The New Kidsby ParkerthePegasisterChaptersPrologueChapter 1Chapter 2Chapter 3ProloguePrincess Celestia paced back and forth in front of Twilight Sparkle, a reformed Sombra, and the others. She was panting, sweating, and shook with every step. Sombra seemed uneasy too, considering that his wife, Luna, was having a baby today. It was a colt alicorn. Rarity's horn glistened as she levitated a magazine toward herself, but still sweating with nervous excitement. Pinkie Pie bounced up and down, rambling about whatever gifts she had for the foal. A crib, sippy cups, clothes from the Carousel Boutique, board books, toy trains. All types of stuff. Rainbow Dash talked to Fluttershy about how fast the baby was going to be. Twilight just sat there, looking worried. Applejack crossed her hooves, tapping the back ones on the floor as if she was anxious to see the baby. Fluttershy simply listened to Rainbow Dash's ramble with keen eyes. "Well, congrats, Sombra! You're gonna be a dad!" Pinkie got around to saying. Sombra smiled, sweating nervously. "Yeah, I'm worried, though." Fluttershy turned her head. "About what?" "Birth defects?" Rainbow asked, cocking a brow. "No, it's that I'm worried about if the baby will even survive. Frankly, I'm worried about both of them." "Don't be, darling!" Rarity said, putting the magazine on the small wooden table with a few pieces of paper that Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo were drawing pictures on. "The baby will be fine. The doctors found nothing wrong with him so far." The use of the word "so far" worried Sombra a bit. From a few rooms down the hall, they heard blood-curdling screams. Sombra sunk into his chair, his pupils growing smaller by the second. Celestia bit her lip as her pupils shrunk. After a few minutes, the muffled sounds of a baby's sobs filled the room as the screams slowly subsided. A few seconds later, the long beeping of a machine could be heard. Tears filled Sombra's eyes as they did Celestia's. Everyone else, knowing nothing about medical stuff, shrugged. Zaps could be heard, one after the other, until finally, they stopped. Hoofsteps made their way through the hallway as they got louder. The door to the waiting room opened. A nurse stepped inside, her eyes stinging with tears. "Y-your majesty... Your sister... She gave birth to a healthy young colt, but... she didn't make it." Every pony in the room broke down into tears, leaving several puddles on the ground. Chapter 1The sun was halfway visible in the horizin as a black alicorn tossed and turned in his bed. He had grown to be a very handsome stallion. He was currently about fifteen. Prince Blackhoof was his name, King Sombra his father. His mother was Princess Celestia, or so he thought. She had taken him in after his real mother gave birth to him, but did not make it. Blackhoof's eyes opened with a pop. "Crap, I'm late!" he exclaimed, throwing off the silken comforter and flinging off of the bed. He was late for a meeting with his friends that he had promised to attend, that started right before the sun rose. He levitated a mane brush from a cupboard in the bathroom. He yanked at his ethereal but spiked strands. A few knots were pulled, but they were taken out easily. He pulled out his hairspray and spritzed it on his scalp. He levitated a toothbrush and covered the bristles with minty toothpaste, scrubbing it on his teeth for exactly two minutes. He spit out the paste and turned on some cold water. Blackhoof rinsed the toothbrush and filled a cup with the water, putting some in his mouth and spitting it out. When he was done, he got out some tweezers and plucked at the loose feathers of his wings. Once that was finished, he flew out of the door, zipping out of the hallway and into the dining room, where a butler pony stood. The butter-colored unicorn with dark blue hair levitated a bowl of berries and hay with a fork. The regal alicorn sat down, picked up the fork with his wing, and started eating. By now, the sun was three quarters of the way risen. Soon, he wiped his muzzle with a napkin and darted out to the throne room, then to the hallway, then out of the front door of the Canterlot Castle. * * * Moonlit Shimmer, an entirely blue pegasus with a moon-balloon for a cutie mark, bounced around the tree house, fluttering his undersized wings frantically. Despite being impatient, he was excited for his friends' first official meeting. All they had to do was wait for Blackhoof to get there. Then they could get started. Gemdancer, a blue pegasus with brown hair, her cutie mark having a sixteenth note with a diamond, sat daintily in a bean bag chair, careful not to get her hair messy. She literally brushed it ten times when she woke up, nine of those times because she felt a strand go over her shoulders. Her ear twitched and bright blue wings unfurled at the sound of Blackhoof's voice. "Guys! Sorry I'm late!" The wooden door swung open as a black alicorn with orange, yellow, and black hair swept inside. A dark pink pegasus with bright chestnut hair squeaked in reaction. Her name was Delicate Dreamer. Her cutie mark was a crescent-shaped moon with several stars around it. Natural Note, a cyan unicorn with a microphone with three eighth notes for a cutie mark, looked at him and smiled sarcastically. "Took you long enough," she uttered, giggling slightly. She quickly corrected herself. "Oh, sorry. Not how I'm supposed to speak to royalty, right?" Blackhoof laughed. "No Natural, it's fine." A goldenrod earth pony stallion with a black heart and a needle for a cutie mark, named Goldenheart, stood up. "Knew you'd show up. Better late than never, right?" "Yeah. Hey Moonlit, thanks for letting us use your tree house for our first meeting." "Oh, don't mention it, Blackhoof! It's no trouble at all! In fact, we could use this place for all the meetings! I've never been so excited for a meeting before! Have you? I've actually never been so excited at all, but that's not the point! I am honored to declare our first bestest-friends meeting begun!" Everyone in the room cheered. A snow-white mare with a pink and purple mane, whose name was Curious Canter, stood up. "Hey Moonlit, is there any particular reason for these best friend meetings?" Moonlit's eyes widened and his smile turned into a thin line. "Only best friends hold meetings. And we're all best friends, right?" Everyone in the room yelled, "Right!" "So let's get started! Okay, first item of the day, how was your morning?" Delicate rose her hoof. Moonlit Shimmer pointed to her. "Delicate Dreamer?" "Um... I woke up to my pet rabbit scratching my ear. I had a salad and hay sandwich for breakfast. My mom caught me eating and she wondered what I was doing, so I had to tell her... um... if that was okay..." Moonlit raised a hoof. "It's fine! I never said you couldn't tell any pony!" Delicate smiled weakly. Gemdancer raised a hoof. Shimmer pointed to her. "Gem?" "I woke up to the normal bedhead. I actually brushed my mane and tail ten times! I ate a few mandarin oranges for breakfast. I told my father where I was going, so I didn't have to worry about them." Goldenheart rose his hoof. "Gold?" "I woke up to some sick beats from my little sister, who, by the way, is a DJ!" Every pony clapped their hooves together. "So, I ate some oatmeal for breakfast, with a banana for the side." "Curious?" "I woke up to my dad yelling at my mom, again. I had an apple and some caramel dip for breakfast." "I am so sorry... I hate it when your parents fight. They're just big party poopers! Natural?" "I woke up to the karaoke machine. I sang along, then got ready as fast as possible. I had buttered toast for breakfast." "Blackhoof?" "I woke up to my mom raising the sun. I made the mistake of brushing my teeth before eating a fruit salad for breakfast. Then, I got here." "Moonlit? Oh wait, that's me! I woke up to my dog licking my face. I had pancakes without syrup, 'cause I was in such a hurry." Curious trotted up and tapped Blackhoof's shoulder. "Hey Blackhoof, don't you come to realize that your mom looks nearly nothing like you? Sorry if I sound rude, but if Princess Celestia is your mom, shouldn't you resemble her at least a little bit?" Blackhoof pondered this for a moment. "I never really thought about that." He flew out of the tree houses without a word. They all looked at each other and shrugged. * * * Princess Celestia sat upon her throne, levitating many scrolls. Gala invitations, fan mail, betrothal requests, and tons more. The gigantic double doors to the throne room opened, revealing Blackhoof. Celestia smiled. "Son, you're home! How was your first meeting?" "I have a question." "Sure honey, anything." "Are you my real mother?" Celestia looked surprised. "Pardon me?" "Are you my real mother? If you are, shouldn't I resemble you just a little bit?" "Of course I am. Who else could be?" "I don't know, exactly." "Where did you come up with such a ridiculous question?" "My friend pointed it out." Celestia bit her lower lip. "When you're older, I'll tell you about your real mother. But for now, simply wait." Chapter 2Blackhoof sighed. He flew out of the throne room and zipped out of the castle, flying into the city to visit his father. * * * King Sombra sat on the couch, levitating a mug of coffee from the table in front of him. He took a sip, then started to remember. He started to remember Luna, how she was so kind. How she cared for every pony. How she passed away giving birth to his son. A tear trickled down his face. He heard a knock at the door and stood up to go answer it. His son, Blackhoof, stood there. Sombra grinned. "Son," he uttered, bringing Blackhoof into a strong embrace. The fifteen year old alicorn returned the hug, then stepped back. "Father, I need to ask you something." "Sure, come on in." Sombra stepped aside, letting his son into the comfort of his home. Then, he shut the door, turning and facing Blackhoof. "What is it you wanted to ask me?" "Who is my real mother?" Sombra broke a sweat. How was he supposed to tell him that his mother died? "Your mother... Her name was Luna. She was good and kind, cared about every pony she met. She passed away giving birth to you." Blackhoof looked confused. "What kind of connection did my real mom have with Celestia?" "Luna was Celestia's sister." Blackhoof's jaw dropped. "Celestia's my aunt?" "Yes. Is that all?" "Yeah. Thanks, Dad," he said, hugging his father before walking out the door. * * * Applejack sat in a rocking chair. She was forty years old. She had a few gray streaks in her mane and tail, as well as a few wrinkles. Apple Bloom was about twenty-eight, already had her own home in Ponyville, and was engaged to Pipsqueak. Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle were already married to each other. Rarity stepped out of their bedroom, wiping her tired eyes. She too had gray streaks in her hair. The alabaster unicorn kissed her wife's cheek. "Good morning, darling. Did you sleep well?" Applejack smiled. "Yeah, I slept like a foal." "Good. I always want the best for you, my dear. What say you to some breakfast?" "I am a mite famished. I'll fix somethin' up." "No no no, darling, I would like to cook today. I insist." "If you really want to." Rarity trotted off into the kitchen, prepared to make the best meal that her lover had ever tasted. That moment was cut short when both of their cutie marks began to glow. "The map," they both muttered at the same time. * * * Rainbow Dash yawned and stretched as she drowsily rose from the covers. She looked beside her, and, as always, her lover was not there. Pinkie Pie had always been the early bird of the house. Rainbow Dash had gray strips in her hair, as did every one of her friends, with the exception of Twilight. Being an alicorn, she stays young forever. She opened the bedroom door with a wing, stepping out to an abnormally quiet hallway. Despite being forty, Pinkie can still be really loud and energetic. She felt a tingling sensation on her flank, then looked back at it. It was glowing. Dash flew out of the household and toward the castle of which Twilight lived in. Pinkie could be seen along the way, bouncing happily as her flank shimmered. She looked up, grinning joyfully as she could make out Rainbow Dash. "Hi, Dashie!" she yelled. She waved one of her hooves. They both sped into the castle, cantering toward the throne room, where six chairs sat around a table, where all six of their cutie marks sat upon a 3D model of Canterlot. Rainbow sat in her chair, then Applejack, then Pinkie, then Rarity. Fluttershy burst through the doors, then sat upon her throne as well. Twilight and spike, still fresh as daisies, sat in their chairs as they arrived. "The map called all of us to Canterlot?" Rarity's eyes shimmered. "I haven't visited in years! I'll visit the castle to see how Celestia's nephew is doing. I'll also check on my boutique, bring a few more dresses there to sell-" Twilight spoke up. "That's not what the map's called us to do. I received these in the mail without a stamp," she said, levitating a box. She set it on the map, opening it and turning the box toward her friends. They all gasped. In the box were five necklaces with a crown, all having jewels glowing red. "I think we need to take these with us." Fluttershy spoke up. "Shouldn't we wear them just in case?" "Why would we do that?" "I don't know, I just had the feeling." Twilight levitated the necklaces over to her friends, putting theirs on at the same time that she had put on her crown. However, when the necklaces touched their necks, they shocked them. Pinkie spoke. "Why is this happening?" The lavender princess brought a book over to herself, opening it and reading some page in the back of the book. She gasped. "We became the bearers of the Elements of Harmony when we were all twenty years old, correct?" They all nodded. Twilight turned the book around for all of them to read. "It says that every twenty years, new bearers must be found." Rainbow looked down at her necklace. She noticed something different. Instead of it being a lightning bolt, it was a broken heart with three lines connecting the two pieces. Pinkie's and Rarity's stayed the same, though. But every pony else's changed. Applejack's necklace, instead of having an apple, had a microphone. Fluttershy's was a crescent-shaped moon. Twilight's, instead of having a six-pointed star, had a skull. All six of them got out of their chairs and headed toward the train station to find whoever were the next bearers of the Elements of Harmony. * * * Blackhoof strolled along the streets, eyeing the various shops that were open that day. One of them sold vegetables and fruit, several sold foals' toys, and a few sold dresses and accessories. The Canterlot Carousel was run by some pony who had been like a mother to him, as did all of her friends; Rarity. He kept going. He promised a visit to Curious' house at noon, and it was eleven forty-five. She had wanted the others to be there too, so she asked them as well. The purple wooden front door to Curious' home came into view as Blackhoof sped up. He soon arrived on her driveway, then skidded to a stop. He could hear loud snaps coming from inside, and fierce yelling, mixed with the crying of a mare. The curtains draped over the windows, unlike every other time. He could hear Curious pleading, "Please, st-AH!" Another snap. His heart thundering in his chest, Blackhoof cantered onto the front porch and knocked frantically. After a few seconds, a curtain moved, but before he could look, it was back where it was. He heard voices. "It's your friend. Go get the door." A few seconds, full of the sound of whimpering, passed. "Now!" Another snap. "I guess I have to do everything myself!" The handle jiggled, then the purple door opened, revealing an ivory earth pony stallion with a whip on his back. "Your highness," he muttered, bowing in front of him. Blackhoof beckoned for him to rise. "What's going on in there? Your walls are not soundproof. I can hear... screaming... and snapping." The stallion stammered. "I-it's a mov-movie th-that we're watching... right, Curious?" After a couple seconds of silence, Blackhoof could hear a faint "uh-huh." Blackhoof didn't know what to do. Was he really watching a movie with Curious' voice in it? And the sounds were too loud to have possibly been a television program. He had to get to the bottom of this, and fast. "Sir, I think you are lying to me. May I see my friend please?" The stallion began to sweat. "No. Bye. See you later, your majesty." He began to close the door, but Blackhoof stopped it with his magic. "Show me Curious Canter," he said with anger in his eyes. The ivory earth pony left the door and trotted in the direction of the living room. It took a minute, but finally, he and Curious Canter stepped outside. Curious was wearing a black cloak with sunglasses. Blackhoof furrowed his brows. His horn lit up as the cloak and sunglasses floated off of her. She was a mess. She had a black eye. Several wounds from the whip, as well as twice as many bruises. A few of the marks from the whip were hit so hard that they were cut open. Her nose was bleeding, as was her lower lip. From how she looked, it was as if she couldn't stand up. Blackhoof covered his mouth with a hoof. For the first time in months, his eyes stung with tears. He turned his head at the sound of five sets of hooves galloping their way. He quickly turned back and stepped forwards. "I am shocked, sir. Why would you treat such an innocent, sweet pony like that?!" A few guards patrolling the streets had gathered around as Blackhoof continued. "You are under arrest for foal abuse. Take him away." The guards walked forwards, cornering the stallion. They cuffed him and carried him away. Curious stood there and cried, shaking. Blackhoof held her close with a wing and led her inside. A minty green earth pony mare walked out of her room. "What was all the commotion?" Her eyes widened at Curious' condition. "Honey, what happened?!" She looked at Blackhoof and bowed immediately. "Your grace," she said before rising. "What happened to my daughter?" "Her father-" She grunted in frustration. "I am so sorry about my husband, he has been abusing her for the longest time and forced us not to tell any pony. I have wanted to, but when I did, he had always denied it. Thank you for coming. I suppose your friends are here as well?" "Yes, we have come for a meeting that Curious had wanted us to attend." The minty mare lit up. "I've got some snacks for you and your friends. Curious, I'll get you some bandages and frozen peas." Curious smiled. "Thanks, Mom." Blackhoof felt a tingling sensation on his flank. He looked there, and his cutie mark, a skull, was glowing red. Natural Note, Gemdancer, Delicate Dreamer, Goldenheart, and Moonlit Shimmer all cantered into the house, their flanks shimmering with red hues. Natural and Blackhoof both had a magic surge. A white flash, then all of them, except Curious, were gone. * * * Once the world came into focus, Blackhoof and his friends could make out the train station. A train zipped their way. The train from Ponyville. As it came to a halt, the doors opened, revealing six mares, all of them Blackhoof recognized as the Elements of Harmony. Twilight Sparkle levitated a box in front of herself. Rarity ran toward Blackhoof, stopping right in front of him and bowing. "Fantastic to see you again, Prince Blackhoof. How have you been?" "I've been fine, thank you." Twilight looked at him and gasped. She opened the box, then pulled out a crown, placing it on his head. The tingling in his flank stopped. Twilight gasped. "You are the next Element of Magic!" Chapter 3Blackhoof cocked a brow. "I'm what now?" Twilight tried to speak, but was interrupted by the necklaces floating out of the box. Applejack's necklace floated over Natural Note, Rainbow Dash's floated over Goldenheart, Rarity's floated over Gemdancer, Pinkie's floated over Moonlit Shimmer, and Fluttershy's floated over Delicate Dreamer. The glowing in their flanks stopped, as it did the necklaces and the crown. Rarity strolled over to Gemdancer. "Darling, you are simply gorgeous! Where did you get your amazing dress? I think it looks familiar." "I got it from The Canterlot Carousel. I heard you run it?" "Why yes! Do you buy a lot of clothes from that specific place?" "Of course, it's the store holding the trendiest clothes in Canterlot." Rarity beamed. Blackhoof broke up their conversation. "What are you guys here for, other than... this?" Twilight looked back at her flank, but it wasn't calling her home yet. She shrugged. "I have no clue. The cutie map isn't calling us home yet, so we might as well stay a while." "Well, none of my friends have been in the castle, and I've heard that you six haven't explored much of it. Why don't I give you a tour?" Rarity and Rainbow Dash exchanged glances. "We've had tours of the castle before," Rainbow Dash said. "We've also been here for the Grand Galloping Gala quite a few times. Sorry." Delicate Dreamer had an idea. "Have any of you eaten at The Horse's Halt?" Pinkie Pie cocked a brow. "What in the world is that? And where in the world is that?" "It's a really fancy restaurant. You can have a four-course meal for twelve bits. I think it's a pretty good deal. We could find it on Bridle Drive." Applejack furrowed a brow. "As long as they don't make us put our napkins in our laps or anythin' like that, I'm all for it." Rainbow followed up on that. "Yeah, places like that have control freaks for bosses." They high-hoofed. Delicate giggled. "Well, they don't find it gross if you don't. Well, it's settled. We're going to The Horse's Halt. I'll pick up Curious Canter, then we'll go." They all walked in a group out of the station. Every pony that they trotted or flew by stopped to stare at Twilight and her friends. Occasionally, a paparazzi would jump out in front of them and want a few pictures. The requests were always denied. A simple white house with a purple front door came into view to the group. They trotted up and Twilight knocked on the front door. After a few seconds, a minty earth pony mare answered the door. "Hello again! Oh my goodness! Princess Twilight Sparkle! Come on in." The group of twelve stepped inside. A white earth pony with several whip marks, scars, bruises, and a black eye sat on the couch with ice packs, bandages, and bags of frozen peas strapped to her. She looked up ad smiled. Delicate and Fluttershy were on the verge of tears while everybody just stared. Curious Canter got to her hooves and waved. "Hey guys! How's it going?" She looked like her hooves were going to give out under her. Natural used her magic to keep her from toppling over. Moonlit Shimmer asked, "What happened to you?" "My dad happened. Luckily, my mom was here to help. I already feel a lot better." Goldenheart spoke up. "Good thing too, 'cause we're going to The Horse's Halt!" Everybody glared at him. He corrected himself quickly. "Of course, we wouldn't want our best friend to be injured, either." Curious rolled her eyes, shaking her head as if she had witnessed a big sports fail. She reached with a hoof, trying to get her ice packages and frozen peas off, but she kept the bandages on. Rarity uncovered her wounds and gasped. These were worse than she thought. Much worse. Fluttershy turned and buried her face in Twilight's shoulder as she shed a few tears. Applejack reached into her saddlebag and pulled out a miniature apple pie. "Y'all look like you're starvin'." She walked forwards and outstretched her hoof, offering it to Curious. Curious smiled, taking the treat with a hoof and nibbling on it. She grinned with delight and took bigger bites. Twilight turned to leave, along with every pony else. Fluttershy still kept her head on the princess' shoulder as they did so. As they trotted out the door, the minty earth pony waved goodbye. "Alright, let's go to The Horse's Halt!" exclaimed Moonlit Shimmer. As the group strolled about the streets of Canterlot, all of the buildings seemed to to reach out at them, saying, "come in, come in. We have delicious food for you." But, they ignored the great scents from the buildings until they stopped in front of one; The Horse's Halt. The group of thirteen walked inside, and a blast of cool air took over them as they escaped the heat of summer. A mare stood behind a wooden pedestal. She waved to them. "Hello, Delicate Dreamer! The usual four course for you and your friends?" Delicate smiled. "Oh, of course! I'm sure they'll love it. Though, we are a big group. Are your waiters and waitresses up for putting a few tables together?" "Of course!" Three stallions with bow ties walked briskly out of a door a little to the left of the mare and headed toward a rectangular table for eight. They lifted the table beside it together and put the two together, taking out three chairs and placing them to the right. The team of mares walked over and sat in their places. There was a blue button in the middle of the table. Delicate sat in front of it. She reached out with a hoof and pressed it. Within seconds, a waitress trotted over to the table with a trolley. It had three bubbling pots on it, as well as several plates of small, cubed bread, carrots, and apple slices. She levitated the pots and put them on the table. She did the same with the plates. The mare also levitated at least thirty toothpicks and set four of each in front of every pony at the table. Once that was done, she left the mares to their eating. Delicate looked around. "What are you waiting for?" She reached with a wing, grabbing one of the toothpicks and speared a piece of the carrots. She dipped it in the fondue and opened her mouth to eat it, but paused when she noticed no pony eating. They just stared at the fondue and plates in front of them. Delicate furrowed her brows. "Haven't any of you heard of fondue?" They nodded. Pinkie stabbed one of her toothpicks into an apple slice and dipped it into the pot, leaving it for a few seeconds before devouring the morsel. She grinned wider. "Yummy! You guys should try it." They all exchanged glances. They shrugged and figured that if Pinkie Pie likes it, you know it's good. They all took their picks and picked the morsels up, dipping them in the fondue. Rainbow Dash spoke, her mouth full of cubes of bread. "This really is great!" Twilight smiled with delight while Fluttershy closed her eyes as she chewed. As soon as the first course was done, Delicate Dreamer pressed the blue button again. The waitress returned with the trolley, picked up the dishes, and levitated thirteen salads and placed them in front of each girl. The salads consisted of romaine lettuce, spinach, strawberries, poppyseed dressing, and avocados. Every pony dug into the salad, all loving it as they devoured it. They finished in about five minutes. The dark pink pegasus pressed the blue button again. The waitress returned, picked up the bowls, and stacked them on the trolley. She placed a large pot in the middle of the table, revealing shimmering oil. Plates of artichoke hearts, baby portobello mushrooms, artichoke ravioli, and asparagus were placed as well. Delicate took one of her blue sticks and stabbed it into one of the artichoke hearts, putting it in the pot and letting it sit. Applejack stared at her. "You're just gonna let it sit?" "Of course I am. I have to, to let it cook properly." Rarity nodded and stuck her own piece of asparagus inside the pot. After a few seconds, Delicate pulled her artichoke heart out of the pot and put it daintily in her mouth. Rarity pulled hers out and took a little bite. Her eyes lit up as she ate it whole. Everybody chimed in. Moonlit Shimmer and Goldenheart loved the food, while Blackhoof kept his eating at a minimum. He didn't want to eat too much. Natural smiled. "Aren't you gonna eat a little more?" Blackhoof considered this. He shrugged and tried his own food. It was delectable. He started to eat more. Sooner or later, there was nothing left of the food that he had piled up on his plate. In fact, there was nothing left on the entire table. Delicate pressed the button one last time. The waitress appeared one last time, gathered the dishes, and put three pans of melted milk chocolate onto the table. She then placed several plates onto the table; bananas, pineapples, strawberries, marshmallows, blondies. Pinkie Pie's eyes widened as she marveled the work of art. Every pony grabbed their remaining toothpicks and stabbed them into several different things. In a flash, everything was gone and everybody satisfied. Rarity levitated a napkin over to herself with her magic and wiped her muzzle. With bloated stomachs and half empty wallets, they left the restaurant. Goldenheart belched loudly, sending every pony into a laughing fit. Gemdancer smiled. "Thank you, Delicate Dreamer, for inviting us here. Dinner was simply divine!" A spear jabbed through the restaurant's sign. They all jumped in surprise. A guard came running toward them, but wasn't looking at them. He was gazing with terror at something somewhat to the left of them. They glanced that way and jumped again. A giant black weed with green-blue spikes was emerging from the undergrowth of a front lawn.
ProloguePrincess Celestia paced back and forth in front of Twilight Sparkle, a reformed Sombra, and the others. She was panting, sweating, and shook with every step. Sombra seemed uneasy too, considering that his wife, Luna, was having a baby today. It was a colt alicorn. Rarity's horn glistened as she levitated a magazine toward herself, but still sweating with nervous excitement. Pinkie Pie bounced up and down, rambling about whatever gifts she had for the foal. A crib, sippy cups, clothes from the Carousel Boutique, board books, toy trains. All types of stuff. Rainbow Dash talked to Fluttershy about how fast the baby was going to be. Twilight just sat there, looking worried. Applejack crossed her hooves, tapping the back ones on the floor as if she was anxious to see the baby. Fluttershy simply listened to Rainbow Dash's ramble with keen eyes. "Well, congrats, Sombra! You're gonna be a dad!" Pinkie got around to saying. Sombra smiled, sweating nervously. "Yeah, I'm worried, though." Fluttershy turned her head. "About what?" "Birth defects?" Rainbow asked, cocking a brow. "No, it's that I'm worried about if the baby will even survive. Frankly, I'm worried about both of them." "Don't be, darling!" Rarity said, putting the magazine on the small wooden table with a few pieces of paper that Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo were drawing pictures on. "The baby will be fine. The doctors found nothing wrong with him so far." The use of the word "so far" worried Sombra a bit. From a few rooms down the hall, they heard blood-curdling screams. Sombra sunk into his chair, his pupils growing smaller by the second. Celestia bit her lip as her pupils shrunk. After a few minutes, the muffled sounds of a baby's sobs filled the room as the screams slowly subsided. A few seconds later, the long beeping of a machine could be heard. Tears filled Sombra's eyes as they did Celestia's. Everyone else, knowing nothing about medical stuff, shrugged. Zaps could be heard, one after the other, until finally, they stopped. Hoofsteps made their way through the hallway as they got louder. The door to the waiting room opened. A nurse stepped inside, her eyes stinging with tears. "Y-your majesty... Your sister... She gave birth to a healthy young colt, but... she didn't make it." Every pony in the room broke down into tears, leaving several puddles on the ground.
Chapter 1The sun was halfway visible in the horizin as a black alicorn tossed and turned in his bed. He had grown to be a very handsome stallion. He was currently about fifteen. Prince Blackhoof was his name, King Sombra his father. His mother was Princess Celestia, or so he thought. She had taken him in after his real mother gave birth to him, but did not make it. Blackhoof's eyes opened with a pop. "Crap, I'm late!" he exclaimed, throwing off the silken comforter and flinging off of the bed. He was late for a meeting with his friends that he had promised to attend, that started right before the sun rose. He levitated a mane brush from a cupboard in the bathroom. He yanked at his ethereal but spiked strands. A few knots were pulled, but they were taken out easily. He pulled out his hairspray and spritzed it on his scalp. He levitated a toothbrush and covered the bristles with minty toothpaste, scrubbing it on his teeth for exactly two minutes. He spit out the paste and turned on some cold water. Blackhoof rinsed the toothbrush and filled a cup with the water, putting some in his mouth and spitting it out. When he was done, he got out some tweezers and plucked at the loose feathers of his wings. Once that was finished, he flew out of the door, zipping out of the hallway and into the dining room, where a butler pony stood. The butter-colored unicorn with dark blue hair levitated a bowl of berries and hay with a fork. The regal alicorn sat down, picked up the fork with his wing, and started eating. By now, the sun was three quarters of the way risen. Soon, he wiped his muzzle with a napkin and darted out to the throne room, then to the hallway, then out of the front door of the Canterlot Castle. * * * Moonlit Shimmer, an entirely blue pegasus with a moon-balloon for a cutie mark, bounced around the tree house, fluttering his undersized wings frantically. Despite being impatient, he was excited for his friends' first official meeting. All they had to do was wait for Blackhoof to get there. Then they could get started. Gemdancer, a blue pegasus with brown hair, her cutie mark having a sixteenth note with a diamond, sat daintily in a bean bag chair, careful not to get her hair messy. She literally brushed it ten times when she woke up, nine of those times because she felt a strand go over her shoulders. Her ear twitched and bright blue wings unfurled at the sound of Blackhoof's voice. "Guys! Sorry I'm late!" The wooden door swung open as a black alicorn with orange, yellow, and black hair swept inside. A dark pink pegasus with bright chestnut hair squeaked in reaction. Her name was Delicate Dreamer. Her cutie mark was a crescent-shaped moon with several stars around it. Natural Note, a cyan unicorn with a microphone with three eighth notes for a cutie mark, looked at him and smiled sarcastically. "Took you long enough," she uttered, giggling slightly. She quickly corrected herself. "Oh, sorry. Not how I'm supposed to speak to royalty, right?" Blackhoof laughed. "No Natural, it's fine." A goldenrod earth pony stallion with a black heart and a needle for a cutie mark, named Goldenheart, stood up. "Knew you'd show up. Better late than never, right?" "Yeah. Hey Moonlit, thanks for letting us use your tree house for our first meeting." "Oh, don't mention it, Blackhoof! It's no trouble at all! In fact, we could use this place for all the meetings! I've never been so excited for a meeting before! Have you? I've actually never been so excited at all, but that's not the point! I am honored to declare our first bestest-friends meeting begun!" Everyone in the room cheered. A snow-white mare with a pink and purple mane, whose name was Curious Canter, stood up. "Hey Moonlit, is there any particular reason for these best friend meetings?" Moonlit's eyes widened and his smile turned into a thin line. "Only best friends hold meetings. And we're all best friends, right?" Everyone in the room yelled, "Right!" "So let's get started! Okay, first item of the day, how was your morning?" Delicate rose her hoof. Moonlit Shimmer pointed to her. "Delicate Dreamer?" "Um... I woke up to my pet rabbit scratching my ear. I had a salad and hay sandwich for breakfast. My mom caught me eating and she wondered what I was doing, so I had to tell her... um... if that was okay..." Moonlit raised a hoof. "It's fine! I never said you couldn't tell any pony!" Delicate smiled weakly. Gemdancer raised a hoof. Shimmer pointed to her. "Gem?" "I woke up to the normal bedhead. I actually brushed my mane and tail ten times! I ate a few mandarin oranges for breakfast. I told my father where I was going, so I didn't have to worry about them." Goldenheart rose his hoof. "Gold?" "I woke up to some sick beats from my little sister, who, by the way, is a DJ!" Every pony clapped their hooves together. "So, I ate some oatmeal for breakfast, with a banana for the side." "Curious?" "I woke up to my dad yelling at my mom, again. I had an apple and some caramel dip for breakfast." "I am so sorry... I hate it when your parents fight. They're just big party poopers! Natural?" "I woke up to the karaoke machine. I sang along, then got ready as fast as possible. I had buttered toast for breakfast." "Blackhoof?" "I woke up to my mom raising the sun. I made the mistake of brushing my teeth before eating a fruit salad for breakfast. Then, I got here." "Moonlit? Oh wait, that's me! I woke up to my dog licking my face. I had pancakes without syrup, 'cause I was in such a hurry." Curious trotted up and tapped Blackhoof's shoulder. "Hey Blackhoof, don't you come to realize that your mom looks nearly nothing like you? Sorry if I sound rude, but if Princess Celestia is your mom, shouldn't you resemble her at least a little bit?" Blackhoof pondered this for a moment. "I never really thought about that." He flew out of the tree houses without a word. They all looked at each other and shrugged. * * * Princess Celestia sat upon her throne, levitating many scrolls. Gala invitations, fan mail, betrothal requests, and tons more. The gigantic double doors to the throne room opened, revealing Blackhoof. Celestia smiled. "Son, you're home! How was your first meeting?" "I have a question." "Sure honey, anything." "Are you my real mother?" Celestia looked surprised. "Pardon me?" "Are you my real mother? If you are, shouldn't I resemble you just a little bit?" "Of course I am. Who else could be?" "I don't know, exactly." "Where did you come up with such a ridiculous question?" "My friend pointed it out." Celestia bit her lower lip. "When you're older, I'll tell you about your real mother. But for now, simply wait."
Chapter 2Blackhoof sighed. He flew out of the throne room and zipped out of the castle, flying into the city to visit his father. * * * King Sombra sat on the couch, levitating a mug of coffee from the table in front of him. He took a sip, then started to remember. He started to remember Luna, how she was so kind. How she cared for every pony. How she passed away giving birth to his son. A tear trickled down his face. He heard a knock at the door and stood up to go answer it. His son, Blackhoof, stood there. Sombra grinned. "Son," he uttered, bringing Blackhoof into a strong embrace. The fifteen year old alicorn returned the hug, then stepped back. "Father, I need to ask you something." "Sure, come on in." Sombra stepped aside, letting his son into the comfort of his home. Then, he shut the door, turning and facing Blackhoof. "What is it you wanted to ask me?" "Who is my real mother?" Sombra broke a sweat. How was he supposed to tell him that his mother died? "Your mother... Her name was Luna. She was good and kind, cared about every pony she met. She passed away giving birth to you." Blackhoof looked confused. "What kind of connection did my real mom have with Celestia?" "Luna was Celestia's sister." Blackhoof's jaw dropped. "Celestia's my aunt?" "Yes. Is that all?" "Yeah. Thanks, Dad," he said, hugging his father before walking out the door. * * * Applejack sat in a rocking chair. She was forty years old. She had a few gray streaks in her mane and tail, as well as a few wrinkles. Apple Bloom was about twenty-eight, already had her own home in Ponyville, and was engaged to Pipsqueak. Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle were already married to each other. Rarity stepped out of their bedroom, wiping her tired eyes. She too had gray streaks in her hair. The alabaster unicorn kissed her wife's cheek. "Good morning, darling. Did you sleep well?" Applejack smiled. "Yeah, I slept like a foal." "Good. I always want the best for you, my dear. What say you to some breakfast?" "I am a mite famished. I'll fix somethin' up." "No no no, darling, I would like to cook today. I insist." "If you really want to." Rarity trotted off into the kitchen, prepared to make the best meal that her lover had ever tasted. That moment was cut short when both of their cutie marks began to glow. "The map," they both muttered at the same time. * * * Rainbow Dash yawned and stretched as she drowsily rose from the covers. She looked beside her, and, as always, her lover was not there. Pinkie Pie had always been the early bird of the house. Rainbow Dash had gray strips in her hair, as did every one of her friends, with the exception of Twilight. Being an alicorn, she stays young forever. She opened the bedroom door with a wing, stepping out to an abnormally quiet hallway. Despite being forty, Pinkie can still be really loud and energetic. She felt a tingling sensation on her flank, then looked back at it. It was glowing. Dash flew out of the household and toward the castle of which Twilight lived in. Pinkie could be seen along the way, bouncing happily as her flank shimmered. She looked up, grinning joyfully as she could make out Rainbow Dash. "Hi, Dashie!" she yelled. She waved one of her hooves. They both sped into the castle, cantering toward the throne room, where six chairs sat around a table, where all six of their cutie marks sat upon a 3D model of Canterlot. Rainbow sat in her chair, then Applejack, then Pinkie, then Rarity. Fluttershy burst through the doors, then sat upon her throne as well. Twilight and spike, still fresh as daisies, sat in their chairs as they arrived. "The map called all of us to Canterlot?" Rarity's eyes shimmered. "I haven't visited in years! I'll visit the castle to see how Celestia's nephew is doing. I'll also check on my boutique, bring a few more dresses there to sell-" Twilight spoke up. "That's not what the map's called us to do. I received these in the mail without a stamp," she said, levitating a box. She set it on the map, opening it and turning the box toward her friends. They all gasped. In the box were five necklaces with a crown, all having jewels glowing red. "I think we need to take these with us." Fluttershy spoke up. "Shouldn't we wear them just in case?" "Why would we do that?" "I don't know, I just had the feeling." Twilight levitated the necklaces over to her friends, putting theirs on at the same time that she had put on her crown. However, when the necklaces touched their necks, they shocked them. Pinkie spoke. "Why is this happening?" The lavender princess brought a book over to herself, opening it and reading some page in the back of the book. She gasped. "We became the bearers of the Elements of Harmony when we were all twenty years old, correct?" They all nodded. Twilight turned the book around for all of them to read. "It says that every twenty years, new bearers must be found." Rainbow looked down at her necklace. She noticed something different. Instead of it being a lightning bolt, it was a broken heart with three lines connecting the two pieces. Pinkie's and Rarity's stayed the same, though. But every pony else's changed. Applejack's necklace, instead of having an apple, had a microphone. Fluttershy's was a crescent-shaped moon. Twilight's, instead of having a six-pointed star, had a skull. All six of them got out of their chairs and headed toward the train station to find whoever were the next bearers of the Elements of Harmony. * * * Blackhoof strolled along the streets, eyeing the various shops that were open that day. One of them sold vegetables and fruit, several sold foals' toys, and a few sold dresses and accessories. The Canterlot Carousel was run by some pony who had been like a mother to him, as did all of her friends; Rarity. He kept going. He promised a visit to Curious' house at noon, and it was eleven forty-five. She had wanted the others to be there too, so she asked them as well. The purple wooden front door to Curious' home came into view as Blackhoof sped up. He soon arrived on her driveway, then skidded to a stop. He could hear loud snaps coming from inside, and fierce yelling, mixed with the crying of a mare. The curtains draped over the windows, unlike every other time. He could hear Curious pleading, "Please, st-AH!" Another snap. His heart thundering in his chest, Blackhoof cantered onto the front porch and knocked frantically. After a few seconds, a curtain moved, but before he could look, it was back where it was. He heard voices. "It's your friend. Go get the door." A few seconds, full of the sound of whimpering, passed. "Now!" Another snap. "I guess I have to do everything myself!" The handle jiggled, then the purple door opened, revealing an ivory earth pony stallion with a whip on his back. "Your highness," he muttered, bowing in front of him. Blackhoof beckoned for him to rise. "What's going on in there? Your walls are not soundproof. I can hear... screaming... and snapping." The stallion stammered. "I-it's a mov-movie th-that we're watching... right, Curious?" After a couple seconds of silence, Blackhoof could hear a faint "uh-huh." Blackhoof didn't know what to do. Was he really watching a movie with Curious' voice in it? And the sounds were too loud to have possibly been a television program. He had to get to the bottom of this, and fast. "Sir, I think you are lying to me. May I see my friend please?" The stallion began to sweat. "No. Bye. See you later, your majesty." He began to close the door, but Blackhoof stopped it with his magic. "Show me Curious Canter," he said with anger in his eyes. The ivory earth pony left the door and trotted in the direction of the living room. It took a minute, but finally, he and Curious Canter stepped outside. Curious was wearing a black cloak with sunglasses. Blackhoof furrowed his brows. His horn lit up as the cloak and sunglasses floated off of her. She was a mess. She had a black eye. Several wounds from the whip, as well as twice as many bruises. A few of the marks from the whip were hit so hard that they were cut open. Her nose was bleeding, as was her lower lip. From how she looked, it was as if she couldn't stand up. Blackhoof covered his mouth with a hoof. For the first time in months, his eyes stung with tears. He turned his head at the sound of five sets of hooves galloping their way. He quickly turned back and stepped forwards. "I am shocked, sir. Why would you treat such an innocent, sweet pony like that?!" A few guards patrolling the streets had gathered around as Blackhoof continued. "You are under arrest for foal abuse. Take him away." The guards walked forwards, cornering the stallion. They cuffed him and carried him away. Curious stood there and cried, shaking. Blackhoof held her close with a wing and led her inside. A minty green earth pony mare walked out of her room. "What was all the commotion?" Her eyes widened at Curious' condition. "Honey, what happened?!" She looked at Blackhoof and bowed immediately. "Your grace," she said before rising. "What happened to my daughter?" "Her father-" She grunted in frustration. "I am so sorry about my husband, he has been abusing her for the longest time and forced us not to tell any pony. I have wanted to, but when I did, he had always denied it. Thank you for coming. I suppose your friends are here as well?" "Yes, we have come for a meeting that Curious had wanted us to attend." The minty mare lit up. "I've got some snacks for you and your friends. Curious, I'll get you some bandages and frozen peas." Curious smiled. "Thanks, Mom." Blackhoof felt a tingling sensation on his flank. He looked there, and his cutie mark, a skull, was glowing red. Natural Note, Gemdancer, Delicate Dreamer, Goldenheart, and Moonlit Shimmer all cantered into the house, their flanks shimmering with red hues. Natural and Blackhoof both had a magic surge. A white flash, then all of them, except Curious, were gone. * * * Once the world came into focus, Blackhoof and his friends could make out the train station. A train zipped their way. The train from Ponyville. As it came to a halt, the doors opened, revealing six mares, all of them Blackhoof recognized as the Elements of Harmony. Twilight Sparkle levitated a box in front of herself. Rarity ran toward Blackhoof, stopping right in front of him and bowing. "Fantastic to see you again, Prince Blackhoof. How have you been?" "I've been fine, thank you." Twilight looked at him and gasped. She opened the box, then pulled out a crown, placing it on his head. The tingling in his flank stopped. Twilight gasped. "You are the next Element of Magic!"
Chapter 3Blackhoof cocked a brow. "I'm what now?" Twilight tried to speak, but was interrupted by the necklaces floating out of the box. Applejack's necklace floated over Natural Note, Rainbow Dash's floated over Goldenheart, Rarity's floated over Gemdancer, Pinkie's floated over Moonlit Shimmer, and Fluttershy's floated over Delicate Dreamer. The glowing in their flanks stopped, as it did the necklaces and the crown. Rarity strolled over to Gemdancer. "Darling, you are simply gorgeous! Where did you get your amazing dress? I think it looks familiar." "I got it from The Canterlot Carousel. I heard you run it?" "Why yes! Do you buy a lot of clothes from that specific place?" "Of course, it's the store holding the trendiest clothes in Canterlot." Rarity beamed. Blackhoof broke up their conversation. "What are you guys here for, other than... this?" Twilight looked back at her flank, but it wasn't calling her home yet. She shrugged. "I have no clue. The cutie map isn't calling us home yet, so we might as well stay a while." "Well, none of my friends have been in the castle, and I've heard that you six haven't explored much of it. Why don't I give you a tour?" Rarity and Rainbow Dash exchanged glances. "We've had tours of the castle before," Rainbow Dash said. "We've also been here for the Grand Galloping Gala quite a few times. Sorry." Delicate Dreamer had an idea. "Have any of you eaten at The Horse's Halt?" Pinkie Pie cocked a brow. "What in the world is that? And where in the world is that?" "It's a really fancy restaurant. You can have a four-course meal for twelve bits. I think it's a pretty good deal. We could find it on Bridle Drive." Applejack furrowed a brow. "As long as they don't make us put our napkins in our laps or anythin' like that, I'm all for it." Rainbow followed up on that. "Yeah, places like that have control freaks for bosses." They high-hoofed. Delicate giggled. "Well, they don't find it gross if you don't. Well, it's settled. We're going to The Horse's Halt. I'll pick up Curious Canter, then we'll go." They all walked in a group out of the station. Every pony that they trotted or flew by stopped to stare at Twilight and her friends. Occasionally, a paparazzi would jump out in front of them and want a few pictures. The requests were always denied. A simple white house with a purple front door came into view to the group. They trotted up and Twilight knocked on the front door. After a few seconds, a minty earth pony mare answered the door. "Hello again! Oh my goodness! Princess Twilight Sparkle! Come on in." The group of twelve stepped inside. A white earth pony with several whip marks, scars, bruises, and a black eye sat on the couch with ice packs, bandages, and bags of frozen peas strapped to her. She looked up ad smiled. Delicate and Fluttershy were on the verge of tears while everybody just stared. Curious Canter got to her hooves and waved. "Hey guys! How's it going?" She looked like her hooves were going to give out under her. Natural used her magic to keep her from toppling over. Moonlit Shimmer asked, "What happened to you?" "My dad happened. Luckily, my mom was here to help. I already feel a lot better." Goldenheart spoke up. "Good thing too, 'cause we're going to The Horse's Halt!" Everybody glared at him. He corrected himself quickly. "Of course, we wouldn't want our best friend to be injured, either." Curious rolled her eyes, shaking her head as if she had witnessed a big sports fail. She reached with a hoof, trying to get her ice packages and frozen peas off, but she kept the bandages on. Rarity uncovered her wounds and gasped. These were worse than she thought. Much worse. Fluttershy turned and buried her face in Twilight's shoulder as she shed a few tears. Applejack reached into her saddlebag and pulled out a miniature apple pie. "Y'all look like you're starvin'." She walked forwards and outstretched her hoof, offering it to Curious. Curious smiled, taking the treat with a hoof and nibbling on it. She grinned with delight and took bigger bites. Twilight turned to leave, along with every pony else. Fluttershy still kept her head on the princess' shoulder as they did so. As they trotted out the door, the minty earth pony waved goodbye. "Alright, let's go to The Horse's Halt!" exclaimed Moonlit Shimmer. As the group strolled about the streets of Canterlot, all of the buildings seemed to to reach out at them, saying, "come in, come in. We have delicious food for you." But, they ignored the great scents from the buildings until they stopped in front of one; The Horse's Halt. The group of thirteen walked inside, and a blast of cool air took over them as they escaped the heat of summer. A mare stood behind a wooden pedestal. She waved to them. "Hello, Delicate Dreamer! The usual four course for you and your friends?" Delicate smiled. "Oh, of course! I'm sure they'll love it. Though, we are a big group. Are your waiters and waitresses up for putting a few tables together?" "Of course!" Three stallions with bow ties walked briskly out of a door a little to the left of the mare and headed toward a rectangular table for eight. They lifted the table beside it together and put the two together, taking out three chairs and placing them to the right. The team of mares walked over and sat in their places. There was a blue button in the middle of the table. Delicate sat in front of it. She reached out with a hoof and pressed it. Within seconds, a waitress trotted over to the table with a trolley. It had three bubbling pots on it, as well as several plates of small, cubed bread, carrots, and apple slices. She levitated the pots and put them on the table. She did the same with the plates. The mare also levitated at least thirty toothpicks and set four of each in front of every pony at the table. Once that was done, she left the mares to their eating. Delicate looked around. "What are you waiting for?" She reached with a wing, grabbing one of the toothpicks and speared a piece of the carrots. She dipped it in the fondue and opened her mouth to eat it, but paused when she noticed no pony eating. They just stared at the fondue and plates in front of them. Delicate furrowed her brows. "Haven't any of you heard of fondue?" They nodded. Pinkie stabbed one of her toothpicks into an apple slice and dipped it into the pot, leaving it for a few seeconds before devouring the morsel. She grinned wider. "Yummy! You guys should try it." They all exchanged glances. They shrugged and figured that if Pinkie Pie likes it, you know it's good. They all took their picks and picked the morsels up, dipping them in the fondue. Rainbow Dash spoke, her mouth full of cubes of bread. "This really is great!" Twilight smiled with delight while Fluttershy closed her eyes as she chewed. As soon as the first course was done, Delicate Dreamer pressed the blue button again. The waitress returned with the trolley, picked up the dishes, and levitated thirteen salads and placed them in front of each girl. The salads consisted of romaine lettuce, spinach, strawberries, poppyseed dressing, and avocados. Every pony dug into the salad, all loving it as they devoured it. They finished in about five minutes. The dark pink pegasus pressed the blue button again. The waitress returned, picked up the bowls, and stacked them on the trolley. She placed a large pot in the middle of the table, revealing shimmering oil. Plates of artichoke hearts, baby portobello mushrooms, artichoke ravioli, and asparagus were placed as well. Delicate took one of her blue sticks and stabbed it into one of the artichoke hearts, putting it in the pot and letting it sit. Applejack stared at her. "You're just gonna let it sit?" "Of course I am. I have to, to let it cook properly." Rarity nodded and stuck her own piece of asparagus inside the pot. After a few seconds, Delicate pulled her artichoke heart out of the pot and put it daintily in her mouth. Rarity pulled hers out and took a little bite. Her eyes lit up as she ate it whole. Everybody chimed in. Moonlit Shimmer and Goldenheart loved the food, while Blackhoof kept his eating at a minimum. He didn't want to eat too much. Natural smiled. "Aren't you gonna eat a little more?" Blackhoof considered this. He shrugged and tried his own food. It was delectable. He started to eat more. Sooner or later, there was nothing left of the food that he had piled up on his plate. In fact, there was nothing left on the entire table. Delicate pressed the button one last time. The waitress appeared one last time, gathered the dishes, and put three pans of melted milk chocolate onto the table. She then placed several plates onto the table; bananas, pineapples, strawberries, marshmallows, blondies. Pinkie Pie's eyes widened as she marveled the work of art. Every pony grabbed their remaining toothpicks and stabbed them into several different things. In a flash, everything was gone and everybody satisfied. Rarity levitated a napkin over to herself with her magic and wiped her muzzle. With bloated stomachs and half empty wallets, they left the restaurant. Goldenheart belched loudly, sending every pony into a laughing fit. Gemdancer smiled. "Thank you, Delicate Dreamer, for inviting us here. Dinner was simply divine!" A spear jabbed through the restaurant's sign. They all jumped in surprise. A guard came running toward them, but wasn't looking at them. He was gazing with terror at something somewhat to the left of them. They glanced that way and jumped again. A giant black weed with green-blue spikes was emerging from the undergrowth of a front lawn.
