Chapters Friendship is Failure #4: Love Doesn't Work That Way
ACT ONE
After the cleanup, and the apologies, Starlight kept her eyes more open to prevent more accidents, but eventually they all managed to make it to the palace.
“Twilight!”
“Cadance!”
The two ponies dashed forth and did their happy cheer…
“Sunshine, Sunshine, ladybugs awake! Clap your hooves and do a little shake.”
They giggled and shared a warm hug, and then Shining Armor came back holding the baby saying “Look who’s here…”
Twilight walked over to her little niece and cooed warmly, “Hey, little Flurry. How are you?”
The baby cooed and shook her stuffed pink elephant that rattled.
“I can’t tell you how glad we are that you’re here.” said Cadance “It’ll be Flurry Heart’s first ever Heart’s and Hooves day.”
“You know I’ll be glad to help out in any way I can.” said Twilight “After all, I think Heart’s and Hooves is a wonderful day, when all ponies and other creatures can really bask in friendship and love.”
Her realitives were happy to hear her say such things, it made them all feel light as feathers and warm inside.
“Say, where’s Starlight gone?” asked Shining Armor.
“Oh, she’s already headed off to Sunburst’s. At least she’s promised not to daydream all day.”
As Starlight walked through the village, she couldn’t but notice all the signs of Hearts and Hooves everywhere she went.
Many couples walking side-by-side… stallions giving flowers and candies to their special mare-friends… some were even serenading their mare-friends with simple songs as the mares listened lovingly from windows.
Even the other animals-- the birds, the pets, even the insects-- were all getting enraptured in the warm feelings that were blowing about.
Starlight couldn’t help but sing as music filled the air…
Look around, can you feel magic that’s in the air See it grow, the love and the warmth is everywhere Flowers to give and songs to be sung, The feeling’s same in everyone
Love’s in the air, Love’s in the air. A feeling so loving and fair Love’s in the air, Love’s in the air. Love is for all to share.
As she walked past more couples, she could see more romance and more love being passed along, and even large posters for the upcoming charity ball.
Feel the love growing, and bask in its light See all the happiness in your sight So many different ways to share the love so true Just open your heart and let it shine through
Love’s in the air, Love’s in the air. A feeling so loving and fair Love’s in the air, Love’s in the air. Love is for all to share.
By the time the song ended, she was only a block away from Sunburst’s house, when a flower petal landed on her face, followed by another one, and another…
She brushed them off, and then she could hear the sound of someone saying “He loves me… He loves me not… He loves me… He loves me not.”
She then looked up in the tree she was standing near and saw a bright yellow Unicorn mare. She had a long and curly brown mane, and her Cutie Mark was that of a daisy with a shining sun above it.
She was sitting on a branch picking petals off a flower, “Loves me… loves me… NOT?! Take that back!” she thundered and then threw the now petal-less flower away, not watching where she threw it and threw it on Starlight’s face.
“Hey!” Starlight called.
The pony looked down, “Oh, I’m so sorry!” she called “I didn’t see you there.” She then suddenly realized whom she was talking to and leapt down from the tree, “Hey, you’re Starlight Glimmer; Princess Twilight Sparkle’s apprentice.”
Starlight blinked “Y-Y-Yes… I am.”
The pony felt as if she was addressing the Princess herself, but she kept hold of herself. “My name’s Sun Rae, maybe you can help me with a bit of a problem I’m having.”
“Oh, well… I…”
“…It’s sort of a friendship problem.”
Hearing that, Starlight couldn’t help but ask “…What kind of friendship problem?”
Sun blushed softly, and rubbed the back of her head with her hoof, “Well… there’s this pony… and I really like him.”
A romantic friendship problem-- Now Starlight seemed interested.
Sun showed her a picture she had with her of the pony she liked. He was a light red Pegasus with a short yellow mane, wearing a green sweater, a white scarf, and strumming a guitar. Even his Cutie Mark was that of multi-colored musical notes on chord
“His name is Strings, and he and I knew each other since we were little. As we got older, we both achieved our goals. I became a florist, and he became musician and songwriter.”
Starlight could see it more clearly now. “Did you ever tell him that you liked him?”
Sun’s teeth chattered “I… I never had the courage too, and besides, I don’t see him too often now.”
“Because of your jobs…?”
“No, he’s been acting very strange for the past two years. He keeps mostly to himself, and he makes more songs about depression than romance and happy endings like he used to.”
Starlight could see this was getting serious, and as Twilight’s student she felt obligated to help out and demonstrate her ability to help those in need.
“Say no more… I’ll help you as best I can.”
Sun smiled warmly, “Thank you so much. This really means a lot to me.”
She looked down at her picture of Strings, and she fell into a deep daze as soft music was heard.
Starlight thought it very cute and walked off with her seemingly new friend… completely forgetting about her initial plans to meet with Sunburst.
Meanwhile, Flurry Heart was put down for her nap. She looked very sweet as she lay in her crib, and both her mother and her aunt pecked her softly on her little head before leaving her to sleep in peace.
“She’s so cute.” Twilight said.
“Yeah, and such a hoof-full…” Cadance joked “anyway, we really need to start organizing the big event; my fly around for Hearts and Hooves.”
Shining Armor came along, “Strings is here. He’s waiting for us in the throne room.”
Twilight’s eyes lit up “The” Strings? The songwriter and musician, Strings…? I used to love listening to his songs. Still do.”
“So do we.” said Shining Armor “Cadance and I used to dance to some of his romantic tunes “Moonlight Will Be You”… “Love is my Song.”
“And my personal favorite… “The Wonders of Love.” said Cadance “And that’s why we asked him if he would perform at the events for the charity ball. His music will be perfect.”
Now Twilight was really excited and just had to meet the pony in person.
When the trio got to the throne room, there he was. Twilight almost felt like Rarity when she got a cool fashion idea or Pinkie Pie when she was overly excited.
Strings bowed to the royal trio, but Twilight dashed right up to him, shaking his hoof vigorously “I’m pleased to meet you, Mr. Strings. I’ve loved your music for a long time. Can I have your autograph and a picture with you?”
Her brother used his magic to lift her up, “Easy, Twily… take it easy.”
Twilight blushed, feeling a little embarrassed, “I’m sorry, I couldn’t help it.”
Strings smiled sadly “It’s quite alright.”
“I take it you got our invitation?” asked Cadance.
“Yes, I have.” replied Strings “It was a very kind offer of you, but I am very sorry to tell you this… I must refuse.”
The trio froze on the spot.
“You can’t play at the charity ball this weekend?” asked Shining Armor.
“I’m afraid not…” replied Strings “You see, I have decided to retire from my musical career and move away from the Crystal Empire.”
Now the trio seemed really concerned, “But why would want to retire?” asked Twilight, “And why leave the Empire?” added Cadance.
Strings felt a bit numb inside, and he answered “I… have my reasons. I have simply lost my spark for making albums, as I have with my being here all the time.”
“But your music, it’s so wonderful. It makes so many people happy.” said Twilight. She was starting to sound desperate, not wanting him to retire.
“You’ve fit in so well here for the past two years.” said Cadance “What would make you want to…?”
“Begging your pardon, your highness…” Strings cut in “But I wish to retire from music and leave the Crystal Empire, and I am sorry to say that neither you nor any-pony else can convince me to reconsider.
However, I will give you this.” and he handed the couple a cheque for a large sum of money for the charity. Despite the generous donation, no one said a thing, but Twilight and Cadance felt there was something he was hiding from them. Something personal, but he already had taken his leave before they could ask him.
“Gee, what’s with him?” asked Shining Armor.
The others didn’t know, but all three of them felt disappointed that Strings was refusing a kind offer, not to mention a very charitable one. “I suppose we’ll just have to find some-pony else then. Shame, I was really looking forward to hearing his music.”
“I wonder what would make him want to retire and leave.” wondered Twilight and she planned to find out.
Friendship is Failure #4: Love Doesn't Work That Way
ACT TWO
Starlight asked Sun if she knew where Strings lived. She did, and she took her down the blocks and districts to where the suburbs were.
“He lives just a few blocks down from me.” she said to Starlight “I’ll never forget the day he moved here two years ago.”
She remembered it well… After Strings got his musical career going, he wandered around a lot before coming to live in the Crystal Empire, after it had resurfaced and when King Sombra was defeated thanks to the Brave Spike… and the ponies of course.
She was very happy to have her old school crush back, but still never got the courage to tell him how she felt.
They had a few friendly chats and walks… when they ran into each other, that is. They even sat down for milkshakes or two, and she attended his every concert, but she just didn’t have the nerve to confess to him, nor did she know how.
“Well, I can’t really help you with that…” said Starlight “You have to be the one to tell him that yourself, but I will meet you up with him.”
They arrived at the quaint little house just in time to see Strings touching down near his porch.
Neither one of them knew of his plans, there wasn’t even any “For Sale” sign near his house.
Strings looked back at the palace in the distance and sighed sadly. Then he turned to walk into his house.
“Um… Hi, Strings.”
He turned round, “Oh, it’s you, sun.” he simply said.
A moment of silence followed as she seemed lost in his eyes… and that soft music played again!
“Is there something you wanted?” Strings asked, suddenly snapping her out of her trance.
“Um… well, I uh…”
Starlight sighed and came forth, “Excuse me. I’m Starlight Glimmer, and I actually heard a bit about you. I’m very pleased to meet you.”
“Charmed.” said Strings, “It’s nice to meet you, but I’m afraid I have things to do. Please excuse me.” The he walked inside his house and was gone.
Sun felt like a complete fool and hung her head low, embarrassed, but Starlight couldn’t help but sense something more to Strings than met the eye, and being a former pony of complex emotions and feelings herself, she knew it was there.
“I think something’s bothering him.” she said.
“Huh? Bothering him; like what?”
“I don’t know…” said Starlight, “But… this could be just the thing you need to show him how much you care. What better way than to help with his troubles.”
Sun agreed wholeheartedly, and was ready to knock at the door, but Starlight held her back. “No, not like this.” she said “We need a better setting than this.”
“I think I know the perfect spots.”
She knew of Strings favorite hangout places better than any-pony she knew. She even knew his daily routines… almost like a stalker, but it wasn’t like that. More like all the places they visited together or hung out together.
“But… what should I say to him, even if I see him?” she wondered aloud “How can I tell him how I feel?”
Again, Starlight told her “Well, I don’t think I can help you with that, but it shouldn’t be too hard.”
“Well, it’s not all that…” said Sun “Even if I do tell him, how’s he going to take it? I mean, I don’t even know if he feels the same about me.”
A moment silence followed, “That is a possibility.” Starlight said, but she said it to herself, not wanting to cause worry, but she herself wasn’t sure what to do about that either, and thought what Twilight Sparkle would do at a time like this.
She thought, and she thought, and finally decided “I guess we won’t know for sure unless we gather evidence, or at least try.”
Sun still felt a bit nervous, but the two ponies went off to make up plans.
The next day, Twilight was busy helping her family with the decorations and planning for the big charity ball. “This is wonderful.” She said as she admired everything “The charity ball’s bound to be a big success.”
Just the same, she wondered how Starlight and Sunburst were getting along. She hadn’t heard from her since they both had arrived in the Empire yesterday, but suddenly…
“Twilight…” Starlight called out to her.
“Starlight… how is Star…”
“I need a huge favor asked, from Princess Cadance.”
She explained to Twilight about Sun Rae and the little mission she had stumbled upon. “She’s in love with Strings, and we’re trying to figure out how to get the two of them together.”
Twilight had almost completely forgotten about Strings, and told Starlight all about yesterday.
“He’s moving away?” Starlight asked in disbelief.
“That’s what he said, and he also said he wants to give up his music career, but he wouldn’t say why. I think that something’s bothering him.”
It soon became clear that the two ponies were determined to help out Sun and Strings, before Strings moved away.
“That’s what I need to ask for Princess Cadance…” said Starlight “She’s good at making ponies and other creatures realize their true love for one another. I thought maybe she could help.”
Twilight was certain her sister-in-law would be delighted to help out, “But she’s a little too busy right now, and even still we have to know if these two ponies really do have potential feelings for one another.”
And just like that, she already had an idea…! “If either of us finds Strings, we’ll talk to him, and then if all goes right, we’ll set him and Sun up on a simple meeting. I’ll see if I can ask the Princess to come with me.”
Starlight really liked where this was going, and she told Twilight about what Sun had told her about String’s daily routine, and where to find him. “But don’t you have to work right now?” asked Starlight.
“Well, everything’s almost all set anyway.” replied Twilight “I’m sure I can take a little time off. It’s my duty as Princess of Friendship to help ponies in need anyway.”
With that, two the ponies decided to break and head off.
While Starlight went off to talk to Sun some more and convince her to work up her courage to confess, Twilight, first made sure it was okay for her to go off, and that she had no other desperate tasks to take care of, and even notified her brother she was taking off.
“If it’s a friendship thing, you go ahead, Twily.”
“Thanks, bro. I’ll be back soon…”
It had already gone midday, and from what Starlight had told her, Twilight knew just where to find Strings.
She flew up and over the towns and villages, over the forest, to a gentle river on the other side. It was nice and quiet and very beautiful under the magical warm weather from the magic the Crystal Heart gave that kept out the cold and snow.
Sure enough, Twilight could hear the soft sounds of a guitar being played… playing a rather sad song. She followed the sound and there was Strings, he was sitting on the riverbank strumming his guitar…
…He looked bluer than a rainy day, almost even lonesome.
Twilight landed softly, stepping on a twig that snapped loudly, which made Strings jump in fright, and Twilight jumped as well.
“Oh, Princess Twilight…Sorry, I was miles away. I thought I was alone here.”
He welcomed her to join him by the river side if she wished, which she did.
“I couldn’t help but hear you playing…”
“Oh, that… I was just strumming… throwing things together.”
“But, it sounded so… dad.”
Strings sighed softly, “I know… It seems I can only play and come up with sad songs now.
Twilight was starting to feel concerned, and sensing the downheartedness in his voice, it was beginning to tell her, “Is there something bothering you? Is that why you want to move away?”
Strings shut his eyes tightly, and clenched his fists, but this already told Twilight more than enough.
“I really don’t want to talk about this.” Strings said and he tried to fly away, but Twilight followed him, and when he tried to speed up and go faster, she merely proofed herself right in front of him. “Please, let me go!”
“Look, I just want to help.” said Twilight “It’s my job as Princess of Friendship, to help and any and all creature that have problems with friendship.”
“My problem isn’t friend it’s lo--!” he stopped himself quickly, but Twilight pretty much caught that last word. “Love…” she said “It has something to do with love, doesn’t it.”
Strings tried to think of a way to cover it up, but he was ultimately stumped. “Alright… it is a love problem. You see… there’s somepony whom I’m in love with.”
“Aw, that sounds really sweet.” said Twilight “But why are you so sad over it?”
Strings sighed and hung his head low. Then he sat down on a cloud and explained “Because I know she doesn’t love me, and she never did nor will.
Twilight couldn’t believe that was true, not at first anyway. “Who is she?” she had to ask, but Strings shook his head “I’d rather not say, because it’ll cause awkwardness and possibly more heartache for me. I’ve never told anyone this… until now.”
Twilight was starting to feel this mystery mare, whoever she was, was very special to Strings if he worked hard to keep this all a secret.
“I see her everywhere I go. I think about her a lot, and even when it seems I try to get her off my mind… there she is again. Like a flower popping up in the rays of the sun.”
Twilight starting to make possible connections, and was starting to feel he was talking about Sun Rae.
“One of my songs was even inspired by my feelings, and how I wished to find them… like finding a rainbow in the sky.”
With that, he strummed his guitar, and began to sing his song.
The song sounded so magical, Twilight felt she was floating in a fantasy world of sky, full of rain, then sun, and rainbows all over.
When the song ended, Twilight thought it a beautiful song, and wanted to express her concern for Strings, but he had already left, flown off the cloud and down to the village below.
Twilight had never seen anypony so downhearted before, and was now convinced that Strings and Sun Rae were best suited for one another, and with a little help to boot…!
Friendship is Failure #4: Love Doesn't Work That Way
ACT THREE
Twilight and Starlight met up at an outdoor café later on to discuss what they had learned.
Starlight was very pleased when Twilight explained that Strings confessed he was in love.
“He actually said he was in love with Sun?” Starlight asked. “Well, not really, but I’m pretty sure he was talking about her. He sees her a lot, and she’s like a flower in the ray of the sun.”
“Speaking of which…” starlight cut in “I talked with Sun, and she’s willing to confess to him.” Starlight said “It took a while, but I managed to convince her.”
“Wonderful.” said Twilight “I’ve already talked to Princess Cadance, and she managed to squeeze just a little room in her busy schedule to help out.”
The two ponies were feeling very confident that things were going to go magically between Strings and Sun. They are acting like two ponies at a big sale, and shrieked with joy, which caught the attention of other ponies.
“Sorry…” Twilight said while blushing in embarrassment.
Later that evening, remembering what Sun had said about Strings schedule. Strings came to the same café where he usually ate on a Thursday night… alone.
Naturally a few other ponies recognized him and asked for his autograph, which he was delighted to give, free of charge and with a friendly smile, and after that it was all quiet.
Apparently, nopony else seemed to know he was planning on moving away.
He was planning to depart on Friday evening, the next night, the eve before Hearts and Hooves Day, and though he was determined to go through with it, he still seemed a little depressed.
He would miss his home in the Crystal Empire, his favorite hangout places, and even the café where they made his favorite lettuce and dandelion pie sprinkled with oats.
“No, I have to do this.” he said to himself “It’s for the best.”
He looked all around, and saw many other customers were in fact romantic couples, engaging in pre-Hearts and Hooves stuff: Taking a special one to dinner, giving flowers, sharing milkshakes, or just happily gazing into each other’s eyes.
This brought on a crushing feeling to Strings, as he felt like the only pony without a special some-pony in the entire café… which he pretty much was.
Twilight was with Cadance, watching up above on a cloud. Waiting for Starlight to bring Sun to the café, and then… the magic would begin… if it was needed of course.
“Wow, this sure brings back memories.” Cadance said. She reflected on the times she, as Twilight’s Foal-sitter, going around and using her love spell, spreading love to help quell arguments and make others recognize their feelings for one another, no matter how chicken they were to admit it or confess…
…If they were compatible and felt the same way deep down.
“Listen…” Twilight said “I can’t help but thank you enough for agreeing to help us out. I know you’re busy.”
“It’s no problem…” her sister-in-law said, “Just as you wish to help people with Friendship, I feel the same towards ponies in love. Besides, I could use a warm-up before my big flight on Hearts and Hooves Day.”
Soon, Starlight came to the café, dragging a nervous Sun behind her, via telekinesis. Sun tried to counter with her own magic, but not being as skilled in magic as Starlight, it didn’t work. “I don’t think I can do this.”
“You told me earlier that you were willing to.” said Starlight.
“That was earlier, now I’m not sure. What if I mess up? What if I make a fool of myself, and in front of him?”
Starlight wouldn’t hear any excuses, especially since she felt so confident-- knowing Twilight and Cadance were going to do their part-- that things were going to be alright. Though, she never actually told Sun about what she learned from Twilight, not wanting her to get overly excited, and even sending her into another panic.
They got to café, and Starlight let Sun down. She looked on through the tables, and saw Strings. Her heart began to melt upon seeing him.
Starlight gave her a soft nudge telling her to go for it.
Sun, still feeling nervous, didn’t take a single step forth. She just stood there, blushing, and softly tapping her hoof on the patio.
Starlight sighed, and used her magic to give her a larger nudge, practically a shove, right towards Strings table, stopping just before him… making him and many others jump.
Twilight and Cadance winced, and Twilight didn’t take kindly to Starlight’s actions, even if it was for the best.
“Um… hi… Sun…”
Sun blushed madly, “Hi… um… can I… sit with you?”
“Um… okay.”
Once they were both seated at the table together, Twilight teleported Starlight up to the cloud.
“Okay, do it now.” Starlight said, but Cadance shook her head “No, no, not yet. Let them get comfortable first. It’ll make it easier.”
Twilight and Starlight could only continue to watch.
Strings and Sun took their order, but they remained silent for a bit.
“So… you got any plans for this weekend?” asked Sun.
“Oh, yeah, I’ll be pretty busy.” replied Strings. He didn’t have the heart to tell her he was moving.
“Even if it’s hearts and hooves day, huh?” asked Sun.
“Eh, love is overrated anyway.” said Strings “Just like my song “Forget about Love”
Sun giggled softly. “I was sort of hoping I’d hear you perform at the Hearts and Hooves celebration on Saturday, but I guess we all can’t get what we want, can we.”
Strings felt a little sad, knowing she was right about that-- not always getting what you want. “Sun… can I ask you something? It’s something I really would want only you to answer.”
“Oh?” Sun said, feeling rather hopeful deep down.
“Sun…” he paused “If… if there was… some… pony you had a thing for, but you knew you didn’t have a chance with them, how would you deal with it?”
Sun thought that a very strange question, and definitely not the one she was hoping for. “How would I deal with it?”
Strings nodded, “I mean if you felt you had to do something, even though it may not seem right to many, you know it’s the best for yourself.”
Now Sun felt a little concerned, but she thought deeply about it. “I think it all depends on how brave or strong you may be-- if you can take it. I mean, if it were me, I don’t think I could take it, so I’d probably want to get away from it all… try to put it out of my mind.”
Strings wasn’t certain she was being completely honest, but he felt slightly relieved and felt it would make his departure a lot easier. Though, he still hated to leave his friend the way he was.
“Why do you ask?” asked Sun.
“I just needed to know… because I trust you, Sun. You’ve been a great friend to me, the best I’ve ever had, and that’s why I prefer to ask you.”
To Sun, it was like he was trying to confess to her, and she got lost in his eyes as that blurry daze and music played again…
Cadance saw this as best a time as any. “Okay, here goes.” she said. Twilight and Starlight watched with excitement as she softly cast her magic.
Neither Strings, nor Sun knew the magic was being cast; only Cadance and those near her could.
The trio saw the magical heart halves appear and move closely together to connect. Twilight and Starlight never felt so giddy in their lives while witnessing this moment…
…But suddenly, just as the two halves were about to connect, they vanished into darkness!
Cadance gawked in shock, as did the others. “What happened?” asked Twilight. “They didn’t connect?” added Starlight.
Cadance suddenly began to feel numb inside. She, among any other pony, knew this could only mean one thing…!
“Can’t you try it again?” asked Starlight, but Cadance regrettably shook her head saying “It… won’t work.”
Twilight then realized what Cadance was thinking. The spell only worked if the two subjects were compatible-- if they felt the same loving way towards one another! “And since the hearts didn’t connect…” Twilight muttered. She didn’t say anything else, and didn’t have to…!
All three of them realized, it meant that Strings obviously didn’t have any romantic feelings for Sun. None at all!
Already all three of them were feeling very bad for Sun, but at least she didn’t know… yet, but also what they wondered most was whom Strings was really in love with.
“Wait a minute.” said Twilight, “Strings said he knew the pony he loves doesn’t love him at all, and that he has no chance with her, but who could that be?”
Cadance had a solution. She would use her magic to look deep into Strings’ heart, and then she’d be able to identify the mystery pony he was in love with.
“Normally, I don’t do this without a very good reason…” she said.
“Cadance, this is a good reason.” said Twilight “As much as I don’t like peering into other ponies’ privacy myself, we need to know who this pony is.”
She looked back down at Sun and Strings as they ate their dinners and continued to talk, and Twilight couldn’t stop staring at Sun, feeling terrible she didn’t realize what was truly happening.
“We have to know.”
Starlight agreed with Twilight, and Cadance nodded. “Okay, here goes…”
She shut her eyes, and her horn, as well as Cutie Mark began to glow. She then opened her eyes, which were growing brightly with a pink light, which cast a magical beam right down at Strings’ heart.
…Again, neither Strings… Sun… nor anypony else could see the beam but the trio on the cloud.
Cadance remained still and silent as she gazed deeply through Strings’ feelings, and finally she saw what she needed to see… but she gasped softly, and seemed very heart-struck.
She just sat there on the cloud with a deep look of concern on her face, almost frightful as if she had seen a monster.
“Well, what is it? What did you see?” asked Starlight.
Ever so slowly, Cadance turned to face the girls with such shock on her face and replied, “It was… Me!”
An extremely long and haunting moment of silence and shock struck them all, until Twilight finally broke the silence. “Strings is in love with… You…?” Twilight asked in disbelief, “But… that’s…” she couldn’t find any other words.
They all were in such a state of shock, that they lost track of time.
Down below, Sun and Strings had finished their dinner and Strings gladly paid for it all himself. “Uh… would you like me to walk you home?” Strings asked.
Sun blushed redder than ever, and her heart was racing. Almost as if she wanted to tell him her feelings, but instead she said “N-N-No thanks… I… I live pretty close, you know that. I’ll be fine.”
“Alright…” Strings said “Well… goodnight, Sun.”
“Bye.”
Then he walked off, and Sun kept her eyes on him until he had flown up into the sky, and she felt almost like breaking into tears for having had the chance to confess but blew it.
Seeing neither Twilight nor Starlight anywhere, Sun decided to just head home. She was a little too upset to talk to anypony right now.
On the cloud, the trio finally looked down at her, and saw what a sad mood she was in. This was not going to end well at all!
Friendship is Failure #4: Love Doesn't Work That Way
Act 4: What feels Right or Wrong
ACT FOUR
Cadance, Twilight and Starlight decided to go back to Crystal Palace, and try to figure this whole thing out.
Shining Armor was there to greet them as he held baby Flurry Heart. “Well, I didn’t expect all of you to come back.”
Flurry cooed and reached out for her mother, Cadance scooped her up, but she still didn’t act like her normal loving self, nor did she even look down at the baby.
Shining Armor noticed this, as well as his sister and Starlight all looking in the same fixed expressions. “Um… are you all okay?”
Somehow, the ponies snapped back to their senses, and while Cadance felt just a tad uncomfortable saying to her husband, she had to be truthful with him and told him everything.
“What? Strings is in love with you?” he exclaimed softly.
“I saw it myself when I looked into his heart.” said Cadance “That’s also why he refused to play at the festival, and why he’s moving away and giving up music.”
“Because of you…?” asked Twilight .
“No offense, but that seems rather… selfish.” said Starlight
Everyone seemed more concerned for Sun. She still had no idea, and there was no doubt she’d be completely crushed to find out that Strings didn’t love her.
“I guess, we should just tell her now so it won’t hurt her more later.” suggested Starlight.
“No, we can’t.” cried Twilight “We have to do this carefully, and give it time.”
“But we don’t have much time…” said Starlight “Strings is planning to leave town tomorrow night, before Hearts and Hooves begins, and he hasn’t told her. What then, when she finds out he’s gone…? She’ll really be hurt.”
Everyone couldn’t bear to think of that, especially Cadance.
“You’re right.” said Twilight “I guess we just have to come clean, and help her get it over with but… ohh!”
“Easy, Twily…” said Shining Armor “I’m not trying to be inconsiderate or anything, but well… if you really think about it, you have to do what’s better, not worse.”
Even Cadance agreed, “Besides, I’ll be going with you.”
The others gawked at her.
“I know Strings is in love with me, but even looking through his heart only told me so much. I do want to know why he feels this way, and maybe… just maybe… there might be a chance for him to reconsider his actions.”
Her husband had no objections, having good faith in his wife, and the girls agreed too.
“I just wish there were an easier way.” murmured Twilight.
The next day, pretty much all the decorating, all the planning, all the arrangements were completed. The entire village near the Crystal Palace was all decked up with pink and white streamers, bright red heart-shaped balloons, and stalls were set up, but remained empty with no merchandise stocked yet.
Everything seemed ready for Hearts and Hooves, the next day.
So many couples were giddy with excitement, and wished that today was tomorrow, but there was still plenty of time… to practice. Go on regular dates; exchange more gifts and all that stuff.
Sadly some ponies still had to work that day, especially mover ponies, whom were busy loading crates, boxes and furniture from String’s house onto large wagons, ready to be shipped to the train-station.
Then, at sundown Strings would catch the same train out of the empire to his new home… wherever it was, but he told no one else and gave no existing address, except to the movers, whom promised by their code of conduct not to blab.
By midday, the house was completely empty and had a “For Sale” sign in front of it now. Strings had already bought his new home, far, far away from the Empire. Being a song artist, he made quite a bundle from his career.
He even tipped the movers for their hard work.
“Thanks a bundle, mac.” The pony said, and then called to his team to move on out. With that, the balloons lifted off into the sky and off for their destination.
Once they were gone, Strings to a very hard look at his empty house. He would miss it dearly, and was deeply regretting his actions, but he felt his hoof along the door of the house, speaking softly to it, “It’s sad, but I know I’m doing the right thing. I just can’t stay here anymore. Not if it means…” he stopped in mid-sentence, unable to go on as it would pain him so.
Then again, though his house wasn’t alive, he knew that it knew of his troubles, and would somewhat agree with his actions.
“Farewell.” Was all he said to it before flying off to town, to get a good look at all his favorite places one last time.
By the end of the day, he sat at the water near the forest, a place he would miss most of all. All the times he came to lose his worries, or be along with his thoughts and come up with new songs.
The sun was starting to set as the night approached; he knew his train would be boarding soon. “Well, I guess I better get going.” he said to himself.
Despite being a Pegasus, taking the train was the best way go from there. He couldn’t fly THAT far to his new home, and he’d never be able to make it through the frozen lands surrounding the empire anyway.
However, as he touched down and prepared to enter the station, he found Sun there, waiting for him, and she looked rather mad.
“Sun… I…”
“Save it!” she snapped at him. She told him that she had been to his house and saw the “For Sale” sign, and found the place completely empty. “You’re just leaving?! Just like that… and you didn’t even tell me?”
“I just couldn’t.” said String “I was going to write to you after I got to my new home.”
“And THAT makes it any better?!” shouted Sun.
He shout made other ponies look their way, and sensing a fight about to happen, they all filed into the station quickly.
“Sun, listen to me…”
“No, you listen!” snapped Sun.
Strings felt a little frightened, having never seen her angry like this before. Then again, it was expected. However, he anger faded into a near tearful expression.
“You can’t just leave… I don’t want you to go.”
“What are you saying?” asked Strings.
Sun was trembling, and biting her lip nervously.
“…Because she loves you!” called a voice from behind.
The two ponies looked, and saw, escorted by two guards from the palace, Twilight and Starlight, and with them was Princess Cadance, much to Strings surprise and pain.
“Wait…” Strings said looking back at Sun “Sun… you…?”
She nodded softly.
“She’s loved you for a long time, Strings.” said Cadance “Just as… you’ve loved me.”
Strings gasped, “She knows?!” he peeped, “How is that possible?”
Now it was Sun who felt shocked, “You’re in love with… the Princess?” she asked in disbelief.
Strings had no choice but to come clean, “It’s true; I am in love with Princess Cadance, and she is the very reason I want to leave.”
He told his story of how it all happened…
He grew up in Canterlot, but when he was very little, he was a very temperamental colt, always getting angry, mostly because his parents were workaholics and never had time for him. They were always working, hardly noticed him or took any interest in him. In fact, they just named him Strings because they were too busy wrapped up in their work to think of a better name.
It was as if he didn’t know what real love was all about in either way.
Then, one day, while visiting the royal palace on the school field trip, he was teased by bullies that threw his backpack out the window, and naturally he flew out the window to get it, but he wasn’t a skilled flyer yet, and could hardly keep his balance, and he ended up crashing hard.
He was badly hurt and bruised, but no one seemed to be around to help him, and he passed out.
He awoke later to find he was in the care of Cadance, she wasn’t a Princess back then as she was still a student at the magical academy, but she was an alicorn, and she was tending to his wounds and making him all better.
Not only was Cadance very beautiful, but her kindness and soothing voice, and the way she helped him get better. Strings knew he was falling in love.
Strings could never stop thinking about her, and after realizing whom she was, he would write letters constantly to her like a pen-pal, and she would respond giving him advice on how to change his life and really understand what love is.
…He did not tell her he was in love with her though, as he still wasn’t sure it was real.
As he got older, Strings’ anger didn’t seem to show much, and Cadance inspired him to turn to music, and so he became a song-writer and musician, which not only earned him his cutie mark, but it spawned his career. He had many gigs and recordings, and his favorite was performing at the palace and getting to see Cadance again.
They would meet up eventually, have a few friendly talks, and he would thank her for her wonderful advice, and she called him very talented and was proud of him for what he had become.
At that time, Strings ultimately realized how truly in love with Cadance he really was. She was his inspiration, the flame of his passion, the one who showed him the true light to change his ways.
However, when Cadance crowned Princess, Strings knew his chances of even trying to be with her were dwindling, as he was a lowly commoner. Then, he found out she was already with Shining Armor and planning to marry him at the Royal Canterlot wedding.
Strings was invited of course, especially to perform, but feeling crushed and realizing there was no chance he could ever be with her, Strings lied saying he had a performance to give elsewhere… just as an excuse he couldn’t bear to go to the wedding and see the only pony he ever loved married to another.
When King Sombra was defeated, he moved to the Crystal Empire, hoping to get away from Cadance, only to discover, too late, that she was the new ruler of the Empire itself.
Strings, still madly in love with her, but saddened that he could not be with her, he tried and he tried to put her out of his mind and move on with his own life, but he could never shake off those feelings he had.
For the past two years, he kept his feelings a desperately guarded secret, fearing the truth would cause awkwardness and humiliation for both himself and Cadance, and regardless of his feelings… he wished her no harm, no ill-will. He knew she was happy and content, and didn’t wish to upset it.
But he himself was growing worse. Unable to get over Cadance, he could never hope to date other ponies, knowing he could not give them the love they desired.
He began to lose sleep, his optimism of life was starting to fade and it caused him to make nothing but heartbreaking songs. The stress even made it hard for him to focus in real life. He would burn himself on the stove, crash into lampposts where he walked, unable to keep most of his balance when flying as he got distracted…!
Realizing his health was in danger; he sought help and saw a psychologist whom suggested it best he leave the empire.
“And that’s pretty much it…” said Strings.
All the other ponies gawked at him deeply, hardly knowing what to think or say. Even Cadance understood it all now, but she could still hardly believe it was this serious.
“I’m sorry, but I have to leave.” said Strings.
“No, Strings, please…” cried Sun. Tears were falling from her eyes “You don’t have to leave. You can’t just leave the empire… you can’t leave me! I love you… I’ve loved you since we were little. Can’t you see that you mean everything in the world to me?”
This only made things harder for Strings, but he looked at her deeply. “I’m sorry, Sun.” he said softly “I know now that you love me, but… I never had feelings for you. It would never work out.”
“But how do you know… you didn’t even try.” cried Sun “Why… why can’t you love me, Strings?”
“Love doesn’t work that way, Sun.” replied Strings “It’s not something two ponies can try and make happen. I can’t change my feelings simply because you want me to. Don’t get me wrong, Sun. You’ve been a great friend… but I can’t give you the love you want, and you deserve better than that.”
Sun sniffled and shut her eyes tight trying not to breakout sobbing. “I understand…” she peeped.
Twilight hung her head low, “Strings, you really don’t have to do this. You don’t have to leave, and what about Sun? She’s poured her heart and soul out for you, and you just leave her?”
Strings sighed, “Haven’t you been listening to anything I’ve been saying? What good would it be if we suddenly hooked up? I can’t be with her if my heart belongs to some-pony else. We’d be living a lie and it wouldn’t be fair; not to me and not to Sun.”
Sun didn’t respond, but she knew he was right.
“Besides…” Strings went on “I already made it clear that I can’t just stay here either. How can I keep making other ponies happy while I’m so incredibly unhappy? It isn’t healthy for me. I just can’t do this anymore.”
A moment of silence followed until Starlight spoke up “He’s right, Twilight. We can’t just force him to change.”
Twilight could no longer argue, and realized they were right.
Cadance held her head and sighed.
“Will you… ever come back?” Sun asked.
Another moment of silence followed, and Strings answered as honestly as he could, “I’m not sure. I don’t know even know where I’ll go from here, but I have to do this.”
He softly approached her, and removed his long white scarf, placing it around her, “But I wish the best of luck for you too.”
(Music at 0:47)
No one said anything more, and Sun just gazed tearfully at him as he gazed at her with deep regret, and shame of himself for hurting her, but he couldn’t turn back now, especially when the announcement was made that his train was boarding, and it was the last call.
“ALL ABOARD!” the conductor called out.
With that, Strings turned his back to everyone and walked off into the station. In almost no time, his train pulled out and headed off into the night.
All the ponies just stood where they were feeling gloomy, upset. Starlight felt ashamed and really bad for getting Sun involved in all this only for it to blow up and end so badly. Twilight felt bad because of her failure to reach out to Strings, and in doing so, she was just as responsible for getting Sun all excited over nothing.
Cadance… she knew that not all love had happy endings, but it really pained her whenever it did happen. Especially now, finding out that Strings loved her and not Sun, and while it was very sweet and kind that he wished no ill on her and wanted her to be happy in her own life and marriage, she still wished it hadn’t so hard on him that he was willing to leave because of her.
Easily, Sun felt to more miserable, and she held the scarf in close, clutching it tightly. “Strings…” she peeped.
Author's Note
Word limit does exceed, but then again it makes up for the fewer word count from the intro...
It's fine
Friendship is Failure #4: Love Doesn't Work That Way
Closing Act: Okay Hearts & Hooves Day
CLOSING ACT
Despite all the heart-breaking sadness that had happened, there was pretty much nothing that could be really done about it now.
As broken-hearted as Sun was, she promised to try and be brave about it and for the others to not worry.
“Are you sure about this?” asked Twilight.
“I’ll be fine, I promise.”
However, she couldn’t hold it in any longer, and broke out into a soft sob. Cadance held her tightly, letting her cry, almost feeling like crying herself to see a pony so broken. “I’m sorry, Sun. I’m really sorry.” was all she could think of to say.
Twilight and Starlight knew this friendship mission was a complete and total bust, and pretty much partly because they misunderstood things, but they tried… at least they tried.
As Starlight gazed down by her feet, she saw three wild roses that reminded her of the rose that was in her hair…!
She gasped, “Sunburst!”
Everyone gazed at her!
“I completely forgot him!”
She felt her insides quaking, and her stomach churning. The number one thing she wanted to do when first arriving in the empire was see her old friend, but the friendship mission totally side-tracked her.
She ran off in a swift flash hoping it wasn’t too late!
The next day, regardless of the rather unpleasant sadness that happened, it was Hearts and Hooves Day, and everyone was up and about giving more gifts to their special some-ponies than ever before.
You couldn’t look anywhere without seeing a happy couple walking side-by-side, and all gathering at the Crystal Palace for the big event…
…Princess Cadance then addressed to the public, and spread out her wings to take in the sunlight, and the energy from the Crystal Heart helped her transform into her Crystal Form, which awed the crowds.
“Here I come…!” she called as she took off and flew all over the empire, spreading her love all about, via, pink and gold sparkling magic that fell from the sky like snow.
Everyone basked in the beauty and glory of the sparkles, and all the love seemed to spread everywhere, but in reality, the sparkles were magic at all, just for the show. The real love was what the ponies all felt themselves.
“Look, Flurry…” Shining Armor said as he held his daughter up, “Wave hi to mama…”
Flurry Heart only cooed and giggled, and Twilight patter her niece’s little head, then she turned to tend to her guest, Sun Rae, whom was invited to the palace as a special Hearts and Hooves day guest… Twilight felt it was the least they could do for all the trouble they had put her through.
“How are you feeling?” Twilight asked, for the umpteenth time.
Sun smiled, “I’m okay, Twilight. You don’t have to ask me that every time.”
Sun looked back down at all the happy couples below, still feeling a bit upset that she couldn’t be among them, but she promised for her new friends that she’d be brave and try to be strong about it.
Strings was gone, but she would always be good friends with him. Nothing she could say or do would make him come back, let alone make him love her.
A single tear rolled down her cheek, but she rubbed it away and kept her strength up and enjoy the rest of the festivities. It wasn’t every day you got to spend time at the Crystal Palace.
Later that day, after Cadance returned from her flight, Starlight arrived with Sunburst, and Starlight was smiling ever so lovingly.
“You are not going to believe this…” Starlight said “It turned out Sunburst was never home.”
“Nope…” Sunburst confirmed “I had a job to do at the last minute, and no time to warn Starlight about it. So I wrote her a letter and hung it on the door of my house.”
He used his magic to levitate the very letter, which read…
“Starlight… I hope you find this letter.
I know I wrote to you asking you to meet up with me here, but I got called into a very special job that really requires my wisdom of my studies, and I won’t be back for a couple of days, before Hearts and Hooves Day.
But I promise you, we can still meet up when I come back…
…if you still want to that is.
Love: Sunburst.”
“Starlight told me about your friendship mission, and even then I would’ve understood.” said Sunburst.
Starlight smiled warmly, but she never felt so relieved in her life to know she hadn’t neglected him after all.
Later, that evening, it was time for the Hearts and Hooves charity ball, held down below near the palace, despite that Strings had refused the offer to play his music live for everyone, on the eve before his departure he had sent albums of his music to be played on record players, which would be equally as good as him actually being there.
Cadance and Shining Armor felt it was okay, and at least they still got to get good music and slow songs for everyone to share dances with.
During the ball, a very special song was played from String’s album, a song he had written long ago, but nobody had ever heard before as he never released it, but enclosed was a letter for only Cadance and her group to read.
“I wrote this song out of the passion I felt for you Princess, which is why I never released it. I know you and your party are reading this, and it would be best if you told no one about this…
…I wish there to be no confusions, no awkwardness or anything like that for you.
…Strings”
The song started, and many couples began to dance slowly to the entrancing music. Even Cadance and Shining Armor shared a dance on the terrace.
Sunburt looked at Starlight feeling a bit shy but he asked “Do you… maybe… wanna…?”
She blushed and giggled, but answered “Sure…” and they began to dance too.
Other than her own brother, whom was still dancing with his wife, Twilight had no one to dance with, and didn’t mind and she preferred to hang with Sun and watch all the happy couples dancing below.
Twilight knew that Sun was still thinking of Strings, wondering where he was now and if he was okay as the song played.
Far, far away, practically on the other side of Equestria, away from the Crystal Empire, Strings sat up in a high tree limb, sitting quietly with his thoughts, and he began to sing along to the song that was playing…
…the song carried on, and on right into the credits.
Other than all that happened, it was an okay Hearts and Hooves Day for many. Even Cadance thought it was nice, and couldn’t help look out over the horizon and say, “Thank you, Strings… and I’m still very sorry.”
(Credits keep rolling)
Friendship is Failure #4: Love Doesn't Work That Way
INTRO
Hearts and Hooves Day was just around the corner, and Princess Twilight Sparkle, with her assistant Starlight Glimmer had just arrived in the Crystal Empire at the train station.
“It feels so nice to be back here again.” Twilight said as she admired the glistening beautify of the empire, as well as the sight of the Crystal Palace.
Starlight on the other-hoof, she had a dazed look on her face and sighed happily, and Twilight knew why, as was evidenced by the rose Starlight wore in her mane.
Several days ago, the two ponies had received letter from the Empire. Twilight’s letter was from her Big Brother, Shining Armor, inviting her to spend Hearts and Hooves weekend with them…
…Actually it was to help them. Durring the Heart’s and Hooves weekend, Cadance would fly about and spread love around for all to share, but ever since baby Flurry Heart was born, Cadance had been had at work caring for her, as well as he royal duties.
They really were asking for her help to make the holiday shine bright, and naturally Twilight was more than delighted to.
As for Starlight, her letter from Sunburst, and the rose came with it…
“Dear Starlight…
It’s been a while hasn’t it.
Look, this may feel awkward, but, there is going to be a charity ball on Hearts and Hooves Day here in the Crystal Empire, and… I was wondering, if you’d like to come and visit and go with me.
I hope you’ll say “Yes”, and even if you don’t, believe me, I’ll be more than understanding.
…Love: Sunburst.
PS: Forgive the sloppiness of my writing, I’m a little nervous.”
She immediately replied with “Yes” and ever since then she hadn’t stopped thinking about it. “My first real ever date with Sunburst.” She cried with joy, “Not a study-date, not a playdate, but a date-date.”
Twilight giggled and said “Come on, you two are crazy about each other. It’s time you took it to another level.”
Starlight merely just sniffed the rose in her mane and sighed heavenly.
“Hey, Twily…” Shining Armor called as he walked through the crowds.
“Bro…!” cried Twilight and she dashed over, tackling him to the ground in a huge hug.
“Glad you made it.” said Shining Armor, and he greeted Starlight too, but she still seemed rather lost in her daze to take much notice, and Twilight whispered to her brother.
“Ooh! This is starting to sound like a great H&H weekend already.” he said “Come on… let’s get you girls to the palace.”
He and Twilight walked along. “Come on, Starlight…” Twilight called, and Starlight was still so wrapped up in her daze that she walked right into a luggage dolly. Suitcases fell all over the place.
“Oops…!”