My Little Pony: False Intentionsby Jade the YoniPonyChaptersFire BoltCherrie PieG-AppleFluffy CakesQueen ChadenceFire BoltFire Bolt CloudsDale Fire Bolt kicked at a small pile of clouds in front of him, he was nervous, that much was clear to the few Pegasai who still walked around so late in the afternoon. It was today that he had decided to tell his father what had been on his mind for more than half his life; today was the day that he would tell his father that he was not going to take the exam to become a Wonder Bolt. No, today was the day that he was going to leave the family business and become a Cloud Herder, to work for the Weather Company, serve all of Equestria the sweet and beautiful rain that it needed and bring life to the trees. He stretched his wings up, wings that had been trained for speed and nothing else, wings that any other Pegasus that looked on would envy. "Ok, here we go..." he said to himself taking a step forward, before quickly retracting and hiding under his wing, "Ahg I can't do it!" He lay there with his eyes glued to the plaque that hung on the door of his Father's office. Chief Cinder Bolt, Honored Leader of the Wonder Bolt, was printed in bold letters showing the pride and strength of the Bolt family. Fire Bolt's ears drooped, he knew that his father would not approve of what he really wanted, and he had always had great ambitions of his son becoming a great member of the Wonder Bolts just like him. Fire turned his gaze to the many honorary plaques and trophies that the Wonder Bolts had acquired over the years many of which had his Grandfather’s name on them, Warren Bolt, the greatest Wonder Bolt that had ever lived, surpassed only by the honor that came to he who could earn the Rainbow badge, a medal created in honor of Rainbow dash, a pony who had died many centuries ago. Fire stood up and headed over to the Statue of Rainbow Dash, now old and worn, Fire had spent many of his early years imagining how it would be to grow up to be just like her. Loyal, Brave and kind to others, it was what he wanted to be yet he was not sure if he truly had to be a Wonder Bolt to make that happen. He flicked his tail, "oh Rainbow Dash,” he stated to the statue, “help me. I can't tell him, I just can't. He would never understand. All he wants is for me to be a Wonder Bolt, he'll never listen..." the bronze statue shimmered slightly in the faint sunlight that managed to break through the low hanging clouds, "If mom was still around then at least I could talk to her, she always listened..." he lowered his head as a tear rolled down his cheek, "I don't want to be a Wonder Bolt..." "So what is keeping you here?" A voice he recognized all too well spoke from behind him causing him to jump a foot in the air. Fire turned to the source and stared wide eyed at the Pony behind Him. "Professor Doo..." he gasped turning to face him completely, "What are you doing here?" His old Professor smiled, "I'm here to coordinate the Best Young Fliers Competition with your father." He looked upon the young Pony with genuine concern, "But I can spot a more important issue when I see one." he held his gaze on Fire. Fire curled up feeling suddenly very self-conscious, "Um... Well... The thing is-." Just then the door to his father's office opened and Mr. Bolt exited laughing along with one of his fellow Wonder Bolts. He saw the two standing in the hallway and without losing a moment's composure he smiled and said, "Why Dr. Doo, Fire Bolt. Are you here to see me?" Fire just nodded while Dr. Doo stepped forward to say, "Why yes Cinder, I'm here to discuss a few details regarding the competition." "Ah yes The Best Young Fliers Competition, why don't you wait in my office as I show Dash to the dormitories, he’s our newest rookie." Dash waved at Dr. Doo looking nervous as all rookies did on their first days. Fire could remember many rookies that he had seen exit his father's office over the years, all proud of what they had become, having worked hard for it all their lives. Fire Bolt wished that he could have just a fraction of that kind of passion for joining them, and then perhaps he would not be in the predicament that he was currently in. He watched his father leave and decided that he would try to speak to him another time. He started walking away but Prof. Doo stopped him, "if you don't say anything now you never will." he said his voice calm and reassuring. "But, it's so hard..." Fire Bolt said his voice sounding more like a colt than anything else. "He'll never understand... All he wants is for me to be a Wonder Bolt like him..." Prof. Doo only smiled, "You know, I have important business to attend to in Canterlot, and I could use some company while I'm there." Fire Bolt looked at him a bit confused, "You can use the time there to figure out how to best bring up the subject with your father." Fire Bolt thought about this then nodded, "Y-yeah I think I can do that." Cherrie PieCherrie Pie ManeHatten Cherrie Pie stretched a bit as he crawled out from under his silk sheets. It was early in the day, perhaps 12 or even 1, still plenty of time left to do what needed to be done before the party tonight. He combed his hair forward and looked at his handsome self in the mirror; "perfect as always." he smiled and shook the sleep from his face. "Alright breakfast time!" He headed out of the bedroom, to the dining room where his parents were already having lunch, he trotted up to his mother and kissed her on the cheek, "Good morning mother, sleep well?" He walked around her and to his spot next to her as she answered, "Very well Cherrie thank you for asking." The family butler brought him a plate of food and a copy of the Sparkle, "Thank you Sebastian." Cherrie piped feeling that news about him would be good today, after all the night before he had torn up the town like he had never done before. There was no Pony in all of ManeHatten that could compete with his ability to party. He nibbled on some fruit as he skimmed over page one, nope nothing about him there. He turned the page, then the next, and the next, continuing on past names that had not been heard in years, When he finally found his name he screeched, a sound his parents had grown accustomed to, "PAGE TWENTY?!! MY ANTICS GROWING OLD??!! JUST WHO DO THEY THINK THEY ARE??!!" with that he threw the paper across the table where the pool boy Mango Seed caught it before it made a mess, "THIS IS UNACEPPABLE!! I WON'T HAVE IT!!" he screamed stomping his hooves on the marble floor as coins exchanged between the butler and the pool boy, "I AM THE SON OF THE RICHEST STALION IN ALL OF MANEHATTEN, HOW DARE THEY PUT ME ON PAGE TWENTY? HOW CAN I FACE MY FRIENDS TONIGHT IF I'M AFTER THE CENTERFOLD??!!" "Because I put you there." came Mr. Pie's voice from across the table, bringing a stop to Cherrie's rant faster than anything else could possibly be able to, Cherrie turned to stare at his dad and the same coins returned to the original owner, "Dad... W-why?" he asked his face pale with disbelief. "It was for your own good..." his mother said her voice full of tears, "we only want what is best for you." Cherrie didn't take his eyes off his father. "I have made my decision." Mr. Pie stated folding his own newspaper, "Starting today you are cut off." Cherrie's jaw dropped so fast that a fly made its way into his mouth causing him to cough. When he could speak again he glared at his father, "CUT OFF?!" "Oh Slice, don’t you think that is a bit extreme?” Cherrie’s mother, Artistic Truth, chimed to her husband, she was generally worried about her son's appearance in the public eye, being an actress it was very important to have balance in the family, and she knew that appearance was very important in the eyes of the public. “We have babied him far too long my dear, he must learn to be responsible. I will not have a lazy Colt running the company when I am gone." Mr. Pie stated with a hoof stomp signaling that the conversation was over and there was nothing they could do about it. "I want you out of the Pent House, you are to get a job, and prove that you can run the company. You can take only what you have with you now." Cherrie looked himself over, all he had was his freshly filed hooves and his fine coat. "Dad you're being-." "Do not argue with me, my decision has been made, leave my house." Cherrie only growled and turned to leave the table, but then he thought better of it and took his toast with him. Sebastian offered him his coat but Cherrie shook his head, “I won’t be needing it.” He said and exited the Pent House determined to get his money back. As he walked through the streets of ManeHatten, he came across many of his friends; they however avoided contact with him. Even those who he had considered real friends wanted nothing to do with him. Sad and alone, he decided that the only way he could possibly fix this was to visit his cousin in PonyVille, he would be able to help him. Using a free payphone, he called his cousin who offered to pay for his ticket to PonyVille and help him get a temporary job in a Cake shop. Taking this offer Cherrie Pie headed toward the station, knowing that if he had any chance to get back in the good graces of his father, he would have to make his mark in PonyVille. G-AppleG-Apple Appeloosa He stuck his head out the window, enjoying the feeling of the wind threw his mane. He loved the train very much, and he couldn't help but wonder what it was going to be like to live at Sweet Apple Acres with the other half of his family. The sound of the door sliding open behind him forced him to pull his head back in, "Oh, Hey dad." he said shaking his mane so put it back in place. "How long till we get to PonyVille?" “Not very long at all son.” His father stated rumidging threw one of the lugadge containers in search for something that seemed important to him. “We should be there by this afternoon, and by tonight we should be settled at the Ranch." G looked out the window, the seanery changing rapidly, "You don't think they'll blame us do you?" he placed his chin on the window sill as he said this. "NoPony blames us Green... it was and accident." G turned to look at his father, “G… my name is G now dad.” He pouted a bit, “I already told you that.” His dad only smiled and trotted over to nudge him lovingly, “Yeah alright… G-Apple the pop star…” he messed up the Colt's mane with a strong Ranch Worker’s hoof. “Just remember that your family is what is important right now.” G nodded, "Yes dad I understand." he said tne placed his head against his father's neck, "I miss mom..." His dad lowered his head so that his chin rested on the young ponie’s back, “I miss her too.” They held eachother for a while, then FruFru nudged his son, “Take a nap Green… let the time pass.” G lowered his ears and made a face, “Dad…” He only chuckled, “It will take me a while but I’ll get it…” he pushed his son back and placed a blanket on him. “Rest… it’s been a long day for you.” G closed his eyes and sighed, before long he had fallen into a deep sleep. A few hours later he was startled awake by the train comming to a full stop, his father was nowhere to be seen and there was only the light smell of dirt to acompany him. He stretched and exited the car, it was colder than it had been a while ago, or perhaps that was the effect of the blanket. G found his father in the dining car, enjoying a light dinner, "G, awake already?" G nodded and gave a yawn, "We'll be getting off the train soon, so I suggest you get your pack." "What about the rest of our stuff?" G asked taking an orange slice from his father. "They will deliver it." he stood and stretched his neck, "com on, I bet my brother is already here waiting for us." "Uncle Crumb?" G asked fallowing his dad back to the luggage car. "The one and only." his father responded taking both packs then placing one on G's back. "Come on it's rude to make them wait." G fallowed his father off the train to where his uncle stood waiting for them. He smiled and that is how G recocnized him. He hadn't seen his uncle in so long that he had almost forgotten what he looked like. Next to him stood a chubby Pegasus Colt with red hair and freckles. "FruFru, it's been far to long." the big brown Stallion stated giving his brother a hoof bump. It was then that G observed that his father was taller than his uncle by a noticable amount. As the two brown Stallions caught up G turned his attencion to the little Pegasus who he could only assume was his cousin. "Um, hi..." he said with a slight smile. The colt looked up at him, "Hi." was his only responce. "My name is Green, but I like to be called G." the colt was silent, G blushed, "W-what is your name?" The colt blinked slowly befor answering, "Mini Muffin." he then took a step toward G his face holding a curiouse expression, "Why are you so skinny?" G blushed scarlet not exactly sure how to answer something like that, "w-well, I'm not sure." Mini blinked slowly once more then smiled, "I like you." G smiled back, "Uh, thanks." "Come on Colts." Came Uncle Crumb's voice a short distance away. Both colts turned to look at their fathers right before they galloped over to them. G looked up at the Stallions as they lead the way from The train station. What did this new life hold in store for him, he hoped that it would be at least a little better than it had been for the past year. Fluffy CakesSweet apple Acres "Come on, you can do it!" he said to the tiny Filly who was bucking at a strong apple tree. She aimed as well as she was able and kicked the tree. Her hooves didn't hit the tree at the same time, so all that happened was the slightest shaking of the branches. "How is that Uncle Cakes?" she asked turning to look at him. "Much better Sunshine, just remember," he turned his back to the tree, "hooves together." and with that he bucked the tree with enough force to knock down a decent amount of apples. "You're not as strong as my daddy Uncle Cakes..." Sunshine said raising an eyebrow. Fluffy Cakes only smiled, "Well, he has been doing this much longer than I have." he trotted over to the tiny Filly and ruffled her mane, "Besides he's freakishly strong." She giggled and pushed against his hoof with all her might. He chuckled and used a simple knock-off spell to Bring down the rest of the apples in the tree. When he had directed them all into the various baskets that lay scattered beneath the trees, a sweet voice called from the farm house. "Fluf, Sunshine... Lunch!!" Upon hearing this, the Filly stopped pushing almost falling over in the process, "Comin’ Mama!" she called back then started running back to the house. Fluffy Cakes fallowed close behind her taking it at half speed while Sunshine ran at full speed to get to where food was. When they reached the Farm house, in the doorway stood the lady of the Ranch, Holly Bell, Fluffy Cake's twin sister and Sunshine Apple's mother. She smiled at them as she let them in so that they could get to the dining table. "When is daddy getting back?" Sunshine asked noticing that her father's spot at the table was without a plate of food. "When you least expect it." Holly stated kissing her baby on the head; Sunshine nuzzled her mother then began to eat. Fluffy Cakes used magic to make holding food to his mouth easier. He ate slowly to allow the food time to soak its flavor into him. He and his sister talked about the few things that they still had not concerning her children and her husband, Sunshine ignored them for the most part having found her dinner much more interesting. When at long last the sound of heavy hoof beats was heard making their way to the farmhouse, the three had been in the living room sharing a book, which was being read to them by Sunshine so that she could practice. Holly was the first to stand when the front door opened and her husband filled the room with his presence. "Crumb..." she said trotting over to him and nuzzling him, he was so much taller than her that she had to lift herself slightly onto her hind legs to nuzzle him properly. He in turn lowered his head to rub his neck against hers, his brown coat was contrasted by her white coat in such a way that a brief memory of when he had met her flashed threw his mind before she pulled away to look into his eyes, “I missed you…” she whispered her brown eyes half closed. “And I-.” Sadly before he could finish his sentence Mini decided that it was a good time to race between his father's legs and rear so that his mother would pay attention to him. "Mama!" he cried happily as she nuzzled him as well, "It was so much fun mom, we saw the train come in and the station master let me wear his hat.. And... And..." he trailed off for a moment, "I forgot..." Holly smiled softly as FruFru and G walked in to warm themselves, "Holly you remember my brother FruFru." Crumb said holding his head up so that Sunshine could not reach his face no matter how high she jumped. "Of course I remember..." Holly said with only the slightest hint of distaste. FruFru blushed ever so slightly, "Hey Holly... It's good to see you again." Holly whipped her tail and her ears twitched angrily. "I guess you're still mad about that huh?" she only stomped her hoof. "Um, well... This is my son Green Apple." "Dad..." G complained putting his ears back, "It's G-Apple!" FruFru sighed but said nothing. "It is very good to finally meet you G." Holly piped back to her kind self. She headed over to the kitchen where she had a few mini apple pies ready to be consumed, “Come, sit… eat.” She said encouraging them to follow her. Using the magic of her horn, she placed the pies onto the table so that everyone could stand next to one and eat, Sunshine and Mini Muffin, of course tried to sit in the same place between their parents. Crumb solved this problem by pushing one pie closer to his wife and the other right next to it, so that they would not fight. Holly only smiled turning her attention to their guests, “So, how was the ride?" “It was alright.” FruFru stated as G dug into his pie, “A bit difficult what with this one never having been on a train before." G blushed, his grey cheeks turning pink, "But other than that it was enjoyable. And I am very grateful that you agreed to take us in." “Don’t say it like that Cuds,” Crumb stated putting his hoof between his children, “You’re family, and we Apple's don’t turn down family.” After a few minutes of chatter, the foals grew tired and were sent to bed, G taking the extra bed in the room that they shared. G fell asleep quickly, but if he had known what would be waiting for him in the future, he probably would not have fallen asleep so very easily. Queen ChadenceQueen Mi Amore Cadensa Regale as always the queen walked amongst her subjects in Canterlot her long flowing mane fallowing her slowly as tufts of it drifted off into the sky like the clouds they now represented, much like her aunt before her Queen Cadence shimmered as she walked, her long elegant horn giving her reason to keep her head held high above everything else allowing her to see above her subjects and keep an eye on her beautiful daughter, "Charity, hurry dear we have much left to get done." she called her soft voice ringing over the crowd and providing any who felt the least bit agitated with comfort. “Coming mother.” Charity answered pulling away from the Pony’s with whom she had been speaking in order to be next to her mother, their coats accenting each other beautifully as Mother and daughter should. As she walked her multi-colored mane caught the breeze just right causing it to flutter up into her face and startle her. Cadence smiled softly, ignoring what the colors of her daughter’s hair forced her to remember, the Grey, brown and blue, which gave off a slight glow as fear left the Princess’s heart, she shook her head and turned deep red and yellow eyes on her mother, "Shall we go visit father today?" she asked as the crowed began to disperse, it having only been in existence due to the sudden appearance of the royal family. “I suppose we could.” Cadence sighed, “But I thought I told you that we would be very-.” “Busy today… I know mother, I know." Charity turned her beautiful grey face away from her mother, "But you have been thinking of him so much lately." Cadence lifted her wings slightly remembering things that she knew she should not, “I told you not to use your mind reading powers on me Charity." Is all she said before she started to walk once more. “I’m sorry Mother.” Charity apologized sadly fallowing her Royal Majesty to where the royal guard’s waited with a carriage. Both Queen and Princess entered the same carriage, and a team of 13 guard’s in total became part of the party to take them to the place where it had happened so very long ago. As they traveled Charity turned to her mother, “Mother, tell me the story about how you and father found each other.” Cadence was silent for a moment as though she had not heard her daughter, Charity opened her mouth to ask again when her mother finally said, and “I have told you so many times, do you not know it by heart”? “I adore hearing you tell it Mother." In her mind the princess stated to herself, 'it's the only time I can actually see love in your eyes.' Cadence stretched her wings for a moment, the puffy clouds that came off her mane and tail trailed behind the carriage as the Queen pondered how to start her story this time, "It all started, with the death of my First Husband..." “King Shining Armor…” Charity whispered her eyes wandering toward their destination. “Yes, Shining Armor." Cadence closed her eyes and allowed herself to be engulfed by her memories; Princess Charity closed her eyes as well so that she could join her mother in the joy that these memories could bring. “His death was difficult for me, at that time I was new to being Ruler of Equestria, only a few years had it been mine to command..." *** Cadence looked out her window at night, looking at the moon where both her aunts now resided, having become too powerful to stay in Equestria they had left it to her and her husband, sadly a dark un named pony had attacked Shining Armor while he was on guard, leaving him to die in a place where no pony ever walked. Cadence had done all she could to cure him but she was not strong enough and he fell before her. How Cadence wished she knew who that pony was, so that she could punish them accordingly, but all searches had yielded nothing. "Aunties... What must I do? I am alone now, what will I do?" her head fell, tears streaming down her muzzle and landing on the window sill before her. There she stayed for three days, allowing Equestira to go on without her, knowing that she was not as important as her aunts had been, for there was no real reason for her to be revered, she was only a symbol of when it was necessary to have a Princess to raise the sun every morning, but that was not a necessity anymore, no one needed this, for the sun and moon worked on their own since the original Princesses now lived on them and made sure that they rose and fell as they had for many centuries. On the fourth night, a voice called to her, a voice that she had never heard before. She fallowed it into the garden, and there she found him, Discord the most evil and powerful creature in Equestria, frozen in stone. She kept her distance attempting to ignore his words and yet attempting to find the truth in what he was trying to say to her. "What do you want?" she demanded trying to be brave. “There is nothing that I need from you Princess…” he stated from inside his stone prison, “I only wish to know why I hear you crying up in you tower every night. You have a voice that is far too beautiful to ever be heard crying.” She blushed slightly then shook the complement away, “My Husband is dead. I have the right to cry!" He was silent for a moment, “That Unicorn… the one with whom you defeated the Changling Queen and gave you the status which you now hold?" Cadence ignored this last statement and turned to leave, "Hold it right there Princess, who said I was done with you?" “There is no reason to stay. You do not deserve my company.” She stated firmly and after that, she left. “You’ll be back…” he stated as a crack appeared in his statue, “Oh yes, you’ll be back.” Sadly, she did go back, every night for many months, she went back to him, he was the only one who would listen to her, the only one who gave an opinion that was not overbearing or contradicting to her feelings. He was honest with her and treated her well from the stone that held him. When the day came that he grew strong enough to break free, she was there to greet him and to accept him. Their affair was secret from everyone, not a soul knew that he was not a stone, for he would fake being a statue whenever anyone who was not his Princess would appear before him. When the anniversary of her husband's death came around, she went to him in the day light, "Discord... I don't want to lie to them anymore." she said her eyes kind yet firm, something she had learned from him. "I want the kingdom to know." "They will never understand.” He stated leaning forward to see her better. “They don’t need to understand.” She answered. “They will have much to say, and it won’t be pleasant for you." “I am not ashamed of my love for you.” They stared at each other for many moments before he removed the color of stone and lowered himself to be on the ground with her, “As you wish, my Princess.” He placed his paw on her cheek and she rubbed against it, “If we are going to do this, we’ll do it right.” As he said this, he began to shrink, smaller and smaller until he was her size then his body changed becoming a mirror of her, yet he stayed himself so very well. His mane was just as it had been before as was his tail and his left rear hoof. His horns molded into one and his claws became hooves. When he was finished he was a Pony just like her yet his smile reflected just who he truly was, the bringer of Chaos, Discord. She smiled and walked closer to him and placed her horn against his in a Unicorn kiss. Their horns glowed together with this final step in honesty and the power to love even that which most would not her mane changed from what it once was, and became cloudlike, drifting off in tufts yet never growing thinner, she pulled away from him and looked at her mane and tail, "w-what happened?" “I gave you some of my power. You are now as powerful as your aunt was, Perhaps more.” He said his eyes showing nothing but love for her, "it is my gift to you... and you can keep it, if you become my bride..." She flushed and nodded slowly. *** “So father became a Pony for you?” Charity interrupted her mother’s story with the same comment she always did. “Yes.” "And he gave you the power that you now have?" “Yes, he did.” “So it is because of father, that you are able to do all the things that you can do now?” Cadence nodded. “That is correct.” “So then why…” Charity walked over to the statue of her father that inhabited the forest where they had landed, "is he stone now?" she turned to her mother, "you never told me that part." Cadence watched her daughter from a distance, it was true that she had been neglecting to finish the story for her daughter, but it was only because it was so painful for her to explain and it had been her fault to begin with. “I don’t think you’re old enou-.” “That is always your excuse mother!” Charity interrupted her face showing slight anger, “When will I be old enough?!” Cadence turned from her, and a few moments passed before she said, “It was… because of Screwball.” “Screwball? Who is screwball?” “She, was your father’s first daughter.” “Was?” "She, tricked me, into thinking that it was your father’s fault that Shining Armor was dead. When in fact it had been because of Scewball.” Cadence kept her voice steady despite the tears that had started to appear in her eyes, "When I confronted your father, he didn't know what I was talking about, we had been together for five years, and the kingdom was just starting to trust him. He even had a space in Equestria where he could create all the chaos he desired and his candy rain had become quite popular during Fright Night. He tried to understand what I was saying, but I was too hysterical to listen. I yelled at him, something I had never done before for any reason. I demanded that he tell me what had happened, how he had done it. He didn't have an answer for me, so he returned to his original form, telling me that if I wanted to talk about it like a civilized pony, that I could find him here. I waited to go to him, and when I finally did I was still angry, I tried to talk to him about it, but I couldn't take it, my emotions got the best of me, and we fought. It was the first and only fight we had ever had, and because of the power that he had given me. I was able to turn him into stone due to my anger. Screwball, had been hiding in the darkness, and she jumped out and attacked me since I was weak from having used my power to turn him. She stood above me, ready to strike and leave me as she had left Shining Armor, but at that moment, your father used that last bit of energy he had, which I am sure could have released him if he truly wanted, but instead he used it to destroy Screwball and save my life." Cadence walked over to the Discord statue and looked up at him for the first time in years, “I lost the second love of my life that day. I had let the lies of Screwball corrupt my heart and force me to hate the Stallion that had been there for me and who loved me in return. I regret my actions on that day more than anything in my entire life." she looked to her daughter, "I found out I was pregnant with you four days after that. I may have lost your father four hundred years ago because I was too blind with rage to see that he was telling the truth, but I still have a part of him with me, and that part is you." Charity smiled at her mother, “And you could not give power to him like he did for you?" Cadence shook her head, “The spell I placed on him is too powerful for me to even break at the stage that I am at now. I have nowhere near as much power as I had the day I put it on him, and unless I have more than that I will not be able to remove it." She looked up at him once more, "I miss him every day. There are times when I have trouble remembering his voice." Charity stepped up to her mother. "Mother, I know I could never understand how you feel. I doubt that if even I go through what you went through, that I could comprehend the pain you must be feeling." Cadence smiled softly, “Pain is nothing, when I have you to take care of.” Together they headed away to what needed to be done, the Gala was close and many things still needed to be looked over before other things could continue. As they flew off, Charity turned back to look at her father’s statue, and she thought that she had saw a crack form in it.
Fire BoltFire Bolt CloudsDale Fire Bolt kicked at a small pile of clouds in front of him, he was nervous, that much was clear to the few Pegasai who still walked around so late in the afternoon. It was today that he had decided to tell his father what had been on his mind for more than half his life; today was the day that he would tell his father that he was not going to take the exam to become a Wonder Bolt. No, today was the day that he was going to leave the family business and become a Cloud Herder, to work for the Weather Company, serve all of Equestria the sweet and beautiful rain that it needed and bring life to the trees. He stretched his wings up, wings that had been trained for speed and nothing else, wings that any other Pegasus that looked on would envy. "Ok, here we go..." he said to himself taking a step forward, before quickly retracting and hiding under his wing, "Ahg I can't do it!" He lay there with his eyes glued to the plaque that hung on the door of his Father's office. Chief Cinder Bolt, Honored Leader of the Wonder Bolt, was printed in bold letters showing the pride and strength of the Bolt family. Fire Bolt's ears drooped, he knew that his father would not approve of what he really wanted, and he had always had great ambitions of his son becoming a great member of the Wonder Bolts just like him. Fire turned his gaze to the many honorary plaques and trophies that the Wonder Bolts had acquired over the years many of which had his Grandfather’s name on them, Warren Bolt, the greatest Wonder Bolt that had ever lived, surpassed only by the honor that came to he who could earn the Rainbow badge, a medal created in honor of Rainbow dash, a pony who had died many centuries ago. Fire stood up and headed over to the Statue of Rainbow Dash, now old and worn, Fire had spent many of his early years imagining how it would be to grow up to be just like her. Loyal, Brave and kind to others, it was what he wanted to be yet he was not sure if he truly had to be a Wonder Bolt to make that happen. He flicked his tail, "oh Rainbow Dash,” he stated to the statue, “help me. I can't tell him, I just can't. He would never understand. All he wants is for me to be a Wonder Bolt, he'll never listen..." the bronze statue shimmered slightly in the faint sunlight that managed to break through the low hanging clouds, "If mom was still around then at least I could talk to her, she always listened..." he lowered his head as a tear rolled down his cheek, "I don't want to be a Wonder Bolt..." "So what is keeping you here?" A voice he recognized all too well spoke from behind him causing him to jump a foot in the air. Fire turned to the source and stared wide eyed at the Pony behind Him. "Professor Doo..." he gasped turning to face him completely, "What are you doing here?" His old Professor smiled, "I'm here to coordinate the Best Young Fliers Competition with your father." He looked upon the young Pony with genuine concern, "But I can spot a more important issue when I see one." he held his gaze on Fire. Fire curled up feeling suddenly very self-conscious, "Um... Well... The thing is-." Just then the door to his father's office opened and Mr. Bolt exited laughing along with one of his fellow Wonder Bolts. He saw the two standing in the hallway and without losing a moment's composure he smiled and said, "Why Dr. Doo, Fire Bolt. Are you here to see me?" Fire just nodded while Dr. Doo stepped forward to say, "Why yes Cinder, I'm here to discuss a few details regarding the competition." "Ah yes The Best Young Fliers Competition, why don't you wait in my office as I show Dash to the dormitories, he’s our newest rookie." Dash waved at Dr. Doo looking nervous as all rookies did on their first days. Fire could remember many rookies that he had seen exit his father's office over the years, all proud of what they had become, having worked hard for it all their lives. Fire Bolt wished that he could have just a fraction of that kind of passion for joining them, and then perhaps he would not be in the predicament that he was currently in. He watched his father leave and decided that he would try to speak to him another time. He started walking away but Prof. Doo stopped him, "if you don't say anything now you never will." he said his voice calm and reassuring. "But, it's so hard..." Fire Bolt said his voice sounding more like a colt than anything else. "He'll never understand... All he wants is for me to be a Wonder Bolt like him..." Prof. Doo only smiled, "You know, I have important business to attend to in Canterlot, and I could use some company while I'm there." Fire Bolt looked at him a bit confused, "You can use the time there to figure out how to best bring up the subject with your father." Fire Bolt thought about this then nodded, "Y-yeah I think I can do that."
Cherrie PieCherrie Pie ManeHatten Cherrie Pie stretched a bit as he crawled out from under his silk sheets. It was early in the day, perhaps 12 or even 1, still plenty of time left to do what needed to be done before the party tonight. He combed his hair forward and looked at his handsome self in the mirror; "perfect as always." he smiled and shook the sleep from his face. "Alright breakfast time!" He headed out of the bedroom, to the dining room where his parents were already having lunch, he trotted up to his mother and kissed her on the cheek, "Good morning mother, sleep well?" He walked around her and to his spot next to her as she answered, "Very well Cherrie thank you for asking." The family butler brought him a plate of food and a copy of the Sparkle, "Thank you Sebastian." Cherrie piped feeling that news about him would be good today, after all the night before he had torn up the town like he had never done before. There was no Pony in all of ManeHatten that could compete with his ability to party. He nibbled on some fruit as he skimmed over page one, nope nothing about him there. He turned the page, then the next, and the next, continuing on past names that had not been heard in years, When he finally found his name he screeched, a sound his parents had grown accustomed to, "PAGE TWENTY?!! MY ANTICS GROWING OLD??!! JUST WHO DO THEY THINK THEY ARE??!!" with that he threw the paper across the table where the pool boy Mango Seed caught it before it made a mess, "THIS IS UNACEPPABLE!! I WON'T HAVE IT!!" he screamed stomping his hooves on the marble floor as coins exchanged between the butler and the pool boy, "I AM THE SON OF THE RICHEST STALION IN ALL OF MANEHATTEN, HOW DARE THEY PUT ME ON PAGE TWENTY? HOW CAN I FACE MY FRIENDS TONIGHT IF I'M AFTER THE CENTERFOLD??!!" "Because I put you there." came Mr. Pie's voice from across the table, bringing a stop to Cherrie's rant faster than anything else could possibly be able to, Cherrie turned to stare at his dad and the same coins returned to the original owner, "Dad... W-why?" he asked his face pale with disbelief. "It was for your own good..." his mother said her voice full of tears, "we only want what is best for you." Cherrie didn't take his eyes off his father. "I have made my decision." Mr. Pie stated folding his own newspaper, "Starting today you are cut off." Cherrie's jaw dropped so fast that a fly made its way into his mouth causing him to cough. When he could speak again he glared at his father, "CUT OFF?!" "Oh Slice, don’t you think that is a bit extreme?” Cherrie’s mother, Artistic Truth, chimed to her husband, she was generally worried about her son's appearance in the public eye, being an actress it was very important to have balance in the family, and she knew that appearance was very important in the eyes of the public. “We have babied him far too long my dear, he must learn to be responsible. I will not have a lazy Colt running the company when I am gone." Mr. Pie stated with a hoof stomp signaling that the conversation was over and there was nothing they could do about it. "I want you out of the Pent House, you are to get a job, and prove that you can run the company. You can take only what you have with you now." Cherrie looked himself over, all he had was his freshly filed hooves and his fine coat. "Dad you're being-." "Do not argue with me, my decision has been made, leave my house." Cherrie only growled and turned to leave the table, but then he thought better of it and took his toast with him. Sebastian offered him his coat but Cherrie shook his head, “I won’t be needing it.” He said and exited the Pent House determined to get his money back. As he walked through the streets of ManeHatten, he came across many of his friends; they however avoided contact with him. Even those who he had considered real friends wanted nothing to do with him. Sad and alone, he decided that the only way he could possibly fix this was to visit his cousin in PonyVille, he would be able to help him. Using a free payphone, he called his cousin who offered to pay for his ticket to PonyVille and help him get a temporary job in a Cake shop. Taking this offer Cherrie Pie headed toward the station, knowing that if he had any chance to get back in the good graces of his father, he would have to make his mark in PonyVille.
G-AppleG-Apple Appeloosa He stuck his head out the window, enjoying the feeling of the wind threw his mane. He loved the train very much, and he couldn't help but wonder what it was going to be like to live at Sweet Apple Acres with the other half of his family. The sound of the door sliding open behind him forced him to pull his head back in, "Oh, Hey dad." he said shaking his mane so put it back in place. "How long till we get to PonyVille?" “Not very long at all son.” His father stated rumidging threw one of the lugadge containers in search for something that seemed important to him. “We should be there by this afternoon, and by tonight we should be settled at the Ranch." G looked out the window, the seanery changing rapidly, "You don't think they'll blame us do you?" he placed his chin on the window sill as he said this. "NoPony blames us Green... it was and accident." G turned to look at his father, “G… my name is G now dad.” He pouted a bit, “I already told you that.” His dad only smiled and trotted over to nudge him lovingly, “Yeah alright… G-Apple the pop star…” he messed up the Colt's mane with a strong Ranch Worker’s hoof. “Just remember that your family is what is important right now.” G nodded, "Yes dad I understand." he said tne placed his head against his father's neck, "I miss mom..." His dad lowered his head so that his chin rested on the young ponie’s back, “I miss her too.” They held eachother for a while, then FruFru nudged his son, “Take a nap Green… let the time pass.” G lowered his ears and made a face, “Dad…” He only chuckled, “It will take me a while but I’ll get it…” he pushed his son back and placed a blanket on him. “Rest… it’s been a long day for you.” G closed his eyes and sighed, before long he had fallen into a deep sleep. A few hours later he was startled awake by the train comming to a full stop, his father was nowhere to be seen and there was only the light smell of dirt to acompany him. He stretched and exited the car, it was colder than it had been a while ago, or perhaps that was the effect of the blanket. G found his father in the dining car, enjoying a light dinner, "G, awake already?" G nodded and gave a yawn, "We'll be getting off the train soon, so I suggest you get your pack." "What about the rest of our stuff?" G asked taking an orange slice from his father. "They will deliver it." he stood and stretched his neck, "com on, I bet my brother is already here waiting for us." "Uncle Crumb?" G asked fallowing his dad back to the luggage car. "The one and only." his father responded taking both packs then placing one on G's back. "Come on it's rude to make them wait." G fallowed his father off the train to where his uncle stood waiting for them. He smiled and that is how G recocnized him. He hadn't seen his uncle in so long that he had almost forgotten what he looked like. Next to him stood a chubby Pegasus Colt with red hair and freckles. "FruFru, it's been far to long." the big brown Stallion stated giving his brother a hoof bump. It was then that G observed that his father was taller than his uncle by a noticable amount. As the two brown Stallions caught up G turned his attencion to the little Pegasus who he could only assume was his cousin. "Um, hi..." he said with a slight smile. The colt looked up at him, "Hi." was his only responce. "My name is Green, but I like to be called G." the colt was silent, G blushed, "W-what is your name?" The colt blinked slowly befor answering, "Mini Muffin." he then took a step toward G his face holding a curiouse expression, "Why are you so skinny?" G blushed scarlet not exactly sure how to answer something like that, "w-well, I'm not sure." Mini blinked slowly once more then smiled, "I like you." G smiled back, "Uh, thanks." "Come on Colts." Came Uncle Crumb's voice a short distance away. Both colts turned to look at their fathers right before they galloped over to them. G looked up at the Stallions as they lead the way from The train station. What did this new life hold in store for him, he hoped that it would be at least a little better than it had been for the past year.
Fluffy CakesSweet apple Acres "Come on, you can do it!" he said to the tiny Filly who was bucking at a strong apple tree. She aimed as well as she was able and kicked the tree. Her hooves didn't hit the tree at the same time, so all that happened was the slightest shaking of the branches. "How is that Uncle Cakes?" she asked turning to look at him. "Much better Sunshine, just remember," he turned his back to the tree, "hooves together." and with that he bucked the tree with enough force to knock down a decent amount of apples. "You're not as strong as my daddy Uncle Cakes..." Sunshine said raising an eyebrow. Fluffy Cakes only smiled, "Well, he has been doing this much longer than I have." he trotted over to the tiny Filly and ruffled her mane, "Besides he's freakishly strong." She giggled and pushed against his hoof with all her might. He chuckled and used a simple knock-off spell to Bring down the rest of the apples in the tree. When he had directed them all into the various baskets that lay scattered beneath the trees, a sweet voice called from the farm house. "Fluf, Sunshine... Lunch!!" Upon hearing this, the Filly stopped pushing almost falling over in the process, "Comin’ Mama!" she called back then started running back to the house. Fluffy Cakes fallowed close behind her taking it at half speed while Sunshine ran at full speed to get to where food was. When they reached the Farm house, in the doorway stood the lady of the Ranch, Holly Bell, Fluffy Cake's twin sister and Sunshine Apple's mother. She smiled at them as she let them in so that they could get to the dining table. "When is daddy getting back?" Sunshine asked noticing that her father's spot at the table was without a plate of food. "When you least expect it." Holly stated kissing her baby on the head; Sunshine nuzzled her mother then began to eat. Fluffy Cakes used magic to make holding food to his mouth easier. He ate slowly to allow the food time to soak its flavor into him. He and his sister talked about the few things that they still had not concerning her children and her husband, Sunshine ignored them for the most part having found her dinner much more interesting. When at long last the sound of heavy hoof beats was heard making their way to the farmhouse, the three had been in the living room sharing a book, which was being read to them by Sunshine so that she could practice. Holly was the first to stand when the front door opened and her husband filled the room with his presence. "Crumb..." she said trotting over to him and nuzzling him, he was so much taller than her that she had to lift herself slightly onto her hind legs to nuzzle him properly. He in turn lowered his head to rub his neck against hers, his brown coat was contrasted by her white coat in such a way that a brief memory of when he had met her flashed threw his mind before she pulled away to look into his eyes, “I missed you…” she whispered her brown eyes half closed. “And I-.” Sadly before he could finish his sentence Mini decided that it was a good time to race between his father's legs and rear so that his mother would pay attention to him. "Mama!" he cried happily as she nuzzled him as well, "It was so much fun mom, we saw the train come in and the station master let me wear his hat.. And... And..." he trailed off for a moment, "I forgot..." Holly smiled softly as FruFru and G walked in to warm themselves, "Holly you remember my brother FruFru." Crumb said holding his head up so that Sunshine could not reach his face no matter how high she jumped. "Of course I remember..." Holly said with only the slightest hint of distaste. FruFru blushed ever so slightly, "Hey Holly... It's good to see you again." Holly whipped her tail and her ears twitched angrily. "I guess you're still mad about that huh?" she only stomped her hoof. "Um, well... This is my son Green Apple." "Dad..." G complained putting his ears back, "It's G-Apple!" FruFru sighed but said nothing. "It is very good to finally meet you G." Holly piped back to her kind self. She headed over to the kitchen where she had a few mini apple pies ready to be consumed, “Come, sit… eat.” She said encouraging them to follow her. Using the magic of her horn, she placed the pies onto the table so that everyone could stand next to one and eat, Sunshine and Mini Muffin, of course tried to sit in the same place between their parents. Crumb solved this problem by pushing one pie closer to his wife and the other right next to it, so that they would not fight. Holly only smiled turning her attention to their guests, “So, how was the ride?" “It was alright.” FruFru stated as G dug into his pie, “A bit difficult what with this one never having been on a train before." G blushed, his grey cheeks turning pink, "But other than that it was enjoyable. And I am very grateful that you agreed to take us in." “Don’t say it like that Cuds,” Crumb stated putting his hoof between his children, “You’re family, and we Apple's don’t turn down family.” After a few minutes of chatter, the foals grew tired and were sent to bed, G taking the extra bed in the room that they shared. G fell asleep quickly, but if he had known what would be waiting for him in the future, he probably would not have fallen asleep so very easily.
Queen ChadenceQueen Mi Amore Cadensa Regale as always the queen walked amongst her subjects in Canterlot her long flowing mane fallowing her slowly as tufts of it drifted off into the sky like the clouds they now represented, much like her aunt before her Queen Cadence shimmered as she walked, her long elegant horn giving her reason to keep her head held high above everything else allowing her to see above her subjects and keep an eye on her beautiful daughter, "Charity, hurry dear we have much left to get done." she called her soft voice ringing over the crowd and providing any who felt the least bit agitated with comfort. “Coming mother.” Charity answered pulling away from the Pony’s with whom she had been speaking in order to be next to her mother, their coats accenting each other beautifully as Mother and daughter should. As she walked her multi-colored mane caught the breeze just right causing it to flutter up into her face and startle her. Cadence smiled softly, ignoring what the colors of her daughter’s hair forced her to remember, the Grey, brown and blue, which gave off a slight glow as fear left the Princess’s heart, she shook her head and turned deep red and yellow eyes on her mother, "Shall we go visit father today?" she asked as the crowed began to disperse, it having only been in existence due to the sudden appearance of the royal family. “I suppose we could.” Cadence sighed, “But I thought I told you that we would be very-.” “Busy today… I know mother, I know." Charity turned her beautiful grey face away from her mother, "But you have been thinking of him so much lately." Cadence lifted her wings slightly remembering things that she knew she should not, “I told you not to use your mind reading powers on me Charity." Is all she said before she started to walk once more. “I’m sorry Mother.” Charity apologized sadly fallowing her Royal Majesty to where the royal guard’s waited with a carriage. Both Queen and Princess entered the same carriage, and a team of 13 guard’s in total became part of the party to take them to the place where it had happened so very long ago. As they traveled Charity turned to her mother, “Mother, tell me the story about how you and father found each other.” Cadence was silent for a moment as though she had not heard her daughter, Charity opened her mouth to ask again when her mother finally said, and “I have told you so many times, do you not know it by heart”? “I adore hearing you tell it Mother." In her mind the princess stated to herself, 'it's the only time I can actually see love in your eyes.' Cadence stretched her wings for a moment, the puffy clouds that came off her mane and tail trailed behind the carriage as the Queen pondered how to start her story this time, "It all started, with the death of my First Husband..." “King Shining Armor…” Charity whispered her eyes wandering toward their destination. “Yes, Shining Armor." Cadence closed her eyes and allowed herself to be engulfed by her memories; Princess Charity closed her eyes as well so that she could join her mother in the joy that these memories could bring. “His death was difficult for me, at that time I was new to being Ruler of Equestria, only a few years had it been mine to command..." *** Cadence looked out her window at night, looking at the moon where both her aunts now resided, having become too powerful to stay in Equestria they had left it to her and her husband, sadly a dark un named pony had attacked Shining Armor while he was on guard, leaving him to die in a place where no pony ever walked. Cadence had done all she could to cure him but she was not strong enough and he fell before her. How Cadence wished she knew who that pony was, so that she could punish them accordingly, but all searches had yielded nothing. "Aunties... What must I do? I am alone now, what will I do?" her head fell, tears streaming down her muzzle and landing on the window sill before her. There she stayed for three days, allowing Equestira to go on without her, knowing that she was not as important as her aunts had been, for there was no real reason for her to be revered, she was only a symbol of when it was necessary to have a Princess to raise the sun every morning, but that was not a necessity anymore, no one needed this, for the sun and moon worked on their own since the original Princesses now lived on them and made sure that they rose and fell as they had for many centuries. On the fourth night, a voice called to her, a voice that she had never heard before. She fallowed it into the garden, and there she found him, Discord the most evil and powerful creature in Equestria, frozen in stone. She kept her distance attempting to ignore his words and yet attempting to find the truth in what he was trying to say to her. "What do you want?" she demanded trying to be brave. “There is nothing that I need from you Princess…” he stated from inside his stone prison, “I only wish to know why I hear you crying up in you tower every night. You have a voice that is far too beautiful to ever be heard crying.” She blushed slightly then shook the complement away, “My Husband is dead. I have the right to cry!" He was silent for a moment, “That Unicorn… the one with whom you defeated the Changling Queen and gave you the status which you now hold?" Cadence ignored this last statement and turned to leave, "Hold it right there Princess, who said I was done with you?" “There is no reason to stay. You do not deserve my company.” She stated firmly and after that, she left. “You’ll be back…” he stated as a crack appeared in his statue, “Oh yes, you’ll be back.” Sadly, she did go back, every night for many months, she went back to him, he was the only one who would listen to her, the only one who gave an opinion that was not overbearing or contradicting to her feelings. He was honest with her and treated her well from the stone that held him. When the day came that he grew strong enough to break free, she was there to greet him and to accept him. Their affair was secret from everyone, not a soul knew that he was not a stone, for he would fake being a statue whenever anyone who was not his Princess would appear before him. When the anniversary of her husband's death came around, she went to him in the day light, "Discord... I don't want to lie to them anymore." she said her eyes kind yet firm, something she had learned from him. "I want the kingdom to know." "They will never understand.” He stated leaning forward to see her better. “They don’t need to understand.” She answered. “They will have much to say, and it won’t be pleasant for you." “I am not ashamed of my love for you.” They stared at each other for many moments before he removed the color of stone and lowered himself to be on the ground with her, “As you wish, my Princess.” He placed his paw on her cheek and she rubbed against it, “If we are going to do this, we’ll do it right.” As he said this, he began to shrink, smaller and smaller until he was her size then his body changed becoming a mirror of her, yet he stayed himself so very well. His mane was just as it had been before as was his tail and his left rear hoof. His horns molded into one and his claws became hooves. When he was finished he was a Pony just like her yet his smile reflected just who he truly was, the bringer of Chaos, Discord. She smiled and walked closer to him and placed her horn against his in a Unicorn kiss. Their horns glowed together with this final step in honesty and the power to love even that which most would not her mane changed from what it once was, and became cloudlike, drifting off in tufts yet never growing thinner, she pulled away from him and looked at her mane and tail, "w-what happened?" “I gave you some of my power. You are now as powerful as your aunt was, Perhaps more.” He said his eyes showing nothing but love for her, "it is my gift to you... and you can keep it, if you become my bride..." She flushed and nodded slowly. *** “So father became a Pony for you?” Charity interrupted her mother’s story with the same comment she always did. “Yes.” "And he gave you the power that you now have?" “Yes, he did.” “So it is because of father, that you are able to do all the things that you can do now?” Cadence nodded. “That is correct.” “So then why…” Charity walked over to the statue of her father that inhabited the forest where they had landed, "is he stone now?" she turned to her mother, "you never told me that part." Cadence watched her daughter from a distance, it was true that she had been neglecting to finish the story for her daughter, but it was only because it was so painful for her to explain and it had been her fault to begin with. “I don’t think you’re old enou-.” “That is always your excuse mother!” Charity interrupted her face showing slight anger, “When will I be old enough?!” Cadence turned from her, and a few moments passed before she said, “It was… because of Screwball.” “Screwball? Who is screwball?” “She, was your father’s first daughter.” “Was?” "She, tricked me, into thinking that it was your father’s fault that Shining Armor was dead. When in fact it had been because of Scewball.” Cadence kept her voice steady despite the tears that had started to appear in her eyes, "When I confronted your father, he didn't know what I was talking about, we had been together for five years, and the kingdom was just starting to trust him. He even had a space in Equestria where he could create all the chaos he desired and his candy rain had become quite popular during Fright Night. He tried to understand what I was saying, but I was too hysterical to listen. I yelled at him, something I had never done before for any reason. I demanded that he tell me what had happened, how he had done it. He didn't have an answer for me, so he returned to his original form, telling me that if I wanted to talk about it like a civilized pony, that I could find him here. I waited to go to him, and when I finally did I was still angry, I tried to talk to him about it, but I couldn't take it, my emotions got the best of me, and we fought. It was the first and only fight we had ever had, and because of the power that he had given me. I was able to turn him into stone due to my anger. Screwball, had been hiding in the darkness, and she jumped out and attacked me since I was weak from having used my power to turn him. She stood above me, ready to strike and leave me as she had left Shining Armor, but at that moment, your father used that last bit of energy he had, which I am sure could have released him if he truly wanted, but instead he used it to destroy Screwball and save my life." Cadence walked over to the Discord statue and looked up at him for the first time in years, “I lost the second love of my life that day. I had let the lies of Screwball corrupt my heart and force me to hate the Stallion that had been there for me and who loved me in return. I regret my actions on that day more than anything in my entire life." she looked to her daughter, "I found out I was pregnant with you four days after that. I may have lost your father four hundred years ago because I was too blind with rage to see that he was telling the truth, but I still have a part of him with me, and that part is you." Charity smiled at her mother, “And you could not give power to him like he did for you?" Cadence shook her head, “The spell I placed on him is too powerful for me to even break at the stage that I am at now. I have nowhere near as much power as I had the day I put it on him, and unless I have more than that I will not be able to remove it." She looked up at him once more, "I miss him every day. There are times when I have trouble remembering his voice." Charity stepped up to her mother. "Mother, I know I could never understand how you feel. I doubt that if even I go through what you went through, that I could comprehend the pain you must be feeling." Cadence smiled softly, “Pain is nothing, when I have you to take care of.” Together they headed away to what needed to be done, the Gala was close and many things still needed to be looked over before other things could continue. As they flew off, Charity turned back to look at her father’s statue, and she thought that she had saw a crack form in it.
