Author's Note

Hello fellow Bronies and Pegasisters,

My name is Zack and for as long as I can remember I've been a huge fan of MLP FIM. So much so that I've created my own story: What if a human was in Equestria, in other words, what if I was in Equestria? I really hope you enjoy it. Keep in mind, my stories are inspired by seasons 1-3 and ends with my version of the first Equestria Girls movie. I wanted to explore what would happen if my character Jake was in my favorite episodes.

My Little Pony: Jake in Equestria

Long ago the universe was just a void of darkness and misery. Soon, a huge flash of light appeared at the center. That light was the first spark of life. Soon the Earth was born. Plates rumbled, mountains formed, then everything went quiet. The Earth was asleep. It began to dream. Before long, it was split into two worlds: Reality and Fantasy. No living being ever set foot on Reality, but these two worlds will soon discover one very important lesson:

There’s light in every darkness.

The Tail Begins
In Fantasy, there was a beautiful, magical kingdom of Equestria where all living things shared a special bond. The strongest were between dragons, horses and humans. Princess Celestia, the pure embodiment of that love, and the human king Chornilious were the lands’ fearless protectors, ushering eternal peace for all. But then, a horrible monster emerged. A monster named Li-Zard! Drawing power from sorrow, Li-Zard threatened Equestria and everyone on it. To stop this villain, Celestia and Chornilious headed for the most powerful items in the Universe: the Elements of Harmony! But Li-Zard was wise to the royal duo’s tricks and knew that the only thing that can destroy Celestia was herself. Somehow, he was able to separate the Princess from her shadow and gained control over it, bringing forth more doom upon the land. All hope seemed lost, until a large ice ball from outer space struck the Earth creating a rift between Reality and Fantasy. All the humans quickly used the rift to escape into Reality where Li-Zard’s magic can’t harm them. Seizing her opportunity, Celestia used the Elements to transport Chornilious safely to the astral plain and imprisoned her shadow within the moon. In the process, Li-Zard strangely lost all his strength and fled in exile, never to return again. From that moment on, Princess Celestia continued to protect the Realm of Fantasy, knowing that the humans in Reality will forever be safe.

2000 years later, in Reality, a 12-year-old human named Jake was reading his favorite book, titled Equestria, that told the story of how Celestia defeated Li-Zard. He was sitting by an old horse pen right next to an orphanage. Poor Jake was so lonely. His clothes were all torn up and filthy. The orphanage never gave him enough to eat, so he was always hungry. He never had the courage to meet anybody ever since his beloved parents died. He never even made one true friend. After he finished reading, he looked over at the horses and petted one on the head.

Just then, Mayor Harp, the cruel owner of the orphanage, stepped in. “Typical orphan fool, fluttering around in his foul fantasies,” Harp scoffed as he handed him a mop and a pale of water. Jake sadly sighed and entered the orphanage to mop up the floors. Harp sneered at the horses, “Humph, humans bonding with horses. As if these dull creatures could even talk.” He turned away from the horses and went inside.

In Fantasy, a young purple unicorn was reading the same book Jake has. She lived in a lovely city in Equestria, called Glammerlot. After she finished reading, she wondered, “Elements of Harmony. I know I’ve heard of those before, but where?” the unicorn said as she put her Equestria book back in her saddlebag and headed toward her study house.

Suddenly, she bumped into a small baby dragon.

“Oh! I-I’m sorry, I didn’t see you there,” the unicorn apologized.

“That’s okay,” the little dragon said getting up, “Um…I’m Spike.”

“Sparkle, Twilight Sparkle.” The unicorn answered. Curious, Twilight asked where his mother was.

Spike pointed upward, “She’s still up there, keeping the stars burning with the other dragons.”

Twilight remembered reading something about that. It was natural for adult dragons to leave their young so they can tend to their duties in outter space. “Well, why can’t you just fly up there and join her?” she asked.

Spike turned around. Twilight saw that he had no wings! “But someday, I’ll earn those wings and become a true dragon. Then,” he looked up at the sky in hope, “I’ll finally be able to join her.” Twilight smiled at the little dragon’s dream and walked away. Spike followed “Uh, Miss Sparkle,” he bashfully asked, “since the Summer Sun Celebration’s tomorrow, I was wondering… If you’d like to go with me?”

Twilight hesitated, “Oh sorry, but I’ve got lots of studying to do. Good luck, though.” And with that she ran off.

Spike dejectedly walked away. Two ponies saw the whole thing from on top of their balcony. “What’s wrong with that pony?” One pony asked the other. “I don’t know,” the other pony said, “but it’s like she values books more than friends.”

When Twilight got to her house, she began looking through her books for the Elements of Harmony, but she couldn’t find anything. Before she blew a gasket, her pet owl, Hoot, found her a book on ancient artifacts and myths. “Elements…elements… Aha!” Twilight exclaimed as she began to read “Elements of Harmony: Six mystical stones capable of defeating and/or imprisoning any form of evil. They’re also connected by the mysterious Gem of Love.” “Gem of Love?” she asked herself.
She flipped through some more pages and saw a picture of Li-Zard. She was horrified, but kept on reading, “If the Gem of Love should ever return to the Realm of Fantasy, the evil reptilian sorcerer shall also return and take his revenge on all of Equestria!” Twilight gasped with horror, then she thought rationally, “Ponytails. The Gem of Love disappeared along with the humans years ago. Still…” Worried of what the future might hold, she wrote a letter to her personal mentor Princess Celestia asking her to take immediate actions to prepare for Li-Zard’s probable return. She called forth Fiona Phoenix, both Twilight and Celestia’s pet messenger, and had her transport the letter to the princess. Fiona ate it and blew it out in a magical mist. Hoot, who can only speak in hoots, told Twilight that she’s being a conspiracy nut. “I am not a conspiracy nut!” she protested, “I’m just taking necessary precautions, that’s all.” Hoot was not convinced. Twilight grinned, “Hootsalot James owl, who was the one that hatched you from your egg, got straight A’s in magic and became apprentice to the most powerful being in the universe?” Hoot hooted. “Yep, me. So I’m pretty sure I know what I’m doing and I know the princess does too.” Just then, Fiona magically burped out Celestia’s reply. “Pardon me!” Fiona blushed. Twilight read, “My young apprentice Twilight, you know I trust your instincts completely, but you got to stop reading those dusty old books.” Twilight couldn’t believe what she just read.

Back in Reality, a mean, selfish teen named Sunset Shimmer showed her father, Harp, Jake's Equestria book. “See? Told ya he was still reading those dusty old books.” She said handing the book over to Harp.

Harp looked the book over, scowled at Jake and threw it in the fireplace. Jake was saddened, but Harp didn’t care as he pointed at a banner containing his mayoral slogan. “Since you love books so much, read this.” Jake read. The slogan was ‘less on fantasy, more on reality’ “There’s a lot of things that exist in this world, boy; love and harmony don’t,” Harp scoffed. “I can’t have pathetic dreamers like you ruining my perfect society.”

Soon a little girl walked up to Harp, telling him that they’re finished with their chores. But Harp took a look around and had Sunset make a mess by knocking books and flowerpots off of shelves. Harp even spilt a little coffee on the floor on purpose. “Looks like you missed a few spots.” Harp stated. While the girl cleaned the spill, Harp used her back as a footstool and ordered another orphan to polish his boots. Jake sneered at Sunset and Harp, but he was too afraid to stand up to them. “Face it wimp.” Sunset glared at Jake, “No one’s ever going to adopt you, no one’s even gonna care for you. Who would ever love a nobody like you?” Jake had enough and ran out of the orphanage.

Jake kept running and running into the forest until he spotted a cave. It started to rain. Jake covered his head and entered the cave. It was cold, damp, dark and lonely. Jake pulled out a picture of his deceased parents. Poor Jake was about to cry when he noticed something glowing in the distance. Jake put his picture in his pocket and walked towards the glow. Jake didn’t know what it was, but it was the Gem of Love. He picked it up and it began to glow brighter and brighter and brighter until…Flash! Jake was magically transported to Fantasy!
Welcome to Ponyville
Jake had no idea where he was. He climbed up a hill and took a good look around. Then he saw a small town filled with ponies, not a single human in sight. He looked up and saw a purple hot air balloon with sparkles. The balloon was going to land in the middle of town. Curious, Jake put the Gem of Love in his pocket and decided to explore.

Twilight, Fiona and Hoot were riding in the hot air balloon’s basket. Fiona continued reading Celestia’s letter, “My dear Twilight, there’s more to life than just studying. That’s why I’m sending you to supervise the preparations for the annual Summer Sun Celebration in this year’s location: Ponyville. Side quest: make some friends.” “I full heartedly agree with the princess,” Fiona emphasized as she rolls the paper, “Life isn’t worth living without spending it with others, or else misery and chaos takes hold.”

Twilight rolled her eyes. Hoot hooted. Twilight responded, “Yes! Yes I am happy that Celestia arranged for me to stay in a library. You know why? Because after I finish my tasks as quickly as I can, I’ll go straight to the library and continue my research on Lord Li-Zard for proof.” After the balloon landed in town, Hoot hooted again in protest, but Twilight jumped out of the basket and continued lecturing, “Look, as Celestia’s faithful apprentice, I shall do my royal duties. But the fate of an entire world does not rely on me making...” Suddenly, Twilight bumped into Jake. Both of them were surprised. They looked each other over very carefully. Jake, thinking she’s an ordinary horse, stuck out his hand in order to gain her trust. To Jake’s surprise, the purple pony spoke, “Uh, what are you doing?” Jake was startled.

“You’re…You’re talking. How?” he asked.

“Same way you do, of course,” she answered.

Jake walked around the magical horse. “It’s just that I’ve never seen a talking horse before.”

“Well I’ve never seen a human in Equestria before.” Twilight replied.

Jake jumped back, “Equestria?”

“Yep. You just happen to be the first human to ever set hoof, or foot, in the Realm of Fantasy in 2000 years.”

As Jake looked around, all the ponies in Ponyville were surprised to see a human in Fantasy. They began to mumble and whisper into each other’s ears. Jake couldn’t believe it. He was actually in his favorite fantasy, but was it all real or not? Hoot landed on Twilight’s back and pointed out that this was her chance to give friendship a try. Twilight sighed, stepped toward the boy and said, “Let me introduce myself. My name is Twilight Sparkle. What’s your name?” Jake was about to answer when he was interrupted by a loud gasp.

A pink poofy-haired pony joyfully rushed in between the two. She was excited to see not only a new face in Ponyville, but also an actual human!

“By the by, I’m Pinkie Pie. Who are you?” she finished.

“I’m Jake,” Jake shyly answered.

Pinkie liked the name Jake; “Mind if I call you Jakey-Wakey?” she asked him. Jake didn’t. “Cute name and cute personality,” Pinkie giggled. “Oh, I’ve got something for the both of you. One seca-roony!” Jake smiled at the pink pony’s silliness. Pinkie pulled out her party wagon and began to sing and dance welcoming both Jake and Twilight to Ponyville. After the song was over, confetti popped out of the oven and the pipes spewed cake all over Pinkie, Jake and Twilight. “Oopsy-doopsy,” Pinkie giggled. “The confetti was suppose to come out of the pipes and the oven was suppose to bake the cake, Jake, not topsy-turvy.”

Twilight used her magic to clean the cake off by making it disappear.

Jake was astonished, “How did you do that?”

Twilight told him that unicorns have a natural ability to use magic.

“Magic?” Jake asked curiously.

“Yes sir-y,” Pinkie replied. “Everything here is run by magic. Well, specifically by magic crystals. Take this brick oven for example. The magic crystal on top magically creates heat within the oven, and then when it’s done, the crystal makes a cute ‘ding’ sound. I learned that while I made my first delicious cupcakes. Mmm-Mmm-Mmm!”

“You mean, you don’t use electricity?” Jake asked.

“What’s electricity, is that some type of crystal?” Pinkie asked back.

Jake realized that maybe there’s no technology in Fantasy. Which means, no errors or problems with any devices since they only use magic.

“Well,” Twilight politely interjected, “it’s been a pleasure meeting you two, but as you can see, I’m a very busy pony.” She then trotted along, not paying any attention to Pinkie waving goodbye. Twilight knew that was incredible, a human, in Fantasy, but she shook her head and remembered she had more important things to do so she kept on walking.

“What an interesting mare,” Pinkie said to herself. She then looked at Jake. “You have no idea where to go next, do you?” Pinkie happily noticed. Jake shook his head. “Not to worry, Jakey. Just talk to Mayor Mare. She’ll help you out. Town Hall’s straight ahead, can’t miss it. (Idea gasp) While you do that, I’ll tell every pony you’re here. Then later on, I’ve got a big surprise for you at the town’s library. See ya soon, Jakey.” And like that, she galloped away.

Jake still couldn’t believe it. He’s actually in Equestria. But why did this Gem bring me here, he thought. He checked to see if the heart-shaped Gem was in his pocket. It was. Jake took Pinkie Pie’s advice and walked toward Town Hall.

When Jake arrived at Town Hall, the pony secretary looked up and was surprised to see Fantasy’s first human entering the hall. “Um…Excuse me, miss. Is Mayor Mare around?” Jake politely asked.

“O-of course,” the secretary stuttered. “Let me go get her.”

Jake waited. He then noticed something interesting. The computer at the secretary’s desk didn’t have any wires, hard drive or anything electronic at all, only a large blue crystal on the back. Which confirmed that all the devices in Fantasy only run on magic crystals, not electricity. Soon, Mayor Mare stepped out of her office. She too was amazed to see a human. “My! This is a surprise! I am Mayor Mare. And Welcome to Ponyville, the perfect place for ponies, pegasi and unicorns,” she said as she shook his hand. “You are a very special occasion indeed, young man.” Mayor Mare continued, “We haven’t had humans visit our land in quite some time. That’ll make you quite famous around here.” Jake was flattered. “As soon as Derpy gets here…” Mayor Mare began to say before Derpy swooped through the Town Hall door and crashed into the secretary’s desk.

“Whoops. Sorry, I just don’t know what went wrong.” she apologized.

Mayor Mare grinned. “Never mind that now. Would you mind giving this fine gentleman the map of Equestria?”

Derpy reached into her mail satchel and gave the map of the entire land to Jake. “Derpy Mail Mare at your service,” she stated. Jake looked the map over. He was amazed at how beautiful Equestria was.

“Hopefully, this might aid your future travels here,” Mayor Mare said. “Thanks.” Jake responded just as his tummy started rumbling. Mayor Mare pointed out to where the best place to get food is on the map. “Looks like your first stop is at Sweet Apple Valley.”

Meanwhile, Twilight approached a nice looking apple farm near the town. There were apple trees as far as the eye can see. “This must be Sweet Apple Valley,” she guessed as she began the first step on her supervising checklist: the food. She then saw a blond farm pony with a cowboy hat named Applejack. She was bucking some apples off of trees with ease. Hoot pointed out that this was another chance for her to be social. “Let’s get this over with,” Twilight groaned. She then introduced herself and Hootsalot. A.J. cordially greeted them both. Quickly, the two ponies noticed Jake walking by, holding his map.

“Oh, I’m sorry. Am I interrupting something?” Jake cautiously asked.

“Y'all done no harm here, sugar,” A.J. smiled as she walked over to him. A.J. took a good look at him, “Well golly, Ol’ Pinkie Pie was tellin’ the truth.”

“You know Pinkie Pie?” Jake asked.

“Every pony knows Pinkie Pie. She’s a few apples short of a barrel, but her heart’s in the right place.” Twilight regained A.J.’s attention and asked if she was in charge of the catering for the celebration. Jake was interested and kindly listened. “Sure am; care to sample some?” A.J. offered.

“As long as it doesn’t take too long,” Twilight emphasized.

Then Jake’s tummy started growling again. He asked if he could have some too. “Sure thing sugar,” A.J. answered. “I might have a li’l something that’ll tame tha’ ol’ yeller.” She rang a triangle. “Soup’s on, every pony!” Suddenly, a stampede of farm ponies carried both Jake and Twilight to a small table. As food samples stacked up on the table, A.J. introduced the two to the Apple family one by one, including her two close siblings: her older brother Big Macintosh and her little sister Apple Bloom and their grandmother Granny Smith.

Jake was amazed; at the orphanage, no one ever offered him good food like this before. “All this is for me?” he asked Big Mac.

“Yep,” Mac answered.

“I don’t have to serve you?”

“Nope,” Mac answered again.

“Y’all a guest here, kid; of course you don’t have to serve us,” A.J. told Jake. “Why y’all free to stop on by any time ya like.” Twilight saw that things were taken care of and was going to be on her way when Apple Bloom asked her to stay for brunch. Twilight at first denied the invite. But, to not seem rude, she grudgingly said, “fine.”

Later, Twilight secluded herself by eating alone on top of a hill, while Jake ate with the Apple Family. “This apple pie is amazing!” Jake complimented.

“Well, thank you kindly, young 'un,” Granny replied. “This here pie is made out of the finest apples in all of Equestria, That an' baked with a whole lot of lovin'. That’s what makes it so delicious.”

“Really?” Jake asked.

“Delicious and nutritious,” Apple Bloom quoted.

Soon, something came across Jake’s mind. “Miss Sparkle said something about a celebration, what did she mean?” he asked.

“Why, she probably meant the Summer Sun Celebration,” A.J. answered. “That’s when everyone celebrates the day Princess Celestia kicked that no good lizard feller out of our home.”

“Princess Celestia?” Jake asked.

“Yeah,” said Apple Bloom. “Every year she chooses one special location where she can magically raise the sun on the first day of summer and this year, she’s coming here!” Maybe I can ask Celestia about this heart shaped gem, Jake thought to himself.

Meanwhile, Twilight still sat alone eating her apple pie, not even trying to mingle with the other farm ponies. Hoot still disapproved of his mistress’s anti-socialism. Unfazed, Twilight asked what’s next on her checklist. The next step was music. Twilight and Hoot then heard birds singing beyond some bushes. An extremely timid pegasus named Fluttershy was conducting a bird choir for the Celebration. Twilight greeted the pegasus, accidentally scaring off her birds. In order to fix it, she sent Hoot to calm the birds down. Twilight apologized and complimented the choir. But, Fluttershy was too shy to even speak. Determined to show Twilight how good making friends can be, Hoot decided to show her how it’s done and got into a nice, long conversation with Fluttershy. Sadly, this only annoyed Twilight even further.

Elsewhere, Jake decided to take a look around the farm. He soon spotted Pinkie Pie, who stopped by to see how Jake was doing. He also saw a few farm ponies bucking apples off of trees. A.J. told Jake that apple bucking was the Apple Family business. They plant apples, kick them down off of trees and sell them at a fare price. Jake wanted to know how to buck a tree. So A.J. offered a little demonstration. “Let me give ya a hoof. Just place your hands firmly on the ground, raise your hind quarters, an’ buck.” Jake mimicked A.J.’s stance.

“Come on, Jake. Easy peasy cupcake greasy,” Pinkie encouraged. Jake successfully bucked the tree. “Didn’t I tell you? Yay! Jakey!” Pinkie cheered.

A.J. was very impressed “Hoo-Wee! Y’all a natural, kid!” Jake smiled. No one had ever complimented him like this before except his parents.

Suddenly, a mad bull burst out of the barn and began to chase Jake! Both A.J. and Pinkie knew they had to save that boy, so they gave chase. The bull charged in between Twilight and Fluttershy. Twilight dove into some bushes while Fluttershy hovered above. Pinkie leaped onto the bull’s back while A.J. used her rope to try and tie it down, but none of their efforts worked. Jake was cornered next to a large boulder. Before it seemed like certain doom for the young child, Fluttershy zoomed in and stopped the bull, thus saving Jake’s life. “Easy,” she said softly to it. “Easy. It’s all okay. Now tell me what’s wrong?” The bull grunted with a sorry look. Fluttershy explained that the bull’s sunglasses were knocked off, causing him to see the red barn and the red apples. Seeing the color red makes it mad. Pinkie got embarrassed saying that she was the one who did it accidentally while doing her daily ‘excite-sise.’

A.J. shook her head. “It took my family three hours to hog tie that thing, but took that pony seconds to tame it? Boy howdy.”

As the bull licked Fluttershy’s mane, Jake walked up to her. “Thank you for saving me.”

Fluttershy blushed. “Oh, you’re welcome. Sometimes we all have to show a little kindness.” Her mane messed up, Fluttershy realized something. “I left my brush at my cottage.”

She was just about to ask her birds to go get it for her, but then Jake reached into his pocket, and said, “I’ve got a brush. If you want, I’ll brush your mane for you.”

At first Fluttershy was unsure, but this time, with him, she let him brush her hairt. “You know,” she smiled, “you’re very kind too.” Jake smiled back and continued brushing her mane. Twilight emerged out of the bushes and saw A.J., Pinkie and Fluttershy gathering around Jake. Sure, she had very important matters on her hooves, but for some reason, she started to feel unease with the way the ponies gathered around Jake. When he wasn’t looking, she even began to scowl at him.

Meanwhile in Ponyville, Spike was walking through the streets scot-free when all of the sudden, a tall, red teenage dragon named Garble picked him up and dragged him into a dark ally near by. Two more teenage dragons joined in: the sneaky Brains and the brute Bronze. They’re a trio of mean bullies that love to torment those who haven’t met their full potential yet, especially Spike. “Where were ya, wimp? Trying to avoid us again?” Garble asked with a mean stare. Spike shook his head nervously. Then the dragons heard talking from afar. They peeked around the corner and spotted Jake the human. All four of them were shocked.

“A human, here? Impossible!” Brains protested.

“Well there he is, clear as day,” Bronze observed.

“Better report this to Lord Li-Zard,” Garble announced. “He’s gonna love this.” The dragons took off inconspicuously with poor Spike in their clutches.

Back on the ground, A.J., Fluttershy and Pinkie walked with Jake and Twilight. “Big Mac’ll handle that big, bronco bull by himself, which gives me plenty of free time to get to know y’all better,” A.J. explained.

Containing her annoyance, Twilight asked, “Why are all of you following me?”

Pinkie leaped onto Twilight’s back. “Since you’re like a new friend magnet, we figured if we stick around, we might meet some very interesting ponies. So, what’s next?”

Twilight, with a heavy sigh, looked at her list. “Some Pegasus named Rainbow Dash is supposed to keep the skies clear.” Pinkie got off her back as Twilight looked up. “But, she’s not doing a very good job, is she?”

Soon, Jake had a sad look on his face. “What’s the matter, darlin’?” A.J. asked.

“I know this is all a dream,” Jake doubted sadly. “At any moment now, Harp’s going to wake me up an…”

Suddenly, a blue Pegasus with a rainbow mane accidentally dive-bombed him into the mud. “Ha, Ha. Uh… Sorry about that,” she apologized.

But, Jake wasn’t upset; in fact he was happy. Since he actually felt that crash, he realized, “This… This isn’t a dream.”

“Let me help you out with that.” Rainbow offered helping Jake onto his feet. The boy was still muddy, so Rainbow moved a moist cloud over him and made it rain on him to wash off the mud. “Now for my latest trick,” Rainbow said as she began to fly around Jake as fast as she could creating a whirlwind. Poor Twilight was pulled into the whirlwind. Luckily, Rainbow stopped in time and called her move. “Rainblow dry. No, no, no need to thank me, just doing what I ca…” She then saw Twilight with a poofy mane sitting on Jake’s lap. Rainbow shakes with laughter. A.J. tried to hold in her laughter. Jake and Twilight both got up and thanked Rainbow. “No prob’ kid.” She then introduced herself to the group. “Rainbow Dash is the name, speed is my game.” She skillfully made a cloud look like a lightning bolt.

“Rainbow Dash?” Fluttershy recognized her.

Rainbow also recognized her and zoomed over to her. “Fluttershy! How’s it hanging?”

“Y’all know each other?” A.J. asked.

Fluttershy nodded. “We were classmates together in flight class at Cloudsdale.”

“Cloudsdale?” Jake wondered.

“That’s where all the flyers of Fantasy hang out,” Rainbow explained, “but I decided to drop out of that class.”

Twilight, being an A+ student, was shocked to hear that. “You What?” Rainbow told her that the class was slowing her down. She wanted to train at her own pace in order to become the Fastest Flyer in Fantasy. Twilight looked at the cloudy skies and got an idea. “Fastest flyer? Please. You can’t even keep the skies clear.”

“Hey, I can clear these clouds in ten seconds flat,” Rainbow snapped.

“Prove it,” Twilight snapped back.

Rainbow showed her speed and acrobatics by clearing the clouds in ten seconds flat. The group was in awe. Rainbow hovered over towards Jake. “Hey, uh, you mind not telling any pony about that crash? I’ve got a reputation to uphold.” Jake promised.

“Actually it’s more official if you do it like this,” Pinkie suggested. “Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye.”

Jake mimicked Pinkie’s movements. Rainbow smiled and rubbed the boy’s head. “You’re okay, kid. If ya ever need me, look toward the skies and give me a call.” With that, she whooshed off.

Jake saw how wrecked his clothes were and started to feel a tad embarrassed, “Don’t fret none, sugarcube. Y’all get yourself all fancied up and we’ll see you quicker than a jack rabbit running late,” A.J. said.

“And when you’re done,” Pinkie added, “I’ve got a big surprise just for you.” Jake waved goodbye, took out his map and headed for the town’s boutique. Twilight internally was relieved that Jake left. Now she can finally get some work done. Pinkie left also, but A.J. and Fluttershy followed Twilight to Town Hall. Twilight safely ignored the two behind her as she proceeded to the next step: the Decor.

At Town Hall, A.J. began to set the tables for the catering while Fluttershy got the bird choir ready for tonight. Twilight marveled at the beautiful décor. Then, she saw a white, curly haired unicorn named Rarity. Rarity was just finishing up some touches. Twilight complimented her on her work, but Rarity was aghast to see Twilight’s mane all messed up. She generously insisted on fixing it and took Twilight outside.

Meanwhile, Jake arrived at the boutique. When he entered, a proper and well-suited old unicorn greeted him from behind the front desk. “Welcome to the Beauty Boutique. My name is Mr. Fancy Rich.” Then he took a good look at Jake. “Well, by Jove, a human! How might I be of assistance?”

“I’m looking for some new clothes. Can you help?” Jake asked.

Mr. Rich looked at the boy’s clothes. “Oh my. You should probably wait for my daughter. She’s a professional.”

Just then, a filly unicorn trotted next to Mr. Rich. Jake noticed her. “Is that the professional?”

Mr. Rich looked down. “Oh pish-posh, this is her younger sister.” He then motioned the filly to introduce herself.

“Hi…I’m Sweetie Bell,” the filly shyly said.

“I’m Jake,” Jake introduced himself back.

Just then, Rarity pushed Twilight into the boutique. “Ah there she…goes,” Mr. Rich said as Rarity took a defenseless Twilight downstairs. He then looked at Sweetie Bell. “Sweetie Bell, won’t you be a dear and escort this fine gentleman downstairs?” Sweetie Bell led Jake to where Rarity was.

“Uh, how old are you?” Jake asked.

Like a real horse, Sweetie counted by using her hoof and answered, “Almost eight, how old are you?”

“Twelve,” Jake answered.

“How were you able to do that without counting?” Sweetie asked astonished.

Jake shrugged, “Guess I had lots of practice. Maybe, someday, you might master it too.” Sweetie smiled. The two got to Rarity’s working room. Sweetie tried to get her sister’s attention, but Rarity was too busy on Twilight to even notice. “Is she always that busy?” Jake asked Sweetie.

“Pretty much, yeah.” Sweetie answered.

Rarity asked Twilight where she came from. When Twilight answered Glammerlot, the beauty loving fashionista was dazzled. While she was distracted, Twilight ceased the opportunity to escape the insanity. Rarity looked around and asked, “Where’d she go?” Then she finally noticed Jake. “My goodness! Sweetie Bell, why didn’t you tell me we had a special guest?” Sweetie rolled her eyes. “My dear child, I take it this is your first time in Ponyville?” Jake nodded. “Well, not to worry, darling, I’ll make you an outfit fit for a prince.” Rarity used her magic to make a pair of scissors, a sewing kit and some needles float around him. Jake took out the Gem of Love from his pocket knowing it might get in the way. Rarity marveled at the gem, but then looked at Jake. “Pray tell, is this your gem?” Jake looked at his Gem of Love and answered, “Yes.” Realizing this, Rarity put her love for jewelry aside, for she only cared about the comfort of others. “Oh, where are my manners? My name’s Rarity.”

“I’m Jake,” the boy replied.

Rarity smiled, “So shall we begin, Jake?”

Jake was ready.

Return of Evil
On the outskirts of Equestria, the dragons arrived in Li-Zard’s secret lair. Garble plopped Spike behind Li-Zard. The villain was a tall mysterious figure in shredded leather. He wore a filthy leather bag over his head, a necklace with a black shard pendant and old smelly bandages wrapped around his entire body like a mummy. The dragons kneeled down before Li-Zard.

“My lord,” Garble reported, “have we got news for you.”

Li-Zard turned his head. “Would the newsss be about a human returning to the Realm of Fantasy?” He hissed.

The dragons were astonished. “How’d you know?” Brains asked.

“Becaussse the Gem of Love hasss returned with him; ssso did my powersss.” To demonstrate that his abilities have truly returned, Li-Zard walked over to Spike and absorbed the little dragon’s anxiety. “You were with a pony?”

“I-I’m sorry my lord,” Spike stuttered, “s-she just seemed so nice. I…I thought maybe me and her could be…”

Li-Zard raised his claw. “I underssstand,” he began to say. “I can sssee that you don’t want to reach your full potential, you don’t want to earn your wingsss and you don’t want to be with your mother after all. For shame, for shame.”

Spike jump to his feet quickly, “No, I do! I do! I-I just…”

“If you want me to fulfill your dreamsss, the way I fulfilled theirs,” Li-Zard shouted pointing at the dragon jerks, “you know you must harm at leasssst one living creature. Ssso, have you?” Spike said nothing else and sadly walked to his lonely corner of the chamber. Li-Zard redirected his attention to the dragon jerk trio.

“So, what’s the plan boss?” Bronze asked.

“This isss a momentousss occasion, boys,” Li-Zard answered. “Once we have the human all alone, I shall claim hisss little Gem of Love as my own. With it, I’ll become the most powerful being in the universe, then we, mossstly me, shall finally tassste victory and rule them all!!!” The dragons cheered, but Spike remained silent. Li-Zard called forth a bat made of pure darkness with a snake eye for a face. “Fly my pet, fly and be my eye in the sssky!” It did as its master commands. The evil villain maniacally laughed.

Back in Ponyville, Twilight made it to the Golden Oaks Library she was staying at. Hoot was standing on the library’s sign. “Boy, you won’t believe the day I’ve had,” she said to Hoot. “But at least I can continue my research in the library where it’s nice and…” But, as Twilight entered the library, she was startled by one big, “Surprise!”

All the ponies of Ponyville were having a huge welcoming party in the library hosted by Pinkie Pie. “Tee, Hee, hee, hee. Whoopsy-Doopsy, thought you were Jakey-Wakey. But were you surprised, were you, huh, huh, huh?” Pinkie excitedly asked. Twilight once again ignored her and drank some punch. “By the way, where is Jakey?” Pinkie asked.

Twilight’s irritation went through the roof. “Jake, Jake, Jake! Always Jake! Well let…” Suddenly her tongue started to feel like it was on fire. She found out that Pinkie poured hot sauce in the punch.

“What? Gives everything that extra spice,” Pinkie declared.

Having had enough, Twilight bolted upstairs to her room. Soon Rarity came into the library, “Could I have every pony’s attention, please.” Every pony looked at Rarity as she announced, “Ponyville’s Beauty Boutique proudly presents, Equestria’s first human visitor in 2000 years: Jake the human.” Jake entered the room in his new getup: a ruby red shirt, nice sleek blue jeans (with the Gem of Love in the right pocket and the picture of his parents in the left), and black leather shoes. Every pony was in awe.

“That boy looks finer than an apple on a warm summer day,” A.J. exclaimed.

Every pony returned to their partying. Jake turned to Rarity, “Thank you, but I don’t have any money,” Jake carefully said.

“Oh think nothing of it, dear, it’s complimentary. Speaking of money matters…” Rarity gave Jake a bag full of gold bits. “My entire week’s allowance.” Jake couldn’t, but Rarity insisted since this indeed is his first time in town. Besides, she’d rather use her money to help others than just get things for her own pleasure.

Jake was touched by all the ponies’ kindness. “N-no one has ever been this nice to me.”

“Ah, come on now. I’m sure plenty of your other friends have been kind to ya,” A.J. said to Jake.

“I…I don’t have any friends,” Jake said dejectedly. The five ponies he met were shocked. “Me and my parents didn’t have much of anything. It’s been kind of hard for me to make even one friend. Nobody likes a nobody like me.” The five looked at each other, smiled then looked back at Jake.

“I like you,” Fluttershy said.

“So do I,” Rarity added.

“As much as sweet cup cakes,” said Pinkie Pie.

“And how!” exclaimed Applejack.

“What’s not to like?” Rainbow Dash finished. “Ya know, some ponies prefer to be alone, but me, I prefer to have a team at my side and kid, you’re gonna make one awesome member of this team.” Jake was so proud that he came to Equestria and befriended these wonderful animals.

But then, Jake heard mumbling coming from upstairs. Curious, the boy headed up to Twilight’s room. Twilight was at her bed talking with her pet birds. Not noticing Jake coming up behind her, Twilight started complaining about her day. “These Ponies are Crazy!!! Don’t they know that the probable fate of Equestria hangs in the balance?”

Fiona Phoenix tried to calm her down. “Twilight, dear. You can’t let rationality cloud your out look on life.”

Twilight was too stressed to even listen. Hoot carefully hooted. “I should lighten up?” Twilight snapped. “All I wanted to do was to learn more about Li-Zard and the Elements of Harmony. But, silly me, all this ridiculous friend stuff and that stupid boy’s fame has kept me from it!” Jake was hurt. The two birds tried to warn Twilight that he’s standing right behind her. “No! I’ve had enough of that human!” Twilight continued, not paying any attention to her pets or the boy. “Why can’t he just go back home where he belongs? As far as I’m concerned, I want nothing more to do with that…That…. Furless Freak!” Jake looked at his picture of his beloved parents, crumpled it up and threw it in front of Twilight. She saw the tears rolling down the poor boy’s cheeks. Twilight uncrumpled the picture. “Are these your parents?” she asked.

“They were… but… But now they’re gone!” Jake ran down the stairs, crying.

Twilight, feeling deep remorse, realized that Jake’s an orphan! “No, wait. I-I didn’t mean…Wait!” she chased after him, but it was too late; Jake was already out the door. The party went quiet as every pony scowled at Twilight.

“What did you say to him?” Rainbow demanded. Everyone left the library except for Pinkie, A.J., Rainbow, Fluttershy, Rarity and Twilight.

The five ponies gathered around Twilight as she began to explain everything. “Back at Glammerlot, I read that the evil sorcerer Li-Zard shall one day return and only the Elements of Harmony can stop him. But now I hurt a little orphan’s feelings because all I could focus on was a stupid, dusty, old book!” Twilight collapsed in guilt.

The five ponies were no longer cross with Twilight as A.J. walked towards her and helped her up. “Twilight, let me tell ya somethin ‘bout relationships.” She pulled out one apple seed from her bitten apple; “They’re kinda like this here apple seed. It may be small n’ hard at first, especially when it first meets the soil.” She placed the seed in an empty flowerpot, “But give it some time, attention n’ a lil’ care, it grows into somethin’ worth while.” Feeling a little better, Twilight headed outside to apologize and somehow make it up to poor Jake.

When Twilight got outside, Jake was gone! Twilight spotted a pony with tie and glasses. “Sir,” she asked him, “did you see a human boy in a red shirt anywhere?”

“Ah yes,” the pony answered, “that poor fellow headed straight to the Ever Free Forest.”

Twilight’s eyes widened with horror. “But, that’s the most dangerous place in all of Equestria. Why would he…”

The pony shrugged, “Must’ve had a terrible time to make him cry like that.” Twilight felt even guiltier. While every pony citizen headed for Town Hall, Twilight headed down the opposite way to the forest determined to find Jake. The five ponies followed. As they galloped, Twilight said to them, “Look, I appreciate the offer, but I was the one who hurt the boy. I have to fix this alone.”

“No way, horse hay!” Rainbow exclaimed. “Jake’s our friend! And whether you like it or not, we’re coming with you!” Twilight still didn’t understand, but she had no choice but to let the five tag along.

Meanwhile, floating above, the bat creature from earlier, magically transmitted what it sees to a green crystal ball in Li-Zard’s lair. Li-Zard sensed where the gem in Jake’s pocket was and knew where he was heading. The villain evilly laughed, “Sssoon, that pathetic pony princessss and her puny peasantssss won’t have a prayer.” He turned to his dragon minions, “Make sure those six foalssss don’t become a problem.”

“What abou’ the kid?” asked Bronze.

“I know exactly where he’sss going. I want that boy breathing… for now.” The dragons did as their master said and flew off, taking Spike with them. Li-Zard absorbed Jake’s sadness and transported himself to Celestia’s chamber. He quietly cast a sleep spell on the Princess who was taking a short nap. “Sssleep my princessss,” he whispered looking at the moon. “Your time will sssoon come.” With a few waves of his hands, he sent green mists into the sky. The mists circled the moon. Celestia’s shadow on the moon awoke!

Back in Ponyville, every pony gathered in Town Hall to watch the sunrise for the beginning of Summer. The bird choir started singing to introduce Mayor Mare. She announced, “Mares and gentle colts: In a few moments, our fare Princess Celestia will arrive to raise the sun, making this day the longest day of the year!” Every pony cheered. “Now, it is with great pony pride that I present to you, the most powerful being in the universe…” Curtains began to roll back, “our noble, caring and fearless leader, the one and only…. (Gasp)!” All the other ponies gasped in fear. Instead of a beautiful majestic alicorn princess, they saw a wicked malevolent creature.

“Thank you ssso much,” he replied. “But, I’m sure you all know who I am. The misssssstic massssster of missssery, the sssssorcerer sssssupreme of ssssssorrow, the great and glorious… Lord Li-Zard!! But I digresss, allow me to introduce Princessss Celestia’sss… shadow.” Celestia’s shadow appeared next to him. The evil lizard wizard regained full control over it and what’s worse? After 2000 years, The Shadow became one with the moon.

All the pony citizens trembled in fear, but Mayor Mare shouted, “What have you done with our Princess?”

“When all goesss well, you’ll be joining her!” Li-Zard responded with a cackle.

“Seize that monster!” Mayor Mare ordered. The guards charged at the shadow, but Li-Zard absorbed their rage and blew them away. “Any pony else?” he asked looking down at the crowd. They all said nothing and cowered before him. Li-Zard turned to his lifeless puppet. “Make sure daylight’s never shown,” he commanded. The shadow flew off into the night sky to create an ever-lasting night. Li-Zard landed in the middle of the crowd and called out to all of Ponyville, “For what you’ve done to me, prepare to suffer…Through Eternity!! Ha-Ha-Ha-Ha-Ha-Ha-Ha!!!”

Into the Woods
The six ponies, the Mane Six, made it to the dangerous Ever Free Forest. It looked dark, scary and unsettling. Even the entrance looked like the mouth of a monster.

“How the Sam hey‘re we gonna find Jake in this place?” asked A.J. in disbelief.

Rarity remembered Jake’s gem, “Leave it to me, girls. I can find any jewelry anywhere.” She used her magic to create a glimmering trail that led to where the gem was. Rarity smirked proudly. A.J. just rolled her eyes, but followed closely behind her.

Fluttershy cowered in fear and stepped back, but Rainbow gave her old flight classmate some encouragement, “Come on, you’ve handled a rampaging, mad bull for hoof sake. I bet you can handle anything that forest can throw at us.” Fluttershy thought about it, swallowed her fear and agreed to go. “Ah, yeah!” Rainbow cried as the two headed in.

“This is gonna be fun-mazing!” Pinkie exclaimed as she started hopping into the forest. Twilight still felt guilty for making Jake cry. She didn’t know he was an orphan. She now knew she’s got to go in and set things right. She took a deep breath and proceeded to the woods. Unknown to her, the dragon jerks also arrived at the entrance. Spike was terrified.

“It’ll take hours to find those puny ponies in there!” Brains complained.

“At least we’ve got wings,” Garble said. Spike tried to remind the dragons that he didn’t have his wings yet. Sadly, before he could even say anything, the three dragon jerks took off leaving the poor kid dragon to follow the ponies on foot.

After a while, the trail led the six up a mountainside. Rainbow told her new pals the scary tales about the forest and its dangers. Unknown to them, the flying snake eye dove down under a cliff they were on and knocked out a small rock causing a landslide. Rarity and Pinkie managed to stop at some flat cliffs, but Twilight was hanging on to a steep one. A.J. slid carefully towards her then looked up. A.J. told Twilight to let go.

“Are you crazy?!” Twilight asked afraid.

“Now look! What I’m tellin’ you is the honest truth. Let go and you’ll be safe.” A.J. assured. Twilight put aside her doubt and let go. Rainbow and Fluttershy caught her just in time! Twilight felt very grateful. The six got off the mountain safe and sound. Spike went down a safe trail on the right side of the landslide. Without being seen, he still pursued them.

Li-Zard looked into his crystal ball and got a little mad “Grrr! Those poniesss are pretty persisssstant. Hmm, hmm, hmm , let’sss see if a few frightening facesss can change their tune.” He cackled as he sent his green mist into the forest.

While Rainbow reflected on the daring rescue, showing off a bit of her arrogance, the green mist circled around some trees, putting terrifying faces on them. The ponies screamed in fear, but Pinkie just laughed at the scary faces. “Pinkie, what are you doing? Run!” Twilight shouted. But sure enough, Pinkie started to sing, teaching her new friends to banish their fears through laughter; thus turning the trees back to normal.

Li-Zard was flabbergasted, “T-That… Impossible! This has never happen to me before! Unlessss…” It was then, he found out his weakness. “Negative emotionssss strengthen my magic. Ssso, in turn, positive emotionsss weaken me.” He roared with incredible rage. The citizens of Ponyville scattered for cover. Li-Zard cooled down, thought for a moment and got a third plan for the ponies. He used his crystal ball to contact the dragon jerk trio and said, “Boysss, I’m one for aggression, but let’ssss try persuasion.”

The Dragons flew to the other side of a bridge that the six were heading for and, in the mist, cut the ropes. The ponies were trapped, but Rainbow offered to fix the bridge so they could cross. When she flew to the other side, she heard voices in the mist. Rainbow bravely put up her hooves, “Show yourselves!”

“Whoa, whoa, whoa. We don’t wanna mess with the great Rainbow Dash, right boys?” Garble replied.

Rainbow paused, “You’ve heard of me?”

“Let’s answer that question with a few more,” Brains responded. One by one, the dragons emerged from the mist and asked her if she wanted to be famous, admired and become the Fastest Flyer in Fantasy. Rainbow grew more and more excited as she answered each question with a yes. “Then come with us ‘n our boss’ll make it all happen. After all, he made us who we are tonight.”

Rainbow leaped high above the dragons shouting, “Yes! Just let me take care of this and we’ll…”

Bronze stood in front of her, “Oh uh, there’s just one tiny little thing you gotta do.”

Brains crept up from behind her. “In order to have our master grant your wish, you must give in to the darkness in your heart. It’s kind of his thing.” Rainbow didn’t understand.

“Simple,” Garble added. “Choose. Those little ‘punies’, or us?”

Twilight saw the trio in the distance and saw they were up to no good. She tried to warn Rainbow, but Li-Zard used his magic to create more fog. Rainbow thought and thought and finally answered, “Tell your boss… If granting my wish means leaving my new friends and a lonely orphan behind, then he can count me out!” She finished fixing the bridge and cleared the fog. Twilight was impressed with Rainbow Dash. As the six crossed the bridge, Rainbow spotted the dark bat creature. Thinking that the dragon jerks’ boss was watching through it, she made funny faces at it confirming that she’ll never join a team that’s as evil or cruel as his.

Li-Zard was furious. “No one refuses me! No One!! End Them!!!”

The dragons lifted themselves into the air and were about to dive bomb the six. Spike, standing at the other end of the bridge, covered his eyes. The dragons were just about to attack, when all of the sudden a shadow of a huge monster appeared in the fog.

The ponies gasped in fright, but the dragons weren’t worried one bit. “We ain’t afraid of you. Come on!” Garble boasted. The trio tried to ram the creature, but instead they hit headfirst into a large rock. When the fog cleared, the “scary monster” turned out to be a Sasquatch in front of a campfire.

“Don’t know why people are so afraid of shadows,” the big sasquatch said. “Fool them though. Now, what are you lovely ponies doin’ in these here woods?”

Fluttershy softly apologized, “We didn’t mean to intrude, mister…”

“Name’s Gorilla Gramps, honey, the jazz-squatch,” he replied in a calm carefree attitude. He was a large, hairy, ape-like sasquatch. He was very old, but really athletic. He wore a black and white tie and a cool looking jazz hat. A.J. recognized him and explained to the ponies that Gorilla Gramps always visits Sweet Apple Valley for their yearly family reunion. “Ol’ Granny Smith sure does make a mean apple pie,” G.G. stated.

Then Twilight noticed something very peculiar. It was day time, but the sun wasn’t even up yet. “Something’s wrong,” she said to the group.

“What do you mean?” Rainbow asked.

Twilight turned to where Ponyville was and felt like something was a miss. She was about to head back, but stopped dead in her tracks. “What’s ‘a matter, girl?” G.G. asked.

“I was a big jerk to someone. I’ve ignored him and chased him off, all because I was focused on a stupid prophecy,” Twilight answered. “Well, not this time! We didn’t come all this way to turn back now and we won’t go back without Jake!” The ponies and G.G. were moved by Twilight’s speech. Seems this once want-to-be-left-alone unicorn had a change of heart. She finally decided to put aside her anti-socialism and started to understand just a little bit about friendship.

Soon G.G. noticed Spike at the other end of the bridge. “Well now, is that a baby dragon I see over there?”

Fluttershy gasped with joy. “A baby dragon!” The Mane Six turned toward Spike. Spike tried to find somewhere to hide.

“Hey, it’s Spike.” Twilight recognized him.

“You know him?” Rainbow asked.

“Back in Glammerlot, he asked me to go to the Celebration with him, but I kind of rudely walked away,” Twilight answered feeling embarrassed.

Rainbow shook her head, “We really need to work on your social skills.” She and Fluttershy flew over to the other end and greeted the little dragon. “So you’re Spike, huh?” Rainbow guessed.

“Y-Yes,” Spike answered.

“Wow! A talking dragon!” Fluttershy said all giddy. “I’m Fluttershy, this is Rainbow Dash and the ponies over there are Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Applejack and Twilight Sparkle.”

Rainbow noticed the K.O.’ed dragon jerks and asked Spike if he’s with them. Spike looked down, rubbed his arm and answered, “Well…to tell the truth… I wish I wasn’t. It’s complicated, but all they do is pick on me just because I haven’t earned my wings yet.” Both Rainbow and Fluttershy felt sorry for the little dragon.

“Well, let’s get outta here before they come to,” Rainbow said offering him a ride on her back. Spike hopped on and the two pegusi flew to where G.G. and the other ponies were. Spike quickly remembered Twilight from earlier.

“Hey, um, about the invitation. If you still want me to go with you, I will.” Twilight said happily. Spike smiled.

As they continued down the trail, Fluttershy asked, “If it’s okay, I would like to know more about dragons.”

“Okay, what would you like to know?” Spike asked.

“Absolutely everything.” She answered.

Li-Zard watched in his orb in frustration. He didn’t want the Mane Six to know that he’s returned and hissed silently, “No, no, no, no, no, no!” But, the pure-hearted dragon began to tell them everything: His birth, his Mom, how to earn wings to become a true dragon, even Li-Zard. “That sssstupid, ssson of a sssslimy, ssslithering ssssalamander! Shadow!!!” Li-Zard yelled in anger. Celestia’s shadow landed right next to its puppet master. “Head into the Ever Free Forest and wait for further commandsssss,” Li-Zard ordered. “Now go!” The shadow turned itself into a black stream of mist and did as its lord said even though it had no life of its own.

The Elements of Harmony
Later on in their journey, Spike finished up his story. “Oh, you poor dear,” Rarity said feeling bad for the little guy. “How could you stand living in such horrid conditions?” Spike sighed. Rarity restated, “Well, whenever you feel pushed around like that, come visit my Beauty Boutique. I’ll make sure you’re treated with utmost care.”

“Why, thank you Miss Rarity.” Spike blushed, taking in the pony’s kindness.

Twilight was shocked to hear that she was right about Li-Zard’s return, but this time her new concern was to make sure Jake was all right and somehow make up for her harshness. She then asked Spike how he knew Li-Zard at all. Spike told her that after his mother left, Li-Zard came up to him and offered to magically grant him his wings in exchange for his freedom. Spike denied the offer, but the clever villain said if he does, he’ll never become a true dragon and make his mother proud. Spike had no choice; he agreed to become Li-Zard’s slave. In order for Li-Zard to grant him his wings, the young dragon must do at least one act of evil, but Spike didn’t have a single mean bone in his body. He refuses to hurt anyone or anything. Twilight felt bad for the poor dragon.

Just then, Rarity stopped. “Jake’s glorious gem stops here!” she exclaimed. Rarity’s mystic trail ends at G.G.’s tree house at the heart of the forest.

“Yes sir, home sweet home. Any one with any problems comes here,” G.G. said.

“Wait a hip-hopping second,” Pinkie said surprised. “If this place is so spooky scary, how come creatures come here?”

G.G. bent down and said, “Some things may look creepy freaky and nasty, but on the inside, things are calm and cool. Ya dig?”

“I had no idea,” Pinkie replied.

Twilight got all worried again. “I just hope I’m not too late.”

A.J., who stood right next to her, placed her hoof on Twilight’s shoulder. “Don’t worry Twili, we’ll be right there beside ya.”

Twilight smiled.

“I want to meet this human,” Spike said excited. He got off of Rainbow’s back and ran towards G.G.’s tree.

“Whoa, partner. Wait for us,” A.J. called out as the ponies and G.G. followed. Li-Zard and the shadow in mist form appeared behind some trees waiting for their right moment.

In G.G.’s tree, Jake was sitting near a large boiling pot. “Hey, Kid,” said G.G., “looks like you’ve got some guests.”

Spike was the first to enter. Jake was amazed to see a real life dragon. “Wow, a real live human,” Spike said astonished. “I’m Spike, what’s your name?”

“I’m…”

“Jake!” the ponies shouted as they rushed over to hug their friend.

“Where the hey were ya, kid? We’ve been lookin' for you everywhere!” Rainbow asked.

“You have?”

“But of course we have,” Rarity exclaimed, “You didn’t seriously expect us to leave a poor young child like you to fend for himself in the woods, did you?”

Soon Twilight stepped in. “Oh Jake, we were so worried about you. I was worried about you.”

“You were?” Jake said confused. “But you said…”

“Listen,” the purple pony began, “I didn’t mean what I said. I was just… just… jealous.”

“Jealous, of me? Why?” Jake asked.

Twilight uncomfortably answered, “Well… I’ve been seeing you meet these ponies one by one. It was so easy for you to make friends…while it was still very hard for me, ever since I was a little filly.” Everyone gathered around Twilight. “Back at Glammerlot, I’ve learned lots of interesting information, but no one wanted to listen.” Twilight turned her back in sadness. “That’s why I prefer to be alone. No pony likes a no pony like me.”

Jake was surprised. That’s almost exactly what he said.

Rainbow flew over to Twilight and assured, “Ah, you were just talking to the wrong ponies back then.”

“We’re all here,” A.J. added, “haven’t we been listenin’ to ya?” Twilight looked around her, remembering how much they helped her forget her doubts, her fears and her strife along their way here. Then she remembered something else. When Jake first came to Ponyville, he listened to her while she explained about unicorn magic. For once in her life, someone actually stayed to listen to her and didn’t call her a nerd. With that, she finally decided to give this friendship thing a chance. But before she can, suddenly, the Gem in his pocket began to glow. He pulled it out.

Twilight recognized it from that book she read. “The Gem of Love,” she said in disbelief.

“You know what this is?” Jake asked.

“Sort of,” Twilight answered, “but that was just an old pony’s tale.”

G.G. smiled. “Time to reveal the reason why you’re all here,” G.G. stated.

“And that reason would be?” Rainbow asked.

“The Elements of Harmony, baby.” Jake, Twilight, Spike and the ponies were shocked, so was Li-Zard spying outside. The sinister salamander smiled. “Tell ‘em, Jake man,” G.G. said. Jake explained that after he left the library, his gem started glowing and led him into the Ever Free Forest down a safe path to G.G.’s tree where the Elements of Harmony were kept. The six ponies didn’t know what to say except, “wow.” “The Elements are right inside this chamber,” G.G. directed. The five decided to let Jake go with Twilight, giving them a chance to finally mingle.

The two entered the chamber and saw a small case. They both opened the case and saw the Elements of Harmony! “Just like in my book,” Jake whispered.

Twilight turned her head. “That book wouldn’t happen to be the book of Equestria, would it?”

“You have that book?” Jake asked just as surprised as she.

Twilight smiled, “It’s my favorite book of all time.”

“Mine too,” Jake said also smiling. Then his smile turned to a frown. “It was until Harp threw it in the fireplace.”

Twilight was shocked to hear that. “You mentioned this Harp guy before. What’s he like?” Jake started to explain how horrible Harp was to him and the other orphans. After his parents died, he went to an orphanage run by Mayor Harp. Harp took advantage of the situation and treated the poor boy like a slave. Giving him little amount of food, never letting him go outside and just being mean to him. Meanwhile, Li-Zard ceased the opportunity and quietly sent Celestia’s shadow into the chamber through the window. Twilight couldn’t believe her ears. “I...I didn’t know.” Jake had a sad look. Twilight smiled, “Well, from now on, I promise never to treat you the same way that jerk did.” To prove it, Twilight did the pinkie promise, but accidentally poked herself in the eye in the process. Jake made sure she was all right. “You really are a kind boy,” Twilight realized.

Jake rubbed the back of his head. “I’m sorry for running away. I’m just so tired of being alone all the time.”

Twilight inched closer. “You’re not alone anymore, you’ve got friends now.”

Jake looked at Twilight, “Do you think, we could be friends too?”

Twilight kindly placed her hoof on his knee, “I think we can.”

As the two bonded, Celestia’s shadow stealthily took the elements out of the case and started swirling around the poor human boy faster and faster and faster!

“Jake!” Twilight exclaimed as she jumped in after him.

“Twilight!” the ponies also exclaimed.

While G.G. and the five ran into the chamber, Garble and his co-hordes sneaked up from behind and grabbed Spike. G.G. and the five entered the chamber, but it was too late. Jake, Twilight, the shadow, and the elements vanished.

“Where’d they go? What happened?” Pinkie frantically asked.

“Look!” G.G. called to the ponies. Strange glowing light came from the inside of a nearby castle ruins.

“Come on!” A.J. called out as the group headed out to save their two friends. The dragon trio floated above the scene.

“Ooh,” Garble said with Spike still in his claws, “Let’s watch the show, shall we?”

Jake and Twilight found themselves in the middle of the ruins. Jake asked Twilight if she was okay. “I’m okay, are you?” Twilight asked. Jake nodded. Soon the two saw the mist that transported them, revert back into shadow form. They both looked in horror.

“Celestia’s shadow!” Twilight gasped.

Jake quickly thought it through. “But, that means…”

“Yessss sir, I’m back!” Li-Zard emerged from behind the shadow.

Both Jake and Twilight were aghast.

“Ssso, ssssorry to interrupt your little moment,” Li-Zard walked towards them, “but I’d like to thank Jake persssonally.”

“For what?” Jake asked.

“Jussst like you, I too became one with the Gem of Love. It was the very thing that gave me my power,” Li-Zard explained. “Ssadly, it was taken from me. Lossst in a world of Man. Now, thanksss to you, it finally returnsss to itsss rightful owner. I shall reach my full potential once again!” He leaned forward and whispered, “Fantasy shall fall!”

Twilight won’t let that happen, as she prepared to charge the villain. “You’re kidding? You’re kidding me right?” Twilight was not kidding. Li-Zard shook his head, “pretty pathetic puny peasant.” He made Celestia’s shadow charge back at her. Before unicorn and shadow could collide, Twilight magically transported behind Li-Zard. She stood in the middle of the elements,“If you harm one hair on Jake or any of the…”

“Don’t need to,” Li-Zard replied as he used his magic to destroy the Elements to pieces! Now nothing can stop the power growing, misery feasting lizard wizard! The two heroes and villains heard the five ponies coming towards them. Li-Zard sent the shadow to keep them busy. He turned to the boy, “Ssso, be a good delivery boy and hand over my glorious gem!” Jake looked at Twilight then back at Li-Zard and strongly refused. Li-Zard laughed at Jake’s bravery. He was about to attack, when suddenly, the ponies managed to escape the shadow and enter the ruins. “Thisss is Equestria’s last line of defense?” Li-Zard laughed. “You ponies must be getting pretty desperate!”

“You must be Lord Li-Zard,” Rainbow guessed. “Bet you look a whole lot uglier underneath all that toilet paper.” Li-Zard hissed angrily. The ponies stood ground against Li-Zard to save Jake and Twilight. The dragon jerks dove right in, defending their master with Spike still in their clutches. Soon, Li-Zard made all the candles go out. No one could see a thing. Li-Zard gathered green glowing gas and formed a decoy. All five ponies, thinking it’s the real thing, pounced on it only to hit a wall. The shadow came up behind Jake and used its wings to blow him to where the shattered elements were.

Li-Zard looked down at him, “Now, sssalvation or sssuffering?” Twilight stood in front of Jake, defending him. Li-Zard was about to strike them both. Just then, the five, who quickly recovered, stood in front of Jake and Twilight. “You persistent little pestssss. Why continue to defy me, but defend them?” Li-Zard demanded.

“Cause that’s what friends are for,” A.J. responded with courage.

Something inside Twilight sparked. She finally understood. She stood up, joined the five ponies and spoke up, “You think you can destroy the Elements of Harmony just like that, when the spirits of those elements… are right here?”

“What?” Li-Zard cried in alarm. The shards of the elements began to float up and swirl around each pony. Jake was astonished!

Fluttershy, who tamed a wild beast without brute force, represents the element of…Compassion.

Rarity, who gave her own fortune for the good of others, represents the element of…Generosity.

Applejack, who reassured Twilight when she was in doubt, represents the element of…Honesty.

Pinkie Pie, who banished fear by finding the joy in bad situations, represents the element of…Fun.

Rainbow Dash, who refused to abandon those in need for her own heart’s desire, represents the element of…Loyalty.

“Thissss isssss ridiculousssss!” Li-Zard shouted. “You’re all just a bunch of worthlessss peasentsss!”

Twilight turned to Jake and the ponies. “Don’t listen to him. After seeing how much you cared for me, I finally realize that all of you…are my friends.” She stepped toward Li-Zard. Li-Zard stepped back. “Guess I represent the final element, the Element of… Understanding!” The shards reassembled themselves on the ponies as they ascended in mid air, five on the five’s necks and the understanding element on top of Twilight’s head.
Li-Zard was getting scared; he felt his powers getting weaker by the second.

“They can’t work, they won’t work!” he shouted.

Jake took his gem of love out of his pocket, which also started glowing. “Not without this,” he said, boldly.

Li-Zard glared at him. “Last chance, child! Sssurrender the gem and I’ll return you home sssafe and sssound,” Li-Zard lied.

Jake looked up at the ponies and remembered all the kindness and understanding they’ve given him ever since the gem brought him to their world. Jake stood up and raised his Gem high into the air. It began to float in the middle of the ponies. Both the gem and the elements kept glowing brighter and brighter. Suddenly, a huge rainbow, the magic of friendship, blasted out of the light and aimed towards Li-Zard. The slippery serpent dodged it, but the shadow wasn’t very lucky. Li-Zard used his dwindling magic to open a portal back to his lair and escaped. The magic swirled around the trapped shadow. The Gem then charged up and shot a beam of light at the shadow. The area was flooded in light, blinding the dragon jerks, forcing Garble to drop Spike. “Groovy,” G.G. said wearing his cool shades.

Afterwards, the ponies quickly recovered. “Oh, my head,” Rainbow said waking up.

“Every pony okay?” A.J. asked.

Pinkie shook off her dizziness. “I’m just Pinkie keen. Get it? Get it?”

Jake looked around and saw something interesting. The ponies saw something interesting too. The elements transformed into golden necklaces with gems that resembled each of their cutie marks. “Cutie Marks?” Jake asked as he put the gem of Love in his pocket. He then walked over to see if Twilight’s all right. The group looked at Spike who landed on top of Twilight. Twilight woke up, looked at the small dragon on her back and joked.

“There must be a less painful way of meeting each other.”

Spike blushed, “I like your crown thingy.” Twilight looked up and saw that the understanding element had transformed into a beautiful tiara. “It looks just like you’re cutie mark, see?” Spike said pointing at Twilight’s star cutie mark. Spike’s claw touched her flank. “Ooh!” Twilight reacted. Jake and Spike realized that the purple unicorn was ticklish. Spike began to tickle her all over.

“Ha, ha, ha. Now, Wait, I didn’t say I was…Ha ha ha ha ha! Girls! A little help!” Twilight laughed. Every pony just smiled at the cute scene.

Rainbow rushed in to save her. “Got ya!” She said tickling Spike. Jake sneaked up behind Rainbow and tickled her. “Now you…Got me. Ha, Ha, Ha.” Now Spike and Jake were tickling Twilight and Rainbow. Pinkie and A.J. joined in on the tickle fest while Fluttershy and Rarity watched.

Rarity shook her head, “Can’t these guys be more civilized?”

“T-Twilight…Make them stop!” A.J. begged.

“C-Can’t…Concentrate!” Twilight laughed some more.

The dragon jerks regained their sight and saw Spike playing with the ponies. “I knew he was a sissy. That whimp’ll never become a true dragon like that,” Garble declared as the dragons flew away. Spike stopped the tickling and looked up. He knew he had to get back to Li-Zard.

“Stay with us,” Twilight offered. “You don’t have to serve Li-Zard anymore.”

Spike liked the offer. “You’re all so nice and I really want to stay with you,” Spike got off Twilight’s belly, “but I can’t. Whether I like it or not, Li-Zard’s my only chance.” Spike looked up at the stars. His eyes filled up with tears. The poor little dragon felt trapped; he didn’t know what to do.

Twilight kindly sat next to him and placed her horn on Spike’s head. “W-what did you do?” Spike asked.

“I cast an invisible barrier around you,” Twilight answered him, “guaranteeing total protection from those jerks.” Spike was touched by this kind act. “I understand your pain.” Twilight continued, “You just want to be reunited with your mother. Li-Zard took advantage of that. But I just know you’re going to earn your wings without his magic.” Spike felt very grateful.

Rainbow flew over to the little dragon. “Just do us this one favor. The minute you earn your wings, quit that crazy creep, ‘kay?” Spike nodded. He gave his new friend Twilight a hug goodbye. G.G. pointed him down a safe path out of the forest.

“I’ll find a way out of this,” Spike called out as he ran down the path. “I promise!”

Jake looked at Twilight. “Hey, thanks for going through all this trouble for me.”

“Of course,” Twilight responded. “We social misfits have to stick together.”

“Does that mean you like me?” Jake asked.

Twilight adorably chuckled. “As a matter of fact, my furless friend,” she wrapped her arm around her new friend’s waist, “I do.”

Suddenly, the sun rose. In a ball of light, a tall, beautiful alicorn appeared before the group. It was Princess Celestia, free from Li-Zard’s sleep spell! Twilight rushed over to hug her teacher while the other ponies bowed before her. Jake was stunned. “Twilight, my faithful student, I knew you could do it.” The princess said proudly. Twilight didn’t understand. “When you asked me to make preparations for Li-Zard’s return, I sent only two objects to do so: the Elements of Harmony to Gorilla Gramps and the note that tasked you to make some friends. For that’s how you truly conquer evil, when you fight along side and defend those you care about.”

“Ain’t Celestia smart or what?” G.G. stated.

Twilight looked at all the friends she’s made and introduced the Princess to each of them, especially Jake. “Uh, Princess?” Jake asked. “Li-Zard said he returned because of me…If you want me to leave…” The ponies were worried that Celestia was gonna send their new friend away.

“Why would I want you to leave young one?” Celestia asked him. “You helped bring true friendship into Twilight’s heart and saved Equestria. Even more impressive, you brought light into a darkness and gave it life.” The group looked at where the magic hit Celestia’s shadow and saw that the Elements turned it into a living, breathing alicorn with black-blue fur and a moon cutie mark. The timid creature found herself in a strange new world, like she had just been born, literally.

The group was flabbergasted, but Twilight remembered something from her book. “The Elements never have the power to destroy,” she explained, “only heal, banish or create.”

Celestia walked to the alicorn. The alicorn was scared at first, but Celestia lowered herself to her level. “Protecting an entire realm and being in charge of the sky are huge responsibilities. Would you like to share those responsibilities with me?”

The two alicorns got up at the same time and the universe’s first half shadow pony responded, “I…It would be my pleasure.” She bowed before her. With care, Celestia wrapped her hoof around her new sister.

Pinkie became all teary eyed. “Isn’t adoption just splendooferyoofous?”

“Adoption?” Twilight turned her head toward Jake. She got an idea. “Um, would you girls excuse us for a few minutes?” She asked the ponies. They walked outside while Twilight talked with the Princess.

Meanwhile in Li-Zard’s lair, Spike nervously kneeled before the villain while the dragon jerks cruelly watched. “You Idiot! Revealing who I am to those… those… animalssss!”

Spike cowered in fear. “I-I’m sorry, sir.”

Li-Zard grabbed him by the tail. “Now hear thisss! If you want to earn your wings, you’ll do exactly as I say! From now on, you go wherever the dragons go, if they return to me, you return to me, understand?” He tossed Spike to the ground. The baby dragon sulked away to his sad lonely corner.

“Hey boss,” Bronze said to Li-Zard, “why are we bringin’ along this dead weight, any ways?”

“Sssome day he’ll prove his usefulnessss,” Li-Zard answered. “Either way, he, that human and their puny pony protectors will sssoon perish. Now go and caussse as much misssery as possssible.” The dragons flew off to feed their master pony suffering. “Ssssoon, I’ll reclaim my precious Gem of Love. Then Celestia and all of Equestria will be mine!! Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha!!!”

Back in front of the ruins, the ponies nervously waited. Will Jake stay in Fantasy or return to Reality? Soon, both Jake and Twilight came out. “It’s decided,” Twilight began to tell the good news. “Since Jake’s new to Fantasy, Princess Celestia has given me a new task: to teach Jake all the wonders of our world.” The five ponies wore big smiles. “But in order to do that,” Twilight continued, “Celestia asked Jake if he wants to stay with me in the Ponyville library.” Every pony looked at Jake.

“Well, what did you say?” Rainbow asked.

Jake looked at Twilight then he answered, “Well, Li-Zard told me to return home. But, I think… this is my new home now.” Twilight smiled fondly as the ponies cheered for joy.

“Hey, you know what this calls for?” Pinkie asked. She blasted herself high into the air,

“Paaaaaartaaaay!”

Back in Ponyville, all the citizens, now including Jake and Twilight, began their Summer Sun Celebration. Everyone also celebrated the birth of their second alicorn princess, Celestia’s shadow brought to life. Fiona and Hoot landed on a tree near Twilight, waiting for the ex-antisocial unicorn to finally admit it. “Alright, alright,” Twilight admitted, “Friendship is magic.” Hoot hooted. “Yes, I also know that Jake’s my responsibility now,” Twilight responded. She looked over at Jake enjoying the day with his new friends. “He’s a good kid. I think it’ll work out just fine.”

Just then Celestia approached Twilight and gave her back her Equestria book that she accidentally left behind. She was overcome with joy and knew exactly what to do. She hurried over to Jake and said, “Hey Jake. I have my Equestria book. After this, you want to read it with me?”

“I’d like that,” Jake answered happily.

As everyone danced to G.G.’s groovy beats, both Jake and Twilight knew that this could be the beginning of something wonderful.

The
End