Student of Friendship

Chapters

The Talk of Friendship
A Test of Friendship
Befriending the Rainbow
Debate and Playing in the Library
Mornings Suck in a Crystal Castle even if they're Fabulous!
Day Dreams in Dream Land
A Morning Giude
Colliding Fates
Tiny Stars Big Adventures: Mistrust
Tiny Stars Big Adventures: Finding
Tiny Stars Big Adventures: Trial and Punishment
Tiny Stars Big Adventures: Preparing for School
Tiny Stars Big Adventures: First Lessons
Tiny Stars Adventures: Plotting
Tiny Stars Adventures: After Class Training and Reality Check
Tiny Stars Adventures: Regret
Tiny Stars Adventures: Winning a Young Colts Heart
Tiny Stars Adventures: Dreams to Nightmares Part 1
Tiny Stars Adventures: Dreams to Nightmares Part 2
Flashpoint Paradox
Casuality
First Kiss
Starlight Star Bright
Cutie Spirit
Ghostly Prank Shorts Part 1 of ?(Random)
Ghostly Pranks Shorts Part 2 of ?
Making Amends with Teacher
Minecraft Mishap
Second Prances Ahoof Part 1
Second Prances Ahoof Part 2
Dinner and a Friend
Through the looking Glass
Arrival
The 50th
Clone
Release
A Clue
Findings
Home Again
Getting Permission
Flying the Dream Part 1
Flying the Dream Part 2
Flying the Dream Part 3 Flying Lessons
Oposs di ixen
Council meeting
Normal Day
Eclairs
28 Pranks Later (With a Ghost!)

The Talk of Friendship

Author's Note

Hello and welcome to my First Starlight centered story!

Long have I awaited this day when I watched the glory and fulfilling feels of having Starlight return. After considerable thought I decided to go ahead with my idea and post it for all you to see and admire, or hate. :pinkiecrazy:

Now what crazy ideas do I have in store for you down the line? As many of you may or may not know, I'm a total Trixie fan through and through. My dedicated fans and followers know this. So what is this crazy talk about a fic not centered around Trixie? :pinkiegasp: I don't know! :raritydespair:

But none the less, I hope you all enjoy the story. As always read rate love and tolerate friends! :scootangel:

The Talk of Friendship

Inside Twilight's Castle, Starlight Glimmer paced back and forth in front of the main double doors that led to the Chamber of Harmony. It had been over an hour since she had been convinced by Twilight to let go of her hate of cutie marks. It was difficult for her, but it was surprising to her how much influence the Princess of Friendship had. Her words seemed too sweet with honey to be true.

And after reliving the horrible day she lost her friend, Sunburst she was all but convinced Twilight was wrong. But Twilight persisted. She promised Starlight that friendship wasn't a lie or something to fear. True, they didn't always workout, but what matters is that she had to try and make a difference when there was a problem rather than run away from it.

As she paced back and forth, she gave a great amount of thought to the princess' words. She wondered why she let her anger fill her life with such falsehood. How could she allow herself to fall so far?

Before she could think any further on the subject one of the large doors opened revealing Spike. He waved for her to join him inside. Starlight turned to face him, she gave him a small nod. Starlight took a deep breath allowing herself a moment to steel herself for whatever punishment the Elements of Harmony decided for her.

Slowly and quietly, she entered the chamber where the Mane Six sat at the Cutie Map. Each seemed to have a harsh expression with exception of Fluttershy, Twilight, and Spike. Starlight marched forward trying to seem confident and brave saying, "I'm sorry, everypony. I can't excuse what I've done in the past and willingly submit myself to whatever punishment you think is fair."

She then lowered her head in submission as the Mane Six exchanged glances. Twilight smiled and got out of her throne and walked up to Starlight.

"I've been thinking about how poorly Equestria fared without just one group of friends. Because when one friendship dies it can lead to disastrous results." Twilight said.

Starlight replied, sagging her shoulders, "I know firsthoof how true that can be."

But Twilight gave her a smile. A hopeful smile, full of kindness she hadn't seen since she had lost her friend. It filled the pink unicorn's heart with joy to see that smile.

Leaving her throne Twilight walked over to Starlight saying, "While I know it is hard to lose a friend, losing yourself along the way can be just as painful, Starlight." The purple pony stood in front of the pink unicorn and lifted her chin with her hoof so their eyes could meet, "But, if you're willing to learn, I'm willing to teach you what I know."

She the swung herself around Starlight and sat beside her, waving her hoof out to each of her friends, making Starlight follow it like a guide, "You'll have the power to make Equestria a better place."

"But how do I start?" Starlight asked skeptically.

"Starting is easy," The princess replied with a chuckle. "You just have to make a friend, and you have seven right here to start, as my student."

"Student?" Starlight asked with a tilt of her head.

"Yes, Starlight," the princess confirmed, waving to her to sit by her side, "I feel you have much to offer to Equestria, and with me as your teacher, you and I can reach out to others so they need not suffer as you have. If you let me," Twilight offered her hoof to the pink pony, who now sat by her side with a skeptical look, "I can teach you and you can teach others the true magic of friendship."

Starlight thought about the proposition. True, with Twilight at her side there was no doubt she'd learn much about friendship and the magic that comes with it. But was it true that friendship was a source of magic like the princess had said? Like a source of fuel for a train? She was sure there was more to it than that. From what she researched magic had many forms, such as love and blood magic, but friendship? Why did it seem so odd to her that friendship could be a source of magic like anything else? Perhaps she'd need to explore this before she made her decision.

Turning to Twilight, the pink unicorn smiled and pushed the purple hoof away. Twilight seemed offended by the rejection, but held onto her smile. Starlight smiled back saying, "I'm not sure I'm ready yet, Princess Twilight."

She then stood up and walked around the Mane Six, who all remained planted in their seats watching as she circled them.
"When I started to plot my revenge, I was struck hard by my grief and jealousy of you all," she paused, stopping behind Fluttershy and giving her a cold stare, "I was struck with grief when I thought I had found a true friend, only to find out it was a lie."

The timid pony shuddered and retreated behind her mane in shame. It was true she had lied, but it was to help her friends escape that horrible prison they suffered in. Fluttershy made no objections as Starlight continued, saying, "But I'm sure I would have done the same had I been in your hooves."

She knelt down beside Fluttershy, holding her hooves in hers, "Fluttershy?"

The pegasus looked into her eyes, "Yes, Starlight?"

"I have wronged you and your friends greatly. I imprisoned you and held you hostage," she paused to collect her thoughts before continuing, "I was wrong to do so. And you were right to do what you did. It hurt yes, but I think it was for the best."

She stood beside her seat. "Fluttershy, I am truly sorry for what I've done. As I stand before you can you find it in yourself to forgive me for what I have done? To you and your friends?"

The yellow mare thought about it for not more than a blink of an eye before she answered, "Yes, I do."

Starlight looked to her with tears in her eyes,"You do? After everything I've done I-"

She paused when a yellow hoof fell over her lips silencing her.

"You were angry and hurt. You lost your friends in the end. And I would be glad if you would be my friend. My real friend this times," she finished, smiling.

The answer came swiftly. Starlight lunged over the yellow pony, strangling her in a bear hug, while she broke down in a fit of tears and sobs. The waterfall of tears flushed from her eyes and her wails echoed the halls for several minutes before she was able to calm herself. She finally had a friend. A real friend. A friend with a real smile and not one of those fake ones she had gotten used to in her village.

Maybe there was something to this friendship thing after all. Fluttershy patted the mare gently on her back letting her friend cry as much as she needed. Everypony else watched. Applejack took her hat off and set it down on the table, Rainbow simply watched, trying to hide her liquid pride, Rarity teared up and wiped them away with her handkerchief, and Spike sat by Twilight, holding onto her.

She held him in her wing saying, "See, Spike? Friendship can heal even the worst wounds of all."

"And what is that Twilight?"

"The wounds of a broken heart," she replied kissing his forehead, "Well done, Starlight," Twilight whispered.

The young drake would have normally protested such an act of affection unless it was from his lady Rarity, but this time he allowed Twilight to show her affection to him. The group of friends surrounded the two ponies and pulled them together into a group hug with Starlight in the center. The mare felt a warmth in her heart she had long thought was gone. It was small but it was there.

A spark of friendship.

A Test of Friendship

Author's Note

Now Starlight is the official student of Twilight Sparkle, Princess of Friendship!

Now what will her first task be? Make friend? Done. Now what will she be sent out to do? Tests? Study sessions late into the night?

Time for us to find out! :twilightsheepish:

A Test of Friendship

Once she had a chance to get the tears out of her system, Starlight broke away from her friends and left to get some fresh air. She used her magic to fly over the castle and landed on the tallest tower and sat there. Alone. She thought about Twilight's proposition to have her as a student.

“Why would she want me as her student?” she thought. It made no sense. She wasn't sure if this was a good idea, but still. The idea that she could improve herself and Equestira was very tempting. She hated the idea of sitting here and not being out there helping others. What was she to do?

All her life she struggled with her emotions. She feared the world and set a goal to make things equal so no others would have to suffer as she did. But that was it. It was fear. Fear gripped her and sucked the life out of her. It dictated her actions for years and shaped her into the mare she was today. She pushed everypony away because of this fear she had of losing other friends. So much so, she made sure to push others away so she never became attached. After all, if you were never friends how could you suffer when they inevitably left? From what she saw from the dark future after she stopped Rainbow's rainboom, even the tiniest change can have a monumental effect on the future. It made her realized how small she really was, but found solace in the fact any action can shape the future. A future she could help to shape so others may not suffer like she did.

Alone.

She watched over Ponyville while ponies went about their day as if nothing happened. A yellow mare was selling carrots in the crowded market below. A sweet shop had a long line out the front door as a mint green mare entertained them with song. The unicorn in question did a silly dance making many ponies laugh, while others shook their heads at her. It warmed her heart to see such acts among friends and possibly families.

"Family," she whispered to herself.

Just then, a loud boom was heard, and she looked down to see a blue pony in a cape and hat standing by a crowd of ponies near the carrot stand Starlight observed moments ago. Across the street the sweet shop's line of ponies had flooded over to the blue pony. The group seemed displeased with the pony and shouted at them.

Starlight gasped, flying down to aid the poor pony. When she did, she was surprised when a tomato flew in the air and nearly hit her. She shifted her body weight and dodged the red projectile with ease. She landed in the group of ponies to see a blue pony huddled up in a ball on the ground. The pony was covered by a tattered blue cape with stars and a matching hat. The ponies snow white tail and mane were dirty as the pony shivered, covering their face.

Starlight worked closer to the downed pony as insults and threats were made to him. At least, she was sure it was a him. The pony was smaller than most stallions she'd seen. The pony's dark blue fur was covered in dirt and various vegetables and only protected by the cloak he wore. Somepony nearby yelled at him, "Dang it, Pokey! I thought we were friends! But I refuse to be friends to somepony related to her!"

The pony flinched as though he had been struck physically. Slowly he looked up to the face of a yellow earth pony with a puffy orange mane and emerald green eyes. She had an anvil cutie mark and stood over him with an angry scowl.

"That mare did nothing good for this town and you lied about being her sister?!"

"I didn't lie!" He protested. "You never asked!"

"And you never told us!" The mare restored.

"Yeah, why would you not tell us, your friends, about being related to some dumb whorse?” another mare redeposited to him.
That made the pony, Pokey, stand up and face the crowd with renewed determination in his eyes, "I won't let you talk about my sister like that! I love her and that's all that matters!"

Starlight had heard enough. She gathered as much magical energy in her horn as possible and shot it outward, pushing the crowd away from the epicenter. She allowed Pokey to remain, unfazed from the magical barrier she created, he looked around confused by the sudden magical outburst. He saw Starlight fro the corner of his eye and turned to face her.

"Sister?!" He asked excitedly.

When his eyes beheld the pony before him, he sighed, folding his ears back sadly. Starlight smiled, offering her hoof to him. He smiled weakly and took hold of the pink hoof and used it to heave himself up.

Starlight coughed slightly, saying, "Sorry, I have siblings but I'm afraid we aren't related," she said dusting him off. "You alright there?"

"I'm fine," Pokey said lifting the hat off his head revealing his unicorn heritage, "Thanks for the help."

"It's fine," she said pulling his arm, beckoning him to follow.

He nodded, following her without a word but found it almost impossible to through the sea of ponies that blocked his way. The ponies murmured as they forced their way past, but the crowd followed. This kept Starlight and Pokey at the center of the crowd which followed them. This put the young stallion on edge and made Starlight angry. She was getting to the point where she felt like lashing out on others.
But she held onto her anger and didn't let it dictate her actions. That is until somepony made a comment. "Hey, aren't you that crazy madmare who steals cutie marks?"

The pink unicorn stopped dead in her tracks and slowly turned her head, glaring darkly at the pony. It was the mare who made the comments to Pokey earlier, she stood looking at Starlight in recognition. "Yeah, I know it's you! The Princess warned us about you!" she accused the unicorn, pointing at her. Starlight growled, turning to face the mare.

"What did you call me?" she asked darkly. "You really shouldn't treat your friend like this."

"I am Amber Anvil, and I don't care what you have to say, monster," the green earth pony declared, earning a series of nods from the crowd.

"Well, Miss Anvil, you don't dictate what I, Starlight Glimmer, do and don't do." Starlight replied with a snort, "I go where I please, and do as I please."

"You're a monster who deserves to rot in a dungeon."

"Sticks and stones," Starlight said, turning her back on the mare.

That was when it happened. Amber Anvil ran forward, grabbing hold of Starlght's shoulder, spinning her around. Before the mare had anytime to react, Starlight lit her horn and lifted the mare as she spun, using her own momentum to send the green earth pony into the air. The mare screamed as she spun up in the air, becoming a blur, and slowly descended back to the ground. She spun upside down on her head, slowly losing momentum and soon after fell over on the ground after her body stopped spinning.

The pony's eyes spun around along with the world in her vision. Starlight grinned at her victory, stepping around the mare, and pulled Pokey along with her magic as he looked on, concerned for the downed mare.

Seeing his reaction, Starlight leaned towards him saying, "She's fine. She'll just be dizzy for a while," She then nudged him, "Come on, she'll be fine."

"I hope so. Amber is a good pony. She's just overzealous," the blue unicorn replied.

"I sure hope so."

As they walked the mass of ponies granted them passage, splitting apart a path for them. Starlight walked Pokey down the street until they were close to Twilight's castle. At the gate Pokey stopped. Starlight stopped too, turning to face him.

"What's wrong? You're... not hurt are you?"

"No, I'm fine. Also, thank you for helping me," he said shyly rubbing his arm, "I don't get along well with others because of my sister."

"Does she have a bad rep like me?"

She flinched at Pokey's reaction. He cringed at the phrase, 'bad rep', like it was a poison to his ears. She internally kicked herself for being so thoughtless.

“Guess I still have a lot to learn,” she thought. She laid a hoof over his shoulder with an apologetic smile. "I'm sorry, that was rude of me. I'm just... not used to this sort of thing."

"Thanks," he said, offering his hoof to the unicorn. Starlight took it and shook it. "It's nice to have a friend when the world seems to be against you."

That shocked Starlight to her core. He called me a friend? Just like that? She felt something was amiss, and yet this all felt so right. It was like being filled with joy. Like a warm cider on a cold night that filled you with warmth and joy. It made her feel jolly inside knowing that she easily made a friend, and not some cult follower. It was then she realized that friends, real friends, are ponies just like her. Every pony was already equal. She was just too blinded by her grief to realize it.

Though many would say hurtful things, or do nasty things, they all got sad, mad, or even glad. It didn't matter, they were all the same. They hurt, they bled, they smiled, they laughed, and did all the same things as other ponies did. The world was already equal and balanced. But the power of friendship is what kept the harmony going.

In this brief moment of clarity, Starlight's eyes glowed with a rainbow glow. So brief was it, that Pokey Pierce never saw it. Starlight would have cried had she not been so overjoyed by this revelation. It was then she had the answer she needed to make her decision on being Twilight's student.

She let go of Pokey and said in a excited tone, "Sorry Pokey. I have to go, but I have to thank you someday for helping me just now!"
The blue unicorn tilted his head wondering what she could have meant by that, but shrugged it off. He stood up with a goofy grin, happily trotted home with his sister's cloak and hat wondering when he'd get to see his new friend again. Stopping, he turned to see his new friend run into Ponyville Castle determined to take hold of her destiny.

Inside the castle, Twilight and her friends were deep in discussion when Starlight burst through the doors without so much as a knock. Rarity scoffed in a scolding manner, while Applejack and Rainbow jumped from the sudden intrusion. Fluttershy and Twilight jumped but settled down after seeing it was only Starlight. Pinkie laughed at the surprise appearance. Twilight took the next few moments to recompose herself and trotted over to Starlight who looked oddly calm.

"Star, you alright?"

"Yes, Princess, I'm fine. I just..."

"Just what?"

"I... I'm ready to become your student," Starlight replied lowering herself to a low bow. "What is it I must do, Twilight?"

Twilight was now deep in thought. She then used her hoof and placed it under Starlight's chin, guiding her to her hooves asking, "Did you make any new friends while you were out thinking?"

"I did. His name was Pokey Pierce."

"Pokey huh?" Twilight rubbed her chin while her friends exchanged looks ranging from concern to glee. Finally, Twilight seemed satisfied and patted Starlight on the back.

"You are well on your way to a glorious future, Star," she said proudly, wrapping her wing around the unicorn, "You have passed your first test, my student."

Friendship Gained: :heart:

Befriending the Rainbow

Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.

Debate and Playing in the Library

Later that night...

After a long day of racing and running around Ponyville, Starlight parted ways with Rainbow Dash and sauntered off towards Twilight's castle. The racing not only tired her physically, but magically too. After their race the two ponies took a stroll through Ponyville, allowing Starlight to become familiar with it. The town was surprisingly larger than she had originally thought. Then Starlight and Rainbow Dash wandered through the town to find the local hayburger. Once they ate the two went their separate ways with the promise to race again soon.

Departing for the day, Starlight sauntered back to the castle where she would stay the night. She had no place to stay and had been hiding in the archives for several weeks in the library. Being able to fly made it easy to stay hidden. And with so few visitors, mostly Twilight and Spike, she had ample time to plot her revenge. True she could have ended it all with a decisive blow while Twilight slept after one of her late night study sessions. But Starlight was no murderer. She wasn't a monster. No. She wanted to make Twilight suffer like she did. That burning desire to see her in agony and helpless.

But she was past that now. Now she had a new goal in mind; bettering herself to really help make a change on the world. She wanted to help ponies and others so no one had to suffer. It was her destiny, and it's what her cutie mark told her she needed to do. It would be hard but in the end it would all be worth it. She'd come out on top and be a better pony than she was before. It was her chance to shine like never before.

Her thoughts were broken when she came closer to the crystal castle. Powering her horn, she covered herself in a blue glow and slowly she levitated off the ground heading towards a large balcony above. The dark blue crystal and stone shimmered in vibrant colors as the sun began its decent. Landing on the balcony she skipped a few steps due to her momentum. She loved the sound of her hooves clanking against the crystal. She always loved those kind of sounds; they reminded her of her younger days with her siblings. Following that thought she became depressed. Memories of the past swelled in her mind while she walked into the castle.

She entered through the balcony to the castle archive. It was massive collection of books, tomes, ledgers, and scrolls that could put Canterlots largest library to shame. She walked along the corridors of tomes and paper lighting a candlelight spell to illuminate the way. She had spent a lot of time here. So much time, wasted.

Now she had a real reason for being here rather than petty revenge. She was going to make her mark on the world. Maybe even rekindle the lost friendship she once had when she was young. As she walked along she kept to her thoughts when a peculiar sight caught her eye. A bright flash of green light appeared out of the corner of her eye deeper in the archive. Her curiosity piqued, Starlight followed the light to another source of light from a series of candles.

The candles were laid in brass candle-holders spread out over several piles of books. At the center was a single table with Twilight reading a scroll and Spike at her side. Starlight smiled at the scene. It was one she had seen many times over while she lived here. There were no evil thoughts this time, only a calm sensation. She watched as Twilight scribbled something down on another piece of parchment and gave it to Spike, who inhaled and breathed a green flame over it, turning it into a wisp of smoke that flew out the window and into the night sky.

"Ahem." She grunted, clearing her throat.

Twilight's head shot upright like a sentinel meerkat on patrol. Spike gasped, falling over comically to which Starlight couldn't help but laugh. Spike gave her the most deadpan stare he could muster before climbing back into his chair. He huffed, crossing his arms while Twilight was still caught like a deer in the headlights. When her eyes fell on the pink unicorn she smiled, abandoning her books and greeting her student.

"Star!" she squealed happily, hugging her, "How was your day with Rainbow Dash?"

"It was taxing," she replied, "how have you been?"

"Busy," Twilight replied, gesturing to her books and scrolls, "I've been doing a little research."

Starlight chuckled at the princess, who walked back to her seat and pulled another chair beside hers. Starlight sat down, eyeing all the tomes and noting that they were journals of Starswirl the Bearded on the, Anatomy of Changelings. Which, in it's own right, was completely bogus. His study on the anatomy of changelings was over dead corpses with no scientific backing. His student, Clover the Clever, however, lived among them for a good majority of her life, where she took extensive notes and studied them as not only as a race but a culture. Starlight scoffed at the tome, turning her nose away in disgust. Twilight looked offended by the gesture.

"What's with you, Starlight?" she asked her student, "Not a fan of Starswirl the Bearded?"

The pink unicorn scoffed at this, "He was a buffoon who got lucky that his fame and stature were so high. His student Clover the Clever was far more... evolved."

This statement seemed to confuse not only the princess, but Spike as well.

"What do you mean by that?" Spike asked, with a shrug of his shoulders.

"His student," Starlight started, lighting her horn and drawing a book from a hidden corner and into the light, "was a great magical unicorn. She also was the first great scientist in Equestria. Her study on the changelings is unsurpassed. She was the true author of the Anatomy of Changelings, not that idiot Starswirl."

Now Twilight was angry. She slammed her hooves on the table ,shaking it and making Spike cringe as Starlight followed suit, knocking a few book piles over.

Twilight responded accusingly, "That's funny coming from you when you used his spell for your revenge scheme!"

"Oh, that's rich!" Starlight replied with a roll of her eyes, "You make that one up yourself? Oh, wait!" she gasped sarcastically, "You probably read it in his journal somewhere while writing your fanfiction on him!"

"How dare you bring that into this!" Twilight exclaimed, pulling a small book close to her chest.

"You actually wrote fanfiction about him?" Starlight asked mockingly.

Twilight blushed, but Spike's next words left them both speechless, "You should hear her when she sleeps. The dreams she has can be intense."

"SPIKE!"

The small drake cringed, running down the book hall saying, "Oh, would you look at the timegottarunbye!"
He ran down, slamming the doors shut just as a book flew across the narrow passage of books and hit it right behind him. Twilight was tomato red in the face and Starlight was now laughing so hard she had tears in her eyes. Twilight growled, throwing a scroll harmlessly at the laughing unicorn, bouncing off her head.

"BWAHAHAHA!"

"HEY! You shouldn't laugh!"

"AAAHAAHHHAHAHAH!"

"Oh, you are so busted!" Twilight lunged at her student and playfully began tickling her sides using her magic to hold the unicorns arms at her sides. Starlight struggled against the fit of giggles as Twilight continued to assault her sides. The tickle-fest continued for a minute before Twilight stopped and looked down mockingly at her student. "So, had enough?"

"Ha, you-wish... huff.... huff..." Starlight struggled between gasped breaths.

"As you wish," she leaned close to the unicorns ear, "My faithful student."

With a devilish grin, the tickling continued. For several minutes the two ponies rolled over one another trying to get a better angle on one another to tickle the other back. Once they were both out of breath, they fell on the floor and settled down with pained gasps. Panting and covered in sweat, they looked out at the stars from where they lay.

"Beautiful aren't they?" Twilight asked, rubbing her chest.

"Yeah. Beautiful," Starlight responded, "Oh! Look! It's Ursa Major and Ursa Minor!"

Twilight suddenly shot upright screaming like filly, "WHERE IS IT!?"

Starlight cocked her head at the mares sudden outburst ,pointing to the sky, “Uh, right over there by the constellation, Leo?"

"Oh, sorry."

Sitting back down, Twilight lay beside Starlight, pressing her body close to hers. She then wrapped a wing around the unicorn pulling her closer. She nuzzled the pink pony's violet mane affectionately and Starlight returned the favor with a light nuzzle to the princess' chest. After calming down, they sat the watching the sky as Twilight had done many times before with her mentor, Princess Celestia.

Her thoughts were in disarray. The mention of Ursa Major brought painful memories back of her greatest failure to her title. Her dealings with a mare she should have tried opening up to long ago, before things escalated. Had she been as tentative as she was with her friends and their families and friends, she might have saved a lot of trouble for this mare. But it was in the past, now she had to make amends with her after not helping her the first time. Taking a note down, she left herself a reminder to write a letter first thing in the morning and tucked it away in her journal for safe keeping. For now she had to be there for Starlight.

Trixie could come later.

Author's Note

And so we're back and buoy do I have a treat for ya'll next time! This will get intense! I promise.

So here we are at the end of the first day of Starlights new life. What is around the corner? And what will happen when she meets others in Ponyville rather than just walking with Rainbow Dash? All to come and more! Hope you all enjoyed!

RRLT!

Mornings Suck in a Crystal Castle even if they're Fabulous!

Next morning, Starlight found herself in one of the spare bedrooms of Twilight's castle. She slept soundly having spent the whole night stargazing with her new mentor. After the night began to wane the two unicorns retreated to bed just at first light. While the castle was beautiful in its own right it did have one major flaw.

As the sun began to rise, the light reflected off the surface of the crystal rooms making it much brighter. It was almost like staring into the sun itself. For Starlight Glimmer, it was an early wakeup call. The beams of light rebounded from surface to surface until they finally struck her face. She groaned, rubbing her eyes. She cursed the sun and the crystal palace she slept in. How could something so beautiful and majestic be so hellish at the same time? Turning over she tried to hide herself from the piercing lights by covering her face with her pillow, but the castle's reflective surface made it warm up quickly, only adding to her discomfort. Throwing the pillow, she used her magic to remove the blankets and flung them to the floor. The comforter forced the bed sheet down and she used them to cushion her hooves when she leapt from it to the floor. Starlight proceeded to walk to the windows where she drew the curtains, effectively shutting out all the light and heat.

With a contented nod she turned around like a well trained solider and marched straight back to her comfy bed. The moment her head laid on the soft pillow, her eyes shut and she embraced the dark void of sleep. So tired was she that she hadn't noticed the sound of the doors opening and a pony waltzing in like it was no pony's business. As quick as the sun was gone, it returned with a vengeance followed by the most irritating singsong voice Starlight ever heard.

"GOOD MORNING!" it said.

"Gauuhhh..." Starlight groaned.

"Oh, come on now sleepy head! The morning's young!" the voice persisted.

Pushing the covers just under her eyes, Starlight was greeted by the muzzle of Rarity. Easily the most posh and pushy pony she knew, Starlight wanted nothing more than to tell her off and go back to sleep. Instead she slipped under the covers, giving the beaming white unicorn an angry glare.

Once under the protection of the covers, Starlight's muffled voice spat out, "Go away. Sleep time is now."

The sound of Rarity scoffing rang in the pink pony'ss ears, "Psh, sleep was hours ago, darling! Morning is now!"

The covers flew off the pink unicorn, exposing her entirely to the morning sun and warmth. Starlight groaned trying to bury her head under the pillow but was stopped when it lifted out of her grasp and off to the side of the bed with the discarded covers.

"Ugh, why do you torture me so, Rarity?" she whined rubbing her eyes.

"Darling please, it is almost seven in the morning. You shouldn't stay in bed all day," Rarity replied rubbing the mare's back. "Now come along, dear. It's a beautiful morning in Ponyville and I'd be delighted to show you around!"

Before Starlight could protest, she was lifted out of the bed, carried out of her bedroom and down the hallways towards the Chamber of Harmony. Setting her down on a chair Rarity trotted around her and sat to Starlight's left side. The pink unicorn had heavy eye lids and dark spots under them. Her eyes were blood shot red and she herself slouched over slightly.

"Now Starlight I know we've had our differences in the past but I think a nice day out together could help us bond," Rarity said pulling the pink mare along. "Now come along dear, I have a whole day of fun planned, starting with a hearty breakfast."

"Oh, wonderful," Starlight groaned as she was dragged along.

***

Once outside the castle, Rarity took Starlight to her home, where they shared a wonderful breakfast inside Carousel Boutique in the dining room. The sun shined through the wide elaborate windows that graced its walls. Even in her sleepy state Starlight was able to still enjoy it to some degree. Though she'd have preferred to stay in bed, it was nice to eat, having skipped dinner the night before. Even if her mood was anything but good. While they ate, Rarity went on about her new boutique she opened up in Canterlot and what a troublesome time it was for her. She seemed to in good spirits, and Starlight tried her best to keep up with the conversation but found it difficult in her dreary state.

"-and that's why I let Sassy Saddles run the boutique while I manage it from afar here in Ponyville."

"That's great Rarity, *Yawn* how has it been running things from here?"

"Why it is the best, darling!" Rarity said excitedly, "I'll be going up there in a few days with a friend I made in Manehatten so I can show her around."

Starlight rubbed her eyes while sipping a glass of water. She tapped the glass on the edge of the table making it clank slightly while they talked.

"I think you'll like my friend. She's such a sweet thing, unlike her former boss," Rarity said with a sneer.

That last comment piqued Starlight's interest. Somepony who could really get under Rarity's skin like this was worth keeping in mind should she ever meet said pony. Placing the glass down she flicked her tail once and asked, "Who is this pony you speak of, the one your friend worked for?"

"Oh, she is a pony named Suri Polomare," Rarity scoffed, "Last I heard she wasn't doing too well. Serves her right. But let's talk about something else. How are you adjusting to Ponyville, darling?"

"I've been adjusting well, *Yawn* I really like it here. There's just a few individuals I wonder about." she said, remembering her encounter with Anvil and Pokey Pierce.

Rarity had heard of the encounter from Carrot Top who watched the whole thing from her carrot stand. She had told Rarity about how Starlight helped Pokey when he was being ganged up on by Anvil and some her friends. The white unicorn smiled at the thought of Starlight helping others for good now.

"Thank you by the way," she said, finishing her haybacon strips.

"For what?"

"Thank you for helping Pokey," Rarity elaborated. "He's such a good friend to me, and I hate to see him bullied by that mare."

"Anvil, you mean?" Rarity nodded in response. "What's her deal with Pokey?"

"He's related to a pony who had some... trouble with our town about a year ago," Rarity said sadly, sipping her water, "I swear we attract the worst of the unicorn race it seems," She paused, noticing Starlight cringe at her last comment and quickly added, "But most of them have turned out for the better! I'm sorry darling, I really didn't mean it the way it sounded."

The other unicorn frowned at her, "What do you mean, 'most'? What are you saying that I am not reformed enough?! IS THAT WHAT YOU'RE SAYING?! THAT UNICORNS ARE INHERENTLY EVIL?!"

Rarity dropped her cup, scooting back in her chair away from the angry unicorn across the table. Starlight's eyes were blood shot and dilated and she herself stood on the the table balancing on her front hooves, leaning into Rarity's face to where their noses touched. Starlight breathed heavily, glaring down on the cowering white unicorn. Realizing what she was doing, Starlight got off the table and looked down in shame.

“I'm sorry Rarity. I'm tired. I hate sleeping in that horrible castle since the light reflects off every surface, I was up till almost five this morning with Twilight, and I am really tired. I think I'll head home for the day and, maybe we can hangout some other time?"

Rarity nodded, "Darling, if you were tired you could have said so. I don't mind waiting."

I did try telling you, Starlight thought bitterly. Straightening herself up ,she walked out of the kitchen without another word, dragging her hooves as she did. Rarity saw her to the door. With a silent goodbye Starlight was gone and Rarity stood by her doorway thinking thoughtfully. She thought of her friend who was coming to visit her and wondered if she had been too pushy for Starlight this morning. That and she felt guilty for waking her up so early. Entering her home she closed the door gently behind her and walked over to her inspiration room. She looked around at the 'organized chaos' she had, trying to come up with an idea on how to make up with Starlight.

She looked around at the various fabrics and sketch books she had littering the area. One by one she took them and would place them in a seemingly disorganized manner, trying to find some sort of inspiration. She then came across her old sketchbook from when she went to Manehatten. It was an old dusty book now, having been lying here for several months. She opened the book and looked over her old designs for the contest she partook in. She then thought of her friend, Coco, who was coming to visit her later in the day and how wonderful the young mare had been to her despite her previous bosses attitude towards her and her unsavory underhooved tactics to win the competition.

“But karma has a way to even things out,” she thought. Coco was doing well for herself and after the successful show they put on, the cream earth pony was now a hot idol in fashion circles of Manehatten. Then she had an idea.

Sighing, Rarity put the book down and looked out her window with a clear view of the Castle in the distance. The sun reflected off its surfaces right into her eyes ,forcing her to retract the curtains. "Goodness, Starlight was right! The castle, while marvelous looking can be quite annoying to look at when the sun reflects off it. Guess I'll have to... keep the ... curtains.... IDEA!"

Instantly Rarity's horn lit up, bringing forth several items of cloth and fabrics alike in a swirling vortex of colors. One by one she discarded several until she found the right ones for the job. Grabbing the diamond encrusted ribbon she left her inspiration room quickly and began to work.

***

Meanwhile Starlight was dragging her hooves along through Ponyville, heading back to Twilight's Castle. The normally half hour long journey extended almost three-fold due to her slow sluggish pace. Ponies paid little heed to her and many actively avoided her. Had she been awake and aware, Starlight would have heard the nasty comments being made behind her back. Some said she was another Trixie coming to take over Ponyville by tricking the new princess. Others said she was a cutie mark stealer while other, more open minded ponies defended her after seeing her with Rainbow Dash and the race they had the day before. Others spoke of how she helped Pokey Pierce, which soured the moods of others. All in all, it was an uneventful journey back to the castle and when Starlight got to the gate she was greeted by an unfamiliar pony guard.

It was a orange unicorn mare. Tall, bulky, and bearing an eye patch over her left eye. Her armor was violet and red with a stylized armor saddle and shoes to match. At her side was a crossbow and in her right hoof was an elaborate looking spear. Her mane was brown and her eyes were deep violet. Walking up to the castle, Starlight was about to enter the main gate when the mare held up her spear, blocking Starlight's path.

"Halt! None may enter the castle at this time, by order of the Princess!" The mare ordered in a gruff voice.

"Are you kidding me? I live here!" Starlight protested to the mare. She tried pushing past but the guardmare held her back, "Come on please. I'm tired and I was woken up by a friend after only a short rest. I need to get back inside," Starlight pleaded.

But the guardmare was persistent, "Sorry ma'am. I have orders to keep everypony out. Even you."

"But why me?"

Before the answer was given, a softer voice cut off the guardsmare, "That's enough, Captain Clappy," Twilight's voice called from above.

The purple alicorn flew down from above landing next to the brown mare who was blushing at the princess.

“That's not my name, Your Highness. It's Thunderclap."

Twilight gave a light chuckle, seeing the embarrassed look on the captain's face, "But you're the captain of my personal guard now, Clappy," she then walked over to hug Starlight, who tried to hug back but more or less flopped onto her. Taking a step back to study her student, she realized the tired look in her eyes, "Wow, Rarity was right, you look awful, Star."

"Gee, thanks," the unicorn scoffed. "Can I go to bed now, please?"

"Show some respect to the Princess!" Thunderclap yelled at the unicorn.

Starlight became tense, anger swelled in her face as her horn began to glow. Thunderclap held her spear at the ready, but Twilight jumped between them her wings flared out.

"That's enough! Both of you! Thunderclap," Twilight approached the guardsmare, "I know this is your first assignmen,t but you need to relax. This is Ponyville, not the Badlands. Not everypony here is out to get you. I dare say you will not fight anything or deal with anything dangerous except for what dwells in the Everfree Forest."

The brown mare looked away from her princess lowering her spear, not daring to argue with her on the matter. As far as Thunderclap was concerned, Twilight's words closed the matter. Turning to face her student, Twilight placed her wing around Starlight's shoulder asking, "What's wrong, Star? You wee doing so well thus far. Why'd you have to pick a fight with Clappy?"

"Thunderclap." the brown mare muttered to herself.

"I'm sorry Twilight. I just wanted to get back to bed, honestly. I'm tired, I was awakened after not ten minutes of sleeping from last night and I've been up all morning. I had fun with Rarity, but I really, really, want to go to bed now. So can I?" The pink unicorn asked hastily.

"Sure thing, Star. Come along. Oh, and Clappy?"

*Sigh* Yes, Your Highness?"

"Please don't harass my student anymore. Unless I say otherwise, she, my friends, and Spike are always welcome in the castle. Understood?"

"Perfectly, Your Highness," the guard said with a bow.

"Good. Please keep up the good work. Also, how is the new outpost in the Everfree coming along?"

Thunderclap's ears perked up at the mention of something work related, "It's almost finished now, Your Highness. It should be done by tomorrow!"

"Excellent! Inform me when it's finished, Clappy!" Twilight said, clapping her hooves together, "Now then, come along, Star."

Entering the castle, Starlight followed closely behind Twilight who had a noticeable skip in her step as they made their way to Starlight's room. As they turned down the hall where her room was, Twilight stopped at the door just before Starlight could open it.

Holding up her hoof to stop her, Twilight looked at the door as if listening before saying, "I was told what happened by Rarity so she made a few adjustments to your room with my approval. Hope you like it, Star," she said, hugging her friend, "Anyways I've got a lot to do, so feel free to sleep in the rest of the day, and tomorrow I'll be going over what you know about magic and seeing what I can teach you. OK?"

"Sure thing ,Twilight."

"Excellent. In that case, sleep well, Star."

"Good night, Twilight."

Entering her room Starlight was not expecting to see what she saw. The floor, once bare crystal, was now covered in a lovely rug bearing Starlight's cutie mark. Similar tapestries hung from the walls and a few bookshelves and a table with an elaborate Armour was set to the side with a large wardrobe. Starlight was amazed at how the room looked and changed so quickly. Looking around, she saw a small note on the table. Walking over and taking hold of it with her magical aura she saw it was a note to her from Rarity.

Dear Starlight,

Darling, I'm sorry for waking you up just as you went to sleep. When I came to Twilight to explain what happened, she told me that you and her were up all night doing stellar cartography and were just going to bed when I came in. I'm deeply sorry for my intrusion and hope that the next time we meet you'll be better rested.

That being said I won't be around for a while because my friend, who I spoke to you about, Coco Pommel, wanted to see my shop in Canterlot and I want her to meet my assistant, Sassy Saddles. Perhaps next time you can join us? If you're feeling up to it let me know next time we meet. Until then, I hope you love your newly furnished abode and hope it suits you well!
Your friend forever,

Rarity Belle

Starlight smiled at the note and gently folded it into a small heart shaped fold. Placing it on her new nightstand beside her bed she slid under the lavish covers and used her telekinesis to draw in the curtains and shut out the light, bringing darkness upon her. From there she closed her eyes and laid on her soft pillows ready to sleep, but not before she whispered, "Thanks Rarity. I love it."

Moments later she was fast asleep and dreamed sweet dreams, undisturbed for the rest of the day.

Friendship gained: :heart: :heart: Infamy Gained: X

Day Dreams in Dream Land

Sleep.

It's amazing what a good night or days rest can do for the body and mind. Starlight never once thought about it, until now that is. Resting her head on the pillow she rolled over on the bed. Doing so she managed to roll her head off the pillow and rested against the bed itself. The bed itself was very stiff and hard but Starlight was too tired to care how she felt at the time.

Deep in her mind Starlight dreamed one of the sweetest dreams she had in a long time.

She dreamed of flowery fields of green and white. She was a young filly running around chasing after butterflies of all shapes and sizes. Some were tiny like the size of her little nose. Others were as big as her and flew high out of her reach, but she only cared about the smaller ones she could hold in her hooves.

The filly giggled as she chased a group of butterflies through the field. Her tiny hooves felt warm against the scratchy grass and the smell of roses loomed in the air. She loved roses especially white ones. After ten minutes of chasing them she finally gave up after she took a short tumble down a hill. She laughed as the rolled all the way to the bottom coming to a stop on her back.

She giggled once more spotting a butterfly as big as her head coming closer to her. Her eyes widened like large dish plates with wonder as the large monarch landed on her nose. The fillies eyes went crosseyed and she laid there unmoving afraid she'd scare the monarch away. Suddenly she said, "Hi! I'm starlight! What's your name mister monarch?"

The butterfly responded by flapping its wings twice.

"Oh, that's a lovely name! Do you wanna be friends?" Starlight asked the butterfly.

Again it responded by flapping it's wings twice.

"Awesome! You're the second friend I ever had!" she yelled out excited. "We'll be friends forever!"

The butterfly didn't respond, instead little Starlight got up and adjusted herself to allow the butterfly room to move on the tip of her nose. She giggled at the tickling sensation she felt as the bugs tiny legs scrapped against her snoot. Then she felt a burning sensation in her nose. She was going to sneeze! Panicked she tried very hard not to sneeze, forcing the sensation away by sheer will power alone. Holding her breath helped a little, but in the end she couldn't fight it. With a might 'Achoo!' the monarch was blown away launched from the pink fillies nose and off into the distance. The orange monarch fluttered clumsily away and young Starlight jumped up to her hooves. She ran after the monarch crying out with teary eyes, "Wait don't go! I'm sorry, mister butterfly!"

She ran after him over another hill and lost sight of him as she reach d the peak. She desperately tried to reach him as fear set in that she was going to lose him, her only friend. Over several hills she ran after the butterfly and eventually she ran over a larger hill losing sight of him. With no sign of her orange friend anywhere, little Starlight fell back on her haunches and began to cry. She curled up into a small ball and wrapped her tail around herself petting it gently while she sobbed wiping her tears away with it.

Just when she felt like burying herself in the ground and laying there to rot something landed on her head. It was soft and so subtle that she thought she imagined it. She wiped the tears away and touched her head with her hoof and found a small floral wreath on her. She pulled it down slipping it over her head and laid it around her neck. Then the butterfly landed on the tip of her horn flapping its wings.

She smiled and nodded silently.

"Thank you. It's lovely. I'm sorry I cried. I was afraid I lost you friend." she admitted to the butterfly who responded with a series of flutters from its wings. Starlight then replied, "I know it's silly but I once had a friend until he got his cutie mark. He then went to Canterlot to study and, I never saw him again."

Again the butterfly fluttered its wings.

"I know it's silly but I had a real fear all this time. I wish I had met Princess Twilight sooner." she sighed. "Maybe then I would have not turned out to be such a monster."

The monarch flapped its wings crawling over her horn tip and to the underside of it facing her. It flapped its wings several times and Starlight listened intently. Once the butterfly stopped she nodded saying, "You're right friend. I... I have been foolish. But I have friends now and I won't make the same mistakes I did in the past and that's because I have lots of friends now. I'm not alone anymore."

Taking a moment to stand up and shake herself off, she walked over the hill with her new friend on her horn, and slowly began to hum to herself. Her horns magical glow illuminated around her as she watched the sun quickly descended in an unrealistic manner giving way to the night. The moon quickly rose high above her and her butterfly friend and off in the distance a small tree came into view along with a sweet sound of music.

She skipped along towards the tree when she suddenly felt very tired. She heard her butterfly friend flutter its wings and stopped under the tree. From around the other side of the tree Starlight saw several fluffy sheep skip around her before piling into a small group under the tree. The sheep looked at the filly with inviting eyes. Starlight wasn't sure why or how, but she could tell they wanted her to sleep on them. The butterfly flew off her horn and floated over the sheep pile. Slowly Starlight climbed over them and once she was on top she nestled herself in the soft and warm wool. It was very comfy to her tiny body.

Slowly she began to doze off. Her eyes felt heavy and her body barely able to move as the soothing melody played around her. She looked up to see her butterfly friend floating above her. Blinking once she saw the silhouette of the butterfly change into a large pony. A second blink later and the pony was gone. A voice softly called to her from the ethereal night saying, "Sleep well, my little pony."

Closing her eyes Starlight nuzzled the wool, resting her head on her arms saying, "Goodnight my friend."

From behind the tree a dark silhouette of a tall pony emerged with a kind smile. The pony nodded contently as the filly slept soundly on the sheep under her protective gaze. The mare spread two massive wings and as silent as the wind she leapt to the sky and vanished in a bright white light leaving Starlight to dream sweet dreams here in the realm of dreams.

Author's Note

A dream to dream.

Innocent dreams of children run through the night and let nightmares be forever detained from this realm. For only sweet dreams linger here from the innocent hearts of children of the night.

So there we have it folks what Star dreams of in her dreams. Next chapter will be more intense, for realsies! Until next time peeps!

Read rate love and tolerate!

PS. Sorry I didn't send this one to you Dualkitsune. :raritywink: This one was so short I felt it didn't need to be edited. That and I figured you could use a break from the editing. Let's here it for Dual for helping to edit and proofread the story folks!

A Morning Giude

The next day Starlight awoke feeling well rested and better than she had in ages. She stretched her arms up and bent backwards cracking her stiff back and arms in the process. Once her stretches were done she leapt off the bed and stretched once more like a limber cat and shook herself. She walked over to her curtains and with her telekinesis opened up the drapes and let the morning sun in.

She basked in the warm glow and with a smile on her face she turned and trotted over to her doors ready to start her day. Swinging the doors open with a bright smile she was met by a loud THUNK, with a few choice colorful metaphors to follow. Peering around the door Starlight saw somepony she hadn't expected to see so soon. On the floor was a distraught Thunderclap, who struggled to remove her now stuck helmet from her head.

Feeling bad Starlight came around the door and gripped the helmet on the ponies head pulling at it as hard as she could. It took several tries and Thunderclap had her back legs pressed against her helmets neck guard trying to get it off. From beneath Starlight could hear all the mares profanities and promises of destruction to the offender of her humiliation. Finally after several minutes the helmet popped off the mare's head and she gasped feeling fresh air for the first time in what seemed to her like hours.

"FREEDOM IS MINE!" she exclaimed flinging her arms in the air. "Thank you miss... oh it's you." the brown unicorn said, her mood souring instantly as her eye fell on the pink unicorn before her.

Starlight frowned offering the piece of armor back. Thunderclap snatched it back and placed it back on her head with a grunt. While she did Starlight noticed something peculiar about the brown mare. Her eye patch was missing and what was left was a perfectly intact eye. Nothing was wrong with it. On the floor the eye patch lay beside her hoof and Starlight didn't want to make a scene so she lifted the patch with her magic and offered it back to the mare.

"I think you dropped this too." she said wiggling the eye patch.

With a slight grumble Thunderclap took the eye patch and replaced it over her left eye. Starlight sighed wanting to ask the obvious question but didn't want to upset the mare more than she already did. Which made the next thing that happened all the more surprising.

"I'm blind in my left eye."

"Huh, what?" Starlight, asked.

"You were wondering about my eye, right?" Starlight nodded. "Thought so. It was a magical accident that left me blind i one eye. I was trying out advanced spells to temporarily blind opponents. Instead I cast it wrong and ended up blinding myself. Thankfully I only lost my sight in one eye."

"Oh, sorry."

"Don't bother. You should just consider yourself lucky you're the Princesses student." the mare said shoving past the unicorn.

That had pushed Starlight too far. Concentrating on her magic, Starlight cast a simple teleportation spell and reappeared in front of the brown pony guard with a angry glare.

"OK, what is your problem? Seriously? What did I ever do to you?" she asked in a furious tone.

"Oh, you are soooo lucky the Princess likes you or I-"

"Or you would what?! Beat me up? I am more than capable of handling you! I beat Twilight!"

"But Twilight wasn't trying to hurt you either." Thunderclap threatened. The mare loomed over the pink unicorn who suddenly felt very small. It was as if she was staring at some apex predator and her mind knew it and reacted involuntarily to it. The mare seemed to catch that she was nervous and took it as a chance to strike the death blow while the iron was hot. "I have no such reservations for monsters like you." She whispered into Starlight's ear making her shiver. "When I learned what you did in your little town and who was there I knew I had to get this post."

That caught Starlight's attention. "You got this post? You mean in Ponyville? You worked to get this post after you heard I was here? That was literally a day ago! How could you have-"

"I have connections in the Royal Courts Starlight Glimmer. Something you would do well to remember." the brown mare threatened, passing by and leaving Starlight to her thoughts.

She began to wonder who this Thunderclap was. Was she somepony she knew? Was she related to somepony from her town? Or was it somepony she had wronged in the past and hurt? She was unsure but something about the mare seemed very familiar to her. So familiar that it angered her to not know who she was. Shaking it off Starlight got her head back to her previous task. Thunderclap could wait. For now she had to find Twilight.

Not wanting to stay isolated for too long the pink mare hurried through the castle corridors looking for anypony she could find. At first it seemed devoid of life until she reached the main Harmony Chamber and found a maid pony there. The maid was a hefty earth pony who was adjusting a picture wearing a Prench maid outfit. She had light orange fur and a short spike white mane with a yellow streak in it and had a cuite mark of a seven feathered fan with a wooden handle. Starlight was entranced by the sight of the mare. Her black and white lace outfit fit perfectly over her large curved frame making Starlight blush. After adjusting the picture the mare backed up bumping into a shelf nearby and knocking a few books over. She seemed to scold her clumsiness bending over to pick the books up.

Starlight caught herself staring up the mares skirt shaking her head and scolding herself for being rude. She quickly went up beside the mare making sure to announce herself as to not scare her.

"Hello there miss. Can you help me please?" Starlight asked.

The maid pony turned giving her a kind smile. "Oui madame. Que puis-je faire pour vous?"

Starlight tilted her head not understanding what the mare was asking of her. "Uh, sorry could you repeat that once more please?"

The mare cocked her head in response. "Que voulez-vous dire, 'repeat' ? Étais-je pas clair?"

"Uhhh..."

"I'm sorry madame." The mare apologized bowing to her. "I realized not what I was saying to you. I asked what can I help you with?"

"Oh think nothing of it. I'm sorry, I don't speak Prench? That's the language you were speaking in right?"

The maid bowed again smiling. "Oui madame. Please tell me how I am assisting you."

Starlight giggled to herself pressing her hoof against her mouth at how cute the mare was acting. Such formality and modesty. She liked it. It reminded her of Fluttershy, minus the shy part. She thought about the maids outfit then realized she didn't know her name.

"What is your name miss?" Starlight asked in a sweet tone. "I'm Starlight Glimmer."

"Oh, I am aware of you madame. I am Guiding Wind madame." the maid said with a smile.

Starlight looked over the mare with curiosity. "That's quite different for an earth pony to be named. Sounds like a pegasus name."

The mares kind look turned sour instantly to what Starlight had said, making her wince from the sudden change. "Uh, I meant no offense! Really it... I was just curious you don't have to tell me if you don't want too."

Guiding Wind shook her head slightly still frowning at the mare giving her a disappointed look. "Oh, madame I am not angry at you. Indeed I have a pegasus name both my parents were pegasi."

"Oh, well. I'm sorry to pry it's none of my business." Starlight said sympathetically.

"It's fine madame."she sighed. "It was my grandfathers name. I was to named after he and his father before him."

"Aww, that's so sweet."

"Oui. Now how can I help you?"

"Oh! Right. I was looking for Twilight Sparkle. Have you seen her?" Starlight asked.

"Oui. She is in the library."

Starlight rolled her eyes. "Of course she is. Where else would she be?" she asked sarcastically.

Guiding Wind gave a light chuckle leading Starlight to the library. Along the way the two talked about various things. Likes dislikes and what not. Starlight was surprised to find out that Guiding Wind was actually aspiring to become and actress. She was also skilled at singing and painting as well.

It also turned out the earth pony maid was a big Wonderbolt fan. She was interested in the team of fliers and was also a friend to Rainbow Dash. Turns out Rainbow would race Guiding Wind from time to time just to get a kick out of it and nearly gushed every time she spoke about Rainbow Dash.

"So, I take it you like Rainbow?" Starlight asked the maid.

"Oh! Oui madame! She is sooo amazing! She's the most agile and fit flier I have ever seen!" the mare twirled on her hind legs spinning in place and falling back on her hooves delicately. "She's a dream."

"Wow, you're amazingly agile Guiding Wind." Starlight commented.

"Je vous remercie. Thank you madame." the mare said bowing again.

"Please don't bow. It makes me feel... odd. I hate subjugation." Starlight said, lifting the mares chin up.

"Oh, madame. I choose to bow as a sign of respect. Not submission." Guiding Wind replied sagely.

"But, to bow is showing a submission. It's demeaning for a mare especially one a lovely as you." the unicorn said.

The earth pony replied with a hearty laugh. "Oh madame! Hee, you don't understand. I wish only to show my respect to you by bowing. It's polite." she finished bringing her laughing under control. "I mean not to make you uncomfortable madame."

Starlight sighed rubbing the ridge of her nose. Then she looked at Guiding Wind in the eyes with a soft expression. Her nose only inches away from the maid ponies. "Can you please not bow to me at least? It makes me uncomfortable."

Guiding Wind seemed taken aback by the closeness of the mare, but smiled in return. "Oui madame. If you so wish."

"Thank you." Starlight said hugging Guiding Wind. "I'm sorry."

"No madame," the earth pony mare hugged back, rubbing the unicorns back. "It was my fault. But that's, OK. It is, how do you say, 'in the past?'"

"Yeah." Starlight said her cheeks warmed up as the mare rubbed her back. "All in the past."

After the brief stop the two mares continued down the corridors until they reached the library doors. Once there Guiding Wind approached the doors opening them. She stood to the side and allowed Starlight to enter. Stopping at the threshold Starlight faced Guiding Wind.

"Thanks for the talk. I'm glad to have met you Guiding Wind."

"Oui madame. I too am blessed to have met you. Until next time." he mare bowed again out of habit and closed the doors behind her.

Starlight shook her head as the doors creaked. Just before they completely closed she caught sight of Guiding Wind giving a sly look and winked at her through the doors just before the shut. Starlight blushed slightly and quickly trotted down the isles looking for Twilight. It didn't take long before she fond the princess with her muzzle buried in a thick tome.

Starlight's lips curled mischievously as she laid low nearly crawling on the floor and approached the purple princess. Slowly and silently she crept closer and closer and closer, until she was just inches behind Twilight. She stood up ready to pounce on the purple pony when she suddenly felt something smack her across her flank. With a yelp and mighty leap, Starlight jumped in fright. She then heard Twilight laughing as a rolled up newspaper floated on the floor beside her.

Rubbing her sore spot Starlight grumbled and walked over sitting across from twilight with a sour look. Not taking her nose from her book Twilight said, "How was your nap, Star?"

"I slept like a newborn foal Twilight." she said happily.

The alicorn sighed visibly relaxing a bit. "That's good. So, are you ready to begin with today's lessons?"

Starlight nodded with a wide grin. "Ready as I'll ever be ."

"Then lets begin with a demestration."

Friendship Gained: :heart: :heart: :heart: Infamy: X

Author's Note

Hello everyone!

So today's chapter is a bit different. I was planning on making it really short but thought it might feel a bit cheap if I did so. Anyways here it is the next chapter. enjoy!

Colliding Fates

Starlight was focused.

Oh so focused.

Her magic enveloped her horn as she levitated herself off the ground, lifting herself ten feet in the air. Once in place, she overlapped a second layer of magic and lifted several books from a pile nearby. Twilight sat in a chair nearby, watching her student's demonstration of her magical talents to gauge for herself just where she stood in her magical studies. So far she had been thoroughly impressed.

Starlight had shown herself to be at a level on par with Twilight but was far more flexible with its use. She did things that Twilight never even thought of. She was amazed to find out Starlight's flight spell was just a much more advanced version of a basic levitation spell. It was a bit more complicated than simply lifting herself in the air but Twilight would look into it some other time. For now, she needed to assess Starlight's full potential.

"OK, Star. Show me what you've got."

Feeling her new mentor's encouragement, Starlight quickly began spinning the books around herself. Around and around they spun, faster and faster to the point to where they all became a blur. Following was a blinding flash that engulfed the room forcing the alicorn to avert her gaze or be blinded by the light. Once it cleared Starlight landed on the ground, nearly toppling over from magical exhaustion but Twilight caught her, using her body to support her student's.

"Thanks." Starlight said, panting heavily.

"Don't worry about it, Star," she said, leading the mare to her seat next to the table. "So, what exactly did you do?" Twilight asked her student, whiles she levitated the single book left from where her student had cast her spell. She inspected the new book, it was red leather, its pages all brand new looking. It wasn't very heavy and looked to be only two-hundred pages long. Flipping through, Twilight found the pages to be more numerous than what physically fit into the leather cover. After what had to be over six hundred pages she closed the book and stared wide eyed at her exhausted student, who was busy wiping sweat from her coat.

"Uh, Starlight?"

"Hmm?"

"What did you do?"Twilight asked, her eye twitching a bit, “Where are all of my books?"

The pink unicorn perked up, saying, "Oh, it's simple. I used a mending spell for fixing broken materials, specifically fabrics, and combined the books together with an advanced condensing spell and the 'Everlasting All Enchantment' for making lots of books into one! Pretty cool, huh?"

The mare's enthusiasm didn't last long. For when her eyes met her newly appointed mentor she reeled back at the sight of Twilight's angry face. She felt a bit uneasy from the alicorns intense glare. Her twitching eye made her feel even worse as the burning anger seemed to burn in the mares eyes. That was until twilight literally burst into flames hovering over Starlight who scooted back against the chair fearing for her life. the next words that came from twilight seemed to be the very embodiment of damnation itself.

"Where are my books?"

"They-they're gone?" the unincorn saw her mentors anger build up and quickly added, "B-but it's all in one book now! So think of all the time you'll save from having not to reorganize-"

"I like reorganizing the library, Starlight Glimmer."

"Uhh... Sooo, how about we talk about something other than books then?"

*Twitch.* Twitch.* That seemed to be the last straw for the Purple princess. "Starlight. Could you please go outside and make a new friend, please? I think we have done enough studying for today."

Starlight nodded quickly, making a beeline for the exit, "Sure I uh, I'llgonowandseeyoulaterbye!"

In an instant the mare was gone, leaving Twilight alone as she held the book in her hooves. She cradled it like it was her child, rocking it back and forth gently in her arms. As Starlight stood just outside she could have sworn she heard singing as she tiptoed down the hall.

Once safely away from the 'Twilight Zone', Starlight hummed to herself feeling a bit bad for ruining Twilight's books, even if she did condense them down to one for her.

"Stupid. Stupid! Why'd I do that? Ugh. I should really make it up to her, but how?" she wondered to herself.

Walking out of the castle, Starlight passed by her least favorite pony of all. Standing at her post, at the entrance of the castle stood the tall armored figure of Thunderclap who grunted as she passed by. Starlight stuck her tongue out at her as she passed by the mare. She didn't move but the ever so slight twitch of her eye left indicating her irritation but was forced to remain at her post.

Starlight, proud of her accomplishment trotted down the road heading deep into Ponyville. Though petty as it was, she really didn't like the brown unicorn mare. Sure, in time maybe they could be friends, but right now they were bitter rivals. What Thunderclap said still bothered Starlight to no end. What connections did she mean she had? And how did she learn about this post in less than a days time? What was the mare's motivation?

The answers eluded her. It was truly a mystery she wished to close, but life seemed to have other plans for her. Not paying attention to where she was going, she ran straight into another pony who was carrying some flowers, knocking both of them over. Recovering first, Starlight gasped and quickly got up to help the other pony.

"Excuse me miss, are you alright?" Starlight asked the pony, helping her up.

The mare was an earth pony with soft, cream colored fur, a short but well trimmed deep red and pink highlighted mane, and emerald eyes. The mare looked up at Starlight and then down to a pile of roses she'd been carrying. Gasping, she quickly tried to recover the roses but found several were bruised on their petals. The pink unicorn slowly began to feel bad as the mare started to breath heavily looking down at her ruined roses.

"Oh no! The petals! The horror! THE HORROR! RUINED! ALL RUINED MY WHOLE STOCK!" The mare screamed, suddenly falling to the ground, her left leg twitching slightly.

"Uh, sorry?" Starlight asked, not sure of what to do. She then realized several heads were turning to face her, "Uh, do you need help miss?"

"That mare destroyed Rose's roses!"

"How awful!"

"What a fiend-wait. Is that Starlight Glimmer?"

"Guess it's not enough she stole cutie marks, now she's a thug too!" The familiar voice of Anvil cut through the crowd.

Starlight heard the crowd murmur. Some seemed convinced she was up to no good, using Twilight's naivete to her advantage to rise to power again. Other, more reasonable ponies seemed convinced that Rose was simply overreacting like she and the other flower mares were famously known for. In the end though, the majority of the crowd was against her still, and Anvil led the charge.

"I'll bet she did it on purpose! Poor Roseluck works so hard on her roses, along with her friends and they're always ruined!" Anvil yelled over the crowd.

“Seriously what's that mares problem?” Starlight thought to herself angrily, “What did I ever do to her?”'

The yellow mare stepped over the fallen Rose and lifted her up, gently placing her on her back. Turning to face Starlight with an intense glare, she pointed to her and accusingly saying, "You have a lot to answer for, Starlight Glimmer! Princess Twilight will hear about this! Let's get her!"

Following those words came chaos. Absolute chaos. Turning tail to flee, Starlight ran through the streets of Ponyville trying to evade the angry mob of ponies. As she ran, she pushed past other ponies apologizing profusely as she did. Though there weren't that many ponies chasing her, she didn't want to fight them. She could have easily won, even being out numbered twenty to one, but she didn't want to use force unless she had too. Even back when she fled Twilight and her town followers, she could have easily beat them in a fight. Starlight was no fool though. She knew there was a time and place for everything. She with held using magic, hoping to set an example and show Twilight that she was changing for the better. But it would not last.

Rounding a corner, Starlight didn't realize a small group had broken off from the main one chasing her and doubled back to surround her. Pegasi flew overhead and the earth ponies and unicorns stood on the ground. Around another corner she went ,and there she was met with the second group that broke off and now stood in her path. The other closed in behind her, leaving her with nowhere to run. She was surrounded with no hope of escape.

From the crowd, Amber Anvil approached, the group splitting to let her pass, "This is it Starlight Glimmer. You're surrounded. Surrender now and we might go easy on you."

"Oh come on, Amber Anvil! What's your problem?" Starlight asked, earning a heated glare from the yellow mare.

"Oh, so cute!" the mare said sarcastically. "What? Can't get out of this one? You know if you hurt us the Princess will see you as the monster that you really are and never give you another chance," the mare said mockingly to the unicorn, "Surrender. NOW."

Starlight stood defiantly, "No."

Amber's ear flopped once and her eye twitched angrily but turned to a wicked grin right after. "Very well then. Let it not be said I didn't give you a chance. Let's show her what happens to those who mess with our town!" The crowd cheered and closed in on Starlight. "Never again are we going to subjugate ourselves to tyrant unicorns! This is PONYVILLE and we won't let anypony take us over again!"

Starlight looked shocked at what was being said by the earth pony mare. “She is a madmare!” Starlight thought feeling slightly uneasy. She knew from her own experience, fear can make ponies do crazy things. "Guess I have no choice."

Biting her lip, Starlight used her signature spell, condensing down a shield spell, then with all the force she could muster, forced the energy barrier outwards, pushing everypony away. The only one who remained even remotely in place was Amber Anvil. The yellow mare dug her hooves in the ground, only sliding an inch at best, but the distraction was enough for Starlight to slip by without an real use of force.

Running without stopping, Starlight made her way back to the castle. She was met with no force whatsoever, having a great head start on her pursuers. Confident she was in the clear, Starlight made a beeline for the castle, eager to reach the safety of the walls, but as luck would have it ,she ran face first into the side of a large wagon with a red roof on it. Falling to the floor in a daze, she struggled to get up when she then felt a clay pot fall on her head. Blue dust covered her as she felt her body slowly change, becoming smaller and smaller. In her daze she barely realized a tall blue mare had approached from the blindside of the wagon and walked over to her.

"Stupid filly! What have you done?! Do you know how long it took Trixie to harvest all that-"

Slowly, Starlight began to lose consisnceness and darkness took hold of her.

*Hours Later*

Starlight groaned, rubbing her sore head tenderly with her hooves on the spot where she collided with the wagon. Starlight was worried. She could barely move and her body felt heavy. She swore under her breath as she rubbed her horn which had taken the brunt of the force. Slowly, her senses began to come back. First was her vision. She saw a large room of some sort. It was very cluttered, with a bed she laid on, a large bookshelf, and a large chest at the end. To her left where the bookshelf was, was a large desk with several scrolls on it and lots of alchemist items scattered about. Directly to the left of the bed was a large coat stand with a black tattered cloak. Across from her was a single wooden door with a red trim around it.

Then her smell came back. The smell of burned fur assaulted her nostrils. She gagged slightly and covered her nose with the blanket to protect her sensitive nose. Following that was her hearing. From outside she could hear voices talking. One seemed to talk very fast and loudly, proclaiming itself 'great and powerful', the other had a heavy accent and spoke in rhymes.

Listening, she couldn't make out what was being said but it sounded like two mares were talking. Suddenly the door flew open and a large azure blue unicorn mare strolled in with a zebra behind her. Both mares walked over to the bed and looked down at her. Starlight felt very small. Too small. Something was amiss here, but for the life of her she couldn't figure out what.

Then the blue unicorn sat on the bed beside her and asked, "What's your name, little filly?"

"I-I'm Starlight Glimmer ma'am," she replied in a squeaky voice. The unicorn smiled rubbing Starlight's head.

"Trixie is glad you're alright. Trixie thought you were badly hurt and brought you to her friend." The unicorn looked at the zebra mare, her Mohawk mane making her seem enormous to Starlight. "Thanks again, Zecora."

The striped mare replied, "Fear not, dear. Your troubles, I will not turn away. If you are in need, I will help without delay."

The mare named Trixie looked down at Starlight, continuing to rub her mane. The pink unicorn purred like a kitten as the mare rubbed her cheek and scratched her sore head. Trixie and Zecora smiled at her cute response. Then Trixie pick up Starlight and held her in her arms. That's when it clicked in the pink unicorn's mind. She was small! So very small.

"Wha-what happened to me?" She cried out, looking at her tiny hooves and touching her face, "Why am I so small!"

Trixie and Zecora looked worriedly at the small panicked filly. Zecora then looked closer at the pink filly who was slowly starting to hiccup and cry in Trixie's arm. There she saw a speck of blue on her mane and scowled at Trixie, who shied away from her glance.

"Trixie? Care to explain to me, why tears of blue I see?"

"Why Trixie has no idea!" she replied to Zecora quickly. "Nothing at all!"

The zebra gave her the most unamused stare she could muster. Finally, after a minute of silence, Trixie sighed, setting Starlight down on the bed.

"Fine, Zecora. I may have accidentally dropped the poison joke pollen on her when she ran into my wagon."

Author's Note

OK! So now we get Trixie and as an added bonus Zecora! I'm sorry Zecora fans... I'm not good at rhyming so she won't appear too often.

Even though she's quiet possibly one of my most favorite characters she's very difficult to write. That being said kudos to all you that can! I'll actually be joining the Zecora Fan club to read their stories in hopes to get some light on how to write a better Zecora for later possibly!
Another callout to my editor dualkitsune!

Tiny Stars Big Adventures: Mistrust

Author's Note

Hey everyone! Sorry this took so long but my editor is currently going through life stuff so all editions for a while will be my own for some time. Once he gets settled in I promise he'll be back to editing when he can. Until then I'm putting the story on a temporary hiatus.

KK? Hope you guys enjoy the chapter none the less!

Tiny Stars Big Adventures: Mistrust

Starlight was a foal again.

Her mind couldn't wrap around this truth. She inspected her tiny hooves several times while the mare named Trixie got scolded to no end by the zebra named Zecora. On and on their conversation went with how, 'irresponsible Trixie had been,' to which the mare responded with, 'it wasn't her fault'. Eventually the conversation boiled down to Trixie having to take Starlight and find out where she came from. All the while, Starlight wondered about what this thing called poison joke was the mares kept talking about.

After a while, Zecora left, leaving the two unicorns alone in awkward silence.

The blue mare sat at the end of the room staring at Starlight. The mare now turned filly gripped the blankets and held them tightly around herself. Several times the two averted their gazes from the other only to turn back to meet eye to eye again and turn away. Tired of this exchange, Trixie walked over to the bed and sat beside the filly, giving her a smile. The filly smiled weakly back, feeling very small and vulnerable due to her tiny size.

"So, Starlight was it?"

"Mmhmm."

"Where are you from? Where are your parents?"

The little unicorn responded with tears in her eyes and a low choked sob. "My-m-my parents are dead. *Sniff*."

She tried hard not to cry, but, for some reason, she felt the urge to cry. She got over her parents' deaths long ago but now, for whatever reasons, she was finding it difficult to keep her emotions in check. It probably had to do with her being a filly again, she concluded in her mind. Trixie offered her a warm hug, pulling the pink filly close and holding onto her like she was the last pony on the planet.

"Don't cry little one. I don't have parents either," Trixie admitted openly.

"*Sniff* "Did your parents die too?"

"No," the mare sighed, and then pulled a picture out from under her hat and held it close so Starlight could read it, "I was disowned by my parents, or rather my father. My mother was to afraid of him to speak against him."

"That's awful."

"Yeah it is. But don't worry child, you have Trixie now. Do you have a home to return to? Perhaps you live in an orphanage?" Trixie asked trying to be sensitive to the filly.

Star's ears perked up at her comment, "Actually I live in Ponyville Castle."

Trixie raised an eyebrow in shock. "You do?"

"Yeah! I'm the Princess' student! Starlight Glimmer, student of friendship under Twilight Sparkle!" The filly proclaimed proudly, wiping her tears away.

This news seemed to shock Trixie, "You have a very powerful friends filly."

"Actually, I'm a grown mare," the filly claimed.

Trixie thought long and hard about this claim, the gears in her head turned and turned. Then it all clicked. The poison joke pollen she had collected. Somehow this poison joke must have made Starlight into a filly when she ran into her cart. Now the mare was a filly and she could use this to her advantage. Her reputation was still in shambles from her taking over Ponyville. Now she had been given a golden chance to jump start everything by returning Princess Twilight's student to her. It was the perfect plan to get her hooves in the door!

Proud of herself, Trixie jumped off the bed and pulled off the sheets revealing Starlight, who tried covering herself again. The azure unicorn rolled her eyes and lifted the filly up with her magic and placed the tiny pony on her back. Leaving her cape and hat on a coat stand, Trixie marched proudly outside while Starlight whimpered, trying to bury herself in Trixie's mane.

This irritated the older mare, "Stop that nonsense would you?!"

"Sorry! I'm just scared. The ponies here are-"

"Don't worry, for you have the great and powerful Trixie at your side!" the mare boasted with her inflated ego, "Nothing can go wrong-"
"Hey is that Trixie?!" a familiar voice called out.

Starlight immediately recognized the angry gruff voice, "Oh no..."

The azure unicorn looked around seeing a large yellow earth pony with emerald eyes and a puffy mane and tail. Her anvil cutie mark contrasted well to her strong, toned body, which was surprisingly curved from Trixie's point of view. She didn't recognize the mare, but had she noticed the terrified filly on her back she might have reconsidered trying what she did next.

"Greetings Ponyvillian! I am indeed Trixie Lulamoon. Who might you be?" the mare asked as nicely as possible. Starlight quivered on Trixie's back, curling up as small as she possibly could.

"Yeah I know who you are. And you're not welcome here," the voice of Amber Anvil called to her.

Trixie glowered at the mare lighting up her horn saying, "You wanna bet on that? Trixie does as she pleases, you foal!"

"You have no right to be here after everything you've done," Anvil called out to Trixie. She lifted her hoof and waved it mockingly at her. "What will you do? Bet you can't do anything on your own, since you're useless without some cursed amulet to assist you."

"Trixie needs no amulet to take on the likes of you!"

Not missing a beat, Trixie fired a stun spell at Anvil missing her as she side stepped. Now terrified, Starlight was shaking, making it hard for Trixie to concentrate. That's when it happened. In her irritated state Trixie couldn't hit the elusive mare and fueled by her anger she craned her neck staring back at the terrified filly with the most intense glare she could. Then Trixie felt something warm on her back. Before she knew it the terrified Starlight wet herself fully on the mares back and was lifted off quickly. Now visible to the world Starlight was helplessly hanging in the air while Trixie scolded her.

"Why?! WHY IN CELESTIA'S NAME DID YOU DO THAT STARLIGHT?!"

Now completely in tears Starlight covered her face with her hooves and cried feeling ashamed of herself. "I'm so-s-sorry. I didn't mean too."

Now aware of what was going on Amber Anvil looked at the filly floating above Trixie. It was so odd that she had the same look as Starlight Glimmer but she was clearly a foal. Way too young to be the same mare she was looking for. The resemblance was striking though. Then she thought back to what Trixie did with the age spell when she had the Alicorn Amulet and was sure she had done something similar to Starlight.

"How fortuitous."

The mare charged forward tackling Trixie while she was distracted by Starlight's accident. The impact sent all three of them to the floor. Trixie lost concentration and flung the tiny Starlight into the air. Instinctively Starlight used her magic and slowly hovered back to the ground but was exhausted by it. Her body seemed to regress dramatically in every way possible it seemed.

A few feet away, Trixie was half standing and half on the ground with Anvil on her back. The mare caught the unicorn off guard, but Trixie was surprisingly strong as the earth pony found out. The two quickly got up and charged head first into each other. Trixie's horn cut Anvil's forehead and she in return ended up breaking the unicorn's nose from the impact.

Starlight took the opportunity to run away from the fight, having succumbed to her childish fear. She ran down the narrow alley ways and hid among several boxes and crates. She hid under a tiny box that was just her size and curled into a ball covering her face with her tail. Shivering under she heard the sounds of hoof steps running close then stopping. She lifted her box just enough to peek under it and saw Trixie's hooves and tail. She smiled and was about to throw the box off when the unicorns next words caught her off guard.

"Where is that filly? She's my ticket to getting a better life."

"Huh?" stopping mid motion, Starlight let what was said sink in.

The sounds of shuffling boxes and crates echoed in the alley she hid in and all Starlight did was listen while Trixie searched about, missing the tiny box at her hooves.

"Where is the little brat? Trixie needs to find her so she can return her to Twilight and get rewarded for her services."

Hearing this the little filly had a fresh set of tears in her eyes. She thought Trixie was a nice pony, but all she wanted was to use her for her own ends. The shuffling stopped and Anvil's voice echoed down the alley making Starlight jump, but not enough to reveal her hiding spot.

"There she is! Get her!"

"Crud!"

The sounds of an angry mob of hooves and voices rang down the alley and as quickly as they came they were gone. Star used the horn to poke a set of holes in the box so she could use them a eye holes. She then poked a hole for her horn and slowly began tip-toeing back to the castle. Along the way she would occasionally stop as ponies passed by her or took notice of her. Many laughed at her, thinking she was so sneaky. A pair of ponies, Lyra and Bon Bon, watched her 'sneak' past them and giggled at the filly who thought she was cleverly sneaking past while whispering praise to herself.

"Oh Bon Bon, isn't that the cutest thing?" Lyra asked her friend.

"Oh yes. Were we ever that young?"

"Yes, we were."

The two laughed as Starlight's tiny box made a break for another alley where she bumped into a pony and stopped dead in her tracks.

"Sorry!" was all she said, trying to walk around the pony, not paying attention to who it was. The pony she ran into watched her round another corner and followed her until she come to a dead end.

Turning around, Starlight gasped to see the pony she bumped into had followed her and hid in her box, hoping the pony wouldn't notice her. The sound of heavy hooves clanked closer and closer and little Starlight could feel her body shake with fear. She was about to be exposed and nothing she could do would help. Desperately she tried powering her horn ready to blast the pony back with her signature barrier expanding spell. Firing it once the pony was close enough to her, all she only managed to rip the box apart and startled the large pony. Taking advantage of the distraction Starlight ran past the pony only to be grabbed by a large hoof and was lifted to face to face with, "Th-Thunderclap," the filly weakly smiled a the frowning mare.

"Starlight Glimmer?"

"Uh, hi?" the tiny unicorn waved weakly at her.

"What happened to you?" the mare asked in a worried tone. "The Princess has been looking for you. What happened?"

*Sniff* "Why do you care?" the filly asked.

"Hey! Just because I don't like you doesn't mean I want you to get hurt!" Thunderclap growled back at her, making Starlight squeak. "I've been looking for you since the mob showed up at the castle looking for you. Something about Roseluck getting her flowers ruined?"

"But that was an accident! I didn't ruin the roses on purpose!" Starlight yelled loudly hurting Thunderclaps ears. "I was walking and I ran into her. An accident!"

"I know Starlight Glimmer. Rose and her friends, as cute as she is, they're some of the most overly dramatic ponies I've ever known."

"Really? So, you're not mad?"

"Really. I can't stay mad at you when you're this cute." The guardsmare replied smiling to the filly. “Gosh she was cute when she was small,” the mare thought lifting her on her back. "Now come along, we need to get you back to the castle. The Princess will want to see you and your... condition."

Nodding, Starlight sat on the mares back and held onto her neck so she didn't fall off while they traveled back to the castle. For the first time since she awoke Starlight truly felt safe. Even if they had fought earlier, somehow Star knew that she was in good hooves with Thunderclap. Knowing this she rested her head on the mares neck and closed her eyes to rest, falling asleep as she did.

Tiny Stars Big Adventures: Finding

Author's Note

Hey there everyone! Sorry about how odd this chapter is. It'll be going through a few more editions before it is finalized again! So the next time I'll update should be in a bout two weeks! Until then enjoy our tiny Starlight!

Tiny Stars Big Adventures: Finding

Some time later Starlight awoke in her bedroom.

She was still small and wondered if she would be this way until she grew up again. She inspected her tiny hooves rubbing them together as she pondered. Then a small rumbling came from her tiny tummy signaling she was hungry. After her hungry signal went off she threw off the covers feeling very well rested. Stretching like a cat she kicked out her back legs and leaped down off the bed. Unfortunately she misjudged the distance and fell to the ground landing face first with the crystal floor.

A massive red spot remained where her now bloody nose made contact from her tumble. She tried hard to hold back her tears and felt her now broken nose in her hooves. Unable to hold back she started to cry lightly from her aching nose.

"St-st-stupid *sniff* *sniff* poison j-joke *sniff* I hate this." she sobbed.

"Hein? Quel est ce bruit?" a voice called out.

Starlight looked around but her tear filled eyes could barely make out the figure of a pony at the door to her room. But she didn't need to see to know who the voice belonged to. Like an angel of mercy the mare trotted over to the fallen filly and scooped her up into her arms with a gasp.

"Oh! Vous êtes madame si mignon! Oh madame you are hurt!" Guiding Wind gasped holding the tiny filly and inspecting her nose. "Tsk, tsk, we must see your wound at once!"

"Guiding Wind. Thanks" the little unicorn said to the mare resting on her back.

"Oui madame. You're lucky to have been brought by Thunderclap. She was worried about you." the orange maid pony claimed taking her to the bathroom.

Starlight remained skeptical. Even though she remembered being brought back by Thunderclap there was no way the mare was on good terms with her. It was probably because she was a foal that the anal guardsmare showed any kindness to her in the first place. She was sure once she got older again the mare would be all over her.

Until then she'd wait.

Starlight sighed as she was lifted off the mares back and set on the counter where she was eye level with Guiding Wind. The orange mare rummaged through the cabinet finding the first aid kit and pulled it out. The tiny unicorn watched unmoving as the mare went to work pulling a nose splint out. It was like one would use for their arm or leg but meant for the nose instead. Taking great care Guiding Wind placed her larger hooves over the filly's muzzle. Starlight cringed at the touch afraid it would hurt more, but after receiving a reassuring smile from the orange mare she allowed her to continue.

"Madame this will hurt a lot." she warned the filly who looked ready to bolt at a moments notice. "Are you ready?"

"No."

"That's alright little one. By the way..." she paused with a grin.

"Wha-" *snap!* "GAHH! WHYICH YOU JOO DAT?!" the filly screamed as her nose was snapped back in place. "JAT UURT!"

Guiding Wind chuckled rubbing the tiny mane. "It's alright madame. You're fine now see?" she said turning her to face the mirror.

"Yeah." Starlight cringed rubbing her sore nose.

She then got her hoof swatted by the older mare who scolded her. "Don't touch it madame! You'll injure it again!" Guiding Wind Scolded her as she finished splinting her nose. "There. All better."

"Thanks." Starlight said nasally. "Can I see Twilight now?"

"Oui! Come along madame!"

Taking the filly on her back the maid pony walked briskly down the castle corridors until she managed to find her way to the Chamber of Harmony. Pushing the doors aside Guiding Wind entered the chamber to find Twilight, Applejack and Pinkie Pie there. Their cutie marks blinking and hovering over the Cutie Map.

"See?! See?! I told you Applejack! We're being summoned to Ponyville!" The party pony screamed happily.

"Ah see Pinkie but why is it summoning us here of all places? We live here. Why not all of us?" the farm pony asked.

"Well, Rarity is in Manehatten, and Rainbow got called away to the Academy for training and Flutters is gone for the day, plus it helps advance the plot!" the hyperactive pink pony yelled to nopony in particular.

Applejack looked back at her hyperactive friend skeptically. "Uh sure thing Pinks, I'm sure that's it."

"Madames?"

The three ponies turned to see Guiding Wind at the doorway looking rather confused. Applejack approached the mare taking off her hat. "Howdy Guiding Wind! Doing well today?"

"Oui, I am well madame. But I was looking for the princess." the mare replied back.

"Ah, well young madame Starlight is not well your majesty." Guiding Wind said making everypony wonder what she meant. At that moment they both caught a glimpse of a small purple strand of hair long the maids back.

They circled around her to see what the small strand was and were surprised to see a tiny Starlight on her back. The little filly shied away trying to hide but was grabbed by a pair of pink hooves.

"AWWW STARLIGHT YOU'RE SO CUUUTTE!"

Twilight took note of the filly on the mares back and gasped. "Starlight!? What happened to you! Thunderclap said you were tired and let you in your room."

"Gah! Get her off me!" the filly squealed trying yo escape the happy pink menace.

Applejack and Guiding Wind laughed at Starlight's expense. The pink filly growled at them trying to shove the pink face away from her own but found herself overwhelmed by the Element of Laughters grownup strength. Taking the filly from her grasp Applejack frowned at her friend saying, "Pinkie. She don't want the attention." She then put Starlight on the ground. The filly circled around the orange mares leg then stuck her tongue out at Pinkie Pie. "See?"

Pinkie gave them a sad face. "Aww sorry little Starlight."

Starlight looked away with an annoyed look. "It's fine."

"Well now that we got that all squared away what happened to ya? You're smaller than Applebloom!" Applejack said.

Twilight who stood by in stunned silence suddenly ran forward taking the filly in her arms. Like a overly protective mother she held her student in her arms crying. "Star, what happened? Why are you so small?"

"I was turned into a filly by a mare named Trixie who-"

"TRIXIE?!"
"THE HECK TRIXIE?!"
"THAT MEANIE?!"

Starlight and Guiding Wind looked concerned at the three mares. "Uhhhh...."

"Madames please! Let the little mistress speak!" the maid pony tried to say.

Quickly Starlight was lifted and placed on the maid ponies back. "I want you to take Starlight to the Spa and give her a bubble bath special it'll turn her back to normal." Twilight instructed the mare then turning away and calling out loud, "Captain Thunderclap!"

In an instant the guradmare appeared in a flash of magical light from a teleportation spell. "Yes your majesty?"

"I have a task for you-"

"Wait Twilight! I don't need a bath! I need to tell you something!" Starlight said shaking her mentors leg.

"Not now Starlight." Twilight said like a mother to her child. "This is grownup talk." Starlight complained that she wasn't a child but Twilight ignored her. "Captain Thunderclap I want you to find and detain Trixie Lulamoon-"

"No Twilight. After everything she's done she should be put on trial!" Applejack said sternly.

"What?!" Starlight screamed.

Ignoring her student Twilight continued. "AJ, please Trixie is not at fault for that and you know it!" She turned to face the Captain of her Guard. "Thunderclap, Trixie is not to be harmed. I want her brought in for questioning and I need you to make sure you're not seen."

"Will you listen to me!?" Starlight said over the yelling voices.

"Starlight not now!" Twilight scolded her. "Guiding Wind Please take her to her room and keep an eye on her." Twilight pleaded to the maid pony.

"Oui." the mares nearly snapped at the princess.

Before anything else could be said Thunderclap was out the doors on the hunt. Starlight stomped the ground angrily glowering at her friends. Sensing her anger Guiding Wind lifted her up and took Starlight to her room. After settling down Starlight pouted in her bed while they waited for Thunderclap to return with Trixie. While they waited Guiding Wind decided to keep Starlight company with casual conversation.

"So young miss I guess you've had a bad day?" she asked.

"It could have been worse I guess." she lied.

In truth this was one of the worst days she had. Not only was she being treated like a child but her mentor refused to listen to her because she was a small filly. Though her mind remained intact as an adult her age was only physical in nature. mentally she was still a mare. Seeing the filly in such distress put the earth pony maid on edge. She hated seeing young ponies suffer because of adults. She scooted close to Starlight on the bed and nuzzled her.

"Care to talk to me madame?" the mare asked patting her on the head gently.

"Sure." Starlight replied with a smile.

For the next ten minutes Starlight told her tale of her misadventure in Ponyville leading to her meeting with Trixie.She was upset being chased by Amber Anvil and her angry mob, but she was mostly upset by Trixie's plan to use her and get a reward out of it with Twilight. She would use it later if she needed too against the mare if she needed to.

After she explained everything Guiding Wind looked very upset at what she was told. Shaking her head she stood up and rufled her silk skirt making it flutter and revealing her undergarments. Starlight quickly averted her gaze as the older mare began to rant to herself.

"So disappointing. Je suis venu à Ponyville attend chacun d'être aimante et tolérable . Mais il semble que certains sont encore ... moyenne!" she yelled, stomping the crystal floor with an exhausted look. Panting she took a moment to recompose herself by taking a deep calming breath. Her body which had been shaking was now still and her voice calm and clear. "Sorry madame. I hate it when ponies are so, intolerable. They should be ashamed of themselves."

The mare then turned to Starlight. "Please don't follow their ignorant ways madame. Learn from then and become a better pony than you already are. It's not worth driving ponies apart for any reason. And this Trixie sounds horrible!"

"Well, she wasn't really that bad. I think she just needs help." the filly said sadly. "Maybe she needs a friend to guide her."

Just then the sounds of two familiar voices echoed in the hallway. Starlight ran to the door and in her tiny body and to levitate herself to the door knob to turn it. Her whole body glowed lifting her and she grabbed the knob with her hooves and twisted her entire body. A following click signaled the door was open and she flew out swiftly with a disgruntled mare behind her.

"Oi! Madame! Wait please! You should stay with me!" Guiding Wind cried following the elusive filly.

Ignoring her, Starlight flew down the hall and turned left just in time to see Trixie being hauled off down a corridor to the Harmony Chamber under Thunderclaps magical aura. "Will you shut up you dumb mare?!" the brown mare yelled at her prisoner.

"How dare you!" the azure mare screamed, kicking in protest. "Trixie demands you explain yourself at once! Trixie won't tolerate this abuse! She did nothing wrong!"

The brown mare ignored her prisoner, except for a slight mishap with Trixie hitting her head on the doors as they passed through to the main chamber where Twilight and her friends Applejack and Pinkie were. Starlight flew as fast as she could down the halls as the doors closed. *Thunk!* Starlight flew right into the closed doors falling to the ground in a daze before toppling over her own hooves. Guiding Wind, now having caught up, gasped at the sight of the filly sized indentation on the doors and the passed out Starlight on the ground.

She ran over to the fallen filly. Scooping her up in her arms and shaking her gently she whispered into her ear, "Madame, êtes-vous d'accord?"

"Nghnnn. What happened?"

"Oh! Madame you're alright! Thank goodness!" the mare exclaimed hugging her.

"I need to get inside. Please Guiding Wind?" the filly gave the mare her best puppy dog eyes melting her already soft heart to mush.

"Oh, alright madame. Only for you." she smiled taking the pink filly on her back and opening the doors just in time to catch Twilight saying, "Trixie Lulamoon. You are not on trial here. I just have some questions for you. Answer truthfully and you will not be punished. Lie to me, and I will know if you do, and you'll be severally punished."

"Trixie has done nothing wrong!" the mare screamed out loud. "Trixie is innocent!"

At the need of her words a small sigil appeared beneath her glowing red with a loud *gong*. Twilight and her friends frowned at the unicorn unaware of the ponies watching from the side lines. Trixie cringed at the sight of the sigil and didn't say another word. Then Twilight shook her head and asked, "Trixie, can you please not lie to me? I forgave you once, don't make me regret it. Please. Tell e what happened and why you're here."

Looking rather scared, Trixie usual arrogance melted away under the intense glares from all who were present. She was so rattled that she even dropped her third pony persona."Uh, I well, Trixie is... " Opting on truth to get herself out of this mess the mare swallowed her pride saying, "You see Trixie was passing through when her trailer broke-"

Tiny Stars Big Adventures: Trial and Punishment

Author's Note

Hey there everyone!

Z661 here with yet another Starlight update!

Today is a tough day with work and all so I finally got the chapter finished. Sorry but I was waiting for my editor to get back to me but I went ahead to make the revisions myself this time. I think he's still getting settled in or something from his move recently.

So until then I'll do my best and please feel free to check out the previous chapters if you haven't already otherwise you may be confused! on another last side note my story Wonderbolt my Heart will be getting a sequel soon so keep track and check it out when it is released and also a story of romance between everyone's favorite DJpon3 with you guessed it... Starlight!

As always read rate love and tolerate guys and gals!

Tiny Stars Big Adventures: Trial and Punishment

Trixie sat scared in the center of the castle chamber being looked down upon by three of Equestria's most famous ponies. Applejack element of Honesty, Pinkie Pie the Element of Laughter, and Twilight Sparkle Princess of Friendship. Behind the other vacant chairs was Guiding Wind and Starlight watching as Thunderclap held the azure mare in place with her magic. The sigil glowed beneath the unicorn as she endeavored to explain herself to the Friendship Council.

"You see Princess, Trixie was passing through to see her sibling. Last She was her she didn't get a chance to see him." she said lowering her head sorrowfully. "That was when I ran into your zebra friend Zecora. She helped me when I need it most. Starving and on the road in the Everfree, she offered Trixie food and shelter. Trixie refused of course," she paused seeing the sigil glow deeper red. "Bu-but in the end Trixie accepted her gracious invitation!"

"Uh huh." Applejack hummed unconvinced.

"Shhh Applejack!" Pinkie hushed her friend. "So what happened next? A fight with an ursa saving Zecora from certain doom and became best friends forever?!"

Trixie looked a little disturbed by the pink pony's outburst. "Erm, no. Trixie didn't fight an ursa but she did fight a giant rock alligator and Zecora saved Trixie and her trailer!" the unicorn said happily. "Had it not been for her, Trixie very well might not be here today."

Twilight seemed relieved when the sigil under Trixie turned light green at her words. Applejack not realizing still gave Trixie a skeptical look while Pinkie seemed all to happy to take the mares words like sweet honey.

"Trixie was then out in the forest collecting, er, stuff and when she returned the filly Starlight ran into her trailer. She took the filly and tried to care for her but lost her after she was attacked by some mad mare named Amber Anvil."

Saying this the sigil turned yellow with a hue of orange. This indicated to Twilight that Trixie was telling the truth but was still hiding something. She decided to let it slide to see if the mare would bring it up. For now however she had other questions.

"Are you responsible for my student's condition?" she asked.

"Condition?"

"Yes Trixie. Starlight Glimmer was a grown mare." the princess said, making Trixie feel uneasy. "She is now a filly and I have no idea why. You were the last pony to come into contact with her and now she's a filly. Trixie what did you do?" The mare leaned over her seat.

"Well that's a bit of a story." the unicorn said. "Trixie will get to the finer points to make this short."She then stood to stretch and looked around for something to sit one. Finding nothing she turned to her captors and asked, "Can Trixie have a pillow or something to sit on?"

This time Applejack answered. "Be honest and truthful and we just may let you."

"Oh come on!"

Trixie's protest fell on deaf ears. When nothing was presented to her she sighed dejectedly sitting on the cold crystal floor and recounted her story. "It all started with your friend Zecora, she took Trixie in and has been living with her for some time now. Trixie offered her services for a while now to her for taking Trixie in. Trixie would do odd jobs for her here an there. *Sigh* Zecora was too kind to Trixie."

"I'll bet." Applejack quipped making the blue pony cringe.

"Come on Applejack. She hasn't caused any trouble yet." Twilight tried to reason with her. "Can't you let it go?"

This seemed to anger the orange pony greatly. It was clear to Starlight whatever Trixie did greatly affected the farm pony. It made her wonder just what Trixie did. Having been living out of contact with most of civilization for most of her life she never heard of the mare except from the words others have said in the last few days she was in Ponyville.

Applejack then responded with, "Well, if she hadn't gone crazy with that amulet of hers none of this would have happened."

"Like when Rarity became possessed by a book?" Twilight replied calmly.

Applejack gasped at the accusation. "Now how'n the hay is that the same thing?"

"Applejack please. It's the same thing." Twilight said pulling out a long letter and showed it to her. "After Rarity changed Ponyville I had to help clean it up. Trust me when I say what Trixie did was nothing compared to that."

"That aint the same thing though Twi!" Applejack retorted. "That was all fixed within a day. She did a lot more damage cause it took over a month to repair and regrow all the food she wasted!"

Pinkie remained silent watching her friends argue while eating some popcorn.

"That maybe true, but what Rarity did was far worse Applejack."

"How can you say that?!" the farm pony yelled at her unusually calm friend. "She-"

"Rarity used dark magic, Applejack. Something that is FORBIDDEN for a common pony to use." the purple princess said. "Trixie and Rarity BOTH used dark magic but neither really knew what they were getting into. If I were to punish Trixie for her transgression then I would have to do the same to Rarity."

"But Rarity is our friend Twilight! How can you say that so calmly?!"

"Because I have responsibility to not only my friends," She turned to face Trixie gesturing to her with a hoof. "but to my subjects as well. Besides we didn't have three alicorns helping to fix Trixie's mess but we needed that for the dark magic Rarity used all over Ponyville which would have been worse had we not intervened."

Trixie seemed relived by Twilight speech and Starlight who had been listening the whole time was now pondering till her head was sore. Friendship was complicated now more than ever to her. As a princess, Twilight was obligated to treat all fairly and without bias when dealing out punishment. When that conflicted with her loyalty to her friends she went so far as to break the law to keep them safe, even a mare who had done so much wrong to them all.

Just like myself. Starlight thought, but continued to listen as the conversation drew on.

Applejack had now risen from her seat and glared at her friend, a look of betrayal on her face. "Ah can't believe you'd side with her after everything she's done, Twi."

The princess of friendship seemed hurt by her friends words. "But Applejack I-"

"No Twi, I get it. You can't play favorites ah get it truly I do." she said rubbing the friends mane affectionately. "Ah just don't get what you see in her is all."

"The same thing I see in everypony, hope."

"Hope?" Trixie asked from the floor. "What hope?"

Twilight smiled flying over to the azure unicorn and landing beside her.

"The hope I see is the hope of you learning from your mistakes and improving yourself afterwards. It's the hope that you'll grow and become a good friend of mine and everypony else." she said looking over towards Starlight's direction. "You two can come out now."

Starlight and Guiding Wind jumped at being found out and slowly walked around the chairs to the center of the room. the maid pony bowed and greeted them.

"Salutations Votre Majesté. Young madame Glimmer wishes to speak with you."

All eyes turned to the pink filly who waddled up to Trixie,glaring at her, and walked past to Twilight. The filly glowed a light blue and lifted off the ground landing on Twilight's back nuzzling her. All present, except for Trixie, d'awwed at her. Twilight gasped at the sight of her nose splint and lifted her off her back to inspect it.

"Starlight Glimmer! What happened to you?! First you turn into a filly now you're nose is splinted?! What is going on?"

"Twi, let her take a breather for a moment." Applejack said rubbing the mares back. "Well howdy there Starlight. How ya holdin up?"

"Well Applejack. Very well thank you. How about you?"

"It's been a rough afternoon." she said taking off her hat.

"So Star, can you tell me what exactly happened to you?" Twilight asked.

The filly looked at the azure unicorn who looked like she was ready to bolt. Thunderclaps presence quickly dispelled that delusion. She looked at the princess and said, "I fell off my bed this, morning? Afternoon? Eh, when I woke up I jumped off my bed and misjudged the distance. I fell face first into the floor." she then rubbed her muzzle. "It hurt a lot."

"I guess I have Guiding Wind to thank for your recovery?" the princess looked over at the maid pony who bowed again.

"It was nothing you majesty."

"Still, thank you." she said to the mare. "You may take your leave Guiding Wind."

"Oui madame." the mare said turning to leave but stopped to take one last look and saw Starlight waving to her. She smiled and waved back before exiting the room.

Twilight and Applejack watched the mare leave when a loud 'eep!' echoed in the chamber and they turned to see Trixie trying to climb out a window. She was held in place by two large hooves belonging to Thunderclap who unceremoniously pulled her back and threw her to the floor.

"You brute!" Trixie cried out rubbing her head. "You could have injured Trixie!"

"Then next time don't try escaping."

"Thunderclap! That's enough! Stand at attention!" Twilight bellowed at the guard mare making her stand up right. She walked over and circled around the guardsmare looking her over like a drill sergeant did with recruits.

"I thought I made it clear Trixie was not to be harmed in any way shape or form? Was I not clear enough on this?" she asked the orange mare.

"Yes your majesty."

"Yes? Yes I was, or yes I wasn't?" she asked sarcastically. "Clearly I was not specific enough for you, Captain. So let me make this as simple as possible. You will not harm anypony under my watch. If I find out you did so much as harm one hair on anyponys head without my authorization I will send you back to Canterlot and have you demoted to Private again WITH a red letter. Is that clear, Captain?"

"Crystal clear Princess." the orange Captain said saluting.

"Good." she turned to help Trixie up. "I'm so sorry Trixie. Thunderclap is a good mare at heart she's just, overzealous. Please have a seat. You deserve it after all this trouble."

"You wouldn't say that after you here what you filly has to say." Trixie replied sadly.

"What do you mean?"

This was it, the moment of truth. Trixie was going to come clean with what she really intended to do once she found Starlight. It wouldn't be pretty in her mind but it was worth setting things straight with her former rival. Maybe she would be let off easy?, or at least Trixie hoped.

"Trixie was-"

"Trixie saved me from that thug Amber Anvil!" Starlight piped in appearing on top the azure mares head. "She was helping me get home when Amber attacked her and me."

Unbeknownst to her, the sigil turned yellow as Trixie was still on it, but Twilight quickly dispelled it and focused on Starlight who made herself at home on Trixie's head.

"What made you turn into a filly, Star?" she asked worried that Trixie was somehow involved.

"Poison joke." was her reply.

"Poison joke?" Twilight repeated.

"Poison joke." Starlight nodded with a smile rubbing her hooves against Trixie's mane. "Oooo! So soft!"

"Hey stop that! Is it bad enough you whizzed on Trixie that you must now get her mane dirty too?"

"Oh! Sorry." the filly said sheepishly hoping of her head, much to the mares annoyance, and flew over to Twilight landing on her head next. "Twilight's mane is much prettier anyways. And poofy."

Trixie growled at the filly while twilight and Applejack laughed at her expense. She then turned her nose up with harrumph. Twilight walked over to the unicorn her a playful nudge to her shoulder. "That was really nice of you to help my student Trixie. Isn't that right Applejack?"

"Indeed it sure was. You're alrigh Trixie."

"Uh, thanks?"

The princess turned to face Thunderclap who still hadn't moved from her spot. She nodded once and walked past her guard, still unmoving, and set Starlight down on her Throne.

"So Starlight, are you ready to get back to normal?" Twilgiht asked the filly.

"I can grow up now? I'm not stuck like this?" she asked hopefully.

"Mhmm. Actually Zecora helps produce a special bubble bath to cure ponies of their poison joke symptoms. It's really quick and relaxing."

Starlight was about to say yes, but then a sad thought passed through her mind. She lost so much time in her quest to equalize the world. She lost her childhood and her teen years, wasting them in a half cocked scheme that took her entire life to build only to have it torn down in a few days. Perhaps this was not only a chance to make up for the lost time but to help her make new friends as well. Maybe, just maybe then she could really learn what friendship could have been like for herself and make up for it all.

Looking to her teacher she said, "Actually Twilight, I'm not ready yet."

"And why's that, Star?" the princess asked with a knowing look.

"I lost my entire childhood because I wasted it. Maybe, I can stay a filly for a while? Go to school and make some new friends?" she asked hoping the princess would say yes.

Applejack and Trixie looked worried at her wondering if it was a good idea for this to be allowed. In the end Twilight nodded to her student and agreed to let her stay small but there were a few conditions.

"What kind of conditions?" the pink filly asked.

"First of all you will be atending classes at Ponyville Elementary. There you'll learn from Cheerliee. She a wonderful mare and a great inspiration. Second, you'll be escorted by Thunderclap-"

"Uh, begging your pardon your majesty but is that really a good idea?" the orange guardsmare asked. twilight glared at her making her shut her mouth instantly. Starlight chuckled at this. *Maybe this will be fun after all.* she thought.

Twilight's expression softened and returned her focus on Trixie. "As for you Trixie, you are my third condition."

"Excuse Trixie?"

"Yes Trixie, you will help Starlight after hours here at the castle. You have great magical capabilities but you lack the training to harness it. I want you here at the castle every night for training." she said to the azure mare. Trixie could tell this was not a request but pressed forward anyways.

"Trixie is busy with other things your majesty, surely we can-"

"Need I remind you of the seriousness of your crimes Trixie?" she asked silencing her. "All I'm asking is for you to come and I'll let what you did slip under the radar. Besides, you need friends Trixie. Zecora was a step in the right direction. Just give me a chance to help you."

This seemed to take Trixie by surprise. Sure she was hoping to be on her way but if she could milk this she could later say she had been a student of a princess, the youngest on at that who was mentored by Celestia herself! The stories she could tell were endless! Her career could finally go somewhere. Sure she'd have to kiss a lot of flank to do it, but to finally have a friend she could understand, bless Zecora's heart she was a sweet mare, but Trixie couldn't stand her rhyming! It would be nice to have a normal talking pony for once.

"Very well Princess. Trixie accepts your terms." she said with a bow.

Before Twilight could say anything Applejack whistled fanning herself with her hat. "Dang sugarcube it almost sounded like you were trying!" she said with a laugh.

Starlight grinned covering her mouth while Twilight rubbed Trixie's back. The azure mare blushed looking away as Twilight scolded the farm pony only making her laugh harder.

In the end they all went their separate ways. Trixie returned to Zecora's hut, Applejack went home and Twilight went to her room with Starlight on her back ready to study for the evening. Entering her private cambers, Starlight realized they were in a other library that had a bed off to the side with a pile of books around it and a small basket at the foot of it. *It figures she'd live in a library.* Alright thought.

That was when Starlight realized she hadn't seen Spike in a while.

"Where's Spike?" she asked.

Twilight set her down on the bed and rearranged a few books. "Oh he's off in Canterlot right now with Princess Luna. He's taken quite a shine to her recently."

The pink fillies eyes gleamed with mischievous intent. "Oh ho ho! Spike and Luna are getting down?" she asked.

Not turning to face her Twilight grinned slightly as she placed books in a large pile. "Maybe. Now who wants to play book jenga?"

Starlight's hooves flew in the air as she squealed. "I do! I do!"

The filly leaped off the bed and this time flew over to a large pile of books and landed beside Twilight clapping her hooves. "OH! I haven't played in so long! Wait... Aren't you a little old to play book jenga?"

Twilight smiled saying, "Filly please! I still make bookforts!"

"You do too?!"

"I love bookforts!"

"I do too!"

*Dual gasp!*

"Do you know what this means?" Twilight asked in a serious tone crouching to Starlight's level.

"Mhmm!" Little Star nodded with a serious look of her own. "The thing we always wanted to do but were to afraid to tell anypony..."

"The one..."

"The only..."

"BOOKFORT JENGA!"

Tiny Stars Big Adventures: Preparing for School

The next morning, Starlight was sound asleep beside Twilight who had her wing wrapped around the pink filly to keep her warm. The princess herself was on a pile of pillows surrounded by a massive bookfort the two built the previous night. Three games of book jenga and bookfort jenga left them exhausted and retreated to the tome fortress of knowledge to rest for the night.

Starlight snored slightly pressing her nose against Twilight's side making her groan. The mare then slightly and roll over taking the filly with her. Starlight's eyes shot open as she found herself under a massive weight being squashed. Her head bloated and her eyes bulged out of their sockets as she flailed her tiny arms to break free. She quickly focused her magic and sent out a magical waved that blasted Twilight up just enough for her to escape leaving Twilight on the pillows snoring away none the wiser to Starlight's nearly untimely doom.

She panted heavily feeling alive for the first time in a long time.

"Death is merciless." she muttered darkly.

After recomposing herself a rumble in her tummy snapped her back to reality. She tenderly rubbed it as it moaned and groaned begging for substance. She smiled and crawled out of their bookfort and set forth to the kitchen. She flew along down the halls past several new maids she never met. The mares all stared at the flying filly as she waved to them as she flew past.

The mares all waved nervously back, some fainted at the sight, while others gushed at the, 'cute flying filly.' One mare even went so far as to run to her bed chambers to get a camera and asked to take a picture of her. Starlight didn't mind showing off this one time and even posed mid flight for the mare making her squee, gripping her chest.

After her fun Starlight continued down the halls and hovered around a corner and floated gently over an unaware Thunderclap. The orange mare sighed looking bored at her post outside one of the many libraries that resided in the castle. A small grin ran across the devilish imp as she hovered over the mare and slowly descended just within reach of her ear. Starlight then pressed her lips and bloated her cheeks until they were ready to burst when suddenly-

'Pop!'

Thnderclap nearly jumped looking around for the source of a loud popping noise she heard. Finding nothing she shrugged and stood up right as she was before, only this time she was more aware.

'Pop!'

Again she jumped looking around and drawing her spear. Starlight covered her mouth as the mare frantically spin in place trying to find the source of the pop, but the pink filly managed to stay behind her the entire time making the orange mare feel uneasy.

"Ugh, this post is getting to me." Thunderclap said adjusting her helmet. "Maybe I need a few days off-"

'Pop!'

"ARRRGUGHHG! What is that infernal popping sound?!" She spun around again looking around as Starlight hid behind a potted plant. "What is making that sound!?"

As she spun around jabbing with her spear, a maid came up to her keeping a safe distance from her before announcing herself.

"Miss Thunderclap?"

"Gah! Wha-Where? I'm not crazy!"

The maid pony frowned. "Miss Thunderclap-"

"I'm not crazy!You're crazy! I didn't hear a popping noise!" the mare screamed, her helmet unevenly hung on her head.

The maid frowned at her coughing once in her hoof. The now embarrassed guardsmare blushed putting her spear to the side and gave the other mare an apologetic look.

"Miss Thunderclap. The Princess wishes to speak to you. Now." The mare sternly said, turning about face and marched down the hall.

Thunderclap groaned lowering her head. She marched along with the mare as Starlight floated over and sat in the center of the floor and made the popping noise again. 'Pop!' The sound echoed down the hall and rang in Thunderclaps ear making her stop dead in her tracks. 'Pop!' She spun around to see Starlight with puffy cheeks waving at her from where she was standing when the filly pressed her lips and then, 'Pop!'

She glared at Starlight waving with a cute happy smile at her. "You little monster." Thunderclap mutter cracking a smile as she followed the maid around a corner out of sight of Starlight. The filly smiled happily and continued down to the kitchen. She entered the large room and quickly flew over to the cabinet and rummaged through looking for anything to eat. Then she saw a box of honey oats. They were her favorite cereal growing up and she was dying to try them again after all these years. Taking the box in her hooves she flew over with the box in her hooves and got a bowl and spoon from the cupboard and drawer simultaneously.

She poured a bowl of oats along with some milk she got from the fridge and after replacing the oats and milk she landed on the counter and ate her oat merrily. She loved the sweet flavor of the honey covered oats mixed with the soft milk. It was truly a delight on the tongue. Once finished she discarded the bowl and spoon in the sink, washed them, and dries them. Once safely stowed away once again she floated herself off the counter just in time for Twilight to enter the kitchen.

The mare noticed the filly and walked over to her. "Morning Starlight."

"Morning Twilight."

The two shared a hug. Twilight released the filly and walked to the cupboard and made herself the same breakfast that Starlight did. "So Star, are you ready for school?"

"Oh yes! I've always wanted to go but never could afford to."

Twilight stirred her oats taking the fillies words in. Was she unable to because of her parents jobs? Could they not afford it? Better yet, when she traveled back in time she never did see Starlight's parents. Where were they and why didn't they help their daughter when she was in need?

She thought about this and made a mental note to ask her later about this. For now she had to get Starlight ready for school. She pulled out a scroll and gave it to Starlight, who took it in her magical grasp.

"What's this?" she asked the purple mare.

"That is a list of everything you'll need to start for school. I prepared all your supplies and here's your saddlebags." she said levitating a pair of overstuffed bags onto Starlight's tiny body. The filly fell to the ground feeling the over bearing weight of the bags and books stuffed beyond reason. She struggled to lift the bags but fell back to the ground pinned by the weight of the saddlebags that were strapped to her back.

"Twilight! It's too heavy!"

"Nonsense! You need all this to start. Now run along or you'll be late!"

"Yes, mom." Starlight said sarcastically, rolling her eyes.

As the filly trudged along she didn't realize what she said almost brought Twilight to tears. Never before had she thought of Starlight as a daughter, but after hearing her call her mother, even if it was sarcasm, she couldn't help but feel her heart strings pull against her chest. She watched the young filly wander down the hallway and disappear around a corner.

She smiled wondering if this was the feeling of being a parent? Was this what her mom and dad felt everyday when they sent her to magic kindergarten? She tried hard but try as she might the tears fell and she quickly wiped them away. She was happy for some reason. It confused her, and she knew the one mare who could help her. Walking away she magically conjured up a scroll and ink well from her study and took a nearby quill and began to write, "Dear mom and dad."

Author's Note

So here we are and close to the first day of school! So Starlight is off to a big day and we leave Twilight contemplating parentood. If that's even a word. :twilightsheepish:

next chapter will probably be short but will have a good lesson to my headcannon so stay tuned!

Tiny Stars Big Adventures: First Lessons

A few hours later Miss Cherliee was doing roll call, calling out each child's name which was their responded with 'here' or silence. She was surprised when she reached the end to find that everypony was present with one exception. She glanced around trying to find her mysterious new student she'd been expecting.

The night previous she'd received a letter from Princess Twilight about having her personal student come to attend her classes for few days so she could interact with other foals her age. Although details were very scarce she was more than happy to take a new young mind into her class and help it bloom; however, there was no sign of her new student, and she was sure that none of the other children would know who it was since she lived in the castle.

She glanced at the clock it was getting late and she really needed to begin. She'd just have to write to the princess letting her know her student was late.

"OK, class!" she said in her cheery voice.

All the foals looked up at her with two exceptions. A small brown colt with a small propeller cap had his nose buried in his small hoofheld joy-boy completely unaware that the class had started. Beside him Sweetie Belle nudged him making his gasp loudly and drop his joy-boy. Everypony laughed at his outburst making him blush and cover his face from embarrassment as he slipped his joy-boy away.

The magenta teacher however was not impressed. "Button Mash! Please don't interrupt me when I'm trying to teach." she scolded him.

"Sorry Miss Cherliee. It won't happen again." he responded nasally.

"Good. Please keep yourself in check young colt."

"Yes ma'am."

"Good, now as you I was saying we will be receiving a new student today!" her tone brightened with a smile.

The class began to chatter among themselves. Already she could hear the rumors and speculations.

"Is it anther colt?" "Is it a filly?"

"Wonder if she got they cutie mark yet?" "I hope it's a colt!" "Maybe it's a nerd like Mash!" "HEY!"

Cherliee chuckled tapping her hoof on the ground to get the classes attention. It worked like a charm. Everyone of their tiny heads turned to the tapping sound they've come to expect giving Cherliee their undivided attention.

"Now until she arrives," almost all the fillies groaned. "We will begin with today's lesson. Anatomy!"

She kicked the board making a screen roll down revealing a detailed, yet very abstract, diagram of a unicorn.

"Now class, please open you books to page one-hundred eight and we'll continue our lesson into pony anatomy." she directed.

Everypony opened their books to the assigned page much to the teachers delight. She smiled at the obedience her students were showing today and thought how wonderful it'd be if they were like this all the time. Just then a pair of saddlebags flew inside the room and landed next to the teachers desk and following close behind was a pink filly with a purple mane floating slowly beside them.

The class 'ooh,' and 'ahh' at her arrival as she pulled out a scroll and gave to Miss Cherliee. Taking the note the teacher read it once over smiling down at the filly before addressing the class.

"Alright class our new transfer student is here." she beamed. "Please welcome to our class, Starlight Glimmer."

"Hello Starlight Glimmer!" the class greeted her.

The pink unicorn blushed giving a nervous bow to them. "Hello everybody."

"Well Miss Glimmer, you're just in time for today's lesson. Tell me, how versed are you in pony anatomy?"

"The filly looked up at the board seeing the diagram of a unicorn. Her horn glowed in a teal aura and expanded over herself as she hovered over to it, making everypony gasp, even Cherliee was amazed that she flew even after her grand entrance. She looked over the diagram and shrugged, "It's a bit crude but it gets the point across. Although the horn is a bit outdated."

Everypony gasped at her words making the mulberry mare beside her do a double take.

"I, I'm sorry but what do you mean miss Glimmer?" Cherliee asked unsure of where she was going.

"Well the magical flow is a bit off but the concept is the same. But the horn is almost all wrong." she said floating a marker over to her and drew on the picture. "The horn is actually part of the brain as well. The horn itself is just a extension of the skull to cover the brain matter that is used to concentrate the mana flow from the body to the exit point."

"See all the mana in the body is flowing like blood or rather water in a river. It all flows one way. It goes from body to the horn circles back into the body and repeats. Mana that is used through the horn is expelled when a spell is cast. After expelling so much mana a pony can become exhausted mainly due to the fact the mana used is similar to blood loss. Too much leaves the caster fatigued and tired until the mana recovers." as Starlight explained she drew the lines indicating the flow of mana she spoke of through the diagram of the pony.

Once she finished a brown hoof from the back rose fro the crowd. Starlight pointed to it. "Yes?"

The form of Button Mash stood up and asked, "So the horn is part of a unicorns brain? Is that why unicorn horns a are sensitive and flimsy?"

Starlight smiled while everypony else look at him in shock. The colt never asked a truly intellectual question in class before much less participated. Sure he got average grades but this was the first time most had ever heard of him participating in class. Even Cherliee was surprised by this but a happy surprise it was.

"well, that is part of it. You see the horn has several things called nerves all over it that send signals too..." she paused seeing the blanks looks the class was giving her. She gave a deadpan stare with her ears pressed against her head.

"Wow Starlight I'm impressed!" the mare said excitedly. "I've never heard a filly your age give such detail in pony anatomy! You're well above the average age level, where did you learn this?"

"I was self taught."

Ooooooh. Was the classes response.

"Well Starlight. I'm glad you were able to tell us this but I;m afraid it might be a bit much for the class here." she said, gesturing to the class. "This is advanced stuff we haven't covered yet."

"Oh, sorry everypony." Starlight said quickly bowing to them. "I didn't mean to show off!"

"That's, OK Starlight. We don't punish ponies for being smart. Now take you seat next to Button Mash and we'll get started." the mare said pointing to the brown colt.

"Yes Miss Cherliee and thanks for having me."

Starlight skipped down the isle of colts and fillies. Some scoffed at her, mostly the fillies, while the colts fawned over her. Taking her seat she opened her book to the designated page and listened to Cherliee as she went on with the days lesson. Unbeknownst to her that she had caught the attention of the brown colt beside her much to the disdain of the white filly beside him.

Author's Note

So there we are guys first day of school and ready to tackle the day!

And what will become of little Star, and what will our fave brown colt do now that she's unintentionally caught his eye? Drama bomb that's what!

Stay tuned for more later!

Tiny Stars Adventures: Plotting

As the class went along many ponies lost their momentum by the third period. Math was always a difficult subject but this was particularly hard today. Cherliee had prepared the class for complex equations such as the following: (a+10)5=c What is a, if c is equal to 100? Starlight all the while smiled and happily answered whenever she was asked but felt bad when she realized she was possibly the smartest in the entire class. Sure her age was regressed and maybe a bit of her emotions, but she still retained everything she'd learned through all her years of self taught studying.

Most of the class, mainly the colts, gawked at her brilliance which was rivaled only by Silver Spoon, while the fillies most glared at her. While Miss Cherliee went over the details of how to solve the equation she turned to Rumble and called on him.

"Rumble? If c is equal to 100, what does that make the values of a?" she asked him.

"That would be 10, Miss Cherliee." he said with a bob of his head.

"And how is that done my little pony?"

Rumble got out of his seat and flew up to the board and wrote as he spoke. "Well, first you need to replace c with 100. Then the first step it to divide both sides by 5 making the equation a + 10 = 20." he said writing the equation out.

(a + 10) 5 = 100

5 5

a + 10 = 20

a = 10

"He then wrote saying, "Next we subtract 10 from both sides to get, a = 10, which then makes the equation twenty multiplied by five is equal to one hundred. Multiply five by twenty gets one hundred is equal to one hundred."

"Very good Rumble." the mare cheered patting his back gently. "I see you worked very hard on this."

The grey colt blushed rubbing his arm and flew back to his seat landing right on it. Cheerliee then went to the next question she had written on the board beside the first one. This one however made everypony groan. It was possibly the worst kind of math problem the young generation, or rather any generation, had to suffer though. Word problems.

Unaware, or simply ignoring her classes groaning, she walked over to the left side of her desk and pointed to the problem and read aloud, "Buddy and Abe are going to pay their rent for their apartment. They owe 13 bits over a seven week period. How much do they owe?" she glanced around the room and was surprised to see Button's arm up in the air waving for her attention. Feeling good about his enthusiasm she called on the brown colt. "Yes Button?"

Thee colt grinned saying, "The rent owed is 28 bits Miss Cherliee!"

"..."

"......"

"...... Moron." a filly said from behind him.

"Button, I'm sorry but that was not the correct answer." she said sounding disappointed.

The class chuckled and snickered at him making him try to hide his embarrassment by covering his head with his hooves. Sweetie Belle rubbed his back trying to comfort her friend. Starlight felt bad for him and quickly scribbled something down. Cherliee cleared her throat to get the classes attention.

"I'm sorry, Button it was a good try. Why don't you explain how you came up with that answer and maybe you can get the right one-"

"Miss Cherliee?" Starlight's pink hoof rose up int the air waving frantically.

"Um, yes Starlight?" the teacher said acknowledging the filly. "What's wrong?"

"Actually Button is correct. The answer IS 28." she said, matter of factually.

Everypony in the class 'oohed' at the filly as the teacher gave her a dangerously unamused stare. "Miss Glimmer, I know you're not use to being in a classroom, but I won't tolerate such disruptions in my class for your amusement."

"OK, but I'm telling you he isn't wrong." Starlight said smugly.

The class 'oohed' again. Cherliee looked at the filly clearly upset by her behavior. "The problem says the ponies owe 7 bits over a 13 week period and that happens to be a lot more than 28 bits, Starlight Glimmer."

"Well, Miss Cherliee that can't be right cause it's equal to 28."

"How is that possible?" the mare asked looking at the filly.

"It's easy," she said flying up to the board taking the chalk in her magical aura. "To start I'm gonna make a 7 and divide it into 28."

She drew the following: 7 /28/

"Now, 7 into 2?" she asked the mare who shook her head. "7 won't go into 2, right?" she asked.

The educator shook her head again. "No it will not."

Starlight giggled pointing to the seven. "That's right that 7 won't fit into that tiny 2. So I'll keep that 2 for now and hold onto it for abit." she said pointing to the 8. "Now 7 will go into 8 once, so I'll put a 1 over here."

7 /28/ 1
1

"Now then," she said still flying by the board but flew to the right side of the equation pointing at it. "I'm going to take the 2 and drop it down."

7 28/ 1
21

"Then I take the 7 and divide it into 21 and that equals?" she asked looking at the mare.

"It's 3." Cherliee said rubbing her chin.

Starlight nodded and wrote a 3 beside the 1 making it: 7 /28/ 13

"See Miss Cherliee? 7 into 28 is 13 therefore 7 bits at 13 weeks is equal to 28 bits." she said looking proud of herself.

The student's looked amazed at the filly as the mare racked her brain at what she just saw. But she couldn't deny this was fun. She felt bad wasting the classes time but she had to admit the class but there was only three minutes left until recess so she indulged the filly. After all it wasn't every day somepony as young as her could prove her wrong. Cherliee hated being wrong. She then quickly stepped in front of the filly.

"OK, Miss Glimmer. There is one sure way to prove this and that is with multiplication." she said pointing to the board. "I want you to write 13 and multiply them." she ordered the filly.

The unicorn flew over to a clean portion of the board and wrote the problem down. "Yes miss Cherliee."

13
x7

"now then. 7 times 3 is 21." she said writing it down.

13
x7
21

"7 times 1 is 7."

"Right." the teacher pony said and the class sat on it's seats edges watching in anticipation.

13
x7
21
+7

"Now, "Starlight said pointing to the board. "7 and 1?"

"8." Miss Cherliee said looking at the problem. "And 2 is....."

"28!"

13
x7
21
7
28

The class gasped cheering at the answer as the filly bowed to them. Cherliee smiled feeling her competitive nature kicking in. She was sure this'd be it. She had an idea to debunk the filly once and for all, but decided to place a wager on it as well.

"OK, Miss Glimmer. There is only one sure way to prove that 7 into 13 isn't 28 and hat is with addition." she said pointing to the board. Starlight was about to go to it but was held back by a mulberry hoof. "However! If you can't do this then I will be seeing you in detention for the next week AND I'll write to the Princess for your disruption."

"And if I win?" the filly asked giving her own competitive glare back to the teacher.

Cherliee so sure of herself said without thinking. "Prove me wrong and I will remove this math problem from the math test I was going to give the class, better yet! I will give it as extra credit to anypony who can recite on paper what you have done without taking note!" she added seeing the fillies and colts break out their notebooks. Cherliee then smiled smugly at the filly. "Do we have a deal?" she asked giving her hoof out to her.

Starlight grinned taking hold of the hoof and shook it. "DEAL! Prepare to have your mind blown."

Quickly the filly wrote on the board the number 13 seven times one over the other like so.

13
13
1 3
1 3
1 3
1 3
13

In doing so she spread the 1 and 3's out more and more as she went along making Cherliee stop her at the end. "Wait wait! What's the idea of spreading them out like that Miss Glimmer?"

The pink unicorn giggled pointing at the 3's. "I thought after I started it looked like a flock of seagulls flying into a building!" The class laughed at her joke and Cherliee felt herself chuckle.

"Alright then, heh, heh, Miss Glimmer."

"Now let's add. 3, 6, 9, 12-'

"Wait now, I'll add them and then I'll show you it's not possible for this to add to 28." the mulberry pony said, pointing to the calk. "May I?"

Starlight nodded breaking the chalk in two and gave half the chalk to the mare and floated over to the desk and watched. The older mare started by counting all the 3's pointing at each as she went up the row, "3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21!"

Starlight then quickly flew over to the chalkboard with her half of the white chalk and counted the 1's after the teacher pony counted the 3's. "22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28! See 13 and 7 do make 28!"

13
13
1 3
1 3
1 3
1 3
+1 3
28

The class gasped while Cherliee looked like she was about to burst. Her mane had stands poking out her eyes dilated, and she counted several times completely blown away. Sure it was not traditional math but it was not agreed they had to use it to solve this problem, and even though she wasted only about three minutes on this she couldn't help but crack a smile at the brilliant minded filly.

She ran her hoof through her mane and smiled at Starlight as the bell rang. Normally the class would have ran out the door to go to recess, but this time they waited behind to watch what Cherliee was going to do. To their surprise the older mare smiled saying, "Well, done Miss Glimmer. You have amused me greatly and I will honor our deal. Class this question will be extra credit on the upcoming test IF you can recite what, Miss Glimmer did on paper without notes. Now have a good recess and I'll see all of you afterwards."

The class cheered and ran out to the school yard, greeting the filly as they passed. Some even high hoofed her. As the pink unicorn began to walk out with the rest of her class Cherliee stopped her and patted her head.

"You amazed me Starlight. I really didn't think you cold prove me wrong." she said proudly.

"Thanks Miss Cherliee. But if I may ask, why'd you agree to my challenge? I half expected you to say, no."

Cherliee giggled giving her a sly look. "I have been known to cause trouble back in my youth. Let's just say you have a kindred spirit with me." she rubbed the filly's head making her laugh. "But I'm warning you now young lady. You had your fun but I will not allow this kind of disruption again. Understand?"

She nodded back to the mare. "Yes, ma'am."

"Good. Now run along Miss Glimmer." the mare said nudging her gently out he door with her nose.

"See you afterwards Miss Cherliee, and sorry for being a pain." she said.

"It's fine Miss Glimmer. Just be sure not to do it again please."

"Yes, Miss Cherliee."

Running along Starlight was greeted by several foals who wanted to play with her or compliment her but she declined and decided to go sit by herself for a while under a tree by the swing set. Once under the tree she laid down on the soft grass and watched the others play and eat their lunches.

She frowned remembering she didn't have a lunch of her own. She then thought about flying back to the castle to get one but she didn't know how long, 'recess' was and if she had enough time to do that. Instead she'd have to wait it out until dinner most likely. Just then a half a sandwich entered her view, held out by a brown hoof. She looked over to the pony holding it realizing it was th colt Button.

"Hey, want some?" he asked.

"Huh? But what about you?"

The colt shrugged. "Eh, I had a big breakfast." he said offering her the half a sandwich again. "So, you want it?"

She smiled taking the sandwich in her magical glow and inspected it.

"Thanks Button." she said earning a smile from the colt.

"Heh, no problem. I had a huge breakfast anyway so I'm not too hungry." he said eating his half of the sandwich.

Starlight felt relieved she didn't have to wait all day to eat something now thanks to the colt. She glanced at the sandwich and realized it was a PB&J and took a big bite out of it. The moment she tasted it she was in a sweet heavenly high of flavors. Grape jelly mixed with the peanut butter and banana assaulted her taste buds in a perfect amount of sweetness that only a god could comprehend. Perhaps an over exaggeration but she loved it all the same, that and she loved bananas.

After finishing the sandwich Starlight licked her hooves and leaned back against the tree she was under. Button imitated her leaning back and stretched his legs out. He looked over to her and asked, "So, do you live in Ponyville?"

"Yes." she replied. "I'm not originally from here, but I live in the castle with Twilight Sparkle."

The colt gasped covering his mouth. "No way! You live with the Princess?!"

"Actually I'm her student too."

"Wow! That's so cool! So you get to see her all the time?"

"Yup." Starlight saw the twinkle in his eye. She could tell he was a fancolt of Twilight. Leaning close and looking around to make sure nopony could hear she whispered into his ear, "Do you want to meet her?" She asked him

*GASP!* "You can do that?"

"Sure the Princess loves meeting new ponies." Starlight said. "If you'd like I can take you to meet her sometime. I just need to make sure it's fine with her."

"Wow you are awesome Starlight Glimmer! Thanks." he paused leaning over and nuzzled her cheek, making her blush. "And thanks for helping to prove me right. You didn't have to do that."

"NO it was fine." she said looking away from the colt. "I enjoyed it and so did Miss Cherliee. Just don't do what I did. She warned me not to do it again."

"Yeah I saw that." he said rubbing his arm. "That was pretty cool though. You're cool."

Starlight nudged his shoulder with her elbow playfully at his remark. "Hey you're gonna make me blush silly! Hey I know let's go play tag!"

"Yeah! I love that game..." The colt grinned deviously at her. "oh by the way, Starlight?"

"Hmm?"

*Bop!* "TAG YOU'RE IT!"

It took Starlight over two seconds to realize what happened. She then giggled chasing after the colt with great mirth. "Hey! That's playing dirty you cheater!"

The two chased each other around the yard happy in their game of tag. So into their game were they that they were unaware of the angry look they were receiving from a white unicorn filly from the other end of the playground. The filly was gripping a stick in her hooves bending it several ways as she thought of how 'flexible' the new filly's horn was.

"That harpy! How dare she come into our school and steal Button away from me!" She growled snapping the stick and lighting it on fire before smothering it's ashes under her hoof. "I'll show you, Miss Starlight Glimmer. Button is mine and I won't allow you to steal him from me."

Her promise of revenge was cut short by the bell ringing signalling the end of recess. All the foals gathered back into the class, the last of which were Button and Starlight who walked side by side. Even though she wore a happy mask on her face, deep down Starlight felt conflicted with herself. Here she was a grown mare in a foal body having fun with a colt who she was old enough to be his sister.

Deep down she knew this was going to be short lived, but deep down she liked being a foal and having a friend like Button. So now this left her conflicted with her feelings. She never got the chance to grow up but this was her golden opportunity. This was no longer a matter of her making friends.

She now realized just how much she missed growing up the way she did. No friends. No family. Just a home and books to fill her time with. All that changed when she left her home town and set off to create her own utopia of equality. Now she wanted to take in everyday to grow up and relearn what it meant to be a child, but was it right of her to do this?

She would have to talk to Twilight about this and get some advice. After all it was her life so it should be her choice, but if she took the chance to grow up again was it really good for her or was she just being selfish? She knew Twilight would have the answer. being close to her new friend helped her go on through the rest of class until the day came to an end.

After a brief good bye to Button Starlight walked home to the castle alone. Along the way she ran into Thunderclap who grunted at her in her usual mannerism but allowed the filly to pass unhindered. She waved to the older mare who waved back. She then used her magic to fly up and into the castle where she made her way to the library for her after school studies.

Author's Note

Sorry for the shitty quick update everyone. But I'm in a sour mood after the game and I really had a lot of trouble with the chapter. Don't worry it'll get better once I make a few revisions. For now hope you guys and gals like this quirky chapter!

Tiny Stars Adventures: After Class Training and Reality Check

Starlight sat in the Crystal Castle library reading a book on plants. She was trying to find out the long term effects of poison joke. Finding next to nothing she grumbled on book after book finding nothing but a few brief references. Closing her book she levitated it over to a pile and placed it on top, groaning as she slammed her head onto the table top.

She then heard two voices approaching and looked up in time to see Trixie and Twilight enter the library.

"Now now Trixie, I know you don't want to be here but I think this is a good thing for you and Starlight to get to know one another." she said happily, while the latter unicorn moan lowering her head. "And stop complaining! It's good for you!"

"Nothing about this is good for Trixie!" the azure mare gripped on. "Trixie is here and doesn't want to be. She came to visit her brother and only got to see him once since she got here. What's there for Trixie NOT to complain about?"

"Come on Trixie. Please?" the purple pony gave the saddest puppy dog look she could muster.

Trixie rolled her eyes and rounded a corner to see Starlight's head just barely peeking over a table with a large stack of books at her side. She waved to both mares with a smile. "Hello Trixie. Hey Twilight!"

She jumped on the table and leapt into Twilight's arms as the mare spun her around like a mother would a child. Trixie watched the exchange with a look of envy.

Setting the filly down Twilight walked over to the pile of books and glanced over the top one.

"Hmm? Advanced Gardening of Rares and Exotics?" she hummed.

"Yeah, I was looking into, um, gardening." she said averting her gaze.

Twilight oblivious to her evasive behavior smiled at her student. "Well that's good! Now let's begin with your training. Trixie if you could come over here please."

Trixie had been keeping an eye in the pink filly unicorn but complied with Twilight and walked over to a small opening in the library. The blue unicorn stared at the filly who stood on the opposite end of the area with Twilight in the center and three steps back. "OK, girls this is a standard duel. First to hit the other twice wins the round."

The two dueling ponies looked at each other. Unblinking. Determined.

"Now, standard rules apply. Starlight are you familiar with the rules of dueling?"

"Yes ma'am."

"Good. Trixie are you ready?"

The azure unicorn scoffed. "Trixie is always ready!'

*Sigh* Then the duel begins in 3, 2, 1, start!"

Silence.

Neither pony made a move. Starlight was staring the other done, assessing and calculating any possible move Trixie could make. Suddenly the azure mare lowered her poster then sat down and inspected her hoof. Starlight gawked at her but only briefly before readying herself again. Even twilight took a double take on the mare. *What is that pony up to?* she thought.

Starlight watched as Trixie continued to inspect her hoof as if she wasn't interested at all in the duel. Starlight eventually relaxed her body and looked over to her teacher.

"Bad mistake."

"Wha-" both Starlight and Twilight didn't get the words out of their mouths before Trixie blasted Starlight off her spot and into a pile of books that were stacked behind her. Twilight gasped running over to Starlight and picked up the filly in her arms. She was dazed but otherwise unharmed but that didn't stop Twilight's furry.

"TRIXIE LULAMOON!" the purple princess bellowed in the Canterlot Voice, spinning around to fly over to the mare, having Starlight in her arms, and landed in front of the unicorn. "How dare you fight so dishonorably! Have you no shame?! No dignity?!"

"As if Trixie needs to be lectured by you! Trixie's life was fine until you ruined it and those two idiot colts!"

Twilight cringed at the memory of Snips and Snails, but stood fast against Trixie.

"I told you already that was taken care of! Why are you still mad about that?" twilight pleaded to the mare. "I thought you changed?"

"Trixie never got the chance to! Of course Trixie tried but nopony gave her a chance!" The mare sobbed as Starlight recovered from her daze. She looked at Trixie from her teachers arms and though she felt safe she felt bad for Trixie. "Trixie, ne-never *Sob* Trixie never got a chance to prove her worth. Everypony always said, 'Trixie you're a failure' or 'Trixie is a fraud lets show her!' It was HORRIBLE!"

She was now on the floor sobbing and hiccuping as she tried to form words in her pitiful state. "Tri-iic-xie was punished, Trixie was threaten, beaten... abused..." she then said something inaudible to where Twilight had to lean closer to hear her.

Trixie whispered something into Twilight's ear and Starlight heard three words that made her heart sink. What she heard was one of the worst things possible. Even her brainwashing was nothing to what Trixie had to live through. She truly felt sorry for her. The mare was touched by a purple hoof but swatted it away with an angry scowl.

"DON'T TOUCH ME!"

"Trixie please." Twilight said reaching for her and began to feel tears in her eyes. "I'm sorry you had to live through that but trust me when I say that we will find who did this and bring them to justice."

"You don't have to. Trixie is over it."

"Trixie." Twilight reached for her again but stopped short as Starlight flew from her grasp and landed on Trixie's back

The azure mare gasped looking back to see two tiny eyes looking into her soul. It was the eyes of somepony who understood what she had lost. Something that an innocent child could only have. She choked back a few tears as Starlight nuzzled the blue neck she wrapped her arms around.

"Don't worry Trixie." Starlight said not stopping her nuzzle. "We'll be there for you... even if you are a big arrogant jerk face."

Trixie felt her heart skip a beat from how cute the filly was. She groaned at her trying to pry her off but she was surprisingly strong for one so small. She then accepted the hug and hugged her back feeling a lot better afterwards. Twilight wipe a tear away at the bonding the two had and left it as such.

Trixie however seemed to have had her fill of heart wrenching story time and used her magic to pry the filly off of her neck. "Alright That's enough. Trixie wishes to get on with training so she can get back to bed." the mare said in a slightly annoyed tone.

This time however neither Twilight or Starlight took offense. It was simply how she was they realized and that was alright with them. Once more the two ponies, Trixie and Starlight, faced off and Twilight reffed them again.

"Now Trixie, this time no cheap tricks, got it?"

"Ugh, it was your student's fault. She let her guard down and Trixie took advantage of it." the azure mare said back with a huff, before getting a stun spell blasted to her face.

Her mouth went numb as Starlight grinned at her. Twilight scolded her student but also had to fight back the urge to laugh at the now silent mare. The duel went on without a hitch. After Starlight's pot shot Trixie retaliated with a stun spell only to be reflected by a shield spell. Trixie quickly followed up with a fireball and a side-winding lightning bolt. Both were too small to do any real damage but were enough to distract Starlight.

Trixie saw her opening and blasted the filly with as much magic as possible nearly knocking her off her hooves and forcing her to use a lot of mana to maintain her shield. Her plan was to wear out the filly and overwhelm her with a variety of spells to throw her off balance. The downside was her blast spell used almost all of her mana. Trixie didn't have a strong mana output and her lazy nature made it even worse. Using that much mana when she had so little was her second mistake. Her first was underestimating Starlight Glimmer.

After the initial blast Starlight fired a volley of magical pin missiles which scattered in all directions and hit Trixie as she put up a magical barrier. A foolish idea as it drained her of almost every ounce of mana she had left. The shield withered away quickly leaving her exposed as the magical projectiles collided with her body knocking her to the ground with ease due to her exhausted condition.

Trixie struggled to stand up afterwards and was helped up by Twilight who supported the mare with her wings and shoulder.

"Thanks, Twilight." she panted leaning into the princess.

"Don't worry Trixie. It's fine. You did great actually!" the mare claimed trying to cheer her up.

Trixie responded with a deadpan stare. "Hah ha, very funny. Just admit it, Trixie sucked."

"No Trixie. I won't lie and say I'm surprised you lost," Twilight confessed. Trixie groaned in annoyance. "BUT! You did well against Starlight. All you need is some training to increase your mana flow. A little exercise and training will take care of that!" Twilight said giddily clapping her hooves making both Trixie and Starlight facehoove. "Learning a few new spells with that and you'll be off to a great new start on life!"

"Only one problem with that plan Princess."

"What's that Trixie?"

The azure mare got up and walked out of the library saying, "Trixie, is a happy lazy pony!" *humph!*

She then slammed the door shut leaving a disgruntled Twilight and a snickering Starlight behind. The princess glared at her student who turned away whistling innocently before the doors opened again and a blue nose barely stuck in.

"Trixie wakes up at noon. NOT soon."

The nose retreated and the door closed. The purple princess shook her head rubbing her temples while Starlight continued to giggled.

"Alright, chuckles, let's get to studying." she said sitting Starlight beside her at the table. "Alright Starlight, so to begin let's talk about our days. So I'll start with what I like to call a friendship report. This is anything you learned on friendship or if you made any new friends along the way and you'll tell me what happened. Make sense?"

"Yes Twilight." the filly saluted.

Twilight gushed internally. *Sooooo cuuuuute!*

Clearing her throat she took out a quill and ink and began to write down something as she said, "Today me and Rainbow Dash learned it's important to always stay true to your feelings about your friends. Because if you lie to them, even if you think you're doing them a favor, it's still a bad thing."

The mare finished writing and offered the quill to Starlight. She took it in her magical grasp and looked at Twilight who nodded towards the paper. "Go on, Star. What did you learn today? Anything? Make any new friends?"

Starlight looked down at the paper thinking. After a good minute she began to write about her day and something she did learn, or rather relearned.

"Today I relearned that while you may want to stand up for your friends it's important to know how and when to make such action. Today I stood up for a friend of mine, his name is Button Mash. He's a sweet colt and I can tell he'll be a great friend. I defended him in a rather obnoxious way. I humiliated Miss Cherliee in front of the class today." Starlight admitted having stopped writing after the first three words.

"Twilight? Am I a bad pony?"

Twilight gasped at the self aimed accusation. "What no, Star, why would you ask that?"

"Because I feel like I wasn't a good pony to do that to Cherliee. After she told Button he was wrong in a math problem I got upset and, well, showed her up."

"Well, I won't say it was a good thing but you did do it with noble intentions. That alone is enough to prove you have a good heart." she replied sagely to the filly earning a smile from her. "However, you should refrain from humiliating others. Trust me when I say humiliating others does not pay off. Look at Trixie."

Both unicorns glanced where the arrogant unicorn was a few minute prior. Twilight sighed looking down at her student rubbing her pink left cheek with her hoof. "Trixie bragged and showed off and look what it got her. She was then humiliate by ponies in Ponyville and it led her down a path that I don't wish for you to follow." she said in a serious tone. "I mean it Starlight, you have to be careful. The things we do to others as well as ourselves shape us into the ponies we become. Everything we do changes the future drastically. For better or worse. And though I can't see the future i don know this,"s he paused to take a breath. "I care for you Starlight. Ever since you became my student-"

"It was like a few days ago Twilight."

The princess glared at her but Starlight didn't flinch.

"Star, I worry you'll stunt your growth as a mare if you continue to act this way. I'm worried is all." She then leaned to hug the filly in a warm embrace. Starlight hugged her back closing her eyes and resting her head on twilight's chest. "I'm worried I'll lose you before I get a real chance to know you."

As they held each other Starlight felt a wetness in her mane. She glanced up to sew Twilight in tears. Her heart ached at the sight of the amre nearly bringing herself to tears.

"Don't cry Twilight." she said weakly. "You'll make me cry."

"I'm sorry Star, it's just been difficult for me. You being a filly as stirred something inside of me and, I'm so confused right now." she admitted to the filly looking concerned. "I was just starting to figure out us as a teacher and student. Now, I'm not sure. I'm sorry Starlight I'm ruining this with my problems." she said hastily, trying to push the filly away but was gripped by the pink unicorn around her waist.

"I'm sorry too, Twilight."

"Why are you sorry?"

"Because i was acting like a child on purpose." she replied rubbing her nose into twilight's tummy. "I never got to really know my parents, they passed away long ago when I was a child. Sunburst and his family looked after me as did my sister. I haven't seen her in yeas though, not after she ran away."

"I took advantage of this, my body regressing, and I used you Twilight as a sort of mother I never had, kind of thing. You know?"

Twilight smiled picking up the filly and kissing her forehead. "I do understand Starlight. I really do."

Starlight looked up to the mare hopefully. "Really?"

"Really. I can't be your mother and I know you can't stay a filly forever-"

"Why not?" Starlight asked alarmed. "Why can't I stay like this?"

Twilight sighed looking at her with an almost pleading look. "Star, the effects of poison joke are temporary. At best it'll only work for about three days. By then you'll turn back to normal as a grown mare."

"Then I can use the poison joke a lot then! Why's that a bad thing?" she said getting very upset.

"It's not that simple, Star. If you continue to use the poison joke it an have, " she paused trying to choke out the words like they were caught in her throat. "Using it will have, lethal consequences."

"What do you mean? I thought it wasn't really poisonous?"

"It isn't. Well, not in a traditional sense. Have you ever heard of Slipstream one-half?" she asked her student in a dead serious tone. Starlight shook her head indicating she didn't know of said pony. "Well, she was one of the greatest ponies in history. She was well known as a thief and used teleportation and was a master of it. After one too many heists the Royal Guard finally caught up with her. Her mastery of teleportaiton was unsurpassed and she nearly escaped in what was considered her greatest heist of all time. Until she started using poison joke." she paused letting the words sink into Starlight's mind. "She found out that the pollen made her intangible. And no magical or physical barrier could hold her but she could still walk on solid surfaces if she used her magic to assist her."

Twilight walked over to the entrance placing Starlight on her back and walked down the halls towards Starlight's chambers as she continued to tell her story.

"Slipstream eluded the Royal guard for a long time. That is until they ran her to a cliff in the great plains. Slipstream by then had used the poison joke for so long it made her delusional. She then made a foolhardy attempt to teleport onto a moving train. The Royal Guard caught her shortly afterwards." she said in a dark tone.

Twilight stopped her story to enter Starlight's bed chamber and saw that the moon had already risen and was just above the horizon. She watched Starlight brush her teeth and and after brushing her mane she put Starlight in bed and kissed her goodnight. Just as she was about to leave Starlight called to her.

"So, Twilight? What happened to Slipstream?" she asked.

The purple pony visibly shook looking back over her shoulder. The shadows from the door and the light cast from the moon covered her eyes creating an eerie tone as she gave her reply.

"Slipstream was buried beside her parents at the Canterlot Cemetery."

"But, you said the Royal Guard caught her. Right?" the filly asked almost afraid to hear what was next.

"I did. The thing is she was delusional and had no idea when the effects of the poison joke was going to end." Twilight sighed looking at her student and came to rest on the side of the bed. "Starlight, I'm not telling you this to scare you. I just want you to understand that that plant is dangerous for a number of reasons. It'll affect your mind in a bad way and that's not including the damage it could cause to you physically."

She kissed Starlight once more rubbing the fillies cheek with hers.

"I understand Twilight, and thank you for caring for me." she then kissed the mares nose, making her gasp and go wide eyed. "Good night."

"Good night, my... my little Star."

She covered the filly in her covers and turned to leave. She glanced once more over her shoulder to see the cute filly snuggled against her pillow. She smiled and was about to leave before she heard her student's voice once more.

"You never did tell me what happened to Slipstream."

Twilight's head lowered and she replied in a low voice saying, "There's a reason she is remembered as Slipstream one-half after she tried to teleport into a moving train, Star. The same reason the Royal Guard was able to catch her so easily too." She didn't look back but she could hazard a guess that the filly looked shocked no doubt. She did when she heard the story and its gruesome details. "Go to sleep, Star, and think about what I said. I'll see you in the morning."

After leaving Starlight thought about the story of the mare Slipstream and the poison joke. It was clear how dangerous it could be and if the effects wore off at the wrong time like it did for the notorious thief, well, it could be messy to say the least. Starlight laid in bed feeling uneasy. While she would never try running from the law she knew she'd be running from something more precious than gold or gems if she didn't use the poison joke. Taking the story to heart she closed her eyes and fell into a deep sleep and dreamed of sheep in a starry grass field. Only this time she was with a cute brown colt snuggled up against her.

Freinship Gained: :heart: :heart: :heart: :heart: Infamy: X X

Author's Note

Hello everyone! So I don't know what happened to my editor, so I'm have an opening to anyone who wishes to help out if you'd like. Also I know this took a dark turn but I promise it isn't going to get much worse than this I pinkie Promise. :pinkiehappy:

So now we know Starlight has a thing for a certain pony and what will become of her confusing relationship with Twilight?

Only time will tell...

Tiny Stars Adventures: Regret

Recess was now Starlight's favorite time of the day. For the last two days she'd go outside and sit under the same tree, eat the same lunch, and share a sandwich with Button. Afterwards, they would play a game of tag followed by Button pushing her on the swing. Today, however, was different from their usual routine. Today was the day Starlight saw Button's prized joy-boy and decided to ask him the big question.

"Button, what is that thing you're always looking at?"

The colt, of course, was shocked to hear such a question and nearly dropped the gaming device to its doom. Luckily, Starlight caught it in her magical grasp and floated it over to herself to inspect it.

"Joy....boy?" she spun it around to look at the device. "What is this thing? What does it do? Is it a toy of some kind?"

"How can you not know what a joy-boy is, Starlight?" he exclaimed in surprise.

"Well, I've grown up indoors most of my life and that was spent on the frontier, so I never got into fashion, theater, or movies for that matter until way later in my life," she said, not thinking about her context.

Button gave her an odd look that said, 'I have no idea what you mean'.

She quickly averted her gaze, stumbling over her words as she attempted to divert the colts attention. "So! What is this thing anyway? You never explained it to me."

"It's a Joy-boy hoofheld gaming device for simple cartridge video games," a squeaky voice said from the side.

Starlight and Button looked over to the source of the voice to see Sweetie Belle, Silver Spoon, and Scootaloo standing together. Button grinned and ran up to them, giving Sweetie and Scootaloo a high-hoof and held up his hoof to Silver, who rolled her eyes, not high-hooving back.

"Aw, come on, Silvy! Don't leave me hanging!" Button mock whined.

The grey filly in question sighed, tapping his hoof, "Nerd."

"Hey don't be like that with MY Button, Silver!" Sweetie Belle growled in annoyance, pushing Starlight out of the way as she positioned herself between them.

Starlight squeaked, looking offended by the white filly’s intervention. *That little witch!* She thought, glaring at Sweetie. The white filly hugged Button, rubbing her nose on his cheek affectionately, but was pushed away by the colt. She huffed as he walked around her to Starlight and sat beside her.

"Sweetie's right. It's a nice little game device. Do you play games by any chance?" he asked, remembering his mother telling him some ponies might not know what they were, and it was not nice to assume they knew anything about them at all. "Do you even know what video games are?"

She shook her head, earning a gasp from everypony around her, and a scoff from Sweetie Belle, which went ignored. Silver Spoon walked over to her and smiled.

"Don't feel bad. I didn't know about them until I became friends with Button and the Crusaders.”

"Oh, so what is it exactly?'

Button pulled his Joy-boy from her and loaded his favorite game title, Pokémon Emerald EX Edition. He then showed it to Starlight, brushing up against her side. The filly felt her cheeks warm up, as Silver daww'ed at them, Scootaloo gagged and a certain marshmallow pony growled.

Button then began to explain as he showed Starlight the main menu of his game. "So this is Pokémon, one of hundreds of game you can play. Think of them as board games but digital and more expansive."

"Oh! I love board games!" Starlight giggled, looking at the Joy-boy, "So what do you do in this game?"

"Well, it's simple really. You go around collecting creatures called pokémon," he pulled up the in game pokédex and went through a series of pokémon, highlighting some of his favorites. "You then travel around and challenge gym leaders to get badges and enter the pokémon league to challenge the Elite Four and face the World Champion."

Starlight seemed intrigued by the small device and the game which it held. She inspected it closely before accidentally ejecting the game cartridge from it. Sweetie and Silver Spoon gasped, expecting the Button to blow after she ejected the game without saving it. To their surprise, he simply took the green cartridge out and showed it to her.

"See?" he said, "This is the game. It plays through the Joy-boy."

Sweetie Belle was first to recover and walked over to Button.

"Hey, Button? Why didn't you freak out like you usually do when somepony ejects the game?" she asked, trying not to sound annoyed.

Silver Spoon noticed her tone and decided to watch the event unfold from the sidelines. Scootaloo, however, didn't seem as keen on sitting off to the side as she did.

"Yeah! You freaked when I ejected the stupid game! Why not with Starlight?" the orange filly grinned mischievously.

Button seemed to not get the filly’s implication, which was easily spotted by the other fillies. Even Starlight got it, but Button remained oblivious.

"Oh, that? Yeah, I'm still sorry for freaking out like that," he said hugging the fillies, even Silver Spoon, making Starlight feel a bit jealous. "But I learned from that and started saving before I give my Joy-boy to anybody."

Sweetie Belle walked over with an annoyed look. "Well, I get that but why are you- wait, everybody? Don't you mean anypony?"

Button shook his head and said, "No I meant anybody. Starlight says it could be offensive to non-ponies if we refer to anypony. Anybody, erm…according to her is literally everybody... type? Something and it can be universal so nobody is offended," he explained poorly but got the idea across.

Silver and Scootaloo took the colt’s words in and gave it some deep thought. Sweetie Belle, however, was simply furious by now. She walked over and glared at Starlight, earning a scoff from the pink filly as she sat between her and Button again. When she did, she bumped flanks with her and glared at Starlight.

"Um, can you move, please?" she asked in an obnoxious tone.

Starlight scoffed in offense. Before she could get a word out, the bell rang, signaling that it was time for the class to return. As they returned, Starlight glared at the white filly who walked in beside Button, rubbing against his side. She growled, stomping her hoof in the dirt and scraping it across the brown soil with absolute hate.

Her expression softened when the colt turned to wink at her playfully before entering the class in a swarm of children. She hadn't realized that Silver Spoon had been watching closely and stayed behind until the grey filly tapped her shoulder to get her attention. She turned to see the former bully there with an annoyed look on her mug which made Starlight feel uneasy.

"What?"

Silver Spoon shook her head, almost looking disappointed, "You'll never win him over like that!"

"What's your deal, Silver? What's got you all bent out of shape?" Starlight asked, giving her an annoyed look.

"I'm bent out of shape because you're letting her steal Button away from you!" the grey filly gestured to the school house with both hooves somehow balancing on her two back legs with no front support. "He likes you, you like him! Don't let her take that away from you!"

Starlight backed away from the now yelling filly. She looked at the school house nervously and back down at the floor with a shamed look. "I- I can't do that Silver," she replied sorrowfully.

"Oh, puuulease! You have that colt around your hoof and we have the Hearts and Hooves Festival coming up tomorrow," she glared at the pink pony. "How can you let him go like that?"

By now, Silver Spoon had worked her way over to Starlight and pressed her nose against hers. She bore an angry scowl that was not hateful, but full of pained regret. Starlight could see it in her eyes. Behind all her bravado and stuck up behavior, was a filly who was hurting over a loss. Something Starlight had become all too aware of.

Silver Spoon grabbed hold of her and turned to face the school pointing to it, "He's ripe for the taking, Starlight. Don't wait for him to come to you, don't be a fool like I was."

"Why are you suddenly interested in all this?" Starlight asked her.

"I loved somepony once. He then fell in love with another pony I cared for because I was too afraid to ask him when I had the chance," she admitted, lowering her head.

Starlight looked at Silver Spoon’s pitiful state. Her eyes were beginning to mist up and she looked like she would burst into tears any second. It befuddled Starlight as to why she cared, but knowing how loss affected herself it was easy to see how it could affect Silver Spoon. *If only I had realized it back then, maybe I wouldn't have turned out the way I did,* she thought, looking at her friend.

Starlight brushed her cheek against her friend’s. It was a tender moment when two friends realized just how much they had in common. Silver had lost somepony precious to her and Starlight did as well. Deep in her heart, Starlight knew it would never work out between her and Button, not after she regained her adult body, but she hoped.

Breaking away from her friend, she used her magic to take hold of Silver Spoon’s glasses and wiped the tears away with her hoof.

"Thanks, Starlight."

"Don't worry, Silver Spoon," Starlight said, replacing the glasses on Silver Spoon. "I won't let him go easily. I promise."

The two hoof bumped and bumped flanks before laughing together and returning to the class room, their friendship having grown in that moment when one reached out to the other. A promise was made and nothing was going to break it, the laws be damned. Starlight promised she would be with Button from here on out.

No matter what the cost or what it took.

She wouldn't lose him like she lost Sunburst.

Author's Note

So the main event will be here soon!

What will happen?

Will Starlight stay with Button or will he be swept away by Sweetie Belle? Or worse yet?

Tiny Stars Adventures: Winning a Young Colts Heart

Later that day as class got out Starlight was packing her books while Sweetie Belle continued to talk to Button. She hated the filly right now. Even if she was Rarity's sister she absolutely loathed the marshmallow filly with a burning passion. She glared at the white filly who glared right back at her. She stuck her tongue out at her and giggled as Starlight began to fume.

She quickly trotted over as Button turned to see her approaching.

"Hey, Star! How's it going?" he asked as per usual.

*He really is a sweet colt.* she thought nuzzling his cheek.

While he blushed at the contact Sweetie growled turning red with anger. From behind her Silver Spoon watched with eagerness as the two started nuzzling him at the same time. She frowned and left the class with her nose high up, but not before turning a glance back over her shoulder.

Button was in a daze as the other colts looked at him with envy and some of the fillies giggled. Eventually Sweetie and Starlight pulled away from him and the colt nearly toppled over had it not been for his desk he leaned on. Both fillies giggled before glaring at one another. When he recovered the colt waddled past without his saddlebags leaving the two unicorns behind. Sweetie Belle ran after him and Starlight followed after them not wanting to leave them alone for too long.

Moments later she came back a took Buttons bags along with hers and then ran out the door again. She followed Button and Sweetie Belle down the street as they all talked. Mostly it was the unicorns trying to outshine the other to win Button over but the colt was to entranced with his joy-boy to notice. That is until Sweetie pulled her out and invited him to play Smash Ponies with her.

Starlight followed close watching the play over Buttons shoulder as they made their way towards his home. By this point Sweetie Belle and Button had finished their match and the white filly had to run off hoe leaving Button with Starlight, much to her delight.

"So Button, about going to the castle," she said drawing on as she leaned into his side playfully, "Wanna come along with me and meet Princess Twilight?"

"Really?! I'd love to! I just have to ask my mom." he said excited running towards his house. "Come on! I want you to meet her! She's really cool."

Starlight smiled following the excited colt into his home. It was a quaint home. Sparsely decorated with a few pictures of him and his family. Starlight flew up to one family picture that hung on the wall. The center was a large stallion earth pony. He was dark brown like Buttnon and had a short well trimmed mane and emerald eyes. Beneath him was Button and a slightly larger pony who she guessed was his brother he talked about named Arcade Mash. Beside them was a mare. Cream colored coat and an orange mane with the kindest light blue eyes she'd ever seen.

"Hey Star, I'm gonna go drop my bags off in my room. Wanna come see?" he asked.

"Nah maybe next time."

The colt shrugged running upstairs leaving the unicorn to her own devices. She flew around the entry way and then over to the kitchen which was empty. She floated around the house looking around at everything she could see. Eventually she came across an odd looking device similar to Buttons Joy-boy sitting on a table. It was rectilinear and yellow with a small screen and five buttons on it. It had a port similar to the cartridge holder on Buttons Joy-boy and inside was a blue plastic cartridge. Remembering how the others reacted she remembered not to remove it unless she knew what she was doing and placed the device back on the table she found it on.

As she began to float away a voice cut through the silence startling her.

"Excuse me who are you?" it asked.

"Gah!" Starlight screamed flying into a wall head first and fell to the floor.

"Oh dear are you alright?!" the voice asked again with concern.

"I'm fine thanks."

"Oh thank goodness!" the voice said as a cream hoof rubbed her forehead. "I'm glad you aren't too badly hurt Here let me set you on the couch dear. I'll get an ice pack."

"Thank you."

The mare walked away before Starlight could get a good look at her but caught a glimpse of her orange tail as it rounded the corner to the kitchen. She heard the sound of a door opening and closing. Moments later the mare returned with the ice pack in her mouth. Starlight recognized her as the mare in the picture.

She was very pretty. The mare sat beside her and gently rubbed a cloth covered bag of ice over her sore head with a warm smile that melted her tiny heart. As she tended to the filly the mare looked around as if expecting somepony but found no one around.

"Are you one of Buttons new friends?" she asked.

"Yes, ma'am. I'm Starlight Glimmer." she said extending her hoof out to the mare, who chuckled.

"In that case it's nice to meet you Miss Glimmer." she shook the hoof in an over the top well mannered way. "I am Dame Milano Mash. I run this house." she declared.

"Mom! Are you here?"

"In here sweetie! I have your little friend!"

On cue with his mom Button ran around a corner skidding to a halt as her side.

"Hi mom." he looked over to Starlight. "Hey Star, what happened to you? Did you bump your head or something flying around?"

The colt rubbed her head feeling a small bump on it making her flinch.

"Ow. That's quite the bump on your head there, Star." he said tenderly placing the ice pack back on.

"Thanks Button." Starlight cooed kissing his nose.

The colt sighed with content while his mother giggled at him. She pulled her son close and ruffled his mane.

"Aww, does my little colt have a little fillyfriend?" she cooed at him.

"Ah mooom!" he whined shoving her away.

Starlight then gave him a hurt look. Pouting her lip and working some crocodile tears. "But Button, don't you like me?"

The poor colt stuttered as his mother jumped in not missing a beat to add salt to injury.

"Yeah Button. Why would you turn down such a cutey?" she said nudging him playfully.

The colt groaned pushing away from in annoyance. "You guys are so mean!"

The two female ponies laughed at the colt as he grumbled pouting to himself. Eventually the two calmed down and Starlight's headache subsided and all the while Starlight got to know Buttons mom.

"So Mrs. Mash-"

"Please dear call me Milano. Mrs. makes me sound old." she said.

"You are old mom." *Thwack!* "Owww! What was that for? It's the truth!"

The next thing he knew his om put him in a headlock making him gag as he struggled against her.

*Oh Button.* Starlight thought shaking her head at the silly colt. "So are we gonna go or what?" she asked him.

The two stopped their struggle and Button managed to squirm out of his mother grasp. He clumsily climbed the couch and sat beside Starlight. He wrapped an arm around her neck and pulled her close to him pressing his body against hers. She blushed as his mother grinned at them with a sly and playful look.

Button then asked, "Hey mom, can I go with Starlight to go see the castle and Princess Twilight Sparkle?"

The mare looked shocked by her sons request then glanced over to the filly next to him. "You can get him into the castle?" Her expression then hardened. "This isn't some sort of prank you're planning is it? Like that hooligan Rainbow Dash? The Princess is a very busy pony and shouldn't be bothered by children." she warned.

Starlight waved her hoof dismissively. "No need to worry Milano Mash. I am the Princesses Student. I live there."

"Y-you do?" she stuttered.

"Yup! Wanna go see?"

"Well, I guess you can go Button..." she said looking unsure. "But I want you home by 8 o'clock understood?"

"Yes mom! Thanks you're the best!" button yelled hugging his mom around the waist. "Come on, Star! Let's go!"

"Coming!" the pink filly said chasing after him.

"You two stay out of trouble! Remember 8!" she yelled to them as they scampered off into Ponyville.

The two young ponies ran down the streets heading for the castle non stop. Both were excited running until they reached the castle. Outside at her post, as usual, was Thunderclap. The guardsmare looked own the the two approaching foals recognizing Starlight but notthe brown colt she stepped in front of them halting their advance.

"Whoa there Starlight! Who's this?" she asked sizing up the tiny colt. "He doesn't look like much." the mare said clearly not impressed by him.

"Hey!" the colt called out in indignation.

"Come on, Clappy! He's my friend! I invited him over." the pink unicorn said kissing his cheek. She then gave the mare her signature wide eyed puppy dog stare.

The effect was instantaneous. The mare gasped trying to look away but was entranced by the cuteness before her. She felt a tightening in her chest as she gripped the chest plate of her armor. Finally after what felt like an eternity for her she gave in.

'Ugh! Fine! Just stop looking at me like that!" she grumbled stepping aside for them to pass.

"Thanks Thunderclap!" Starlight tugged the colt running past but stopped when Thunderclap spoke out just loud enough for her to hear.

"You know when you get back into your adult body I will rain pain down on you, right?"

"My adult...."

Starlight felt it again. Deep down the fear she had came back ten fold on her mind. She was a grown mare acting, no pretending to be a child and she had to face the music soon.

"Hey Starlight Let's go!"

"Coming!"

Starlight ran after the colt into the castle where she would have him meet Twilight Sparkle. Once inside the filly took Button on a tour of the castle and walked him to her room, then the kitchen, followed by the library where she found Trixie and Twilight reading a scroll together.

Starlight held a hoof to her lips telling Button to be silent. He nodded lowering himself to hug the floor as Starlight used her magic to fly high above the two mares. They were so enthralled with what they were reading that they seemingly never noticed the light glow above them. Starlight then pulled out a paper bag and blew it up until it was ready to pop. Slowly she leaned closer and closer to Twilight and Trixie until she was an inch away from their ears.

"Starlight don't you dare." Trixie said looking up at her with the most unamused glare she could muster.

Twilight looked up casually at the filly pulling her down into a hug. "Hey,Star! How was class today?"

"It was fun!" the filly replied happily. "I brought my friend Button to meet you. He's really sweet."

The filly practically gushed at the mention of his name making the colt stay frozen in place until the two older mares looked at him from his hiding spot. He got up and gave a nervous wave of his hoof. Trixie walked over to him and looked him over. Her stern gaze as piercing and demeaning as Thunderclaps. The colt shrank under her gaze and then walked over to Starlight and leaned into her ear and whispered something to her that flustered her.

She swatted Trixie until she went away laughing obnoxiously. She glared at the mare muttering, 'big blue jerk' under her breath before being settled on the ground beside Button. She smiled offering her hoof to him which he shook promptly. His mother always taught him to shake another ponies hoof when offered especially royalty.

"Wow, I can't believe I'm shaking Twilight Sparkles hoof!" he squeed showing his fancolt side. "This is so cool I can't believe you actually teach Starlight!"

"That's right. You're from her class? She talks a lot about you." Twilight asked sitting before them.

Button looked surprised by this. He knew she liked him but not that much. "She does?"

"Mhmmm."

"Wow, I didn't know you felt that way Starlight." he said rubbing her cheek with his.

The pink unicorn filly went rigid and blushed only to have in intensify when Trixie snickered and Twilight giggled saying, 'how cute' they were together.

"So how did you two meet, Button?" Twilight spoke looking down at him.

"Well, you see Princess it all started with a math problem."

For the next several minutes Button went on to tell how Starlight outsmarted Miss Cherilee with her own math problem. As fun as it was the class knew better than to try something like that again. After that he told them about how they became friends sharing lunch under a tree by the swings which now became their favorite spot to hang out.

Twilight felt happy to see Starlight making friends, but Trixie sat in silence with observing eyes. She watched Starlight's reactions when Button talked about her and how she spoke about him. It was very clear to her how the two felt for one another but begged the question did Twilight already know? Whatever the answer maybe it became clear to her when the next series of events unfolded.

As Button finished his story Twilight and him were laughing at one of her more embarrassing moments during recess.

"-and that was how she got stuck in the belfry."

"Wow, I ddin't know you could do that Starlight. I'm proud of you! Since when could you do phasing spells?"

"Since last night when you, Trixie, and I practiced phasing objects." Starlight explained. "I looked into it after Trixie said she did it once for an escape act of her."

The alicorn princess looked to the magician who nodded in confirmation to the fillies tale. "All true. Trixie used it to imitate Hoofdinis Great Shark Tank Escape act." she said, rather reluctantly. "If you tell anypony Trixie will drop you into a tank full of piranhas."

"Riiiiggght. So Button," Starlight leaned into him. "You got somepony to go to the Hearts and Hooves Festival tomorrow?"

"No why?"

"Well I was wondering if you'd like to go with me?" she asked him, hoping he'd say yes.

The colt contemplated for a long while rubbing his chin. "I don't know. You sure you wanna go with a colt like me?"

She looked at him like he just said the dumbest thing in the world. "Of course you dummy! I like you and... well," she paused trying to think of a way to say what she wanted without making it too obvious to Twilight and Trixie. So she said the most subtle thing she could think of on the fly, "I wanna be your special somepony. Will you be my special somepony?"

"What?"
"WHAT?!"
"Trixie saw that coming."

Before another word was said Twilight quickly pulled Button away from her student and walked him to the doors. "Oh would you look at the time! You really should be heading home little one. Thunderclap!"

A bright flash of light later and the unicorn guardsmare appeared before the princess giving a polite bow. "Yes your majesty."

"Please see to it that master Mash gets home safely, OK?"

"Yes, right away your majesty."

She bowed thanking the mare and added, "Oh and, Clappy. I told you to call me Twilight. That's an order."

"Yes you maje-I mean Twilight."

"Thank you Clappy!" she called out playfully to the mare closing the doors on her.

*That's not my name!* Her muffled voice screamed through the door. Twilight giggled but put on a serious face stomping towards Starlight. The unicorn filly looked worried like she was afraid she did something wrong. Twilight bore a look of both anger and disappointment.

"Trixie can you please leave us for now." she said to the other unicorn.

Trixie nodded silently, putting on her cape and hat as she made her way to the door she mouthed 'good luck' to Starlight. Tipping her hat to her she exited the library leaving them alone. The two remained silent for a minute before Twilight broke the silence, her voice filled with sadness and frustration..

"I'm very disappointed in you Starlight. What were you thinking asking him that?" she asked shaking her head.

The filly looked away like she didn't care. "It's not like it really matters. I'm a filly,he's a colt end of story."

"NO STARLIGHT! That's not, 'end of story.' I won't allow this." she declared with a powerful stomp of her hoof. "You can't see him anymore."

This infuriated the filly. Her eyes narrowed as she glared at the alicorn defiantly. "Oh, and I suppose you'll stop me? How? Are you going to ground me? I'm a grown mare so you can't ground me or keep me here!"

This revelation seemed to calm the alicorn down. She took a deep breath and counted to ten before she smirked at the filly earning a confused look from her.

"You are absolutely right Star. You are a grown mare and such I can't ground you." she admitted. Starlight pumped her fist in victory but twilight held a hoof up to stop her cheer. "However it works both ways. As a grown mare you can't see Button anymore."

"What why not?" she asked, but she knew exactly where this was going. Deep in her mind she had thought about this for sometime now.

"Because if you make any intimate contact with him that would be against the law. I'm sorry Star, but for your own good and his it's time you two stopped seeing each other." The mare sighed rubbing her head. "I never thought it, this would happen."

"What? That i'd fall in love?" Starlight asked sarcastically.

"Yes! Starlight you're a grown mare and you admitted to kissing him! That technically makes you a pedophile! Don't you get it?! You could get in trouble for this!" she cried to wrapping her arms and wings around her student pulling her close, but in a gentle manner. "If somepony found out you could get in a lot of trouble Starlight. You have to stop seeing him."

"Oh, so you since I became your student you suddenly think you can order me around?" Starlight circled around the mare rolling her eyes.

Twilight glared at the filly, her temper rising to a boiling point. "Don't you talk back to me like that!"

Starlight flew up into her mentors face pressing her nose against hers. "Sorry, MOM! Oh wait, you're not my MOM! So why don't you just stay out of my life! Argh! I wish I never met you!"

By them time she realized what she had said she covered her mouth with her hooves. She saw the hurt look in Twilight's eyes as tear flowed freely down. The alicorn looked away in shameful defeat leaving Starlight stunned.

"Twilight I,... I didn't mean, I mean-" she stuttered reaching for her mentor but stopped an inch away unable to bring herself to touch her.

Without a word Twilight began to sob and turned tail and ran away. She disappeared in a bright flash of pink light, indicating she teleported, but where nopony knew. This left Starlight in the library feeling bad and her victory hollow. She had rejected her teacher on the spot and not even a week in. How could she be so stupid?

"Madame?"

She looked around to find Guiding Wind looking down on her like a predator ready to strike. She looked upset at her, very upset. "Madame why did you say the things so harsh and mean?"

"But I didn't mean it honest!" the scared filly pleaded. "I just wanted to be happy is all."

"Madame, shame on you. For shame. You would expend the hoof that cared for you in exchange for happiness?" she tsked looking away in disgust at the filly. "The Princess sacrificed a lot for you to be here, yet you show to be ungrateful. I am disappointed in you. I thought you knew better."

*Sigh* "I thought I did too."

Starlight dragged her hooves as she made her way out of the library. The Prench maid couldn't even bring herself to look at her she was so upset. And Starlight made her way to her bedroom and locked herself in and flew into bed. She wrapped herself in the blankets and replayed what she had said to Twilight in her head.

The more she thought about it, the more she realized just how much of a jerk she had been. Guiding Wind was right, she should feel ashamed. Deep down she did but the lingering feelings she had for Button remained still. She knew Twilight was right also but, she had been denied happiness for so long was it really wrong for her to want just a bit more? She decided to sleep on it and hoped Luna would pay a visit in her dreams. Maybe she'd have the answers she sought. And so the filly rested until her eyes grew heavy and she found herself falling into a deep sleep.

Friendship Lost: :heart: :heart: XX Infamy Gained: XXX

Author's Note

Drama bomb!

Hey guys hope all is going well. Things have been slow for me so I haven't been updating in a while but I'm working on it. Honestly this chapter was had to write so yeah.

Anyways, so little Star is coming to a BIG problem and her solution? Seek advice from her peers? But what will Luna do?

Hmmmm. Mystery. >O<

Find out next time on Tiny Stars Big Adventures!

Tiny Stars Adventures: Dreams to Nightmares Part 1

Deep in her sleep Starlight was having a very strange dream.

In her dream she had grown accustom to delightful dreams but this time she had the strangest dream up to date. Though she didn't know she was in a dream until she woke up. She was in a dark room wit no light sources around her. Even her magic had no effect as she tried to light her horn with a simple lighting spell.

"Hello?" she called out.

Hearing nothing but her breathing she circled around the room several times. The room was a simple box room with a single door at the center of one wall. Starlight looked around. There was nothing on the walls but she could tell they were worn out. Despite there being no light source the room was still somehow dimly lit. The walls were covered with grey wall paper that was faded and tearing from age.

After taking in her surroundings she cautiously approached the door and reached for the knob. Opening it she entered a long hallway that turned right making an L shape. It was narrow and barely big enough for her to walk down. It had white walls laced with red and a small table with various items such as a blurry photo with a golden frame. To the left of that was a series of papers that were written in a strange language Starlight couldn't read and a quill and inkwell.

Seeing nothing else she turned left at the halls end and saw it continued down a short ways with one door to her left that was closed and another directly at the end of the hall. She approached the door to her right and tried to open it but it was locked. She used all her might and couldn't open it which aggravated her. Finally after several attempts she abandoned her foolhardy plan to budge the door and she then continued down the hall to the door at the end.

She reached for the knob when she finally realized she was a grown mare again. She looked at herself feeling very odd. Her body was there, she could feel it but it was all blurred and when she tried to look at herself other than her hooves it made her feel out of place.

She shook the feeling off and proceeded to open the door. It opened with relative ease revealing a declining staircase that lead to another door. For some reason this area was built with stone, which made her wonder if she had accidentally moved in her sleep to another area of the castle. Then she remembered she was in her room and nowhere in the castle looked like this. It was all crystal but this seemed oddly familiar to her.

The building the room, it all seemed to familiar to her and it was driving her nuts. She walked down the stairwell racking her brain to remember what this place was. She knew it but could not for the life of her remember what it was. As she thought she reached the door and opened it to see the same hallway she started in. Somehow her body ended up outside without her knowing and the door slammed shut behind her.

"What in the hay?!" she yelped jumping like a cat in fright.

She rammed the door trying to open it. Again she tried to reach with her magic but nothing came out. She glared at the door, turned around, and walked away.

"Stupid door. Where am I?" she asked walking past the same hall, same desk, same unreadable papers, a letter... "Wait, what's this?"

She glanced over back peddling to see a small envelop under the pile of papers she had found earlier. She looked through them with her hoof, having no magic still, and found a small letter which was in a opened envelop. She looked around to see if anypony was around. She pulled the letter out and looked it over. Basic Equestrian in an elaborate style of writing, simple enough as she read it aloud.

"To my beloved,

Long have I wanted to be with you, my sweet young love in colt guise. Your inner child will lead you to do great things for our nation. You have a heart of pure gold and a spirit more prideful and powerful than the Griffin Kingdoms and Dragon Clans combined.

I have watched you grow over the last year and in all that time I took your letters to heart. It has been a difficult journey and I know it has been for you as well. I have heard of your recent victory in your towns electoral. Congratulations! I know you worked hard with your team to earn it. But I digress, I've wanted to tell you something for a long time now.

I LOVE YOU.

I've loved you for a long time now. Every day we spent together has been the new happiest day of my life. All I want is to be with you so we can live together and have a family. Going to the park to have a picnic, go on dates, even a romantic stroll through the park by a lake sounds lovely.

But alas I can't do this. We are too far apart and though I enjoy our time together it would be for the best if we don't see each other for a while. I hope you can understand that I love you and it's because I love you that I feel we must part ways for a time so I can clear my head. Remember I will always be there for you in your dreams and I will be your guardian angel against nightmares.

I love you. And I always will.

Your lovely dream mare,

Princess Luna.

Starlight stared at the letter for a good minute before she slowly encased it back into the envelope and sealed it setting it down on the table. She saw it had no address or name written on it. She wondered what it could mean. Suddenly a monarch butterfly fluttered into her view making her gasp as it landed on the edge of her nose.

She looked cross-eyed at it and smiled as it fluttered its wings.

"My friend! How are you? I've missed you so much!" she said placing her hoof next to the insect and it crawled on her hoof, fluttering its wings. "I know. It's a strange place but what is it?

Again the monarch fluttered its wings.

"A choice? Yo're not making any sense. What choice?" she asked as it flew away. "He-he wait! Come back! What do I need to do? Where are you going?!"

Giving chase she followed the monarch down the hall. As they approached the door it flew open leading down the stairwell again. This time the door at the end flew open on its own allowing her and the monarch a chance to go through, only to end up in the same hall again. Starlight growled as she chased her friend, following him through this never ending spiral. After the thirteenth time she saw her friend fly down the stairwell once more but this time he stopped by the door at the end of the stairs, which remained closed this time, and hoovered in place beside it.

"Huff, huh, why did you stop?" she panted flopping on the floor with a thud. "What's here?"

The butterfly landed on her nose and didn't move. She looked at him until he flew to the door and landed on the handle. He then fluttered his wings once, then twice, the thrice. Starlight stared at her tiny friend with a look of disbelief.

"Power or love? What kind of choice is that?" she asked looking at the door which had the number 13 on it.

She then got up and dusted herself off. She leaned forward to open the door when the butterfly fluttered again flying around her head flying fast. This startled the unicorn stopping her just an inch from the knob. She looked at him intently as he flew and landed in her head. She looked at the door for a long time not moving, her hoof rested on the knob.

"So I have to make a choice between truth or love?" she asked making the him flutter. "Heh, that's easy!"

The monarch fluttered again making her hesitate for a moment. "Of course. It'd be too easy wouldn't it?" she asked sarcastically. Quickly she opened the door and entered a large dark room. Inside she could see nothing but darkness. She looked around and listened for anything.

"HELLO?!?" She called out then perked her ear.

Nothing.

She walked around trying to make sense of what was going on. Nothing made sense. Where was she and what was happening? She wondered what the choice was she had to make and whether it was going to be as simple as choosing A or B. Suddenly a bright light appeared focusing on a small lump covered by a white sheet. She looked over at it as it squirmed as if somepony was struggling under.

She cautiously moved closer, the cloth moving as she reached for it and pulled the sheet off. She gasped to see Button Mash tied in chains and gaged struggling against his restrains. "Button!" She screamed falling to his side. "Hold on Button I'll get you out!"

She tried to pull the gag out but it didn't work. She tried to pull the chain off but found it impossible to free the terrified colt. She looked around and saw a small light maybe ten yards away. She saw it and her friend the monarch fluttered over head fluttering his wings. Starlight listened and heard what was said. She glanced down at the light and then to Button.

Just then the colt began to sink into the floor. His panic written all over his face. He tried reaching out to Star who cried his name and grabbed hold of him.

"Don't worry Button! I'll save you!" she cried, as tears ran down her face.

He struggled again. He looked up pleadingly for her to save him tears flowed down his cheeks as she tried her best to pull him from the darkness. Just then her friend flew to her side and fluttered his wings twice, very calmly.

Starlight in her struggle found it hard to respond to him, but was not pleased with what he had to say.

"NO! I can't! I ca't tell him the truth!" she pulled him harder.

The colt was now half buried in the floor as he seemed to lose the will to fight. Instead he simply looked up at the unicorn mare who tried with all her might to save him. The monarch watched until he was three quarters down. *Flutter* *Flutter* This angered Starlight even more.

"I won't tell him! I can't!"

The butterfly fluttered again.

"Because, Because... If I did I'd have to tell him goodbye." she sobbed loosening her grip and wrapped her arms around him kissing his nose several times. "I *hic* I... I don't want to lose him like I lost Suneburst! I won't lose him! I can't! He means the world to me!"

*Flutter* *Flutter*

'NO! I WON'T I LOVE HIM!"

......*Flutter*

"UP YOURS! I'M NOT LETTING HIM GO! BUTTON I LOVE YOU!" She rubbed his cheek then gently planted a kiss on his lips over his gag. She then pulled once more trying to free him when suddenly the floor reached out and engulfed him in his entirety. The last she saw of him was the pained scared expression on his face as the floor devoured him like a shark would eat a fish whole.

It took less than a second and he was gone. Just like that. In her shock she could only stare at the floor. She rubbed the spot the colt was in trying to find some trace of him. Of course there was nothing, but she couldn't accept that. It wasn't right. How could this happened to such a sweet colt?

"He didn't deserve this." she growled bashing her hoof into the floor. "HE DIDN'T DESERVE THIS!!! WHY?! WHY COULDN'T I SAVE HIM!?"

She glared at her friend, her sadness replaced with unbridled rage. She stomped towards the floating butterfly and came an inch from him breathing heavily like a mad bull ready to strike. The monarch remained in place seemingly unfazed by her angered expression and body language.

"Why did you help me?! WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL ME WHAT I COULD HAVE DONE?! WHY DID YOU SIT THERE AS I TRIED TO SAVE HIM?! WHAT KIND OF FRIEND ARE YOU!?!" She yelled at him throwing her arms around like a madmare. "Why couldn't I save him? Was my love not strong enough?... Am I too weak?" she slumped on the ground and began to sob loudly until she finally broke.

Her silent sobs turned into full blown wails as she called out for the colt, wrapping her arms around her chest. She thought about him and the time they spent together. Slowly she sank into the floor. Her wailing continued and she didn't notice or care that she sank deeper into her despair. All she knew was he was gone and there was nothing she could have done to save him. Finally after two whole minutes she was engulfed by the floor and the monarch flapped his wings as a bright light appeared from behind him forming a light blue portal.

From it emerged a dark blue pony clad in armor with a sword at her side. Her etheral mane flowed calmly like a flag in a gentle wind. She walked over to the spot where Starlight laid upon tapping it once with her armor clad hoof. She frowned at the spot and lit up her horn as a light blue arua surrounded it.

"Begone nightmares of despair and deception!" she commanded as dispelled all around her.

Starlight's body appeared before the armored mare at her hooves. Still laying in the pathetic lump she was when she had been consumed by the darkness. Gently the mare sat beside the now sleeping unicorn and rested the pink ponies head o her shoulder. Getting comfortable the mare waited for the pony beside her to awaken as the monarch landed on her nose making her giggle.

"Hello again my old friend." she said to him rubbing his tiny head. "Thank you for informing me of this nightmare. Starlight and I will have much to discuss."

Author's Note

DUhwaht? A second update?

Well to be fair I wrote this like two days ago and was editing it for all you to read in one day! I know it's a bit darker than normal but I promise it doesn't get worse than this! I pinkie promise!

Enjoy!

Tiny Stars Adventures: Dreams to Nightmares Part 2

Starlight awoke feeling groggy. Her head was throbbing and her chest ached. It was like she had this huge weight on it and slowly asphyxiating her. Aside from all the pain she felt she could feel something warm on her side. Her vision was blurred and her senses dulled, but she could make out a silhouette of a large pony beside her.

The pony shifted looking down at her.

"Glad to see you're awake young one."

"Princess Luna?" Starlight asked reaching for the ponies face.

The pony touched her hoof with her own rubbing the pink hoof tenderly with love and care. "Aye, young Starlight tis I Luna, Maiden of the Moon. I had come to aid you in your time of need."

Star looked around, her vision still blurred and couldn't make anything out. "Where am I? Is this the Dreamscape?"

"Indeed it is." the alicorn answered.

Starlight could start to see a bit more but her sight still failed her. She could tell they were on some kind of cot on a small hill with a small river beneath them that ran with tiny dots in it, presumably fish. The unicorn looked around and then up to Luna who was sitting beside her with legs curled beneath her. She extended her wing and gave it to Starlight wrapping her in it keeping her warm.

"Thanks."

Luna grinned. "Don't fear my little pony. Now, I am told by your friend here," she gestured towards the monarch who Starlight could barely make out as he landed on her nose, "He says you're in need. What troubles you child?"

Starlight thought hard about what the Princess of the Night meant. It took her a minute but she remembered Button and how she tried to save him but was devoured by darkness.

"BUTTON! I have to save him! Luna I need to-"

"Sssshhh. Child, tis but a dream. Thou can't save him for he lays safe in his own bed in Ponyville. As do you." the mare said calming the mare down. Starlight settled down sighing in relief.

"I'm sorry Princess." she said rubbing the mares side with her cheek. "I have, I had a rough few days."

"Care to tell me?" Luna asked looking at the monarch while she listened.

Starlight nodded to the mare as her vision cleared a bit more. "Of course but first I have to ask, is he one of your conjurations?"

Luna noted the monarch Starlight was looking at as she asked her question. Nodding Luna replied, "He is a familiar to the dream realm. He is my gift and guardian to you Starlight Glimmer. I created him to guide you and protect you."

"Wow, thanks! He's been a great friend." she said petting the butterfly with her hoof.

"Indeed he has. Now about what this colt, Button Mash? He sounds nice." Luna said casually.

Starlight blushed looking away from the lunar mare. The alicorn ran her feathers against the unicorns mane and rubbing it making her giggle. She swatted the mares wing away playfully but put on a serious look shortly after.

"Do you think I did the wrong thing, Princess Luna?"

"About what young one?" she asked looking over at a blue flower and touched it. "Falling in love with him?"

Starlight nodded looking at her.

"Never Starlight. Love is the greatest thing in the world! You should be proud to have fallen in love." the princess declared.

"But is it wrong I love a colt?" Starlight asked wearily.

Luna gave her a perplexed look She rubbed her chin with one hoof and thought long and hard how to tell her what she wanted. It was hard for the young alicorn to come up with a simple answer. Perhaps a little help from another would suffice.

"Give us a moment Starlight. We must seek another who is better equipped to answer thy dilemma." Luna said getting up and leaving the unicorn alone. "We shall return in a minute. Please get comfortable."

Starlight watched as the mare stepped through a portal that formed from nowhere. All around her were beautiful blue flowers with small golden seed in the center. The hammock she lay in was made of fine silk and attached to a large tree that spread it open. The water flowed silently surrounded by several small islands covered with mushroom like vegetation.

Starlight stayed in the hammock waiting for Lunas return all the while thinking about Button. She loved him and in the eyes of society it was not right for a grown mare to love a colt the way she did. She wondered if it was weird for her to harbor such feeling for the colt. She thought long about this until a bright pink portal appeared signaling someones arrival.

Out of the portal came Princess Luna and Cadence. The pink alicorn looked rather upset but kept her royal composure. Luna had a serious but sympathetic look as they both walked over to Starlight and joined her in the hammock.

"Greetings young Starlight. This is our niece Princess Cadence. Niece meet Starlight Glimmer." the blue alicorn said.

Cadence bowed to the unicorn who mimicked the motion. "Nice to meet you Starlight."

"Likewise princess."

"I'm glad to finally get a chance to talk to you." Cadence said scooting closer to the unicorn in the hammock.

Luna flanked Starlight sandwiching her between herself and her niece.

"We have much to discuss." Luna said leading the charge of the conversation.

Cadence smiled giving her aunt a playful swipe with her pink wing. Starlight snickered and Luna shot a glare at her niece sticking her tongue out at her. The pink alicorn laughed.

"So mature auntie."

"Yes well," Luna trailed off rubbing her chest with a hoof casually, "Let's get to the matter at hoof. Starlight why don't you tell us about this young colt who has captured your heart?"

One could see the twinkle in Cadences eye at the thought of love. Starlight sighed looking of to the side and made a small conjuration of the brown colt. "You see Princess I'm in love with this colt at Ponyville Elementary. I... I want to take him to the up coming Hearts and Hooves Day festival but..."

"I see your dilemma."

"So can you help me?" Starlight asked the alicorn of love.

The Princess of Love looked at her aunt with a concerned look before lowering her head. This disheartened Starlight greatly.

"I see. So you can't." she said turning away looking at the little figure of the colt conjured by her magic. "I guess I'll have to figure this out myself."

"Well, you see Starlight, I have had this conversation before." Cadence admitted looking to Luna.

Starlight quirked a brow at her. "You have? So, that means you can help me?!" she asked excitedly.

"Now Starlight I did help somepony in an identical situation but you have to understand the laws are in place for a reason. How can you expect a colt who is much younger-"

"I'm only twenty-six, Princess." Starlight said. "He's not that much younger than me."

"Oh, well regardless that is a dangerous line you're playing there." Cadence warned.

Luna looked like she was about to burst into tears as Cadence continued on. The Pink alicorn touched her aunts hoof with her own trying to show her support. Luna smiled nuzzling the younger mare.

"Aunty Luna was the one who I helped." Cadence said putting the mare on the spot.

"Cadence!"

"Sorry auntie, " the pink mare winced. "but you know it was hard for me to say that. The truth of the matter is Starlight is about to make a gamble with her life as well as that of a young colts. She needs to hear the truth." Cadence looked at Luna with a serious look. Determination written all over it, but Luna was not about to back down. Although she now regretted bringing Cadence into this. *I should have just told young Starlight to go for it. Damn the consequences.*

"What she needs, Cadence, is to follow her heart and fight for the pony she loves! Back in my day this was normal for grown mares and stallions to court younger ponies!"

"You speak of archaic times and laws Princess Luna." cadence snapped at her aunt.

"Well who's to say what is right and wrong with love?" Luna replied haughtily.

'This isn't about you! It's about poor Starlight here!" Cadence yelled gesturing to the pink unicorn.

All the while Starlight looked at the pair in befuddlement. Clearly this conversation left her more confused than anything. Cadence realized this and decided to clarify her position.

"Ahem, Starlight?"

"Yes, Princess Cadence?" the pink unicorn replied.

"I need you to understand something. I don't think it's wrong to love someone younger than you but you need to be careful when dealing with a situation like this." Cadence look at the mare sizing her up. "How old are you? Twenty?"

"Well, I'm actually twenty-six." Starlight admitted.

Cadence frowned rubbing her forehead. "Starlight, sweetie, I don't think I need to tell you that loving a colt at YOUR age is highly illegal."

"I know but I DO love him!" Starlight fell forward grabbing the princesses hooves. "What ever I need to do I'll do it if it means staying with him."

Cadence and Luna gave each other worried looks. "Starlight, I can't tell you what to do. In the end you will have to decide for yourself but consider this, will he be happy with you or will he be happier with another?"

Starlight looked away with uncertainty in her eyes. "I, I would like to think not." she replied.

Before Cadence could get another word out Luna stepped forward embracing the mare in a hug. She glared at her niece who returned the gesture most unkind.

"Starlight you need to follow your heart and take what is yours. Never let others tell you what is right or wrong." she glared back at her pink niece. "LOVE conquers all in the end."

"LUNA THAT IS ENOUGH!" Cadence roared in the Canterlot voice standing up to face her aunt. "As the Princess of Love I will not tolerate you sending this poor mare down a dark path!"

"I never should have asked YOU for help!" Luna snapped back standing to face her alicorn peer. "You did the same thing for me and Pip!"

"Oh so you're blaming me for the lost love you had for a colt as well?"

"Well excuse us if we want to have the pony of our dreams Mi Amore Candeza! Not all of us get to fall in love with the first pony we meet!"

"Well stop blaming me for your lack of a love life!" Cadence then scoffed mockingly. "Oh , wait I know! Maybe if you weren't so pushy and bossy somepony might actually like you if you weren't some pedo!"

"STOP IT! STOP ALL THIS FIGHTING!"

Starlight's voice echoed in the dreamscape making it shake. Luna and Cadence stared at the mare in shock as she panted. Her eyes swelled with tears that fell freely as she painfully tried to make sense of all this madness.

"Don't you see? You two are family! Why are you acting like this?!"

Both alicorns looked at the broken unicorn who was now crying openly. She tried to cover herself with her arms feeling ashamed for breaking down in front of the two Princesses. The alicorns tried t reach for her but Starlight used her magic sending a magical blast that shattered the delicate dreamscape into nothing.

Starlight shot upright in her bed gasping. She was gripping her comforter in her hooves. There was a layer of sweat over her body and her sheets themselves were wet from it. She quickly looked around seeing nopony near she threw the blanket and sheets off and quickly ran over to her desk pulled out some paper and a pen. She quickly began to scribble down arcane symbols and text. *Thank the heavens for my photographic memory!* she thought wiping the sweat from her forehead.

Once she finished she ran out of her room as quickly as her tiny hooves would carry her. She ran past Guiding Wind who called out to her but she ignored the mare continuing to run down the halls heading for the Cutie Map. She used her magic to take flight slipping past Thunderclap. The mare guard screamed a girly scream like a filly who saw a mouse as the pink filly flew past her.

Starlight fired a magical blast blowing the doors to the Cuite Map room off their hinges. The massive doors flew across the room leaving the way open to Starlight who flew onto the map itself. She sighed looking sadly down at it.

"Nothing is worth losing a friend over." She glanced at the notes she made on a paper. "If I never meet him this will never happen. Luna and Cadence will never fight and I won't have to deal with breaking his heart."

Charging up her horn Starlight focused her thoughts on the fateful day she met Trixie. She fired a magical surge into the map sending a portal above herself in a reverse fishbowl look. Thea arcane symbols for time-travel etched on it as it grew sucking Starlight into the dark vortex into the past.

"Here we go." Starlight said as she flew up into the portal as it closed behind her.

Author's Note

So here we are again. Starlight is about to make a change but what will happen if she does?

Hmmm?

Flashpoint Paradox

Young Starlight arrived in Twilight's Castle floating down onto the Cutie Map. Her tiny body never made contact with the map for she flew off before having readied her flight spell mid transport. As she flew out of the portal Starlight took to the skies flying over Ponyville in the middle of the day.

Though the spell would most likely have gone unnoticed at this time she quickly flew through the skies landing on a tall building near the school. She looked around for any sign of herself. She knew she'd be passing by at some point but had to wait for it. Not ten seconds later did Starlight's tiny ears home in on the sounds of screaming and shouts with heavy hooves stampeding below her.

Glancing over the side Starlight saw her older self, or rather younger self so to speak, running away from the angry mob lead by Amber Anvil. having a clear line of sight she heard the nasty vulgarities the mare was saying chasing after Starlight's past self. It made her mad hearing such things.

She watched as her past self ran down the alley ways trying to escape from the angry mob chasing her down. She flew after the mob and watched as the past her came to a halt and became surrounded.

"This is it Starlight Glimmer. You're surrounded. Surrender now and we might go easy on you." she heard Amber cal lout to her.

Filly Starlight scanned the area where she knew Trixie would be.

"Oh come on, Amber Anvil! What's your problem?"

Down about four streets Starlight saw the unicorn walking down a bust street being as inconspicuous as possible. Her black cloak hung around her and she held her head low glancing around occasionally. Starlight immediately took action and not a moment too soon. For just as she took off the chase began anew with Starlight running to her inevitable fate with Trixie. Or so it would have been.

Quickly she took flight flying just above Trixie and with a precise shot of magical energy she took out the rear most wheel of her wagon making the former magician stop dead in her tracks. Quickly Starlight shifted herself around the corner of a nearby building as Starlight's past self ran past Trixie along with the mob and far off to the other side of town.

Trixie watched as the chase went by and then returned her frustrations on her unfortunate circumstance with her wagon wheel>

"Yes!" Starlight cheered with a hoof pump flying up into the air. "Now all I need to do is go back home and-"

BZZZT!

The time portal shot open sucking up Starlight's tiny body up in it and left the past behind. The time stream was blinding everytime she past through it but she could feel a change to her body. As she exited the time stream she landed on the ground with a thud. A smell dust cloud formed around the area where she impacted the ground with her face first.

Getting up she dusted herself off and looked at herself. Same old Starlight but with her adult body. She grinned at her success hoof pumping in the air in a very anime style cheer.

"Alright! I did it!" she cheered in the middle of the street.

.......

She opened her eyes expecting to see a bunch of ponies staring at her sudden outburst. What she saw was not what she was expecting. The town of Ponyville was in ruins. Every building was badly damaged and all the plants had withered and died. The sky was a deep red, something she didn't recognize due to the time travel distortion.

Now that she could clearly see what was around her, panic gripped her heart. She quickly ran around looking for anypony calling to her friends. No answer came. Down one street and up another she ran looking for anypony only to find more ruins. Finally after not seeing anyone she looked to the horizon to see the crystal castle still standing albeit damaged but still standing all the same.

"Twilight. She'll know what to do!" Starlight said galloping to the castle.

After a good five minute run Starlight ran up to the doors pushing them open with her magic to find a horrifying sight. Before her in the hallway was a badly batterd mare in armor she had come to know so well half buried in a section of the crystal castle roof.

"THUNDERCLAP!"

She cried out the mares name as she slid close to her lifting up the guradsmares head and rested it on her lap.

"Thunderclap please talk to me." she cooed at the mare patting her cheek.

Thunderclap's eyes opened weakly. They scanned around trying to find the source of the voice that called to her. Finally she felt a hoof rest on her cheek and directed her head upwards. "Thunderclap. Please, hic, talk to me. What happened?" she heard a sobbing voice of a familiar pony.

"St-starlight? Is that you?" she gasped reaching up finding the mares face with her hoof. "I-I can't believe it. You came back."

The guard unicorn smiled weakly rubbing the cheek of the mare. She was resting on a red carpet with white spots on it her lower body covered in the crystal shards from her pelvis down. Starlight stood up resting the mares head on the carpet.

"Hang on. I'll get you out-"

She stopped as her magic covered the shard and chunks of crystal lifting it up. What she saw made her sick to her stomach. She then remembered Twilight didn't have red carpets in her castle. They were white. She remembered clearly Rarity ranting about how red would clash with the blue hues of the castle when she hung out with the fashion pony. She was staring wide eyed at the devastation before her and quickly and gently she lowered the debris back onto the injured pony as her tears fell from her eyes.

She rushed beside the unicorn mare lifting her head and resting it on her lap again. Thunderclap smiled shifted herself to rest her face sideways on Starlight's lap. She rubbed the soft pink fur rubbing her nose on it making Starlight blush from the intimate contact.

"I'm so sorry Thunderclap. Please, what happened?" Starlight asked trying not to cry.

Thunderclap shifted with a grunt as a wave of pain shot through her lower body. "GH! ahhhh... Oh. Heh, guess no foals for me, huh, Star?"

"You, you called me, Star?"

Thunderclap smiled nodding. "Yeah, after you left town the citizens stormed the castle. They demanded the Princess take action against ponies with criminal backgrounds. *Cough* That's when she came in."

"Who? Who came?" Starlight asked fearing what was coming next. "Thunderclap who did all this?!"

"*Cough* It was, gah, Trixie. She destroyed everything. Everypony. All gone. I was the last one." she said trying to reach for Starlight.

"Wait, Trixie did this?! But she's our friend! Why would she do this-" The mare stopped thinking about what she did in the past.

She changed a very crucial point in Trixie's journey to Ponyville. why the unicorn magician came back in the first place. Combined with the angry mob that formed just after her arrival couldn't be a coincidence. That and the dread item she sought to get back at Twilight and her friends.

"Trixie... found the Alicorn Amulet, didn't she?" Starlight asked looking down at Thunderclap.

The guradsmare nodded breathing heavy now. "She... she found the amulet... gave her untold power and destroyed every.... so tired."

"No, NO! Thunderclap you have to stay awake! Please don't leave me! I need you!" Starlight screamed down at the tired looking mare shaking her. "Please you can't! I- I don't know what to do!" She then paused looking around before she realized the answer was with her. "The spell! I can fix this! I can fix it Thunderclap!"

"The mare looked weakly up at the pink unicorn. "You can?"

"Yes, I memorized a spell that allows me to time travel. I can go back and stop this from happening."

Starlight reached for her mane to pull out the scroll from her bangs. A habit she picked up from Pinkie. Unusual but very useful to keep personal effects on ones self. As fate would have it though the world distorted around her and as she reached for her mane she forgot what she was looking for. Suddenly she fell to the ground rolling from under Thunderclap as her body began to convulse.

Old memories of her past collided with new ones as she tried to comprehend what was happening to herself. She could literally feel the changes to the timeline as events altered in her mind. She saw vague images. First was stone fragments with cutie marks on them she recognized were from her friends, then an uras major roaring and smashing the castle roof, then Trixie on Twilight's throne laughing like a maniac. While she lay there as her body shook it became engulfed in a deep red aura. Her body lifted up as her convulsions ceased and she turned in the magical hold to see Trixie at the end of the hall.

"Welcome little pony." she sneered. "Welcome to your doom."

Author's Note

Dun dun duuhhhn! :derpytongue2:

no major notes here guys just a short chapter for a teaser of what's coming next! Next chapter will be out soon!

Casuality

Author's Note

Hey hey everyone!

So just a heads up this is a rather dark chapter compared to previous ones and I must say I was torn wether or not to have it published for the longest time. That being said I have it here now and hope you all enjoy it and the heart felt drama it entails. :twilightsmile:

Casuality

Trixie cackled madly from the hallway. Starlight looked on helplessly at Trixie while Thunderclap tried to move from under the debris. Trixie noticed the mares struggle. The azure unicorn wore her cape but with white fur lining it and a four horned crown made of gold with bracers of silver with red gems on each one. Her eyes were deep red and around her neck clasping the Alicorn Amulet.

Trixie looked up at Starlight who was struggling against her magical hold. Trixie laughed at Starlight's futile attempt to free herself from her magical grip. Thunderclap growled trying to free herself from the crystal debris that had her pinned. Trixie gave the downed mare with a wicked grin layering her magic to push down on the debris.

Thunderclap screamed out in pain. "AHHH!! You little bit-MMMPH! MMMMMM!"

Thunderclap's voice became muffled as Trixie stuffed a sock into her mouth. She walked over giving her a disgusted look like the unicorn was the most disgusting thing she ever saw.

"Ugh, Trixie doesn't like the look you're giving her." she said casually rubbing her hoof against her cheek.

The azure unicorn leaned closer bringing her nose just an inch from Thunderclap's. She gave the mare a sinister smile.

"Aww, don't give Trixie that look, Clappy." she giggled at the mare. "You know it's your own fault you're stuck in this situation."

The brown unicorn scoffed angrily at Trixie. She glanced over at a frightened Starlight still suspended in the air because of Trixie's magic. The guard mare gave her a nod getting a confused look from Starlight. Suddenly Thunderclap lunged forward with her head piercing Trixie's left eye with her horn.

Trixie reared back, losing her magical hold, screaming while gripping her gouged eye with her hooves. She spun around as Starlight blasted her in the back with a stun spell sending the mare across the hall. While she was down Starlight got up and rushed over to Thunderclap lifting the debris but was only able to get it an inch off the ground before a red blast flew past her head nicking her ear.

Starlight looked up to see Trixie with a magical eye-patch over her gouged eye glaring at her with lethal intent. Starlight tried to lift the debris again but Thunderclap used a magical force push to send her back a few feet. regaining her footing Starlight tried to approach her again only to have a magical beam ricochet off the crystal surface past her.

"Just run Star!" Thunderclap cried out. "I-I'll hold her off! Please. Live and make sure you set things right."

*You have no idea.* Starlight thought.

The pink unicorn nodded turning tail to run away. As she did she heard a loud scream from Thunderclap. Before she was able to turn around a sickening snap was heard with a gurgled scream followed by an explosion She dared not look back but instead ran for her life.

"Stupid! Stupid!" she cried.

She ran around the castle as Trixie gave chase. Not more than ten second after beginning to run the amulet wielding unicorn was flying after her with great speed. Trixie cackled firing magical blast after blast trying to hit the fleeing unicorn. Starlight herself was in emotional turmoil. She saw one of her newest friends broken before her, literally, and one of her other friends was now hunting her down like an animal.

She ran through the castle trying to escape but Trixie's pursuit was everlasting. Finally after several minutes Trixie broke off her pursuit and disappeared. Starlight not taking the chance she might return, which she was still expecting, kept running until she reached the end of the main hall leading to the Cutie Map chamber.

She heard Trixie's cackling as one magical beam clipped her left hind leg. The beam shot right through leaving a huge burn mark on her. Starlight screamed falling forward and tumbling to a halt on the floor. She cried and screamed gripping her injured leg.

"AHHH! Ahhh! Trixie why!? Why are you doing this!?" she said sobbing.

Trixie didn't respond. Instead she grinned and slowly crept closer to Starlight like a predator toying with its prey , before it would deliver the final strike. Starlight tried to crawl away from Trixie with one arm and gripped her injured leg with the other. She was now at the main entryway to the Cutie Map chamber and was only a few feet away form the map.

Trixie started to laugh evilly as Starlight crawled along the floor. She was so distracted by the mares cackling she didn't notice the dust pile she crawled into until something hard met her hoof that wasn't crystal. Looking down the pink unicorn realized it was stone, maybe marble, that was lying on the floor. She looked around to see pieces of what looked like pony shaped statues around her. She lifted one piece inspecting it as Trixie continued cackling.

"That was my favorite piece." she said circling Starlight in a low posture like a wolf. "She put up quite the fight. The heroines Elements of Harmony would stop me. If they didn't she said you would."

"What are you talking about?" Starlight asked looking at the piece of stone.

She turned it around and saw the image of a six point star with several tiny ones around it. She gasped throwing it at the map making it breaking into more pieces. She looked around herself to see many more pieces of her friends all in stone but broken. She felt sick to her stomach feeling a queasy sensation take over her body.

"Aww, not feeling well little pony? Well, Twilight always did like the weakest fools as her friends!" Trixie said with a sneer. "Of course when push came to shove they were all lacking. Trixie of course disposed of them easily." she finished rubbing her hoof on her chest.

Starlight couldn't hold it anymore. She threw up to the side not wanting to see this anymore.She crawled away through her own vomit closer to the Cutie Map. Trixie followed allowing her to get closer while continuing to mock her.

"You actually though you could stand up to the great and Powerful Trixie?! Hah! You foal! You'll never be a match for me!"

"Gahhh." Starlight groaned still holding her injured leg. "You are better than this Trixie. You have to listen to me. That amulet, gah, is evil!"

"Oh, really? You think so?" Trixie asked walking up to Starlight and rubbing her chin.

Trixie threw Starlight over the map against Fluttershys throne. The little butterflies on it shattered to pieces by the force of Starlight's body. The unicorn had the wind knocked out of her from the impact. She fell onto the thrones armrest and rolled of with thud, gasping for air as she tried desperately to get away from Trixie.

She crawled under the edge of the map and tried circling around. she hoped Trixie would think she was still near Fluttershy's throne and that'd give her enough time to get onto the map. She was wrong. As she circled around Trixie was there in Rainbow Dash's throne with a smug grin. Trixie barred her teeth at Starlight kicking her in the face breaking her nose.

Starlight screamed out loud gripping her bloody nose with both hooves. She rolled on the floor crying into her hooves as the slowly turned more and more red. Trixie jumped off the throne and kicked the downed pony.

"You think you're so special don't you?" Trixie laughed.

Starlight coughed several times trying had to look at the mare before her. She then felt a magical grip take hold her her throat. Starlight struggled against the magical hold but found it impossible to break it. Trixie lifter her over the map smashing her face into it. Starlight cried out weakly feeling the cold crystal under her cheek.

Trixie laughed again. Using her magic to hold the pink unicorn in place she stepped onto the map standing on two legs. She then used on leg pressing it against Starlight head and applied a bit of pressure on it. Starlight yelled out feeling her skull being crushed under the mad mares hoof.

"Aww, have a bit of a head ache little pony?" she chuckled.

Starlight cried under the mares hoof feeling more and more pressure. She kick a screamed begging for Trixie to stop but the azure unicorn only responded with more laughs.

"Trixie please this isn't you!" Starlight cried again pushing on the crushing hoof.

"Really? You think Trixie cares what you think?!" Trixie screamed at her with a wild look in her eyes. "Trixie lost everything to this town! Her home! Her pride! Her dignity and honor! Trixie was beaten violated and harassed beyond reason for the rest of her days!"

"But you're still here-"

"Silence! Trixie will not be made a fool of!" she said pressing down on the mares head.

Starlight cried weakly begging in her mind for someone to come and save her from her doom. Sh wriggled underneath Trixie's hoof but her struggle was only met with a hoof to her gut.

"Trixie won't be made a fool of anymore. NOPONY WILL TREAT TRIXIE LIKE TRASH AFTER TODAY, AND SHE MOST CERTAINLY WON'T BE TREATED LIKE A SLAVE EVER AGAIN BY ANYPONY! THEY WILL LOVE AND RESPECT ME FOR WHO I AM!!" she yelled stomping on Starlight's head making her horn crack from being struck.

Starlight looked up at her assailant feeling the end was near she contemplated everything she had done up to this point. She wondered if it was all worth? Was what she wanted worth throwing her life away needlessly? No, it wasn't done needlessly. Everything she did to this point was for the benefit of others. She knew deep down her intentions were noble, but once again she failed to see life's lessons until it was too late.

She looked up at Trixie trying to come up with a plan to escape. She could feel her head ready to burst from the great amount of pressure on her skull. She felt helpless. She could do nothing.she was at the madmares mercy.

"Trixie is done with you foal," she declared lifting her leg ready to deliver the final blow. " Have a good afterlife-" SHINK!

Trixie gasped stopping in her assault on Starlight. She stood motionless but her mouth moved several times but nothing came out. She looked back to see Thunderclap there with a sword in her hooves sticking in Trixie's back. Trixie screamed out as the unicorn twisted the blade digging deeper into her back. Thunderclap glanced at Starlight who watched wide eyed at the struggling mares as they twisted and turned to gain an advantage over the other.

"Starlight! You need to get out of here!" Thunderclap yelled as Trixie screamed out painfully.

"But I can't just leave you two!" Starlight responded standing up. "There has to be another way!"

"Don't worry Star, just go! I'll take care of Trixie!"

"But we're all friends! It shouldn't be this way!" Starlight sobbed.

She looked down letting her mane fall over her face. She didn't hold back her tears. She let open the floodgates as her two friends struggled against one another in their fight. Eventually Trixie overpowered Thunderclap by using her magic to pull her mane to the side and sent the guard rolling over on her side.

She punched Trixie's side making her cry out. In retaliation she focused her magic on the weakened roof. Her now crimson red magical aura took hold of the weakened crystal structure and slowly began the fight to bring it down. Small shards of the roof fell from hitting Starlight on her head. She glanced up seeing Trixie's intent and quickly shot a magical blast at the azure mare.

Seeing this Trixie used Thunderclap as a body shield from the blast. The force of it sent her spiraling against the wall behind Trixie leaving a pony sized indentation on it. Thunderclap rolled falling to the ground, her metal armor clanked loudly as it did, as she struggled to get back on her hooves. Trixie finally got the crystal roof loose enough to bring it down, keeping it in her magical hold. She sneered at the two ponies bringing the debris over herself as she slowly stepped forward with dramatic effect. Starlight charged her but was blasted in her head by Trixie and sent her flying back against the wall.

Ignoring Starlight completely Trixie focused on the brown mare and brought the large amount of crystal debris over herself. Using her magic she super-heated the crystal making it into a smoldering hot bar and reshaped it into a large jagged spike and raised it over Thunderclap. She laughed loudly and stood proudly over her fallen adversary ready to deliver the final blow at a moments notice.

She halted her laugh and gave the guard mare a look devoid of and emotion. It was as if she just turned off her emotions and just stared blankly down at the mare. Then she said, "Ready for your final journey, lapdog?" she said as her body began to glow and she began to feel drained.

getting no response but a defiant glare she shrugged. "Very well. Trixie hopes you have said your prayers," she paused to readjust herself feeling a heavy weight against her magical hold which began to wane. "Trixie isss, going to bring an end... to.... you... why is this so heavy?!"

She looked up as her red aura changed from red to her original pink color as her body began to glow brightly. She and Thunderclap turned to see Starlight standing with a beat up face staring at Trixie with her horn glowing. Concerned Trixie turned to face the pink unicorn.

"What are you doing? You think you can overpower me?!" Trixie asked angrily as she pointed to herself.

Starlight was sweating, her red stained coat glistened as she focused on her signature spell at Trixie. She found it difficult to focus the spell as she was not only fighting Trixie's natural magic but the amulet's as well, but she was determined to save Thunderclap no matter the cost.

"Gah, no but I can't. *Pant* not with the Alicorn Amulet." she said.

"Hah! Then what are you going to do little pony? Are you going to fight the Great and Powerful Trixie?" Trixie asked sarcastically.

Starlight gave the mare a sad look. She knew what she had to do to end this and then she wold fix it. She could fix it all, but to do it she had to do something she never thought she would have too.

"Trixie, Thunderclap, I'm sorry I have to do this." Starlight said sobbing.

Trixie gave her a confused look but Thunderclap simply nodded in response silently. It was then Trixie felt a magical pull on her flank. A searing pain befell her and she felt her magic drain quickly weakening her magical hold on the massive crystal spike above her. She cried out looking at her flank to see her cutie mark ripping itself off her hips, and with it her magic and its entirety.

Panic overcame her as she looked worriedly at the unicorn in front of her. "Wh-wha-what are you doing!?! You can't do this!"

"I'll do what I have to do." Starlight said.

"NO! You can't! You'll end not only me but your friend as well!" Trixie yelled struggling to hold back the immense weight above her.

Thunderclap sighed looking out at Starlight. "Don't worry Star, it has to be done."She said gripping her injured chest. " I won't blame you. You have to do it for Equestria."

Trixie looked worried at the unicorn. "NO! Are you mad!?! What is this power you have!?!"

Starlight looked away from the two ponies ho she knew as friends. True her and Trixie's relationship was a difficult one to describe but she never had any ill will against the mare. This choice she had to make however was perhaps the hardest choice she would ever have to make. She could hear the two mares calling to her. One begged her not to go through with it while the other begged her to end it once and for all.

The turmoil in her heart came to a boil point until she thought for sure her head would burst. She gave a weak look at the two ponies she could feel her magic pulling at Trixie's cutie mark, but she hesitated to give it the final pull. After two minutes of waiting she looked away crying openly and with a soft whisper gave them her final words.

"Trixie, Thunderclap. I'm sorry." Starlight said.

She gave a final pull with her magic and ripped the cutie mark off of Trixie. Her natural affinity to magic gone the amulet lost the main focus of it's power. With the magical loss of power holding it up the crystal spike came crashing down onto both ponies beneath with a sickening scream and crunch.

Starlight looked upon the wreckage with teary eyes. Her hooves shook as she stared at her two friends crystal tomb. She stared at it feeling a warmth under her hooves. She dared not look but glanced at the cutie mark in her aura. She choked back a sob not thinking of what she was doing she jumped onto the map and fired up her time travel spell she committed to memory and sent herself flying back to the past.

In the blink of an eye she was back in the past. It was night time and there wasn't a soul about. She quickly scanned the area. Not hole in the roof, Check. Now pony around, check. *CREEEEK!* One annoying little filly past version of herself, check.

"What who are you!?" A high pitched voice cried out behind her.

The older Starlight looked down at her younger self, her ear practically bleeding from her high squeaky voice. *Was I really so annoying to listen too?* she pondered looking at her filly self. Looking at herself the younger Starlight glowed and flew up to the older version of herself and poked her once, then twice, by the third time old Starlight was getting annoyed ans swatted the fillies hoof away.

"Do you mind!?" old Starlight scolded herself. *Goodness I feel old.*

"Sorry! But are you me?" Young Starlight asked herself. *Wow, I am very pretty when I'm older.*

Old Starlight sighed. She jumped off the map and held a hoof to her chest, keeping Trixie's cutie mark on her magical hold. "Listen I don't have much time but you have to listen to me. I am from the future!" she said with dramatic flair.

Her younger self cocked her head. "How far in the future are you from ?"

Old Starlight gave herself an annoyed look. "No-that doesn't matter! What matters it you can't go to the past and change things!"

"Why not?"

"Because! It's like Twilight said and showed you-us, showed us!" Starlight began to yell frantically. She then held up Trixie's cutie mark making her younger self gasp.

"Listen to me and heed my warning Starlight," she warned herself. "I have seen what happens if you go back and change things the way you do. You'll end up destroying everything you love and cherish if you go through with this half cocked scheme. Don't do it."

"Well, then I won't do my original plan!" younger Starlight said in a cheerful voice. "Thanks for the warning!"

With that she landed on the map with a dumb cute smile and used her magic on the map. The map time portal sucked her up and sent herself to the past. Old Starlight let out a feral scream flying after her younger self through the portal after her younger self. In the times stream one could see what looked like apparitions of past present and future ponies all traveling to different points in time. After all time was relative here in the time stream.

inside the time stream was like being in a white tunnel of lights passing by so fast it was like beams of light were flashing by. Apparitions heading in either direction either going forward or back in time to their final outcomes. All around Starlight looked for the familiar form of her filly self among the apparitions. It didn't take long to pin point her younger self flying towards her destination. She quickly flew after her younger self and grabbed a hold of her tiny filly self who kicked and screamed not excepting anyone.

"Hey let me go-me!"

"You have to stop!"

"NO!"

THWACH!

"OW! You little pest! No wonder Thunderclap hates me!"

"Shut up old lady! You're not the boss of me!" younger Starlight screamed, flailing her arms and legs.

"Oh, you did not just go there-" she paused thinking how absurd it was fighting with herself. Shaking the feeling off she looked at the struggling filly in her arms. "You can't do this all will be sent to ruins if you continue this path!"

"No! I have to do this so I don't fall in love with Button!"

She turned around and held onto her younger self. Flying out of the white tunnel of light pressing hard against it. Her Body felt warm and sparks ignited as she ran along the tunnel pushing deeper and deeper into it. The younger Starlight screamed feeling the sparks as they both began to distort and fade away.

"Wait stop! you'll erase us both!" The younger Starlight cried out.

The older unicorn smiled calmly as she leaned deeper into the time streams limits. She held her younger self closer to her chest trying to calm the no doubt scared pony. "No, we both know that's not how it works." he said calmly.

Her words seemed to get through to the filly who stopped her struggle dangling in her arms.

"I have seen things. Things you would not believe. It's over." she said looking down at her younger self. "You have to tell him the truth and leave it to him to make his choice. Then you'll have to make one yourself."

The young filly squirmed a bit. "Do I have too?"

Starlight smiled kissing her younger self's forehead leaning harder into the time stream and shattering it and themselves in the process. She looked at her younger self who faded away and she herself could feel the bleak face of the end with a smile on her face.

"I know you will make the right choice." she said closing her eyes as darkness overcame her and she fell into oblivion.

First Kiss

Author's Note

Drama bomb incoming!

First Kiss

Starlight shot up in her bed gasping. She inspected herself over seeing she was a filly once again. She sighed in relief laying back down in her bed. She glanced over at her clock which read 7:08AM. She groaned stretching her arms and legs until they popped.

"Agh, that was a weird day." she said hopping off her bed.

She waddled lazily over to the window and peered through the curtains. She saw the town of Ponyville just off in the distance. There were pink banners all over the place and lots of large pink hearts all around. She thought about her little time travel venture, although it was a it fuzzy due to the paradox she created. She felt reviled though. The weight of the future no longer on her shoulders and the path to hers was clear now more than ever.

She smiled at the sight of all the pink hearts taking a deep breath she skipped down to her bathroom to get ready for her day. She flew up over to the tub and took a nice hot bath. She only filled the tub up partially so she could rest inside with her tiny body. She laid back, resting her back on the ceramic face feeling the cold touch as it warmed up with the hot waster. She then used her magic to add some salts to the water and undid her mane.

"Ah, now that's what I needed." she said looking at her hooves.

No blood and no dirt. Al good signs that the past was in the past. She then pondered, was it the past or future? Was the future in the past or was it none existent, or did she inadvertently create an alternate time line?

*Now, now Starlight let's not go and cause trouble anymore than you already have.* a disembodied voice said, echoing around her with a deep chuckle.

"Yeah that'd be- what the hay hay!? WHO'S THERE!?" Starlight gasped covering herself.

"Aww don't fear little filly, or rather, I guess marechild would be more exact." the voice said again as it drew nearer.

Starlight quickly scrambled out of the tub looking around for the source of the mysterious voice. She ran out of the bathroom and looked all around. She checked under the bed

"Not there!" the voice chuckled.

She checked her closet and dresser.

"Not there either!" the voice laughed.

Starlight was now getting worried she was losing her mind. She looked all around but found no body to connect to the voice. It chuckled again, with a slight echo.

"Oh, don't be so sad Starlight. I just love all this chaos you've created with your little time travel stunt"

"Alright! Show yourself you peeping tom!" Starlight demanded.

"Oh, don't worry you'll be seeing me soon enough." the voice said reassuringly. "Until then, ta, tah!"

Starlight glanced around once more. "Hello?" She perk her ears up but no response came. She shrugged not feeling secure in her room she quickly dried off and threw her towel on the floor and vacated her room.

Starlight's mane was a tangled semi dry mess as she ran down the halls looking for anypony she knew. There were more staff ponies, at least twenty new faces, she hadn't seen before. She only paused occasionally to greet a pony here and there until she came upon a large griffon in a beautiful suit of golden armor holding a decorative helm under her left wing. The griffon was rather plain. He stood as tall as Celestia had a white feathered head and a dark brown body and wing. His tail had a long tuf of fur at least six inches long at the end of his tail with three blue and white feathers tied into a braid and a golden bangle on it.

Starlight looked in awe at the majestic griffon and he in turn looked down at her with a curious glance. He cocked his head to the left and Starlight in her awe struck stupor imitated him. He responded by tilting his head the other way and Starlight once again imitated him. She looked into his ruby red eyes which were massive. His beak turned into a grin as he playfully rubbed the fillies head making her grunt.

"Hey!" Starlight yelped scurrying away from him, flying ten feet in the air and floated there.

"Hah!" he barked up laughing. "So you ponies can all fly now? Interesting."

He laughed heartly putting his helmet on his head and flew up to Starlight. She was ready to flee but the griffon held his arms up showing he had no hostile intent. She remained weary of him due to her fateful encounter with a disembodied voice, making sure to keep a close eye on him.

The griffon sensed her eagerness and made no sudden movements as he hovered in place. "Don't be afraid little one. I'm am of Celestia's Royal Guard. I am Captain Golden Claw. At your service." he said with a bow.

Starlight felt a bit at ease when he bowed exposing a spot on his armor with the sun symbol of Celestia. She bowed to him and introduced herself.

"Hello Captain Claw. I'm Starlight Glimmer." she said reaching for him with her hoof.

Claw shook her hoof and hen gently guided her back down to the floor. The two landed side by side right in front of a brown mare in Royal Guard Armor. Starlight gasped flying into the mare tackle hugging her.

"OOF! Oh, hey Starlight." Thunderclap said patting her head.

"OH Thunderclap! It's so good to see you again!" Starlight said tackle hugging the mare.

"Hey now let's not get all teary eyed somepony might think you actually like me." Thunderclap said with a chuckle.

Starlight giggled flying up and landing onto the mares head. She rubbed the mares armored dome inspecting her own reflection. *Ugh! My manes a mess!* she thought looking closer at it.

"So, Starlight what were you doing running down the halls like somepony was after you?" Thunderclap asked the filly.

The filly looked shocked at her with wide eyes, almost fearful. "I heard the voice of someone. When I was in the bath, the voice called ot me and I couldn't find them. I was looking for someone to help find them."

"What!?" Thunderclap yelled looking up at her.

"Who? Was somepony peeping in on you?" Thunderclap ask angrily.

"I think so. I was looking for Twilight when I ran into Mr. Golden Claw." Starlight explained to the mare pointing to the griffon in question.

"Well, we will see about that. Captain?"

"Yes ma'am?" Claw said standing upright.

"I'm going to sweep the area. I need you to go inform Twilight Sparkle of this and have her meet us in Starlight's room, OK?" she asked him.

"Yes Captain Thunderclap." he saluted turning about face and ran off to find Twilight.

Thunderclap looked up at Starlight who was still perched up on her head. "Alright come on. Let's go you dum dum."

The pink unicorn gave the guardsmare a flat look in response. "....Jerk"

***

Sometime later they arrived in Starlight's room where nothing had moved since her departure. Starlight flew onto her bed and sat there watching while Turnover used a spell to scan the entire room inch by inch with a cone of magical light. Eventually her search concluded and she looked rather befuddled.

"Did you find anything Thunderclap?" Starlight asked.

"No. Well, not really." she said scratching her head.

"What do you mean?"

"I do sense something but I'm not sure what it is." the mare admitted looking at the ceiling.

"Star? Thunderclap? What's going on?"

Both ponies looked at the doorway to see Twilight standing there flanked by Guiding Wind and Golden Claw. The purple princess walked cautiously into the room scanning it the same way Thunderclap did. Starlight flew over to her and landed on her back hugging her.

"Aww, Star, glad to see you're alirght." Twilight giggled nuzzling the filly.

"Good to see you too Twilight." Starlight greeted her.

Twilight continued to scan the room but found nothing like Thunderclap did. She scratched her brow looking around like something was amiss but couldn't place it.

"Starlight, what exactly happened here?" she asked the filly on her back.

"Well, I'm not sure really." Starlight started to say looking around. "I was in the bathtub having a nice salt bath when I heard was a disembodied voice talking to me." She blushed looking away from the princess. "I thought it was a peeper so I ran out of the bathroom and covered myself in a towel. The voice said something like, 'I just love all this chaos you've created with your little time travel stunt.' then nothing."

Twilight contemplated what the filly said and almost instantly her look soured. "Discord."

She glared up at the ceiling like she had expected to see something or someone there. Seeing nothing there she craned her neck to face Starlight with a disappointed look.

"And what was that about time travel, missy?"

"Uhhh, you misheard." Starlight lied. "I didn't say anything about time travel."

"... Star. Don't lie to me." Twilight warned her leaning closer to her. "I know you're lying. Just tell me what happened."

It took the filly a few moments to consider her options. In the end she gave in. "OK, Twilight, but we need to speak in private."

Biting her cheek Starlight decided to make life easier on herself and tell Twilight the truth about her failed plan to change time. Taking a moment to compose her thoughts while the two guards were setting off down the hall leaving the filly and Princess to themselves.

Starlight looked up at Twilight from her bed with a sad look. Twilight extended her wings and with a single motion glided up to the bed landing beside her student. Starlight folded her legs under her and leaned against Twilight's side as a purple wing wrapped around her comfortingly. Twilight waited patiently for Starlight to get comfortable and allowed her time to get the first word out. Finally after a few minutes of silence the filly spoke up.

"I messed up Twilight." she said not looking at her mentor.

"I kind of figured as much, judging from your tone I'd say it was quite the experience." Twilight said calmly.

"It wasn't just something Twilight." she said sadly. "It was horrible."

Starlight sighed sagging her shoulders rubbing her face into Twilight's side. The Princess nuzzled the filly making her smile return in full.

"I miss this."

Twilight looked at Starlight. "What do you miss? Star?"

No response came from her.

"Star? What happened?" Twilight asked sternly.

'Twilight I messed up. I went back in time and tried to change the past again." she said getting a hard expression in return. "Before you say anything yes, I did fix it but I, Trixie..."

Twilight gave her a concerned look. She wondered what any of this had to do with Trixie. She looked around to make sure nopony was around before continuing. your student and Trixie found the Alicorn Amulet and took over Ponyville and... she..."

Twilight waited for Starlight to continue on but when nothing came out and she choked trying not to cry she knew something was wrong. She pulled Starlight into a soft hug rubbing her tiny mane with her large hoof and spoke gently to her. "Starlight, you can tell me what happened. What did you see?"

With a choked sob Starlight and recounted her misadventure to the past and how her changing one little thing cascaded into something tremendous. When she got to the confrontation between Trixie and Thunderclap, she nearly broke down in tears at the painful memory.

"The worst part about this whole thing was Trixie and Thunderclap fighting. Trixie showed no remorse, no pity," she sobbed. "She,hurt Thunderclap. Bad. I had to... I had to...to,to...I had to stop her Twilight! I had to!"

"Star, calm down. Calm down!" Twilight urged the now crying filly petting her mane. "Just let t all out."

"I, I... I had to end it Twilight. There was a fight and Thunderclap had to..."

"Starlight it's fine. You don't have to tell me."

"I crushed them Twilight. Thunderclap was injured and Trixie was going to crush her with a crystal spike and I tore her cutie mark off and well the amulets lost its affinity for magic and you can guess what happened after." Starlight finished barely holding back her choked sobs.

"Starlight, you did the right thing." Twilight said.

"I did?"

"Yeah. I wish you didn't have to make such a decision bu, you put the fate of the world before yourself and your friends." Twilight explained. "It's not what I wished happened, but you did the right thing to save the world Starlight."

"HOW CAN YOU SAY THAT!? I KILLED THEM! MY FRIENDS ALL BECAUSE I WAS SELFISH!" Starlight bellowed at Twilight.

The Princess shook her head. "I'm not saying it was a good choice but the right one. At the time it was your only option," she said trying to calm her student down. "Please Star, you have to understand it was the right thing to do. Don't blame yourself. It was really my fault to begin with."

"What? Why you?" Starlight asked surprised.

"I know about Button Mash and the meeting you had between Cadence and Luna." the alicorn said flatly.

Starlight looked up at her mentor with wide eyes. "How? How do you know about that?"

"Because we're both here." a familiar voice said from behind the two ponies

Starlight and Twilight looked behind them to see Cadence and Luna entering the room side by side, Twilight was frowning at both of them. This didn't go unnoticed by the filly who could tell by the uncomfortable looks the senior Princesses had that twilight no doubt, gave them an earful already.

The two alicorns approached the side of the bed and planted themselves on the carpeted floor. Once there they waited as though expecting someone to start talking before they did. After a while of awkward silence Twilight took the initiative.

"Princess Luna, Mi Amore Cadenza, I believe you two owe my student an apology and an explanation." she said in an unforgiving tone.

"Yes, we do." Cadence admitted lowering her posture.

Lina imitated her with a nod of agreement.

"We're truly sorry Starlight." Cadence said leaning on the bed.

Luna followed suit. "Indeed. We let our troubles claim hold of our better judgment and took out our pent up aggression and bitterness towards one another and forced it on you." Luna looked away, her cheeks a slight shade of pink. "We are sorry."

"It's fine Princess." Starlight said softly.

Both Luna and Cadence seemed relieved that she was so forgiving to them, Twilight however wasn't about to let it go so easily.

"I for one am not satisfied with this." the purple alicorn said, as she glared at the two other alicorns. "It wasn't enough you hurt Starlight but you had to bring your problems and lay them on her? Why would you two do that?"

Both Princess Cadence and Luna looked uneasy as the received their scolding from Twilight. Even Starlight was a bit unnerved by her mentors harsh treatment of the two, but in truth she felt the same deep down. In the end however she couldn't bring herself to hate or even dislike them considering what she had done.

Before she could voice her opinion Twilight quickly amended, "I am disappointed you two. You are the Princess of the Moon, and Love. How can you two do this?"

Luna and Cadence looked away in shame. Starlight looked at them both wondering what they were thinking now. She then focused on Luna who had a most pained expression on her face.

"Luna, what happened between you and Cadence with this, Pip, was his name?" she asked.

Luna looked at the pink alicorn. She gave her a short lived glare before turning her attention to Starlight.

"Some time ago, we went to Ponyville during Nightmare Night." she started to say. "We had a hard time adjusting to these modern times and was finding it difficult to, as they say, 'blend in.'"

Starlight look at them confused. "What do you mean Princess?"

The blue alicorn rubbed a hoof to her chest nervously. "When we came here we fell in love with a young colt who, befriended me. We became close friends and shortly after that we would often invite thy young colt over to the castle in Canterlot and play games with him."

"You mean like, video games?" Starlight asked excited, as memories of her and Button playing with their friends came rushing back to her.

"Indeed." Luna agreed. "Twas the most fun we had in a long time since our return from our banishment. As the years went on it became harder for us to see him go. After some time we asked the assistance of Cadence who had just been married if she could help us with our dilemma."

All eyes turned to Cadence as Luna finished her part of the story. She sighed heavily shaking her head. "Aunite Luna was in love with young Pipsqueak. Much like you are with Button Mash."

Twilight looked down at Starlight with a disappointed look, making the filly shy away.

"Young lady, what did we talk about when we last spoke of this?"

"You told me I had to stop seeing him." Starlight replied with some bite in her tone. "Why?"

Twilight sighed facehooving. Cadence managed to get on the bed and lay beside Starlight and Luna did the same resting beside her niece. The bed was now packed tightly with three alicorns and on filly squashed between them.

"You know good and well why, Star." she replied in a flat tone.

"It's not right for a grown mare to love a child like this." Cadence added making Luna fume. "The laws were placed long ago to protect young ponies from dangerous predators who'd take advantage of them. It not only protects them but adults as well."

"Tis not fair you two telling her she can't love him." Luna said bitterly at the two other princesses.

Both Twilight and Cadence gasped at Luna's harsh words. After a brief moment of shock twilight recovered and Cadence said, "It's the law auntie. We just, we don't want Starlight to jump into a relationship before she considers the consequences of such actions. As Princesses we must uphold the laws of the land to protect ponies from dangerous predators." Cadence explained to both Luna and Starlight.

Starlight listened to the mares words as the slowly sank in. Her mind ran wild at the serious implications of what she could do to Button at her age. As she sat there while the alicorns discussed the politics behind the laws she spent much of her time thinking about Button.

*Would it be wrong of me to love him?* Starlight thought listening to the mares.

"I'm telling you Luna. It's only for Stars, protection that I think she should wait until he's older-"

"Yes, and what if young Master Mash doth find another fair maiden or becomes betrothed?" Luna snapped back.

"Auntie," Cadence whined in a annoyed tone. "Only stuffy nobles do that anymore or really conservative families."

"Don't jest at Starlight's problem like it's nothing!" Luna and Twilight chided the pink mare.

Luna glared at Twilight accusingly. "Thou has some nerve to chide our niece like such while thou tried to dissuade young Starlight as well."

Starlight began to feel uncomfortable at the mares arguing around her again. This time Twilight was in on it and now she felt like she was once again the center of the conflict. That is until she was whisked out from between the mares from behind and into a pair of strong arms took her.

Everyone looked behind them to see Guiding Wind nuzzling Starlight's tiny form in her arms lovingly. She hummed softly to the filly rocking her back and forth like a child would by a parent. The three alicorns watched as Guiding Wind expertly put Starlight at ease and rocked her to sleep. Her mind might have been that of a mares but she still had a foal body.

The alicorn relinquished the bed and allowed the Prench maid to tuck Starlight in bed. Guiding Wind then gave each of them a stern look.

"Princesses, how can you argue in front of the young miss? So thoughtless." she scolded them in a motherly tone.

It was surprising but somehow her voice had a strength behind it that made Twilight and Cadence feel small compared to her, but Luna merely scoffed. A quick glare from Guiding Wind silenced her, making the Prench maid smile.

Guiding Wind then calmly said to the Princesses, "You should allow the young miss to decide her own fate with this young colt. Not determine it for her."

"The law is the law for a reason Guiding Wind." both Twilight and Cadence parroted again.

"Then change the law." she replied.

'It's not that simple."

"Then perhaps the princesses could come to a compromise, for young Starlight?" Guiding Wind asked tapping her chin.

Luna glanced outside the window seeing ponies running around she grinned at some of the loving couples out there. Cadence and Twilight joined by her side staring out the window. Guiding Wind too joined up with them.

They watched as a young couple walked side by side across the small bridge leading over the river that flowed through the town. The couple was an older one, probably middle aged. Running past them was a cute little couple of foals chasing each other. As they watched they looked back at Starlight who was sleeping on the bed snoring lightly. Quietly Twilight lead the ponies of of the room and slowly closed the door behind them. Before she did though she crept back into the room and gave Starlight a gentle kiss on her forehead.

"Well, talk later Starlight. I promise." she said as she made a hasty retreat.

Once everyone was gone Starlight's eye opened looking around. Seeing no one was near she got out of bed and flew to the window and opened it. She looked around to see the Princesses below. She quickly flew out the window and up around the castle.

She landed atop one of the many towers overlooking the town and watched as the alicorns flew away. She then flew down the side of the castle and out into Ponyville where she had one destination in mind. After ten minutes of flying she managed to reach her destination. A small house all on its own at the corner of a busy street with a small mail box that had the words: Mash residence on it.

Starlight flew over to the door and gave it a rough three knocks. She then stepped away from it and waited patiently for an answer. A minute later she knock three more times and waited. Again no answer. Finally tired of waiting she flew up and around the house and looked inside a window where she saw Button playing one of his many games with a full headset on, glaring intently at his TV.

Starlight snickered evil as she used her magic to unlatch his window and opened it slowly. She wasn't worried about him noticing, the poor colt was hopelessly oblivious to his surroundings whenever he played. Slowly she snuck into his room and saw he was playing Minecraft online with his buddies. Starlight glanced at the names on the chat, :Rumbler, TGPLulamoon, and Sweetiebot44.

The Button along with Rumbler and TGPLulamoon were engaged in an intense battle deep underground fighting off several skeletons and spiders while Sweetiebot44 was digging a path for them into an adjacent chamber. Each of them was at low health and almost out of food, as the wall broke away.

A voice on the TV then spoke out: "We need to get out of here! Trixie is not going to die down here again!"

Sweetiebot44: "We can't leave without the ender eye! Those are hard to come by!"

Button then made his character turn and run. "No guys I got it! Let's just get out of here."

The group ran away from the horde and ran deeper into the digital cave. Inside they followed a path of torches that went up a spiraled path of shafts and tunnels, until finally after ten minutes of almost constant running they reached outside. Once there they retreated to a safe house and settled for the night in game.

All this time Starlight had perched herself on Buttons bed and watched with a smile on her face. She had a strange sense of satisfaction watching the colt play not being very good at games herself. Once everyone settled there was a brief goodbye everyone signed off and left Button alone.

The brown colt took off his headset and placed it on the ground next to him as Starlight crept closer to him. She had a sly look and a glimmer in her eye. Button turned around gasping as she lunged forward and hugged him.

"GAH! Starlight?" he gasped gripping his chest, while his heart raced a million miles an hour from shock.

"Yeup!"

"How did you get in here?" Button asked looking around.

His gaze fell upon his open window and suddenly it all made sense.

"You flew into my room while I was playing didn't you?" he asked flatly.

Starlight giggled cutely making him blush. "Yeah, guilty as charged." she admitted hugging him again.

The two young ponies embraced lovingly when a knock on the door grabbed their attention.

"Button sweetie are you..." button's mom stopped as she entered the room seeing the filly with her son.

"..."

"... Hi, mom."

"Sweetie you didn't tell me you had your filly friend here with you." she said sternly to the colt.

"It's not his fault miss Mash!" Starlight exclaimed. "I showed myself in through the window. I'm sorry."

Milano sighed looking at the window. She walked over and gently closed it locking it. The distinct click noise put her at ease. She turned to look down at the two ponies.

"Please announce yourself before entering my home Miss Glimmer." Milano instructed the filly kindly.

"Yes ma'am." Starlight said.

"Good now, Button aren't you going out with your filly friend?"

"MOM!"

Milano and Starlight laughed at the colts flustered reaction. The older mare walked out of the room leaving the door open.

"Just be sure to come home by ten, Button." Milano said walking off.

"Yeah, yeah... Oh hey Star!"

"Yeah Button?"

Starlight looked down to see the colt handing her a set of tickets. She took them in her magical aura and inspected them. They were two tickets to the Hearts and hooves Festival with cute little heart pins on them. He took on pin and placed it on Starlight and gently rubbed her neck.

"Starlight?" he got down on one knee.

Starlight gasped blushing at the colt. "Ye-yes Button?"

"Will you be my special somepony at the Heart and Hooves Festival?" he asked in a shaky voice.

Starlight stood in shock for a minute. She clasped her hooves over her mouth feeling her cheeks burn. Button looked unsure as time went on but in Starlight's heart she was on a cloud of love. Before he could react she pulled him in and pressed her lips against his. Button tried to push away at first but quickly succumbed to the delightful kiss.

"Yes, I will Button!" she cried out happily.

Button smiled and gently wrapped his arms around Starlight's waist and pulled her close. Their bodies met and a burning sensation flowed through them both. Starlight wrapped her tail around him as their kiss prolonged. The two rolled over onto the ground never breaking apart except to take in a breath of air as they continued to make out.

Starlight felt a ping of guilt in her chest as time progressed on. Finally after what felt like an eternity of bliss Button pulled away, leaving Starlight unsatisfied. But when he smiled at her it made her not care one bit.

"Shall we go then? I know you said you wanted to go to the local spa and I got us an appointment." he said.

Starlight gasped again at the colt. He tilted his head looking confused. "What? Didn't you want to do that?"

"Well, yes but you didn't have to Button." Starlight said. "It's so expensive to do that, depending on what you order."

The colt ginned at his filly friend. "I got us the deluxe treatment with Aloe and Lotus." he claimed proudly folding up two Hearts and Hooves Special tickets to the spa.

"Button! These are over a hundred bits each!" Starlight's exclaimed looking at the tickets. " How did you afford them?!"

"I may have sold somethings and got a job." he said nonchalantly looking away. "You like them?'

"Oh Button!" she cried hugging him. "I love it! But what did you sell?"

"I sold my Ponystation 4. Bet you didn't notice I was playing my old Ponystation 3 did ya?"

She looked around and indeed, there was no sight of the newly purchased device anywhere in sight. It then donned on her that he must have sold it back to the store to afford the tickets and possibly more, the console was easily 400 bits when he bought it.

"Button, you didn't have to." she said rubbing his hooves.

"Don't think about that. Today's your day." he said wiggling his eye brows.

Starlight snickered at his cheesy line but offered her hoof to him. He gently took hold of her soft pink hoof and rose up with her both smiling happily. He lead Starlight down stairs and out into the hall where his mother was giving him a sly look, opening the door for them.

"Now you two behave and don't get into any trouble." she instructed them. "And Button."

"Yeah mom?"

"remember what we talked about yesterday. OK?"

"Yes, mom."

"Bye Milano Mash!" Starlight waved to the mare.

"Have fun dear! Button I mean it! You treat her like a lady! And keep your hooves to yourself!" she called to him as he attempted to ignore her.

Once out of sight Starlight and Button went straight to the spa having only a few minutes left before their appointment. It was unusual for a couple of foals, unless it was Silver Spoon and Diamond Tiara who frequented often, to be there at all. However Aloe and Lotus were always happy to have the business, even if a colt was involved.

Entering the spa a tiny bell rang alerting Lotus who looked over from a magazine she was reading. She glanced down at the foals and immediately recognized Button. She put the magazine down, and walked around her desk to the two little ponies giving them a friend smile.

"Welcome young ones. Mister Mash I assume?" Lotus asked of him with a heavy accent

"Yes, ma'am. Appointment for two." he said offering her the two tickets he purchased.

Lotus took the and put them on her desk ushering for them to followed her inside. "Please right this way."

The blue earth pony lead them into one of the many rooms where they were to begin their day of pampering. A masseuse pony was working one two other ponies who were white with towels on their heads, while Aloe, Lotus's sister was tending to another patron in a mudbath. Lotus lead the two ponies over to a set of tables where she picked them up and placed them belly first on the tables.

"Please, wait here and I shall return in a moment dearies." she said bowing to them.

"Thank you Miss Lotus." Button said waving to her.

The mare giggled. She turned and left Button and Starlight alone only to return moments later with two towels. She gently wrapped them around the ponies heads and as she did gently rubbed Starlight's back while her sister came over to tend to Button. Button moaned feeling his body loosen up as all his tension flew away.

"It's like I'm in heaven." he said woozily. "Aloe has such powerful, wonderful hooves of magic."

Starlight snickered at him. "Hey, don't go complimenting her too much," she said winking at Aloe who winked back. "I might get, jealous."

Button suddenly went wide eyed as panic took him over. "Wha-no no! I didn't mean it like that!"

Button looked at them as they gave him cheeky grins. He realized he'd been duped. Aloe and Starlight laughed at the poor helpless colt who was now covering his face from embarrassment under his towel, while Lotus scolded the two of them, especially her sister.

"Sister! That was mean! Don't be mean to poor boy!" she said coming over to the colt and took over massaging him. "I apologize sir, my sister forgets her professionalism sometimes."

"No it's alright. I'm so getting you for this, Star." he glared at the unicorn filly.

"Whatever do you mean?" she asked innocently whistling to herself.

Aloe and Starlight snickered earning a set of glares from the ponies beside them. Surprisingly they both huffed turning their noses up to them making Starlight and Aloe snicker even more.

The rest of the spa treatment went on without a hitch and all the while Starlight was struggling with her internal conflict on whether she wanted to tell Button the truth about her or not. As they prepared to get a spa bath treatment Starlight pulled Aloe to the side and whispered into her ear.

Nodding the mare walked off on her own while Lotus lead the two young ponies into the tub house. There several tubs filled with water circled around a main chamber with a larger tub in the center of them all. The walls were elaborately decorated with gold and violets colors and potted plant all around.

Lotus lead the two to one of the smaller tubs circling the larger one when her sister came galloping up with several supplies in a small basket. Aloe whispered to her sister who nodded and gave her the basket. Button and Starlight stood to the side while the blue earth pony mare prepared the bath. Once done Starlight and Button both entered the warm water settling in as Lotus bowed and left them alone.

Once they were alone, Starlight worked her way over to Button and nuzzled him affectionately. He returned the gesture by pressing his nose against hers, earning a soft giggled from her.

"Button, this has been a wonderful day so fer." she cooed to him.

"I'm glad you liked it, Star." he replied kissing her muzzle.

"Yeah, I wish this could go on forever." she said rubbing his chest. She then bore a sad look.

"What's wrong, Star?"

"Button," she said moving to the center of the tub. "I-I have a secret I need to tell you. Please, I want you to Pinkie Promise me you won't be mad."

"Star, you're not making any sense." he said worried. "But if you insist."

A short while later after Button delivered the Pinkie Oath he watched as Starlight shifted around in the tub uncomfortably. He reached out to her but she moved away from him. That made his sad. Whatever this was must have been something big. He leaned against the tub and simply waited for her to talk which didn't take long.

"Button, I want you to know the last few days have been some of the best days of my life. I love you." she said.

"I love you too, Star." he said back. "Star, what's wrong? What secret have you kept from me?"

Starlight sighed reaching for her hair and pulled out her pigtails letting her mane flow freely. She gazed upon him with a longing look that screamed out to him. It was the look of a sad defeated pony who had no where to run anywmore.

"Button, I promise the love I feel for you is real, just, I need to show you something."

Button nodded silently as Starlight slowly dunked herself into the water, until nothing but the tip of her horn was showing. For a minute she stayed there not moving, tiny bubbles broke the surface from her breath. After which she slowly began to reemerge from the water, only this time Starlight towered over Button who looked up at her in awe.

He watched as her adult curved figure rose from the tubs depths covered in wet fur. He look down at her cutie mark which barely broke the surface and followed her curved hips up and looked straight at her face which was covered with her wet mane. A quick shake and the violet strands of wet hair were out of her face, reveling adult eyes looking down at the shocked colt. All he could could do is think of how beautiful she looked. He once thought she was cute as a filly but this, this was something completely different.

Starlight reached for him rubbing his cheek with a hoof and reached with her other to pull him closer to herself. She gently reached down and kissed his lips as he stared wide eyed at her. She pulled away and looked down at him stroking his soft orange mane.

"Hello Button Mash. I am Starlight Glimmer." she said smiling weakly at him.

Starlight Star Bright

Author's Note

Hey there my loyal fans!

I'm back and so is MY back! So recently I injured my back and that was why this chapter was delayed. I'm getting better now and am almost in full swing again, so don't worry your heads off, kk? Unfortunately I had changed my mind on a few things for it so now it may be a bit rough and I have no idea how to fix it.

So anyways let me know what you think in the comments bellow and enjoy the new chapter! OH! And don't forget to give your daily offerings to Overlord Trixie Senpai!

Starlight Star Bright

Starlight felt tense as she stood in the tub looking down at her young coltfriend. He was so small compared to her now. Although he could easily stand up to her chin for she too was rather young compared to Twilight and her friends, she could still see the anxiety in Button's face. He was struggling to come to terms with what he was seeing.

It was also very clear he was trying to wrap his mind around the fact a mare could be interested in him. After Starlight emerged from the water all he could do was gawk at her, his jaw hanging open, as he inspected her new mature form. She tried her best to stay clam as he appraised her and smiling down at him. Finally he closed his mouth and managed to find his voice again.

"Wow."

Starlight tilted her head, never breaking eye contact. "Wow?" she cooed. "Am I so beautiful that you're at a loss for words?"

She bent down rubbing her nose to his. At first he tried to back away remembering what his parents told him about adults touching him in such ways, but he felt drawn to her. He stopped and allowed her to touch noses with his. The familiar scent of her ran through his nostrils making him feel at ease with her.

"Star? Is it really you?" he asked.

"Mhmm. It's me Button." she replied.

"Wow, I- I never thought a grown mare would like me... Is that weird?" he asked unsure of what to make of this situation.

Starlight leaned down pulling him to her. She rested his head on her chest leaning back in the tub and had him lay on her. With a gentle shake of her head she pet his mane and gave him a reassuring look.

"No, it's not weird." she said to him. "Love is, it's something, I don't really know. What I do know is the love I felt for you is real, Button. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise."

For several minutes the two just sat in the tub. The warm water melting way all their tensions and fears like a perfect remedy. Starlight felt free. For the first time in a long time she finally felt like something was going right for her. She felt on top of the world, and Button was that world.

After the bath the two left with a brief goodbye to Lotus and Aloe heading into Ponyville. They walked among the food stands searching for something to do.

"Hey, Star?"

"Hmm?"

She looked down at the colt by her side. He grinned up at her making her feel warm inside.

"Do you want get some food?" he asked shaking a small bit bag.

A slight rumble in Starlight's stomach made her blush and Button's grin widened.

"I figured." he said brushing up against her side. "Come on! Let's go get something!"

They walked side by side until they came up to a small stand where they were selling corn on the cob. Starlight and Button each got one and the colt paid for them. The mare at the stand giggled at him as he tried to act cool with Starlight in a flirtatious way.

As the nibbled on their corn they walked down a street that was lined with a variety of games from ring toss to water gun challenges. Starlight watched as several foals ran around with their parents smiling at them. She then caught sight of a griffin fletchling flying around a pegasus stallion next to a griffoness. The tiny griffon flew around and around the stallions head giggling as she flew around him.

Starlight smiled at the young fletchling as they went by. Button watched in awe as they opened their wings and flew away. Starlight noticed him and got a sly grin.

"Hey Button? Do you wanna fly with me?" she asked in a low voice.

Button gave her a curious glance. "What do you mean?"

"I wanna fly with you Button." she said lifting him up with her magic, levitating him beside herself. "You wanna see the world in a new light?"

He nodded to her as she readied herself to fly. A brown hoof flew up in front of her face stopping her before she lifted off. She looked to Button who had a worried look on his face, like he was scared.

"Please go slow for me?" he whimpered softly.

She gave him a smile followed by a quick peck on his lips. Button felt his face burn as he looked away from her, but heard her say, "I'll never let you fall, Button."

After that she gave a light jump using her magic to gently lifter herself and Button off the ground. Slowly they rose into the air gaining speed as they went. Seconds later they were flying off into the sunset over Ponyville.

Button gasped as they lifted quickly off the ground. He wiggled his legs trying to find some solid ground to stand on even though it was hopeless. He closed his eyes tight Once the initial shock wore off he found the weightlessness inviting. He was flying! A feeling of joy and excitement filled him as they flew across the sky together.

The feeling of the wind in his mane was nice. He wondered if this feeling of joy was something all pegasi had whenever they flew. Was it something Starlight felt when she flew? Looking up to her she seemed to be enjoying herself very much. He wondered what she was thinking right now, flying. He reached over touching her shoulder.

"Starlight?"

"What's wrong? Am I going too fast? Need me to slow down?" she asked concerned.

Button shook his head letting her know he was fine. "No, I just was wondering something."

Starlight looked back to where she was flying. She circled around the large clock tower and doubled back towards Ponyville Elementary. As she descended to the school house roof Button took the chance to speak to her while she wasn't distracted flying.

"I was wondering about, well... us?" he said in an unsure tone.

Starlight didn't respond immediately. She softly landed on the red roof of the school house and set Button on her back. She sat down watching the sunset. She looked at him with a sad look. This was a conversation she wasn't looking forward too.

"Well, Button. To answer your question I'm not sure." she replied.

"Oh."

Button looked out a the sunset and then down to the ponies below them. Couples were all around. Some hugged, some held tails, all around love was in the air and you didn't have to be a changeling to feel it. He thought it might have been the warmth from the sun, but deep in his heart Button knew he loved Starlight.

Looking away from her he casually placed his hoof on hers. She regarded his touch with a loving smile.

"We sure have been together a while, haven't we?" Starlight asked him.

He nodded in return. "Yeah, but still so short and fleeting."

"I know." Starlight said sadly. "Button, can I ask you something?"

"You can ask me anything, Star." he said leaning into her side to kiss her cheek.

"You're so adorable." Starlight cooed kissing him back.

"Yeah, thanks. You're amazing too Star."

"Thanks, Button." she replied hugging him. Sliding him in front of her she held him like a foal would a plush toy. "Button. I'm scared you know."

"Of what, Star?"

The mare thought for a moment before she replied, "I once ruled a small town far north from here. Our Town we called it. A paradise for anyone who sought refuge from an oppressive society." She scoffed at the thought of her old home and the subsequent betrayal after. Deep down she knew she couldn't blame the ponies of her town for being mad but like she was use to she ran. "

"What happened there?" Button asked the silent mare.

"I lied to them Button. I lied about what I was."

"What does that mean?" he asked.

Starlight cringed at the thought of revealing the truth of her darker times to him. He was so young, would he hate her for it? Would he even understand? Perhaps it was better for them if they weren't together. After all, how could a young colt understand the troubles of a broken mare?

"I stole everyponies cutie mark, Button." She said coldly.

"Their cutie marks?" he parroted. "What does that mean?"

"It means I took the cutie marks right off the ponies flanks!" She snapped at him, making him cringe under her massive form. "I stole the marks and kept mine! I bore the responsibility to make everypony equal but never go the chance cause of Twilight and her friends leading my town to revolt against me and making my four closest friends betray me!"

She stood panting over the cowering colt, who curled up into a shivering ball, and tried to hide from her. Once she calmed down and realized what she had done she backed away from the colt, and she retreated to the other side of the roof.

She sat alone, the sounds of Button whimpering behind her filled her heart with sorrow and guilt. Trying to not break into tears herself, Starlight looked to the sunset as if seeking some sort of penance with the burning ball of fire, as if some great cosmic answer would swoop down and tell her the answer.

Suddenly she felt a pair of hooves wrap around her waist and a small snout press against her back. She craned her neck back to see Button rubbing his face gently against her.

"Button, wha-why?" she asked with a choked sob. "Why are you doing this?"

He smiled reaching up taking hold of Starlight's cheek and pulled her head down. His lips met hers and in a moment the flood gates opened leaving them both in a flurry of happiness and sorrow. It had been a long time since Starlight felt such a wave of emotions and Button was left speechless as they continued on until the sun was completely gone.

The warmth faded as did the sunlight, giving way to the cool air of the night and moon. As slowly as the sun set the moon arose from the depths of the horizon and drifted to the sky. After they settled down Starlight and Button just sat back and watched the stars as they appeared across the sky. The constellations painted across the sky and the clouds drifter slowly around like a well orchestrated playwright.

Button was never one to simply stargaze felling it was too boring. He always laughed at his mom when she said such things would change when he found love. Now he was sure she would be laughing now had she been here.

"Lovely isn't it?" Starlight asked laying on her back beside him.

"Yeah, they kinda are." Button replied back casually.

A moment of silence passed.

"You know, I use to do this all the time long ago." she said, pointing to the constellation Draco. "There was a pony who I was friends with and we use to stargaze all the time. We would play together, laugh together, do everything together."

She rubbed her belly with her hoof making small circles in her fur.

"I t was very much like the days I've spent with you, Button. Fun. Something I haven't had in a long time." She admitted. "I finally achieved some sort of happiness with you, but, I need to know something Button."

Button looked to his mare friend with a worried look. "What is it, Star?"

"I realize it wouldn't be fair of me to take the best years of your life from you. I'm too old."

"Heh, you not that old." Button scoffed rubbing his nose against her cheek.

"Daww, thanks Button." she kissed his nose. "But I have to ask, do you wish to stay with me Button? I'm a mare and that means if we stay together we can't tell anypony about our relationship. It would be difficult since most ponies would recognize me and my name, but we could pull it off."

The colt looked confused at the mare as she went on, wondering where she was going with this he asked, "What does this mean, Star? Are you breaking up with me?"

She shook her head resting her hooves on his shoulders. "No Button. I'm asking you if 'YOU' want to stay or break up with me?"

'I, I don't know Starlight." Button hesitantly replied rubbing his hooves together. "One the one hoof, I don't want to break up, but..."

Starlight smiled nudging him gently with her nose to reassure him. "Please, go on. Tell me what you feel."

Button Mash steeled his resolve, taking a deep calming breath. Thinking long and hard in his mind of what he could do to stay with Starlight, damn the consequences. He loved her and nothing was going to break them apart!

"But, I, I don't want you to get in trouble either Starlight." he smiled at her, getting a curious look from her. "So here's what I propose."

"He leaned into her ear a whispered into it. Starlight nodded occasionally and eventually found a certain delight in his words that she began to swish her tail back and forth like an excited dog. Once she heard Button's idea she squealed hugging the colt tightly to her chest.

"OH BUTTON! THAT'S BRILLIANT!" she happily exclaimed.

"I figured you'd like it." he said.

The bell tower nearby rang signaling it was now ten o'clock. Starlight sighed with a weak smile at button who was positively beaming at her with joy.

"Come on you scoundrel. Let's get you home." she said putting him on her back and flew off to his home.

Two days later Button was at home after school playing with his joyboy when a knocking at his door broke his attention.

"Button! It's almost dinner time!" his other's voice called from beyond the threshold.

"OK, I'll be down in a minute mom!" he called back.

He closed his game and looked at his online messages. Seeing no new messages he sighed and powered down his joyboy, and placed the game device on his dresser before running off to wash his hooves for dinner.

"Button! Don't run in the house!"

Back in Twilight's castle Starlight Glimmer had just arrived with a large gift bag. She was briskly walking to her room when she came upon her mentor, Twilight. The two mares glared at one another. They stared in awkward silence until Guiding Wind came up behind the Princess and greeted her.

"Oh, Princess! I'm so glad to have found you!" the mare said with a bow. "The dignitary is here to see you."

She then turned to greet Starlight as quickly as possible. "Ah, Young Miss. Good to see you again. How have you fared?"

Starlight was about to respond when Twilight cut her off before a word was said.

"Thank you Guiding Wind. I'll see to him at once." she brushed past Starlight, who stood defiantly in place. "My faithful student."

"Princess."

Both mares spoke with nothing but venom and spite in their voices as they went their separate ways, leaving a confused and disgruntled maid behind. This had become routine for the two ponies. Both would only stay in proximity to the other to greet the other and leave and wold have their meals brought to their rooms or the library. For two days this was what they did at Guiding Winds expense.

The feeling of anger was soon gone when Starlight locked herself in her room. She looked around like she was expecting someone to see her as she revealed a dirty secret. Slowly she walked to her bed and placed the bag on the soft covers. Using her hooves she reached in the bag and pulled out a small box that read Joyboy DXL Large.

She grinned at the device and began to diligently unwrap it. Once done she inserted a memory stick and began the long process of updating and setting up the system while she read the instruction manual. An hour later she was ready and the first thing she did with her new joyboy was search for a friend. Masher22. Finding the name, she sent a quick friend request. When a message appeared saying the request was sent, she sighed contently and began to download pokemon on her joyboy. While she waited she pulled out another box, bigger than the last one that said, Ponystation 4, and put it to the side of her dresser until she got a TV. Until then she would be content with messaging Button through her joyboy, and that was good enough for her.

Lasting Friendship Gained: :heart: :heart: :heart: :heart: :heart: :heart: Infamy: XXX

Cutie Spirit

The next morning Starlight was fast asleep in her bed with her new Joyboy on her dresser beside the bed. Her clock was just five minutes before the ten o'clock hour, and she was having a most blissful dream when a soft erie voice called to her.

"Starliiigghht."

The sleeping unicorn ignored the voice snuggling up to her pillow. Slowly the covers crept down to expose her. A shivering chill ran through her body and she quickly reached for the covers and pulled them back over herself. She snuggled up wrapping her body in the blanket, and rubbed her nose against the pillow feeling warm once again.

"Starrlliigghhtt." The voice called out again, louder than before.

"Hmmm? Who's there?" Starlight replied waving her hoof from under the covers. "Please go away, I'm sleeping."

"STAAARRLLIIGGHHTT."

"GAHHAAA!"

Starlight screamed a loud girly shriek when the voice calling her erupted in anger at her. The sudden awakening made her tumble out of bed, hitting the floor full force with her face.

Her nose bleed leaving a red spot on the crystal floors. She covered her now red nose as she looked around like a meerkat sentry. Her back was erect and upright, and her ears flexed left and right over and over trying to find the source of the voice that called out to her. Her doors suddenly flung open startling her and she jumped in fright like a scared cat.

"AHHH!"

"Starlight! Are you alright?"

It took her a moment to process, but she quickly realized the pony in her room was none other than Golden Claw. The pristine griffon guard glanced around appraising the situation. The first thing he noticed was the condition Starlight was in, frightened, bloodied nose, and a disheveled look about her. Then he noticed the open window and concluded this was either and attempted assault or worse.

"Captain Thunderclap!" he called out running over to Starlight and covered her with his wings protectively.

The brown unicorn guradsmare came rushing in by Golden Claws side. "What is it, Captain?"

"We had a possible break in. Starlight Glimmer is hurt!" he squawked.

"WHAT!?! Let me see! NOW!" Thunderclap demanded.

"I'm fine! Geez!" Starlight yelled surprising both guards.

She sighed rubbing her nose. "Look, I was asleep and fell off the bed cause of a bad dream, OK? I wasn't attacked or anything like that."

The two guards looked glanced at each other unsure. Starlight facehooved.

"Look, if it makes you feel any better i'll stop by to keep up with you guys more often. OK?"

The guards nodded in silent agreement with her. Taking their leave Starlight was left alone to tend to be wounded nose. *What is it with my nose all week?* she thought to herself walking to the bathroom to clean her nose. She took a small wash cloth from her cabinet and rinsed it under cold water. Wringing it out she wiped the blood from her nose and washed it, repeating the process several times until the bleeding stopped.

By this time the wash cloth was completely red and she discarded it into the waste basket. She the washed her whole face with warm water, feeling refreshed afterwards.

"Starliiggghhhhtt."

She stopped and looked up after hearing the voice again. "Hello?"

There was no response. Starlight stared up at the silent room. She heard nothing afterwards so she shrugged it off and went back to cleaning herself. She took a shower and then brushed her mane. Once finished she set out to hunt for breakfast. She wandered down the halls until shefound the dining room where Twilight was sitting flanked by Tunderclap and Golden Claw. She was eating silently until Starlight entered the room.

Twilight and Starlight stared at each other briefly and averted their gazes. Starlight scoffed slightly and sat at the opposite end of the table from Twilight with a huff. The alicorn simply looked down at a book while eating.

"Morning Starlight Glimmer."

"Morning Princess Twilight Sparkle."

"..."

"......"

".........."

Twilight looked up from her book and glared at Starlight. "How long are you going to act like child, Starlight?"

Starlight scoffed indignantly looking away from her mentor. "It's not like you've been much help lately."

Suddenly Thunderclap rushed over to Starlight's side steaming. "HEY! Now you listen here you ungrateful little-"

"That's enough Thunderclap."

"Bu-but Princess!"

Twilight slammed her hoof down on the table shaking it. "I said that's enough Thunderclap," Twilight replied calmly returning to her book. "If Starlight wants to be a child let her vent. She's had a rough week."

Thunderclap stuttered but relented at the word of her princess. "Yes, Princes, erm, I mean Twilight."

"Ah, you're learning Clappy!" Twilight beamed, while Golden Claw snickered at the nickname.

The brown unicorn mare growled in frustration feeling her cheeks heat up. She looked away as the ponies and griffon laughed at her silly nickname.

"I hate that name." she sneered.

"That being said, Starlight?" Twilight looked up to her student.

"What?"

"I hear you already met Golden Claw. He's you chaperon from now on." Twilight declared in a authoritative tone.

Starlight stopped her thought as the griffon guard stepped to her side and bowed.

"It's my honor to serve the student of the Princess of Friendship." he said pressing a griped claw against his armored chest. "Captain Golden Claw. I am you sword and shield Miss Glimmer."

Starlight stared at him a moment then looked past him to her mentor with a nasty glare. "Why do I need a guard?" she snapped at her mentor.

Twilight giggled slightly earning another scoff from Starlight.

"He's not your guard Starlight, he's you chaperon." Twilight said.

Starlight gawked at Twilight like she had just been slapped. Her mind raced with a million thoughts all of which weren't pretty. Just who was she to give Starlight a chaperon? She wasn't some filly who... *Oh, right.*

"Well, as mu ch as I appreciate the gesture I don't need a chaperon."

"Well, you clearly need somepony to keep an eye on you." Twilight retorted.

"You shouldn't say pony." Starlight chided her mentor. "Golden Claw is a griffon and that's not a fair term!"

The griffon smiled at the younger mare waving his claw dismissively. "Not to worry young miss, it's fine. I'm use to it."

"Well, regardless, it's not proper to call everybody pony." Starlight stated.

Deep in her heart the thought of anybody being labeled as 'anypony' was absurd. There were plenty of races in the world. True most were ponies or equine in nature, but not all of them preferred that. This peeked the curiosity of the golden armor clad griffon, who leaned closer to her.

"What do you mean exactly?" he asked Starlight.

By now Guiding Wind had appeared and brought food for Starlight and some water. Placing them on the table she bowed and left without a word and Starlight dug in.

"I was once a leader of a small town. I founded it as a beaon of equality for all who chose to come there." she explained to the griffon. "When I was in early development of the town I learned that many races had different terms for their kind, threshals were everybatty, horses use everypony like we do, but yaks say yakkiies, so on and so forth."

Golden Claw nodded. "Well that's informative. So where does the term anybody come from?"

Starlight took a bite out of her food. It was a stack of strawberry pancakes with whipped cream and some eggs. She took a bite from the pancakes. "It came from a spark of inspiration I had when-"

"Starlight..."

"Hmm? Anyways... like i was saying I go the idea from the everybatty term when I thought about the word, 'body'." Starlight took another bite from her food. "That's when I created the tern anybody."

Everyone in the room nodded at her story, even Twilight was impressed, but didn't make nay effort to show it.

"I see that's very clever." Golden Claw said in an amazed tone.

"I know, you're so smart!" Thunderclap agreed.

Starlight chuckled, "Well one of us has to be the smart one."

"Yeah I know right...." Thunderclap paused. "You little punk!"

The brown unicorn charged Starlight chasing her around the table in a very comedic manner. Golden Claw laughed at the sight of the two mares comicly chasing one another. Eventually Starlight ran out of the room with her breakfast with Golden Claw in tow, munching at her plate as they wandered the halls.

As they entered one of the rooms Starlight put her plate down on a table leaving it behind. She sat down in achair and pulled out a book on advanced arcane spells and began to read. About ten minutes into her reading, while Golden Claw stood by her side, she heard a soft pained moan.

"Starlight."

Finally reaching her limit she slammed the book down on the table making the griffon guard jump slightly.

"Alright! I can't be the only one who heard that!"

The griffon beside her looked around as she scanned the room herself.

"Where is the voice coming from!?" she yelled gripping her mane.

"Starlight!"

This time Golden Claw heard the voice too and gasped.

"I heard it this time! It was your name!" he exclaimed.

Starlight grit her teeth wondering where the voice came form. "I know. It's been like that all day!"

"Starlight!"

Starlight and Golden Claw stood fast to find the source of the voice. The continued down the falls in their quest to find the voice. The voice becme louder and louder repeating over and over again until it sounded like it was right in the same room as hem. They turned to see a ghostly figure floating beside them, a young transparent filly with a veil of mist around her.

"Hi!" She greeted with a goofy grin waving to them.

"GHOST!"

"It's a specter!"

The ghost filly giggled. "Yeup that's me!"

"Who are you?" Starlight asked trying to sound calm, despite shaking in fear of the tiny specter.

"Oh! My name is Glitter Heart and I'm a ghost!"

"Yes, we can see that." Starlight replied flatly.

"What are you doing here though?" Golden Claw asked the filly specter.

"Well, to be honest I'm not sure why I'm here." Glitter Heart admitted.

Starlight and Claw stared at the ghost with unamuzed expressions. The filly specter giggled sheepishly floating around Starlight's head and stopping near her shoulder.

"I hop e I'm not being rude but, how did you, you know?"

The filly looked at her in a confused manner. "You mean how I died?" Glitter Heart asked in a melancholic tone.

Starlight nodded.

"Well, I was in Ponyville when I was going to the library cause I was running from a terrifying monster when a bright flash of light hit me." the filly explained. "I remember feeling a burning pain all over my body and then, oblivion."

Starlight and Golden Claw felt a slight ping of guilt knowing the filly met an untimely demise due to Lord Tirek. Starlight looked at the filly with sadness in her eyes.

"I'm sorry to hear that." Starlight said.

"It's fine."

"How can you be fine with this?" Starlight asked raising her voice. "Don't you miss your parents? Your friends?"

Glitter Heart tapped her ethereal chin. She looked like she was straining to remember something but nothing was coming back to her. Herr memory before her death was all a big blur and no amount of concentration could uplift the veil of amnesia that had befallen her. It would have pained her to not remember had she not given up all hope long ago.

"Sorry, I haven't been able to remember anything from before my passing." she shrugged.

"That's so sad." Starlight said leaning against the way.

Claw looked at the mare and then to the filly as if he was trying to piece something together in his brain. Approaching the filly he reached up to her and swung his claw through her phantom body. To his and her surprise it made her giggled as if she were being tickled.

"Teheheh STAPH!" she giggled covering herself.

"Golden Claw! That was rude!" the unicorn mare chided him. "Apologize to her right now!"

The griffon blushed from his social misconduct and bowed to the ghost filly. "I'm sorry!"

Glitter Heart chuckled mischievously floating around him. "Don't worry! I totally won't hold it against you. Nor will I haunt you for a few days now that I know you can see and hear me."

"Oh, thank goodness." Golden Claw sighed in relief, but took pause as his mind processed what was said.

"But that makes me wonder, why haven't you passed on?" Starlight asked Glitter Heart.

"Well, I'm not sure." Glitter Heart replied ignoring the indignant scoff from the griffon behind her.

Starlight smiled at the ethereal filly striking a heroic pose. "Well don't you worry then Glitter Heart! I the Great and Powerful Starlight Glimmer will help you find what anchors you to this world and help you to find peace so you may pass on."

Glitter Heart beamed at the unicorn and squealed in delight. "You will?! Oh, thank you Starlight!" she said, doing a loop de loop.

The unicorn gave the phantom filly a mischievous grin. "And while we're at it..." she glanced around and whispered into Glitter Hearts ear, "You up for pranking a few ponies now and then?"

Glitter Heart bore a devious grin of her own, rubbing her phantom hooves together. "Tehehe, I sure do! It's be soooo long since I've had a chance to play!"

The two ponies gave off perfect evil cackling as Golden Claw facepalmed realizing he was in for a long career with this Starlight Glimmer. Never in his wildest dreams did he imagine a ghost filly to team up with his mistress to prank other ponies. Having seen most of the major events in Equestria from the past few years, a ghost was really no surprise to him, but a ghost teaming up with a prankster, it made him shiver down to his very core.

Then a very dark thought crossed his mind. "I hope they don't team up with Pinkie Pie. that'd be a nightmare."

Friendship Gained: :heart: :heart: :heart: :heart: :heart: :heart: :heart: Infamy:XXX

Author's Note

And next time we will have the phantom prank wars!

Hello hello and thank you all for reading this latest installment of my little slice of life story Student of Friendship! Now that Starlight has her own guard and , basically a phantom familiar for lack of a better word, what pranks should she pull and on who?

Got a thought or suggestion? Leave it in the comments section bellow and I might even add it in a future chapter! With that... I go!

Read rate love and tolerate!

Ghostly Prank Shorts Part 1 of ?(Random)

Later that day, Starlight and Golden Claw were walking down the halls with their ghostly companion close behind. The specter filly known as Glitter Heart was giggling happily to herself as she flew around the hallways like a little pegasus arial stunt flier. Starlight then spotted one of the new maids she had met a week prior. She was a sweet mare but Starlight hated her after she accidentally replaced her shampoo with hair dye.

With a mischievous grin Starlight whispered something into Glitter Hearts ear. Moments later the ghost filly flew over towards the mare, unaware of the ghost floating nearby. Starlight and Golden Claw watched her with bemused expressions as she flew up to on of the newer maids and greeted her. She was a slender unicorn mare with white fur and charcoal grey mane. She was tending to the plants when she heard a voice from above her.

"Hi! My names Glitter Heart! What's your name?" the ghost filly asked her.

"Oh! I'm Love tap. Are you lost filililieaieeeeeeee! A GHOST!"

The mare screeched dropping a pot of water and fled screaming incoherently as she ran through the halls laughing. Starlight was rolling on the ground gripping her sides as tears ran down her face at the success of her plan.

"That'll teach her to mess with my shampoos!" Starlight choked out in laughter.

Golden Claw sighed shaking his head at the childish manner Starlight handled the situation.

"That was very mean young miss." he said helping her off the floor.

Starlight huffed indignantly. "Well, she shouldn't have messed with my shampoos then! It took me all day to get that horrid green color out!"

As she yelled this a green mare maid happened to be passing by and let out a surprised gasp glaring at her. "Well! I never in my life have been so insulted!" the mare exclaimed.

Starlight realizing what she said tried to stop the mare from storming off, by blocking her path. "Wait!"

"Ah! What? Are you going to insult me more now? hey there green pee? That's a really popular one." the mare sniped at Starlight.

"No I wasn't going to insult you. I didn't mean to in the first place!" Starlight shook her head. "Please, I'm sorry miss. I was being insensitive cause I had a bad hair day once. I don't mind green, you look especially lovely with you green fur."

The mare regarded her carefully, sizing her up. A few moments later she nodded and walked past her without saying a word. Starlight sighed and walked back over to her griffon chaperon and continued to walk down the halls with Glitter Heart snickering at her the whole time.

Glitter Heart floated over to Starlight's ear. "So, green huh?"

"Oh hush you. Come on we have more fun ahead!" she said with renewed vigor, trotting down the hall.

"So who are we pranking next?" Glitter heart asked.

"That depends, can you shape shift?" Starlight asked her.

The phantom filly giggled altering her form to be more like Starlight. The unicorn whistled impressed by the detail the filly achieved in her new form.

"I like it! Now here's what we're going to do." she said stepping near a door to hear a familiar gruff voice inside singing.

She used her magic to unlock the door, something she was surprisingly good at. She slipped into the room as the sounds of a shower cold be heard from beyond another door close by. The room wasn't much bigger than hers. It had a large queen sized bed at the opposite end of the door, a small dresser to the left of it with a clock on it and a large wardrobe on the opposite side.

At the foot of the bed was a large chest with a pile of discarded armor on it and a sword and shield. Starlight snuck over to he closed door, a thick smell of herbal soaps filled her nose reminding her of the time she spent with Button at the spa. She cracked open the door to see inside but was shrouded by a thick cloud of steam.

She looked over to her two companions as they peeked inside as well hearing loud as day a gruff and completely tone deaf voice singing "I will always love you".

Glitter Heart giggled lightly trying not to be heard. "Oh my gosh! This pony has a terrible singing voice? Who is it?'

Starlight grinned evily at the door. This is our next prank victim. We're going to prank ..."

"..."

"...... Thunderclap." Starlight said after a movement of silence rubbing her hooves together with her sick devious grin growing wider.

Golden Claw snuck out of the room while the two ponies, or rather pony and ghost plotted sensing immanent danger in the near future. "This won't end well." he concluded, watching things unfold from outside the room.

Author's Note

This gonna be good son! :pinkiehappy: :rainbowlaugh: :trollestia:

The pranks are just getting started!

Ghostly Pranks Shorts Part 2 of ?

Author's Note

Hey everyone!

Just FYI, thischapter is closer to the T for Teen side of things for being a bit eechi so BEWARE! now on to more shenanigans :derpytongue2: !

Ghostly Pranks Shorts Part 2 of ?

Starlight and Glitter Heart were outside the bathroom looking in on Thunderclap who was still singing in the shower, completely tone deaf and off key. It was almost ear piercing how bad she sang, but Starlight knew it'd make for good blackmail later, if only she could keep a record of it somehow.

"I wish I had a film reel." Starlight said.

"I know, she's so bad." Glitter Heart laughed.

"So, what should we do?" Starlight thought.

She thought of many possibles and all of them seemed either too mean or cruel on Glitter Heart. Then again a harmless fright prank would be nice. Perhaps she would need some reference material first. Walking away from the door Starlight looked around Thunderclaps room, making sure not to invade her privacy too much, looking for any inspiration on how to prank the guardsmare. Glitter Heart was looking around flying from the door to the closet and then to the drawer only to pop out with a pair of pink laced panties on her head afterwards.

Starlight giggled at the ghost filly taking the undergarments off her head in her magical grasp as Glitter Heart smiled up at her. Starchily grasped her chest at the sheer adorable look the little ghost gave her. So cute that she thought her heart would actually stop. Then it dawned on her just what happened.

"Hey wait a minute. You can manipulate physical objects?" she asked Glitter Heart who was now floating up with another girl pair in her tiny arms.

"Yeup!" Glitter Heart replied inspecting the undergarments. "Wow, these are so girly ! Tehe! Who would have thought big bad Thunderclap had such a girly side to her? Maybe she pretends to be a princess sometimes-"

"HEY WHO"S THERE?!"

Starlight jumped looking back at the bathroom door only to her the sound of stomping hooves coming her way. She ran to the door the the hall but stopped when she realized she had the panties still. *I can't be seen running around with these!* she thought rushing back to the drawer to hide them. Glitter Heart was nowhere to be seen and poor Starlight was rushing to hide the undergarment as quickly as possible. As soon as the drawer opened it was already too late.

"Wha-what WHAT ARE YOU DOING!?!" Thunderclap's booming voice screamed from behind her. "Are those my-my-my.."

Starlight spun around with the incriminating evidence in her magical grasp. She looked at the now fuming mare before her, bearing a look that promised untold amounts of pain and physical discomfort for ages to come. Starlight threw the panties aside backing away effectively pinning herself between the guradsmare and the dresser.

Thunderclap was all wet, her mane up in a large towel, and perhaps her most noticeable feature a throbbing vein in her forehead ready to explode if her blood pressure so much as rose.

"Now, now, Clappy. Let's be reasonable." Starlight chuckled nervously.

"You little creepy, panty pinching, thief... *DOOM* I will teach you a lesson you'll never forget."

"No wait this is a misunderstanding!" Starlight waved her hooves frantically.

Thunderclap gave the young mare a devious smile. "Says the thief. Cry wolf all you want nopony is going to save you from my wrath!"

"Ahem!"

Both mares looked to see Golden Claw at the doorway with the discarded undergarment in his armored claw. "Does this belong to either of you-" *THWACK!*

As quick as lightning, Thunderclap's brown hoof decked the poor unsuspecting griffon across his left cheek with so much force a sound of thunder was heard as he spun midair several times before being roundhouse kicked down the hall by thunderclap. Starlight took it as her cue to run away getting swatted in her rear by a wet towel leaving a sizable red mark on her flank.

"Stay out of my room you creeps!" Thunderclap screamed slamming the door behind her.

Starlight looked over to Golden Claw. The poor griffon was upside down with his rear hanging over him since he collided with the wall. A sizeable impression of himself remained where he made contact with the wall. *Thunderclap is strong.* Starlight cringed sitting next to the griffon subbing his head.

Inside Thunderclaps room the brown mare looked around grasping her undergarment close to her chest. She was blushing to the point she was as red as a tomato. Quickly she slipped the underwear on herself before replacing her armor in her trunk and put on a fluffy pink robe with hearts on it.

She then leapt onto her bed and pull out one of many romance novels she kept hidden under her mattress and began reading. She giggled like a school filly reading the erotic stories of love feeling her heat rising. Just when it was getting saucy she heard a giggle from beside her making her nearly jump in fright.

She slammed the book down and looked to her left to see a ghostly apparition floating beside her with one of her books.

"Hi! My names Glitter Heart! What does it mean when a mare *buy some apples* to a stallion?" the ghost said holding up the book.

Thunderclap stared at the ghost wide eyed. Her left eye twitched as the heat died down in her cheeks filled with cold fear instead.The next thing anyone knew was a mare running down the halls in a large pink robe screaming about a ghost in her room. Later that day said mare would be given a forced vacation due to work related stress.

Making Amends with Teacher

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Minecraft Mishap

Author's Note

Hey guys and gals!

So i have a bit of an experimental chapter here to see i I can do a type of style in writing or not. Given the short amount of time I gave myself 'm not to sure about it so I'd like to hear from you guys on your thoughts on the chapter.

So let me know what you thought and whether I should do it again or not. KK?

Hope you all enjoy!

Minecraft Mishap

The next morning Starlight awoke beside Twilight Sparkle surrounded by a tower of books. It took her a moment to remember that she fell asleep here with the bookworm the night before and never went back to her room to sleep. She shifted under the mares purple wing, careful not to disturb the purple princess. She stretched feeling a soreness in her body from the hard floors.

She cringed at the sound of her bones and limbs cracking, but she felt relieved when the sore stiffness in her body began to fade away. She left Twilight, who snuggled up against a book mumbling in her sleep, and left to go to the kitchen.

The venture to the kitchen was relatively uneventful. Starlight greeted some of the newly recruited guards and maids until she reached her destination.

In the kitchen she made herself a hearty breakfast consisting of toast, hay bacon, eggs, and milk in very generous loads. Eating by herself she was done within ten minutes and cleaned up the mess shortly afterwards. She then left the kitchen and went back to her room where she saw her Ponystation 4 at the corner of her room and trotted over to it.

The sleek black box of fun was probably her biggest guilty pleasure. Twilight frowned upon seeing the device for the first time saying it wasn’t something Starlight should be wasting her valuable time with. After a stern talking to from Celestia, in no short thanks to Luna, Twilight relented and allowed the, “mind rotting device” to be played by her faithful student. Granted, it was at the peak of their fight with each other which probably contributed to Twilight’s attitude to the Ponystation.

Not that Starlight cared. She spent many hours online with Button and her friends playing games like Minecraft and a very hard game series called Dark Souls. Starlight loved those games while Button and the others felt it was too hard, Trixie was her current companion in the game for most of the time when things got too difficult.

Today however, Starlight was hoping to see everyone online so she could play with them on Minecraft. After powering up the console she sat on a large plush couch she bought with her allowance, and rested on the big fluffy cushions like a cat with her controler in her magical grasp.

The console signed in automatically and she immediately looked at her friend list. Everyone was on Minecraft except Silver Spoon. Shesaw they were on Buttons world labeled, Glimmering Star. It made Starlight d’aww every time she saw that. It was so sweet how much Button looked up to her even knowing she was older than him, and loved him for it.

She joined the world placing on her headset which was a simple wired one and listened in as her small pink pony figure appeared in the middle of a small block house. Several voices were tripping over each other as she joined, a clear indication something was going horribly wrong. Listening in she heard Trixie complaining to the others who were arguing with her.

“Trixie is telling you Silver was supposed to have the potins, not Trixie!” The showmares voice screamed over the mic, making Starlight cringe.

Sweetie Belle's voice, annoying and squeaky as it was, was talking to Trixie in a scolding manner. “Well, if you say you’ll handle something in the absence of another you should DO it.”

Another voice belonging to Rumble,joined in the conversation shortly after. “Hey, guys can we not argue now?! Button whats with the portal?”

“I forgot to bring the flint!”

Both Rumble and Sweetie Belle groaned. Starlight was sure she could hear them facehooving over the mic, but it could have been feedback too.

Starlight sighed knowing exactly what was going on. About three or four days ago, she couldn’t recall, the group including SIlver Spoon at the time had decided to venture out into the Nether with absolutely no preparation just to see what would happen. Turns out the Nether Portal they built outside their starting area put them literally in the center of a lava ring surrounded by a Nether Fort and wither skeletons. Needless to say it was a very short lived venture. It would seem they decided to try again.

Starlight sighed tapping her mic with her hoof saying, “Hey guys! What’s going on?”

All went silent for moment before Rumbles voice broke the silence like a canon.

“Oh, thank Luna Starlight’s here! We’re saved!” He yelled excitedly.

“Oh, thank goodness Star, we need you to build a nether portal!” Button exclaimed loudly.

Starlight sighed shaking her head. “What happened?”

“Well, the great and powerful forgetfulness Trixie, forgot to bring our potions with her and now we’re all dying in the Nether.”

Trixie huffed indignantly. “Well, it’s not like it was Trixie’s fault marshmallow jr.”

“DON’T CALL ME THAT!”

“Geez, don’t need to get all huffy, Squeaky Belle.” Trixie replied curtly.

“Well, at least I’m not a big dumb butt!” Sweetie Snapped back.

Starlight sighed rolling her eyes as she ventured around her group's little settlement of six houses.

“Button, where can I find your obsidian?” Starlight asked, looking inside the colts house.

“I left it downstairs in my basement I dug out.” Button replied.

Starlight nodded to herself running to the back of the small house. It was a simple house. Twenty blocks wide and tall, with two floors. The left side was a dedicated loot area where the colt kept all his loot from his daily ventures in a wall covered with chests. To the right was a wall of furnaces all lit up cooking something.

Starlight ignored these things and ran to the back of the building where there was a lone lever on the wall. Starlight made her character activate the lever which made the wall split and lead to a stairwell descending beneath the house.

“Starlight where are you?!” Sweetie asked over the mic.

Over her mic Starlight heard Trixie and Rumble were rambling on at each other while Button remained silent.

“I’m looking for obsidian so I can do… something,” Starlight replied unsure of what she was suppose to do. “Button, what do you need me to do?”

There was a brief pause before the colt replied to Starlight’s query. The response came so quickly it startled Starlight nearly making her drop her controller. “I need you to build a Nether Portal near our old one and activate it.”

Starlight nodded again. “Right, I’m in the basement-”

“Rumble don’t run you coward!” Trixie interrupted.

“Well, cowards tend to live longer!” Rumble replied.

Trixie scoffed. “Yeah, like those two idiots-”

“Hey! Snips and Snails maybe a little slow in the head but that’s hardly a reason to say bad things about them!” Sweetie Belle said chastising Trixie.

By now Starlight was down below the blocked house and was in a dimly lit room with a single chest there surrounded by pillars of white stone. Starlight moved her character closer to the chest and opened it to reveal it’s contents.
“Guy! Really not the time!”

“Ah! You ran us straight into the Nether Fort Trixie!”

By now Starlight had found the obsidian and instinctively grabbed it all. When she closed the chest she turned to leave exiting the dimly lit chamber and ascended to stairs back to the main house.

“Trixie wasn’t expecting there to be a fort behind the first one!”

“Guys, let’s just get back to the portal!” Button yelled to the group. “Starlight will have the portal up in no time!”

Starlight by this point had located the original portal and cocked her head. She brought her character up to it and circled around it a few times before stopping in front of it. It was still active but Button was still insistent she build another one and it made her wonder why.

“Button, why did you want me to build another portal?” She asked building the new portal twenty blocks away from the first one. “What happened to the old one?”

“Lava.”
“Lava covered it.”
“A gust blew a hole in the roof and spilled lava over it.”

Everyone said simultaneously, and Starlight sighed placing the blocks of obsidian down making the frame of a minimalist portal without its corners. Once complete Starlight lit the portal. As the pixilated violet vortex appeared within the deep violet frame. Starlight had her character step through and after a minor loading time she was in the Nether, and she could see her friends running as fast as they could towards her.

Suddenly the mic blew up with chatter as Button said, “Guys I see the new portal!”

Trixie sighed in relief along with Sweetie and Rumble.

“Oh thank goodness! I was afraid we’d die here and lose everything!” Sweetie sounded at ease.

“Quick everyone through the portal!” Starlight said walking back through.

Moments later the entire group passed through the portal and a sense of relief came over the group as a whole. Trixie and Rumble cheered on their narrow escape while Sweetie and Button both sighed, content with their escape.

“Thanks for the save, Star.” Button said gently over the cheering of their companions.

Starlight smiled and cooed softly, “Anything for you my, little masher.”
Starlight thought about the embarrassed look Button must have had in his cute little face due to his pet name from her. The image of him shyly covering his face behind his controler made Starlight feel giddy inside. The image was interrupted when Rumble gagged and Sweetie Belle gave an indignant snort.

“Wow, Starlight way to sound like a creepy child molester.” Trixie said bluntly.

The pink unicorn growled internally kicking herself for using her pet nickname for Button on an open channel with their friends there. Thankfully no one seemed to notice the implications.

“Well, I for one am glad Starlight was there to save our flanks.” Button said softly over his mic. Everyone agreed and seemed to forget what Starlight had said. She smiled silently thanking him for taking the attention off her. “Now, then let’s get building and never go to the Nether without better planning!” The colt declared.

“YEAH!”

A collective cheer rang over the mics and everyone quickly went to building Button’s Minecart rail system with renewed vigor. That night however proved to be their undoing when creepers seemed to randomly spawn everywhere and blew it all up by lunch time.

Second Prances Ahoof Part 1

Author's Note

So here we are to no second prances, or my take on it. I know many of you were probably wondering if I was ever going to get to it, but don't worry i did and it's a two parter... maybe...

So, we'll see some familiar faces and meet some new ones down the line. Hope you guys enjoy!

Second Prances Ahoof Part 1

A few days later Starlight was asleep in bed wrapped around her comfy blanket. She happily snored away as the sunlight rose through a small crack in her curtains crawling slowly across the crystal surface until it reached Starlight's face. The poor mare groaned at the light hitting her face and used her magic to close the small gap in her curtains by forcing them together.

Starlight felt relieved that the light had been banished and darkness once again reigned over her room. However it was not to last. A few minutes later her doors slid open slowly and Guiding Wind let herself in and walked over to the bed where Starlight slept.

She shook Starlight gently with her hooves earning a small groan from the mare, Guiding Wind giggled at the response.

“Young miss, it’s time to wake up. The Princess beckons you.” The mare said, shaking Starlight again.

“Nnnn. Noooo… Don’t wanna.”

Guiding Wind giggled again. She stepped around the bed and shook the covers again.

“It’s time to wake up young miss. The Princess needs you.” Guiding Wind whispered into Starlight’s ear.

Starlight’s pink nose peeked out from under the covers. “Do I have to?”

Guiding Wind nuzzled the pink nose gently like a mother to her child. Starlight felt the warm nose touch hers and stuck her head out from under the covers, slowly opening her heavy eyes to see the older mare smiling down at her.

“You always know how to entice me out of bed.” Starlight groaned, wiggling out from under the covers. “Thanks.”

The hefty mare nodded once looking over the unicorn. “I do my best for young miss. Sleep well?”

Starlight scoffed in an annoyed manner crossing her arms over her chest. “Well, I was until I was woken up.” She said sticking her nose into the air.

Guiding Wing nodded, her smile never faltering even with Starlight’s grumpy attitude. Instead she hugged the unicorn and nuzzled her cheek. Starlight resisted at first but then allowed the show of affection, and even nuzzled back a bit.

“You are so kind. Thanks, Guiding Wind.”

“I’m just glad that the Princes and you are speaking again.” Guiding Wind then began to fix the bed now that its tenant vacated. “Princess Twilight is in the dining hall.”

“Thanks.” Starlight said going to the bathroom.

After quickly doing her mane and brushing her fur Starlight made her way down to the dining hall to see Twilight and Trixie there near a big ornate table with lots of silverware on a cart. Trixie waved to Starlight while Twilight place a plate on the table with her mouth. Staring at the plate a moment, Twilight adjusted it with her hoof before turning to the two unicorns.

“Ah, good morning Starlight!” Twilight greeted her student. “Glad you could make it.”

“Of course, though I wish I could have slept in…” Starlight mumbled the last part.

Twilight gave Starlight a hard look while Trixie turned her nose up with a scoff, waving her mane with her hoof.

“Trixie agrees. She has a show to put on later and should be resting and preparing for it.”

Twilight sighed giving a slight shake with her head. “Come on girls, today is very important.” She said to them. Seeing confused looks on their faces Twilight decided to elaborate. “Princess Celestia is coming to visit tonight and I want you two to be there, Trixie, I know you’re busy and it was last minute so I can understand if you can’t make it.”

The azure unicorn nodded looking at the princess. “Thank you for understanding Twilight.”

Trixie then turned to walk away when Twilight’s voice suddenly called out loud making her stop, “I guess your Humble and Penitent Trixie’s Equestrian Apology Tour is more important that showing up to an important dinner for the friend who gave you a second chance, I can completely understand.” Twilight sighed and dramatically placed a hoof over her forehead. “I guess it can’t be helped.”

Trixie turned and glared at Twilight, Starlight gave a titter.

Twilight then sighed looking sadly at the floor. “I guess, I’m not important enough to-”

“Alright! Trixie gets it! Sheesh, she’ll be there at the dinner…” Trixie said, reluctantly.

Twilight ran up to the mare and tackle hugged her. “Thanks so much this means a lot to me!”

The azure mare rolled her head groaning in annoyance to the clingy princess. “Ugh…”

Starlight was now doing her best to hold back her laughter when Twilight turned on her with a smile on her face. “Glad to see you’re in such good spirits Starlight, cause I have your next assignment!”

The pink unicorn felt her smile falter at Twilight’s words. The princess saw the change in her students posture and amended, “It’s not hard I promise, you just have to bring a new friend to the dinner is all.”

Starlight thought for a minute before saying, “BUt I like all your friends, I can’t chose one-”

“That’s just it Starlight, you have to make a new friend!”

“A… new friend?” Starlight rubbed her neck before blurting out, “How about i just make a bunch of new friends by enslaving the entire population of Ponyville?!” She asked in a over the top manner, ending with a wide toothy smile.

Twilight was about to scold her student when suddenly Trixie struck Starlight across the cheek with a solid punch. The impact sent the poor mare to the floor as Trixie towered over her fallen form.

Twilight gasped as Trixie yelled to Starlight, “Don’t you ever joke about that! That isn’t funny!!”

Twilight pushed Trixie away from her student with her magic. “Trixie, leave her alone! Star, are you alright?” Twilight lifted her student up rubbing her slightly swollen cheek.

“I’m fine Twilight,” She looked over to Trixie who was still glowering at her. “I was just kidding by the way.”

Trixie gave an annoyed snort, twisting her neck. “That isn’t something you should joke about. It isn’t funny, and it isn’t something you should even think about.”

Starlight was about to respond when trixie suddenly turned and began to walk away at a brisk pace closing the doors behind her. Starlight looked confused at Twilight who had a saddened expression.

“What was that all about?” She asked her mentor.

Twilight shook her head rubbing the ridge of her nose with her hoof.

“Trixie is, well… did anypony tell you what happened when Trixie was last here?”

“Uh, I heard something on and off about an evil amulet, or something. Why?”
Twilight walked away and sat at the table, Starlight sat beside her listening to Twilight for an explanation. After a few minutes Twilight seemed to collect her thoughts and began to tell Starlight about Trixie’s past.

“To be honest Star, there’s a lot concerning Trixie and our town that is related to why she had that amulet to begin.” Twilight said rubbing her hooves. “A while back Trixie came to town and boasted her great and powerful magical feats, which included the slaying of na ursa major.”

Starlight nodded, knowing about these animals herself after spending much time studying about animals in the Everfree, she came across several articles on the large beasts.

“Well, as two colts, who shall not be named, found out a average unicron like Trixie at the time can’t slay an ursa after bringing one back to town.”

Starlight gasped, “What?! WHY?!”

“They weren’t the brightest little colts on the block.”

“Oh.”

Twilight took a deep breath feeling an odd sense of anxiety, causing her head to throb like a hammer was striking her head over and over. A most aggravating feeling.Today was going to be a long day she could tell. She rubbed her temples as she continued to tell Trixie’s story.

“That was when her career took a turn for the worst. According to Trixie nopony would give her a chance to perform and was run out of towns all over Equestria for being labeled a fraud. A liar.” Twilight said looking at where Trixie stormed off. “Some time later according to her she went to work on a rock farm owned by Pinkie’s family. She saved up enough money to buy the Alicorn Amulet.”

Twilight paused and made a magical representation of the amulet in question for Starlight to see. She focused her magic into a small ball and from there she molded it like clay into the shape of the Alicorn Amulet. Starlight watched in awe, captivated by the story.

“So, what does it do, Twilight?”

“It increases the magical capabilities of the pony who wears it considerably, but at a terrible cost.” Twilight paused momentarily. “I did some research into the Amulet, turns out it was one of King Sombra’s greatest attempts to amplify his powers. And it worked. The thing is, once he was defeated the amulet was lost and thought gone forever. Then Trixie stumbled upon it from an ancient slab of stone she kept hidden from the Pie Family, and by chance of fate she found the AMulet in the possession of an antiquities dealer.”

Starlight oohed and Twilight continued.

“Yes, the Alicorn Amulet can make a magically weak pony into one of the most fiercest ponies around, but it corrupts them. Since it’s creator was already corrupt it didn’t affect him in anyway except amplify his powers. You see to make it he poured his hate and cruelty into it infusing his own dark powers within it. So, when a normal pony like Trixie, wore it it would twist their minds and corrupt them. Thus leading them down a spiral of madness until they were but a shell of their former self.’

Starlight tilted her head fascinated by the story but failed to see how this had any relevance to Trixie’s reaction. “So, what does this have to do with Trixie?”

The question made Twilight lower her posture with a look of shame and defeat. “Trixie was perhaps my greatest failing as Celestia’s pupil, Starlight.”

“I was so caught up with my friends I didn’t think about how the events of, what became known as the ursa minor terror, would affect Trixie later on down the line. You see after she left Ponyville, as I mentioned, she became ostracized and worked on the Pie Family Rock Farm bought the amulet and then returned to Ponyville to beat me in a magic duel.”

“But, you won right?” Starlight asked.

“No, Star, I didn’t. The power of the amulet gave Trixie unsurpassed powers,” Twilight rubbed her neck and fluttered her wings in annoyance. “I lost to her and was banished from Ponyville.”

“That’s awful.” Starlight said in a low tone.

“Well, that wasn’t the worst part, the amulet twisted Trixie’s mind and made her enslave Ponyville under a week long rule.” Twilight walked over to the table and began to set everything with her hooves. She stopped and inspected one of the fine ornate plates before smashing it on the ground, startling Starlight.,

“Twilight what are you doing?! That’s expensive china!”

“I know, but I want you to consider something Starlight,” Twilight lifted a piece of the broken plate with her hoof. “When I accidently humiliated Trixie and didn’t try to help her at the time, I created a series of events that spiraled out of control and lead to Trixie’s fall from grace.”

Starlight cringed thinking back on her time travel plan of revenge. “Just like me, huh?”

Twilight placed the broken plate down and went to comfort Starlight. She wrapped her wings around the pink unicorn and nuzzled her cheek softly, to which Starlight nuzzled back.

“I know Star, and that’s why I want you to always keep your friends close and those who you either fight or wrong closer.”

Twilight’s voice was soft but deep down Starlight could tell the hint of warning behind the words. The tale was all too familiar to her to go unnoticed.

“I want you to know our tory, Trixie and mine, so you can be better equipped to handle that kind of situation better than I can.” Starlight nodded understanding what twilight meant. “Now, run along and go bring find a new friend to bring, and Star, please be careful around Trixie and what you say. Okay?”

“I will Twilight. See ya.” Starlight waved goodbye and ran out of the castle.

Starlight thought about what was said long and hard. She now understood why Trixie left in such a huff. She didn’t realize at the time, but she hit Trixie right where it hurt. Her past. She needed to make things right with Trixie. So, Starlight set off to find the azure mare somewhere in Ponyville.

Walking down the streets Starlight caught sight of Amber Anvil. The iron work pony glared at her but made no hostile moves, residing to continued hammering some smoldering metal on a iron anvil. She waved to Starlight giving her a sinister smile.

Starlight gave a nervous wave back and hurried past the mare hoping nothing bad would happen. Nothing did, but it didn’t put Starlight at ease but on she went about her day. She passed by Roseluck who was tending to her flower stand along with Daisy and Lily. They were nice mares and Starlight was starting to really get to know them. SHe walked over to Roseluck who was tending to her roses ever so diligently.

“Roseluck! Good morning!”

Roseluck stopped watering her roses and craned her neck to see Starlight approaching. She put the water pot down and waved to her pink friend.

“Starlight, how wonderful of you to stop by!” She greeted the unicron with a friendly hug. “How have you been?”

“I’ve been doing well. Twilight and I made up finally.”

Roseluck nodded slowly. “I’m so happy you two made up. A teacher and student shouldn’t fight.” Rose said sagely, returning to her roses. “It doesn’t do anything but stunt both sides growth.”

Starlight nodded in agreement, she watched as Roseluck watered her flowers then when she finished she went and started to water the other flowers. Starlight felt bad just sitting there and watching, so in an effort to be friendly she offered to help.

“Hey Roseluck do you need any help?” Starlight offered.

Roseluck put the watering pot down and smiled gratefully. “I’d love th ehelp. I’m sad to say I’m behind schedule and I could really use an extra pair of hooves.”

“Great! Where’s the spare watering pot?”

Roseluck pointed to a small shed to the side of the garden. Starlight nodded and walked briskly over to find the doors closed. A open lock lay to the side. She reached for the handle and turned it feeling the metal bar within slip out of place unbarring the door. Slowly she slid the shed door open and looked inside to see several items within.

Back in her town of equality she was use to gardening, everyone was then, and she was no stranger to how most of the items and tools inside were used. She found the watering pot beside a pile of garden hoes.

She picked up the pot and carried it with her magic and closed the doors with her hooves. She then went over to Roseluck and filled the watering pot up and watered the daisies while Rose finished with the lilies.

“Thanks for the help Starlight. You truly are a wonderful pony.” Roseluck said wiping her brow.

“Thanks Rose, by the way,” Starlight paused placing the watering pot down. “Have you seen Trixie?”

The rose maned mare frowned instantly at the name of the town's former dictator. “Yeah, she came by here a little while ago with a really sour attitude.”

Starlight eyes Roseluck wondering what could have transpired. “What happened?”

“See, that mare comes by all mad like, and I asked her, ‘Hey Trixie what’s wrong?’ and she got all mad and just stormed off. Talk about rude!”

“Well, it’s not her fault. I kinda said some things that upset her, concerning her past and I really need to find her to apologize.” Starlight replied feeling guilty deep down.

Roseluck saw the hurt in Starlight’s eyes. She felt bad considering some of the things that happened in recent months were her fault, especially when Starlight and her first met.

“Speaking of apologies,” Starlight’s voice interrupted Roseluck thoughts. “I’m sorry about your roses from before. I didn’t mean to run into you and ruin them.”

Roseluck sighed rubbing the mares back. “Don’t worry. The truth is I overreacted to that and got you and Trixie in trouble. I’m sorry.”

“Thanks.”

The two mares hugged the problems away feeling a warmth within themselves. Starlight pulled away but held onto the cream pony’s shoulders and asked, “Hey, Rose, I have this important dinner tonight with Princess Celestia and Twilight, would you like to come and join us as my friend and guest?’

“Oh, sorry I can’t. I have a huge order to fill for a wedding later. Sorry.” Roseluck flattened her ears.

Starlight chuckled patting her friends back. Don’t worry bout it. The offer still stands. It’s later tonight at 6pm. Come by if you can otherwise I’ll see you around?”

Roseluck smiled at Starlight holding up her hoof and received a hoof bump from the unicron. “Definitely. I’ll see you later Starlight.”

‘See you later, Rose.”

Starlight then continued down the streets of Ponyville heading off in the direction Roseluck pointed where she last saw Trixie heading. Starlight, feeling better now continued her quest to find Trixie, and perhaps make a few friends along the way.

Second Prances Ahoof Part 2

Author's Note

Hello everyone! Sorry for the late update but after Beating Dark Souls 1,2 & 3 I've been working on a pet project which is a romance/adventure crossover mlp with Dark Souls which should be up sometime soon. If you're interested check it out and tell me what you think!

Second Prances Ahoof Part 2

A short while later Starlight had found Trixie’s new trailer near Pokey Pierce’s home. It was parked by the small house where the lone stallion resided. The sounds of two distinct voices came from within the trailer, one definitely belonged to Trixie, the other more soft spoken was Pokey.

“-and then she had the nerve to say, ‘why don’t I make new friends by enslaving the entire population of Ponyville’!” Trixie exclaimed loudly from within, shaking the trailer. “Right to my face! The nerve of her to insult Trixie like that, and here she thought Starlight understood Trixie because of our checkered past! The little bi-”

“Whoa sis! Hold the reins! Are you sure she meant it like that?” Pokey’s voice asked from within the trailer. “Sounds to me like she was just making a joke honestly, and you, no offense sis, but you being you, you tend to overreact-”

The response came down on Starlight’s ear like thunder. Trixie voice boomed over the trailer with the capacity that would rival the Royal Canterlot voice and then some.

“Trixie doesn't overreact!”

Pokey fell out of the trailer door which glowed pink and promptly shut itself. Starlight ran over to the downed disgruntled stallion and helped him back to his hooves.

“Thanks Starlight.”

“Don’t mention it friend,” Starlight said dusting her friend off. “Is, Trixie in there?”

“Yeah, but you probably don’t want to go in there.” The stallion warned.

Starlight shook her head adjusting her mane and looked at the trailer with determination. “I know I probably shouldn't but I said somethings, and I need to talk to her.”

“Well, if you want I won’t stop you, Star.” Pokey said in a worried tone.

“Don’t worry Pokey, it’ll all be fine.” Starlight assured him.

“Well in that case good luck.”

“Thanks.”

Waving bye to her friend as he went off into Ponyville Starlight turned to face the magicians trailer. She walked up to the closed door and gave it three firm knocks. Almost immediately the booming voice of Trixie resonated from within scaring Starlight.

“I SAID GO AWAY POKEY!”
“Hesitantly Starlight cleared her throat and said, “Trixie, it’s me Starlight. Can I talk to you?”

The door opened revealing a small blue nose and a set of angry eyes glaring down at Starlight like she was some disgusting bug.

“What do you want?”

“I, uh, wanted to make sure you were alright.”

Trixie couched once never blinking as she looked Starlight up and down. “Well, Trixie is fine now go away.”

The door began to close but Starlight pushed it back keeping it slightly open. “Trixie!”

“How dare you! Are you trying to get on Trixie’s bad side?!”

“Look I’m sorry about what I said, okay?” Starlight used her weight to help keep the door ajar while Trixie tried to close it with her magic. “It was a joke calling back to me, when I enslaved a small town I founded, I wasn’t talking about you!”

Suddenly the door pressure eased and Starlight rolled into the trailer landing at Trixie’s hooves. She looked up to see a dissatisfied look on Trixie’s mug.

“Come on Trixie, I’m sorry.” Starlight pealed to the mare.

“You know I was really upset right?”

“I know and I’m sorry I didn’t know.” Starlight grabbed ahold of Trixie’s hooves. “If I can make it up to you I’ll do anything just tell me.”

Trixie scoffed turning away from the mare not bothering to help her up. “Well, Pokey did say you probably have no hostile intent. *Sigh* Very well STarlight. If you truly want to make it up to Trixie she could use a new stage assistant for her upcoming show tonight.”

“A show?” Starlight stood up.

“Yes, Trixie will be performing a new stage show of grand illusion!” Trixie said with her usual flair. “I’m calling it the Humble and Penitent Trixie’s Equestrian Apology Tour!”

“That’s quite the mouth full don’t you think?”

Trixie chuckled lightly. “It’s a working title.” She said with a wink.

“Well, it sounds like fun, what are you going to do?” Starlight asked looking at a large cannon nearby.

“Well, first Trixie is going to help unpack her wagon.” The unicorn mare said to Starlight lifting a rate decorated with stars like her cape and hat and walked outside of her wagon.

Starlight picked up as identical box and followed Trixie outside setting the box down next to the first crate, as Trixie walked back in and came back out with a large black bow and a trunk setting them off to the side.

A half hour later the mares had built a base for a new stage that Trixie had bought sometime ago. They Were setting it up when a pony came up behind Starlight and tapped her shoulder. The pink unicorn spun around to see Roseluck there with a bright smile.

“Hi, Star!”

“Rose!”

The two mares hugged, Trixie scoffed at them with a sour look, then returned to building her stage.

“What are you doing here, Rose?” Starlight asked.

“Oh, well, you see…” The rose maned mare looked around like she was scared of something lurking nearby. “I’m being stalked.”

Starlight gasped lowering her voice. “What?!! Who’s stalking you?”

Roseluck gave an exasperated sigh rubbing her arm. “A, I’m being… a filly.”

Starlight gave her a flat stare of shock. “Uh, well that’s definitely… something?”

Roseluck gave her friend a curious look to which Starlight looked away blushing. Roseluck struggled to understand what her pink friend was getting at when suddenly a familiar high pitched ethereal voice called from above them, “Hi everyone!”

Starlight looked up to see Glitter Heart above her and Roseluck screamed out loud running into Trixie’s wagon and locked herself inside. Trixie ran to the door beating it and demanding that Roseluck got out, or at least open the door so she could finish unpacking.

Starlight shook her head at Roseluck reaction but figured, from what Twilight told her, this was very typical of Roseluck to react in such a manner. Looking u p at the ghost filly Starlight greeted the filly.

“Hello again Glitter Heart. I see you met,Rose.”

Glitter Heart giggled floating in a circle and resting by Starlight’s shoulder.

“Yeah, she’s something I tell ya.”

Trixie managed to get the door open after fiddling with the doorknob (And breaking it off) and was now trying to force the door open to which Roseluck pushed back trying to keep it closed.

“Let Trixie in, you, IMBECILE!”

“NO! The ghost will get me!!” Roseluck hollered out through the hole in the door.

Trixie rolled her eyes until something in her mind clicked. “Wait, Trixie remembers you!”

Roseluck stuck her head out from the door looking rather nervous at the mare. She then made a squeak and ducked back into the wagon slamming the door on Trixie’s face. The blue mare gripped her nose which was now bleeding glaring at the door.

“Coward! Get out here and face Trixie!”

“Trixie, what’s going on? You know Roseluck?” Starlight asked, Glitter Heart by her side.

“Humph, yes Trixie knows that… mare.” Trixie replied in a belittling tone. “She stole Trixie’s coltfriend back in Canterlot when we were fillies.” *BANG!* *BANG!* *BANG!* “You get your sorry flank out here or Trixie will come in there and... “

Trixie paused looking at Glitter Heart who was floating near Starlight.

“Is that, a ghost?”

Starlight and Glitter Heart nodded.

Trixie eyed the ghost filly waving her hoof through her ethereal body.

“For real?”

Again she was met with a series of nods.

“Wow. That is so-”

“Scary?” Glitter Heart said sarcastically rolling her eyes.

“No. Trixie was going to say cool!” The mare exclaimed walking around Glitter Heart inspecting her. “This is amazing! Trixie has never seen a spirit before! And you’re so adorable!” She cooed.

Glitter Heart covered her face behind her hooves shying away from Trixie. “Aww, stop you’re embarrassing me!”

“Why? You are so cute!” Trixie gushed.

Starlight sighed feeling relieved that Trixie wasn’t scared of her ghostly friend. She then looked at Glitter Heart and asked, “Why is Roseluck afraid of you anyway?”

“Trixie doesn’t want to talk about it.” The mare said.

Starlight and Glitter Heart sighed neither wanting to antagonize the mare. Then Starlight turned to face Glitter Heart.

“For that matter why are you showing yourself to ponies and where have you been!?” Starlight asked the filly ghost, who shied away whistling.

“I may have been away harassing somepony…”

“Clearly…” Starlight sighed, shaking her head. “Well, just as long as you’re alright I’m glad your back.”

“Aww you do miss me!” Glitter Heart squealed.

“Yes, yes, now moving on silly… Trixie?”

The blue mare glared at her door like she was expecting it to catch fire or remove itself from her view on its own. Feeling concerned Starlight nudged the mare in the shoulder gently.

“Trixie?”

Suddenly Trixie flew at the door headbutting it open and sending poor Roseluck to the end of the wagon. Trixie stumbled in a daze as Roseluck curled up in the corner looking fearfully at both Trixie and the ghost at her side.

“Star! HELP!” Roseluck cried out covering herself behind her tail and shaking.

“Starlight sighed pushing Trixie aside and knelt down beside the mare. “Trixie please be nice to my friend.”

Trixie growled in response feeling her temper starting to come to a boil. “But she-”
“Please, Trixie?” Starlight pleaded giving her a cute pouty face.

“Ugh, fine whatever!” Trixie said turning to finish unloading her wagon. “Just keep her out of Trixie’s way.”

The blue mare walked off leaving Starlight and Roseluck behind while Glitter Heart floated after Trixie. Starlight sighed leaning into Roseluck side to comfort her friend.

“Are you feeling better now?” She asked.

Roseluck smiled nodding to Starlight.

“I’m glad.”

Roseluck sniffled a few times wiping her eyes.

“Thanks for the save.” Roseluck said nuzzling her friend.

“Don’t worry, Rose.” Starlight said. “What happened between you and Trixie anyway? And what’s this I hear about a coltfriend?”

“I don’t want to talk about it.” Roseluck looked away with a saddened expression.

“Okay, don’t worry you don’t have to tell me, but I do think it’d be in your best interest to talk to Trixie about it<” Starlight looked at the blue mare as she stuck her nose up, lifting another crate and left without a word. “Were you two friends?”

“Once,long ago.”

“Oh, so um, what were you doing before you came here?” Starlight asked the mare.

“Eh? Oh, right! I was coming to tell you about the dinner I can make it tonight!” Roseluck said clapping her hooves. “Turns out the event was delayed for another week so I have time to get all the roses and bouquets together.”

“Starlight beamed, that’s great! I’m glad you’ll be attending...Aww no.” Starlight facehooved. “I promised Trixie to help her for her show tonight!”

“Well, Trixie figured you’d worm out of it either way.” Trixie said from behind startling both mares. “Hmmm, very well. If you have to attend the dinner Trixie understands. She has a new friend who’ll help out. Right Glitter Heart?” Trixie asked to an empty space behind her.

Roseluck and Starlight looked around when Glitter Heart appeared from Trixie’s dressing trunk with a hat and cape on her grinning.

“Star! Star! Trixie wants me to help her in her show tonight! Isn’t that great?” The ghost filly gushed.

Starlight nodded to Glitter Heart smiling feeling proud that the spectral filly made a friend with Trixie so easily. Just then Roseluck who was eyeing the filly in terror passed out with a dramatic gasp.

Starlight shook her head, and Roseluck leg twitched, as she nuzzled the little ghost filly. “I’m so happy for you Glitter Heart! ” Starlight then set her passed out friend on the couch and finished helping Trixie unload her wagon.

She looked over at the cannon once more wondering what it was for.

“Trixie, what exactly is this cannon for anyway?”

Trixie looked over to the cannon and gave Starlight the cockiest grin she could muster. A sense of pride overflowed Trixie as she stood by the star covered cannon and proudly proclaimed, “The Great and Powerful Trixie will be performing the world famous Moon Shot Manticore Mouth Dive!”

Dinner and a Friend

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Through the looking Glass

A few days after the dinner with Celestia, Starlight Glimmer was going around Ponyville early one morning for a jog. The sun was just beginning to pierce the horizon as she ran along the outskirts of the small town. She was wearing a simple black sweater with a red stripe across the chest and a small single pouch saddlebag Rarity made which she called, a backpack.

Starlight ran past one of the many bridges that followed a small artificial river that surrounded part of Ponyville first, then she would jog past Sugarcube Corner, then run around city Hall, back to Ponyville Elementary, and back to Twilight’s Castle.

Starlight ran twice around the castle passing by several guards along the way.

It seemed so strange to her to see so many guards. At first Twilight hated the idea of having so many guards around. Now after several events she has become more open to the idea of having them around.

Starlight herself loved having them around. It made the castle less lonely when Twilight was away. She made friends with several of them but her two favorite guards were Golden Claw and by some strange coincidence Thunderclap.

As she passed by the large brown mare, Starlight stopped right behind her and was about to yell ‘boo’ when she was stopped by Thunderclap’s raspy voice, “Do that and I will end you.”

“Aww, you’re no fun.” Starlight pouted through pursed lips.

Thunderclap chuckled, not moving any other part of her body. Starlight thought she looked like a laughing statue.

“Well, I’m just getting back from my jog. Nice to see you again.” Starlight said trotting past the guardsmare heading into the castle.

Along the way Starlight ran past Golden Claw who was flying through the castle halls to keep watch. Starlight waved to the griffon as he flew overhead and gave her a kind wave back. Going past the halls Starlight came across a room she never saw before that had a sign reading: DO NOT ENTER!

Of course that only meant Starlight would enter, if only to satisfy her curiosity. Pushing open the doors Starlight poked her head inside the room to see it abuzz with lights and technology she’d never seen before. Before her was a large pink mirror with several makeshift devices connecting to it from various sources.

Starlight could see her reflection in the mirror as she approached. It looked like a very interesting machine. No doubt it was one of Twilight's many projects she had stored away. A healthy mind was always working as they say. As interesting as this was it struck Starlight as odd, why would Twilight leave a machine of this caliber ON and then store it away? It made no sense to her.

Staring at the strange mirror Starlight felt drawn to it. The electrical currents running through made a slight humming noise. She walked up to the mirror and pressed her hoof against the glass only to feel her hoof go through it like it was liquid.

She gasped, quickly retracting her hoof and wiped it on herself frantically. She watched where her hoof went in and watched the ripples span across the surface. She could feel her heart racing with anticipation as she poked the mirror again getting a powerful suction force that wanted to draw her in.

She pulled her hoof out again and looked around to see if anyone was near. Finding no one she stuck her hoof in again and this time stepped completely into the mirror and was consumed by it.

Starlight screamed as she found herself in a white tunnel of light and was spinning out of control. Around her the light from the vortex became brighter and brighter until she came to the end of it and was blinded by a bright flash of light.

*Canterlot High*

Sunset was busy listening to some music her new friend Octavia provided for her. While she loved modern music like rock and roll, dubstep, among others she found she had a particular liking for classical music and orchestral types.

She loved to hang out with the classy girl sometimes. Being around someone with a bit more class made Sunset feel more refined and civil. Not that she didn’t have her wild side, she just didn’t want to be a total tomboy like Rainbow or Applejack, but she didn't want to be like Rarity either. She was happy being in the center of both worlds and finding a balance for it.

She was sitting near the Canterlot High statue minding her own business when someone came from behind her and tackled her to the ground. Instinctively she grabbed ahold of the person, thinking it was a mugger, and threw them over her shoulder and on their back to the ground.

She was surprised to see a young woman with deep violet hair in a ponytail wearing a periwinkle colored top and black pants with black boots on the floor. Her eyes were wide with shock, no doubt from the surprise of being thrown to the ground. *THank you Adagio for the self defense lesson.*

She was gasping for air as Sunset pulled out her phone with one hand to make call. She used her other hand to turn the woman over and pin her to the ground by bending her arm back and sitting on her. Sunset dialed 911 on her phone as she sat on the woman.

*911 what is your emergency?* A voice said over the phone.
“Yes, I was just jumped by an adult woman from behind. I think she might be a thief or something.” Sunset said to the voice.

*A mugger you say? Are you alright?* The voice asked with concern.

“I’m fine. I managed to restrain her. I’m a student from Canterlot High school I’m out front by the schools statue.” Sunset said as the woman wriggled from underneath her.

“Get off of me!” The woman said. “I did nothing wrong!”

Sunset adjusted herself to hold the phone with her shoulder. She then used her second hand to push the would be thieves face to the ground.

“Stop struggling!”

*Miss are you okay?*

“This woman is very strong I can’t, gah!” Suneet was thrown off as the woman started waving her entire body like a worm having a spaz attack.

The phone went flying into the storm drain leaving Sunset alone with this stranger. Unarmed Sunset got to her feet quickly and took a defensive stance. She watched as the woman struggled to gain a footholding. Seemed to struggle with her two legs and instead tried to get down on all fours.

Sunset thoguht it was very strange yet so familiar to see. This went on for a minute or two before it dawned on her where she’d seen this before. Suddenly a the sound of sirens broke her t=out of her thoughts when she saw two Police Patrol cars pull up to the school. Several officers including one Shining Armor she had come to know recently stepped out of the car.

Sunset looked at him with his imposing figure in blue. He recently graduated from Crystal Prep and became an police offocer and quickly became one of the best. As the other officer struggled to get the woman cuffed Shining approached Sunset.

“Morning Miss Shimmer.” he greeted the yougn girl.

“Hello sir.” Sunset replied.

Shining laughed taking off his sun glasses. “Don’t worry Sunset. You aren’t in trouble.”

“Yeah, how’s twilight doing these days?” She asked.

Shinng tapped his chin. “She’s doing well and-”

“WAIT! You know Twilight? I know Twilight! She’s my mentor! A princess even! I’m not a criminal!”the woman suddenly cried out as the other officer dragged her to the car.

Shining turned to face the other officer. “Have you read her rights?”

The other officer nodded. “Yes, sir,” he said pushing her to the car. “She’s a fighter though.”

Shining looked at the woman and met her eyes. She was scared. He could tell. She wasn’t expecting to get caught clearly, but the fear she had seemed too deep for someone who got caught.

Sunset herself was watching the scene with peaked interest. She made a mental note to ask Princess Twilight about this later, that is until she heard what this woman had to say after.

“Please I didn’t do anything! I came through a portal of some sort! I don’t even know where I am-” She was stopped by the door slamming in her face.

The first officer got into the car with the prisoner and drove away. Shining remained behind with Sunset both giving the strange woman a look like she was completely bonkers.

Shining took a glance at Sunset, and playfully rubbed Sunset’s fiery hair. Sunset swatted at him in annoyance.

“You alright?” He asked her.

Sunset nodded dumbly. “Uh, yeah. I’m alright. Thanks for showing up.”

“Just doing my duty Sunset.” Shining said, heading back to his car.

He then slowly opened his door and sat down in the seat of his cruiser. He overturned the engine then rolled down the passenger side window to look at Sunset. “I’ll let Twilight know you said, hi”

“Thanks.” Sunset said waving to Shinning.

“See ya later Sunset.”

Shining then drove off in his patrol cruiser leaving Sunset alone by the statute. She stood there for several minutes before she sat down on the steps by the statue of CHS and grabbed her backpack and pulled out her favorite notebook.

She opened it up to an new page and took a pen from her backpack. She opened the book to a new page and took the pen in hand and began to write: Dear Princess Twilight, just had the strangest encounter…

Back in Ponyville Twilight was busy reading a book in her personal library when the journal she got from Celestia that connected to its counterpart in the human world began to glow and vibrate. The unicorn looked up at the journal and pulled it down from its own personal perch on a shelf and opened it. She quickly read over the new entry that appeared in it from Sunset.

She read it over glad to hear from her old friend again after dealing with the sirens and the events of the Equestria games. As she read something about what Sunset wrote caught her attention. She reread it over and over again and then began to grow worried. If somepony she knew went through the portal they would have no idea what to do or where to go for help. As it stood, she felt she needed to go through and find out from Sunset what happened to the pony who inadvertently went through the portal.

She quickly wrote a note to Sunset telling her she would arrive soon and immediately left to head for the portal room, and then to the human world.

Arrival

Author's Note

So, now a lot of stuff just happened in the last few chapters. Now things are about to get serious! Now keep in mind this is before the Freindship Games so now things are gonna get weird. :rainbowderp:

As for Starlight, what will befall her? What happened to Adagio? What will twilight do to get her student out of jail?

the answers to come soon! As always read rate love and tolerate, and remember if you like what you've read give this fic a thumbs up and sub to me! If you did not...

hit the thumbs up and subscribe to me anyway. And until next time my friends I will see you later.

Arrival

To say Twilight was worried would have been a great understatement. She ran through the halls of her castle to the portal room where she kept the human mirror portal. She felt herself feeling anxious. As a Princess it was her responsibility to safeguard all her subjects no matter who they were.

She began to run a mental list of who could have possibly went through the portal. In truth it could have been one of many ponies. She just recently got new castle staff, courtesy of Celestia and Luna, a few new guards who were green, and the most likely some janitor too curious for their own good.

In her mind she failed as a Princess allowing one of her subjects to come under human jurisdiction due to her irresponsibility.

She thought long and hard about the portal room as she made her way down a long stairwell into the room itself. Entering Twilight didn’t even slow her pace, making a brisk pace to the portal and walking through non-stop.

She flew through the rainbow vortex until she reemerged from the other side; and, she landed on her two feet with more grace than her first times she visited the human world. Her landing was a bit rough, it hurt her feet and knees a bit making her tumble a bit. *Gotta watch that reentry.* She berated herself.

Fortunately for her two arms caught her mid landing. This prevented her from falling face first into the concrete walkway she discovered was called, the sidewalk.

Looking at her savior, twilight realized it was not Sunset who caught her but Sonata Dusk from the Dazzlings. The blue girl had her typical happy look and smile that could rival that of Pinkie’s.

Twilight gasped pushing the siren away, “What are you doing here?!”

Twilight fell backwards landing on her back on the ground. She kicked up some dust in doing so. From around the statue Sunset’s head poked out. When she looked at Twilight on the floor, Sunset ran and picked up the downed princess.

“Twilight! Are you alright?!” Sunset asked her friend, dusting her off.

Sunset then turned on Sonata who cringed at the hard look Sunset was giving her.

“Sonata.”

“What did I do, Sunny?” Sonata asked innocently.

“Whenever you go anywhere trouble and disaster follows.” Sunset said in a matter of fact tone.

“But I didn’t do anything! She pushed me when I caught her when she fell.” Sonata explained, shrugging her shoulders.

Sunset was about to say something when Twilight held up her hand.

“No Sunset, she’s right.” Twilight said in her defense. “I was just shocked at the sight of her being here I pushed her back and lost my footing.”

Sonata nodded her head vigorously. Sunset sighed slapping her hand to her face. Twilight perched herself on the stone steps by the CHS statue. Sunset and Sonata sat on either side of her.

“So, um, it’s great to see you again?” Sonata asked awkwardly.

“I guess?” Twilight replied looking to Sunset for an answer.

Sunset smiled and pulled Sonata into a headlock. She then rubbed the blue girls hair playfully making her laugh in delight.

“Sunny! Stop!” Sonata yelled in laughter.

Sunset giggled as two blue hands pushed at her face. Twilight smiled feeling a warm feeling in her heart a the the sight of one former siren making friends with Sunset. *Guess they both have come a long way.* She thought, when a stern voice called out from behind.

“Sonata!”

All heads turned to see Aria stomping towards them. Twilight immediately took a stand between the approaching siren and the two behind her. Aria stopped about ten paces from Twilight. She had a surprised look on her face that quickly turned to fear as she took a defensive stance.

Sunset reached out and tugged at Twilight’s arm while Sonata quickly stood between them holding back Aria who looked like she was about to change twilight.

“Aria stop!” Sonata yelled at her fellow siren.

“That girl took our amulets from us Sonata!” Aria rebuttled with a violent gesture to Twilight who frowned. “Did you forget that when we nearly starved to death?”

Sonata shook her head slowly. She gave Aria a look of pure disappointment. Aria took one look at Sonata and quickly averted her gaze.

“You know I would never forget Adagio like that.” She said in a cold tone.

Aria clenched a fist feeling a burning rage inside of her. She gave Twilight a hard look before turning and storming away with an almost feral growl. Twilight looked between Sonata and Sunset in confusion and SUnset too the opportunity to clarify the situation.

“Twilight. A lot has happened since you left,” Sunset said gently guiding her to Sonata.

“Sonata? You alright?” Sunset hugged the siren from behind.

Sonata gave a pathetic sniff, taking hold of the arms wrapped around her neck.

“I’m fine. Thanks.”

Twilight felt like she was missing something completely important but allowed the siren to calm herself in Sunset’s kind embrace. Once Sonata calmed herself she approached TWilight with Sunset by her side offering a supportive nodded.

Taking a step forward Sonata looked into Twilight’s eyes which made Twilight feel bad somehow. It was as if Sonata was conveying her deepest feelings through her eyes so that there was no need for words.

“Adagio left us because of what you and your friends did.” Sonata said flatly.

There was no hate or any emotion behind her words, which in Twilight’s mind was worse than being hated or blamed. Sunset took Sonata away and sat her down back on the steps by the CHS statue by her backpack.

After the two exchanged a few words she returned to twilight and gently guided her away from Sonata’s range of hearing. Still within sight of the blue girl Sunset turned back to Twilight with a deep somber expression.

“I’m sorry about that. I ran into them waiting for you and-”

“No, it’s fine Sunset,” Twilight said. “I’m just glad you befriended those two. I feel so bad for Adagio, I never wanted her to… you know.”

Sunset gave twilight a sympathetic nod patting her shoulders. “I know Twilight. It’s still good to see you though.”

“You too Sunset.”

The two hugged, neither really wanting to break away from the other. Twilight pulled back looking at Sunset then to Sonata with a worried look.

“I know this is gonna sound cruel of me Sunset but, about the one who came through the portal-”

“Oh, right. Sorry,” Sunset looked back at the statue and pointed to it. “Let’s sit down. What do you want to know?”

“Well, who was it? What did they look like? Was it a mare or stallion-”

“Man or woman.” Sunset corrected her.

“Right,” Twilight sat at the base of the statue next to Sonata. “Man or woman, but what did they look like?”

“Well, it was a woman. Older than you but maybe around a few years older than me.” Sunset tapped her chin thinking. “She had her hair up on a large ponytail, much like Sonata’s. She was wearing a light periwinkle sweater with black pants and boots. Oh! Her hair had a light teal stripe going through it!”

Sunset gave the discription of hte poersn. She knew it was a mare now, or in this case woman, but who it was was still a mystery. Although she had a very good idea of who it was. This made her worry.

“Sunset, did she say anything that might have stood out?” Twilight asked her friend with a sense of urgency.

Sunset thought another moment then replied with a, ‘aha!’ “As a matter of fact she did!”

Twilight waited patiently for Sunset to think of what it was. Sonata sat silently listening to the situation.

“I’m not 100% sure but I think she said, ‘I’m Twilight’s student or something’.” Sunset said crossing her arms thinking back on it. “She startled me so I’m not sure if that’s what i heard exactly.’

Twilight felt her blood run cold. She suddenly felt angry and frustrated. How could she let this happen? It angered her to feel like something was out of her control. Perhaps one of her biggest faults, but that wouldn't stop her from finding her student.

Looking to Sunset she gave the former villain turned friend a determined look and asked one simple question, “Where is she?”

The 50th

Author's Note

So here we are everyone! Ready to get this rolling? I am! And soooo much is planned for what's to come. However due to the complicated nature of what I've done, (it all sounded easier in my head) :facehoof: I will be delaying updates for Student of friendship to about once, maybe twice a week.

In the mean time I will update my other fics including but not limited to Adventures Across Space, and Firekeeper.

So with that in mind, let's see what is in store for Starlight today!

The 50th

Starlight was worried. She was in a strange world, she had no way of contacting Twilight, and she really wished she listened to the sign on the door. She looked down at her arms. Cuffed by hoof cuffs around her newly deformed appendages.

She wiggled the long things at the end of her hooves. She believed Spike called them, ‘claws’. Yet they were different from his. For one thing they were larger than his for sure. The talons on them were dull and round not sharp. Yet the strangest thing was the fact she had no fur. She had tail. Her mane was slightly different. Yet the worst thing of all was the fact she had no horn and no magic.

She was truly naked in this strange world. She had no defense for herself and she had no idea how to walk. She felt like a foal. Vulnerable.

She looked to her captor who was busy controlling this strange caged carriage. Occasionally Starlight would hear another voice come from the carriage and the other being would answer sometimes. What Starlight did know was she was being taken to a local police department.

While equestria still relied heavily on the Royal Guard and the Wonderbolts, local law enforcement had become more common within the last twenty years. In Equestria every major city had police ponies. In this strange world it seemed they existed here too. Perhaps she could talk to these ‘police ponies’ and get them to understand that this whole thing was a misunderstanding.

*Guess I’ll be putting my friendship lessons to the test.* She thought looking at her captor. The carriage pulled into a dark underground facility where several similar carriages were lined up side by side. Some were like the one she was in, small compact and sleak. Others were large and bulk easily able to hold up to twenty strong. Then there was a special section where a few of these carriages seemed to be under more protection than the others.

Starlight didn’t have enough time to look at all the wondrous things here. The carriage pulled up between two others and stopped. Starlight watched as her captor reached for a small box and pushed a button with his opposable claw and spoke into it.

“Dispatch I have that 428 Captain Armor called in,” He said holding the box in his hand.

Moments later Starlight heard the disembodied voice respond again making her jump slightly.

“10-4, 34. Bring her in and we’ll book her.”

“10-4.” The man replied replacing the box.

Getting out he made his way to Starlight’s door and opened it. He suddenly grabbed her roughly and pulled her out, taking care to watch her head as she exited.

“Come on you. We don’t got all day,” He said pulling her along, slamming the door shut with his leg.

“Ah! Alright I’ll cooperate! Just let me go!” Starlight pinned struggling against his firm grasp.

The officer suddenly tightened his grip around Starlights arm making a sharp pain drive through her arm.

“Ah! Alright! Alright! Please loosen your grip, that hurts!” Starlight cried out.

He didn’t respond. Instead he continued to lead her roughly through the complex until they reached the main precinct. Starlight looked around to see several others like the officer who was handling her.

They were all shapes, sizes, and color, just like ponies were. Each wore the same dark blue uniforms with golden badges on their chests. Many were in small cubicles doing paperwork. Others were handling other’s in cuffs like Starlight wore, and some just stood about.

Starlight was taken to an isolated room where a single officer was behind a concrete stall writing on some papers where she noticed the two approaching.

“Officer Candy. Is this the 428, Shining called in?” The woman asked giving Starlight a disgusted look.

“Yes, this is the one,” Starlight’s captor said, guiding her to the wall to the right of the stall.

After some questions were asked and answered between the officers Starlight was taken into another room where her pictures were taken. Two side shots, and one mug shot, she determined. After which she discovered her appendages were called, ‘fingers’ when she was having them marked with ink and pressed on paper, leaving black marks behind.

All the while she remained silent and did nothing to provoke the two officers. She hoped this would all brush over quickly if she cooperated. That is until she heard what the two officers were talking about once her prints were done. Something about her fingerprints brought up something that made the two officers happy.

“So, that’s it,” The female officer said, closing a file and placed it in a large filing cabinet.

The male officer looked to his friend and gestured to Starlight with a his thumb, “Should we tell the, Captain?”

The female officer looked to Starlight with a cruel smile. She then leaned back in her chair and lowered her hat over her eyes like she was about to take a nap.

“Nah, let Shining Armor call this one in,” She said looking at the male officer. “Besides, I think the Captain would love to see we caught the ever so elusive Glimmer Groper.”

The female officer got up out of her seat and walked over to Starlight. She lifted up an arm like she was about to punch Starlight in the face. When the fist flew forward, Starlight clenched her eyes shut waiting for the inevitable pain that’d follow. Feeling nothing she opened her eyes to see the arm right past her face.

She followed the length of it to meet the female officer's eyes. There was nothing but cold loathing behind those emerald eyes. In that moment Starlight knew she was not getting off easy.

The woman looked Starlight over once, sticking her tongue out like she was appalled by the very sight of Starlight.

“Your kind make me sick,” She said taking Starlight by the shoulders and pulled her along to an area of cells. “Your sick. Preying on young children like that. Well, Diane will probably get along with you well.”

With that said Sterling was shoved into a cell where another prisoner was in a long coat with the collar up, a blue hat with a silver horseshoe pin above the rim, and tan slacks. Most notably of the stranger was her puffy pink hair that extended down to the bench they sat on. Starlight panicked and quickly turned around to try and escape,but she was stopped by the cell barred door closing on her.

“Wait! I didn’t do anything!” Starlight cried out reaching for the officer, who quickly backed away. “I’m innocent!”

“Yeah, sure you are.”

The officer turned and walked away.

Starlight sighed slumping down on the bench opposite to the other prisoner. She choked back a sob trying hard not to cry. The person next to her looked over to her. Her face was covered by her upright collar. Starlight was afraid of what would happen to her so she said nothing to the stranger. As luck would have it, she didn’t have to say anything the stranger decided it was time to talk.

“Rough day, huh?” The stranger said from under her hat.

Starlight curled up against the cell wall, holding her legs against her chest, wrapping her arms around them like a protective shield.

“Yeah, rough… What’s your story?” Starlight asked the stranger.

“You wouldn’t believe me if I told you,” The stranger replied, turning away from Starlight.

“Hah, yeah same here,” Starlight replied. “I came here through a portal mirror of sorts and now I have no idea where I am, what I am, and these police ponies, erm things, seem to think I’m some sort of predator or something.”

At the word ponies the stranger glanced over to Starlight with interest. Starlight noticed this and scooted up against the wall with a shocked expression.

“You stay away from me you creep,” She threatened the stranger.

The stranger shot forward sliding seamlessly to Starlight’s side and pressed her nose against hers. There was a creepy, yet strangely familiar looking smile on the woman’s face. Yet Starlight couldn’t think of where. *Come to think of it, this pony looks very familiar and sounds familiar too.* Starlight thought.

Suddenly the stranger blurted out happily in a high pitched voice,”Oh, silly! I’m not a pony now! I’m human!”

Starlight sighed allowing her body to ease from the high tension. “Oh, right sorry about-”

Starlight paused allowing her brain to process what she just heard. Something didn’t click right with what she heard. She heard and understood human, she figured the stranger was referring to their current forms, but the fact the stranger said ‘pony’ caught her attention then,

“Wait minute!” Starlight exclaimed pointing to the stranger. “How did you know I thought that!? Unless… no way…”

Starlight looked at the stranger wide eyed as she removed her hat and lowered her coats collar. Revealing a face of all smiles and bubbly laughter that the former unicorn had come to know all too well.

For a brief moment Starlight clapped her hands over her mouth in shock. Then suddenly without thinking she flailed her arms out and screamed, “WHY ARE YOU HERE?!”

Clone

Starlight stared at a most familiar pony, being. If the poofy pink cotton candy hair wasn’t the dead give away, the happy pop personality and large blue eyes and hyperactive ball of ADD voice was.

“Pinkie Pie!?!”

‘Yeup! That’s my name!”

“HEY! KEEP QUIET IN THERE!!”

Both Starlight and Pinkie cringed as the officer on duty yelled at them from around the corner. After waiting a moment Starlight looked back to Pinkie who was still wearing her coat with her hat in hand, smiling that same silly smile Starlight had come to feel comfortable around.

“So, Pinkie how did you get here?” Starlight asked her friend. “Did you come through the mirror too?”

To Starlight’s surprise, Pinkie’s hair deflated somewhat. The pink girl's posture lowered and she sighed sadly fiddling with the brim of her hat.

“Can I ask you something?”

Starlight nodded allowing Pinkie to continue.

“Have you ever heard the legend of the mirror pool?” Pinkie asked.

Starlight thought back on this. She had heard mention of such a thing long ago but brushed it off as superstitious nonsense. Now, after meeting Twilight and her friends she wasn’t so sure about anything anymore. Pinkie being here as a ‘human’ was proof of that.

“I have heard of it.” Starlight replied to Pinkie.

The pink haired girl sighed sagging her shoulders.

“I was a mirror clone from the Mirror Pool,” She said looking Starlight. “After Twilight and her friends figured it out there was a competition to see which of us was going to be the real one. When the fakes were found out they were banished back to the Mirror Pool.”

“So, why are you here then?”

The Pinkie clone looked out the window at the sight of the sun. She smiled and allowed a sigh of content relief.

“I managed to escape. I traveled across Equestria and took a job as an investigative journalist. Eventually, I found the other Pinkie, the original,” The clones paused allowing Starlight a moment to let things sink into her head. “When I was in Manehattan on a job I found the original Pinkie Pie in a dinner doing an interview with a popular journalist.”

The clone stood up and walked to the far side of the small room. There she crossed her arms and rested them against the cold walls and rested her head on them.

Starlight watched as the clone rubbed her head in her arms like a worried child. She then heard a faint hic like the Pinkie clone was crying. Starlight stood and walked up behind the clone and touched her shoulders gently rubbing them softly.

“Thanks,” The clone said wiping her eyes.

You know, I ran away after that. I didn't want to be found and sent back to the pool.”

Starlight turned the girl around and looked into her sorrowful blue eyes.

“Why? What happens when you go back?”

“I don’t know. But I fear it would be oblivion,” The Pinkie clone replied with a shrug. “I don’t want to die. So I came here. Through the portal.”

Starlight smiled hugging the Pinkie clone. The poofy pink hair reinflated almost instantaneously as the Pinkie clone smiled and embraced Starlight with a hug of her own.

Just then the cell door behind them opened up with officer Shining Armor there. He was flanked by a young girl with violet hair wearing a white lab coat and glasses. On the other side of him was Sunset Shimmer with her new blue jeans, a blue blouse and a new leather jacket.

“Come on you two. We need to talk.” He said.

Release

Author's Note

And so it begins.

Release

*Canterlot Police Station*

Shining Armour led the two girls down the halls of the Police station to an isolated room used for interrogations. Sunset and Starlight were taken there and sat across from each other while Shining Armor who sat next to Sunset Shimmer.

At first Starlight was worried about what was going to happen. None of them spoke, so Starlight kept her mouth shut until the doors opened and a tall dark skinned woman with dark green hair and a black suit walked in with Twilight Sparkle.

Starlight nearly jumped from her seat, but a swift gesture from Twilight made her sit back down.

Twilight sat next to Starlight and the taller woman stood next to Starlight and slammed a pile of papers next to her. Starlight jumped in her seat and gave a worried look at the woman, who was pointing to the pile of papers.

Starlight looked at them. She opened the folder they were in and after seeing the first image she quickly shut it and looked away. Both Shining Armor and the woman were surprised by her reaction, but made no indication of this.

Opening the folder again the woman slid a picture from the top of the pile in front of Starlight who refused to look at it and said, “I hope you realize how much trouble you’re in Miss Glimmer.”

Shining nodded taking the file in his hands and pulled out a single paper and read it.

“Captain Chrysalis is right, Miss Glimmer. You have quite a record-”

“It’s not me.” Starlight snapped at him, not daring to look at the image before her. “I did nothing wrong.”

“Don’t interrupt me,” Shining said sternly, before continuing. “Let’s see here, says here you were married once. Divorced over a domestic dispute, one child taken by CPS and says here you went on the deep end in Canterlot Psychiatric Ward. History of brutal violence, molestation, etc the list goes on.”

Shining stopped at that and placed the paper back in the folder and closed it. The Captain chrysalis jumped in taking the picture in front of Starlight in her hand and looked at it.

“Her name was Adagio Dazzle. She was a student a CHS,” Chrysalis said looking over the image. “She was sixteen, maybe a bit older. She was a trouble child with her sisters, with the exception being her youngest sister Sonata, bless her airheaded heart.”

Shining and Sunset Shimmer both nodded, while Twilight had an uneasy look in her eyes.

Chrysalis then gave Starlight a sour expression shoving the photo in her face. Starlight closed her eyes quickly and averted her gaze to not look at the image.

“You mean to tell me that you never once seen this? You never met this girl?” Chrysalis pressed on.

“No, I did nothing,” Starlight choked out.

Captain Chrysalis scoffed slamming her hands on the table. “Don’t lie to me! Where did you hide the girl?”

“I didn’t do anything to her…”

“Where is Adagio? A wearhouse? Your home? What have you done with her?” Chrysalis pressed on.

Starlight her her part was trying hard not to bawl like a child. She’d never seen anything like she saw in the photo before. It was a cruel image that she thought would haunt her to her dying day. Now, here she was trapped, in a hot room being accused of things she didn’t commit.

Accused of beating a defenseless girl to a bloody pulp.

She dared to crack open her eyes and looked at the image closer. The image was grueling to the eyes. Adagio was the physical embodiment of what it meant to be broken. Her hair was a red stained mess, her left leg was twisted in a very unnatural way, her clothes were tattered and she herself was cut and bruised badly.

Starlight had never seen such cruelty inflicted upon another in her life. Sure she had been a evil tyrant, too deluded in her own visions to see that but even she was never cruel to her towns ponies.

Starlight felt her stomach churn filling her with a sense of nausea, and her vision got dizzy. She felt like she was suffocating in this room. A hot crushing void of death and misery. And she was the center of it.

Suddenly in all the mixed emotions of sadness, anger, and fear, she felt something else. A warm feeling around her. It took a moment for her to realize but she was being hugged. Twilight had gotten up from her seat and was hugging her pressing her cheek against Starlights and made the young woman feel better.

Twilight then frowned at Captain Chrysalis. “That was mean of you.”

Before the Captain could utter a word there was a knock at the door and Chrysalis opened it a crack and stuck her head out.

Starlight looked at Twilight and felt relieved. “Thank you Twilight. I don’t know what I’d had done if you weren’t here.”

“I’m glad you’re alright Starlight,” Twilight said with a relieved tone.

Starlight blinked twice. “What?”

“We’ll explain later for now we got you covered.” Twilight said gesturing with her thumb to Shining Armor, who gave her a small nod.

A moment later Chrysalis came back and sighed taking the files. “You’re clear, Miss. Seems you were right Shining Armor.” Chrysalis said to him. “Seem’s this young lady is a victim of misidentification.”

“Glad we got it cleared up Captain. Sorry for the trouble,” Shining said standing up from his seat.

Chrysalis got a most cheeky grin walking up to the officer and flicked his hat off. “I’ll expect something in return, Mister Armor.” She cooed at him batting her eyelashes at him.

Twilight gagged along with Sunset making her frown, but Shining chuckled. “You do know I’m dating Cadence right?” Chrysalis frowned at the mention of Cadence's name. “Besides, you’re my Captain, it wouldn’t work.” He said shrugging his shoulders.

Chrysalis sighed and walked away with a ‘harrumph’. “Well then, don’t expect any more favors from me then, Lieutenant Armor.” Chrysalis said walking to the door. “Get this young lady's papers done and have that report for me by tomorrow, Shining.” With a playful wave of her hand Chrysalis left closing the door behind her.

Confused by what just happened all the girls in the room looked to Shining Armor for an explanation.

Shining took the file in his hands and set it to the side. He then slowly folded his hands, resting them on the table.

“I had a suspicion it wasn’t you from the start Miss Glimmer,” Shining said to Starlight. “The Captain was adminat about it but everything we had on you was circumstantial at best.”

Shining patted Sunset and twilight shoulders with his hands, playfully rubbing them. “These two have a friend who knows someone who gave us a lead on Adagio’s where abouts.”

Sunset and Twilight looked at him. “Was it Rainbow's old friend Gilda?” Sunset asked.

Shining Armor shook his head, and pulled out a photograph of a young teen girl with lighting blonde hair wearing a white tank top with a black jacket , black pants, and boots. Starlight looked at it and didn’t recognize the person in the photo, but Twilight and Sunset did.

Sunset almost frowned at the photo taking hold of it and glancing over it several times with a look of disbelief.

“No way,” Sunset asked, and Shining Armor nodded back to her. “That little snitch ***ch?”

“I’m sorry but what’s going on?” Starlight asked in a strained voice. “Look, I have no idea what’s going on and I demand answers!”

Shining smiled at her and gave the woman a gentle pat on the back. Starlight flinched but held her ground allowing Shining to give her his gesture.

“Don’t worry Miss Glimmer. You’re free to go,” He said. “Just stay out of trouble and try not falling onto kids anymore. Okay?”

“I don’t care about that. Why did you think I was part of this?” Starlight asked.

Shining got a look of discomfort and scratched the back of his neck nervously. Twilight nudged him, giving him a hard look, Sunset remained with a neutral expression.

“Listen, I’m sorry about this Miss Glimmer, but we had suspicion you were a gang leader that has been kidnapping around these parts for a while now,” Shining said leading them out of the precinct. “We had reports saying that the kidnappings were happening all around Canterlot High and Crystal Prep Schools.”

“So you think I’m the one who did it because?”

“You matched the description of the person who took all the kids. And you fit the MO.”

“Fascinating.” Starlight said dryly.

“Well, enough of that, you’re free to go Miss Glimmer.” Shining said opening the doors for her.

Exiting the building Starlight, Sunset and Twilight, all walked down to the street, leaving Shining back in the Police Station. Starlight looked over at Sunset and Twilight who were chatting up at the moment.

Starlight slowed her pace and fell back with them taking her place next to Twilight. Sunset nudged her girl next to her pointing to Starlight.

“What’s wrong Starlight?” Twilight asked.

“What do we do now?”

“What do you think about helping a new friend out?” Twilight asked.

A Clue

Author's Note

Hey there peeps! Sorry I haven't updated this in soooooo long. I had a lot of junk happeneing in life and the story, (I swear if I ever do another EGs crossover someone PLZ pm me and bitch at my happy ass, cause this was hard to write. not because of a complex plot but adding human problems is really hard when I make a story E rated.

I had to trash several chapters cause they involved things for a M rated story.

So sorry about that. Still, I hope this will eventually makeup for the wait. Now, no more lollygagging the case must be solved of the missing Dagi!

A Clue

Twilight, Sunset and starlight all walked down a busy Street to a small sweet shop. It was a quaint little shop. It was similar to a corner cafe but had an Italian vibe to it. Starlight followed Sunset and Twilight inside where they were greeted by a barista in a cute maid outfit.

“Hello ladies!” She said with a skip in her step. “Table for three?”

“Yes, please,” Sunset replied as the barista lead them to a booth.

The booth was a simple wooden table with two leather covered seats. It had a small candle in the center of the table with a few bread sticks in a fancy wine glass that had an intricately folded white napkin around it with tiny blue flowers.

Sunset and Twilight sat together while Starlight sat by herself on the other side of the table alone. Once everyone was seated and comfy Sunset opened the topic of discussion.

“So, Twilight and Starlight. Thanks for helping me. I was beginning to get worried I wouldn’t be able to find anyone to help me,” Sunset said twirling her thumbs, and looked around nervously. “I’m not sure who I can trust anymore.”

Twilight looked worried placing a hand on Sunset’s shoulder.

“What’s going on anyways Sunset? Why are you helping the sirens?” Twilight asked.

Starlight quickly held up her hands getting both of the girls attentions.

“Okay, I know I’m not part of the group here Twilight, but who is this? Why does she know you? Where am I? Why does your mirror send ponies to…. This… world? And Why are there sirens here and no magic?” Starlight asked in quick succession, Pinkie would have been proud.

Twilight sighed tapping her head tenderly with a finger. Sunset simply smiled drumming her fingers on the table. Finally after a good minute Twilight sighed again slumping down in her chair and said, “Sunny, get me the usual while I go through the steps as, “Princess of Exposition”.

“Sure thing Twilight.” Sunset said, getting up from her seat and went to the counter to get two chocolate milkshakes.

Once she paid for them and returned Twilight had just finished talking about the Battle of the Bands and how the human Trixie trapped the group under the stage where they performed. Setting the shakes down, one for Twilight, one for Starlight, and one for herself, Sunset sat down beside Twilight as she went on to explain the fight with the sirens in great detail, emphasizing the importance of friendship in the battle.

“-afterwards the sirens were booed off stage and I haven’t heard or seen them since,” Twilight said sipping her shake. “Thanks, Sunny.”

“No problem Twilight. So, not to interrupt your story time, but who is this woman?” Sunset asked pointing to Starlight. “She said she’s your student, but she’s clearly older than you. What’s the deal?”

“Ugh! Why do you ask so many questions Sunset?!” Twilight whined, smacking her head on the table.

Starlight quickly grabbed her shake, as the princess's head hit the table shaking it. Sunset simply held her shake, clearly anticipating Twilight’s reaction.

“Don’t worry Twilight, I was just curious. It’s just the student is usually younger than the teacher,” Sunset said playfully, Starlight quickly understood where she was going but hoped it wasn’t. “You got a thing for older... “ Sunset leaned into Twilight’s ear and whispered a single word, “Mares?”

Immediately Twilight pushed Sunset away, huffing and crossing her arms with a bright red blush. Starlight heard the words spoken and looked away sipping her milkshake.

“Sunset you’re awful!” Twilight said giving a light punch to the other girls arm.

Sunset laughed pushing back at Twilight with her own punch to her shoulder. It wasn’t a real punch, more like a nice soft cuddly shove with a closed fist. Both laughed and Starlight watched feeling a tiny warmth in her heart.

Seeing Twilight in such good spirits made her feel better about herself. Starlight still to this day had felt the ponies of Ponyville were secretly conspiring and talking about her behind her back. Seeing Sunset, someone who was just like she was once made her feel more confident in her growth as a pony, and as a friend. After silently enjoying their shakes, Sunset took her turn to talk with twilight who was nursing the last of her own shake.

Starlight told her tale of how she met Twilight, her village in the frozen mountains in eastern Equestria, and how she tried to alter time to get back at Twilight.Twilight added the occasionally comment to the story when needed.

Then as Starlight concluded her story, Sunset sat silently as if she were contemplating something deep. After collecting her thoughts she said something that neither Twilight or Starlight thought they’d hear from her or anyone for that matter.

“You are a better pony than I ever was Starlight,” Sunset said calmly.

Twilight and Starlight both gave her shocked looks. Neither expected her to say that. The shock was more on Twilight who seemed to have taken this poorly.

“What do you mean Sunset?” Twilight asked holding, Sunset’s hands with her own. “I know you had issues in the past with your anger and jealousy, but you made friends in the end, and you changed yourself. You’re a great person. A great pony.”

Sunset smiled at Twilight.

“Thanks Twilight,” She then turned to face Starlight who was sitting quietly. “And thank you for agreeing to help me even though you don’t know me.”

Starlight sighed sagging her shoulder a bit before saying, “It’s what Twilight would have done. She tried to help all those in need.”

Twilight then got a sad look on her face. It was a look of regret.

“No Starlight, not everypony go the same help as I’d have liked.”

“I know you did what you could Twilight, and I’m sure Trixie would agree,” Starlight said.

“Yeah you’re right. She would,” Sunset said holding to Twilight’s hand.

“So, Sunset, in the journal you mentioned that you had a lead on where we could find Adagio?” Twilight asked.

Sunset nodded repeatedly with a deep frown on her face. Twilight and Starlight didn’t like the look she gave them.

“I didn’t say I had a lead on the case, I know who was responsible,” Sunset said accusingly.

Both Starlight and Twilight looked worriedly at each other wondering who could be behind this. Starlight had only what was told to her now. To her understanding, Adagio, A siren from Equestria, was defeated by Sunset, Twilight, and the human counterparts to this world. Vinyl was there too apparently.

Later Adagio and her sister’s became friends with Sunset and the others, but there was some distrust which only amplified when Adagio started going on dates with Sunset. Now Adagio Was missing and Sunset was determined to find her, not matter the case.

“So, who did it, Sunset?” Twilight asked.

Sunset took one long sip from her milkshake and set it down firmly. She got a very serious look in her eyes like what she was going to say might rub them the wrong way. Then she leaned forward on one are pressing all her weight on it as the others leaned closer to hear her whisper one word, or rather one name.

“Rainbow.”

Findings

Author's Note

Sorry for the crummy chapter folks. I promise the next one will be an awesome action packed conclusion the this mini EGs arc! :scootangel: I just feel like my writing is getting worse by the day. Hopefully I'll get out of this slump soon and get on with it but until then I'll see ya'll next time!

Findings

Twilight and Starlight both held disapproving looks at Sunset Shimmer for what she said.

“How can you openly accuse Rainbow of this disappearance?” Twilight asked in alarm, glaring at Sunset.

“I do. I recently got wind that after the Battle of the Bands, Rainbow had been meeting with her old gang,” Sunset said pulling out her smartphone and opened her pictures.

She handed the phone to Twilight Sparkle showing her and Starlight a picture of Rainbow Dash in a black hoodie, so cliche, and hand a large roll of money to a girl with white hair and a leather jacket with a black tribal tattoo over her left eye.

“Who’s this?” Twilight asked looking the girl over.

“Her name is Gilda. She’s the leader of the Griffin Gang in Canterlot,” Sunset said taking her phone back. “They are rivals to the Diamond Dogs Gang in these parts, not long after my arrival they agreed that this was neutral territory.”

Sunset shows Twilight a photo of Gilda with a Diamond Dog member and Rainbow with a paper in her hands. It looked like Rainbow Dash was giving them the papers but from the photo it could have easily been the other way around.

“I tailed Rainbow after this meeting here when I realized the two gangs started meeting regularly,” Sunset said taking her phone back. “I later found out that Rainbow was showing them photos of Adagio and her sisters. Not long after Aria was beaten by members of both gangs and Adagio just went missing, about two days ago.”

“And you think Rainbow Dash was involved in this somehow?” Starlight asked Sunset, feeling slightly offended that her friend was being accused of wrongdoing.

“Starlight it maybe Rainbow Dash, but it’s not our Rainbow Dash.” Twilight reminded her kindly.

Starlight ruffled her hair in an irate mannerism. “Gah! I hate this two world thing! So, confusing!”

“Actually it’s not that bad once you are remember there are two worlds instead of one,” Twilight explained. “Just imagine the worlds are the same but with a few differences, like that one book series you like…”

“Sliders?” Starlight asked.

“Yes, that’s the one!” Twilight chirped happily.

“Well, that made things easier.”
“Okay, now that we got that established what are we going to do?” Sunset asked getting irritated by the distractions. “Adagio is still out there and there’s no telling if she might be hurt or not!”

“Sunset please calm down,” Twilight said in a hushed tone trying to calm her friend down before she made a scene. “Why do you want to find Adagio so badly anyways?”

Sunset blushed turning away to couch for a second. Twilight didn’t seem to understand what she was doing but Starlight caught on quickly. Seeing the confused look on Twilight’s face Starlight leaned over and whispered something into her ear. Twilight blushed and got a silly smile on her face and giggled.

She then went over to Sunset and hugged her. Sunset was startled by the sudden contact but hugged her friend back all the same. It made her feel at ease.

“I didn’t know you had a thing for her!” Twilight silently gushed.

“Yeah, well you know… stuff happened.”

Twilight giggled while Starlight just sat rolling her eyes at her friend. Sunset went on to talk about how after the Battle of the Bands Adagio was stumbling down the streets at night in a maid outfit. Apparently one day she was being followed by some strange looking people and got robbed of all her money.

After Sunset intervened she found the former siren beaten and bruised. She recounted then that she invited her to stay the night, but didn’t trust Sunset one bit. So, Sunset took her home and helped her sisters put her to bed. Afterwards Sunset made a habit of meeting Adagio after she was done working, which Adagio didn’t take very well at first. Slowly as the weeks went on the siren opened up to her and after two months of doing this Adagio asked Sunset out on a date, misunderstanding what Sunset was trying to do.

“-yeah, she thought I was hitting on her the whole time,” Sunset said with a bark of laughter. “It was a nice date though. She used what little of her voice she had left to help with our date too.”

“Wait she can still control people's minds?” Twilight asked alarmed by this revelation. “How long has she been doing this?”

Sunset shrugged. “I don’t know, but she almost hurt herself doing it. Like really bad. Her nose and eye started to bleed like she was from some horror movie, possessed.”

Twilight and Starlight cringed at this. Both of them hated horror movies, every time Pinkie and Fluttershy wanted to see one they always had an excuse without outright saying they were really just afraid. It made them feel pathetic.

“After that,” Sunset continued. “I took her home to my place and well, we really did hit it off. We’ve been close ever since.”

Both Twilight and Sunset stared at her waiting for her to finish, sipping their beverages, until Twilight spoke up.

“Well, I for one am glad you made amends with the sirens,” Twilight said.

Sunset nodded and finished her drink. Setting the cup to the side when she had finished and stood by the exit waiting for Starlight and Twilight. “I’ll show you what I’m planning.”

The other two joined her after finishing their drinks and left heading deeper in Canterlot City.

Later that night, in a small house in a Canterlot suburb a creature stirred. That creature was Rainbow Dash.

With the stealth of a well trained ninja, Rainbow Dash about in her home to not disturb her parents and sister. She wearing a simple red hoodie and jean pants with red laced black boots. She opened her front door and tip toed out as quietly as possible, closing and locking the door behind her. Once she did she sipped her keys back in her pocket and made a brisk pace down the street, unaware of the three black covered figures lurking behind her.

Rainbow walked down a dark street when a police patrol car approached. Quick as lightning she ducked under a crate as the police cruiser passed by. With a sigh of relief she slipped from her cover and continued on down the street until she came upon a white Mclaren parked on the side of the road. The driver side door slid upwards and a young girl in a red sport jacket with golden blonde hair climbed out, and leaned on the side of the car frame.

She was a foot taller than Rainbow, she was wearing a black leather jacket with black driving gloves. She had a large pair of cargo pants and tall black boots with a large belt hanging off her hip with a large bag on it.

Rainbow smiled running up to the girl and kissing her, rubbing her hands through the golden blonde streaked hair. Once they separated Rainbow looked into the girl's eyes and gave her a cocky grin. The blonde girl chuckled grabbing Rainbow by the waist and pulling her close.

“You’re late my sweet.”

Rainbow giggled pushing the other girl back. “Shut up, Lightning.”

Lighting walked Rainbow to the other side of the car and opened the door letting Rainbow inside. She lead Rainbow into the car and slid the door shut. Getting back into the driver's seat she sealed her own door. There was an odd clunk noise and Lightning paused turning her head back and forth wondering what she heard. Shrugging it off she pushed the ignition button and made the custom turbocharged V-12 engine roar to life. She quickly shifted the gears and put the pedal to the metal as the Mclaren drove off with great speed down the street disappearing in the distance.

Hiding in an alley the three black clothed figures emerged from hiding. One pulled out a large laptop and opened it up. This brought up a digital map of Canterlot City and on it was a large red blip moving at great speed to an abandoned section of the city.

The other two figures looked over the first one s shoulders and watched as she input a set of coordinates as the blip came to a stop at an old abandoned factory deep in the old industrial district of the city.

“Got it.” She said putting the laptop away and ran to a parked car on the side of the road. The other two followed close and got in the car and drove off to catch up with the Mclaren. The driver was focused on the road while one of the other passengers made a call on a phone and the other remained silent.

Meanwhile Lightning pulled up to the old abandoned factory and parked her car next to several others. Turning off the car she leaned over and kissed Rainbow once more before both of them got out of the car and walked to the entrance to the factory.

It was a large factory that was once used to build industrial support beams. Large conveyor belts ran all throughout the facility alongside several smelting bowls that once held tons of molten liquid iron and steel. Now, they lay dormant and silent save for a muffled screaming deep within the facility. Rainbow was no girly girl, but even she felt a tad unsettled by the factory. Though she wouldn’t admit it, Lightning was too. Both thought the same thing and reached for the others hand instinctively and held tight as they walked past a large smelter heading for a small room at the end of a long hallway at the end of the facility. Where a large girl with white hair and a large tan coat stood by waiting.

The two girls approached her and stopped just a few steps away from the white haired girl. She was very intimidating to look at, but held a soft look in her eyes. Rainbow knew those eyes. Deep down they were merciless to anyone she felt was a threat to her and wouldn’t hesitate to end anything that challenged her.

This girl smiled at Rainbow and Lightning. She swung her hips side to side and rested her hands on them and said in a cocky voice, “Didn’t think you two wimps would show up. You got my money?”

Lighting reached in her pocket and pulled out a large wad of cash rolled up and threw it to the white haired girl.

“Hope you choke on it Gilda.” Lightning said with a sneer, as Rainbow Dash stuck her tongue out at her.

Gilda picked up the cash and counted it. Seemingly satisfied she walked over to the door and opened it allowing Lightning and Rainbow to enter. It was a simple white room that had the clear cent of paint that was just applied in it. In the center was a young woman in a tattered violet dress with long and poofy orange hair wearing tall knee high boots. Rainbow Recognized her immediately and rushed over to help her.

“Adagio! Hey! It’s me Rainbow Dash, are you alright?” Rainbow saw she was gagged and pulled the gag out of her mouth.

“Rainbow it’s a trap!!” Adagio screamed the moment the gag was out.

Nothing could prepare her for what came next. The door behind her slammed shut and locked. Lighting was smashing her hands against the door screaming at Gilda.

“Gilda you jerk! We paid you now let us out!!”

“I don’t think so Lightning,” Gilda’s voice called from the other side of the door. “You see I have some beef with Adagio, and I plan to get even.”

“What are you planning Gilda?!” Rainbow yelled to her, helping Adagio up. “What are you going to do to Adagio and Lightning?”

“Of Dash, I’m sorry you got all mixed up in this. I told Lighting not to get involved with you when she brought me Adagio But she wouldn’t listen.” Gilda said with a chuckle. “But she brought me Adagio and now I can get back for her putting away my crew!!”

Rainbow gasped staring in disbelief at Lighting who suddenly lost her bravado and shied away from Rainbow. Rainbow almost got a pleading look as she reached for Lighting and grabbed her shoulders firmly. Her soft fingers rubbed against the leather jacket making a rubbery sound as she squeezed.

“It-i-it’s not true. Right, Dusty?” Rainbow asked with frustrated tears.

Lighting look away gently pushing the girl away with a sad look on her face.

“It’s true. I was involved, Rainbow.”

Home Again

*Ponyville One week Later*

Starlight roamed the castle feeling down. Ever since the rescue she’d felt terrible. As a result of that she hadn’t spoken to anypony since. That was over a week ago. Now, she simply walked around the castle not doing anything except eating, bathing, and reading.

Twilight had kept an eye on her ever since they got back and noticed how reclusive Starlight had become. Worried her student was going down a path of self destruction she called in a few friends to help cheer the pony up, but to no avail. Even Trixie was turned away, although it was mostly due to the fact Starlight responded to Trixie in a very childish manner making the blue unicorn storm off with a huff.

Desperate to solve this dilemma, Twilight called in every favor she could to get help for Starlight. In the end not even a world famous Pinkie pie Party was able to lift the mares spirits.

Desperate times call for desperate measures.

As one last ditch effort, Twilight sent Thunderclap on a very important mission. She gave the mare instructions to find a particular pony and bring them back to the castle as soon as possible. She also made it very clear Thunderclap wasn’t to return without this particular pony.

Without hesitation, and filled with determination to serve her Princess, Thunderclap dutifully left the castle after gathering all the supplies she needed and a little info to begin her search and left for Canterlot.

That was two days ago.

Now Twilight was watching Starlight, more like stalking her through the corridors as she went back to her room and locked herself inside. Sighing she turned back and went to the library to wait for Thunderclap to return.

*Starlights Room*

Starlight threw herself clumsily on her bed. She landed with a soft *pomf* and rubbed her nose against the covers. She rolled over on her back and levitated her Ponystation controller to herself and powered it up. She thought a good game would help calm her. Loading her console she put in Pony Gear Solid: Twin Snakes and loaded a new game and waited for the intro to finish.

As she waited she thought back to earlier in the week when she helped Sunset save Adagio with Twilight.

*One week Earlier Canterlot City*

Outside the factory a small car pulled up to the factory behind the elusive mclaren. As the engine died down the doors opened and out came three figures in black spy style gear with all the stereotypical gadgets.

Black body suits, ski masks, gloves with suction sole boots and grips, grappling hooks, night vision goggles, stun grenades, tear gas, smoke bombs, and cupcakes with little sprinkles on top. The lead figure pulled off her mask revealing Sunset with a determined look as she pulled out one cupcake and ate it with one bite, never losing the fire in her eyes.

She crumpled up the wrapper and threw it on the ground which one other figure picked it up and threw it in a nearby trash can that was next to Sunset.

“Really? Really Twilight? You’re going to be OCD about that?” Sunset asked glaring back at twilight who pulled off her mask along with Starlight.

“Come on Sunset,” Twilight complained at her friend. “You shouldn't liter. Even if this place is in the dumps.”

“Augh, yes mom.” Sunset groaned slouching.

Twilight scoffed indignantly while Starlight chuckled behind her.

“Whatever, let’s get in there and find Adagio.”

The other two nodded slipping back on their masks and made a silent run towards the building. They ran without much trouble, stopping with their backs to the wall. Sterilight poked her head up and peered through a broken window to see several young teens walking around with bat and other types of weapons in their hands.

It was clear that they were the two gangs Sunset warned them about, the Griffon and Diamond Dog gangs. Starlight made a quick count, assessing their arms and location. Once she had her count she slid down under the cover of the building and whisper to Twilight and Sunset.

“I count twenty so far. Not including Rainbow and the other girl she was with,” Starlight said to them peeking once more.

“What’s the plan?” Twilight asked looking around.

Sunset looked back at an old pipe that ran through a wall nearby. She then noticed there were no doors, and suggested they scout around to find an entry point. The three broke apart and searched every face of the building joining up on the same spot they started.

“Did you guys find anything?” Sunset knelt down beside Twilight and Starlight.

“No, the whole place is sealed with one exception.” Starlight said pointing behind her.

“At the opposite side of the building is a doorway but it’s being guarded.”

“Guess we do this the hard way,” Sunset said grabbing her grappling hook.

Twilight and Starlight both grabbed theirs. They fired the hooks up over the roof of the building and attached the lines to harnesses and began to climb the building. Once they reached the roof the three sipped into an old air vent sliding down as quickly and quietly as possible. S they slid down to the bottom they had to go head first so they could crawl at the bottom without having to go backwards in the vents.

Contrary to popular belief air vents aren’t big like they are in movies is what Sunset warned them about, should air vents become part of the equation.

Their gear gently ground against the uneven metal vents as they snuck through the facility and came to an opening. Starlight Who was leading peeked her head out, she loved this kind of thing in her games with Button, and scanned the area for any of the gang members.

Seeing they were clear for now she slid out of the vent and onto a catwalk. She waited for Sunset and twilight, the last being rather clumsy and fell with a loud thud alerting the gang members to their presence. As the thugs gathered around them Sunset and Starlight took defensive postures while Twilight tried her best to look as intimidating as possible, and failing.

The fight was intense and short lived.

Sunset and Starlight quickly punched out the first two thugs that charged them. The two gang members collapsed on the ground next to twilight, who promptly kicked them in the face while they were down. When she finished she gave a smile like she was proud of herself.

Sunset then rushed a group of thugs over the catwalk and rammed herself into the lead one and caused a domino effect for the others to topple over. Starlight, finally finding mastery of her body, ran for two and roundhouse kicked the first and gave a quick jab at the others throat. To her surprise this thug was competent.

He easily blocked her strike with his arms, giving her a cocky grin in the process.

He pushed Starlight back without much effort. Starlight scoffed glaring at her opponent. This was going to be tough, but she wasn’t about to give up. She jumped off the side of the railing, keeping a firm grip on the handlebars. As the gang member looked over she pulled up swinging her legs and brought them up into the thug's face. Following this contact there was as snapping noise making him back over the rail and fall to the ground below. Aside from his broken nose and a sore back he was fine.

Starlight was then pulled up by Twilight as three more gang members rushed them but were stopped by Sunset who uppercut the first one and spun into a whirlwind kick, sending the last two over the railing with loud screams. Starlight and Sunset stood around Twilight ready to defend her at all cost as they fought their way through the tugs and deeper into the facility, until finally they were forced to separate and flee to hide.

As they split apart Starlight happened to find Gilda who was running to join the other gang members. Starlight looked around to make sure she was clear and ran to the door and looked through the hole. Inside she saw Rainbow Dash, the blonde girl, and Adagio all inside a large furnace that was heating up fast.

Looking around Starlight tried to pull the door open and quickly helped everyone out of the burning heat. As she helped Adagio out, while Rainbow was helping Lightning Dust the sound of Sunset calling out made her look up. She saw Twilight and Sunset running towards her with the gang right behind them with Gilda chasing them. She was so fixated on them she didn’t noticed the bar that hit her in the back of the head and blacked out as Twilight called out to her.

*Ponyville Present Time*

Thunderclap was searching the castle until she found Princess Twilight deep in her personal archives. She saw the alicorn through an open door and peered through. She saw twilight busy with another book when she made a soft cough, getting the alicorns attention.

Twilight put her book down and looked up to see Thunderclap entering the study with a weary look on her face.

“What happened out there? You look tired, Clappy.”

Thunderclap sighed, knowing she’d never get the Princess to call her by her real name anymore. Months have passed and she still didn’t call her, Thunderclap on a regular basis. Letting out a weary sigh Thunderclap replied, “I found the ponies you wanted me to find, Princess. I’m not sure how this will help Starlight though.”

Twilight grinned and walked over to Thunderclap and wrapped her arm around the guardsmare.

“Don’t worry so much, Clappy,” Twilight said walking out with the mare. “After today Starlight will be back to her old self. I Pinkie Promise!”

“Your funeral.”

Twilight scoffed at Thunderclap’s sarcasm sticking her nose up and walking past the unicron.

“Well! We’ll just have to see now won’t we? Where are they?” She asked Thunderclap.

“Just outside, Princess.”

“Good. Let’s take them to Starlight,” Twilight said trotting out of the study with Thunderclap at her heels.

*Starlight’s Room*

Starlight’s character was running down a hall when there was a loud gunshot as another character with red hair fell after getting shot. Starlight watched as her character dodged to the side and hid from the shooter who remained hidden.

As soon as the cutscene was over she pulled out her binoculars and scanned the hallway. Seeing the distinct flash from a sniper barrel she ducked back as the shot fire barely missing her character. She pulled out a sniper rifle from her inventory and set it to her primary weapon, and activated her binoculars once more scanning where she saw the flash. There, in that spot, was a white unicorn pony with dark blonde hair with a white coat on aiming at her and firing once more.

Again Starlight ducked under the cover for her character and armed her sniper rifle. She quickly ran out into the open with her character and rolled just in time to miss being shot. She made her character pull out and aimed down the scope seeing the enemy character in the middle of reloading. She adjusted the controller, setting the aim reticle for a perfect head shot. She felt a rush of stress and anxiety that came with a gamers high. She rarely felt it, but this game always made her heart rush when things didn’t go as planned. Gently she squeezed her trigger button, a soft click rang in her ear signaling the moment when her enemy would suffer greatly for shooting her AI comrade, when suddenly-

*Knock knock knock!*

“Huh?” Starlight looked away as the sound of a gunshot came from her TV.

Then she heard a horrible sound of failure as she cringed, her face contorting between frustration, anger, and gamer sorrow for not saving earlier.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4agDHw4NuLk

“GAHH! WHY!?!” Starlight cried throwing her controller at the ground. The poor Ponystation controller bounce off the ground as it flopped over next to the console and fell silent as a voice called over the game over theme, “What happened? Snake respond. Snake? Snaaaaaaaaake!!”

Starlight sighed and walked over to the door as another series of knocks were heard. Starlight groaned, hoping whatever this was would be quick so she could get back to her game. When she approached the door she used her magic to open it as she stuck her head out without having to stop.

“Yes? Who is it?”

She glanced around seeing nopony in sight. She shrugged and closed the door and returned to her bed. She leaped on to her pillows. She then levitated her controller back towards herself and paused. She looked around her room with a curious glance. Something felt off.

She glanced around her room. Nothing seemed out of place. Her TV was on her oak entertainment center. Her console was grounded beside it with the wires running up to it, her posters were over her wall, curtains drawn to keep the natural light out, her bed, pillows, that random box she never knew she had in the corner.

She looked around and thought all was in place where it should be. With shrug she went back to playing. About five minutes later she paused in the middle of taking down another enemy in a choke hold. She paused her game, to make sure she didn't lose any data this time, and looked over at the corner where the box was only to see it was gone.

“Did I imagine that box?” She asked to herself aloud. “I’m sure I saw it there.”

Setting the controller down she jumped off the bed and landed on the floor. Her hooves clopped against the uncovered crystal ground as she looked around the room for the mysterious box. She then found it on the opposite side of her bed. She looked it over and saw nothing particularly impressive about it. She looked at it closely as if expecting Pinkie to pop out of it at any moment. Finally done with observing she lifted the box with her hooves and put it to the side.

There she saw the most adorable thing ever. Curled up into a little ball was Button Mash. The little colt was hugging his own tail, his little propeller hat tilted on its own mysterious force as he snored away. Starlight felt her heart race and ace as she looked at the adorable little colt.

“Oh, Button…” She cooed at his sleeping form.

She levitated him into her arms and used her own magic to lift herself up and onto the bed. She set the colt down on a fluffy pillow and watched him smile as he rolled over in his sleep exposing his belly to her. Starlight blushed, as she reached for him instinctively and rubbed his belly. His little legs kicked, his mouth curled into a blissful smile, and he purred at her touch.

Starlight felt her heart melt at the adorable sight of the colt acting catlike in his sleep. She fondly remembered when she discovered this about him. Back when she revealed her true adult form to him she slept with Button once when he visited the castle with his mom, during a terrible storm. She was separated from him while they slept but she snuck into his room to spend the night with Button.

She nuzzled his sleeping form, accidentally awakening him from his slumber. Button’s tired eyes looked up at her, as he scooted closer to Starlight. She wrapped her body around him and cover his rear with her tail. Button then rested his chin on her neck and nuzzled her.

“Hey.” he said softly to her.

Starlight kissed the colt on the cheek and nuzzled him back.

“Hey yourself, you plebeian casual.” She playfully nudged him.

“Hey, you bully,” Button whined rolling on his back and feigning to be hurt.

Starlight rolled her eyes and pulled the young colt to her and nestled him beside her. Starlight powered down her console and put her controller on its pedestal to charge. Button watched as she did wondering if a day would ever come to where a earth pony like him could ever use magic.

He was cut from this thought when he fell Starlight's tongue run against his cheek. He blushed once her realized she was grooming him. To his embarrassment she kept going despite his constant pushing, which seemed to only provoke her more.

Finally he gave in and allowed her to groom him. When she finished he returned the favor and groomed her back. She ran his tongue against the inner part of her chin and then slowly he worked his way down her neck. This made the mare moan softly, purring like a kitten, as she allowed him to continued. For several minutes they exchanged grooming until finally they both grew tired and allowed themselves a moment to rest. Staying close together they laid on each other as pillows as they slowly lost consciousness and fell into a deep sleep together.

From outside Twilight and Button’s mom were watching the exchange along with Princess Luna and Cadence. Luna had a smug look on her face as the other two Princesses sighed along with Button’s mother.

“See? We told you nothing unsavory would befall young, Mash,” Luna gloated at the other two Princesses.

“Ugh, we know auntie, but we’re doing this for Starlight. I’m just glad he was able to make her feel better.” Cadence said, a hint of relief wrapped in her voice.

Twilight nodded in agreement and looked at Milano, who was grinning at the two sleeping ponies beyond the door. Twilight stepped beside the mare and looked in at the sight of Button laying on Starlight rump.

“They’re so cute aren’t they?” Twilight asked.

“Yes, they are a match made in heaven,” Milano agreed.

Her smile then hardened with worry. “I’m just worried about how society will see them. How it will see my son.”

Twilight gave a reassuring rub to her back. Milano thanked her silently by grabbing the hoof and holding it.

Twilight then said to her, “Don’t worry, Milano. Nothing is going to happen to your son. Starlight won’t let that happen. Trust me.”

Milano sighed looking back one more time before closing the door.

“It’s not that I’m worried about.” She said walking with the others down the hall.

Once they were gone a ghostly figure of a pony floated out of a room with a pair of lacy pink panties with white polka dots on its head. The filly ghost giggled floating into Starlight’s room not bothering to pick up the panties that phased through her as she went through the door. A few minutes later Golden Claw, Twilight resident Griffon Guard, came upon the girly undergarment by the door while doing his rounds. He thought about the last time he dare touch the dreaded underwear of doom, and wasn’t fond of going through that again. Then again, as a guard it was his duty to report all missing objects to lost and found.

Surely Thunderclap wouldn’t miss one pair of panties? He figured as he picked them up and walked off.

Author's Note

Hey there folks! Here's a final update for the time being until we get into the same old crazy stuff this fic was meant to be! Sorry if it was rushed but I wanted to get Starlight back to Equestria Prime, as I like to call it.

Hope you enjoy! Thunderclap and Glitter Heart will be in the upcoming chapter, and yes you guessed it, lots of funny junk!

RRLT!

Getting Permission

Author's Note

Yes, it's here! The update I know many of you might be waiting for is finally here. Sorry about the long and jumbled ride, but I was going through some stuff and now I got it all sorted and my attention span got better. I actually wrote this paragraph without stopping for once!

So, now on with what's to come! Button and Star are gonna finally have the talk. The conversation has been beaten to death so it won't be very long. Other than that enjoy!

Getting Permission

Starlight awoke a few hours later with a wide mouthed yawn. She rubbed her eyes as she looked down to see Button nestled next to her side. The little brown colt rolled over on hi back exposing his belly as he snorted kicking his back leg like he was dreaming of running. Starlight let out a snort of laughter at the colts display. She then nuzzled him in the side and rolled him over on his belly again. The colt snorted as he scooted closer to Starlight again in his sleep.

Starlight felt her heart melt by his action. Even in his sleep he knew he wasn’t near her and managed to find his way to her regardless. It made her feel warm and tingly all over. She leaned over and gently ran her tongue across his muzzle ruffling his fur.

Button awoke to the feeling of her wet tongue running across his barrel. In his sleep induced daze he looked up to see Starlight smiling down on him.

“Morning, Star,” He said, rubbing against her side.

“Morning Button,” Starlight greeted him licking him again.

After a lovely exchange the two kissed and got out of bed together and went to separate bathrooms to get ready for the day. Even though Button wasn’t sure where he was going he still managed to find his way to one of the many bathrooms in the castle without much trouble. He passed by Spike and waved to him with a kind greeting, and Spike do so in return going on about his way.

Starlight went to her own bathroom in her room and showered. After finishing she dried off, brushed her mane and went to the hall to wait for Button to get breakfast. Shortly after Button trotted up to Starlight in one of the many halls interlaying the castle.

“Hey Star!”

“Oh, Button!” Starlight stopped to let the colt match up with her.

“So, what grand adventures do you have in mind today?” Button asked, mischievously.

“Ha ha, no. We’re going to get breakfast and then we need to sit down and have a talk with Twilight and your mom,” Starlight said, worriedly.

Button’s mischievous grin died to a frown as they walked along the halls. Both had dreaded this day would come, and yet neither wanted to have this conversation wither. It was nerve wracking for them both, but they knew this day might come and here it was. Destiny was awaiting them.

They entered the dining hall to find Princess Twilight, Luna, Cadence, and Button’s mom were already waiting for them with breakfast. Starlight and Button stared at the sight of the three princesses and mother sitting down side by side in awkward silence and slowly began to eat. Everypony in the room stared at them for moment before returning to their own meals in silence. After the most awkwardly silent breakfast anypony had up to this point in their lives they all sat waiting for someone to point out the obvious elephant in the room.

Finally after a few minutes Princess Luna groaned getting everyone's attention.

“Augh enough of this! Will someone please say why we’re here, or should I?” Luna yelled out loud.

Twilight coughed in her hooves to make the opening statement.

“Star, Button, we know about your relationship and we all wanted to talk to you about this,” Twilight said opening the floor to Milano Mash.

The older mare nodded. She Then got up from her seat and walked to her son and sat beside them and Starlight Glimmer.

“We want you two to be happy, truly we do,” Milano said.

“We just want you two to be ready in case something were to happen,” Luna interjected between bites of her food.

Cadence nodded in confirmation. “As Princesses we hold our titles and values above all else, but in our society today it isn’t as simple as we say so anymore.”

Starlight and Button held hooves under the table feeling uneasy, but convicted to their goal to stay together. They listened to what each princess had to say and took it to heart.

Twilight leaned over and looked directly into both Button and Starlight’s eyes with a serious but slightly saddened expression.

“While I have my own personal views on your… relationship with Button, Star, I just want you two to be careful if you decided to stay together. As the Princess of Friendship, I try to promote friendship in anyway I can.”

Cadence the spoke up after Twilight gestured to her to continue. “As the Princess of Love I promote love to all, ponies, and non-ponies alike. Love is suppose to be boundless, and it was wrong of me to force you to do so. Understand, I just wanted to protect you and button Mash. If the world found out about you two we,” Cadence gestured to herself and the other two princesses beside her. “ We wouldn’t be able to help you. Just remember that going into this.”

Milano then took the opportunity to get to the rear point of the conversation for Starlight and her son. “Other than that, you have all our blessings to continue with your relationship.”

Both Starlight and Button gasped in excitement and hugged each other. Little Button jumped into Starlight’s arms as she squished him in her arms. The colt and mare leaned in to kiss each other but a pair of brown hooves separated blocked them with a distinct, ‘ahem’.

Both of them looked to see Golden Claw and Thunderclap standing next to them. Golden Claw was on Button’s side while Thunderclap continued to hold them apart with her hooves.

“Aww really Twilight?!” Starlight complained. “You’re really doing that!?”

Twilight gave her student a innocent look, which Cadence, Luna, and Milano rolled their eyes along with Golden Claw.

“What are you talking about Starlight? I told you Golden Claw was your chaperone. You knew this, just now he’s Buttons and Clappy is yours!” Twilight chirped happily.

Thunderclap sighed hanging her head low to the point she headbutted the table. Everyone in the room laughed except the brown unicorn mare who continued to bang her head on the table.

“I hate my life.” Thunderclap whined.

Flying the Dream Part 1

After the meeting with the Princesses and Button’s mom, Starlight was walking alone down the halls of the castle. Golden Claw was escorting the Mash family back home, and Starlight managed to give Thunderclap the slip while walking through the halls. She was now at the main gate where there were two guards standing by as she passed unhindered.

Starlight made a quick trot to Ponyville center where she ran into a pony she hadn’t seen in sometime, or rather she accidentally bumped into her not paying attention to where she was going. The impact sent both mares to the ground, with Starlight on top as a pile of tools fell around them. Starlight got up quickly dusted herself off and helped the mare up.

“I’m so sorry miss! I wasn’t watching where I was going and-”

“No, you weren’t.” The mare replied sourly.

Starlight’s mood suddenly soured at the sound of the mare's voice.

“Oh, it’s you,” Starlight grumbled levitating the tools into a bag and giving it to the mare. “How’ve you been Amber Anvil?”

Starlight said the mare's name with such hate and venom it almost made her sick to say it. Amber Anvil, smithy of Ponyville smirked at the angry scowl Starlight gave her as she took her tools back.

“Someday the Princess will see you for the monster you are along with Trixie and be done with both of you,” Amber said walking away.

She passed Starlight the mare wiped her tail at the unicorns behind. The tail snapped right on her cutie mark, which made Starlight yelp in surprise. Amber smirked at Starlight’s reaction as she rounded a corner and entered her shop and slammed the door shut behind her with a swift kick.

Starlight blew a childish raspberry at the door where Amber entered. After which she promptly turned about face and with a flick of her mane she strut away with her nose up. Not before kicking some dirt on the welcome mat first though. Starlight walked away when she noticed Guiding Wind walking through the market by herself. Starlight’s mood brightened up at the sight of the sweet kind hearted mare. Starlight picked up her pace to catch up with the maid pony when Rainbow Dash came down and landed next to the prench maid.

Starlight stopped and casually sat nearby on a bench next to a mint green unicorn who was sitting by herself with a newspaper. Starlight ignored the mare and her paper and focused on the interactions between Rainbow and Guiding Wind. The two talked for a minute, clearly Guiding wind was having trouble with her words, but Starlight noticed Rainbow kept a calm face and worked through it. In the end after a good two minute conversation Rainbow flexed her wings out, allowing Guiding Wind to inspect them up close. Ponies stared at the pair, Rainbow had a silly grin on her face, and Guiding Wind looked like she was enjoying touching Rainbow’s wing like a Wonderbolt fan would if their hoof touched their idol. After Rainbow showed off her wings to Guiding Wind, the rainbow maned pegasus flew off leaving Guiding Wind alone waving goodbye to the mare.

Starlight waited as Guiding Wind turned to leave then ran to catch up to her.

“Guiding Wind! Hey!” She called to the maid pony.

Guiding Wind stopped to scan the area to see where the source of the voice that called her came from. As luck would have it, Starlight came up beside her right as the earth pony maid turned her head her way. With a kind smile and a polite bow Guiding Wind greeted Starlight with nothing but humility and grace.

“Greetings madame. How do you fare, young miss?” She asked Starlight.

“Ah, could be better. How are you?” Starlight asked.

Guiding Wind blushed looking away bashfully from Starlight. The unicorn smirked sensing a moment of fun friendly teasing coming up.

“Aw, does somepony have a crush on Rainbow Dash?” Starlight playfully teased Guiding Wind.

Guiding Wind squeaked trying to hide her face behind her mane.

“Miss! I really don’t think so! She’s so far out of our league!” Guiding Wind whined but smiled as she playfully flicked her tail. “Although she is a very sweet mare.” She added as they both giggled.

The thought of Rainbow Dash being sweet brought a short lived laughter fboth mares. After the short lived laughter Starlight and Guiding Wind continued down the street until they walked through the market.

“Hey, sorry. I was just teasing you.” Starlight told Guiding Wind. “To be honest, I think you have a great chance with her.”

Guiding Wind gulped and slowed down a pace or two before finding her rhythm again. Coming to Starlight she leaned in closer to the mare's ear and whispered gently to her.

“You really think so?” She asked, feeling unsure.

Starlight nodded, smiling with great confidence in her words. “I know you got a chance. Trust me, I’m friends with her and I have to say without a doubt you can win her heart!” Starlight said walking up to a stall with Guiding Wind.

After a quick purchase of carrots the two mares continued to walk heading back towards the castle. While they did Guiding Wind seemed a bit lost in thought. Starlight ventured a guess that her mind was on Rainbow Dash. After what she said to Guiding Wind the earth pony seemed to think hard on what she said.

“I don’t think it would work out.”

Starlight gasped at the sudden comment from Giding Wind. Flabbergasted by her words Starlight tried to steer the conversation into a more positive direction.

“Hey now, I know Rainbow Dash, and I can say without a doubt that from the way she acted around with you you can easily score with her!” Starlight said, hoping to brighten Guiding Winds mood.

“I don’t know, young Miss…”

Starlight groaned. “Ugh, look just trust me on this Guiding Wind! Rainbow doesn’t show off like that for just anyone,” Starlight said imitating Rainbow when she flexed her wings for Guiding Wind.

“Believe me when I say that Rainbow likes you,” Starlight assured her. “Why not ask her out?”

“No, young miss. I can’t,” Guiding Wind said melancholically.

Starlight felt her ear and eyes twitch with irritation. She couldn’t understand why Guising Wind was so against the idea of going out with Rainbow Dash. Then she thought, maybe it wasn’t her place to put them together unless they wanted it. Just like with her, and Button being forced apart by Twilight, was it really her place to bring Rainbow and Guiding Wind together? Did they even like each other like that? It was clear Guiding Wind cared for Rainbow, but she didn’t know about the other mares feelings.

“I can never be with her.”

The words came out of Guiding Wind had completely thrown off Starlight.

The response was simple. So cold and distant. It was as if Guiding Wind wasn’t there and was replaced by a changeling or a mimic. The cold distant tone threw Starlight off that she had to do a double take just to make sure it was Guiding Wind who said it.

The Earth pony sighed looking up at her sky. A flock of pegasi flew overhead. One stopped to wave to another pony at the ground and then flew off to catch up to his friends. The group had stopped to wait for their friend before continuing their journey to wherever they were heading. It made Guiding Wind feel depressed to see them. Lowering her head she wiped her now tear strained eyes with her hoof.

“I can never be with her. So, I’ll never try,” She said looking at the castle approaching in the distance.

Starlight feeling saddened by her friends words decided to pry a bit more. She didn’t want to force it and drive her friend away, but Starlight was still set on this and nothing was going to change her mind.

“Why can’t you be with her?” Starlight asked eagerly. “Why wouldn’t you be? It’s obvious she likes you.”

But Starlight’s words were quickly shot down by the most obvious answer. She just didn’t want to say it, but Guiding Wind was more than able to do so herself.

“I can’t fly, young miss.” Guiding Wind said sighing. “If she were to date me I would ground her and she wouldn’t be able to fly as she does. It simply won’t work out.”

“But, that’s silly! Whether you can fly or not, if Rainbow does care about you she will compromise! That’s what love is about!”

Guiding Wind shook her head, but smiled kindly to her friend. “No, it’s not that simple. I would never ask Rainbow to limit herself just to be on my level. That’s fine though. I’m happy enough to spend time with her, and that’s good enough for me. Now if you’ll excuse me I have to prepare lunch. I’ll bring yours to you room like always?”

Starlight sighed in defeat. “Yeah, bring it to my room. Thanks.”

Guiding Wind nodded and continued on towards the castle leaving Starlight to her thoughts. The mere thought long and hard. Her own feeling aside she was now conflicted with herself. Ever since she reformed she had accepted new ideas and new things, but something in the back of her mind still lingered. A thought she hadn’t thought of much as of late but was still there growing and gnawing at the back of her mind.

“What if we were all equal?”

After getting back to her room Starlight went to a large chest in her closet. She dragged the large chest out and opened the lid, the old iron hinges creaked loudly as she opened it. Inside was a variety of nick nacks she collected over the years. Her old equality staff, a few jars of zap-apple jam, cider, and many other things. The object she sought however was far more exotic. A small mason jar with a copper lid with a faint glow emanating from it. Using her magic Starlight brought the jar up to eye level and looked long and hard at it. INside was the floating cutie mark from trixie she took from the alternate timeline.

With a dark grin Starlight walked over to her work desk and pulled out several books on transfiguration and opened them up. She was in for a night or few nights of heavy reading and little sleep, but her friends happiness was all worth it. She would help Guiding Wind reach her dreams with Rainbow Dash. She just needed a little magic to help, nudge them in the right direction.

Author's Note

Uh oh. What's Starlight up too now? :trollestia:

Flying the Dream Part 2

For the next several days and nights Starlight Glimmer worked long and hard. She looked up all sorts of transfiguration spells, potions, shapeshifting spells derived from changeling magic (courtesy of Thorax), and even specialized flying devices for ponies like hang gliders or ornithopters. Now, she was in her own personal lab with various devices and vials of potions she’d been making for the last few days. The labs was littered with notes and papers, inkwells, and old quills that had been so overused they had been discarded without much thought. The entire lab was in chaos as Starlight trotted around throwing papers away as she read through a large stack of them.

She had the papers in her magical aura along with three vials of green, blue, and clear liquid. She poured the green and blue vials together and stirred them until the liquids mixed, thus becoming a dark pink. Starlight nodded examining the pink vial. She then turned back to her notes. She quickly scanned the pages and flipped through a few of them before settling on one page in particular. She read over it quickly.

Once she read over the page she floated the papers away from her vision, still holding them, and looked at the two vials she had left. She examined the pink one which was now turning a lighter tint of milk pink. Quickly but slowly, Starlight applied three small droplets of the clear liquid into the pink one and mixed it by swirling the vial around several times as it slowly turned sky blue.

Starlight then watched dropping the papers to the floor, waiting to see what would happen. The seconds ticked by and nothing happened. She continued to watch and wait until a whole minute passed. When she had finally given up and was about to throw the vial away she noticed a faint glow coming from it. Her eyes shot back on the vial as it became clear like water. Starlight smiled and hopped around the room cheering for her success. Days and nights of no sleep had finally paid off. Quickly she scribbled down some notes and ran to a small cage at the corner of the lab. Starlight looked into the tiny cage and and tapped it gently. Inside the cage was a small wooden hut, a food bowl, and a water canister for a small animal. From the hut came out a small chinchilla. The furry animal poked his head out from his hut and yawned stretching his body and arms.

Starlight giggled at her cute furry friend as he rubbed his tired eyes and looked up at her smiling on his tiny face.

“Aww, hello there Spitz. How are you today?” She asked the chinchilla.

The little animal rubbed his belly fur. Starlight giggled at him levitating a small piece of dry hay to him. The chinchilla perked up and ran to the wall of the cage as the door glowed and opened. He stood at the edge sticking his tiny head out trying to reach for the hay as Starlight magically gave it to him. Taking it he nibbled it bit by bit as she watched him. Once he finished he looked up at her expectantly as she offered the vial to him.

“I know you’ve been through alot lately little, Spitz, but can you take one more sip for mommy?” Starlight asked him.

The chinchilla stuck his nose up and crossed his tiny arms. Starlight gave a light chuckle.

“Okay, I know I promised the last one would be it. So, I guess that leave only one option left…” Starlight declared looking back dramatically.

Guiding Wind was walking alone through the castle hallways during her rounds, and keeping an eye out for the elusive Starlight Glimmer. She passed by the kitchen doors as a group of maids passed by bowing to her. She nodded to them and continued as Golden Claw happened upon her.

“Greetings Guiding Wind,” the griffin addressed to her.

Guiding Wind bowed at him. “Greetings, Sir Golden Claw.”

She greeted him with a kind smile and continued on her way,griffin alone. Not far behind her a pony lurked in the shadows, stalking close behind her but keeping out of sight. Guiding Wind continued her rounds, never noticing the shadow tailing her, until she came upon a glass of water sitting in the middle of one of the many hallways in the castle.

She looked around wondering if one of the maids or butlers had left it by mistake. Seeing nobody around she magically lifted the glass and turned to return it to the kitchen. From around the corner the pony who was following her poked its head out as Guiding Wind passed and shot a magical beam at the back of the mare's head.

Guiding Wind felt a sharp pinch on the back of her head. She stopped to rub it when she suddenly felt very thirsty, so suddenly that it made her feel uneasy. She looked at the glass of water, her mouth becoming dry with each passing moment. Licking her lips, Guiding Wind looked around once more to make sure nopony was around. Seeing that she was alone she took the glass in her magic and quickly drank it in a few gulps.

“Whew, refreshing,” She said inspecting the glass. “Water tasted kinda funny…”

With her thirst satisfied Guiding Wind continued on her way to the kitchen. When she got about halfway back Guiding Wind began to feel weird back pains. He sides felt like they were burning and her magic was becoming weaker. It finally got to the point where she could barely move. Finally she collapsed in the hallway. The glass shattered on the floor near her. She lay there undisturbed until Golden Claw by chance found her unconscious on the floor. The griffin saw the downed mare and quickly acted.

He gathered up to poor mare feeling an intense heat coming from her head. Golden Claw pressed his claw over the mare's head and could feel she was burning up. He quickly took her back to her room after getting a pony to clean up the mess left behind. Guiding Wind awoke shortly after being placed in bed.

The mare looked up at the griffin weakly, squinting her eyes as though she were straining to see him. “Golden Claw?”
Golden Claw got a wet cloth and laid it over the mares forehead. He gently pushed her head down making it rest on the pillow. Guiding Wind groaned at the sore feeling in her back and kept rolling from side to side.

Golden Claw tried to get her to stop by pushing her down gently. “Guiding Wind, you need to stop moving. You won’t get any better if you keep moving.”

“Ugh, but my back… it’s so painful…”

“Your back?” Claw asked, rolling her onto her side to look at her back.

The griffin gasped at what he saw. There attached to Guiding Winds back was a pair of majestic wings. Folded on themselves, it looked like she was laying on them in an awkward fashion. So he adjusted the mare to lay her not directly on the wings, by spreading the new wings apart slightly. Guiding Wind giggled lightly at the touch, wondering why her back was so ticklish so suddenly.

“Holy bird feathers, Guiding Wind,” Golden Claw said shocked.

Guiding Wind craned her neck trying to see what the shocked griffin was talking about, when her eyes laid upon a set of orange wings attached to her back. She instinctively flexed one out without much effort, but had trouble controlling it. The wings flapped uselessly around as she looked them over completely shocked at the sight of them.

“I… I have wings?” She asked touching them with her shaking hooves. “I… how?”

Golden Claw got up and laid the mare down again saying he would go get some help and darted off leaving Guiding Wind alone. The earth pony turned pegasus was now on her belly looking back at her wings. They were fully grown majestic wings. Large, healthy, and well preened. She wondered what could have caused this to happen. She thought hard about what she edid in the last few days, and wondered what caused this.

Did she get struck by a stray spell by Twilight or Starlight Glimmer?

She was sure if she did she would have known then and there, so that wasn’t it.

Was it something she ate?

She didn’t think anything she consumed was out of the ordinary. The only thing was the glass of water she had that found and suddenly got very thirsty. She thought it was odd that she found a glass of water right as she got very thirsty, then she suddenly had wings? She was sure that had to be it, but who would do this to her?

She was sure it was a mistake. Perhaps it was a potion that Starlight or Twilight left behind on accident?

Guiding Wind chuckled lightly. Those two unicorns, as smart as they were could be such airhead at times. She loved them though and would do anything if it meant making them happy. As a servant it was her calling to bend to the will of others. If she could make other ponies happy then she was happy, and that was good enough for her. She knew in a matter of minutes Golden Claw would find either Princess twilight of Starlight Glimmer and this will all be fixed up in no time. As she thought the wait wasn’t long before Starlight Glimmer approached her in the room with Golden Claw at the door.

Starlight walked over to the mare in bed and looked her over.

“How are you feeling Guiding Wind?” Starlight asked as she checked the mares vitals.

“I feel fine, young miss. Do you know what happened to me?” Guiding WInd asked.

The maid pony didn’t catch the playful glint in Starlight's eyes after she asked her question.

“I do actually,” Starlight said rubbing the mare's head with a damp towel to bring down her slight fever. “I was working on a potion to transform a pony into a pegasus for about two to three days. I lost it a while ago when I went to get a glass to put it in, but I ran into a… friend of mine and accidentally left it somewhere. Guess you found it.”

Starlight hid her lie well. Guiding Wind didn’t even notice the change in her voice as the mare went on explaining what happened. Instead she smiled and nodded at Starlight’s tale.

“-and it is going to wear off quickly, since it was only made to be temporary,” Starlight said checking the wings. “Looks good. The Potion worked well.”

Yes, it did,” Guiding Wind agreed. “They feel like I’ve always had them. I can move them, not easily but I can.”

The mare flexed her new wings like she always had them, but still couldn't control them well. The wing snapped out and smacked Starlight in the face, making the mare yelp and rub her snout.

“Oh! Right in the nose!”

“Oh, I’m sorry young miss! I don’t know what went wrong! They just… move on their own it seems!” Guiding Wind said apologetically to Starlight pulling her wing back with her hooves.

Starlight smiled rubbing her nose. She then leaned over Guiding Wind and took hold of her hoof and rubbed it trying to calm her. Guiding Wind felt her anxiousness melt away as Starlight rubbed her hooves with her own, making the mare feel at ease.

“Don’t worry I’ll be fine. If hanging with Rainbow Dash has taught me anything it’s that you can't hold it against a pony when they do something to you.” Starlight said, and Guiding Wind agreed with her.

“You should be fine, I would recommend going to the hospital to get a quick checkup. Nothing bad should have occurred during the transformation, i spent weeks on this potion, but I want you there as soon as possible so you can get the checkup.”

Starlight put a hint of urgency in her voice hoping Guiding Wind would act quicker. The maid mare nodded to Starlight acknowledging what she said and laid back down as the unicorn finished checking her. Once Starlight finished she gathered up her stuff and rubbed Guiding Winds back gently.

“Be careful going to the hospital. If you want I can go with you to make sure you get there,” Starlight offered, helping Guiding Wind out of bed.

“I would like that very much, young Starlight,” Guiding Wind cooed.

With that the two mares were off to the hospital. The journey didn’t take more than a few minutes before Starlight and Guiding WInd entered Ponyville Hospital. Starlight entered with Guiding Wind behind her and was greeted by none other than nurse Red Heart.

“Oh, hello there again Starlight!” Redheart greeted the mare. “How are you?”

“I’m fine Redheart, but my friend need an emergency check up,” Starlight stepped to the side and gently pulled guiding Wind forward.

Redheart gasped at the new mare she’d never seen before. She looked over Guiding Wind, looking to see if there was anything out of the ordinary.

“Oh, what happened?” Red Heart asked finding nothing wrong with Guiding Wind.

“She consumed a potion that was suppose to transform a pony into a pegasus. I wanted to try it myself in a controlled environment, but I lost it and Guiding Wind accidentally consumed it. I’m sure of it,” Starlight explained.

Seeing the skeptical look on nurse Redhearts face Starlight quickly amended, “She was an earth pony before, trust me, I’m sure she drank it.”

Nurse Redheart shook her head. “Very well, come along dear. We’re a bit full so i’ll have to check you in the same room with Rainbow Dash-”

Guiding Wind felt her wings shoot upright on her as she blushed at the mention of Rainbow Dash. She didn’t realize what had happened, and the ponies staring at her. Starlight chuckled awkwardly and used her magic to gently push down the stiff wings as they went along with Redheart into one of the exam rooms. There they entered a small room, and sitting there was Rainbow Dash with a cast on her left arm.

The rainbow maned pegasus looked up to see the newcomers. She recognized Starlight and Redheart but not eh orange pegasus. Yet, the orange pony seemed familiar to her but she couldn’t place where.

“Hey Starlight!” Rainbow glared at Redheart. “Nurse.”

Redheart scoffed. “Brute,” She then turned to Guiding Wind and Starlight. “I’ll need to get some equipment, I’ll be back to check up on Guiding Wind shortly.”

“Thank Redheart,” Starlight said as the nurse left.

Starlight watched at the white mare exited closing the door behind her. As the door shut and clicked Starlight hid her grin, as she watched Rainbow gawk at Guiding Wind, who was now blushing and trying to hide herself from sight as Rainbow looked her over.

“Guiding Wind? Is that really you?” Rainbow Dash asked looking at the mare, and her new wings.

“Yes, miss Dash. It’s me, Guiding Wind,” The maid pony said in a low embarrassed tone. She played with her skirt feeling her cheeks burning with embarrassment as she tried to keep her wings at her side. “Do… do you like my new wings?”

There was a million things that could have been said and done at this very moment. The awkward levels were through the roof and Starlight watched with great amusement, hidden of course, as the two mares tried not to outright stare at each other, and all rainbow managed to say was one simple word.

“Sexy.”

Flying the Dream Part 3 Flying Lessons

Later after being released from the hospital Rainbow Dash, Giding Wind, and Starlight were walking through town together while Rainbow was filled in on how Guiding Wind got her wings. Of course Rainbow frowned at Starlight for being so careless, Starlight kept the fact she planned for this to herself, and Rainbow scolded her in a manner most befitting a pegasus of her nature.

“So, not cool Starlight.”

Starlight rolled her eyes. “Hey, it’s not like I meant for this to happen!” She lied. “Besides it’s fine. Guiding Wind is fine and there should be no lasting side effects.”

Rainbow rolled her eyes. “Just be careful next time Starlight.”

“I will, now if you’ll excuse me I have… um, things to take care of!” Starlight said trying to sneak away. “I’ll just leave you two alone and get back to the castle. See ya later!”

Starlight quickly waved goodbye and was off like a shot. She ran a short distance before teleporting away in a large teal bubble of magical light. Rainbow And Guiding Wind were left in an awkward silence. Guiding Wind rubbed her arm nervously, as Rainbow Dash played it cool and just stood with all her weight on two legs leaning against a wall. A sound of her tummy rumbling made the cyan pegasus blush.Guiding Wind stifled a chuckle.

“So, Miss Dash, should we-”

“Hey, call me Rainbow, Guiding Wind. All my closest friends do,” The cyan pegasus said proudly.

“Yes, miss- I mean Rainbow, shall we go get some lunch?” Guiding Wind offered. “I haven’t eaten yet, and seems like you haven’t either.”

“Sounds awesome.”

Rainbow stoop on all four legs and stretched out her wings sending chills down Guiding Winds back. The earth pony turned pegasus was looking at Rainbow as she flapped her powerful wings and lifted off the ground and floated slowly up into the air. Rainbow Dash was about to speed off in her usual leave all the slowpokes behind, but realized the Guiding Wind was flapping her wings but not lifting off the ground.

The maid pony was flapping her wings up and down with no real rhythm and was stretching her neck out with her eyes strained shut. It was like watching a pony try to lift a heavy object but can’t do it. Rainbow chuckled and floated to the mare's side. Tapping Guiding Winds shoulder the maid pony stopped her flapping and looked up confused at Rainbow.

“Hehe, hey you’re not quite doing it right,” Rainbow said landing next to her.

Guiding Wind blushed folding her wings to her side. Rainbow only smiled and placed a wing around her supportively. This brought a smile onto Guiding Winds face and raised her spirits.

“Come on,” Rainbow said floating in front of her. “I’ll show you how to do it.”

She then took Guiding Winds hooves and gently lifted herself up into the air by making small circular flapping motions with her wings and then adjusted her body to lean slightly forward.

“Okay, now start slow. Flap your wings up and down,” Rainbow instructed.

Guiding Wind nodded extending her wings out and started flapping them up and down as instructed. Again nothing happened. Guiding Wind quickly felt her heart sink but Rainbow Kept her kind smile with the mare.

“Don’t worry, you’ll get it, just trust me okay?”

“I will, Miss Dash,” Guiding Wind said.

“Okay, now keep flapping but try to relax your wings as you flap them. Let the wings and feathers become wide to maximize your lift,”Rainbow Said giving more power to her own wings and lifted slightly higher.

“Maximize my what?” Guiding Wind asked.

“Lift. Your wings and stretched too far and you aren’t allowing your feathers to spread and gain any lift. COme on, bring those wings in a little more.”

Guiding Wind nodded, feeling skeptical at first but did as instructed. She pulled her wings in closer to herself and to Rainbow’s word she did feel a major difference. It felt as though her wings were pushing against a small force. Like pushing off the ground but the air was the ground. The look of amazement wasn’t missed by Rainbow Dash who gave Guiding Wind a grin.

“You can feel it can’t you? The lift and resistance from under your wings?” She asked.

“Yes, Miss Dash! You were right!” Guiding Wind chirped happily. “What do I do now?”

Rainbow’s grin grew. “Flap harder now… but only a little bit!” She instructed ignoring the fact Guiding Wind forgot to stop calling her, Miss Dash. “You can feel the lift so now just put more force behind it and you’ll go higher. Put less effort into it and you’ll either float or descend. It’s up to you to decide how to go about it though.”

Guiding Wind did as she was told. She flapped her wings a bit harder and faster. She felt the force of her wings lift working against her body and gravity. Then she could feel her hooves slowly lifting off the ground. Once she felt the lift she flapped her wings a bit harder and felt her body began to lift completely off the ground. She looked down to see her hooves inches off the ground and it filled her with joy and pride.

“I-I’m flying… Miss Dash I’m flying!” She said excited.

Rainbow chuckled at the ecstatic mare. “Yeah, it is a nice feeling isn’t it? Bet ya can become a natural in no time flat!” Rainbow’s boasting made Guiding Wind blush.

“Oh, miss Dash you flatter me. I will never being as good as you though.”

Rainbow gave the mare a tug by her arms and leaned back pulling her with her some ways.

“Okay now what I want you to do now is try moving your wings in forward motions as you flap. Think of it like…” Rainbow tapped her chin with one hoof holding onto Guiding Wind with the other, as she thought of a way to explain the next step.

Then it hit her.

“Let me ask you, can you swim?” Rainbow asked Guiding Wind.

“Uio madame, I can swim.” Guiding Wind said.

She then tried to imitate the wing motions she had seen rainbow Dash do before, and combined it with her idea of stroking her arms to swim. What she got was a massive push forward making her muzzle connect with rainbow Dash's. The two mares blushed as their mouths came into contact and they both stopped flapping and fell to the ground. Rainbow managed to hold Guiding Wind and took the fall to the ground herself leaving the maid pony on top of her.

As they recovered from their fall rainbow and Guiding Wind stared at each other flabbergasted by the position they were in. Rainbow was holding Guiding Wind in her arms, held tightly against her chest. Guiding Winds was read like a tomato as she realized she was straddling Rainbow and tried to get up from the embarrassing position.

“I’m so sorry, Miss Dash. Please for give me I-”

“Hey Guiding Wind?”

“-I wasn’t expecting to move forward so fast and then the kiss. I swear I wasn’t taking advantage of-”

“Guiding Wind it’s fine!” Rainbow yelled startling the mare into silence. “Seriously, it’s fine. I know you better than that. I know you wouldn’t.”

Rainbow’s words sent a chill down Guiding Winds spine. She felt relieved that the mare had no ill will against her for the mistake. Which begged the question, why didn’t Rainbow mind? Guiding Wind was sure Rainbow would be angry with her for this, but she was unusually calm. Guiding Wind could see the playfulness behind Rainbow’s smile. There was a hint of mischief in it that she knew all too well for the rainbow pegasus. What came next was nothing short of thrilling and awe inspiring for the mare.

Rainbow leaned forward pulling Guiding Wind down and planted a firm kiss on her lips. Guiding Wind struggled at first but soon relented to the kiss and allowed it. The two mares shared in a moment of passion that lasted for a long time. Rainbow pulled away, and Guiding Wind tried to stay with her but was gently nudged away.

“Was that good?” Rainbow asked shyly to Guiding Wind.

The maid pony smiled and kissed her cheek. “It was a dream come true, Rainbow. Does this mean you’re my marefriend now?” Guiding Wind asked.

Rainbow nodded once. “Yes, it is Guiding Wind. Even if your wings are only temporary I always wanted to ask you out, I was just afraid.”

“And I was worried I was going to hold you back from being a successful flier. Oh, how silly we have both been,” Guiding Wind chuckled with rainbow.

“Yeah, it was kinda silly, huh?” Rainbow asked getting up with Guiding Wind. “So, lunch date with me?” She asked awkwardly to Guiding Wind.

“Sure, Rainbow Dash. I would be delighted to go on a lunch date with you. Afterwards I would like you to escort me back to the castle if it’s not too much trouble?”

“Of course Guiding Wind. Rainbow Dash never leave a pony hanging. Be it friend or foe,” Rainbow smirked leaning into Guiding Winds side as they both walked down the street with their wings wrapped around each other's back. “And trust me Guiding Wind, you are definitely my friend.”

Guiding WInd smiled leaning her head into Rainbow’s cheek affectionately. “Same to you, Rainbow Dash.”

So, the two mares walked towards the center of town heading for a bite to eat in lovers bliss. Off in the distance Starlight Glimmer stood on the top of Twilight’s Castle watching up until the two mares collided and started to kiss. She then stopped peering through the telescope she had and walked away with a smug grin on her face.

“One, friendship turned into shipping lesson, done!” She said conjuring up a clipboard and check marked a list she made. “Well, that’s one thing off my master list. Now, time to… chillax? With Rainbow Dash? What’s this?”

Starlight read a small note on the clipboard that read as follows: Dear Starlight my Faithful Student,

I’m sorry I didn’t give this to you personally. I just wanted to give you these friendship lessons I’d like you to do whenever you can. Take your time but make sure you get them done soon. I’m looking forward to your friendship lesson progress!

Love always, Your mentor and friend forever, Twilight Sparkle.

Starlight looked at the slip of paper and noticed a few others were attached behind it. She read them individually. Sew with Rarity, back a cake with Pinkie Pie, help and animal with Fluttershy, scrapbook with Applejack? What kind of lessons were these? She thought looking them over again. After a second look she shrugged and walked to her room. Entering she threw the papers onto the table near her bed and yawned.

“HAAAA! Man I’m tired. I think I’ll take a nap and deal with these friendship lessons later…” She yawned flopping on her bed.

Starlight yawned once more rolling onto her back and placing her head on the pillow and smiled as she snuggled under her blankets. She then fell into a deep sleep and was filled with happy joys of her old friend Sunburst, who she still missed dearly. Her dream became more blissful when Button joined in and she played with the colt in a massive flower field under the watchful gaze of the monarch butterfly, not realizing there was a moth with a skull on its back lurking nearby.

Author's Note

And next time we reveal what happens after lunch! What will Starlight do about her friendship lessons? And who was that silly little moth off in the distance, and what could it mean? Hmm? A msyter to solve.

Oposs di ixen

Author's Note

Okay, so I fibbed a bit. I lost power for a while and lost my original chapter of over 5k words. Feeling discouraged I decided to go ahead rather than halt progress for another week, so, for those who want to know what I originally had in mind read this otherwise you can skip it. Rainbow was going to thank Starlight for hooking her up with Guiding Wind, and she would get an earful about how using magic to manipulate others is a bad thing regardless if you feel it's right or wrong.

So, with that out of the way let's move on to the next chapter. Here we will get to the adventure portion of the story. Why? Read on and find out! :derpytongue2: I'm the writer I won't tell you everything before hand! LOL. Hop eyou all enjoy!

Oposs di ixen

Starlight sat at the dinner table later in the evening completely proud with herself over her accomplishment with hooking Rainbow up with Guiding Wind. Twilight and Spike noticed the mare was in a particularly good mood and wondered what could have possibly happened to have put the mare in such good spirits. Spike was sitting next to Twilight who was sitting next to Starlight, happily humming as she munched away at her salad.

“So, what’s got you in such a good mood, Star?” Twilight asked with bemusement.

Starlight replied with a light chuckle as she swallowed her salad almost choking on it. She coughed a few times but never lost her smile as she hacked up a leaf.

“Oh, nothing just feeling… good about today,” Starlight said her smile growing with every word.

Twilight and Spike exchanged confused looks before shrugging it off and returned to their meals.

As they ate Spike looked up at the clock above the table every couple of minutes. It eventually got to the point that it drove Twilight mad, Starlight was in her own little world and didn’t notice him looking. Twilight, after the twentieth time, finally called SPike out when she caught him glancing up at the clock and barely touched his meal.

“Spike!”

“Huh, what?” Spike asked alarmed, dropping his fork. “Wh-what did do?”

Twilight sighed shaking her head with motherly disappointment.

“I Thought I told you to not do that anymore!” She scolded the baby dragon.

Spike looked down at his bowel in shame. He made no argument but continued to eat in silence. Twilight shook her head taking a bite from her salad and chewed thoughtfully and swallowed before she began the verbal lashing again.

“Seriously Spike, I taught you better table manners than that,” TWilight said to him.

She shook the fork in her magical aura at the little dragon who sighed in annoyance at his scolding.

“Oh, don’t you give me that attitude mister,” Twilight warned him narrowing her eyes. “Come on. Finish eating. I’m sure Ember will be here soon.”

Spike got in a brighter mood, his frown curled up into a smile at the thought of seeing his fellow dragon friend. He quickly chowed down his gem salad and picked up his bowl and left to the kitchen. Moments later he came back and gathered the rest of the empty bowls. Taking them to the kitchen Starlight followed behind the dragon with Twilight right behind her. The castle staff however shooed them and Spike out saying, ‘it was improper of them to clean anymore.’ Annoyed by this Spike and Starlight walked out grumbling while Twilight was thanking the castle staff for their service.

The small group of friends soon made their way to the Chamber of Harmony with full bellies and excitement. Starlight had heard of the Fierce Dragonlord Ember from Spike and Twilight from time to time. She was very excited to meet a real dragon. NOt that she thought Spike wasn’t a real dragon, but in her mind he wasn’t a dragon dragon due to being raised by ponies. Starlight had never met a dragon from the Dragonlands before and wonder what they’d be like. In her mind she imagine a large scaly beast that was big and strong with massive wings that could create tornadoes with a single swing. Tails as long and big as the table, and breath that would melt iron and steel. Starlight’s mind ran wild with possibilities when twilight nudged her side as they enter the Chamber of Harmony.

Startled by the sudden contact Starlight jumped slightly but tried to play it off like she tripped.

“Hey, what’s up?” She asked, Twilight.

Twilight smiled at her student and wrapped a wing around her back. “Just making sure you were paying attention, Star. This is really important. I want you to sit in on this conversation we’re going to have with Dragon Lord Ember. I’ll be tasking you with telling the others about it when me and Spike leave for Canterlot afterwards to deliver our negotiations to the other Princesses.” Twilight explained.

Starlight cocked her head. “Why me though? Isn’t this just a friendly meeting?”

Twilight gave a weary look at Spike before asking, “Hey Spike? Can you please run back and tell the staff to bring beverages for us and Ember please?”

“Sure thing Twilight!” Spike said with joy. “I still can’t believe she’s coming here to Ponyville. Never thought she would want to.”

With a quick salute Spike, as loyal as ever, ran off to do his duty. Twilight couldn’t help but smile and pat his head as he passed by and hugged him before letting him go. They watched him go around the corner as they sat and waited in the main chamber for his return. Twilight was reading through a “Twilight Checklist” while sitting on her throne. Starlight sat beside her on a wooden chair looking over her shoulder occasionally, when she noticed a large annotation on the list that read: IN CASE OF DRAGONFIRE IN CASTLE PLAN A-2. Starlight knew Twilight liked to plan for every occasion and possible outcome, usually for naught, but it made the mare feel better to be prepared. And Starlight had to admit, having some foresight was good, even if it was too much. Starlight was looking at the checklist after Twilight gave it to her to double check in case she missed anything.

The two mares sat in silence for sometime when Thunderclap entered the chamber and stood to the side. She was followed by Golden Claw who had a heavy bandage over his left eye and stood opposite of Thunderclap. The unicorn guardsmare clear her throat and with her might gravelly voice made an announcement.

“Announcing the arrival of her lordship Dragon Lord Ember, ruler of the dragonlands!”

Mere moments after she stepped ot the side as Thunderclap approached with Ember right behind her. A moment later Spike entered the room with the beverages on a large cart and beamed with excitement at the sight of his dragon friend. He left the cart near the thrones and ran up to Ember, but he stopped a foot away from her as she greeted Twilight.

“Princess twilight, it’s good to see you alive and well again,” Ember greeted her with a handshake.

“You too Dragonlord Ember, but please you don’t need to be formal with me. If you’d like twilight, is just fine for me.”

Ember looked oddly at the purple pony. In her mind such formalities were commonplace in dragon culture, but clearly ponies thought differently among their friends. With a casual shrug Ember let out a squeaky, “meh”, and turned to look down to Spike.

“Hey there little guy!” She greeted him with a playful rub on his head. “How has the, might Spike, been?”

Spike swatted her clawed hand away. “Fine. How about you Dragon Lord Ember? How was the trip?”

“Ugh, the flight here was awful!” Ember complained slumping on Rainbow Dash’s throne and setting her Dragon Scepter on the Cuite Map. “Why do your pegasi always have random weather changes? It makes no sense!”

Clearly she was very annoyed as she slammed her head on the map. Her head made a loud thunk noise as she made contact. Starlight, was still reading at the moment, jumped at the sudden loud noise dropping the papers on the floor. Starlight tried to pick them up but stopped when she looked up to see the blue dragon lifting her head up. Starlight gasped dropping the papers she had left in her hooves and stared slack jawed at the curved female dragon. She saw the light blue scales of her body complimented by her dark blue head scutes and the ever so slight dark blue spots under her eyes, like tiny light blue makeup spots. Her amber eyes had a certain level of ferocity behind them yet were highly appealing to look into. Starlight was entranced by the dragons beauty and had the dumbest lost look on her face. Twilight turned to her student and introduced her, unaware of the mares dumbstruck stupor.

“-and this is Starlight Glimmer, my personal student! She’s a student of the magic of friendship. She’ll be with us while we have our open discussion!”

“Hi! Pleased to meet you!”

Starlight happily shook Embers claw with her hooves.

“Nice to meet you too. I guess?” Ember asked not trying to offend the excited mare. “So, should we bring the discussion?”

Twilight shook her head and brought the Dragon Lord closer to her and offered her a large plush cushion chair next to her throne.

“Please have a seat here Ember. We don’t want you to sit on these crystal thrones after your long flight.”

“Thanks, Princess,” Ember sat in the chair with her scepter in hand. “So… now do we start?”

“Wouldn’t you like to just talk first? Maybe we can offer you a beverage after your long flight?” Twilight kindly offered.

“Nah, I prefer to get to business. My dragons are pushing me to make changes and I need to hurry lest I lose their support,” Ember said trying not to outright say, no.

Twilight sighed but kept her smile. Spike and Starlight knew she was disappointed that Ember didn’t want to chit chat before getting to business, but they both figured such was the way with politics. Seeing twilight’s look of disappointment Ember quickly added that they could talk afterwards, which brought the mares spirits up greatly as she opened the floor.

“So, Ember, or do you prefer your title?” Twilight asked.

“Meh, I don’t care either way. I’m like you. I prefer action over formalities.”

“Very well, Ember. As the ruler of the dragons I extend a warm welcome to our lands to you! I hope this is the first step in creating a lasting friendship and alliance between dragons and ponies.”

“Same here Princess,” Ember agreed. “Now, the first thing I want to talk about is the most voted topic by all my fellow dragons, myself included, and that is....”

Ember paused for dramatic effect, leaving the ponies, griffin, and dragon with held breaths. Then, with one word she broke the dramatic mood with the topic of discussion with such an anticlimactic effect that it made all present facepalm, and the topic in question?

“...Beds.”

Everyone present looked at the dragon with confused looks. Had they heard right? Surely the mighty dragons would never discuss such a silly thing as beds. Would they?

“Um, I’m sorry Dragon Lord Ember,” Starlight said getting her attention. “But, why beds? Do dragons even use beds?”

Ember blushed gripping her scepter nervously. She felt foolish talking about something so common to ponies that it might make her species look like savages.

“Well, you know.. Dragons are suppose to be big and strong. We’re able to endure the worst elements and survive off stone and dirt if we need too, but that doesn’t mean we like too,” She said nervously.

“But, why not?” Starlight asked.

Twilight intervened seeing the nervousness of Ember growing.

“I’m sure Starlight doesn’t mean to put you on the spot Ember,” Twilight said turning to her student. “You see Starlight, dragons are usually big and very powerful beings. Ember’s father was easily the size of this chamber and a good portion of my castle by himself. Dragons only cared about strength and being big as the signs of being a real dragon. Ember here is planning on changing that. One thing I remember when we first went there was dragons slept on rocks. No beds what so ever.”

“Wow, I figured that, but I never knew dragons hated it,” Starlight said. “How many beds are we talking here?”

“Over sixty-thousand beds.” Ember stated factually.

Everyone blinked as a loud boom sounded and thunderclap ran out.

“That’s a lot of beds!” Spike said looking at Twilight. “Davenport would love that as a business opportunity.”

“Yes, but even he can’t supply sixty-thousand beds Spike,” Twilight said shooting the drakes idea down. “We can’t get every business to do it either, we’d still come up short.”

Starlight tapped her chin thinking about what to do. “So’ what options do we have then? How do we get over sixty-thousand beds, let alone get them to the dragon lands at all?”

“Well, we could get Filthy Rich to talk to his distributors.” Spike offered.

“That’s a great idea Spike! Then we could get them to make the beds we need and rally the current bed businesses to offer their surplus of beds to the dragons. We’d just have to then think of payment,” Twilight said.

Ember grinned tapping her scepter on the ground getting everyone's attention. “Money? Princess twilight, please… I’m Lord of all Dragons… DRAAAGGGOOOOONNNSSS?”

Twilight and Spike cocked their heads sideways wondering what she was getting at. Starlight sighed and rubbed her temples tenderly and said, “She’s the lord of all dragons guys. Dragon's hoard gems. Gems are very very valuable. She could tell them to pay for their own beds making payment no problem.”

“Ohh!” Twilight and Spike both mouthed.

“Well, now that we got that out of the way,” Ember said winking at Starlight making her blush. “Let’s talk about how and when we will-”

Suddenly Thunderclap came running in in a panic. The guardsmare skidded to a halt and bowed to Princess twilight and party, panting heavily. They then noticed she was scorched black like she went running through a fire field. The mares fur was singed and her tail was still burning.

“Thunderclap!? What happened to you!?” Twilight bellowed out looking over the mare like a mother would their child. ‘Who did this? Was it that Amber Anvil mare again? I swear if she doesn’t straighten herself out-”

“NO PRINCESS!! It’s another dragon! It came from the sky and demanded to see you,” Thunderclap screamed. “I told him you were meeting with Dragon Lord Ember and he torched me saying that he would speak with you or else!”

“Clappy, calm down, you’re safe,” Twilight cooed at the mare rubbing her back supportively. “Go get some rest. I’ll handle this.”

“Si geou notwait tikil drongilt!”

A voice called out shaking the very ground. The castle doors slammed open and in came a dragon like creature. It was massive, barely able to squeeze through, as it focused on the guardsmare he met before and growled at her. Thunderclap whimpered and passed out on the floor. Golden Claw tended to the mare as Starlight, Ember, Twilight, and Spike stood between the beast and the others.

The dragon had a long neck with a long narrow snout. His horns curled around his head and out like protective antlers on an elk. His wings were the full sixe of his body and tail combined, and his tail didn’t fit into the chamber itself. Instead it stuck out of the door and down the entryway to the hall itself. His scales were dull, scarred, and worn out. His razor sharp teeth looked more fierce than any dragon Twilight had ever seen and his eyes had a hunger about them that showed no fear. He was the predator here and he knew it. Perhaps his most notable feature wasn’t his size of ferocious aura, but his wings. He used them as a set of legs, walking on them and his two large back legs like her had four limbs. This struck Twilight and party as odd, they never seen a dragon like this before.

Twilight stepped forward hoping to open a dialogue with the dragon.

“I am Twilight Sparkle, Princess of Friendship! Who are you to come into my home unannounced and terrorize my subjects!?” She called out to the dragon.

“And I am Dragon Lord Ember! I demand to know why you’ve attacked this pony!” Ember yelled at the dragon stepping beside twilight and pointing her scepter at the beast.

The massive beast laughed. His deep gravely voice boomed over them, “Wux weatonan doutan mrith dout ignorance. Moxt darastrix.”

Ember blushed and growled at the other dragon. “How dare you! I am the Dragon Lord! You will obey what I say!”

“I am not yours to command dragon. If you can call yourself that.” The beast let out a deep belly laugh and pushed her on her butt with his snout.

“Well, at least you know our language, yet you do not speak it?” He asked, in the common tongue. “Why do you speak in the common tongue and not the royal drastrixkrin?”

Ember blushed crossing her arms clearly embarrassed. “Because I, never learned it. I honestly barely understood you.”

The beast shook his head. “Thric bensvelk. That is not good for a drastrix.”

Spike scoffed crossing his arms. “Funny coming from you.”

The beast growled at Spike making him shrink away, holding his neck and head up high over the others like a swan.

“I am Raza, emissary of the Wyvern Council from the frozen north! I come with a warning to you ponies! The Wyver Council won’t tolerate a breach of our contract! By allying yourselves with the dragons you will be breaching our ancient agreement and we will wage war upon you. You have been warned,” Raza said turning his his back on them and left.

He crawled through the chamber and out of the castle where the whole town seemed to assemble at awe at his presence. He stood back on his hind legs, extending his massive wings, and with a few powerful flaps lifted into the air and flew off heading north with a mighty roar. Twilight, Starlight, Ember, and Spike all came running out to see him breath his fire breath in the sky as he disappeared over Canterlot and became a speck in the distance.

Everyone in town was now talking about the massive dragon that flew out of Twilight’s castle. Many were worried about it’s sudden departure, but most of the town wasn’t worried. Since it was common for many large magical beasts to come and go they just assumed it was a friend to the Princess of Friendship.

Twilight and party knew better though. After hearing the threat of war, over some agreement made long ago, Twilight realized she might just be in over her head with this one. She was about to asked Spike to take a letter when the little drake burped out a scroll onto the floor. Twilight looked at it and took the scroll in her magical grasp and read it. She got a dark look on her face as the color in her face drained away making her pale.

Starlight and Ember tried to read the scroll but twilight rolled it up and burned it. She then turned to face them with a terrified expression on her face.

Starlight chuckled nervously at twilight, rubbing her arm. “What’s wrong Twilight?

“Starlight, go get the girls and meet Ember, Spike, and I at the train station. We’re going to Canterlot to see Princess Celestia.”

Council meeting

After receiving the letter from Princess Celestia Starlight had gathered the rest of the Elements of Harmony at Twilight’s request. Together the group, including Thunderclap and Golden Claw took the next train ride to Canterlot. Along the way the ponies discussed what could have spooked Celestia into calling this meeting.

“It has to be the wyverns! There’s no other explanation,” Starlight said waving her hooves.

Applejack and Rarity nodded in agreement with the unicorn. Rainbow Dash however looked skeptically at her friends.

“A dragon? Really? I mean, aren’t dragons common in Equestria?” Rainbow asked. “Didn’t we kick one out of Ponyville's Black Mountain?”

Twilight quickly replied to her friends query pulling out a book and opening it as a visual aid.

“First off, we did, but that was more Fluttershy yelling at him. Second it wasn’t a dragon Rainbow Dash, it was a wyvern,” Twilight said showing an image of a adolescent wyvern.

“Wyverns are an ancient species that derived from dragons long ago into it’s own subspecies. According to some texts Ember provided to me a while back… *Flips a few pages*, there was a time when the wyverns were close to the dragons but that brief point in recorded history was short and all I even have is this one book which is very much incomplete.” Twilight shook the aged old book as one page turned to dust, earning a frightened scream by the alicorn who tried to coddle the rest of the book as she slipped it into a protective compartment in her saddlebags.

Starlight looked to Ember who was sitting next to her with her legs crossed.

“So, what happened then? Why are the wyverns back, and where have they been all this time?” Starlight asked Ember.

Ember shrugged. “I dunno. I never even heard of them before today.”

Everyone in the train cart facehooved hard at Embers words. Twilight sighed looking out the window at the approach of Canterlot over the next bend.

“Guess we’ll find out soon.”

As the words left her mouth the train ran through a long dark tunnel just before emerging out of the other side and into the Canterlot train Station. What they saw next astounded them. Ponies were lined up waiting to get onto the train and immediately tried to pounce the train before it even came to a full stop. Twilight and her friends waited for the doors to open and awaited the fury of all the ponies to come.

Sure enough as the doors opened the guards near by had to force the crowds back to allow the Elements of Harmony and Ember to pass through. As they did the mood of the ponies changed drastically. They went from a panicked frenzy to loud roars of cheers and praise.

“It’s them! The Elements of Harmony!” One pony cried out over the crowd.

“We’re saved!” Another stalin said hoof shaking Applejack.

Then the ponies noticed Dragon Lord Ember and her scepter. Several ponies gasped pointing at the blue royal dragon who blushed at the sudden interest of ponies. She clutched her scepter tightly but stood her ground wondering what was going to happen next. Then it happened a turn of events that even the Elements of Harmony didn’t expect.

“The Princess of Friendship has brought a dragon royal! We ARE saved!” A pony shouted.

Suddenly ponies crowded around Ember along with a few news ponies with notepads ready to take a statement from her. Like vultures they circled around her barely giving Ember any breathing room as they volleyed her with questions.

“What are you here to do?”
“Are the dragons going to ally with us after all?”
“Why was there a dragon flying over Canterlot earlier?”

Ember was quickly overwhelmed by the endless questions. She felt her dragon blood burn inside her demanding they be silent. So, in her most professional manner possible given the circumstances, Ember swung the Dragon Scepter over her head and brought it down on the ground making the earth shake as she let out a deep throated roar.

The ponies cowered from her in fear as she coughed in her hand and calmed herself. She then stepped forward to address the ponies directly.

In a calm voice she spoke kindly to the ponies trying to reassure them that nothing was wrong.

“Ponies of Canterlot, I am Dragon Lord Ember, ruler of the dragons in the Dragon Lands. Let me assure you that what has happened in the last few hours was nothing to cause alarm. The Princesses and I are working hard to make sure that nothing bad happens in the future and we urge you all to stay calm and continue as you were instructed in a calm manner.”

Starlight watched in awe as Ember commanded the respect of the ponies in a heartbeat. Never in all her time as a mayor of her own town did she see a show of great charisma and leadership, and never would she have expected it to come from a dragon of all things. Starlight in that moment was greatly humbled by Dragon Lord Ember’s charismatic nature despite being a dragon, which made her appear all the more appealing to the stunned unicorn. Starlight loved how she could go so easily from a fearsome dragon to a well respected dragon lord so easily as she could breathe. It truly humbled her and brought Ember up in her eyes.

She wasn’t the only one. The rest of the Elements of harmony too were stunned by the respect Ember quickly earned from the ponies as they cheered for her after her speech, and thus spread apart to allow her and the Elements of Harmony to pass unhindered as they made their way to the castle.

“Whew, that was something else!” Ember cried out in relief. “I was sure I’d have to knock a few heads for that!” She laughed at her dragon based humor.

Twilight stepped to Ember’s side nodding in approval.

“I’m glad you were able to calm them down and win their respect so easily, Ember,” Twilight said to her. “I’m proud to call you my friend. I was worried you might hurt somepony for surrounding you like that. I’m glad I was wrong.”

“Heh, when you deal with rowdy dragons all you life ponies are nothing,” Ember said waving her hand.

Twilight rolled her eyes and the group quickly approached Canterlot Castle. The guards at the gate recognized the approaching ponies and stepped aside allowing them to pass, but stopped Ember with their spears.

“Halt!” They said.

Alarmed Twilight and Starlight ran over to Ember who looked like she was about to gut the poor stallion guards. Twilight magically pulled them away from her and Starlight stood in front of Ember, more for the guards protection than hers.

“At ease guards!” Twilight yelled at them. “That is Dragon Lord Ember! How dare you treat her with such disrespect!”

The two stallion guards cringed at the verbal lashing they got from Princess twilight and backed down quickly.

“Sorry Princess! We were told to only allow you and your friends to pass and nopony else!” One said.

Twilight sighed patting the stallion on the back. “Don’t worry. I promise you won’t get in trouble for allowing Dragon Lord Ember to pass. She’s a friend and as a Princess I order that she be given unrestricted access to the chambers as long as we’re with her. Got it?”

“Yes, Princess!” Both Stallions saluted.

“Good. Now come along Ember, don’t want to keep the Princesses waiting,” Twilight said skipping up the stairs barely able to contain her excitement to see her old mentor again.

Ember smiled as she passed by Starlight patting her on the back.

“Hey, thanks for that. Appreciate it,” She said walking after Twilight.

Starlight blushed feeling her heart race. She watched as the dragon walked up the stairs, her tail swaying from side to side with each step. She observed her slender curved legs, her tail in great detail and the way her flank- “NOPE! Bad dirty mind! Stop that! I have a coltfriend! Dang it! Why do I have to be cursed and like both!?” Starlight complained following the group into the castle.

She walked up the steps and into the castle where she was greeted almost instantly by a large gathering of ponies, griffins, two dragons, a minotaur, deer, horses from Saddle Arabia, and a sphinx. This large gathering of species was something she had never seen before. It was truly mind boggling to behold. At the front of this massive congregation was Princess Celestia, Luna, Cadance, Twilight, and Shining Armor standing side by side with Ember and the Elements of Harmony. Celestia stepped forward and spoke loud with the Canterlot voice to call order.

“Dignitaries of the lands! I welcome you all to Canterlot in our time of great peril! As a Princess of Equestria I have called this council to discuss the Reiktol Accord and the breach we have made and how to address it. If you will all please gather in the next chamber we will begin immediately. Thank you.”

Celestia turned to face a set of doors behind her. Her horn glowed with a blight banana yellow light that extended out to the doors and opened them up to the throne chamber, where Celestia and Luna would sit. Now it was converted into a meeting room with a large horseshoe shaped table with seats for all the dignitaries and species here. Everyone sat in their spot with the Equestrian royals a the head of the table under the thrones leaving only the open end of the horseshoe shaped table unattended.

Starlight sat between Twilight and Ember, wanting to stay close to the dragon. As she took her seat a minute passed before Celestia stood up and opened the talks.

“Thank you all for coming. As I stated earlier there was a breach in the Reiktol Accord. Now, Equestria and her allies are on the verge of war with the Wyvern Council.”

The dignitaries murmured to one another. There was a sense of alarm in their voices as a mare from Saddle Arabia stood up to speak in a regal tone, much like the Nobles of Canterlot, but without the snobbish tone.

“Princess Celestia, we all agreed to allow you to negotiate the terms of the Reitol Accord with the Wyverns long before many of us were born.” There was several voices and and nods confirming this. “Thus, you also took responsibility to oversee that no breach would occur.”

“Yeah! What’s with you?!” The minotaur yelled from his seat, the deer nodded and grunted in agreement.

Then the Sphinx stood up. Her majestic mane flowed with every slight movement she made.

“Now see here all of you! Celestia is a close friend of mine as Dallia said, most of you weren’t born when the Reiktol Accord was made!” She said silencing everyone present. “We are here today because of a breach to a contract that most of you don’t even know about, so you have barely any right to accuse Celestia of wrong doing when you barely understand what is going on.”

“Then why are we even here?” Dallia from Saddle Arabia said. “We should seek our own alliances and dictate our own terms! Why should we let such a group of irresponsible rulers determine how we live and what is best for us and others? Such arrogance I say!”

Most of the gathering mumbled in agreement with Dallia and her words. While many hadn’t heard of the Reiktol Accord many did, but those who did barely understood it. The Sphinx however stood fast in Celestia’s defense.

“Have you tried ruling this land as a whole, Dallia?” She asked the horse mare getting her attention. “You say Celestia shows arrogance yet you know nothing of the Accord-”

That invoked a violent reaction from Dallia. “HOW DARE YOU!! I KNOW THE REIKTOL ACCORD LIKE THE BACK OF MY HOOF!! It is arrogant for you to assume NONE of us know about it, when WE the Saddle Arabians HOLD the original Reiktol writings in our home!”

The mare them produced a large scroll easily ten hooves wide and two hooves thick from her saddle.

“I present to this council a hoof written copy, word for word in the draconic tongue, of the Reiktol Accord!!”

Everyone looked at the massive scroll in awe as Dallia unrolled part of it and cleared her throat.

“Dryica tenpiswo re wer powers di wer darastrix biwheg vur wer ssissthi eh Equestria,” She said with a hiss in her tone.

She said but the first sentence and already the effects of what she knew stuck at the council gathered. Even Celestia looked a bit worried at what was to come. Starlight leaned towards Ember and whispered in her tiny ear, “What did she just say?”

Ember leaned back and whispered slightly louder, “Here are gathered the powers of the Wyvern Council and the rulers of Equestria. More or less, I think…”

Starlight sighed remembering that Ember barely knew the dragon tongue. “Why doesn’t your kind know how to speak you own language?”

Ember shrugged. “Don’t know, all I do know is that only Dragon Lords use it. That’s why I even know what I do, but my father never expected me to become Dragon Lord, so he never taught me it. Kinda wish I did though, but even I have never heard of this Reiktol Accord thing,” Ember said crossing her arms. “I wonder what this means for our relations?”

Starlight sat back down and looked back at Dallia who was looking through the scroll.

“I hope it means we can still be friends in the end. I like you,” Starlight said rubbing her belly.

“Yeah, I’d like to make a few more pony friends before heading back home. Hopefully this will end well,” Ember said hopefully.

Everyone continued to watch as Dallia prepared the next portion of her speech.

“Here it is! Section 12,254 Sub Section A. part 1, Should the following terms be breached in the Reiktol Accord the Wyvern Council retains the right to enact a declaration of war on Equestria and her allies. These terms are as follows: Number one, should and equestrian kill a wyvern outside a challenge in which both parties mutually agree to fight to the death. Two, should the Equestrian government past present or future, be it from the High Thrones of a lesser throne, estate government, or any ruler of a state, province, or property on behalf of the Equestrian Government make an alliance with the Dragon Lords of the Dragon Lands without proper consent of the Wyvern Council. Three, the poaching and unhindered fishing of the salmon populations in southern and eastern equestria past the agreed terms in Section 9982 Sub Section A, B, C, and D.” Dallia paused rolling up her scroll and pointing it towards Twilight and Ember. “Your newly appointed, Princess of Friendship, has allied herself with Dragons and thus put us all in danger, and why is that Celestia?”

The white alicorn sighed raising her head up high and fluttering her wings slightly. Luna at her side leaned away from her sister.

“Miss Dallia, while your understanding of the Reiktol Accord and the dragon language is quite impressive, I strongly urge that we keep this discussion to the matter at hoof.” Celestia said in her usual calm regal tone.

“Don’t patronize me, Sun Butt! You dare to leave us out of this just because our ancestors wanted you too? What if we have needs too?!” Dallia burst out.

Everyone gasped at the tone she set against Celestia. Most in the room felt that the insult shouldn’t go unpunished, and Luna was about to take a stand when Celestia held up her hoof and shook her head making the younger blue alicorn shrink back into her seat. As the room came to silence Dallia continued to speak against Celestia.

“I move that we as individual nations become exempt from this ancient decree and be allowed to make our own alliances without Equestria overseeing us!”

The griffin then spoke up. He was a massive burly griffin easily Celestia's size. His thick body was covered by a massive cape the draped over his body only pushed back when he flexed his wings. He flared them out in anger as he addressed Dallia with a angry scowl.

“You dare! When our ally faces this mortal danger you use it as leverage for your own political game!” He yelled at Dallia.

Dallia hissed at him hitting the table with her scroll. “You arrogant bloated feather pillow! Saddle Arabia won’t stand by any longer when our, ally,” She glared up at Celestia who, to her nature remained perfectly calm with a perfect poker face. “-and makes promises and agreements that will affect us and then fail to deliver and let us suffer the consequences? No! I won’t allow it!”

The stallion horse suddenly stood up and pulled Dallia by the shoulders, “Sister please! You’re making a scene and the King is right we shouldn't-”

Dallia scoffed rolling her eyes and pushing her brother away. “You’re as spineless as the rest of these naysayers, brother. The Wyverns home is across the sea… in our direction! If they were to attack, WE would be the first ones to get hit! As the rulers it's our duty to safeguard our subjects not Celestia, and certainly not this lousy excuse for a council!”

“Sister please!”

Dallia ignored the angry looks she got from the other members of the council. She then continued her rant pushing deeper into Celestia with every word she spoke.

“Well then, tell me Celestia who was so foolish enough to make an alliance with the dragons and invoke this aggression out of the wyverns?” Dallis asked eyeing Twilight and Ember. “Surely, nopony here would have done something so rash and foolish without you knowing. Am I right?”

Celestia became stiff at the accusation. While it wasn’t completely wrong, admitting so would shame her and her fellow Princesses. In an attempt to defuse the situation celestia tried to steer the conversation a different direction while still addressing the matter presented.

“Queen Dallia as you know I have done my very best to safeguard my subjects and our allies over the centuries. Every major hurdle we’ve encountered has been dealt with and we will continue to do so as we’ve always done in the past.”

“You mean put blind faith into a group of ponies who don’t have any magical abilities other than the Princess of friendship herself?” Dallia scoffed.

Celestia opened her mouth to speak but Dallia cut her off with another item on her list of things to complain about. “What about both incidents that happened because of Discord? And while on the subject what about Tirek, or that mangy mutt you had guarding Tartarus and failed to keep one of the most dangerous creatures out of our realm? Again, blind faith Celestia and you’ve done that a lot in the last few years!” Dallia then pulled out a picture of NIghtmare Moon as was depicted in a story book. “Don’t even get me started on who you dealt with your sisters return! And that dragon at Ponyville? Your own Wonderbolts who are trained for such things couldn’t deal with them and yet, you allow the beast to roam the streets? Unguarded?”

Twilight had had enough of Dallia by this point, and so did all the mane six. Standing up Twilight flared her wings out and stared down at Dallia from her perch. Starlight stared at the suddenly angry alicorn while Ember watched with great interest.

“Now you listen here! Spike is a wonderful friend and what happened was an accident!” Twilight said pointing at Dallia.

“So, what caused him to go over the edge then? Hmm?” Dallia asked.

“He let his dragon greed get the better of him, but we-”

“If you knew what it was why didn’t you do something to prevent it, Princess Twilight?” Dallia asked cutting her off.

“We didn’t we had to ask help from our friend-”

“See! That’s what I’m talking about!” Dallia bellowed accusingly at Twilight. “You didn’t know, just like I’ll bet you didn’t know about the Reiktol Accord, when you allied yourself with the dragons?”

Some of the other members of the council nodded at the amres logic. The atmosphere suddenly became heavy as the accusations grew and grew against Celestia and her kingdom. Twilight fidgeted a bit at the accusation against her.

“How do you even know I was the one who did that?” Twilight replied to the accusation.

“It’s simple, Princess,” Dallia said smugly. “You came here with the Dragon Lord herself. Don’t think I don’t have agents everywhere. I know all about you, Ponyville, Discord, both dragon incidents in Ponyville, Tirek, Discord, the ursa minor, even the smooze at the Gala, I know a lot about what’s going on. My aunt and uncle before me and my brother took the throne were content to letting Celestia dictate everything that happened to us with her, great intentions, but I don’t buy it! I’ve seen how she handles her problems and I’m not satisfied with how she deals with these problems! Sending children to deal with ancient evils? Dragons? The changelings? Befriending Discord?”

“Hey! Discord changed! He’s a good soul!” Fluttershy said, before shrinking down at the eyes looking at her. “I-mean, I’m sorry for yelling…”

“That’s enough! This is a waste of time!” The griffin king said. “We should be talking about the wyverns and the threat they pose and how to deal with them!”

“And would you want Celestia or one of the other useless Princesses to do that for you?” She asked pulling out her copy of the Reiktol Accord. “It says here that all nations under this accord will be represented by Celestia and her ruling parties should the need arise when the Wyvern Council calls to action blah, blah, blah… Celestia has a terrible track record of letting troubles grow before taking action against them. We need to do something and prevent such things from happening not simply react to them!”

The sphinx arose taking a stand. “What would you propose then? What did you come here to gain from these talks?”

“I want my nation free from the Accord so we can rule ourselves!” Dallia said pointing to Celestia. “We won’t be ruled by somepony who doesn’t think of the consequences of her actions in the long run and sends her subjects to deal with death defying issues that should be her responsibility!”

The griffin king smashed his claw against the table as did the Sphinx. “That enough out of you! You dare speak ill of celestia who has protected her allies for ages before you were even born?”

The council was now divided. Half was siding with the griffin and sphinx delegates on continuing to support Celestia and her just rule. The other half wasn’t satisfied with her rule and demanded she unbind them from her rule and give sovereignty back to them.

Luna then smashed a large gavel on a pad echoing in the hall.

“We will have order!” She said in the Canterlot voice, bringing the conversations to a close.

“Ahem, Queen Dallia, long has the kingdom of Saddle Arabia been our allies. Why I remember a time when we use to dine in the great Tashmare Hall. Would you really want to break from us and our protection simply because you distrust my sister?” Luna asked kindly to Dallia.

“Princess Luna, with the utmost respect I feel your sister has dealt with all these problems I have previously mentioned in a horrid fashion,” She then went down a physical list she brought, Twilight was almost impressed had it not been for the mares accusations against Celestia. “Discord was spared and given three chances before he was”reformed”. Humph, had he done so in our land we would have dealt with him the first time. Permanently I might add.”

Many present cringed at the cold heartless tone Dallia spoke when mentioning Discord.

“The changelings were allowed to escape, and have made no effort to find them. That was after you found out they were invading the wedding and replaced the bride I might add,” Dallia added. “The dragons who breached Ponyville were allowed to go unpunished. Princess Twilight made actions that directly violate the Reiktol Accord, no less than five times and then we find out she doesn’t even know about it before she became a Princess? How can we expect to let the Equestrians rule over us if they make such mistakes that can cost our citizens lives!? How can any of you do this?”

“Sister please!”

“Shut it brother!” She yelled at the stallion beside her. “This is a joke. Saddle Arabia won’t allow itself to be a prime target in case you decide to ally with the dragons. The future is too uncertain for that. So, either you allow us to become independent of you or we walk from this council and will seek help from the Wyverns themselves. Then you’ll have not only them to deal with but us as well.”

Celestia looked down at the mare not making any sign that this affected her. Deep down though she feared the mare was making a big mistake. But it was as Dalli said, who was she to tell the Saddle Arabians how to rule themselves?

“Very well then Dallia, if it is what you want i will unbind you from our agreement. That doesn’t mean the wyvern council will recognize your souvergrinty. Be warned,” Celestia said as Dallia and her brother got up.

The deer stood up along with the Saddle Arabians and the minotaurs.

Celestia sighed. “Is there no way I can change any of your minds?”

None of them spoke.

Sighing with resignation Celestia gave the words to them that they were unbound by the Accord and the delegates were allowed to leave. The remaining members in the council sat in silence at the falling alliances. In the end talks about the wyverns continued unhindered.

“So, what do we do if the wyverns decide to attack, Celestia?” The sphinx asked twirling her mane. “Their inherent magical abilities make them worthy adversaries.”

“That won’t happen.” celestia stated.

Everyone there looked at her wondering what she meant.

“I’m not sure I follow Princess, but what do you have in mind?” The griffin king asked.

Celestia smiled and looked down at her sister. “Since the Accord was made during my sister's banishment I feel it necessary to take some responsibility and seek the Wyvern Council myself.”

Everyone gasped in the chamber. Celestia simply smiled at them and continued.

“I will leave Princess Luna in my stead to prepare our defenses in case my negotiations fail. She is familiar with the capabilities and rites of the wyverns. Besides, she’s more a strategist than I.” Celestia said hugging her sister making Luna blush.

“But sister, why are you going alone?” Luna asked.

“Oh? I don't mean that I was going alone. No, Princess Twilight and Dragon Lord Ember will come with me. I shall send a letter and we will depart at once. Until then I leave everything to you Luna,” Celestia then stood up and looked at the remaining members of the council. “Please, don’t delay, in case we don’t make a successful negotiation we will need to be prepared just in case. As Dallia said, I never took our problems seriously but that changes now.”

Everyone in the room nodded in agreement with Celestia as she, Twilight, and Ember departed. Starlight followed them to the chariot hall where Celestia kept all her royal chariots. THere were hundreds lined up and ready to go at a moment's notice. Starlight followed Twilight up to the chariot with their friends as the royals mounted the chariot. Celestia went first with Ember behind her, Twilight remained a moment to say farewell to her friends.

“Well, this is it. I’m off to go deal with my first diplomatic incident,” She said nervously. “Wish me luck?”

“Oh, Twilight, knowing you there won’t be any need for luck,” Starlight said.

Rainbow flew up beside her and patted the alicorn on the back. “Yeah, egghead like you and your lists, I’m sure it’ll all be fine.”

“Good luck, darling. Please be careful,” Rarity asked of her hugging Twilight with Fluttershy.

“And please make sure to come back quickly. Ponyville won’t be the same without you,” Fluttershy said softly.

“I will. Be safe all of you.”

With that twilight turned to Starlight and smiled at her student. “Starlight. I’m so proud of you and how far you’ve come under my tutelage. You really are growing into your own mare. I’m so proud.”

Thanks Twilight. Thank you for everything. Stay safe out there,” Starlight said giving one last hug before Twilight got on the chariot and it flew off into the distance.

Starlight and her friends waited for a while watching as the chariot became a speck in the distance before they retreated back into the castle to join Luna in the upcoming discussions for the wyvern defenses unaware of the dangers to come.

*Saddle Arabia*

Dallia was alone in her room brushing her mane when she heard a knocking on her door.

“Enter,” She called out for the one to enter and in came a hooded figure.

It reached it’s hood with a small black holed hoof and pulled off its cowl, revealing a changeling beneath it. She smiled sinisterly at the changeling plied her brush down and walked over to the little changeling who bowed to her.

“What is the word, 7621?” She asked it.

The changeling stood up and spoke with a gravely voice.

“The ambush was successful. We have taken twilight, and Celestia into our custody and sent our drones masquerading as them and Ember to the Wyvern Council to declare war on them.” The changeling laughed, but Dallia glared down at him.

She reached for him with her hooves but a green magical aura snapped around his neck and threw him against the wall. The changeling grunted as Dallia became engulfed in a green flame. As it subsided Queen Chrysalis stood where she once was, her horn glowing its sickly green holding the drone mercilessly as she hissed at him.

“What about the dragon?”

“Th-the dragon got away your majesty!” The changeling tried to say between being choked and sacred.

“Argh! Find her! That dragon could ruin our plans,and we need to find her before she can tell anypony about our plan!” Chrysalis then threw the changeling out the door and onto the floor. “Find Ember and bring her to me, or I’ll feed you to the wyverns myself!”

The poor changeling yelped scurrying away from his angry queen. Chrysalis hissed turning back into Dallia and continued to brush her mane. She let the feeling of the brush running through her fake hair calm her down. She looked longing into the mirror and grinned as her eyes glowed green for a second before returning to normal.

“Everything is going according to plan…”

Normal Day

A month has passed since the council meeting at Canterlot with the Wyverns. Chrysalis had taken over the country of Saddle Arabia, but thanks to Starlight and her fiends intervention the Changelings were defeated and a war with the wyverns was averted.

To the surprise of many the changelings had gone through a huge metamorphosis. After convincing several of the changelings that Chrysalis’s way of ruling wasn’t the best a sole changeling took the stand with the ponies against her. His name was Thorax.

Thorax by now was close friends with the ponies and especially Spike and Ember. The changeling showed the other changelings how to share love instead of taking it and in doing so inadvertently changed much of their race. About half of the changelings still remained loyal to Chrysalis believing it to be a deception and helped their queen flee.

Afterwards life slowly returned to normal. The changelings that reformed had moved to various places in Equestria and some even relocated to the dragonlands.

Thorax and many of his fellow changelings moved to Ponyville deep in the gem caves far below. Ponies from Ponyville had been more than less open to the idea of changelings living under the town, but some were not so hot of the idea. Worried parents like the Cakes were worried for their foals sales. Even Button’s mom threatened to move had Starlight not convinced her to meet some of the changelings herself. Specifically she arranged a meeting between Thorax and Mrs. Mash.

After that life was normal once again.

Today Starlight was busy running through Ponyville early in the morning. She made a habit to stay in shape as best she could, and nice cool morning run always helped. After that she returned to the castle and immediately went into the shower to clean herself from any sweat she accumulated from her morning run.

She used her favorite scented shampoo, rose a citrus of some kind. She thoroughly ran her hooves through her mane working up a huge amount of suds before drenching her mane in the water falling from the showerhead. Once she was done she took a long brush with her magic and applied body soap and scrubbed her coat. For a few minutes she brushed until she cleaned every spot in her body. A quick rinse later and she was done.

After drying off Starlight went to her bed and rolled over the soft comforters and stretched her limbs cracking her stiff joints. She laid there on her bed for a while allowing the sun to warm her up and dry the few wet patches of fur she’d missed. She could smell the scented soap she used which was full of lavender. It was a special recipe blend the Princess Luna had made just for her to help with her sleep anxiety.

Overall it was successful in helping Starlight get the deep sleep she’d been lacking for some time now.

As Starlight sunbathed with her windows open she felt the cool breeze pass through and over her fur sending a shiver over her, but was superseded by the warmth of the sun once again. While resting the ghost filly Glitter Heart phased through the ceiling and floated down towards the sleeping mare. Glitter looked at Starlight with a curious tilt of her head. She hadn’t actually thought about sleep since her passing and became a ghost. She knew she slept while she was alive, and all the other things living things did, but what it was like is what eluded her.

She had long forgotten what it felt like to sleep, to be tired, to be hungry, or enjoy a sweet meal, or a bad apple. (She remembered hating apples). Not that she minded, she had friends all over Ponyville. Her favorite friend was Trixie. The two often got into prank wars with Rainbow Dash and Pinkie. The last time they did Rainbow Dash took it too far and it took Glitter, Pinkie and Trixie to get her to stop after a group of foals got too scared during a Nightmare Night prank gone bad.

Rainbow was forgiven after proving to the community and the foals that what she did was just a joke, bad in taste, but still just a joke. Afterwards she made up with the foals and life went on. At this time Glitter Heart became more aware of just how lonely she was. She couldn’t remember her family. She couldn't remember her life, or if she even had a cutie mark before she perished.

She didn't have a family anymore, or if she did she didn’t remember them. For now Starlight was her family and so was Golden Claw. Maybe Thunderclap to an extent, but that’s a stretch. The little ghost floated down towards Starlight and phased her body to be partially solid, a new trick she learned thanks to Twilight. The ghost filly snuggled up against Starlight and closed her ethereal eyes and rested.

Starlight cracked her eye to see the sleeping ghost filly beside her and smiled going back to sleep in the warm sunny rays.

Then there was a gentle knock on the door. Starlight and Glitter were in a deep sleep to notice. The knock came again, but this time the door slid open and a purple muzzle peeked through the door to spot the two sleeping ponies.

Twilight was happy to see Starlight and Glitter together like this. It was nice to have the ghost filly have a positive role model to look at. Twilight walked into the room making sure to use a sound muffle spell to keep her presence secret. She looked down at her student and the ghost filly snoring soundly in their sleep. Twilight smiled and nuzzled Starlight making her smile in her sleep. She did the same with Glitter Heart and got the same result.

Twilight smiled at the sight and put a thin sheet over the two and nuzzled them each once more before leaving them to rest.

Twilight left heading back to the library to catch up on some reading about sea pony culture when she passed by Thunderclap who was passing through a hall at the time.

“Morning Clappy!” Twilight greeted the mare cheerfully trotting pass.

Thunderclap groaned lowering her head as the alicorn passed.

“I hate that name soooo much,” She grumbled continuing on.

The guardsmare finished her rounds and left the castle to patrol Ponyville. Not much was happening. Applejack and Filthy Rich were making a deal for this years cider season. Berry Punch was wobbling around again. Derpy flew overhead to deliver the mail in her brown uniform. Somewhere along the way Thunderclap noticed a tiny brown colt running around like he was looking for something.

She recognized him as Button Mash and he was on a mission. She watched him as he ran from stall to stall peeking around, over, and under everything in his path. Thunderclap cocked her head sideways as the colt stuck his head in a vase only to get it lodged in and couldn’t get out. The colts muffled screams could be heard from all those around him making Thunderclap sigh at the sight.

She trotted over to the trapped colt as three mares, Rose, Daisy, and Lily gasped at Buttons plight.

“Oh the horror! The horror!” Rose screamed.

“Someone save that colt!” Lily cried in a panic.

“Ooohh!” Daisy fainted followed closely by her two friends, Her leg twitched.

Thunderclap rolled her eyes at the three drama mares. She walked up to the struggling colt and used her magic to pop the colts head out of the vase. Button stood in place low like a cat that had been startled and wide eyed. He shook his head making slight rattling sounds as his vision cleared. Button then looked up at Thunderclap who was glaring down at him with the vase in her magical grip.

He smile at her.

“Thanks for the help, Clappy!”

Thunderclap growled baring her teeth at the colt, who didn’t realized he’d angered the beast. In an instant his world went dark as the vase turned over and lunged over his head again. Thunderclap huffed indignantly turning about face and trotted away leaving the colt to his fate, and leaving the crowd around him dumbstruck.

Button unable to see where he was going started to wander with his head in the vase. He had no idea where he was going. All he knew was when he hit something or somepony. To his great embarrassment he could not find a pny to get the vase off him, so he asked for directions on how to get home from where he was.

It was a bad idea.

The colt failed to realize he still needed to see in order to use directions to get home. As far his plan sent him to the opposite side of town. As it was, fortune smiled on Button as he passed by a large mansion donned with silver plates and a fountain that had a center piece that was several spoons shaped like a flower with water spewing from the center.

At this time Silver Spoon and Apple Bloom were walking by when they noticed Buttons predicament. The two fillies ran over to him stopping him with a gentle push to his shoulders.

“Button! What the hay happened to you?” Apple Bloom asked.

“Yeah, like why is your head in a vase?” Silver Spoon asked tugging at the vase.

Button gave a long muffled reply, to which neither filly could understand him. They shrugged and helped Button. Silver SPoon grabbed the vase while Apple Bloom pulled button from his waist. Their struggle didn’t last long, for Button’s head popped out easily with two ponies working at it. Apple Bloom fell backwards and landed on her back, while Buttons fell forward on top of Silver Spoon. Their muzzles pressed together and their lips touched making both of the blush with embarrassment.

Silver Spoon grinned at Button, even going so far as to pull him closer. ”Oh my, Button. So forward.” She said with a sultry tone. Quickly Button scrambled to his hooves, ignoring Silver Spoon’s pout. Button offer to help solve rup which she was thankful for the help. After a quick dust off Button helped Apple Bloom up.

“Thanks Button!”

“Heh, no problem girls.” He said shyly looking away from Silver Spoon.

Apple Bloom looked at Silver Spoon wondering about this shy behaviour, Silver shrugged at her feigning ignorance.

“So, what happened to ya?”

“Yeah, like how’d you get your head stuck in that vase?”

Button blushed rubbing his ear like a nervous tick.

“I, uh, I lost my joyboy. I was hoping it was along the path I walked. Heh, guess someone picked it up to claim it,” He said lowering his head. “Well, anyways. I gotta run home. Thanks again for the help Silver Spoon. Apple bloom. You girls doing anything tomorrow?”

“No, am not.”

“Me neither. Why?” Silver asked.

“Oh, well I’m going to the park I wanted to see if you and the others wanted to come along?” Button asked.

Silver Spoon and Apple Bloom mulled it over for a moment.

“Sure a’ll go with you!” Apple Bloom said.

“I’d love to come along as well,” Silver Spoon agreed. “Someone needs to keep an eye on you!”

Button blushed with a chuckle. “Yeah, guess you can do that. Star, will be there too!”

Apple Bloom smiled at the thought of seeing Starlight again, but Silver Spoon frowned. *Evil temptress.* She thought vile nasty things about Starlight all centered around her relationship with Button. It made her sick. She liked Starlight, don’t be mistaken, but there was a silent war between the two. A completely one sided war, but a war between Starlight and Silver either way.

“Well, I gotta go. I’l see you two tomorrow!”

With that Button was off like a shot heading home. Apple Bloom yawned patting her hoof over her mouth.

“Yeah, I'll be head’n home now. Bye SIlver Spoon,” Apple bloom said departing for home.

“Bye Bloom! See you tomorrow?”

“Aw hey yeah! Mah cousin Babs will be here too!”

“Great see you then!” Silver called to her friend.

Silver Spoon watched as Apple Bloom rounded the corner. Once out of sight Silver pulled her saddle bags off and opened one revealing a small blue joyboy inside with the initials B. M. on the top. Silver Spoon gave a wicked smile rubbing her hooves together as she breathed heavily and spoke softly, one word that could make the blood in you run cold.

“Soon…”

Eclairs

Author's Note

Hey there everyone. So this is the need for now. I plan to add more chapters as they come up but as promised my focus is going to my other works for now. Also, I am making a story about Commander Tempest, but won’t be releasing it for some time.

Until then enjoy this pseudo-epilogue!

Eclairs

Starlight walked into a new movie theater that recently opened up in Ponyville. She was eager to see what was going to be on the big screen. After another little adventure into the human world with Sunset and Adagio they took her to see a movie called Terminator Salvation. Starlight was amazed by what she saw, she was hoping pony movies would prove to be as thrilling as she saw in the human world.

Ponies were abuzz about what they would see. None of them had seen a movie like this before. Sure film reels were a thing, and plays, and music surround sound, but that was the brilliance of it all. Starlight could only compliment the pony who decided that combining all these things together to make a basic movie would be a great idea. If implemented correctly.

She waited in line for a long time, but eventually she got her chance.

The doors opened up and ponies flooded the ticket stand and the three ponies working it. Tickets were going fast and Starlight had to quickly get her ticket; whoever, it wasn’t meant to be. As Starlight made her way to the ticket booth the ponies had just put up sold out signs. Irritated Starlight tapped the window getting a young mares attention.

“Hey! What gives? I was in line for like, three hours! What do you mean you’re sold out?”

The young mare apologise to her and to the several other ponies behind Starlight. Eventually it was explained that there was only so many showings and there were only so many tickets and seats. So, there was a limited number they could sell. Unfortunately that limit had been reached. Grumbling Starlight left along with many other ponies.

With her day now open Starlight went to Sugarcube Corner for a little treat. The money wasn’t going to be spent on the movie anymore, so she decided to indulge herself. Walking in Starlight would have guessed by the amount of ponies in line that some of the theater goers had the same idea. Most of the ponies here however were happy, compliments of Pinkie and the Cakes who ran the place. They always had a way with words and making one feel better. Then again sweets help too.

Starlight waited in line until it was her turn and was greeted by Mr. Cake’s bright smiling face.

“Hello Mr. Cake,” Starlight greeted him smiling. “I’m here to pickup my usual order. One chocolate eclair and a bottle of milk to go please.”

Mr. Cake nodded at Starlight, but his smile wavered. “Hello Starlight. I’m sorry but we just ran out of eclairs. We should have a fresh batch in about an hour if you are willing to wait.”

She kept her smile and nodded to the stallion. “I’ll come back then. Can you hold it for me Mr. Cake?”

Mr. Cake sudden gets nervous. He looked around and leaned over the counter, as if expecting someone to be spying on him.

“Don’t worry, I’ll keep your order. Just make sure to hurry,” He said pointing to the back doors to the kitchen. “My wife hates it when I do that. First come first serve, you know?”

“I understand. I’ll try to make it back in time.”

Mr. Cake smiled at Starlight and breathed a sigh of relief.

“Thanks Starlight, you are very different from when you first came to this town. You’ve grown a lot since then,” Mr. Cake said kindly to her.

“Yeah, I guess that’s true.”

Starlight blushed turning to leave. Ponies gathered into a line behind her as she talked to Mr. Cake. The line of ponies was now extending out the door. Starlight trotted past all the ponies and left Sugarcube Corner to head off into town. After walking around the town and meeting some ponies Starlight took a long walk around the outer edge of town heading back to Sugarcube Corner. Along the way Rainbow Dash flew overhead followed close behind by Scootaloo on her scooter. The little pegasus filly waved to Starlight as she passed by and zipped off right behind Rainbow, never slowing down even a pace.

Smiling at the sight of the two made Starlight’s heart flutter. She wished she had a younger sibling who looked up to her. She immediately thought of Button Mash. The young brown colt she’d been dating over the last several months. She wondered if they would ever get to a point where they could open up to their relationship. It was only two years, she could wait.

For now her eclairs were calling her. She passed by the school where the foals were all playing various games or sitting to eat their lunches in small groups. Starlight kept her eyes open for a familiar propeller hat among the crowds. Not seeing the pony she was looking for she continued on the dirt path towards Sugarcube Corner. When she arrived Starlight was amazed to see several ponies in a long line outside the bakery. Sighing she stepped into the long congested line that cut off the main road with the many bodies of ponies. A half hour later Starlight was in the bakery and Mrs. Cake was at the register smiling at her as she approached.

“Well, well, hello deary, how are you today?” Mrs. Cake asked sweetly.

“Hello Mrs. Cake. I’m here to pick up my usual.”

“I see. Please wait here. I’ll go fetch it for you.”

Mrs. Cake left to the back to gather up Starlight’s order. While Starlight waited she gathered the bits she’d need to pay for her order. She’d ordered this so many times she already had the necessary bits for it. Just then two hooves blocked her vision. A smile crept on her face as a familiar voice spoke from the darkness.

“Guess who?”

“Hmm. Who could it be indeed?” Starlight feigned ignorance. “Oh! I think it’s. . . Button!”

“Aw, you got me!” The colt said, removing his hooves to hug Starlight around the neck.

Starlight nuzzled him back. “And how have you been Button? I hope you’re not playing hookie, or Miss Cheerilee will be cross with you, and me.”

“Nah, it’ll be fine!” Button assured her.

Just then Mrs. Cake returned with Starlight's order. After paying for it and giving the mare a fond farewell Starlight and Button left Sugarcube Corner and headed back to the school. Along the way Starlight offered button part of an eclair.

“So, Button, where were you when I came by the first time?” Starlight asked biting her eclair.

“I was behind you the whole time. Not to worry though, my stealth skill is my best skill! So, it’s no surprise you didn’t see me coming.”

Starlight giggled grabbing the colt around the neck with her arm and giving him a playful noogie. Button laughed and struggled to break free, but failed in his futile attempts. After she released him the colt sprang up and landed on her back. He returned the noogie with a vengeance and ruffled Starlight’s mane completely messing it up. Despite this the two enjoyed their little spat until they reached the school where the school bell rang. Starlight levitated Button to the ground and gently nuzzled him. Afterwards the colt ran off towards the school and joined his classmates inside to begin their lessons.

Starlight smiled and returned home to the castle. Thunderclap was standing near the entrance with Golden Claw opposite of ehr. Starlight winked at Claw earning a small grin from him. She then turned to hug Thunderclap only to get a blush and a small scowl. Starlight giggled patting Thunderclap on the chest and left to go to her room.

Starlight walked through the halls until she reached her room. Opening the door the mare leapt onto her bed and buried her face into the pillows. Her eclairs and milk were magically set on her dresser next to her. Laying there she decided to take a nap for the day. She was a happy lazy pony. Of course she was a hard worker too, and the day that would come for her to prove it would come sooner than she expected. Fornow she basked in the sun and waited for her mentor to return home, content that her life had turned out for the better. For tomorrow was her first real assignment. She had to rekindle her relationship with her old friend Sunburst.

28 Pranks Later (With a Ghost!)

Author's Note

Hey there folks! I just want to warn you this chapter is more closer to teen rating for panties and senpai noticed me, things! Other than that take what you will from this random silliness.

28 Pranks Later (With a Ghost!)

Glitter Heart floated through Starlight’s door to the unicorns room. She scratched her head, more out of habit than need. She looked around and saw she lost her panty head cover she “borrowed” from Thunderclap. She giggled and shrugged before continuing on her way towards Starlight’s bed.

There she saw the mare with Button lying with her in the dark room and smiled at them. She wanted to squeal out loud but was too afraid she’d awaken them. Worse yet, she remembered the last time she awoke Starlight from her sleep, it wasn’t pretty. Had she not already been dead she was sure she would have been doomed then. She never saw such a display of power since the day she died.

Ironically it would have been the same type of death. Death by magical ray of destruction.

She floated over the two sleeping ponies and looked over them. Button was nuzzling Starlight in her neck curled up and protected by her like a mother deer would her fawn. Glitter Heart daw's and pulled up the covers over the two of them before floating out of the room and back into the hall.

She looked around and saw no trace of any pony. So, she floated down the corridors until she reached her destination. A small room at the edge of a long hall of mirrors where a familiar of tune, tone deaf voice sang with the sound of running water from a shower with it.

“??Aaand I feel alive! Ohohohohooo!!??”

Glitter Heart grinned and floated through the door and into the room that belonged to Thunderclap. The mare just got back and was showering before taking the rest of the day off.

“??All I care about is yooooouu!!??”

Glitter Heart floated over towards the bathroom and phased through the door into the steaming hot room. She glanced around the bathroom to see several different types of beauty products lying about the counter. Floating closer to take a closer look Glitter Heart noticed several types of makeup, eye liner, mascara, mane curlers, face powder, all sorts of things she never once thought the uptight mare guard would have. Then again after finding her stash un cute under garments she didn’t really feel surprised by this discovery, but Thunderclaps singing still sounded like a robot cat in a blender!

The ghost filly just floated in place inspecting the various things around the counter when the shower turned off. A thought ran through her phantasmal head and quickly she retreated into the bedroom with a goofy grin. She floated into the drawer where Thunderclap kept her stash and hid there.

A few minutes later Thunderclap emerged from her bathroom with a towel wrapped around her mane. She sighed feeling content after her shower. She rubbed her mane vigorously trying to dry it with the towel as she approached her dresser. Using her magic she pulled open the drawer revealing her personal panty collection. She picked out a pair and slipped them on taking a quick look to admire the cute little kitten prints on it. She loved the little Neighponiesse style cat winking with the paw print next to it. Throwing on her bathrobe she closed her drawer and turned to walk away when she heard it slide open again.

“What the?” She turned to see it wide open.

“What the heck?” She used her magic to close it again.

Then it flung open startling her.

“GAH!!”

The grown mare leapt ten whole hooves into the air and landed on her bed. She drew her spear from the other side of the room and pointed it at the drawer, giving an experimental poke.

“AIIIEEEEE!!!”

Thunderclap screamed as a blood curdling scream came from her drawer after she poked it with the spear. She fell over on the floor as red liquid started spewing out from the drawer. She started shakily at the drawer pointing her spear at it as the drawer began to slide in and out of itself as words came from it.

“AHH! WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT!?! I HAVE A HUSBAND AND TWO KIDS!!” The drawer screamed in agonizing pain. “OH! THE PAIN!! I CAN’T STAND THE PAIN!” The drawer said, as more red liquid shot out of it, now oozing on the sides.

Thunderclap stared in bewilderment at the drawer. Unsere of what to say she dropped her spear and dragged herself closer to the drawer and gently touched it.

“N-no! I’m sorry! I didn’t know you were alive! I’m sorry!” She cried hugging the red stained drawer. “I’m so sorry!”

The drawer cried out once more saying in pained sobs, “I-I-i can’t stand the pain! Make it stop!! Oh! End my suffering!!”

Sniffing thunderclap felt great pity for the drawer. She didn’t realized how hard it was for it to be suffering like this. It must have happened recently due to some magical mishap. She wanted to get help from Twilight but was concerned by the amount of red spewing out of the drawer. She didn’t want the poor thing to suffer.

Taking her spear in her hooves thunderclap sobbed hard as the drawer begged her to end its suffering. She brought the spear up and jabbed it down on the drawer as more red shot out of it onto her pink fluffy robe.

“AHHH!! WHY!?! WHHYYYY!!?!!”

“AHHH! I’M SORRY! I’M SO SORRY!!” Thunderclap cried as she kept impaling the wooden drawer over and over again tearing through her personal collection as the screaming died down and the drawer finally went silent.

Thunderclap felt a huge relief and guilt overcame her as she slumped down beside the drawer and hugged it. She cried openly feeling she was responsible for taking a life and without any reason for it. For a minute she cried for the drawer creature when the voice that the drawer had suddenly came back.

At first Thunderclap wasn’t sure what was going on but she was sure it was the voice from the drawer. It Was… laughing?

Thunderclap glanced around her room taking up her spear once more and pointed it wildly around the room. A new sense of fear overcame her when she realized she might have just cursed herself for the rest of her life. Until a small ghostly apparition appeared above her drawer rolling in midair.

“AHAHAHAH! That was priceless! AAAHHHAAHAH!” The ghost barked out laughing. “Oh, the face! THE FACE YOU MADE!! AHAHAHAHA!”

“Wh-what?!” Thunderclap looked at the drawer then back at the ghost filly floating over it as something in her head clicked.

Deep in her mind the metaphorical hamster wheel was spinning and spinning until it came to a full stop. Her face went from sadness, to confusion, and then unbridled anger as she realized what had just happened.

“You-you fiend! You horrible little brat-ghost… THING!! Why would you do that to somepony!?!” Thunderclap screamed at Glitter Heart who managed to find some manner of control over her laughing.

“Ah, you’re so uptight! Don’t worry about it! I meant nothing by it, it was a prank,” Glitter Heart said waving her ethereal hoof dismissively.

Thunderclap; however, was seething with anger and embarrassment. Then she realized just how far this ‘prank’ went. She felt her heart race ss she looked down at a open can of tomato juice in her drawer. Her drawer of her most prized and valued collection she had.

“Nn-no… nooo,” She dropped to her knees and picked up a pair of her panties.

The silky smooth texture of it was fouled and discolored, no doubt stained forever, by the tomato juice. She then used her magic to levitate a small glass bottle from her upper drawer. Glitter Heart looked at the bottle with keen interest, floating over to like at it up close.

“What’s that?” She asked with childish curiosity in her voice.

Thunderclap turned to the ghost filly with a murderous grin on her face as she pulled the quark out of the bottle and levitated the bottle towards Glitter Heart. The ghost filly stared at the bottle as it tilted and poured a sizable amount of water onto her.

Then she felt it. Glitter heart felt the liquid make contact with her ghostly body and began to hiss as a burning sensation overcame her. Glitter Heart’s tiny etheral eyes dilated and went wide as she screamed flying around like a drunk pegasus while Thunderclap grinned at her.

“This is holy water you horrible abomination,” Thunderclap declared darkly, standing up. “After our last encounter I vowed vengeance on you. I came prepared for this.”

Glitter Heart panicked as the mare charged her with the holy water and made a hasty retreat out of the bedroom and fled down the hall past Golden Claw who had Thunderclap’s panties from earlier in his claw. He stared at the retreating ghost filly who was screaming as she ‘ran’ down the hall and around a corner.

A moment later there was a massive explosion behind him. Insteinctivly he hid th epaniteis under his wing. Just as the undergarment was hidden from view a fully armored up Thunderclap stopped at his side panting heavily with a psychotic look in her eyes. She was panting, her eyes were dilated and shooting back and forth wildly, and she wore a grin that looked like she just broke out of an asylum.

“Where is sheeee?” Thunderclap hissed looking at Golden Claw, invading his personal space and brought her nose an inch from his beak.

“Thunderclap, I think you really should breath and-”

“WHERE IS THE LITTLE MONSTER!?!” Thunderclap yelled, shaking the poor grifon.

“She went down the hall!!’” Golden Claw quickly yelped.

Thunderlcap’s head snapped in the direction he indicated and dropped him like a lead eight and darted down the hall laughing maniacally.

Thunderclap ran down the halls looking for the little specter filly. She ran past maids, butlers, and other guards, and completely ignored the strange looks she was getting by everypony she passed by. When she ran past a certain room a highly posh voice called out to her.

“Thunderclap darling? Whatever is this ruckuss you’re making about?”

Thunderclap came to a skidding halt. She turned to see Rarity standing by a door with a concerned look on her face. Thunderclap felt her cheeks burn as the beautiful mare approached her. She felt her body go rigid and stiff as she thought back to a book she got from Twilight’s library without anypony knowing, How to get Senpai to notice you: For DUMMIES EDITION 2.

The white unicorn approached Thunderclap and gently reached for her rubbing the guards back. Thunderclap inhaled deeply not daring to move as the mare rubbed her back, she felt her heart was about ready to explode as she racked her brain for something to say. *Why didn’t I run down the hall with bread in my mouth?!* She mentally scolded herself. *Maybe I could try giggling nervously? Would she think it’s cute? She never replied to my letters in her mailbox, then again I never said they were from me either…*

“Darling you are so tense! We must get you to relax or you’ll get yourself an ulcer at this rate!” Rarity said tugging at the amres arm but was stopped by her pulling back. “Thunderclap? What’s wrong?”

Thunderclap looked down, her mane shadowed her eyes from view as she released a weary sigh. *Perhaps I could try the yandere approach, or was it Dandere? Tsundere?* Her thoughts were cut off when Rarity gently touched the mares cheek with her hoof.

“Rarity,” Thunderclap yelped suddenly startling Rarity.

“Wh-what is it, darling?” Rarity asked, concerned for her friend.

“Remember those panties I ordered?” She asked rarity, who nodded.

“Yes, I remember you order over one hundred pairs with custom designs. Why?” She asked.

Thunderclap sobbed and collapse on the ground, wrapping her arms around rarity’s waist.

“I’m so sorry rarity! The ghost made me do it! I loved those panties so much, but that horrible ghost filly made me ruin them!!” Thunderclap cried into Rarity’s chest.

“What are you talking about, darling?” Rarity asked feeling her ear and eye twitch.

For the next few minutes Thunderclap explained what happened in her room with the ghost filly, who Rarity didn’t know about but was surprised all the same by it. She heard mention of the castle being haunted but never once thought about it. Then the part about the panties came to an end and before Thunderclap could continue on, Rarity had a flicker of a flame in her eyes.

“Thunderclap. I’m going to help you exorcise that demon ghost.”

Thunderclap perked up at rarity clasping her hooves over the fashionistas.

“Really!? You’ll help avenge the panteis?”

Rarity grinned widely, “Yes! I can't allow such a fate to befall such lavish garments go unpunished! But we must be careful. This ghost sounds like a real prankster. We'll need help.”

Rarity looked up at the ceiling as if she saw something of interest and smiled pulling Thunderclap along as she darted down the halls. Poor Thunderclap stumbled to get her hooves going as she followed Rarity close. *She noticed me and I didn’t botch it! Eat it Spike!* She thought following the unicorn out of the castle before she asked, “Where are we going?”

Rarity gave a snooty laugh and replied, “We’re going to get professional help!”

Thunderclap cocked her head sideways. “Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie?”

“Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie.”