed,” said Rainbow.

“Same goes for you young lady,” said Pinkie.

“You two wanna spill the beans,” asked Rainbow.

“I can’t really because I Pinkie Promised,” said Rainboom.

“Dang it,” said Pinkie. “Why do Pinkie Promises have to interfere?”

“Well I didn’t Pinkie Promise, and I can’t keep it in anymore so I’ll tell you guys,” said Cheesecake. Both mares payed very close attention the the younger mare. “Mom, Strawberry feels like you and dad aren’t proud of her and are more proud of me. I’m basically you and dad put together. I’m pretty sure everypony in Ponyville could see that.” Rainbow Dash nodded in agreement. “You see, we are so much alike. Strawberry is different from us. She’s not as crazy, not a party planner, and she has a harder time making ponies smile. She basically feels like the odd one out. Basically, she’s living in the shadow of you, dad, and me.”

“I had no idea,” said Pinkie.

“As for Skylar,” Cheesecake said turning to Rainbow Dash, “I believe she’s upset about basically the same thing. She’s living in the shadow of you, Soarin, and Rainboom. She’s the odd one out. I do remember her saying that she was going to get her wing power up today.”

“So that’s why she was out earlier,” Rainbow said.

“Yeah. She feels embarrassed that she’s nothing like you guys. She used to get picked on for being different back in school.” Rainbow looked at Cheesecake in disbelief. “That is why she’s upset right,” Cheesecake asked Rainboom.

“Yep. That’s basically it.”

“How did you know all that,” Rainbow asked.

“I know everything about my best friends. What would you expect. I’m the daughter of the one and only Pinkie Pie,” said Cheesecake.

“Now what,” asked Rainboom.

“Well, why don’t you guys get you sisters, so we all can have a little talk,” said Pinkie Pie.

——————————————————————————————————————

Both Cheesecake and Rainboom came back with both of their sisters.

“So why did you bring us here,” asked Skylar.

“Yeah. What’s going on,” asked Strawberry.

“Come here girls,” said Rainbow Dash.

“We’re gonna have a little talk,” said Pinkie Pie.

“Now we both know why you two have been depressed lately,” said Rainbow Dash.”

‘We know you guys have been living in our shadows respectively,” said Pinkie Pie.

Both Skylar and Strawberry were shocked that their mothers have found out. “Cheesecake,” Strawberry yelled.

“Hey I never Pinkie Promised not to tell,” said Cheesecake.

“That’s true.”

“Rainboom! You Pinkie Promised not to tell,” yelled Skylar.

“I din’t tell. Cheesecake told,” said Rainboom.

“But how did she-Nevermind don’t answer that,” said Skylar.

“How come you didn’t say anything,” asked Pinkie Pie.

“I didn’t want you to feel bad for me,” said Strawberry.

“Yeah. I didn’t want you feeling bad for me either,” Skylar said to her mother.

“Skylar, I feel even worse about it now that somepony else told instead of yourself,” said Rainbow Dash. Skylar looked ashamed.

“Look girls, sometimes it’s best to tell us how you are feeling. It’s better to tell now, so you can let it go later,” said Pinkie.

“That’s right. If you didn’t tell us, your thoughts would have taken over and turn it into a much bigger problem,” said Rainbow Dash.

“I’m sorry mom,” said Skylar.

“I’m sorry too,” said Strawberry.

“It’s not your faults,” said Pinkie, “It could have happened to anypony.”

“Plus you girls learned a very important lesson in the end,” said Rainbow Dash.

“I guess you’re right,” said Skylar.

“Hey. you know what this calls for,” Strawberry said looking up at her mother.

“That’s right. A party,” said Pinkie Pie.

‘Come on everypony. Let’s get to Sugarcane Corner so we can start decorating,” said Cheesecake.

“Yeah. It’ll be awesome,” said Rainboom.

Both sets of families headed towards Sugarcube Corner to celebrate not only a beautiful day, but also the girls learning a very important lesson.

6: Showstopper

S1 E6: Showstopper

It was another beautiful day in Ponyville. Midnight Sparkle was practicing her magic in her room. Just like her mother, Midnight had more magic in her than a normal pony. Well, also she’s an alicorn, so that might explain why she’s so powerful.

“Almost got it,” said Midnight trying to perform a spell.

“I don’t even know what you’re trying to do,” said Flashlight who was being used as Midnight’s test subject.

“Would you wait and see,” Midnight replied.

“Why have you been practicing magic so much lately?”

“Well I’m currently nineteen which means in two years I’ll be twenty one.”

“Yeah. I’m pretty sure all nineteen year old ponies turn twenty one after two years.”

“What I mean is that once I turn twenty one, I get to have my coronation.”

“Yeah, so?”

“Once I have my coronation, I become a ‘ruling’ princess. Meaning I get to have princess duties.”

“This is all important because?”

“Well you know that you and Starlight won’t be coronated because you’re not the oldest in the family right? I’m the heir to mom’s throne.”

“My Celestia, that’s not my point! Why are you practicing magic lately?!”

“Oh yeah. I’ve been practicing magic lately because I’m supposed to know a lot of magic by the time I’m coronated.”

“Midnight, you still have two years before that happens. Enjoy your life before you have a whole ton of duties thrown at you.”

“Oh Flashlight, I am enjoying life. I love practicing magic,” Midnight said with excitement.

“And that’s why Starlight and I call you ‘mom’ sometimes,” Flashlight said with a slight annoyed tone.

“Now hush up so I can do this spell correctly.” Flashlight stopped talking and stood still. A magenta colored magical aura from Midnight started to form around Flashlight’s muzzle. Soon, a mustache had appeared on Flashlight.

Flashlight looked down at what had just appeared on his muzzle. He looked up at Midnight and said, “Are you kidding me?”

“Yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes,” Midnight chanted as she jumped around in a circle. Midnight then calmed down and looked at her brother right in the eye. “Yes,” she said one more time in excitement.

“Midnight, Flashlight, guess what,” asked a voice coming straight towards the room.

“What is it Starlight,” asked Midnight.

“Guess who’s co-whoa, what happened to you,” asked Starlight.

“This happened,” he said pointing at Midnight.

“Get rid of it,” said Starlight.

“Fine,” Midnight said as she magically took it away.

“Okay. Guess who’s coming to Ponyville,” asked Starlight.

“Who,” both Midnight and Flashlight asked.

“Aunt Trixie and Show Stop are coming,” Starlight said with excitement.

Over the years, Twilight and Trixie have become great friends. Trixie soon got married to Prince Blueblood. Together they had a unicorn daughter who they named Show Stop. Show Stop was born the same year as Flashlight, so Twilight and Trixie had a lot of ‘mommy and baby’ playdates. When Show Stop was a toddler, Trixie divorced with Blueblood because he only cared for himself and didn’t help out with his daughter at all. After the divorce, Trixie took her daughter and moved to Manehattan. Twilight and Trixie still remained friends, and Twilight said they would be able to come to Ponyville whenever they felt like it.

“They’re really coming,” asked Midnight?

“Yep,” said Starlight.

“Really,” asked Flashlight in disbelief.

“I just told you. Yes,” Starlight said getting a little annoyed.

“How did you find out,” asked Flashlight.

“I told her,” said a voice from the door.

“That’s right. Mom told me,” said Starlight.

“Trixie sent me a letter saying that she doesn’t have any shows this week, so she said she’ll stop by and take Show Stop with her,” explained Twilight. “Plus it wasn’t that hard to make the decision after hearing she didn’t have shows this week given that Show Stop is homeschooled.”

“OMC! I’m so excited,” Midnight said about to jump around.

“Are you going to jump around chanting ‘yes’ again,” asked Flashlight.

“Of course not. A future princess of Equestria does not jump around chanting ‘yes’,” Midnight said.

“Uh yeah they do,” said another voice coming in.

“Hi daddy,” said Starlight.

“Hello sweetie,” said Flash Sentry.

“Dad, what do you mean a future princesses of Equestria jump around chanting ‘yes’,” Midnight asked in confusion.

“Your mother did it many times. She did it when she got her cutie mark, when I asked her out, again when I asked her to marry me, she did it a lot,” Flash said.

“Well now we know where she gets it from,” said Flashlight.

“Oh ha ha ha ha,” said Twilight sarcastically.

“What it’s true,” said Flashlight.

“He’s not wrong,” said Flash.

“I have a bigger question,” started Starlight. “When are Aunt Trixie and Show Stop coming?”

“Oh yeah,” said Twilight. “They’re coming Monday.”

“Monday? That’s tomorrow. You mean you knew about this for how long, didn’t tell us about it, and just told us the day before it happened,” Midnight said in confusion.

“Oops.”

“Hey. This will be the first time our friends will ever meet Show Stop won’t it,” asked Starlight.

“She’s right,” said Flashlight. “They’ve never met Show Stop.”

“That’s true,” said Twilight. “They all were too young to remember when her and Trixie lived in Canterlot, and lately it has been us going to Manehattan. I’m sure it would be nice for Show Stop to make new friends considering Trixie had said that she’s been having trouble making new friends in Manehattan.”

“Well, I just can’t wait for them to come over.” said Starlight.

“Yeah. It’s going to be a blast,” said Midnight.

“I’m sure it will, but it’s getting late. You three should start getting ready for bed,” said Twilight.

“Okay mom,” said her children.

“Goodnight.”

“Goodnight.”

—————————————————————————————————

The next morning was a bright and sunny day. Perfect for spending time with friends. Midnight, Flashlight, and Starlight all came out of their rooms yawning and had a look on their faces saying, “Can I go back to sleep now?”

“Good morning you guys,” said Flashlight.

“Morning,” said the girls.

“Wait. Do you hear that,” asked Starlight.

They all listened down the hall. They heard voices. Very familiar voices. They all looked at each other with excitement. They raced down the hall towards the source of the voices. The finally made it to the entrance of the castle. Standing there was there mother. Next to her was a blue unicorn mare with a lighter blue mane. Next to the unicorn was a shorter unicorn mare that had a light blue coat that almost appeared white. She also had a dark blue mane with a yellow streak in it.

“Hello children. Sleep well,” Twilight asked.

“Show Stop,” they all yelled running towards Show Stop.

“Midnight! Flashlight! Starlight! I’ve missed you guys so much,” Show Stop said as she hugged them.

“We’ve missed you too,” said Starlight.

“I’m just gonna take it they slept well,” Trixie said to Twilight.

“Yep. I finally told them that you two were coming yesterday, and they couldn’t be more excited.”

“That’s good. We haven’t been in Ponyville for so long. It would be nice for Show Stop to make some friends here.”

“Don’t worry. My kids got it covered. Right kids,” Twilight asked her children.

“What was that,” asked Flashlight.

“You three are going to help Show Stop make some new friends in Ponyville. Right?”

“That’s right,” said Starlight.

“Show Stop will have a ton of new friends. I can just see it,” said Midnight.

“Oh really? You guys do know that I haven’t been the best at making friends,” said Show Stop.

“That’s because you live in Manehattan. Everypony there thinks it’s practically everypony for herself in that town.”

“That’s true.”

“And don’t worry,” said Starlight. “It’s not like we plan on you making friends with all of Ponyville. We just plan on you making friends with some of our friends.”

“Yeah. Just the children of the other Elements of Harmony,” said Flashlight.

“Well, I don’t know.”

“Don’t worry Show Stop,” said Trixie. “You’ll be fine. I think you can make friends with nine other ponies can’t you? Just give it a try. Just because things don’t work out in Manehattan doesn’t mean it won’t here in Ponyville. Remember, this town is home to the princess of friendship,” she said while pointing at Twilight. “Listen, it’s my fault that we live in Manehattan. I chose a job there. Can’t you just make a few friends here in Ponyville?”

“I guess you’re right.”

“All right then let’s go,” Starlight said. She started heading towards the door when all of a sudden, her stomach started growling. “How about let’s go after we eat breakfast.”

“I think that’s a good idea,” replied Midnight.

—————————————————————————————————————————————

After they ate breakfast, the three ponies headed off to Sweet Apple Acres. Them and all their friends had made plans to meet up there before they heard that Show Stop was coming.

“I’m gonna be honest with you guys, I’m actually kind of nervous,” said Show Stop.

“It’s fine to feel nervous. Making friends after not having any fora long time can be difficult. I mean, I wouldn’t know, but I can imagine it,” said Midnight.

“I just don’t understand what I’m so afraid of,” said Show Stop.

“Well have no fear cause making friends is easy,” said Flashlight.

“Yeah,” Starlight added. “Plus I think it’s good that you’re starting with our friends. I’m sure it’s going to be much easier with them instead of somepony else.”

“I guess you’re right. This could be good for me,” said Show Stop.

The ponies walked into the Apple Farm and finally reached their friends.

“Hey everypony,” yelled Starlight.

“Hey guys,”said Sweet Apple. “What took you guys so long?”

“We were a bit held up, but it was for a good reason,” said Starlight.

“And what is that reason,” asked Sapphire.

“We brought a friend,” said Flashlight. That’s when everypony realized that there was a fourth pony.

“Everypony, this is our old friend Show Stop. Show Stop, this is Lightning Rose, Sapphire, Apple Slice, Skylar, Cheesecake, Appleseed, Chocolate Strawberry, Rainboom, and Sweet Apple,” said Midnight.

Show Stop waved to everypony with a nervous smile on her face. The others were happy to have met her.

“Well hello there Miss Show Stop,” said Cheesecake excitedly. “Where are you from?”

“I’m from Manehattan.”

“Manehattan! That’s one of the best cities in Equestria,” yelled Sapphire. “Do you meet celebrities a lot?”

“Once in a while. Most of them live in Canterlot though. I did actually get to meet Colouratora a few years ago.”

“You mean Auntie Rara,” asked Sweet Apple.

“Auntie Rara,” Show Stop asked in confusion.

“My mom’s friends with her,” said Sweet Apple.

“Really? That’s cool.”

“So Show Stop, what’s yer family like? I know mine is one that I would never replace,” said Apple Slice.

“Well it’s kind of hard to explain,” said Show Stop. “My mom and dad got divorced when I was little. That’s why I live in Manehattan. If they hadn’t divorced, I would still be living in Canterlot.”

“Oh you poor thing,” said Lightning Rose. “Which parent do you live with?”

“My mom. I honestly think this was best for me. From what I remember, my dad didn’t really care for me. In fact, he didn’t care for anypony other than himself. That’s why my mom divorced him.”

“Wow,” said Skylar.

“My mom works a lot, so I’m at home a lot doing school work. I’m homeschooled and don’t go out much which is why I don’t have a lot of friends.”

“Well we’ll be your friends,” said Rainboom.

“Yeah. You look like you need it,” said Sweet Apple.

“Oh yeah by the way, who are your parents exactly,” asked Sapphire.

“Um, my mom is Trixie and my dad is Blueblood.”

“Trixie? As in the Great and Powerful Trixie,” asked Skylar.

“Yeah.”

“And Blueblood? As in Prince Blueblood,” asked Cheesecake.

“Um. Yeah.” A wave of an awkward silence filled the ponies. “Well, it sure was nice meeting all of you,” Show Stop said nervously.

“It was a pleasure,” said Sapphire.

“So Show Stop, do you wanna get something to eat at Sugarcube Corner,” asked Midnight knowing things were getting awkward.

“Sure.”

“Well, we hope you enjoy you’re stay in Ponyville,” said Apple Slice.

“Thank you.” Midnight, Flashlight, Starlight, and Show Stop started heading to Sugarcube Corner.

“Well that was awkward,” said Strawberry.

“Sure was,” said Lightning.

“Did you guys hear that,” started Rainboom. “Her parents are Trixie and Blueblood.”

“Yeah. What does that have to do with anything,” said Skylar.

“Remember all the stories our moms have told us,” said Rainboom. “My mom said that Trixie tried to take over Ponyville with the Alicorn Amulet. She is down right evil. What if Show Stop is evil too.”

“Rainboom,” Skylar started. “Mom also said that she became good and apologized. Plus, the Alicorn Amulet corrupts the user. It wasn’t totally her fault.”

“Well she had the thought of going and finding the Amulet. That part’s evil,” added Rainboom.

“Aunt Limestone said that Trixie was plotting revenge against Aunt Twilight when she was working on our family’s rock farm,” added Cheesecake.

“Yeah. Aunt Maud has told me the stories of Trixie on the rock farm while we were making rock candy one time. Those stories aren’t the brightest to be honest,” said Strawberry.

“Well forget the Trixie thing,” said Sweet Apple. “Her father is Prince Blueblood. Now we can all agree that he is the worst royal ever.”

“True that. My mother has told me her experiences with him, and they aren’t good at all. I can’t believe she had intentions of wanting to marry him. I can’t imagine what it would be like if he was my father,” said Sapphire.

“But she doesn’t live with her father. She lives with her mother,” said Lightning. “Are you suggesting that she may have the personality of her dad?”

“Well duh. Don’t we all have our parents’ personalities,” asked Rainboom. Everypony looked around at each other. They all had personalities from both their mothers and fathers. Even Midnight, Flashlight, and Starlight had some of their parents personalities in them.

“I guess you’re right,” said Skylar.

“Told you.”

“Well Show Stop may or may not have her parents’ personalities, but she could have different motives than them,” said Strawberry. Everypony looked at each other again. Though there were a few of them that had different motives than their parents, most of them have the same motives. “Okay never mind.”

“There is a very small chance of that. I know that not all, but most ponies in Equestria have the same motives of their parents,” said Apple Slice. “What do you think Appleseed? Appleseed?”

Appleseed was still staring in the direction in which Midnight, Flashlight, Starlight, and Show Stop. His eyes were wide open and his cheeks were blushing red. “Wha-huh,” Appleseed said snapping himself out of his daydreams. “What did ya ask Apple Slice?”

“I asked what do you think about this new mare Show Stop. Daughter of the Great and Powerful Trixie and Prince Blueblood.”

“Wait, her parents are Trixie and Blueblood?”

“Were ya even payin any attention?”

‘Not really. I saw them walkin in, and everythin just went a blank.”

“What do ya remember last?”

“That cute mare Show Stop walking in with Flashlight and his siblings,” Appleseed said as he covered his mouth realizing what he just said.

“Did you say ‘cute mare’,” Sweet Apple asked her brother in a “teasing’ sort of voice.

“No. I have no idea what your talkin about.”

“You liar,” said Sweet Apple.

“How do you know I’m lyin,” asked Appleseed.

“Cause you’re a horrible liar. Just like mom,” said Sweet Apple with a smile on her face.

“Okay forget him,” said Rainboom. “This mare is bad news, and we’ve gotta do something about it.”

‘What should we do Rainboom,” asked Skylar.

“Well, the royal children will be spending a lot of time with this Show Stop during her and her mother’s stay. What I say we should do is spy on them. See how she acts, what she wants to do, and how she treats our friends. If we see what we’re looking for, then we’ll know,” said Rainboom.

“I don’t know,” said Lightning. “Spying seems wrong.”

“Well how else are we supposed to get the information about her without asking Show Stop or our friends without making it totally obvious,” said Sapphire.

“What I’m hearing is that you’re all in,’ said Rainboom sticking is hoof out waiting for the others to join in.

“I’m in,” said Sweet Apple putting her hoof in.

“Me too,” said Skyar. Soon everypony put there hooves in. The last one was Appleseed.

“Well Appleseed, you in,” asked Rainboom.

“I don’t know. Should we really be doing this,” asked Appleseed.

“How else are we gonna figure this out?”

“Don’t you want to spy on your marefriend,” asked Sweet Apple.

Appleseed was annoyed by his little sister, so he finally gave in. “Fine. I’m in.”

“Okay, now let’s go see what’s up with this mare,” said Rainboom.

——————————————————————————————————————————————————

After introducing Show Stop to their friends, Midnight and her siblings took her to Sugarcube Corner.

“This stuff is so delicious. This does not compare to the stuff made in Manehattan. This is by far better,” said Show Stop in amazement.

“Mr. and Mrs. Cake always put so much love into their foods. Their products do not go out for sale unless it is the best quality,” Midnight explained.

“You should try some of their smaller treats. Our friend Chocolate Strawberry makes them. She’s the best,” said Flashlight.

“Oh really,” said Show Stop. “I might just try some before I have to go back to Manehattan.”

“You know why he’s mentioning Strawberry’s treats right,” Starlight asked Show Stop. Show Stop shook her head not knowing what to say. “He’s mentioning it because he has a crush on Strawberry.”

“Wait what,” said Flashlight. “What are you talking about lil sis? You have no idea what’s going on in my love life.”

“Implying that you have a love life,” said Starlight.

“Just shut up already,” Flashlight said a little embarrassed.

“Anyways,” started Midnight. “What did you think of our friends?”

“They seemed nice,” said Show Stop. “Though it did get a little awkward when I told them who my parents are.”

“Yeah. I’m sure it will get better. I promise that once you leave Ponyville you will have friends,” said Midnight.

“I hope I do. This is the reason for this trip. My mom wanted me to make friends since I don’t really have any in Manehattan,” explained Show Stop.

“Don’t worry,” said Starlight. “Even if it doesn’t work out, we’re still you’re friends. We’ll always be there for you.”

Just a couple feet away, Rainboom was watching them from behind a plant. “They are enjoying a nice meal right now,” he said speaking into a walkie talkie. “Flashlight just complimented Strawberry’s treats.”

“He really complimented them,” Strawberry said in excitement hearing what he said out of her walkie talkie.

“Now now little sis, now’s not the time to be dreaming about your boyfriend,” said Cheesecake.

“He’s not my boyfriend!”

“These walkie talkies are amazing,” said Sapphire. “Where’d you get these?”

“My parents room,” said Rainboom. “They used them with the rest of the Wonderbolts.”

“Did you at least ask mom and dad if you could use them,” Skylar asked.

“Um…”

“I knew it. Well, looks like two of us are going to be grounded after this.”

“Guys sshhh,” said Sweet Apple. “Something’s happening.” All of the ponies spying turned their attention to their friends and their guest.

“Flashlight, could you get me some water,” asked Show Stop.

“Sure,” replied Flashlight.

“Aha,” said Rainboom.

“Aha what,” asked Apple Slice.

“Aha, we have proof she is just like her parents.”

“What how?”

“She asked Flashlight to get her a glass of water instead of getting it for herself. The says Blueblood if you ask me.”

“Um, how is simply asking for water instead of getting it herself like Blueblood. This is her fist time here, she probably doesn’t even know where to get drinks,” said Skylar.

“Well, um, she didn’t say please,” said Rainboom.

“Rainboom, you barely even say please when you want me, dad, or mom to get you something.”

“Okay, okay fine, but I’m still keeping that as evidence that she is like her parents.”

“Why are you always so difficult,” Skylar thought to herself.

“Guys look,” said Cheesecake. All of the ponies directed their attention towards the ponies they were spying on. They were headed out the door and into town. “Let’s go.”

As they followed the ponies, Midnight, Flashlight, Starlight, and Show Stop started a conversation.

“So Midnight,” started Show Stop. “Learned any new spells?”

“Oh yeah. I was practicing one last night.”

“Really. Which one. I bet it’s one that a powerful magic user can do.” Flashlight and Starlight laughed at Show Stop’s response. “What? What is it?”

“Yeah, cause you need to be a totally powerful magical being to pull of that kind of spell,” Starlight said.

“Yeah. I bet the only pony other pony to perform the spell Midnight did was Starswirl the Bearded,” Flashlight said even harder.

“Seriously, what kind of spell was it,” Show Stop asked Midnight.

“It was a spell to summon a mustache,” Midnight  said kind of embarrassed.

“Really, you just learned that,” Show Stop teased.

“Well yeah. I never came across that spell when I was younger, so that is why I just learned it.”

“Oh that makes much more sense cause I learned that spell when I was about ten or eleven.”

“AH HA,” said a voice coming from a bush. this made the four ponies turn towards the bush.

“Rainboom, SSSHHHHH! They’re right there. They could probably here you,” said another voice.

“You know Skylar,” said Midnight. “I can hear you too.”

“Oh, uh you can? Well how about that,” Skylar said nervously getting out of the bush. Midnight started at Skylar wanting an explanation. Skylar sighed and raised her walkie talkie to her mouth, “Game over guys, we’ve been caught.” Soon a couple more bushes shook and revealed ponies hiding inside them.

“Have you guys been spying on us,” asked Midnight.

“Not really all of you,” said Sweet Apple. “Mostly Show Stop.”

“Me? Why me?”

“Because you are exactly like your parents,” Rainboom said confidently.

“Rainboom! Stop it,” both Skylar and Sweet Apple yelled.

“First she demanded a glass of water, like how Blueblood would. Then she bragged about learning spells, something that Trixie would do.”

“Rainboom stop it,” Starlight yelled at the top of her lungs. “I don’t know where you get the idea that Show Stop is like her parents. She is nothing like them. Well she is kind of like her mom she’s-”

“Narcissistic, not humble at all,” Rainboom said thinking of Show Stop.

“Actually, Trixie is very nice. In fact we call her Aunt Trixie. Besides, Show Stop wasn’t bragging, she was simply telling us how old she was when she first performed a simple spell that my sister probably should’ve known by now. And Trixie was bragging about doing skills that she didn’t even have the power to do.”

“Oh.”

‘And she’s been so nervous about coming here. She doesn’t have any friends in Manehattan, and we’re he only friends she’s got. Her mom brought her to Ponyville to make some friends!”

Rainboom looked up to Show Stop, and then walked over to her. “Hey um, Show Stop.”

“Yes,” Show Stop said.

“Listen, I’m sorry for accusing you of being a pony you aren’t. I know now that you’re just not comfortable being around other ponies. I should’ve fully met you first before making accusations about you. Sometimes I get things a little carried away.”

“A little,” all the ponies said.

“Okay a lot. I’m just a regular twelve year old colt, and I can’t control my actions sometimes. can you ever forgive me?”

“I forgive you young pegasus. I to at your age got carried away with what I thought of other ponies. Maybe that’s why I don’t have a lot of friends back home.”

‘Well, we’d like to be your friends,” said Lightning.

“Yeah, you seem like a nice mare,” said Sapphire.

“And I’m sure we can have the bestest time together,” said Cheesecake.

“Eeyup,” said Apple Slice. “Hey Appleseed, what do think of Show Stop becoming our friend? Appleseed?” Appleseed was caught in a daze. He was staring at Show Stop with his cheeks blushing. “Appleseed!”

“Huh,” Appleseed said snapping out of his daze. “Oh yeah, I think she’d be a great friend.” Show Stop giggled at his reaction.

“So Show Stop, would you like to be our friend,” asked Rainboom.

“Mr..”

“Rainboom. It’s Rainboom.”

“Mr. Rainboom, I’d love to be your friend.” Soon all of the ponies gathered into a group hug, and enjoyed the presences of their new friend.

8: Sleepover With Siblings

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9: Communication is Key

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10: Schoolyard Games

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11: Cutie Mark Problems

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12. The Chronicles of Cutie Marks

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7: Jade's Fear

S1 E7: Sapphire's Fear

Celestia’s sun was shining bright this morning in Ponyville. Everypony was now up doing their daily chores. In a little shop, known as Carousel Boutique, Rarity was working on some of her latest designs.

“Okay Sapphire,” Rarity said to her daughter. “What do you think?”

“Wow mom,” said Sapphire admiring her mother’s work. “This dress looks amazing, but I think it needs a little more.” Sapphire looked at her mom with a sly look. “You get what I’m saying mother?”

“Oh I think I know exactly what you are getting at dear,” Rarity said making the same look her daughter is making.

“This dress needs…”

“GEMS,” both mares said together.

“That, my dear, is why you are the best daughter ever.” Rarity and Sapphire were known throughout Ponyville as practically having the best mother-daughter relationship. Shortly before Sapphire was born, Rarity wasn’t sure how good of a mother she was going to be. Having a little dragon-pony hybrid running around must have not been easy, but all that was worth it now that her little girl grew up to be a strong and independent young mare. Rarity could not have been prouder.

“Would you two keep it down,” yelled a voice from upstairs. “It’s too early to be making dresses.”

“It seems to be that we have waken up father,” Sapphire said trying to hold back her giggling.

“Oh Spikey-Wikey,” Rarity yelled. “It’s never too early to be making dresses, but there is a such thing as sleeping in too late.”

“Okay fine,” said Spike finally getting out of bed and walking downstairs. “What you my two beautiful ladies like for breakfast?”

“Pancakes,” yelled Sapphire.

“Pancakes it is.” Spike was no longer that little baby dragon everypony met him as. He has grown into a big and strong dragon; he even grew a pair of wings somehow. Of course, he wasn’t as big as a lot of dragons. Spike is just about taller than average tall pony height. Spike is still Twilight’s number one assistant, but now Twilight gives him more off days since he has a family of his own. All of a sudden, Spike smelled something. “Something doesn’t smell right.”

“Yeah I smell it too. Smells like smoke,” said Rarity. “Did you burn the pancakes? Is you’re cooking turning into Sweetie Belle’s,” she said half joking-half serious. All three ponies walked outside. What they saw shocked them all. “Oh my stars. Again.”

“We’ve got to get to Twilight’s,” said Spike. Rarity nodded in agreement. “Come on Sapphire, you can come too.” Sapphire also ran towards the castle alongside her parents.

—————————————————————————————————————————————-

Rarity, Spike, and Sapphire finally made it to Twilight’s castle. When they went inside, the rest of the Elements of Harmony were there; they all brought their children as well.

“Oh good, you guys are here,” Twilight said in relief. “Let’s go to the throne room so I can tell you all what’s going on.”

“Okay,” started Midnight. “Do any of you guys know what’s going on. Why smoke is spreading this way.” Everypony shook their head.

“Well it just so happens that we know what’s going on,” said Flashlight.

“Of course you know,” said Appleseed. “Your mom is a princess.”

“Well since you know, why don’t you tell us,” said Strawberry.

“The thing that is causing the smoke is,” Starlight started. “ A DRAGON!”

“A-A d-dragon,” Sapphire asked with concern.

“Yes a dragon,” said Starlight. “Isn’t this exciting?”

“It sure is,” said Sweet Apple. “I’ve never seen a dragon before other than Spike and Sapphire.”

“W-Well I’m only half-dragon,” Sapphire explained.

“Well you still kind of count as one I guess,” said Rainboom.

“Yeah. I mean you’ve got the claws, the spikes, the horns, the sharp teeth, and you have a couple of scales here and there,” Starlight explained.

“I-I guess you’re right.”

“What’s got you three so excited about this dragon anyway,” asked Lightning.

“Yeah. Why,” asked Cheesecake.

“I mean we are going to go see this dragon right,” asked Starlight.

“Absolutely not,” said Midnight. “Dragons are dangerous.”

“They sure are,” added Sapphire.

“But Sapphire and Spike aren’t dangerous,” said Sweet Apple.

“Come on,” Rainboom argued. “Can’t we take a peek?”

“Now that we keep on mentioning it, I wanna go see this dragon myself,” said Skylar.

“What?! Are you crazy,” asked Sapphire. “Have you not been paying attention this whole conversation. They’re dangerous.”

“I know they’re dangerous, but it’s not like we’re gonna talk to them.”

“She’s right,” said Apple Slice. “We can just take a peek.” That’s when everypony decided that they wanted to go see the dragon; everypony but Midnight and Sapphire.

“Come on Midnight. I know you wanna go,” said Cheesecake.

“I do wanna go, but it’s too dangerous.”

“I got this,” Flashlight said confidently. “You know Midnight, ponies know next to nothing about dragons.” Midnight’s ears suddenly popped up, and she began listening contently to what her brother was saying. “If we go, you can get a peek and maybe learn some new facts about them. Maybe even put them in a book.” That’s when Midnight made up her mind.

“Okay, okay I’ll go. That just leaves one more of us to say yes.” Midnight looked at Sapphire who hadn’t said much. “Sapphire, would you like to go?”

“Well, I-um.”

“You don’t have to go if you don’t want to,” said Lightning.

Sapphire thought to herself, “I guess it would be fine if I went, just stay calm.”

“Alright, I’ll go,” said Sapphire.

“Alright,” said Cheesecake. “Our parents left a few minutes ago, so I’m sure we can make it.”

“There’s are problem,” said Midnight. “We can’t let our parents see us. We would get in huge trouble if they did.”

“What if we went up the opposite side of the mountain,” said Skylar.

“We do that,” said Strawberry. “And we can make it back down before they come home.”

“That’s actually not a bad idea,” said Midnight. “I know which mountain they’re going up, so let me grab a map. Then we we can head our way up.”

———————————————————————————————————————————

The twelve ponies were already on their way up the mountain.

“Are we there yet,” complained Starlight.

“For the last thousand times, no,” Midnight said.

“How much longer until we’re there,” Sweet Apple asked.

“Just a little longer. We don’t have that much left.” While the others were talking, Sapphire was in the back walking alone. Lightning had noticed that Sapphire was a little on edge. Sapphire is usually confident, but right now she was acting differently. Lightning slowed down her walking so that she would be next to Sapphire.

“Hey Sapphire,” said Lightning.

“Hey.”

“Is there something bothering you?”

“N-No.”

“You stumbled over your words. You hardly ever stumble over your words unless you’re unsure of something.”

“Well I-”

“Everypony be quiet,” Skylar said interrupting their conversation.

“Skylar, what in Equestria are you-” Midnight was cut off by Skylar’s hoof.

“Shh.” Skylar’s ears twitched. Everypony stayed quiet because they all know that Skylar has probably the best hearing in Equestria. If Skylar hears something, everypony better shut up. All of a sudden, the sound became louder and louder. “Run,” Skylar yelled at the top of her lungs. As they all ran, rocks started falling down the hill.

“Avalanche,” yelled Cheesecake.

“Grab the little ones,” Apple Slice yelled grabbing his younger sister. Skylar dove in and grabbed her younger brother. Midnight ran back to get her little sister, but she couldn’t find her.

“Midnight! Sapphire! You guys need to get out of there,” called Apple Slice.

“I can’t find Starlight.”

“Midnight,” called Starlight who was dodging falling rocks frantically.

“Starlight I’m coming!”

“No Midnight,” Sapphire yelled. “I’m closer to her, I’ll get her.” Sapphire ran until she was right next to Starlight. She grabbed her, and bolted towards the area where rocks weren’t falling. Before she got out of there, a rocks fell right by her and knocked Sapphire off her hooves, throwing Starlight through the air. Thankfully, both of them were safe. “S-Starlight, are you okay?”

“I-I’m fine,” said Starlight a little in pain.

“Are you sure?”

“I’m sure.”

“Are you super-duper sure?”

“Sapphire, I’m fine. Thank you for saving me,” Starlight said smiling.

“I really hope are parents didn’t hear the avalanche, and If they did I hope they don’t come here to check it out,” said Strawberry.

“We better get a move on if we wanna see the dragon. I’m pretty sure when our parents get there, they’re gonna have it leave,” said Midnight.

———————————————————————————————————————————————————

After walking up the mountain a little longer, they soon reached the cave where the dragon was. They tried to stay hidden since their parents were also there.

“Look at the thing,” said Rainboom.

“It’s so huge,” said Starlight.

“I love its gold scales,” said Sweet Apple.

“All those jewels in there,” said Cheesecake. “You must be impressed by those piles Sapphire.”

“Oh y-yeah. They’re pretty cool,” Sapphire said.

“Cool? Just cool,” Skylar said in disbelief. “The Sapphire I know gets excited about all kinds of gems and jewels. What’s going on with her,” Skylar said now concerned.

“She’s right,” Midnight said. “You haven’t been acting like yourself through this whole thing. Is something going on Sapphire?”

“I-I’m fine.”

“It sure doesn’t look like it,” said Apple Slice.

“T-Trust me. I’m fine.”

“Sapphire, we’re here for you. You’re the one who is always there for us,” said Midnight. “You’re always so confident and brave. What’s going on with that Sapphire.”

“N-Nothing.”

“Come one Sapphire,” Midnight said placing her hoof on Sapphire’s shoulder. “We’re here for you. You can tell us what’s going on.”

Sapphire’s cheeks began to turn a bright red color, and tears started forming in her eyes. Both anger and sadness were building up inside her. “I SAID I’M FINE,” Sapphire said as she raised her claw in the air. Unknowingly, she swipes her claw across Midnight’s face, knocking her down on the ground. Sapphire opened her eyes and gasped at what she had done. “Oh no.” Sapphire looked down into her claws.

“Midnight, are you okay,” Flashlight said assisting his sister up. Midnight looked up at Sapphire. She wasn’t angry at her, she still knew something was wrong.

“Midnight I-” Midnight looked into Sapphire’s eyes. In her eyes, she saw fear.

“Sapphire, it’s fine-ouch,” Midnight felt pain in her face. She placed her hoof on where the pain was coming from and felt some sort of warm liquid. She lifted her hoof off and noticed that she had started bleeding. Midnight had a pretty bad cut on her face, but it could be easily healed.

“I’m a monster,” Sapphire said.

“What?! No! Sapphire you’re not a monster,” Midnight said walking towards Sapphire.

“No stay back,” Sapphire said backing away.

“Sapphire, I’m fine. It was an accident,” Midnight assured her.

“No! I don’t want to hurt you or anypony again,” Sapphire said backing up once more.

“Sapphire, please calm down.”

“No. I don’t want to-AAAHH!” Sapphire had backed up too much, and she started to fall down the mountain.

“SAPPHIRE,” they all cried. All of a sudden, a figure had caught her. The figure landed right next to the other ponies with Sapphire on his back.

“Sapphire, you can open your eyes now,” said the figure.

“D-Daddy?” Spike had come in and saved his one and only daughter.

“Sapphire,” yelled a very worried Rarity. “Are you okay my little gem.”

“Yeah mommy. I-I’m fine.”

“Midnight,” Twilight yelled noticing her daughter’s face. “What happen.”

Midnight glanced at Sapphire who still had fear in her eyes. “I’m fine mom, it was a complete accident.”

“Wait a minute,” said Applejack. “Why are all of you here in the first place?”

That’s when everypony shut up. They all knew they were in trouble now. Rainbow Dash was the one to figure it out. “It was these three who somehow convinced all of you wasn’t it,” Rainbow said pointing at Rainboom, Sweet Apple, and Starlight. Everypony nodded, and the three little ones laughed knowing they were in trouble now.

“WHO'S ON MY MOUNTAIN,” yelled a deep voice.

“Oh boy,” said Twilight.

“He’s awake now,” said Fluttershy.

“Let’s go deal with him,” said Pinkie Pie.

“Right behind you,” said Applejack.

“You kids stay back here. It can get a little dangerous now,” said Rainbow Dash.

“You think you’ll be fine now,” Spike asked Sapphire.

“I think so,” said Sapphire.

“Stay safe my little gem,” rarity said kissing her forehead.

“I will.” Rarity and Spike soon joined the others to have a talk with this dragon. “Midnight,” started Sapphire.

“Yeah?”

“I-I’m sorry for scratching you with my claws.”

“Sapphire, I already told you I’m fine, but I accept your apology,” Midnight said summoning a band-aid with her magic and placing it on her face. “I just want to know why you were so on edge this whole time.

Sapphire took a breathe. She knew she had no choice but to tell them what has been going on. “I never wanted to come here in the first place. The reason being that on this trip we would have to face my worst fear.”

“Which is what,” asked Apple Slice.

“My worst fear is…”

“Come on, you can tell us,” Cheesecake said.

“Dragons,” Sapphire said.

“Dragons? How can you be afraid of dragons? I mean I’m afraid of dragons, but that’s because I’m just a normal pony. Your dad is a dragon and you’re half dragon” said Sweet Apple.

‘I’m not afraid of my father, but I am afraid of myself.”

“Why is that,” asked Skylar.

“I’m mostly terrified of what dragons can do to other ponies. My father is super nice and wouldn’t hurt a hair on anypony’s head. As for me, I still don’t know what I am capable of,” Sapphire said looking at her claws. “I’m just so scared I’m going to hurt somepony.”

“Sapphire, why didn’t you say something in the first place. We could’ve avoided the whole situation,” said Midnight.

“I don’t really know why I didn’t say anything. I felt like if you all wanted to go then I should go too.”

“You know what Sapphire,” Starlight said. “I’m actually glad you came with us. I mean you saved my life. if you hadn’t come, I would’ve probably died since there was no way Midnight was gonna make it on time.”

“Hey,” Midnight said slightly offended.

“Also letting others know about your fears is a great way to letting them go,” said Skylar. “I bet as time goes on, you’re gonna find out what you are capable of and know how to control yourself.”

“Thanks guys. That helped a lot. I never knew how much I needed to hear that.”

“Okay,” said Twilight. “Who’s ready to go home?” Everypony raised their hoof.

“Alright,” said Applejack. “Let’s move ‘em out.” Everypony walked back home to enjoy the rest of their day.

“Hey whatever happened to the dragon,” asked Rainboom.

“You don’t need to know since you’re part of the reason you all are up here.” said Rainbow.

“Oh yeah.” Everypony then laughed, and enjoyed the walk down the mountain knowing that they are now safe.