(Almost) The Next Generation

by Sapphire Rose 12

Rating: teen
Tags: Cutie Mark Crusaders, Romance, Spike, King Sombra, Discord, Main 6, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
Length: 11418

How did it all happen? How did some of the Mane 6 find their spouses? How did the Cutie Mark Crusaders stay so close after these long 10 years? How did they... expose Rarity is being cheated on by her special somepony, Glowing Gem?

How did it all happen before their children were born? How did some of the Mane 6 find their spouses? How did the Cutie Mark Crusaders stay so close after these long 10 years? How did they... expose Rarity is being cheated on by her special somepony, Glowing Gem? Love is in the air... but a certain villain is coming to crash the party.

Note: Rated Teen for Cheating. (When it's rated everyone when cheating is involved, it doesn't really seem right to me.)

Published 2016-09-04 23:40:01 UTC
Last updated 2016-09-18 18:03:20 UTC

Chapter 1: The Big Surprise

Chapter 1: The Big Surprise

It was a lovely day, as the Mane 6 were having a picnic together. Twilight wasn't there yet.

"Oh my, I can't believe it's been 10 whole years since Twilight and Spike came to Ponyville!" exclaimed Rarity, levitating her tea cup with her horn.

"And we are certainly glad to have them in our lives," Fluttershy added.

"Aw shucks, Flutters," Spike said, modestly. "Twilight and I are even luckier to have all of you."

"Aww!!" said Pinkie Pie.

"Spikey Wikey, are you three inches taller than the last time I saw you?" Rarity said sternly, but only jokingly.

"Maybe?" Spike said.

"Aww, time went by too fast!" Rarity exclaimed. "Seems like yesterday I could bend down to pat your head. Now I have to go like..."

Rarity hopped up and stood on the tips of her hoof just to pat Spike's head, which was now about a whole foot above her.

"This!" she finished.

"I can't believe I don't see Twilight showing any hint of nostalgia," Rarity said.

"Speaking of which, where is Twilight?" Fluttershy asked.

"She said she'd be a little late!" said Pinkie Pie. "She forgot to bake the rolls!"

"Late? Forget? How unlike Twilight!" said Rainbow Dash.

"I know, right?" Pinkie Pie agreed.

Spike made a sound. He sounded like he was about to puke. Although, all of his friends knew exactly what the sound meant.

"A letter?" Applejack said. "Now, I can't remember the last time this happened."

Spike let out a burp and fire spread across the whole area, shrouding the area in a green light as it happened. His friends gasped and just barely dodged the flames.

"Whoa there, partner!" Applejack exclaimed.

"You almost scorched us!" Rainbow Dash added.

"Sorry, girls," Spike apologized, sheepishly. "The taller I get, the more fire I have. I'll try my best to control it."

"I wonder what Twilight's letter says," Pinkie Pie said.

She opened the letter, curiously. She began to read it aloud to her friends.

"Dear Spike and Friends of Twilight," she said. "Oh, it's for us!" she exclaimed, pausing for a moment. She continued to read the letter. "It's Princess Celestia. I'm sure by now you've all heard of the wedding and are shocked by how time flies."

"We didn't hear about any wedding!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed. "What does she mean?"

"And who's getting married?!" Rarity asked. "Who else do we know that could be engaged?"

Pinkie Pie continued to read the letter. "The bride has asked all of you to do a certain task. Pinkie Pie, you've been asked to plan the reception and bake the wedding cake." She paused. "Yay, I'm so excited! I can totally do that!" She continued. "Applejack, you've been asked to help with additional refreshments."

"Tell them I'd be pleased as punch!" Applejack grinned. "I've been working on a new apple cinnamon fry recipe!"

"Rarity, you've been asked to make the wedding dress."

"Definitely!" Rarity replied. "I'd love to get my creative juices flowing again!"

"Fluttershy, you've been asked to do music."

"I really love working with the birds to create music!" said Fluttershy. "Yes! I'll do it!"

"And lastly, Rainbow Dash will perform a Rainbow Heart Zoom after the vows. Spike will be the ring bearer and wedding preacher. Can't wait for you all to be there! Sincerely, Princess Celestia."

"A Rainbow Heart Zoom?!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed. "Is this bride nuts?! The Rainbow Heart Zoom has been said to be about 43 times harder than the Sonic Rainboom! How do they expect me to do that?!"

"You'll get it!" Pinkie Pie encouraged. "Knowing you, you'll totally pull it off!"

"Aw, don't worry, sugarcube," comforted Applejack. "You're amazing as that move and the Sonic Rainboom put together. I know you can do it!"

"Yay," said Fluttershy.

"We have faith in you, darling!" Rarity said.

"Aw, thank you, girls," Rainbow Dash replied. "You're right! I accept!"

"And I accept my role as well!" Spike said.

"But, why wasn't Twi asked to do anything?" Applejack asked, confused.

"And who are the bride and groom?" Fluttershy inquired.

Spike let out another burp with his fire's glow flashing in the area. Another letter landed in front of them.

"Ooh, maybe this one is the invitation!" Pinkie Pie squealed. "Dear recipient, we invite you to attend the latest Canterlot wedding."

Everyone got excited and surrounded Pinkie Pie.

"When?!" Applejack exclaimed.

"Who?!" Fluttershy asked.

"In the castle?!" Rainbow Dash added.

"Is it soon?!" Rarity asked.

"The lucky bride and groom are..." Pinkie Pie continued. "Twilight and Flash Sentry?!?!"

Everyone gasped, in shock.

"Twi-Twi-Twilight is g-g-getting... married?" Applejack stuttered.

Twilight rushed to the girls with a bag of rolls. "Girls! Girls! Sorry, I'm late! But, I had to bake the..."

She trailed off as her friends only stared at her, purely shocked.

"Why are you all looking at me like that?" she asked.

Pinkie Pie finally let out an ecstatic squeal. She ran to Twilight and gave her a giant hug, so happy for her.

"Of course, I'll bake your cake and plan your reception!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed. "I can't believe it!"

Applejack almost burst into tears of joy. "Oh, Twilight!"

All of her friends group hugged her.

"Congratulations!" Fluttershy said. "We're so happy for you!"

"Oh, thank you, girls," Twilight said. "I knew I could count on you!"

"Wow... I'm just shocked," Spike said.

"So are all of us!" Rainbow Dash replied.

"And have you girls heard the news about the Cutie Mark Crusaders?" Twilight asked.

"I think it's awesome they started a band together!" Rainbow Dash said.

"Now, they're famous!" Rarity exclaimed.

"They'll be playing at my ceremony!" Twilight announced.

"Perfect choice!" Applejack said.

"And I always knew there was something going on between Twilight and Flash," Rainbow Dash said.

Twilight giggled. "I'll see you girls there!"

They had a picnic to celebrate the big news. They just couldn't wait for the wedding.

Chapter 2: Twilight's Wedding Day

Chapter 2: Twilight's Wedding Day

Twilight was in the dressing room getting into the dress Rarity had designed for her.

"Are you almost done in there, darling?" Rarity asked. "I can't wait to see you in that wedding dress I made you!"

"Almost done," Twilight claimed.

A few beats later, the dressing room opened. "Okay, I'm ready!" Twilight said.

Twilight revealed a beautiful, flowing wedding gown. Rarity gasped in pure awe.

"Well, how do I look?" Twilight asked, trying to contain her excitement.

"Twilight, you're beautiful!" Rarity exclaimed.

"Thank you so much for the dress!" Twilight said. "I love it!"

"Aw, no problem," Rarity said. "I made you a bridal bouquet!"

Rarity gave the bouquet to Twilight who smiled in delight.

"It's beautiful!" Twilight breathed. "I'll save it to hold at the wedding!"

At that moment, a royal guard opened the door. "Permission to interrupt, your highness?"

"Go ahead, sir," Twilight said.

"Your friends requested you to check on the preparations to make sure you like them," the royal guard claimed. "Is that okay with you, your highness?"

"You should probably check on the others," Rarity suggested. "I still have to make dresses for the rest of us."

"Okay! Bye, Rarity!" Twilight said. Twilight turned to the guard and said, "Yes, sir. I would love to see the rest of the preparations."

"Okay," the royal guard said. "Follow me, your majesty. I will lead you to your first friend and then be out of your way."

Twilight followed the royal guard to the kitchen. Twilight nodded as a sign of "thank you" to the royal guard and he bowed before he left.

"Twilight!" Applejack exclaimed. "Come try my new recipe! I want to see if you want it for your wedding or not."

"Of course!" Twilight replied. "What is it?"

"Apple Cinnamon Fries," Applejack said. "I know you've seen them before, but I perfected them with a new recipe."

Twilight tried a fry. "Mmm!" she said, cheerfully. She let the taste take in. "Mmm," she said, blissfully.

Applejack laughed a bit. "You like them?"

"Applejack, there has to be a lot of these at my wedding!" Twilight said.

Applejack giggled. "I'll get right to it," she said. "Of course, I'm bringing all my other apple foods too."

"And they're all delicious!" Twilight complimented.

"Why, thank you!" Applejack said.

"I'm going to see how Fluttershy is doing with her birds," Twilight said. "Keep it up!"

Twilight entered the garden Fluttershy was teaching her birds in.

"Hey, Fluttershy," Twilight said. "How is the music coming?"

"Well, I composed an original for you," Fluttershy replied.

"Aw, thank you!" Twilight said. "I'd love to listen to it."

"Okay, everyone!" Fluttershy said to her birds. "From the top!"

The birds sang a beautiful melody Fluttershy had made just for Twilight. The air was filled with beautiful songs from the birds.

"It's beautiful!" Twilight exclaimed when the birds had finished. "Thank you! I already know Pinkie is doing a great job, so I'll check up on Rainbow Dash. Keep it up!"

Twilight went to the spot where Rainbow Dash was practicing her move for the ceremony.

Rainbow Dash was far from getting it right. She screamed as she crashed into the ground sliding across the grass. She groaned, miserably.

"Rainbow!" Twilight exclaimed. "Are you okay?!"

"How could you ask me for something as hard as this?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"Because I know you can do it," Twilight said. "I wanted you to expand your flying skills."

"No worries, Twilight," Rainbow Dash assured her. "I'll get it down by the ceremony tonight."

"I know you will," Twilight said.

Rarity rushed outside. "I've got all the girls dressed! Well, all but Rainbow."

"I can barely wait!" Twilight squealed.

"Neither can we!" Rarity said.

After all the preparations, it was finally time for the ceremony. The crowd sat, impatiently wondering when it was going to start.

Her friends had snagged a seat in the second row, just after her parents, her brother and his wife, and her niece in the first row.

"I think I finally got it down!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed.

"See? We knew you could!" Pinkie Pie said.

"Thank you all for believing in me," Rainbow Dash said.

"No problem, Rainbow," Applejack replied.

"I can't believe she's getting married tonight!" Rarity squealed. "We're all so grown up!"

Spike took his place as the wedding preacher as the groom, Flash Sentry, walked out onto the platform.

"You ready for this, Flash?" Spike asked.

"As ready as I'll ever be," Flash said, a bit nervously.

Spike smiled and signaled Fluttershy. Fluttershy got up and went over to her birds. She took her conducting stick and lead the birds in the original song.

Twilight, holding her bouquet, came down the aisle. Everypony in the audience watched as she made her way to where Flash was standing, her wedding dress flowing behind her. As Twilight took her place across from Flash, the birds ended the song.

"We are gathered here today to tie two hearts in marriage," Spike said. "Love forms from friendship. Two friends can one day become true lovers. Love is found everywhere. All around the globe. Ponies always making a big step in their life to be sealed as one for eternity. And with that, I say..."

Spike pulled out two rings. One was in a chain form for Flash and the other was for Twilight's horn.

"Do you, Flash Sentry, take Twilight Sparkle to be your lawfully wedded wife until death, do you part?" Spike asked.

"I... I do," Flash said.

"And do you, Twilight Sparkle," Spike said. "take Flash Sentry to be your lawfully wedded husband until death, do you part?"

"I do," Twilight said.

Spike slipped the rings onto the two ponies. The chain ring was around Flash Sentry's neck and the normal ring had its place on Twilight's horn.

"I now pronounce you husband and wife," Spike said. "You may kiss---"

Spike didn't get to finish his sentence before Twilight kissed her husband. The crowd roared with cheers. Rainbow Dash took this as her cue and soared off into the air. She did a Sonic Rainboom, but in the form of a heart. She kept surrounding this heart with her rainbow trail to light it up. The crowd went wild as Rainbow Dash landed back on the ground.

"That was so cool!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed.

"Thank you, Pinkie Pie!" Rainbow Dash said.

"Congratulations!" Fluttershy said. "We love you, Twilight!"

"I love you too, girls!" Twilight said.

The Mane 6 had a group hug.

The Cutie Mark Crusaders came up to Twilight. They were all 10 years older and no longer fillies. They were now quite beautiful mares with a love for music.

"Hey, Twilight," said Sweetie Belle. "Are we about on?"

"Yes, let's hit the dancefloor, everypony!" Twilight announced.

The crowd all rushed out eagerly to the dancefloor, but Flash and Twilight walked arm in arm. The Mane 6 and the Cutie Mark Crusaders decided to walk by them.

"So, who's the lead singer?" Twilight asked Sweetie Belle.

"We all take turns!" Sweetie Belle replied. "I sing lead for pop, Scoots sings lead for rock, and Apple Bloom sings lead for country."

"Um... is Scootaloo's voice okay?" Twilight said, quietly to Sweetie Belle.

"Scootaloo has a great voice!" Sweetie Belle said. "The week we sang in the talent show she was testing Zecora's sour note potion."

"Well, it worked..." Twilight said.

"Besides, the electric guitar was just invented and Scootaloo and is a literal rock star on it!" Sweetie Belle exclaimed.

Scootaloo grinned at Sweetie Belle.

They arrived at the dancefloor and the Cutie Mark Crusaders stepped up onto the stage.

"How's everypony doing tonight?!" Sweetie Belle asked the crowd.

The crowd cheered.

"Um... we said: How's everypony doing tonight?!" Scootaloo exclaimed.

The crowd went wild.

"Much better," Scootaloo said.

"Now Flash, don't worry if life gets you down cause she's your girl!" Sweetie Belle exclaimed.

The Cutie Mark Crusaders began to play a pop upbeat song that Sweetie Belle sang the lead to. As the Cutie Mark Crusaders played the song and sang, everypony danced. Twilight invited all her family and friends to take pictures and dance with her throughout the song.

When the song was over, the audience cheered and stomped the ground.

"Twily!"

"Shining Armor!" Twilight exclaimed.

She rushed over to her big brother and gave him a hug. He was also with his wife, Princess Cadence, and his daughter Princess Flurry Heart.

"Why do I shed liquid pride at all of your events?" Shining Armor asked, in tears of joy.

They giggled.

"I'm so proud of you, Twilight!" Cadence exclaimed.

"Thank you, Cadence!" Twilight said.

"Aunt Twilight!!" squealed Flurry Heart, excitedly.

Flurry Heart hugged her aunt.

"Flurry Heart!" Twilight exclaimed. "Aww, how old are you now?"

"I'm 8 now," Flurry Heart said.

"No," Twilight said, teasingly.

Flurry Heart giggled and nodded, excitedly.

"You're not allowed to grow up on me, missy!" Twilight teased, lifting Flurry Heart up playfully.

They laughed.

Cadence took Flurry Heart back as Twilight set her down.

"Oh, before Flash and I go, we need to do the bouquet toss!" Twilight remembered.

Flash climbed into the carriage as Twilight prepared to toss the bouquet. The crowd stood readily.

"I'll never catch it..." said a saddened Rarity.

"Never say that!" Applejack encouraged.

"Right! We'll help you!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed.

Applejack and Pinkie Pie held Rarity to guide her to the direction where Twilight had the bouquet. Twilight held it to the right and they lead Rarity to the right.

"She's gonna throw it this way!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed.

Twilight switched directions back and forth, playfully. Applejack and Pinkie Pie kept leading Rarity back and forth to follow its direction.

"Twilight!" Rarity finally shouted. "Make up your mind!"

Twilight made it look like she was gonna toss it right, but quickly tossed it left.

Rarity frowned. "You did that on purpose..."

At this time, Rainbow Dash was talking to Soarin, her special somepony. As she was talking, the bouquet landed in her hooves.

"What the...?" Rainbow Dash said.

Pinkie Pie gasped, excitedly. "Rainbow!" she squealed. "You caught Twilight's bouquet! That means you're next!"

"Say whatna whathuh?" Rainbow Dash said.

Soarin laughed. "Great job."

Rainbow Dash laughed nervously and blushed.

"Goodnight, everypony!" Twilight said.

With that, Flash and Twilight rode off in the carriage together.

"Rainbow, speaking of bridal bouquets, there's a little something I need to ask you," Soarin said, leading her to the side.

Rainbow Dash gasped. "You can't be serious..."

Chapter 3: An Upcoming Birthday

Chapter 3: An Upcoming Birthday

"Okay," Sweetie Belle said. "We need to work on Rainbow's wedding song now that she's engaged!"

"I can't believe Rainbow Dash wants us to write her a wedding song, too!" Apple Bloom exclaimed.

"What do you girls think?" Sweetie Belle asked. "How should the song go?"

"Rainbow Dash is awesome and I think she needs more of a rock tune," Scootaloo said.

"What do you have in mind, Scootaloo?" Apple Bloom inquired.

Scootaloo grinned and began to play her electric guitar. The wedding song was great! It fit Rainbow Dash perfectly. Spending all those years looking up to Rainbow Dash really payed off for this moment.

"That was perfect!" Sweetie Belle exclaimed, in excitement.

Rarity opened the door.

"Splendid song, Scootaloo!" Rarity complimented. "I'll be outside if you girls need me."

"Got it, Rarity!" Sweetie Belle replied.

Rarity went outside and sat down. She was fine at first, but then the thoughts of Twilight and Rainbow Dash being married began to make her feel sad. Before she knew it, she was starting to cry. Luckily, Spike was walking by. He sat down by her.

"What's wrong, Rarity?" Spike asked.

"I'm jealous of Twilight, Rainbow Dash, and Pinkie!" Rarity said, quickly.

"Why?" Spike asked, confused.

"Because," Rarity said. "Twilight is happy with her husband, Rainbow Dash is engaged, and Pinkie Pie and Cheese Sandwich are each other's special somepony... I wish I had somepony to love."

"Applejack and Fluttershy still don't have anyone," Spike said. "They seem to be doing just fine."

"Because they don't want love yet... but I do."

"Rarity, love is like..." Spike struggled to find the words. "Parallel lines."

"Parallel lines?" said a confused Rarity.

"Allow me to explain," Spike said. "Both sides of love need to be equal. It needs to be selfless and selfish at the same time. If you decide to be with someone, don't just do it for them. Do it for yourself as well. You need to find somepony who treats you like you’re important. And he’ll come. He’ll find your way to you."

"I think mine got hit by a chariot on his way here," Rarity said, sadly.

"Or maybe he's just waiting for you to realize that he's the one," Spike said, hopefully, hinting that he liked her.

"You're right, Spike," Rarity realized. "I'll find him and he'll find me. We'll find each other."

Rarity started to go back inside but turned to say, "Thank you, Spike."

Spike blushed. "Anytime."

Rarity closed her door and reluctantly Spike turned and left.

Discord and Fluttershy were having their weekly teatime. They had it every week. Discord enjoyed Fluttershy's company very much. They were best friends because Fluttershy put trust in him more than her other friends.

"And so I said to Zecora: How do you rhyme like that?" Discord said. "I mean, there's no way she could just improvise, right?"

They laughed together.

"Oh, Discord," Fluttershy said through giggles. "I love your sense of humor. It makes my day!"

"Why thank you, Fluttershy. I do enjoy our teatime," Discord replied.

"I do, too," Fluttershy agreed. "We should do a picnic sometime."

"Oh, I know," Discord said. "We used to do that all the time back then."

"And they were so fun!" Fluttershy exclaimed.

"Except before I proved my loyalty," Discord added. "Your paranoid friends would watch from the bushes and I was hardly able to enjoy a spot of tea."

Fluttershy giggled. "They were just afraid for me, that's all."

"I am so glad you always trusted me from the second start," Discord said.

"Me too," Fluttershy agreed. "If I hadn't, I would've never gotten to know you as the amazing draconequus you are."

Discord grinned. "You're so very kind, Fluttershy. Your element describes you perfectly."

"Thank you!" Fluttershy said. "It sometimes describes us both."

"You think so?" Discord said.

"Most certainly!" Fluttershy replied.

An oven timer rang.

"Oh, I'm late for my spa treatment with Rarity!" Fluttershy worried. "I gotta go, Discord! Bye!"

Without another word, Fluttershy rushed out the door and ran to the spa.

Discord teleported to her door and watched her run off.

He smiled. "What would I do without a friend like her?"

"Wow, Cheese Sandwich!" Pinkie Pie said. "I love your house! It's so... fun!"

"Glad you like it!" Cheese Sandwich replied.

"Now, Rarity's birthday is next week!" Pinkie Pie said, getting to business. "We've gotta plan something..."

"Epic?" Cheese Sandwich finished.

"Yes! Epic!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed. "We should have it in the Canterlot Ballroom! I'm sure Princess Celestia will let us use it!"

"Rarity would love that!" Cheese Sandwich said.

Pinkie Pie nodded, eagerly. "Yeah, she would! The Cutie Mark Crusaders can do music for us!"

"Oh, I have all their albums!" Cheese Sandwich said, excitedly.

"Me too!" Pinkie Pie said. "But, back to Rarity's party!"

"Right!" Cheese Sandwich said. "Now, I need some information to write down. Her favorite cake flavor is...?"

"Vanilla!" Pinkie Pie said.

"Her favorite color is...?"

"Blue!"

"Blue wrapping paper and blue balloons! Her dream gift is...?"

"She... wants love."

"Come again?"

"She told me that's what she wanted for her birthday!" Pinkie Pie said. "Love."

"Um..." Cheese Sandwich said, trailing off.

"I know. I can't figure this one out! This is something she'll have to discover for herself!" Pinkie Pie said.

"Does she have any other dream gifts?" Cheese Sandwich asked, hopefully.

"She's always looking for new gems for her outfits," Pinkie Pie suggested.

"Then, we'll mine her some gems!" Cheese Sandwich said.

"Okay! That's good for today!" Pinkie Pie said. "Bye, Cheese Sandwich! I love you!"

Before he could reply, Pinkie Pie bounced out the door.

Cheese Sandwich shook his head and chuckled. "She always leaves before I can tell her I love her too."

Author's Note

Well, what do you know? I was able to post it today! :yay:

Sweet! I'll write more when I can!

Chapter 5: Rarity's Birthday Party

Chapter 5: Rarity's Birthday Party

It was finally the day of Rarity's birthday party. Everything was set up beautifully in the Canterlot ballroom. There was snacks of all kinds and of course, Pinkie Pie's delicious punch recipes. Rarity hoped with all her heart that Gummy, Pinkie Pie's pet baby alligator, had not bathed in the punch this time. There were flowing curtains and tables on the sides with white and blue tablecloths. The dancefloor was huge and a stage was in the front of the ballroom. This was where the Cutie Mark Crusaders would be singing.

Fluttershy, with a gift, entered the ballroom in awe. She sat the gift down near the rest.

"Happy birthday, Rarity!" Fluttershy said. "I can't believe your party is finally today!"

"Fluttershy, darling!" Rarity exclaimed. "I'm so glad you made it!"

"I'd never miss one of my best friend's birthday parties!" Fluttershy said.

Fluttershy went to sit down at one of the tables. At this moment, Discord had entered the room.

"Rarity, I hope you don't mind if I join," Discord said.

"Oh, DIscord, you're my friend too," Rarity said. "Come have some fun!"

Discord walked in and looked around at the beautiful setting. Pinkie Pie came up to Discord, spotting him at the snack table.

"Hiya, Discord!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed. "Welcome to the party!"

"My, my, Pinkie," Discord said. "I must say I love what you and your special somepony have done with the place. It looks... Rarity-ish!"

"Thank you so much!" Pinkie Pie squealed.

Pinkie Pie hugged Discord. "We missed you! You've only been seeing Fluttershy lately!"

"Well, yes," Discord said.

"Now, I can tell you about my new stuff for my party cannon!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed. "I took your suggestion and I put flying oranges in it!"

Discord was taken by surprise. "Now, where in Celestia's name did you find them without me?"

Pinkie Pie began to explain, but Discord turned to catch sight of a familiar mare. Or at least she had been familiar because Discord had never seen Fluttershy like this before. She was beautiful! She was dressed in the first ever Gala dress she wore with a butterfly clip in her mane. Discord's heart began to pound as he felt something new inside. What kind of chaotic feeling is this?, Discord thought to himself.

"And that's how I got the flying oranges!" Pinkie Pie finished. Discord was jarred back into reality.

"Cool!" Discord said. "I did not hear a single word she just said," he said quietly to himself.

"Anyway, gotta go!" Pinkie Pie said. "Catch ya later, D to the iscord!"

Pinkie Pie skipped off, merrily. Discord turned back to Fluttershy. Fluttershy wasn't with anyone. She sat by herself. Discord slowly approached the table and sat down, clearing his throat nervously.

"Discord!" Fluttershy exclaimed, delighted. "You made it!"

Discord blushed and cleared his throat again.

It's so much harder to speak to her now, Discord thought to himself. I've never seen her this way until now. She's... beautiful...

"I'm so happy to see you!" Fluttershy said. "How are you?"

"Beautiful... I MEAN good..." Discord corrected himself.

"Me too!" Fluttershy agreed. "Anyway," she giggled excitedly. "How has it been going with Zecora's rhymes?"

He wanted to make Fluttershy laugh, but he forgot how he used to do it. Did he ask if she improvised or did he ask if she rehearsed every morning? He forgot everything.

"They're... rhyme-y and... riddle-y. And confusing-y," Discord said.

Fluttershy laughed. "See? You're still so funny!"

Discord laughed nervously along. "I try to be."

"And you succeed!" Fluttershy complimented.

Maybe, she'll be impressed if I compliment her, Discord thought.

"Are you okay, Discord?" Fluttershy asked.

"I like your... mane," Discord said. "I mean your dress. No! Your shoes! Your... eyes? Your... coat...?"

Discord slapped his forehead and growled.

"Wow, thank you!" Fluttershy said. "That makes me feel like I'm beautiful everywhere!"

"You are beautiful everywhere, Fluttershy," Discord said.

"Aww! And you've become handsome everywhere!" Fluttershy complimented.

"Thank you," Discord replied.

"I've gotta go ask Pinkie Pie about the gift arrangement," Fluttershy claimed. "Goodbye!"

"Bye, love you!" Discord said.

"What...?" Fluttershy asked, confused.

"Oh! Um..." Discord blushed, furiously. "I meant... cuv chu!"

"Bless you," Fluttershy said.

"No, it means 'goodbye' in chaos language," Discord lied.

"Oh! Well, cuv chu, Discord!" Fluttershy giggled.

Fluttershy went over to sit by Pinkie Pie who was sitting down by Rainbow Dash.

"Ugh... there is no chaos language," Discord said, embarrassed. He put his head in his paw and claw.

Applejack was sitting by her little sister, Apple Bloom at a table. Apple Bloom would have to go onstage soon, so Applejack was slipping time in to chat with her.

"So, what songs do you and your friends have in store tonight for Rarity?" Applejack asked.

"Sweetie Belle wrote a pop remix of "Happy Birthday", I wrote a country slow song I call "I Hope You Dance", and Scootaloo wrote a rock song called "Whispers In The Dark" Apple Bloom said.

"Oh, you girls always have the best songs in store!" Applejack exclaimed. "You're so grown up!"

Applejack's eyes began to water.

Apple Bloom giggled. "AJ, don't cry."

"I remember when you were just a little filly," Applejack said, trying to restrain happy tears.

"Those days are a little cloudy in my memory," Apple Bloom said to Applejack's surprise. "I just remember our first Sisterhooves Social and maybe just one or two Cutie Mark Crusaders expeditions."

"When you got your cutie mark?" Applejack asked.

"We'll never forget that day!" Apple Bloom exclaimed.

The two sisters giggled together. It felt nice to spend time together ever since they went different ways. Applejack decided to stay on the farm and help Granny Smith because of how old she was getting. Granny Smith seemed to be worse than ever, always lying in bed and having trouble with simple activities. Apple Bloom went on tour with her friends and became famous. The two sisters barely saw each other and now they realized how much they missed each other. They wished it could be like this all the time.

They were so deep in conversation, they didn't notice the stallion that had came up to them. "Excuse me, miss?" he said.

He had a southern accent just like them and wore a vest. He had a red coat and a yellow mane. His kind yellow eyes made Apple Bloom smile, knowing he was only trying to ask a simple question.

Applejack hadn't looked his way yet. "What can I do for..." She caught sight of the stallion and gaped. "You?"

"Is this seat taken?" the stallion asked. "I'm afraid the rest of the tables are full."

Applejack shook her head, slowly, staring in awe at the stallion.

"No, it's not taken!" Apple Bloom said. "Have a seat!"

The stallion looked at Apple Bloom. "Well, I'll be darned!" he said. "Apple Bloom! I'm a huge fan! You're my favorite band member, singing all my favorite country songs."

"Aw, thank you for your kind words!" Apple Bloom said.

The stallion turned and saw Applejack. "Oh, who's this?" he asked.

"That's my big sister. She's... usually more talkative when meeting ponies."

"What's your name?" the stallion asked.

"Uh... jappleack," Applejack said. "I mean! Applejack, heh."

"Applejack..." he said. "That's a beautiful name. I'm Apple Buck."

Apple Buck and Applejack shook hooves.

"Nice to meet ya, Apple Buck," Applejack said with a blush. "Love the name, by the way."

"Thank you," Apple Buck said. "Do you work on an apple farm?"

"I most certainly do!" Applejack exclaimed excitedly. "Why? Do you?"

"Yeah, it's so fun!" Apple Buck exclaimed. "And worth it, too. Apple pie, Apple cobbler, Apple brown betty, Apple bread..."

"And don't forget," Applejack added. "Apple fritters, caramel apples, apple cinnamon fries, apples by themselves..."

"Mmm, mmm!" they said, together. They laughed. Apple Bloom grinned.

"Oh, gotta go get some punch before it runs out," Apple Buck said. "Pinkie Pie does have the best. Be right back."

Apple Buck walked off. Applejack watched him and sighed, happily.

Apple Bloom grinned. "You like him, don't you, AJ?"

"What?!?! As a friend!" Applejack exclaimed, blushing.

"M-hmm," Apple Bloom said. "Not buying it."

"Don't you have somewhere to be?!" Applejack exclaimed, a little sharper than she meant.

"Oh, right! My band! I forgot!" Apple Bloom said.

Apple Bloom got up and started running to meet her friends. "Save him a slow dance!" she called back, giggling hysterically.

Applejack blushed, furiously. As soon as her sister was out of sight, she began to smile. "But, who am I to deny such an amazing stallion?" she said.

Author's Note

Hope you guys are still enjoying the story! Yes, this is a prequel to my next story "The Next Generation". If you want to see what the next one is about, look on my blog!

What do you think will happen? Leave your thoughts in the comments! :pinkiesmile:

Chapter 6: Signs of Betrayal

Chapter 6: Signs of Betrayal

Apple Bloom met her friends in the hall. They looked ready to perform.

"Are we ready to go on?" Apple Bloom asked them.

"I certainly am!" Scootaloo replied.

"Oh, I need to grab my lucky bracelet from my dressing room!" Sweetie Belle remembered. "I'll be right out in a second!"

Sweetie Belle went down the hall to quickly grab her bracelet she always performed with. But then, she heard a girl's voice along with Glowing Gem's. And it wasn't Rarity's.

She peeked into the room and gasped shocked at the sight. The mare and Glowing Gem were closer than friends by the way they were getting close to each other.

"But, what if she finds out we're doing this?" the mare asked.

"Shh, it's okay, Garnet Flare," Glowing Gem replied. "Rarity will never know what we're doing. All the love I pretend to give her is pity that no one will ever love her."

Sweetie Belle had heard enough. She was enraged! She stalked back down the hall with anger in her eyes.

"No one does this to my sister, especially not on her birthday!!" Sweetie Belle yelled.

Sweetie Belle met her friends just down the hall. "Girls! It's terrible!" she exclaimed, frantically.

"What's wrong?" Scootaloo asked, worriedly.

"Glowing Gem is cheating on Rarity!!" Sweetie Belle hollered.

"What?!" Apple Bloom exclaimed, in disbelief.

"Look! Come on!" Sweetie Belle urged.

The Cutie Mark Crusaders rushed down the hall and once again peeked into the room where Garnet Flare and Glowing Gem were.

"Maybe, you're right," said Garnet Flare.

"Of course I am, my love," Glowing Gem said.

"I love the way you call me that," said Garnet Flare, touched.

"It's because you're my true love," Glowing Gem claimed. "My one and only."

They looked at each other.

"That's it! I'm going to tell her!" exclaimed Apple Bloom with fiery anger.

"But, Bloom!" Sweetie Belle protested. "It'd ruin her birthday!"

"But, we can't let her live like this!" Apple Bloom exclaimed.

"I got an idea!" Sweetie Belle claimed. "We'll find a way to tell her subtly."

"How?" Scootaloo asked, confused.

They thought for a bit. Then, it hit them. They knew they should just do what they always did!

"A song!" they exclaimed, simultaneously.

"But, what kind of song?" Scootaloo asked.

"Relax, girls," Apple Bloom assured. "I think I'm the one for the job."

They made their way onto the stage.

"Is everypony having fun?" Apple Bloom asked, into the mic.

The crowd cheered.

"Great party, Pinkie Pie and Cheese Sandwich!" Apple Bloom said. "Give them a round of applause."

The crowd cheered and stomped the ground, their way of clapping.

"Aw, thank you!" Pinkie Pie said.

"And happy birthday, Rarity!" Apple Bloom exclaimed.

The crowd went wild, cheering loudly and stomping the ground hard.

"Why, thank you, everypony!" Rarity said.

"Now, who's ready for some music?" Apple Bloom asked.

The crowd went wild once more.

"Good," Apple Bloom said. "Now, we wrote this song to show you a pony may seem loving, amazing, and thoughtful on the outside but... on the inside... he'll sting your heart like a bee."

The crowd gradually got quiet and confused. That didn't sound like a song to dance to at a birthday party.

Apple Bloom began to sing, slipping in hints that the song she was singing was addressed to Rarity. It was about a guy who seemed nice and thoughtful, but was really a guy who would leave her heart in the dirt.

After she was finished, everypony looked at each other. Somepony in the crowd clapped slowly.

"Good song, but why was that at my party?" Rarity asked.

"Oh, Sweetie Belle, it's pointless. They're as blind as a cave salamander," Scootaloo said.

"Girls!" Applejack scolded. "Why would you be singing songs about heartbreak at Rarity's party?! I thought you were better than that!"

"AJ, please," Apple Bloom begged. "We just---"

"Girls, thank you," Pinkie Pie said. "But, I'll take over from here."

The Cutie Mark Crusaders reluctantly sulked off the stage.

Pinkie Pie began to sing an extended version of "Make A Wish" which she had sung at Rainbow's Sweet 16 when she had first met Cheese Sandwich.

"Unbelievable..." Sweetie Belle said.

"Come on, girls," Scootaloo said. "Let's go think of something else."

Fluttershy rushed back over to Discord.

"Hi, Discord!" Fluttershy said. "I'm sorry I forgot to come back after I was done!"

Fluttershy hugged him and he blushed.

"Thank you!" Fluttershy said. "I knew you'd understand!"

"Anytime," Discord said. He cleared his throat, nervously, working up the courage to ask her to dance. "Would you, uh...?"

"Would I what?"

"Oh never mind," Discord said, in despair. It turned into something, a mix between anger and sadness. "Of course, you wouldn't! No one would!"

"Discord---!" Fluttershy started.

But, Discord teleported away.

"What was he going to ask me...?" Fluttershy wondered.

But, she was left there, a little bit sad he had gone and confused.

Chapter 7: Tonight Will Be The Night That I Will Fall For You

In the midst of her confusion, Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie came up to greet her.

"Hey, Flutters," Rainbow Dash said. "I barely got to see you last week. Soarin and I were decorating our house to match our style and we were busy filling it with groceries and the like. I missed you."

"How are you?" Pinkie Pie asked.

"I'm... confused," Fluttershy admitted.

"Oh, come sit with us! We'll help you sort it out!" Pinkie Pie invited.

Fluttershy went over to sit at a table with Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie.

"So, what's bothering you?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"Well, Discord started asking me a question... and he never finished it," Fluttershy explained.

"What do you mean?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"He started with the words 'Would you', but then trailed off," Fluttershy continued. "He said 'Oh, never mind! Of course you wouldn't! No one would!'. Before I could stop him, he teleported away."

"Wow..." Pinkie Pie said. "That is confusing!"

"Interesting choice of words from him, though," Rainbow Dash said.

"I guess we just can't crack the case," claimed Pinkie Pie.

"Yeah..." Fluttershy said, trailing off in dismay.

There was a beat of silence. Then, Pinkie Pie broke the silence.

"One question though, Fluttershy," Pinkie Pie said.

"Yes?" Fluttershy asked.

"Do you like Discord?" Pinkie Pie inquired.

"As a friend?" said Fluttershy, confused.

"No, do you like like Discord?" Pinkie Pie asked, with a teasing smile creeping across her face.

Rainbow Dash nodded, in agreement.

"No, I just like him as a friend," Fluttershy said. But, she blushed a little and her friends were onto her.

Pinkie Pie gasped in excitement. "You totally like him!" she exclaimed.

"No! Discord and I are just friends!" Fluttershy protested, blushing.

"M-hm," Pinkie Pie said, unconvinced. "Friends," she said making air quotes.

"What?!" Fluttershy exclaimed.

Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash burst out laughing.

"Girls!!" Fluttershy got up and slammed her hooves on the table. "Stop that behavior right now!!!"

Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash looked at her, shocked.

"Oh, girls," Fluttershy said, sitting down quickly. "I'm so, so, so sorry for my little outburst. Forgive me."

"We're not mad at all. It's okay," Pinkie Pie said.

"I was to embarrassed to say it but..." Fluttershy paused. "I do like Discord as more than a friend. I try not to show it, but after the tea party where he made laugh about his confusion to Zecora's rhyming... that's when I started to feel more than friendship towards him. I just didn't want you to think I'm crazy."

"We don't," Rainbow Dash said to Fluttershy's surprise. "Fluttershy, love comes in all species, shapes, and sizes. Your feelings for Discord are normal."

"You... understand?" asked a surprised Fluttershy.

"Of course we do!" Rainbow Dash said. "Spike likes Rarity!"

That was a good point. They all laughed, Fluttershy from feeling relieved.

"I just feel so bad that it didn't work out between them," Fluttershy said, referring to Spike and Rarity. "Spike tried so hard to win her heart."

"I definitely think Spike still has lingering feelings for Rarity," Rainbow Dash said. "That's why he came tonight. He's with Twilight at the meet and greet, though."

"Love is so complicated..." Pinkie Pie said. "Unless you love chocolate! Then, it's not complicated at all!"

Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy giggled.

At that moment, Twilight stepped up onto the stage. "Hello, guests! I think Spike and I have greeted everyone tonight! Now, it's time for dancing. This first dance will be a slow dance for the couples. Sweetie Belle wrote it!"

They clapped as Twilight got off the stage and the Cutie Mark Crusaders took her place. They had to prepare their instruments before playing the song, so there was a wait.

Applejack was sitting at a table. Apple Buck came up to her. "Howdy, Applejack!" he said.

Applejack turned to see him. "Oh, hi, Apple Buck!" she said, lightening up.

"I was just wondering... if you'd like to slow dance with me," Apple Buck said.

"I'd love to," Applejack said, with no hesitation.

Apple Buck led Applejack onto the dancefloor. Discord only watched them, sadly. Fluttershy came to comfort him.

"What's wrong, Discord?" Fluttershy asked.

"I wish I could slow dance with someone," Discord said. "Look at all the happy couples."

Fluttershy looked among her friends all paired with somepony, but her.

"Well, what's stopping you?" Fluttershy asked.

"Fluttershy, look at this! Look at me!" Discord exclaimed. "Who would ever ask..." He motioned to himself. "This to dance?"

Fluttershy shyly offered him her hoof. "I would."

"You... would?" Discord said, hopefully.

Fluttershy nodded. They walked to the dancefloor together.

"You've slow danced before, right?" Fluttershy said.

"No," Discord said. "Again, no one but you would ask me to dance."

"Discord," Fluttershy said with a giggle. "It's simple. For beginners, it's just a step from side to side."

She demonstrated for him holding his claw and paw, moving them side to side.

"Side to side, side to side, side to side..." Fluttershy said, teaching him.

As soon as Discord began to get the hang of it, Sweetie Belle began to sing:

"Because tonight will be the night that I will fall for you

Over again

Don't make me change my mind

Or I won't live to see another day

I swear it's true

Cause someone like you is impossible to find

Impossible to find..."

They danced the whole song. They began to feel as if there was no one there, but them. They giggled and laughed together, ocassionally.

When the song was over, Fluttershy surprised Discord with a warm embrace. Discord was surprised, but then embraced her back. It had been a great night, they realized.

Author's Note

I based the song off of my favorite song by Secondhand Serenade: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KRtwOMcrBsg

Hope you guys are still enjoying! :pinkiesmile:

Chapter 8: A Budding Romance

Chapter 8: A Budding Romance

Twilight noticed Spike, sitting alone in a table on the corner. She went over to sit down by him.

"You should really try to have some fun, Spike," Twilight told him. "Don't let Rarity's special somepony keep you in your seat."

Spike sighed, sadly. "What do you expect me to do?" he asked.

"Maybe, go say hi to Pinkie," Twilight suggested. "She's good for cheering others up!"

"Fine," Spike said.

Spike trudged over to Pinkie Pie.

"Pinkie Pie?"

"Spike!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed. She gave Spike a hug. "You made it! Now, how are you doing with Rarity?"

"It doesn't bother me!" Spike claimed. "Really."

"Aww, I'm sorry, Spike," Pinkie Pie said. ""Maybe, some dancing will cheer you up! The next one is upbeat after all!"

"Oh but... fine."

"Now, this one is for everypony!" Sweetie Belle said. "Let's dance!"

As Sweetie Belle sang in that angelic voice of hers, Spike danced. As the song continued, he began to feel better and better. By the end of the song, he was laughing. Pinkie Pie laughed along.

"Thank you, Pinkie Pie. I actually feel a lot better," Spike said, genuinely.

"No problem!" Pinkie Pie said. "That was fun!"

Discord and Fluttershy had finished dancing together as well.

"Discord, you are quite the dancer," Fluttershy said.

"So are you," Discord said.

"Aw, thank you," Fluttershy said. "Do you want to join me in the garden?"

"Of course I do," Discord said.

DIscord and Fluttershy went off to the garden.

"Thank you so much for the dance, Apple Buck!" Applejack said, with a blush.

"Thank you for accepting my invite," Apple Buck replied.

They gazed at each other for a while, then laughed and blushed in unison.

"Let's go get some treats from the snack table," Applejack said.

The Cutie Mark Crusaders were still worried about Rarity.

"Okay, what can we do for Rarity?" Sweetie Belle inquired.

"First, we need good proof!" Apple Bloom answered. "And I have an idea."

Meanwhile, a familiar someone was reassembling himself in the Frozen North.

"Finally figured out how to reassemble myself after these long, cold 9 years," Sombra said. "And now..."

Sombra started his dark magic, showing a screen.

"Show me Celestia's prized pupil and her friends," Sombra told it. "I want revenge on them for setting up the Crystal Faire again!"

The mirror rippled to reveal Twilight and her friends, except Fluttershy because she was in the garden, sitting at a table. They were chatting and giggling. They weren't expecting Sombra to show up.

He smiled, evilly. "Bingo! And the dragon who restored the weapon of my destruction!" He paused to get a closer look at Twilight. Something seemed... different. Then, it hit him. "Does her pupil have wings?" He growled, in anger. "I should've known she'd make all her students petty princesses. Ugh, I'll get them all. This ends now."

The mirror zoomed in on Spike. "Starting with you."

Glowing Gem and Rarity were sitting at a table together.

"Okay," Glowing Gem said. "So, Carousel Boutique runs in how many locations?"

"7 different locations," Rarity said with excitement. "Ponyville, Canterlot, Manehattan, Las Pegasus, Baltimare, The Crystal Empire, and there's one being built in Dodge City. I hope to travel across the Antlerletic Ocean and start one in Camelu for the camels."

"Isn't Camelu a little far from Equestria?" Glowing Gem asked.

"Oh, I can do it!" Rarity said, confidently.

"I know you can, my love," Glowing Gem said.

Rarity giggled and sighed, happily. She knew Glowing Gem would be together until the end of time. Or at least she thought they would.

"Oh, look at all the beautiful fauna and flora!" Fluttershy exclaimed with delight.

Discord smiled as he watched Fluttershy in the garden.

"I know," Discord said. "But, I personally like the river. But, blue water is boring. Why not..." He snapped his claws. "Purple with pink polka dots?"

The river was now purple with pink polka dots. They laughed.

"Okay, Discord," Fluttershy said with one last giggle. "Time to turn it back."

Discord frowned. "Oh, fine." He snapped turning the river back to its original color.

"Can I ask you something?" Discord asked.

"Anything!" Fluttershy said. "What is it?"

"Why did you offer to dance with me, Fluttershy?"

Fluttershy played with her mane and blushed. "Well, I... ah, you see... I like you, Discord."

"Like as a friend?" Discord asked.

"No," Fluttershy said. "I like you as more than a friend."

"Fluttershy!" Discord sighed. "I also like you as more than a friend, but how can you like me that way? I mean, look at me. I'm... not beautiful like you are, Fluttershy."

"Of course you are, Discord!" Fluttershy said. "Your looks are made up of all sorts of unique and amazing creatures! But, your looks aren't the only reason I like you."

"They're not?"

"You have an amazing sense of humor and you're courageous. You're also very kind to me," Fluttershy said.

"Thank... you," Discord said. "But, I still don't know how you could like me... all the things I did... they were just terrible."

"Discord, shh..."

Fluttershy flew up to reach Discord's height and kissed him softly. He was very surprised and nervous at first, but he eased into it.

"Now, are you convinced?" Fluttershy asked him.

Discord didn't know what to say. "I... am just so... shocked right now."

Fluttershy giggled. "You know, you could ask me anything any time."

"Sure," Discord said. "Will you be my special somepony?" he asked, nervously.

"Oh, Discord! Yes!" Fluttershy exclaimed, throwing her arms around him.

"Shall we go back inside and tell everyone the exciting news?" Discord asked.

Fluttershy nodded. "Yes, we should."

They walked back to the castle ballroom, arm in arm.

Author's Note

Hope you guys enjoyed this! :pinkiesmile:

Keep an eye out for the sequel after this is done! :twilightsmile:

I will also be doing little holiday specials of this, so keep an eye out for those too! :pinkiehappy:

Chapter 9: The Big Reveal

"We've got the proof," Apple Bloom said. "Now, how do we tell Rarity?"

"We're going to tell her straight on," Sweetie Belle said.

"What?!" Scootaloo and Apple Bloom exclaimed.

"You said we couldn't ruin her birthday!" Apple Bloom protested.

"We can wait until tomorrow morning," Scootaloo suggested.

"I know, but I don't want her spending her birthday with a cheater!" Sweetie Belle explained.

"You're right, Sweetie Belle," Scootaloo said. "Let's go."

"Can everypony be quiet for just a moment?!" Sweetie Belle asked.

Everypony got quiet and confused.

Sweetie Belle went over to Glowing Gem.

"Alright, Glowing Gem," Sweetie Belle said. "You really have low standards."

"Sweetie Belle, why do you have to keep interrupting my party like this?!" Rarity exclaimed.

"Actually, we all work together to interrupt it!" Scootaloo said.

Applejack did a facehoof. "I can't believe you girls," she said.

"Rarity, this is going to ruin your birthday like a landslide ruins a town!" Sweetie Belle exclaimed. "But, I can't let you live this lie anymore!"

"What do you mean?" Rarity asked.

"Glowing Gem is cheating on my sister!!!" Sweetie Belle exclaimed.

Everyone gasped.

"Why, he would never do that!" Rarity exclaimed.

"You girls don't even have proof!" Glowing Gem said.

"Oh, really?" Apple Bloom said.

Apple Bloom pulled out a recorder and pressed play.

"I'm still so scared she'll find out," said the voice of Garnet Flare.

"Why, my love?" asked the voice of Glowing Gem.

"She can do anything to find our secret..." said the voice of Garnet Flare.

"It's okay," the voice of Glowing Gem comforted. "Rarity won't find out what we're doing. Like I said, everything I do for her is my pity that no one will ever love her."

The recording was over and everyone was shocked.

"Caught in the act," Scootaloo said.

"Sorry, you're busted," Apple Bloom said.

Scootaloo and Apple Bloom hoof bumped.

"Why... why would you ever do this to me?" Rarity asked, hurt.

"It's not what you think, my love," Glowing Gem said.

"Uh, uh! Do not call me your love anymore. I believe I've heard enough," Rarity said.

"Let's talk about this!" Glowing Gem shouted.

"Now, if you'll excuse me, I'll be out in the garden," Rarity said.

Rarity threw all of Glowing Gem's gift to her in his face. "JERK!"

Rarity rushed out of the ballroom, sobbing uncontrollably.

"We've all gotta go comfort her!" Twilight exclaimed.

"No, girls," Spike said. "I'll comfort her. She doesn't need a crowd."

"Agreed," Twilight said. "Thank you so much, Spike."

Spike went out after her.

"And while he's doing that, you have some business to sort out with us," Rainbow Dash said, firmly.

He saw that Rarity's friends were wearing the scariest glares he had ever seen in his life. He gulped. He was in for it now.

Spike found Rarity in the garden.

"Rarity?" Spike said.

"Hi, Spikey," Rarity said, sniffling from crying.

"May I sit by you?" Spike asked.

Rarity nodded. "Sure," she said.

Spike sat down by Rarity.

"I am so sorry he did that to you," Spike said. "You didn't deserve anything like that. This has to be your worst birthday ever."

"He's right, Spike," Rarity said.

"Huh?" Spike asked.

"Nopony will ever love me," Rarity said. "See how everypony went after my friends? My more talented, fun, beautiful friends? I might as well give up on ever finding love in my life."

"Rarity!" Spike said. "Our friends may have beauties of their own, but I think you're worth more than gold. Like I said, the right one will find you. Glowing Gem just wasn't him."

"Spike..." A smile creeped across Rarity's face. "This is the nicest thing you've ever said to me before."

"And it's the obvious truth," Spike said.

"Do you want to stargaze with me?" Rarity asked.

Spike grinned and they lied down next to each other on the soft, green grass.

"Every time Twilight and I stargazed back then, she'd help me find constellations," Spike said.

"Let's find them together!" Rarity exclaimed.

They looked for some constellations.

"Ah, look," Spike said. "The north star. If you can find the north star, you can find Big Dipper."

Rarity and Spike traced out Big Dipper together.

"There it is!" Rarity said.

They looked at each other and smiled. Rarity took Spike's hand and they gazed back up at the stars.

"They're beautiful," Rarity said.

They smiled at each other again.

At that moment, Glowing Gem burst out the door, running.

"Rarity, your friends are psychopaths!" Glowing Gem exclaimed.

Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, and Twilight ran out after him.

"Girls, the prisoner has escaped!" Pinkie Pie shouted. "After him!"

Twilight and Rainbow Dash caught Glowing Gem and started pulling him back inside.

"Please, don't tie me up again!" Glowing Gem cried. "You girls are insane!"

"Should've thought about that before cheating on our best friend," Rainbow Dash said.

"Come on, back to the slammer," Pinkie Pie said.

They led him back inside.

Rarity and Spike burst out, laughing.

"Our friends really have us covered," Rarity said.

"Yeah, now we don't have to do it ourselves!" Spike joked.

They burst out laughing once more.

"Let's go back inside, shall we?" Rarity asked.

Rarity and Spike went back inside.

"Rarity!" Twilight exclaimed. "Oh, are you okay?"

"Thanks to Spike, I am," Rarity said.

"Thanks for taking such good care of her, Spike," Fluttershy said.

"Just doing what I can," Spike replied.

"And we saved you some time!" Rainbow Dash claimed.

Glowing Gem was indeed tied up. "Oh, help me."

"I wouldn't get your hopes up," Rarity told him.

"Ugh, I hate everything..." Glowing Gem said.

"Everything is finally back to normal!" Sweetie Belle exclaimed.

"Now, I wouldn't say normal," a dark shadowy voice said.

Author's Note

Next chapter coming soon! :pinkiesmile:

Chapter 10: Sombra's Return

Chapter 10: Sombra's Return

Sombra darkened the room. The crowd began to panic.

"Guess who's returned?" Sombra asked with an evil smile.

"Leave this place, Sombra!" Twilight hollered. "You're not welcome here!"

"Why, Princess," Sombra mocked. "How insensitive. Don't you know it's nice to be invited for once?"

"Never mind that," Twilight said. "Just why are you here?!"

"I've come for my revenge on the group who stopped me," Sombra said.

"Leave my sister and her friends alone!" Sweetie Belle shouted.

"Sweetie Belle..." Rarity warned. "Don't..."

"You can't do anything about it, pathetic unicorn," Sombra said, with a snicker.

"Hey!" Sweetie Belle exclaimed.

"Whatever," Sombra said. "It's not her I want most out of everypony."

Sombra made his way across the room to Spike. "It's the little dragon who restored the Crystal Heart."

"Whoa?!" Spike exclaimed.

Sombra prepared to blast Spike with a burst of dark magic, but Twilight jumped in front of Spike and shot the blast away with her own magic.

"Do not put one hoof on Spike!!" Twilight shouted.

"Well, well, well," Sombra said. "Looks like we have some trouble with protectors."

Sombra grabbed Twilight, the rest of her friends, and the Cutie Mark Crusaders. He trapped them in cages made of dark magic.

"Sombra, let my wife go!" Soarin exclaimed, angrily.

"And mine, too!" Flash said.

"Release them, you party pooper!" Cheese Sandwich yelled.

"Release Fluttershy and her friends this instant!" Discord roared.

"Let them go!" Apple Buck yelled.

"Girls!" Spike exclaimed. "Sombra, no!"

Sombra laughed. "We have the Mane 6, the Cutie Mark Crusaders, and the Guy 6 Squad," he mocked. "Well done."

"Guy 6 Squad," Soarin said. "Has a pretty nice ring to it."

Everyone looked at him.

"What?!" Soarin exclaimed.

"Sombra, it's me you want," Spike said, bravely. "Let them go and I'm your prisoner."

"What?!" everyone exclaimed.

"If you let all my friends go, I will be bound to your orders," Spike said, sadly. "I won't fight. I won't get upset. I won't raise my voice. I'll obey your every command if you just... release them, please."

"Bound to my orders for how long?" Sombra asked.

"My whole life," Spike said, reluctantly. "All you have to do is let them go."

"Spike, don't do it!" Twilight cried. "Please! We couldn't bear it if Sombra took you away!"

"Spikey, please! Listen to yourself!" Rarity added.

"Don't do it, Spike!" Rainbow Dash yelped.

"Do we have a deal, Sombra?" Spike asked.

"No!" everyone exclaimed.

Sombra smiled, cruelly. "Yes."

Sombra and Spike shook hooves. Well, they shook claw and hoof. Sombra released everyone he held captive.

"After him!" Rainbow Dash cried.

Everyone rushed for Spike. Sombra rolled his eyes and snickered. He used his dark magic to put a dark magic force field around him and Spike. Everyone crashed into it and Rainbow Dash bounced back by her quick impact.

"My first order..." Sombra said.

Spike gulped. What would he have to do? Help him enslave the Crystal Empire? Help him steal the Crystal Heart? Give him a massage?

"Get both of us some of your friend's punch, will ya?" Sombra said.

Spike was surprised and confused, but he went over and poured two glasses of punch. He gave one of them to Sombra.

"Cheers!" Sombra said.

Spike arched an eyebrow. If Discord hadn't been sitting outside the dome, he would've sworn he was Discord in disguise. But, he bumped his glass against the shadow pony's and drank the sweet liquid inside.

"Now, my little dragon," Sombra said. "Here is the drill of you are going to be under my orders. You must---"

He was cut off by the sound of his force field coming down by a magical force. Twilight was straining as hard as she could and the force field finally came down. No one knew Twilight had that strong of an ability. Everyone was shocked.

"Unhand him, Sombra!" Twilight yelled.

"Let our friend go!" Flash shouted.

"This is the last time you ponies cross me!" Sombra bellowed.

Spike screamed as Sombra scooped the dragon up and flew out the door.

"Spike!" Twilight cried. "Oh, what do we do?"

"Oh, goodness," Fluttershy said. "There is nothing we can do. We'd be nuts to go up against him now."

Twilight made a sword appear with her magic. Then, she realized something. "This could work, but none of us know how to swordfight."

Rarity grabbed the sword. "I do."

"What?!"

"Glowing Gem taught me swordplay about a week ago," Rarity said. "I can go up against King Sombra."

"Rarity, no!" Twilight yelped. "It's too dangerous!"

"I have to do this for Spike!" Rarity claimed. "Girls, there's no telling what could happen if I don't!"

"Let one of us do it!" Rainbow Dash said. "You've already had the worst birthday ever!"

Rarity shook her head, grabbed the sword, and ran after Spike.

"Rarity!!" her friends exclaimed.

Rarity rushed out and started to sword fight Sombra. It was hard to block the shadow's swift moves. She heard Spike cry out incoherent words from his cage.

Then, Sombra, with one swift movement, knocked Rarity back onto the ground. She yelped. Spike quickly used his claw to pick the lock and get out of the cage. He ran after Rarity. Sombra prepared to blast the unicorn with a strong force of dark magic.

But, just before the magic hit Rarity, a certain dragon jumped in front of her just in time. He was motionless.

"SPIKE!!!" Rarity screamed.

Sombra laughed, barbarically. "I believe my business with the little hero is finally done. He shall bother me no more. In fact," He smirked. "He won't bother anyone again."

"You're nothing but a heartless monster!" Rarity shouted.

"You think shadows have hearts?" Sombra asked. "Uh, hello?"

Tears formed on Rarity's eyes. "Spikey..."

"I will be back..." Sombra said.

"No," Rarity said. "Spike..."

The dragon moved just one last time. He looked up at Rarity and used his last bit of strength to smile at her. "I'm so sorry for everything..."

"You have nothing to apologize for," Rarity said, tears flowing endlessly. "You did everything just right."

Spike's head fell limp in her lap. His eyes closed and his breathing quit, rapidly. Rarity realized a sickening truth. He was dead.

Rarity held Spike close and let out a loud cry. What she didn't realize was her friends had been rushing after her the whole time. They caught up with them.

"Rarity?!" Twilight asked, in disbelief. Then, she realized what was happening. "SPIKE!!"

Everyone else gasped. The rest of them began to cry, silently as Rarity sobbed.

"Now, this truly is my worst birthday I've ever had," Rarity said.

Spike shuddered and let out a cough. He was still injured, but he had come back to life. Rarity and the rest of his friends looked at him, hopefully. His eyes fluttered open.

"Spike?" Rarity asked.

"I had a weird, weird dream, Twilight," Spike said. "We were all grown up. You got married. And Discord fell in love with Flutter..."

He looked at them, realizing they were indeed older and it hadn't been a dream.

"Aw, man!" Spike said.

"Spike!" everyone cried, joyfully.

"How are you alive?" Rarity asked him.

"I died?!?!"

The Mane 6 nodded, slowly.

"Man!"

"It was one of the most powerful types of magic there is," Twilight explained. "The magic of love."

"Wait, love?" Spike asked. "But... Rarity only likes me as a friend."

Twilight grinned. "Not anymore."

Spike looked at Rarity and she nodded in agreement. Spike grinned.

"Oh, we're so glad you're okay!" Twilight said.

Everyone joined Spike in a group hug.

"There's still time to fix your birthday, Rarity," Spike said. "We can go dance."

"That sounds amazing," Twilight said.

Together, they all went back inside.

Author's Note

Well... this chapter sure was... interesting, wasn't it? :derpyderp2:

Last chapter is coming up next!

Chapter 4: Glowing Gem's Gift

Chapter 4: Glowing Gem's Gift

Spike knocked on Rarity's door, tightly gripping a bouquet of various flowers. He was sure today was the day he'd tell Rarity his feelings for her.

Rarity opened the door and her eyes lit up, in delight. "Spike!" she exclaimed. "I was hoping you'd drop by today!"

Spike's heart fluttered. "Oh, really?" he said with a grin. "How come?"

"So I can tell you the exciting news!" Rarity squealed.

"Oh! What is it?" Spike asked.

A white unicorn stallion stepped out by the door. He looked very posh just like the ponies in Canterlot or Manehattan.

"Spike, I'd like you to meet Glowing Gem, my special somepony!" Rarity said.

Spike's heart sank. "Your... special somepony?" he choked, heartbroken.

"Yes!" Rarity exclaimed, with excitement. "I guess I got my birthday wish after all!"

"Hi, Spike," Glowing Gem said. "I'm Glowing Gem. Rarity's talked about you a lot."

"Yeah, nice to meet you," Spike said, upset. His voice cracked, as he fought really hard not to burst into heartbroken tears. "I'm so happy for you!"

"Are you okay?" Rarity asked, concerned.

"Yeah! I'm fine!" Spike said, with obviously forced cheer. "I'm happy for you! Really. I am! You finally found him! I knew you would!"

"Okay," Rarity said, unconvinced. "But, if you want to talk, I'm here for you."

Rarity closed the door.

Spike's face immediately fell.

"Wonderful," he said, tears filling his eyes. "Just wonderful. I would talk to you about it, Rarity, but you seem... busy."

Spike trudged away, heartbroken, tossing the bouquet of flowers in the trash.

The Cutie Mark Crusaders were at Sweet Apple Acres. They were practicing their latest songs they wrote for Rarity's birthday party.

"Rainbow Dash's wedding was awesome!" Scootaloo exclaimed.

"Yeah, it was!" Sweetie Belle agreed. "And I can't believe Rarity's birthday is tomorrow!"

"And she finally found a special somepony, you say?" Apple Bloom said.

"Yeah!" Sweetie Belle squealed, excitedly. "His name is Glowing Gem. I like him a lot. He plays games with me and still likes fashion. He'd be a great brother in law."

"Sounds like he would be!" Apple Bloom said.

"Anyway," Scootaloo said. "We've got a birthday song to practice!"

"Yeah!" Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom said in unison.

"Alright, girls!" Sweetie Belle exclaimed. "Hit it!"

They began to play "Happy Birthday", but as a pop remix. Sweetie Belle sang the lead vocals. The song sounded amazing! Once they were finished, the Cutie Mark Crusaders were proud of their work.

"We did amazing!" Sweetie Belle exclaimed.

"I know," Scootaloo said. "I can't wait for Rarity's birthday! She'll get to dance with Glowing Gem and be so happy!"

"And we'll be singing in front of all our friends and family!" Apple Bloom added.

They all giggled, excitedly.

Rarity was with Glowing Gem just outside her house. She was taken by Glowing Gem's handsome looks and kind nature.

"Happy early birthday, my sweet Rarity," Glowing Gem said.

"Aw, you're so sweet! Thank you!" Rarity exclaimed, happily.

"Here is my gift for you, my love," Glowing Gem told her.

Glowing Gem gave Rarity a box. Rarity opened it and gasped in delight. It was a heart necklace. It was real ruby, too.

"Aw, I love it!" Rarity said. "Thank you!"

Rarity hugged Glowing Gem, tenderly.

"And part two," Glowing Gem said.

He gave her three pieces of stapled papers which looked like an essay. "It is what I wrote about the reasons I love you," he explained. "I spent all night writing it."

"It's perfect," Rarity said. "You are the best special somepony a girl could ever ask for."

"You are too, my Rarity," Glowing Gem replied.

Spike walked by, noticed them, and started to hurry away.

"Oh, Spike!" said Rarity, delighted.

"D'oh!" Spike exclaimed.

"Come sit with us!" Rarity invited.

"Actually, I have to do... stuff... for Twilight," Spike said with a nervous grin.

"Oh, we understand," Rarity said, kindly.

"Do have fun, ally of Rarity!" Glowing Gem said.

Spike was upset that Glowing Gem had addressed him in that annoying way. "You can call me Spike," he said, bitterly.

Spike stalked away in jealous anger. Rarity and Glowing Gem looked after him, confused.

Author's Note

Sorry, this one was a little shorter than the others, but the next chapter will be longer. :pinkiesmile:

Chapter 11: When All Is Well

Chapter 11: When All Is Well

"We're okay, everypony!" Twilight said, as they arrived inside.

"You all made it!" Soarin exclaimed.

"And we made sure he didn't escape for you!" Flash Sentry claimed.

Glowing Gem sighed. "I hate stuff..."

They all laughed, except for Glowing Gem.

"Why, thank you!" Rarity said. "You gentlecolts are too kind!"

Sweetie Belle giggled. "Now, this is a happy ending."

"Sure is!" Apple Bloom agreed.

"Hey, Applejack," Apple Buck said.

At the sound of his voice, Applejack blushed.

"Wanna go out for dinner next Tuesday?" Apple Buck asked.

"Yes!!!" Applejack squealed. "I mean... I'd love to."

Everyone giggled and Applejack blushed.

"I'll see you there," Apple Buck said.

"In the meantime," Scootaloo said. "Let's get our dance on!"

"Definitely!" Apple Bloom said.

"I've got one to sing!" Sweetie Belle said, excitedly. "Everyone, grab your dancing partner!"

Twilight went to the dancefloor with Flash Sentry. Rainbow Dash went with Soarin. Apple Buck led Applejack to a spot on the dancefloor. Pinkie Pie pulled Cheese Sandwich out to the dancefloor. Fluttershy led Discord out to his surprise.

Rarity and Spike watched and giggled.

"Well, I'm glad everypony's happy at last," Spike said. "Aren't you?"

Rarity nodded. "They definitely deserve all they have." Rarity paused. "Um, Spike? You want to go dance with me?"

"Definitely!" Spike said. "Let's go!"

They took their place on the dancefloor with everypony else. Twilight smiled at Spike as if to say 'Great job! You did it!'. Spike grinned.

"I'm so glad we're not afraid to care for each other," Sweetie Belle said. "Cause, we're all family here, right?"

Sweetie Belle sang and everypony danced together. Everyone laughed and had a great time. It was almost as if Sombra hadn't come at all. Almost.

At the end of the song, Rarity surprised Spike by kissing him. He was very nervous, but eased into it. Everyone cheered and clapped.

"Now, this was a happy birthday," Rarity said.

"That's all I needed to hear, mi amiga," Pinkie Pie said, walking over and giving Rarity a hug.

Rarity looked at Spike. This had been the greatest birthday of her life.

Author's Note

And this is the end! Keep an eye out for the sequel and the holiday specials! :twilightsmile:

Thank you for the support!

Sorry, this chapter was very short, but as long as you're okay with it, right? :twilightsheepish: Right?! :fluttershyouch: