Guardian of Legends - Unity

Chapters

Chapter 1 - Friendship is Magic, Part 1
Interlude - On that Day, 5 Years Ago
Chapter 3 - Home is Where the Heart Is
Chapter 4 - Boast Busters... Busted!
Interlude - Transpiring Events
Chapter 5 - Winter Wrap Up
Chapter 6 - Suited For Success
Interlude - The Viridian Mage
Chapter 7 - The Best Night Ever
Chapter 8 - A Familiar Face, Lesson in Fire and Health
Chapter 9 - The Return of Harmony, Part 1
Chapter 10 - The Return of Harmony, Part 2
Interlude - Forgotten History
Interlude 2 - Reformation of a Dark Heart
Chapter 11 - A Canterlot Wedding, Part 1
Chapter 12 - A Canterlot Wedding, Part 2
Interlude - Loose Ends
Chapter 13 - The Crystal Empire, Part 1
Chapter 14 - The Crystal Empire, Part 2
Chapter 2 - Friendship is Magic, Part 2

Chapter 1 - Friendship is Magic, Part 1

Once upon a time, in the magical land of Equestria, there were two regal sisters who ruled together and created harmony for all the land.

To do this, the eldest used her unicorn powers to raise the sun at dawn; the younger brought out the moon to begin the night. Thus, the two sisters maintained balance for their kingdom and their subjects, all the different types of ponies.

But as time went on, the younger sister became resentful. The ponies relished and played in the day her elder sister brought forth, but shunned and slept through her beautiful night.

One fateful day, the younger unicorn refused to lower the moon to make way for the dawn. The elder sister tried to reason with her, but the bitterness in the young one's heart had transformed her into a wicked mare of darkness: Nightmare Moon.

She vowed that she would shroud the land in eternal night. Reluctantly, the elder sister harnessed the most powerful magic known to ponydom: the Elements of Harmony. Using the magic of the Elements of Harmony, she defeated her younger sister, and banished her permanently in the moon. The elder sister took on responsibility for both...

"...the sun and moon..." The young lavender unicorn read aloud in a storybook she has been reading, with interest.

"...and harmony has been maintained in Equestria for generations since. Hmm... Elements of Harmony. I know I've heard of those before... But where?" The young mare asked herself, as she placed her hoof up to her chin and looked up to the sky.

The Badlands - Mysterious South

A Day before the Summer Solstice

The Badlands... A region southeast of Equestria, part of the Mysterious South, where nothing but barren wasteland lies. The nearest form of civilization is northwest, where Appleloosa and Dodge Junction lie. Just east of the Badlands, across the South Celestial Ocean, the Dragon's Lair, home of the dragons, lie.

Almost nobody has made a dwelling here, except for a lone house made of stone, just on a small rocky alcove overlooking the main road that stretches across the land. It is home to a lone Earth stallion, who has been living alone in solitude for the past five years after his mother, a unicorn named Golden Veil, passed away. Feeling he failed to save his mother's life, the orphaned Earth stallion left his home of Canterlot to become stronger, in body and mind, so that he would not fail to save the life of the next pony he would care about.

His name is Silver Guardian, a young Earth stallion of medium height, brown eyes, a short spiky pale blond mane and a long spiky tail, and the cutie mark of a dark green Delta triangle. It's meaning is unknown to him, as it appeared on the day he left Canterlot after Golden died. He thinks it was because of his resolve to do what he failed to do by not being able to save his mother from the illness she contracted when the stallion was just an adolescent colt. The only thing he has that was hers was her gold wedding ring, which had a small ruby embedded in it. He wore it on his left hoof, as a reminder of her and in her dying words, that she would be with him in spirit and to not grieve for her.

Silver just looked out at the barren landscape he has been in for five years, seeing the sun slowly make its way toward the horizon. He just kept a calm, and stoic, expression as he stared out.

"...The Summer Sun Celebration is in two days, yet I can't help but shake the feeling something bad is going to happen." Silver muttered to himself.

He has been thinking long and hard about this. He hasn't been anywhere, outside Appleloosa for supplies and making excursions to the Dragon's Lair east in his early years of training to spar against the dragons to toughen him, but he has a strong feeling Equestria is in for a surprise in two days.

"...It's time to go home..." He said softly as he goes and packs up his saddlebags with supplies for the trip: food, water, maps, the like.

He grabs a tattered gray cloak he bought a few years back when the winds were strong to create a dust bowl. The fact its tattered and torn shows how much use it got. It was fastened by a cyan colored gemstone, something he's been researching for use. And lastly, leaning against his nightstand, was his Mythril Sword.

He obtained this blade during his visit to the Dragon Lair a couple years back. He knew that while dragons were rather seclusive and didn't want to be in the affairs of ponies or other races, they were rather good in the art of blacksmithing. Some dragons craft very fine pieces of armor and weapons that are of equal, if not slightly better, quality over weapons used by the Royal Guard in Canterlot.

The sword was made from a rare metal known as mythril, which is stronger and more durable than steel, yet it is still an easy weapon to handle, even for a pony. He always fancied himself as a swordspony, though using his mouth to strike attacks can be rather... Tiring, which is what the gemstone that acts as his fastener is for.

Silver is not just a hardened Earth pony, but he is also an avid reader and studied during his childhood as he was home-schooled by his mother, when she was off from her job as one of Canterlot's finest jewelers and was able to spend time with her son. Living in Canterlot, the only place of education was Princess Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns, which he wouldn't been able to enroll at due to being an earth pony. However, Silver is special in a way, as while he was born as an Earth pony, deep inside him lays unicorn magic, dormant, waiting to be used. But because he has no horn, he isn't able to tap into it and thus had to rely on his earth pony magic to get around. He has been trying to find a way to use a crystal or gemstone as a conduit, in order to tap into his unicorn magic, however even after all this time, he hasn't been making much head way.

The only way he could get more knowledge into this matter was to return to Canterlot, and seek help there. Besides, he knew he owed his mother a long overdue visit.

He checks his blade, seeing that is nice and polished. Rarely he had to use it, but considering where he was, it was better to have added protection from any creatures that would find him as pray. Once he learned how to tap into his unicorn magic, he'd have an easier time wielding the simple one-handed weapon. He proceeds to sheath it into its scabbard, which was red leather surrounded by gold with a small symbol that was his cutie mark in the center of it.

He trots to the door as he looks back at his small abode he took shelter in for these past few years, and knew in time he would return here, but not long term. As far as he was concerned now, this was more or less a safehouse, as his real home was, and always been, Canterlot. He smiled softly as he goes out the front door and closes it behind him, as his journey back to society began, as he made his way to Dodge Junction to catch the train to his first destination: Ponyville.

Canterlot

A Day Before the Summer Solstice

The young unicorn mare was trotting back to the ivory tower, a place located at Canterlot Castle where she has been residing since becoming Princess Celestia's student. The back of her mind was still on the storybook she read earlier, mostly the Elements of Harmony is what is been stewing in her mind.

As she continued down the road, she was snapped out of her thought when two familiar unicorn mares approached her,

One of which called out to her, surprising her.

"There you are Twilight!" The light goldish gray unicorn, known as Twinkleshine, yelled out, smiling brightly.

"Moon Dancer is having a little get-together in the west castle courtyard. You wanna come?" She asks, as both her and Lemon Hearts lean in awaiting for their friend's answer.

Twilight simply frowns.

"Oh, sorry, girls... I've got a lot of studying to catch up on." Twilight replied, giving a large, sheepish grin, before galloping off, leaving the two mares behind, watching her go.

Twinkleshine just sighs and frowns, before looking at Lemon Hearts, "Does that pony do anything except study? I think she's more interested in books than friends."

Lemon Hearts just gave an assuring smile, "Don't worry Twinkleshine. You know how Twilight was back in magic kindergarten... Well both her and Moon Dancer. I'm sure Moon will understand if she asks why Twilight didn't come..."

Twinkleshine thinks and shrugs, "Well, I suppose. But still, I don't get why she wants to study when the Summer Sun Celebration is coming up and we all get some time off from studies."

"It's okay. She'll come around, now let's go meet up with Minuette and head to the party.~" Lemon said in a sing-song voice.

Twinkleshine nods as they begin their way to find their other friend, Minuette, whom waved at Twilight just as she gallops past her, not paying attention, only focusing getting back to her tower.

"I know I've heard of the Elements of Harmony..." Twilight uttered to herself.

Eventually, she reaches the castle, and begins her way up the stairs of the ivory tower. Inside, a small purple dragon, was preparing to leave the tower, with a small present, along with a teddy bear. Just as he was about to reach the doors, the doors suddenly open, sending the small dragon back as they knocked him back.

"Ow!" The baby dragon yelled, landing on the present he just had in his claws.

Twilight sees him there and then asks him to come up to find an old copy of a book known asPredictions and Prophecies, all the while protesting that they were on a break from studies and should head to Moon Dancer's party instead. Eventually, they did find the book Twilight as searching for, and began to search for information on the Elements of Harmony, before being directed to the topic on the Mare in the Moon.

"Mare in the Moon? Come on Twilight, that's just an old ponies' tale." Spike said with a confused expression.

Regardless, Twilight searched for the page on the Mare in the Moon, learning that on the longest day of the thousandth year, the stars will aid her escape and return to bring about eternal night, much to her shock.

She then requests to Spike to take a letter to Princess Celestia, warning her about Nightmare Moon's return on the day after tomorrow, which was the day of the Summer Sun Celebration. Spike sends the letter, doubting Twilight that because she was busy preparing for the Celebration, she wouldn't reply right away.

Confident that Celestia trusts her 100%, Twilight simply waits for a response, which sure enough comes as Spike belches out green flames that turn into a scroll. Spike opens the scroll and began reading it.

"My dearest, most faithful student Twilight. You know that I value your diligence and that I trust you completely. " Spike read aloud, with Twilight smiling brightly as she nods in agreement.

Spike then read the other half, which simply made her gasp, "...but you simply must stop reading those dusty old books!"

Twilight couldn't believe her ears. Princess Celestia just told her to get her head out of her books? Why would she write that to her. Her dearest student?

"Oh come on Twilight, you know the Princess still trusts you. But, all you've been doing is nothing but studying and haven't really spent anytime with your friends..." Spike said, patting her hoof, trying to give a comforting smile.

"Oh but Spike, with the eventual return of Nightmare Moon on the horizon, we can't afford to lose anytime! If she was taking me seriously, she would've told me how we should prepare for her arrival! She will bring about eternal night, and my mentor tells me to just get my head out of the books!" Twilight said in an overacting tone.

Spike simply sighed, as he looked at the letter.

"Oh wait, there was more." He added as he continued.

"Please do not think of me ignoring your plight, my dearest student. I trust and believe what you claim, but for now, it is best to try to keep a positive mindset and not worry. Which is why I have a task for you. In about five minutes, a chariot will arrive in front of your tower and take you to where you and Spike need to go. You shall receive the instructions to your task shortly. For now, await for the chariot outside." He finished reading.

"A task? What could she want us to do that is more important than the return of the mare that nearly took over Equestria a century ago?" Twilight asked in a confused manner.

"Just breath, Twi. Let's just go outside, and wait for the chariot she is sending." Spike said as he began walking downstairs, heading outside.

Twilight just frowned, and wondered if the Princess was right. She sighs as she follows Spike outside.

Outside Canterlot

The chariot, being pulled by two Royal Guards, carry Twilight and Spike away from Canterlot. They just received the instructions from Celestia, as well as reminding Twilight that there is more to life than just studying, thus sending her and her assistant to oversee the preparations of the Summer Sun Celebration being held in a town located just south of Canterlot known as Ponyville. She also tells Twilight in the letter to not just oversee the preparations, but to try to make some friends.

Twilight, having Nightmare Moon's return still fresh in her mind, just grunted at the prospect of trying to make friends, seeing it as unnecessary when she needs to learn more about the Elements of Harmony and figure out how to prevent the Mare in the Moon's take over of Equestria.

Dodge Junction - South Equestria

At the same time as she and Spike arrive in Ponyville, twenty-five miles southeast the Friendship Express has just pulled out of Dodge Junction, with Silver Guardian sitting quietly by himself on board. It was already after 3:30 in the afternoon by the time he arrived in Dodge Junction, and he was exhausted. He was happy to finally sit and rest after the long trek from the Badlands, though learned it would be after dusk by the time he got to Ponyville.

He had his hood up, and his Mythril Sword resting beside him on his seat. He knew there wouldn't be any trouble on the ride so he just relaxed while the train made it's way to his destination. After tonight, however, his life, as well as Twilight Sparkle's life, will change forever.

Ponyville - Equestria

Twilight's time in Ponyville has been eventful, so much to her disdain. Ever since she arrived, she just wanted to check to see if the preparations for the Summer Sun Celebration were all taken care of, but in the unicorn's mind: this town is pretty crazy.

First, the moment she and Spike arrived, the first pony they meet is a rather hyper pink Earth pony named Pinkie. When Spike suggested that the ponies in town have interesting things to talk about, as a means to get her to talk to another pony and try to make friends, and upon the mare saying 'hello', the pink mare just leaped in the air, gasp loudly as if she just realized she left the oven on, and just darted off in a blur, leaving a rather disappointed Twilight and confused Spike behind.

She then visited Sweet Apple Acres, where she was to meet the pony in charge of the banquet preparations: an orange Earth mare named Applejack, who welcomed Twilight with open hooves. Or rather, shaking the poor mare's arm so much she was going to shake her arm off her socket. She introduces Twilight to the Apple Family, all here for the Celebration and to help with the food. They all offered Twilight samples of their delicious apple-related delights, and while they tasted amazing, Twilight only wanted to leave and move onto the other tasks so she could get to the library to study up on Nightmare Moon some more, however was forced to stay for brunch when Applejack's younger sister, Apple Bloom, gave her the puppy dog stare.

Next, after being full from so much pie, Twilight and Spike met a cyan colored pegasus mare named Rainbow Dash, who true to her name, had a rainbow colored mane and tail. She was in charge of clearing the clouds out of the sky around Ponyville, and after commenting how poor of a job Rainbow Dash did clearing them up, the fastest flyer in Equestria blew the unicorn's mind when she was able to clear all the clouds around town in ten seconds flat. Quite literally. Amused by her reaction, Rainbow Dash flew off to go practice more tricks so that one day, she could join the Wonderbolts, and hoped that she and Twilight would hang out more.

Next, they meet the one in charge of decorations at Town Hall. A gorgeous, white unicorn mare named Rarity, whom Spike immediately falls smitten for. Upon seeing Twilight's mane a mess after her encounter with Rainbow Dash, the fashionista wished to fix her mane up, as well as have her model some dresses at the Carousal Boutique, Rarity's clothing shop. She nearly freaks out when she learns Twilight is from Canterlot, and while Rarity was distracted, she and Spike, much to his disappointment, sneak out of there before she tried to color Twilight's mane.

Lastly, the two met the pony in charge of music. A butter colored pegasus mare named Fluttershy, who was try to have a group of different birds rehearse for the Celebration, before Twilight and Spike arrived. True to her name, she was shy and quiet when Twilight tried to talk to her, and before she and Spike could leave feeling that all was good here, the quiet mare immediately ran over, knocking Twilight out of the way to see Spike, never once thinking she'd meet a baby dragon, much to Spike's delight. He then begins telling the mare his life story, and before he can talk about what he did that day, Twilight tried to get out of it by saying Spike needed to get to bed since he was tired, which Fluttershy bought easily. With that, the two ran off, and much of daylight was gone because of Spike telling his life story.

Finally, the two make it to the library, with Twilight finally wanting to get some time to herself to research more on Nightmare Moon without a lot of crazy ponies trying to bother her. That all falls flat on her face, when the lights come on, and a large group of ponies surprise Twilight and Spike with a surprise party, with Pinkie Pie the one behind it, much to Twilight's annoyance.

Twilight simply went to her new room, wanting to be alone, while everyone in the library partied the night away, leaving Twilight frustrated and upset that all of her time was wasted and couldn't even begin her research into the Elements of Harmony Spike tells her that everyone has to be awake all night so they do not miss Princess Celestia raising the sun, and that she just needs to lighten up.

All the while this goes on, the Friendship Express finally makes its stop in Ponyville. Several ponies get off, eager to watch the sun rise for the Celebration. The last to get off was the stallion from the Badlands, Silver. He looks around, noticing how quaint Ponyville looks.

"Huh, makes me wonder why I didn't stop here when I left home years ago..." He thought to himself, as he saw many ponies begin making their way to the Town Hall.

Silver just went along with it, but stopped as he looks up at the moon. He realized something was off, and not the fact that there was the image of a mare on it. He read about the myth of the Mare of the Moon when he was colt, and often passing it off as just a legend, like everyone else.

However, he noticed how four bright stars began to slowly move toward the moon. His eyes widen, as the image of the mare on the moon, disappeared.

"...Uh-oh..." Was all he said. He made haste to the Town Hall.

Inside, everyone awaited for Celestia to appear, but upon the curtains opening, everyone were just in shock when she wasn't there.

"This can't be good..." Twilight said to herself, with worry in her face.

"Everypony, please remain calm! I am sure there is a reasonable explanation for this!" The Ponyville mayor, Mayor Mare, said, trying to get everyone in the hall to calm down.

Pinkie just grinned brightly, "Ooh, ooh, I love guessing games! Is she hiding?"

Rarity checked behind the curtain that was further behind where Celestia was suppose to be, but yelled in a panicked tone.

"She's gone!"

Everyone in the room gasped and were now worried. Pinkie on the other hand.

"Ooh, she's good..."

But then a flash startles everyone in the room, as a large, black alicorn, donning baby blue armor, with a flowing purple mane and tail that shimmered with stars, and cat-like eyes appeared in the balcony.

Now everyone was in a panic. Twilight's eyes widened, her with a look of fear.

Outside, Silver was peaking through a window, and witnessed the same thing. He couldn't believe he was seeing this. At that moment, both him and Twilight uttered the same phrase quietly.

"Oh no... It's Nightmare Moon..."

Nightmare Moon simply chuckled maliciously, grinning wickedly as she looks down at everyone, " Oh, my beloved subjects. It's been so long since I've seen your precious little sun-loving faces..."

Rainbow Dash immediately tried to fly at her, but Applejack grabbed Rainbow by the tail with her mouth.

"What did you do to our Princess?!" Rainbow demanded.

"Woah there, Nelly!" Applejack muffled.

Nightmare Moon sees these and just cackles, "Why, am I not royal enough for you? Don't you know who I am?" She frowned as she stomped her hoof down.

Pinkie just started spouting out random names, thinking this was a guessing game still.

"Ooh, ooh, more guessing games! Um, Hokey Smokes! How about... Queen Meanie! No! Black Snooty, Black Snooty--" Applejack shut her mouth by sticking a cupcake in it.

Nightmare Moon, on the other hand, was not amused. She looks at Rarity, who just stared at her in fear as her wispy mane blankets itself around the smaller mare, "Does my crown no longer count now that I have been imprisoned for a thousand years? Did you not recall the legend? Did you not see the signs?"

"I did." Twilight spoken up, catching everyone's attention. Silver, stared in there, upon hearing her voice.

"...Twilight Sparkle...?" Silver asked himself.

He recognized that mane and cutie mark anywhere. He never expected to see Twilight down here, considering he hasn't been in contact with her ever since she enrolled in Celestia's school, which was around the same time his mother's health began to decline. He knew she was more of bookworm than he was, but they still played together when they were smaller, and shared the same common interest in reading.

Question was: Did she still remember him? His mind was snapped out of it when he heard Twilight continue.

"And I know who you are. You're the Mare in the Moon – Nightmare Moon!" Twilight finished, leaving all the ponies inside gasping. What they thought was an old ponies' tale, was real.

Nightmare Moon lets Rarity go, and simply looks at Twilight, grinning.

"Well well well, somepony who remembers me. Then you also know why I'm here." She replied.

"You're here to... To..." Twilight just gulped, unable to finish her sentence, but Nightmare Moon chuckles as the tall alicorn knows what she was going to say.

"Remember this day, little ponies, for it was your last. From this moment forth, the night will last forever!" Nightmare Moon cackles and laughs hard, as thunder around her claps loudly.

Twilight could only stare at her in fear, along with everyone else.

Silver, on the other hand, just looked at Nightmare Moon, and glared at her.

He mutters to himself, "...Not if I have a say in it." He then backs away from the window, and away from the Town Hall. He needed to come up with a plan.

This was going to be a long night for everyone...

Author's Note

And this my friends, is Chapter 1 of my original story.

It basically follows the plot from Season 1 all the way up to Season 7, and yes that will include the Equestria Girls movies.

I was originally going to just use the transcript and use that as the whole driving point, but I don't want to copy the entire transcript of the episode, so I just used some of the important stuff and summarized the other bits just so the chapter doesn't slug behind.

And like the show, we just end episode 1 with a cliffhanger, and in the next part, Twilight and the girls head to the Everfree Forest to find the Elements of Harmony, while Silver tails behind them quietly, until the perfect moment jump in.

Let's hope this story gets far. Until next time all!

Interlude - On that Day, 5 Years Ago

Golden Oaks Library - Ponyville

The day was just about spent, as Princess Celestia and Princess Luna needed to return to Canterlot so that she can soon bring the sundown in place for the moon. She ordered a couple of Royal Guards with a chariot to remain in Ponyville for when Silver was ready to depart to Canterlot. In the meantime, most of the residents of Ponyville were back at the library as Pinkie wanted to throw Silver a 'Welcome to Ponyville Party', as well as a 'Congratulations on Being Reunited with Twilight Party'.

A lot of ponies were just mingling, celebrating the rest of the Summer Sun Celebration and the welcome party for Silver. Silver was at a table with Twilight, Spike, and the girls, enjoying the party and finally getting to sit down to meet them proper, considering that with all that went on early this morning with Nightmare Moon, he never got a chance to actually converse with Twilight's new friends.

"Well, I suppose introductions are in order." Silver said, as he then sipped a drink through a straw, and then looked at them.

"I am Silver Guardian, I am originally from Canterlot. And was one of Twilight's oldest friends." He said, bowing his head down.

"Well howdy there Silver. Name's Applejack!" Applejack greeted as she tipped her Stetson down slightly.

"I'm Rainbow Dash! Fastest flyer in Equestria, and soon-to-be Wonderbolt!" Rainbow boasted, the girls rolling their eyes chuckling.

"The name's Rarity, darling, and my, my, MY for such a rather handsome looking stallion, you wear such a raggedy old cloak!" Rarity placed her hoof up to her chin.

"You must come by my Boutique so I can at least fix it up for you. If it wasn't so tattered, it does suit you well Silver darling." She added, smiling softly.

Silver chuckles at this.

"Heh, thanks Rarity."

Pinkie suddenly appeared in front of Silver's face, causing him to flinch back.

"HIYA! I'm Pinkie Pie, and I threw this party just for you! It is so AWESOME to meet two new ponies in a day and a half, that I didn't have to do much but fix up the decorations from Twilight's Welcome to Ponyville Party! Do you like how it turned out?!" Pinkie screamed, as she got up to his face, causing Silver to chuckle nervously.

"Y-yeah Pinkie, I love the party, but could you maybe... Move back a bit. You are kind of up in my personal zone." He asked.

"YAY! I'm so happy you love it! I know we will be GREEEAAAATTT friends!~" Pinkie hugged him tightly, causing him to nearly choke.

"GAH PINKIE...AIR...NEED TO BREATH....!" Silver flailed, while the girls just giggled.

"Oh Pinkie Pie, give him some space. He really appreciates you throwing this party for him." Twilight said, giving a softly smile, but also feeling bad that her new friend nearly choked her old friend.

"Okie doki loki!" Pinkie smiled as she let go and hopped off to get more cake.

After gasping for air and making sure his limbs were in place, he breathes in, and calms back down.

"Now then... Who was next?" Silver asked, acting as nothing happened.

"U-um... Hello Silver. I-I'm... Fluttershy." Fluttershy said timidly, as she looked away. She knew he was a nice pony, and a cute one, causing her to blush lightly.

"Well it is nice to meet you girls. I'm glad Twilight found some awesome friends like you five." Silver said with a grin, as he bites into a cupcake.

He looks toward Spike, before gulping down his food.

"Oh yeah, you're Twilight's assistant right?" He asked.

Spike grinned and nodded.

"Yep! Name's Spike, glad to meet ya, Silver!" Spike stretched his small claw up to him and Silver shook it with his hoof.

"Hey Twilight, how come you never told me about Silver? I mean you two known each other even before you hatched me from my egg, but never talked about him." Spike asked as Twilight just looks at him and Silver nervously.

"Heh heh... Well it's just after I got accepted in Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns, and becoming her personal protege, I got so involved in my studies that... I may have forgotten about you..." Twilight chuckles nervously at Silver.

Silver just rolls his eyes and laughs.

"Oh Twi-Twi... You and your studying. This filly I swear, moment you give her something with mathematics or an adventure novel, she dives into her own little world where everything outside is just voices... Voices in the distance." Silver emphasis, by getting up, placing his hooves to his mouth as if he was trying to yell out to somepony in the distance.

They start laughing, as Twilight just blushed madly, and gave a pouty look, because of the accusation and the fact he called her by her nickname he used to call her when she was a filly.

"T-that's not true Silver Guardian, and you know it...!" She said with a huff.

"Actually Twilight..." Spike said between giggles.

"It kind of is...!" He finishes before laughing again.

She glares at Twilight, before she just sighs and covers her head. Silver laughs and just pats her back.

"Relax Twi-Twi, I was just joking with you. I'm glad things turned out good for you. Really."

Twilight looks up at him, and then smiled softly.

"Heh, thanks Silvie." Twilight said, sticking her tongue out.

"...." He cringed as he heard that nickname. Twi-Twi, was much better than that name he was given.

He breathed deeply.

"So, who wants to ask me some questions, moving off that topic?" He said giving a tense stare.

The girls just look at each other, before Rarity raised her hoof.

"Why not tell us a bit of your foalhood, darling? Like when you met Twilight." The girls all nodded in agreement.

"Yeah! And where you got that awesome looking sword from." Rainbow Dash added, as she eyed the Mythril Sword that was in its scabbard.

"Well then, gather around dear friends. I have a relatively mid to long tale to tell."

The group leans in as they listened for Silver to talk about his past.

"I was born in Canterlot, with a unicorn for a mother, and my father... Well I never met him."

"Huh, how come?" Applejack asked.

"Well that is the thing. When I asked mom about my dad, she always looked at me with a sad smile, and just say he was a good stallion. Considering he wasn't around when I was born, its safe to say he left my mom when I was still in the womb..." Silver replied, with a frown.

"Oh dear... That is terrible. No little colt should grow up with knowing their father..." Fluttershy said quietly.

"Well, he could be out there somewhere. Even if he was, I wouldn't know what he looks like. All I know is that he was an Earth pony. When I was born, doctors figured I'd be born a unicorn but for some reason I was an Earth pony. Mom said I got her eyes and mane color, while I got my dad's coat and handsome look, heh." He rubbed the back of his neck.

"Princess Celestia mentioned your mother's name was Golden Veil. That wouldn't happen to be one of Canterlot's finest jewelry makers in Equestria, right?" Rarity asked..

Silver nods.

"Well I wouldn't say she was the finest in all of Equestria, but she was one of the most well known jewelers in Canterlot. So much so, Princess Celestia often would request her services like polishing of her regalia, or have special pieces made for special events."

"So... When did y'all meet Twilight?" Applejack asked.

Twilight answered this one.

"Well me and Silver actually shared the same foalsitter when we were younger. She would often bring Silver with her to my house and that is when we met." Twilight looks at Silver.

"You were a pretty cute colt..." She said giving a soft smile.

Silver just grinned sheepishly, blushing lightly rubbing the back of his neck.

"Heh... Well you were a pretty adorable filly. And I sometimes wonder if you still act like one." He smirked, causing Twilight to blush and glare at him.

"I act like a mature mare!" Twilight defended.

"Twilight, when you discovered an old book on the ancient cultures of Neighpon, you hopped around the room as if you were ate a bag of sugar." Spike said, giving her a deadpan look.

They laughed.

"Spike!" Twilight groaned as she glared at the baby dragon.

"Either way, I often enjoyed reading with Twilight. Believe it or not, one of the reasons I came back to Equestria was for research." Silver explained.

Rainbow Dash laughed.

"I'm sorry. You. A pony who literally tackled Nightmare Moon and stared her down with a sword in your mouth without fear, are an egghead?" Rainbow just laughed harder.

"Hey, nothing wrong being a nerd. Twi-Twi is even bigger nerd than me, and she turned out fine." Silver he said as he sipped his drink, ducking his head as a cupcake flies toward his head and missed, smirking, as a flustered Twilight just kept giving him the stink-eye.

"Um... Silver? You mentioned back in the Old Castle that you left home because your mother... Passed away... What happened?" Fluttershy asked, hoping she doesn't cause him to get upset for asking a rather sad question.

Silver froze, as he gently placed his cup down. The sudden change from being a snark to being a look of solemn, was rather jarring for the group. Twilight frowns, and looks at him with a concerned look.

"Silver? Are you alright...?" Twilight asked.

"I-I'm sorry...! I didn't mean to open up an old wound... Y-you don't have to talk about it if you don't want to..." Fluttershy stammered, feeling guilty for making Silver sudden mood change.

He shook his head. He was calm and collective, but they can see pain in his eyes.

"No, it is alright Fluttershy... I know she told me not to grieve for her, but there are times I look back... On that day, five years ago." Silver said quietly, looking out the window.

Canterlot

Five Years Ago

"W-What do you mean you don't know what is wrong with her...?" Silver, a young adolescent colt, asked with heavy worry in his eyes.

He was talking to a doctor, outside of the examination room where his mother, Golden Veil, was resting.

"I am sorry... But this illness your mother contracted is something that appears 0.5% in most ponies. Because of rareness, doctors never thought to study it. Your mother just happened to be in that percentage. We will do what we can, but a cure for this disease is nonexistent... She will succumb to it eventually, we can only prevent it, but it will eventually take her..." The doctor pony replied, with a calm tone.

Silver couldn't believe his ears. A mysterious illness that is so rare, nopony thought of researching it to prevent it from appearing.

"...This can't be happening..." Silver quivered.

"I know it is difficult, but for now, you should try to hold onto hope. I'm sure your mother wouldn't want you to feel hopeless..." The doctor placed his hoof on his shoulder.

"Go in there and just be there for her." He added, as Silver looks at him.

"...P-please, just... Do anything... I-I don't want to be alone..." Silver muttered.

The doctor just closed his eyes, frowning softly, feeling guilty to bring this colt the bad news. He then trots past him, leaving Silver alone.

"At first, she was experiencing headaches. She would take some aspirin to get rid of it, and wouldn't think nothing of it.

She just continued on with her day, at work, with me... But the headaches became more frequent and she would often black out and wake up sometime later, not recalling what happened. A month or so later, her health began getting worse she couldn't move as much, she wasn't able to eat as much." Silver explained.

"...I was scared. I tried to be a strong pony, but I was afraid of losing my mother... The only family I had and known all my life. I wanted to save her, and we could continue living a normal life... But fate wouldn't have it any other way." He added.

Young Silver Guardian, sat by Golden's bedside. It was the final hours of her life, being stuck like this for two months, and she knew it was time. She looked at her colt, with such tired eyes, and smiled softly. Silver, holding onto her hoof, tears streaming down his face.

"M-Mom... Please don't leave me. You can't leave yet...!" He yelled in sadness.

"I know..." Golden said quietly, still grinning softly. She held Silver's and rubbed his mane.

"...I know I won't be able to see you grow up into a final stallion... I don't know why it had to come down to this... But you must stay strong, my little colt." She said, a tear going down her cheek.

Silver didn't want to let go of her. Why in Celestia's name did this have to happen to him?

"W-what am I gonna do, Mom...? I-I don't want to be alone... Not without you..." Silver said, looking at her, eyes puffy and red as tears continued flowing down.

"...It will be alright sweetie... You are a big pony now, and you must be strong... I don't want to leave you too, but if I have to leave this world, then... I have to accept it..." Golden closed her eyes.

"Just know... You are not alone. There are those who do care about you... Like your father..."

Silver sniffled.

"...But, where is dad...? Why did he leave us when I wasn't here yet...? If he did care, h-he would be here with me..." Silver stuttered, wiping his eyes.

Golden shook her head.

"Your father... He was always flighty... But just know, he didn't want to leave me... Leave us. He had a calling that he needed to answer too, and said that he would always love us, and most likely, he still does..." She explained.

"He may not have been there when you were born, Silver... But he loves you just as much and will always love you. You are the apple in his eye, and... You are just as handsome as he was." She chuckles weakly, as she rubs his cheek, as he holds her hoof and nuzzles into it.

"...Silver, before I go... This is something I want you to take and keep with you..." She goes and removes her wedding ring band around her hoof, and places it around his hoof.

"Just know no matter where you go in the world, no matter how you feel, no what, I will be with you in spirit... I want you to not grieve for me... I know it will be painful, but... Just do this for mommy... Please." She muttered, slowly feeling the cold embrace.

"...A-and should there be a time... You ever meet you father... Do not hate him... Love him just the same as he would for us... Tell him that... He'll see me again... In the next life.... Can you do that for me.... Sweetie?" She asked weakly, as her breathing became shallow.

This was it. Silver knew there was nothing he could do for her now. She listened to her words, and nods.

"Y-yes mom... I will... I-I will make you proud..." He whimpered, as he hugs her one last time.

Golden smiled, as she held her gently, kisses his head and slowly rubbed his head, for the last time.

"I love you... My dear little Silver Guardian..."

"I-I love you too, mother... G-Goodbye..." Silver sniffled out.

She smiled, as she closed her eyes, finally letting it go. The ECG that was beeping, went flat-line, as Golden's hoofs, slowly slide off Silver, who just sobbed into her.

The doctor and nurse came in, seeing the scene, and couldn't help but feel sorry for the colt. Regardless, he stayed calm.

"Golden Veil... Time of death: 3:30 PM, April 2nd, 995 CE." He wrote down.

They go over, the nurse patting Silver's back and have him step away from the bed, as he weeps and the doctor goes and drapes the blanket over the body and a couple orderlies come in and pull the bed out.

"She wanted me to remain strong. That was her final wish, but all things considered... I was still young. The thought of losing my mother was too much for me to bear, so I ran out of there, surprising most of the staff. I ran outside of the hospital and down the street, not caring who I ran into or where I was going." Silver explained further.

"Eventually, I found myself outside Canterlot Castle. The Guards saw me and recognized me from my visits with my mother when she delivered to the Princess. They took me inside and to see Princess Celestia, whom was in the throne room doing her duties, when she heard the wailing of a little colt, and upon seeing me, she knew right then and there. Considering how well known my mother was to the community, and the fact Celestia herself valued her as a remarkable pony at her craft, she was saddened when she heard about how my mother fallen ill and wasn't able to make deliveries anymore, and upon seeing me crying, it was as if a dagger struck her heart, and realized that she was gone..."

"The following day, my mother was buried, up on a grassy knoll overlooking Canterlot, under this large oak tree. Me and her often went here to stargaze when she was off from work. We loved the spot, and felt that it would be proper she rest there... After that, I knew I couldn't stay in Canterlot. I was an orphan, my mother passed on, my father was somewhere in the world. I needed to become stronger... I didn't want to lose anypony I cared about... I failed to save my mom from her illness, but I didn't want to make the same mistake again, so I ran away. I took what inheritance I was left with, and just left Canterlot... Without saying anything."

"I couldn't grieve for her anymore, so I promised myself and to her, I'd be strong. And it was that moment, when I realized what my resolve was, my cutie mark appeared."

The young Silver just looked at his flank, and noticed the new mark that appeared there, but didn't know what it meant.

It was simply a green Delta triangle... Nothing special, but a green triangle.

Present Day

All the while Silver told them his story, the girls were all weepy eyed, including Rainbow Dash who tried to hide the fact. He looked down at his cutie mark.

"Even to this day, I still have no idea what it represents, but I can tell you when I saw it, it just bolstered my resolve to become a guardian."

"Oh Silver... I had no idea. I just got enrolled in Celestia's School around that time, and I was too focused in studying for my entrance exam, that I never knew that Golden died. Wasn't until my mom mentioning it, and how you just ran away after the funeral..." Twilight said, with immense concern.

"Well I was just so disheartened about all that happened, I just... Wanted to get away from Canterlot, and try to start my own life. And I did it by going to the one place in Equestria that I knew could toughen me up: the Badlands." Silver said, as the group stared at him wide eyed.

"You ran away to the Badlands?! And you lived there all this time?!" Twilight yelled in disbelief.

"That place is nothing but a wasteland. Almost no life lives down there, and the nearest places of society was Dodge Junction and Appleloosa, which I often traveled to for supplies." He explained.

"You been to Appleloosa? You meet an yellow Earth pony with a brown Stenson hat, brown vest, and had an apple for a cutie mark?" Applejack asked.

"You mean Braeburn? Yeah, he's a good pony, if not a little excitable, especially when I first arrived in Appleloosa. I often helped him out at the apple orchard to earn a few bits." Silver replied.

"Heh, that be mah cousin a'right. He can be a handful at times, but he's an Apple to the core. I guess you have a knack fer bucking apple trees, if Cousin Braeburn hired you, huh?" Applejack chuckled.

Silver chuckles back.

"Well when you are training your hooves by bucking boulders in the morning as part of your routine exercise, you would be able to buck a couple dozen apple trees down." Silver retorted.

It was then Silver looked at the clock.

"Wow, time sure flew, it is nearing 5PM. I'm afraid I better get going to Canterlot. I have things I need to get done, as well as pay my respects." Silver got up, the girls all frowned.

"Aww you have to go now??" Pinkie whined.

"Sorry Pinkie. I really loved the party you threw for me though, but I really need to get going. I'll be back in a couple days." Silver assured her.

Pinkie grinned brightly, "Okie doki loki then!~ Can't wait for you to come back!"

"You sure you have to go now? Surely you could stay a bit longer, Silver." Twilight said, with a sad look.

"Like I said, I'll be back in a couple days. I've been away from home for 5 years, I want to see what all changed while I was gone. Don't worry, Twi. We'll catch up more of the past later. I know you have a lot to tell me, as do I." Silver placed a hoof on her shoulder, smiling gently.

"For now, just have a good time with you friends, okay?"

Twilight gave a sad smile.

"Just don't be gone for long."

"I won't." Silver chuckles as he gives her a hug, which she returns.

"Nice meeting you all. I'm sure we'll hang out more, and become better friends then." Silver got up from his seat as he starts his way to the door, the girls and Spike following him outside as he heads for the two Guards awaiting by the chariot.

"Alright. We can depart now." Silver said, as the two Guard ponies nodded and he gets on the chariot, and looks to the group, waving to them.

"See you all later!" He yelled as they began to move forward and soon into the air, as the group all waved back, Pinkie grabbing a Megaphone out of nowhere and screamed into it.

"SEE YOU SOON SILVER!!!!! HAVE FUN!!!!"

The girls just looked at her, their ears ringing.

"Pinkie!" Twilight screamed, trying to get hearing back in her ears by rubbing her ears.

"...You think he heard me?" Pinkie asked casually.

"WHAT?!" They yelled, clearly deaf.

Canterlot

As Silver left Canterlot, he was certain he heard Pinkie scream to him, saying to 'have fun'. He shrugs as they eventually arrived in Canterlot.

Silver gets off the chariot after it landed. He gives a nod.

"Thanks for the ride." Silver said.

The Guards nodded back before they returned to the Castle that was resting not to far where they landed. Silver looks around and smiled.

"...Doesn't look like a lot has changed in the past five years." He thought to himself as he began trotting along the street.

The unicorns he passed by looked toward Silver, some just acting high and mighty and just ignore him, others look at him and find him familiar. He gave them a nod, and they would return it. He eventually comes down the street in which he spots his old home. It appears vacant, so it was rather surprising to see that no one bought the house. He can tell that the windows looked dusty after not being lived in for years.

He approached the front door and tries to open it, but found it locked. He didn't recall locking the door when he left five years prior, but chances are the locks weren't change since then. He goes down onto a step, where there was a loose brick.

He pulls it out and underneath it, an old key rested.

"Heh, guess nopony bothered to look into it further..." Silver muttered to himself, smirking, picking the key up and placing the brick back in its place.

He inserts the key and the door clicks unlocked and he opens the door, which creaks out into the home. To his surprise,

Everything was exactly the same as he left it, but covered in dust. He closed the door and walks around in the house, finding most of the furniture, decorations, other possessions still intact. He goes upstairs and opens up a door near the end of the hall, and finds his old bedroom, with most of his toys and books still where he left it all. He gave a sad smile, memories of this place fill his mind.

He left the room and goes into Golden's bedroom, which everything was still like the way she left it before being taken to the hospital. He walks over to her nightstand, picking up a picture frame, as he blew the dust off it and rubbed the glass, showing an image of Golden Veil laying down with a Silver as a little colt, laying beside her with a bright grin.

"...It just felt like it was yesterday when this happened." Silver said to himself quietly, closing his eyes.

He knew that by all rights, the home belonged to him as it was one of the possessions that Golden written in her will sometime before her death. He knew he would need to come back and clean the place up, likely replace some of the stuff that has worn over time, likely get new decor and curtains. He knew that Rarity might be able to help him in that regard, and decided to ask her next time he came back to Ponyville.

He leaves the house, locking the door behind him, as he needed to go to one more place before he sets out what he came to Canterlot to do. He trots through the city, and makes his way up a large hillside, overlooking Canterlot, where a lone oak tree and a grave marker rested. On it read:

Here lies Golden Veil.

Devoted and beloved mother, a hard working pony.

972 - 995 CE

Silver stood there for a few minutes, before he lays down on his hooves, staring at the grave, with a sad smile. And a single tear drop.

"...Hi mom. I'm sorry I haven't visited you. I've been busy doing what you wanted to do, and that was to become a strong pony..." He said quietly.

Author's Note

Phew, that was pretty long for an Interlude, and rather dramatic. But I wanted to explain a bit of Silver's past.

He will share more of what went on while he lived in the Badlands in the next Interlude chapter. This one isn't my best chapter, since I really had to think about what to type out, but it's decent enough.

Next few chapters will go back to events during the show, so stay tuned for that!

Until then, later!

Chapter 3 - Home is Where the Heart Is

It has been nearly a few weeks since Silver Guardian left Ponyville after Nightmare Moon's defeat and the return of Princess Luna. He wrote to Twilight detailing that he was in the process of reclaiming his childhood home in Canterlot and would be a bit longer there than he thought. He was busy trying to sort out the details on ownership of the house, considering it was in Golden Veil's name and was one of the things she gave to Silver in her will after it was discussed to him prior to her burial, plus he needed to straighten the house up as it hasn't been occupied in five years.

He also was busy in his research in trying to tap into his unicorn magic that was dormant inside him, looking through the archives in the Canterlot Royal Library, thanks to Princess Celestia. He felt he was close to a breakthrough, but still feels as though he has more to do before he can use magic like any other unicorn. He also needed to know what sort of adverse effects could happen should he tap into something that has been laying dormant inside of him since he was born and how it would effect him as an Earth pony in general.

In the meantime, Twilight took time to write to Silver about things that happened in Ponyville since he left and how she enjoyed living there with their new friends. She explains how Celestia sent her two tickets to the upcoming Grand Galloping Gala, and was trying to figure out who she would bring with her as her second guest, but her friends didn't make her decision any easier as they kept trying to butter her up and do favors for her in the hopes of getting the extra ticket, and eventually most of Ponyville was chasing after her for the second ticket doing the same. Eventually, she explained how she broke down and told her friends that she didn't want to leave any of them out, whom all apologized for how they acted, and decided to send the two tickets back, claiming if she was not able to take any of her friends then she didn't want to go, to Celestia via a letter. Only then did she end up receiving six tickets to the Gala after the princess wrote back, saying she should have asked for more tickets. Now they were all able to go to the Gala, including Spike.

Twilight was surprised to learn that a couple days after Silver returned to Canterlot, that the princess herself gave him a ticket to the Gala in the hopes he could attend and be there with his friends, which he graciously accepted. Silver wouldn't be lying if he said he wasn't stoked about going.

She then goes on how Applebucking Season has rolled around, and Applejack was being a stubborn mule when it came to getting help bucking down every apple tree at Sweet Apple Acres, wanting to prove she was capable of doing it all by herself, after her older brother Big McIntosh injured himself. Twilight offered Applejack help to harvest the apples, but refused it, and just made it worse for herself after she becomes sleep deprived. She promised to help her friends out with some tasks, but made it difficult because of being overworked: Rainbow Dash wanted her to launch her off a catapult to help practice new tricks in the air, but ended up missing the catapult multiple times and on the last attempt, launched Rainbow Dash, unprepared, into the Library. She then helped Pinkie Pie bake some muffins, but ended up putting 'questionable' ingredients in the muffins that ended up make several ponies, including Pinkie, sick, thus calling the baked goods, 'baked bads.' And finally, she was to help Fluttershy round up some bunnies that were for her bunny census. Her rough attitude and Winona, Applejack's collie, barking at the rabbits ended up making them stampede into Ponyville where they ruined the town gardens, eat most of the plants, and making Fluttershy's bunny census impossible to finish.

She goes into detail how she finally confronted Applejack about her stubborn attitude causing many problems for their friends, but after Applejack boasts she got every apple harvested in the orchard, Big Mac broke the news and told her she only did part of apple orchard, causing her to faint. Upon waking up, Applejack finally gave in and accepted the help, which made the harvesting much more efficient. Upon taking a break, Applejack thanks and apologized to her friends about her stubbornness and pride, to which Twilight explains that she learned that it is just okay to accept help from a friend as it is to give help.

Finally, she explains to Silver that later the following week that Rainbow Dash's old friend, a griffon named Gilda, came to visit her, which made Pinkie feel left out as her and Dash been bonding by playing pranks on some of their friends and other ponies in town. When Pinkie tried join the two, Gilda only told Pinkie to leave as she felt Rainbow Dash didn't need to hang out with a 'dweeb' like Pinkie.

After observing Gilda's behavior through Ponyville, she drew the line after witnessing the griffon roared at Fluttershy, whom was trying to direct a family of ducks through town and bumped into Gilda by accident, to the point of tears, causing Pinkie to try to fix the problem 'Pinkie Pie-style'. She decided to throw a welcome party to Gilda, which involved her falling for several pranks much to her growing agitation and tries to hide it from everyone, including Dash.

When she crashed into the cake during 'Pin the Tail on the Pony', she loses her temper and calls all the attendees dweebs and Pinkie 'Queen Lame-o'. She then decides to leave with Dash in tow, but after seeing her true nature Dash explains it was her that set up the pranks, not all were meant for Gilda. Pinkie explains she did this in an attempt to improve her sour mood, contrary to what Gilda thought was a means to get back at her. Dash tells Gilda to go 'find some cool friends someplace else' if being cool was all she cared about, to which the griffon tells Dash she is a 'flip-flop' for hanging out with Pinkie and her friends instead of her, and simply leaves Ponyville.

Dash apologizes to all the attendees for Gilda's behavior, and patches things up with Pinkie by shaking hooves with a joy buzzer.

Twilight then apologizes to Pinkie for misjudging her on Gilda, and writes to Celestia that she learned that rather than trying to influence who your friends spend time with, you yourself should try to be a good friend, and trust that the true face of a false friend will eventually be revealed through their behavior. She even told Silver that she pranked Celestia by tricking her to write a letter using disappearing ink.

Silver's House - Canterlot

Evening

Silver laughed at his recent letter from Twilight, realizing he missed a lot these past few weeks. He finally got the ownership of his house ordeal done and has since cleaned the place up so that it looked new once again. He knew that he wouldn't be staying home that often, as he wanted to hang out with Twilight and the gang back in Ponyville, so he had to make it mission to purchase another home in Ponyville that would act as his more permanent residence, while his actual home here in Canterlot acts as a place to stay should he or the girls come up to Canterlot.

Sitting at his desk, he takes out a quill and begins to write on the parchment.

Golden Oak Library - Ponyville

15 Minutes Later

Spike was checking down a checklist of spells Twilight was preparing to practice the next day. There were originally twenty-four spells she wanted to practice, until Spike convinced her to add one more to the list: a 'growing' spell.

"So we have each spell listed?" Twilight asked.

"Yep!" Spike replied.

"Well, considering all that has been going on, I think it is a good time to get some magic practice in. Can never be too rusty!" Twilight giggled.

"Oh come on Twi, you are a great unicorn! I mean you represent the Element of Magic, so I doubt you could get rusty doing some simple spells." Spike added.

"That may be, but it does help broaden the mind. Even if some of these spells won't have that much application down the road." Twilight added as she looked in a book of spells she planned to do.

Spike smirked to himself.

"Except spell number 25..." He thought.

Suddenly, Spike's cheeks puffed up as he burped out a green flame turned into a scroll. Spike looked at it.

"Hey Twilight! I think Silver sent you another letter."

Twilight's ears perked up as she looks over, and of course, the scroll was tied in dark green ribbon, and the seal was in the shape of Silver's cutie mark.

"Bring it here Spike! Wonder if he got my last letter." Twilight said, excited.

"He was gone for a few weeks Twilight, I can't imagine him not getting a letter from you. Though now it is a bit tedious considering Princess Celestia gave him a means to send letters to you directly as well." Spike said as he brought the letter over.

Twilight levitates it out of his claws as she unwraps the ribbon and opens the parchment and began reading the letter.

Dear Twilight,

I got your recent letter and I have to say, I'm pretty impressed at how much you are learning after moving to Ponyville. Shame I wasn't around when most of this stuff happened, but had a lot on my plate. I finally got the deed to my childhood home in my name so I now have a place to live in Canterlot again, but cleaning the place up by yourself cane be rather... Well tedious.

But, I lived five years alone in the Badlands in a stone hut, so I can't really complain, heh.

Anyway, I'm letting you know that since I gotten most of the important stuff done here, I'll be on the train back to Ponyville first thing tomorrow morning. Even though I have my own home here, I would rather be able to live nearby you and the girls in Ponyville, so I will go see Mayor Mare to see about buying a place there in town.

Oh yeah! I was very shocked to learn that the jewelry store my mom owned, The Golden Emerald, still in business even after all these years, is being managed by an old family friend of my mom's.

Her name is Diamond Dust, and when I went to see her at the store, she was happy to see me and was glad I'm in good health even after being gone for so long. She worked alongside my mom, and knows the ins and outs of jewelry making so she has been taking good care of the place.

According to my mom's will, she left Diamond the store, and because I am my mother's colt, I being given half the profits the store makes without actually having to worry about being a secondary owner, so at least I have a livelihood and not have to worry about bits. To think I was going to try to find odd jobs in trying to being a bodyguard for some of the influential members of Canterlot society.

So, I'll be by likely around noon tomorrow so let the girls know, after I get business done with the Mayor, I'll meet you at the Library.

Have a good evening.

Your closest friend,

Silver Guardian

P.S. Let Rarity know that the drapes she made for my house were nicely done. I think some ponies saw them and thought they matched the place up nicely. I'll have to let her know I may need her services again when I find a place down there in Ponyville.

Twilight grinned brightly.

"You hear that Spike, Silver's coming back tomorrow!" Twilight jumped up and down excitedly.

"Cool! It feels like it's been an eternity since we seen him, even if he left a few weeks ago. I can't wait to learn more about him." Spike said grinning softly.

"You like having him around?" Twilight asked, as she puts the letter away.

"He has an interesting life. I just wanna know how he was able to survive for that long in the middle of nowhere, by himself. Plus he is the only other guy I would know that hangs out with us." Spike added.

Twilight giggles.

"Well I suppose that is true. Anyway Spike, let's just finish up preparing for tomorrow and call it a day, okay?"

Spike gave a salute.

"Yes, ma'am!"

Ponyville

Early Morning

The Friendship Express slowly pulls into Ponyville Train Station early the following morning, however Silver was the only occupant that gets off the train. He checks the clock that was standing there on the platform, noting it was only going on 7AM. Celestia's sun was already peering over the horizon, as Luna's moon began to set down the opposite end.

"Well, I still have time before Town Hall opens up, and not a lot of ponies are out yet. Guess I can enjoy the cool morning until then." Silver said to himself as he trots off the platform and into Ponyville proper.

He noticed that some vendors that open up stalls were beginning to get things prepared for the day, and stores were preparing as well, but aside from those, seems like most ponies were still sleeping. He wanted to surprise Twilight by showing up early, but chances are she and Spike were likely still in bed, unless she gets up early to practice her magic. Regardless, he just wanted to enjoy the quiet morning.

As he trots through town, he couldn't help but notice a new sight: behind the Town Hall, a rather small tan wagon with a red roof, a window with two shutters covering it that had two blue hearts on them, and around the front underneath the window was a blue crescent moon decorated onto the wagon.

Silver tilts his head, as he knows this wasn't here before.

"Must be somepony from out of town..." Silver mused.

It was then coming out of the back of the wagon, a young, bright azure unicorn mare with a pale cauliflower blue mane with very pale cerulean stripes, dark grayish violet eyes, and a cutie mark of a magic wand and a swirl of blue magic coming off it. She looked to be around Twilight's age.

As the mare was checking around her wagon, she then turns her head to find the young stallion just standing there, and looking at her. She jumped with a yelp, which took Silver aback, before giving him a soft glare.

"You there! Why are you just standing there, gawking at the Great and Powerful Trixie?!" Trixie yelled.

He just rubs the back of his neck, chuckling nervously. Mentally, he kicked himself for not speaking up.

Trixie's glare softened more, as he just raised her brow giving him a confused looked before sighing.

"Listen, Trixie is not taking autographs right now, for she needs to get prepared for her performance later today. If you don't mind, leave Trixie be and come back later." Trixie said as she goes back to inspecting her wagon.

"Oh, sorry... I didn't mean to scare you or bother you. I was passing by and noticing... You are not from around here right?" Silver said, as he regained his calm composure.

Trixie nods.

"Well, you would be right. Trixie is a traveler, having gone across most of Equestria, performing my spectacular feats of magic that would ever grace pony eyes!" Trixie smirked confidently, placing her hoof up to her chest.

"Ah, so you are a traveling magician pony. That makes sense now. I'll admit, you do have that magician feel about you." Silver said, placing his hoof up to his chin.

Trixie chuckles.

"Why thank you, kind gentlecolt. It is good to know that there are those that appreciate what Trixie can do." Trixie replied.

She then looked over Silver, noticing his cloak and his Mythril Sword shealthed to his side, and his saddlebag.

"What about you? You don't appear to be from this town, plus Trixie doesn't think anypony openly goes around with a sword on them, unless they be of the Royal Guard. Are you a Royal Guard or something?" Trixie asked.

Silver shook his head.

"Well you'd be right. I'm not from Ponyville, I actually hail from Canterlot, but I'm not a part of the Royal Guard. I'm more or less a pony who has a flighty nature, and one who wants to protect others from danger." Silver explained.

"Hmm... Trixie was unaware that many Earth ponies would be from Canterlot..." Trixie mused.

"It's a long story, but my mother was a unicorn, and my dad was likely an Earth pony." Silver said, rubbing his hoof against the ground.

Trixie raised her brow.

"Was? You mean to tell Trixie your mother isn't around anymore?"

He sighs, and nods.

"Yeah... Passed away five years ago when I was just a growing colt. And I never met my father, as he left my mom when I wasn't born yet. He is out there... Somewhere. I doubt I'll ever meet him since I don't know what he looks like, as my mom never kept a lot of photos of him. She said she still loved him dearly, but seeing a photo of him would've likely made her more saddened. She just wanted to raise me as best as she could be, and she did." Silver said, frowning.

Trixie was silent for a few moments.

"...Trixie sees. Well, sorry for your loss mister...?" Trixie raised.

"Silver. Silver Guardian, and no need for the 'mister'." Silver answered.

"Right... Well forgive Trixie Silver, but as pleasant it is to chat with a pony like yourself, Trixie needs to finish getting ready. Be sure to come here this afternoon, for you shall be awed by the stunts and tricks that only the Great and Powerful Trixie can achieve!" She said, grinning brightly.

Silver could only chuckle.

"Yeah, I'm sure you'll do good. You don't see a lot of traveling magician ponies around nowadays, so it will be interesting to say the least." He said with a soft smile.

"Of course! It is my special talent to do feats that would even make the great Hoofdini proud! Now then, if you would excuse Trixie..." Trixie said as she waves and continues inspecting her wagon.

"Right... See you later 'Oh Great and Powerful Trixie'." Silver quipped as he walks away.

Trixie just looks toward the stallion, couldn't help but feel as there is something... Mysterious, about him. But she shrugs it off and continues with her preparations.

Town Hall - Ponyville

Silver steps hoof inside the large building, which only a few weeks ago was where all of the citizens of the town were gathering for the Summer Set Celebration and been greeted by Nightmare Moon's return. Now the large hall was empty with not a lot of ponies around.

"Hmm..." Silver thought, as he looks around, and happen to see a cyan coated Earth mare with an orange flower placed over her right ear, had a cream colored mane and tail that swirled at the ends, and wore an orange blouse, covering her cutie mark.

"Hi there. I was hoping if you know who I speak to about purchasing a home here in Ponyville." Silver asked.

The receptionist's ears twitched as she turns around and see Silver. Hearing his question, she gave a soft smile and asked.

"Well, that depends. Are you new to Ponyville?"

"Well I was here a few weeks ago for the Summer Sun Celebration, but I was just passing through on my way to Canterlot. I own my mother's house up there, but I do wish to have a home here, so I'm closer to my friends." Silver replied.

"Well, you should be aware that if you are looking for a house, that the mayor has to approve all real estate purchases within the town limits. As of right now, there are three houses for sale." The receptionist explained.

"If you want, I can mark them down on a map for you. They are free for residents and future residents of Ponyville." She added.

"Oh that would be fine. It'll let me get better look around town and time to see the houses before buying them. I suppose I'll need to come back once I decide?" Silver asked.

The receptionist nods.

"Yes, once you decide which home you will settle for, I will let the mayor know that you wish to speak to her and she will handle all the paperwork. Here is your map." She replied, as she hands Silver a map of Ponyville with the three locations marked.

"Thank you. I'll be back soon." Silver nodded graciously.

The receptionist nodded back as she went back to work, leaving Silver alone.

"Alright, might as well go check these places out while the morning is still young." He said to himself.

Silver went to the three different places that a house was for sale on the map. One was within town, located just near the town square, and was a homey, two-story house.

The next was located alongside a small river, which looked like a small cottage. It was within reasonable distance to town, and looked rather quaint.

The last was located literally near the Everfree Forest, as the map seemed to have an exclamation mark around the area. The house itself looked small, and was surrounded by a lot of odd, blue flowers. It seemed that this place hasn't been visited a lot considering the fauna that was growing here also grows within the Everfree Forest.

Despite this, the house was structurally sound, with a view of the forest and the fields and hills surrounding it, but was pretty far out of town and was more private. It was also bit quieter out here.

He took his options and smiled as he came to a decision.

Town Center - Ponyville

Silver makes his way back into town, and as he begins to head toward the town center, he heard a familiar voice call out to him.

"Well howdy there Silver!" Applejack called out from her stall.

Silver turns and saw her, with a stall filled with apples and other apple related goods.

"Morning AJ. Good to see you." Silver said, as he approached the stall.

"Good to see ya too, sugarcube. Been a few weeks since we last saw y'all." Applejack replied.

Silver shrugs.

"Yeah, I know I said I would be a couple days, but after getting back to Canterlot I had to deal with ownership of my mom's house, and then there was my research, and cleaning up the house, it was a busy few weeks for me." He chuckled.

"Well its good to see ya back here, Silver. Ah know Twilight been missing y'all. Were ya thinkin of visiting her?" Applejack asked.

"Not yet, I figured she be asleep still, considering how early it is. Plus I'm heading back to the Town Hall to discuss with the mayor about buying a home here." Silver responded.

Applejack grinned.

"Really? Ya planning on living here too? What about yer home up in Canterlot?"

"Don't worry, I'm still living there as well, but I wanted to get a home down here that way I'm closer to you and the girls. I know I might not be around a lot, but I still want to hang out with you. I mean we are friends now, right?" Silver asked, grinning.

Applejack just chuckles.

"Sugarcube, ever since y'all helped Twi out by keeping her safe from Nightmare Moon until we showed up to stop her and bring Princess Luna back, I reckoned we're good friends."

He grinned brightly.

"Well, I'm glad then. Anyway, see you selling some apples today, huh?"

"Y'all betcha! Only the freshest from Sweet Apple Acres! Would ya like to buy some, sugarcube?" Applejack asked.

He thought about it. He didn't eat yet, so it would be a good idea to have breakfast. Plus, he should have plenty of bits for purchasing the house he plans on getting.

"I'll buy five apples, and a bottle of apple juice."

Applejack places five apples into a small bag and sets the bottle of apple juice next to it.

"Consider it a gift, for coming to live in Ponyville." Applejack gave a content smile.

Silver blinked in surprise.

"Oh AJ, you don't have to do that. I'm willing to pay." Silver said.

Applejack just raised her hoof up.

"Oh don't ya worry about it. Y'all need all the bits ya need for yer new home."

Silver laughed softly as he takes the bag and bottle, placing the bag of apples in his saddlebag.

"Well if you insist... Thank you Applejack."

"Anytime sugarcube. Ya get going to see the Mayor, and get yer home situation done. We'll meet up later then." Applejack tipped her stetson.

"Catch you later, AJ." Silver said as he waved his hoof up to his head and walks off to Town Hall.

Town Hall - Ponyville

He enters the building once again, and caught the receptionist again, whom waved to him.

"Welcome back. I take it you found the house that suited you?" She asked.

Silver nods.

"I have."

"Well I have informed the mayor that you wish to speak to her about a house. I will go and get her for you." She replied, and then walks away.

A few moments later, Mayor Mare approaches Silver.

"Ah, I have seen you with Twilight Sparkle and her friends when you returned with Princess Celestia and Luna during the Summer Sun Celebration. I never got to properly introduce myself, considering what was going on." Mayor Mare said.

"I am Mayor Mare, and I formally welcome you to Ponyville, sir." She held her hoof out.

Silver shook her hoof, smiling softly.

"It is a pleasure to meet you, Mayor. I am Silver Guardian." He greeted.

"Well Silver, it has come to my attention you wish to purchase a home here in Ponyville, correct?" She asked.

Silver nods.

"Wonderful! It is always a pleasure to meet new ponies who want to move to our little town. I take it you seen what was available to you?" Mayor asked again.

"Yes, and they are quite lovely little abodes." Silver replied.

She smiled.

"Well, which home have you decided to purchase?"

Silver took another moment to think it through, and then he smiled as he answered.

"I do not know why, but the Forest Home... It just beckons me." Silver answered.

"Well, considering that the location of that home is right next to the Everfree Forest, it has been difficult for any buyers to purchase it, considering it is near one of the most dangerous places in Equestria. However, seeing as the house is still standing, I don't think you have to worry about anything coming out of the Everfree Forest as most of the creatures that reside there tend to stay there, so I assure you that you will be just fine." Mayor Mare explained.

"I've lived out in the Badlands for five years alone, I doubt living next to the Everfree will be able to disturb me that much." Silver replied.

Mayor Mare nods.

"Well in either case, it is wonderful that somepony finally bought that house. Now, originally the home would be sold for 2100 bits, but because of the decline in our housing market as of late, and the fact we've been trying for several months to sell that house in particular, I would be willing to sell it to you for... 950 bits."

He blinked, as he heard the price.

"Wow, that is a pretty good deal. I can live with that, no problem." Silver said as he took out a large bag of bits.

"Here, that should cover it." He said as he handed the mayor the bag of bits.

"Wonderful! Here is the key to your new home." Mayor Mare took the bag of bits and handed Silver a key to the house.

Silver took the house key and placed it in his saddlebag.

"It was good doing business with you, Mayor Mare." Silver said bowing his head down.

Mayor Mare nods her head down, smiling softly.

"Oh think nothing of it. It just brings me joy to have another fine resident here in our town, even if you are a bit out of the way. I do hope you enjoy your stay here in Ponyville, and that if you need further help, be sure to come here for assistance."

"Will do, thank you again, Mayor." Silver said as he turns around to leave.

Mayor Mare said her farewells as she returned to work, and Silver steps outside, seeing that the sun was pretty much up,

And ponies started to fill the streets.

"Well, I suppose I should go get some furniture for my new place. Gotta have at least a bed, and then maybe request Rarity to help make some decor for the place." Silver said to himself.

With that, he spent a good part of his morning getting things done for his new place. He stopped at the small furniture store and ordered several pieces, namely a large bed, a sofa and love seat, a desk, the necessities. He would have them delivered to his house by the end of the day, so he got half of what he needs done complete. By the time he was done, it was already close to 11:30, and was almost noon.

"Well, suppose I'll run home to drop my saddlebags off and rush over to the Library to surprise Twi-Twi." Silver said as he galloped off.

Ponyville Outskirts

Silver reach the town outskirts as he galloped down the road, passing some ponies who waved to him, as he rushes past them. As he went, he heard someone yell from above.

"Yo! Silver! Up here!"

Silver continued galloping as he looks up and sees a rainbow blur fly by and soon hovering at his speed above him.

"Hey Rainbow Dash! How's it going?" He asked, not breaking a sweat.

"Oh you know, continuing to being the most awesome pony there is! How about you? Haven't seen you in weeks!" Dash asked as she fluttered above him.

"I know! I been busy with getting stuff done up in Canterlot. Right now I'm rushing to my new place to drop my saddlebags off and going to meet Twilight at the Library!" He panted out.

"You bought a new place down here? Sweet! Which house did you buy?" Dash asked.

"The one next to the forest! I don't know why, but something in the back of my mind told me to just get it! It is a bit a ways out of town, but I kind of like it, even if its next to the Everfree!" Silver replied.

She did a somersault, before doing a corkscrew dive, and then suddenly was on the ground galloping by him.

"Don't sweat it! Fluttershy has a cottage near the forest too! Mostly so she can watch for any animals that may come out of the forest or wander toward there. I think she doesn't live to far from you! You should go visit her sometime!" She yelled, panting.

"I'll do that! Listen, if you head back to town, don't tell Twilight I'm here yet, I want to surprise her! Plan to meet up with you girls after awhile then to hang loose. Won't be leaving town anytime soon!" Silver said with a smirk.

Rainbow nodded.

"Awesome! And don't worry I won't tell her! I better get back to practice, catch you later, dude!" Dash said as she took off into the air in a blur, the tailwind of her flying off made Silver go faster on ground.

"Woah! Later Dash!" Silver shouted as she turned down a road.

Soon, he arrived back at his new house, and stopped as he panted.

"Phew... That was a run." He wiped his brows, as he reached for an apple and his bottle of apple juice from his saddlebag and started to eat the apple.

"Wow... That is pretty fresh." Silver said as he sipped his apple juice.

"Least this takes care of breakfast." He said as he walks into his house, and sets his saddlebags down against the wall, and takes the bag of apples and juice to the kitchen and sets them on the counter.

"Okay, likely won't get my bed and stuff until later this afternoon. It is almost noon, so I better head on back to see Twi."

He leaves the house and makes his way back to town, which in the span of it galloping from town, was 15 minutes, and thus was 15 minutes back to town.

Golden Oak Library - Ponyville

"Come on, Twilight. You can do it!" Spike said, as he looked eagerly at Twilight, with a chalkboard behind him with a list of spells that Twilight performed already checked off, and they were on the twenty-fifth one.

Twilight grins confidently.

"Okay, here goes." She replied, as she hods her head down.

The magic in her horn charges up, before the area around Spike's upper lips tingle, and sudden poof up a black mustache. Spike looked with glee.

"Ha ha! Ya did it!" Spike said in an giddy tone as she checks off the last spell on the list.

"Growing magic, that's number twenty-five. Twenty-five different types of tricks and counting." He added.

Twilight just gave a modest grin, as Spike looks in a mirror at his mustache.

"And I think this is the best trick so far!" He then gave a suave looking stare in the mirror at himself, as he twirls his mustache.

"Hello, Rarity. What's that? Aw, it's nothin' special, just my awesome mustache!"

Spike began to laugh, as Twilight just giggled and rolled her eyes.

"Sorry, Romeo. As attractive and enticing as you look, this is just for practice, and it's gotta go."

"W-wait!" Spike cried out.

With that, her horn glows again, and the mustache poofs away off Spike's face.

He then groans.

"Aw, rats..."

Twilight then giggles.

"Aw, come on Twi. I thought he looked like a natural Casanova with that stache." A voice said, coming from the entrance from the library.

She gasps, grinning as she recognized the voice, and turns around and there was Silver leaning against the doorway, smirking.

"Guess who?"

Author's Note

So this chapter was gonna go into Boast Busters, but considering the length it was going, I figured I split the Boast Busters chapter after this, ending on a cliffhanger that ends at the beginning of the episode's intro.

So yeah, take a wild guess what the majority of the chapter is based around. ;P

Until next chapter!

Chapter 4 - Boast Busters... Busted!

Golden Oak Library - Ponyville

Silver approached the front door to the library, and was going to knock but heard Spike inside cheering about Twilight achieving twenty-five spells, and sounded excited about this one in particular.

He smirked and gently opened the door as he peers and sees Twilight, watching Spike looking at himself in the mirror, with a pretty nice looking mustache. He just leans against the doorway with both forelegs and hind legs crossing over each othe and watched for a moment.

"Hello, Rarity. What's that? Aw, it's nothin' special, just my awesome mustache!"

Spike began to laugh, as Twilight just giggled and rolled her eyes.

"Sorry, Romeo. As attractive and enticing as you look, this is just for practice, and it's gotta go."

"W-wait!" Spike cried out.

With that, her horn glows again, and the mustache poofs away off Spike's face.

He then groans.

"Aw, rats..."

Twilight then giggles. And Silver stifles a chuckle, before finally making is presence known/

"Aw, come on Twi. I thought he looked like a natural Casanova with that stache." Silver said with a broad grin.

Her ears twitched, as both she and Spike looked toward the door and spot the grinning stallion, leaning there.

"Guess who?"

Twilight jumps with glee.

"Silver! You're here!" She squeaked loudly as she rushes over and gives her old friend a tight hug.

"Woah, easy there Twi, I know I was gone for a few weeks, not like I left again without saying anything." Silver said, as he went and hugged her back as tightly.

Twilight just blushed lightly, before letting go.

"Ehehehe... Right... Anyway come on in! How long have you been standing there anyway?"

He walks inside the door and closes the door behind him.

"Long enough to see Casanova there getting ready to ask the mare of the evening out for a dinner." Silver replied.

Spike's eyes widen and blushed as he chuckles nervously.

"Y-you seen all that...?" Spike choked up.

"Oh yeah, and I did mean what I said, you looked good with a stache." Silver said with a wink.

Spike's face lit up.

"R-really? You think Rarity would like it..??" Spike asked in a hopeful tone.

"Well, really depends if she fancy's mustaches." Silver said causally.

Twilight rolls her eyes.

"Silver, don't encourage him."

He laughs.

"Anyway, from looking at that checkboard, I take it you guys been at this all morning?" Silver asked.

Twilight grinned and nods.

"Yep! I wanted to try some spells to practice with. Can't get rusty now, can we?" Twilight asked.

"Even though I wanted to sleep in an extra hour..." Spike grumbled.

"So you were up all morning...?" Silver asked incredulous.

Twilight tilts her head at Silver.

"Of course, why do you ask?" She asked.

"...Well, I figured you would be still asleep because... I been here since 7 this morning." Silver chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck.

"What?! You were in town this morning and you didn't come over??" Twilight yelled as she rushed up to him and stared him down.

"Hey hey hey, ease up there Twinkle Hoofs. I just thought you'd be asleep around that time, so I just walked around town, enjoy the morning air, before I went to visit the mayor about getting a house here." He replied.

Twilight blinks as she backed up.

"Oh right... you did mention in your letter last night that you were planning on living down here. Did you get one?" She asked, grinning.

"Heh, why don't we head out and find the girls first. I'll take you all to see it then and then we can all hang out." Silver grinned.

"Alright! Let's go Spike!" Twilight said, looking back at the baby dragon.

"Way ahead of you!" Spike replied, as the three head out into town.

Near Town Square - Ponyville

The three were walking down the street, as it was now past noon. They decided to go see if Applejack was still near the Town Center, even though Twilight said she often has her stall open until noon before heading back to the farm. As they walked, Spike was still on Twilight for her skills as a unicorn.

"Twenty-five, Twilight. Twenty-five different kinds of tricks and counting. I thought unicorns were only supposed to have a little magic that matches their special talents!" Spike said.

Twilight took a moment to respond to that.

"True, for ponies whose talents are for things like cooking or singing or math. But what if a unicorn's special talent is magic?" Twilight asked.

"Like you, Twilight, and you know a ton of magic." Spike answered with a soft grin.

Twilight simply shook her head.

"Oh, Spike, stop. I'm sure there are lots of ponies right here in Ponyville that know just as much magic as me."

"Says the one who bears the Element of Magic." Silver rebutted with a smirk.

Twilight looked at Silver, giving a sheepish grin.

"Okay, point taken. I know I studied magic almost all my life, but I feel as though there might slightly better unicorns out there that could be better at magic than me." Twilight rebutted back.

Silver shurgs.

"It is possible. Who knows, maybe I could have powerful magic."

Spike looks at Silver questioningly.

"But you're an Earth pony." Spike commented.

"Yeah, but after doing my research while I was in Canterlot, I learned that I'm a rare, special case of being a halfling. Essentially, I am half of two pony species; born an Earth pony and all the qualities thereof, but also harnessing unicorn magic that is dormant inside me." Silver answered passively.

Spike and Twilight look at each other. Clearly, this was the first time both have even heard of something like this. She looks at the stallion, raising a brow.

"I read up on a lot of basic and advanced studies on the species of a pony, but I never heard of a 'halfling' before."

"That's the thing, there hasn't been a lot of studies on halflings. Any research notes on the case, is rather vague as there is a 0.02% chance of a pony being born with the genetics of both parents. I just happen to be born as a unicorn without a horn and have the traits of an Earth pony." Silver explained.

"The other information that does exist say that one can go on their whole lives without knowing they have the traits of two different pony species. Doctors learned that I have unicorn magic in me despite being an Earth pony. They were just as baffled as my mom was, as they didn't know if something could've happened if all that magic that was swelling up inside me as I was growing up as a foal would do some bad, since i have no means of expelling it. I'm just lucky it has been dormant in me for years. Which is why I am dedicating my time in trying to find a way to tap into it by artificial means." He added.

"You mean like making a fake horn?" Spike asked.

"Something like that, but during my studies over the years, I learned that another method of trying to tap into magic is through the use of gemstones or crystals that can harness magic. Why else do you think I have this gemstone as the clasp for my cloak? It is basically my horn." Silver asked.

"Well, you did say you were close to a breakthrough in your letter to me." Twilight replied.

"Yeah, however I feel as if I'm lacking the proper means of tapping into the magic. I'm so close, I can feel it. But, alas the search continues." SIlver said frowning.

Twilight and Spike shurg.

"Well hopeful you figure it out Silver. Just know I'm always here for you if you want my help." Twilight said as she placed a hoof on his shoulder.

He smiled.

"Thanks Twi."

Spike then cuts in.

"Well either way, until Silver figures out how to use unicorn magic, I don't think there's another unicorn in all of Equestria with your kind of ability, Twilight."

Both ponies just roll their eyes and chuckle. Suddenly, he heard a young colt yell out as two unicorn colts: a skinny gold colt that had freckles, an aquamarine mane and tail, with the cutie mark of a snail and a rather small, round grayish opal unicorn colt with an orange mane and tail, buckteeth, and a cutie mark of a pair of scissors, gallop past the trio.

"Gangway! Comin' through!" The golden colt yelled.

Both Twilight and Silver moved out of the way, while Spike ends up spinning around as the two run past him.

"Augh! Snips! Snails! What's goin on?" Spike yelled at the two.

The two stop and Snails rushes up to Spike.

"Wha, haven't you heard?" Snails asked up in Spike's face.

"Woah!" Spike yelped.

Snips approached the three, looking at Spike, before Snails replies.

"There's a new unicorn in town!" He said excitedly.

"Yeah! They say that she's got more magical powers than any other unicorn ever!" Snips added, just as excited.

Twilight tilts her head, while Silver closed his eyes in thought. He had an idea who they meant.

"Really?" Twilight asked.

Spike then rolls his eyes as he points to Twilight.

"Aw, no way, that honor goes to Twilight here." Spike said, smirking.

Twilight flatten her ears, as she looks the other way, blushing lightly, before looking at the two colts.

"Where is this unicorn?" Twilight asked.

Snips hops as he answers.

"Ho, she's in the town center. Come on!" Snips yelled as he darts off again.

Snails laughed and followed his friend.

"Yeah! Come on! Whooo!" Snails yelled out in excitement, leaving the three alone.

"Town center... yep, I have a feeling who they are talking about. Well, I did say I'd come by later, might as well see her in action." Silver thought.

"Well, let's go check it out you two." Twilight said as she goes on ahead.

Spike and Silver look at each other and follow Twilight.

Town Center - Ponyville

A large crowd appeared behind the Town Hall, as they stand before the small wooden wagon that Silver saw earlier. Silver, Twilight and Spike all move through the crowd to the front where they meet up with Applejack, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, and Fluttershy as they wait.

A loud voice echoes out from inside the wagon, one voice Silver recognizes.

"Come one, come all! Come and witness the amazing magic of the Great and Powerful Trixie! " Trixie yelled.

The seemingly small wagon, opens up to a large stage, revealing a swirling disc with some pyrotechnics on it, a large globe with stars attaching to it with gold springs, a large firework, some horns on each side of the stage and a large banner that had Trixie's cutie mark on it.

A burst of light shot out as a smoke bomb was set off and there was Trixie, wearing a magician hat and cape with different types of stars on them and fastened by a gemstone similar to Silver's, though was likely for decoration. Trixie gives a rather snarky grin.

The audience all watched in awe, seemingly impressed.

"Watch in awe as the Great and Powerful Trixie performs the most spectacular feats of magic ever witnessed by pony eyes!" Boasted Trixie, as a fanfare and her fireworks all go off, dazzling the audience.

Everyone aside from Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and Rarity who just give a deadpan stare. Silver just looks with a look of concern.

"My, my, my! What boasting!" Rarity scoffed.

Spike then cuts in, who seemed to share her sediment.

"Come on, nopony's as magical as Twi— Twi— Twi— Oh!" Spike stutters, as Rarity looks at him with a confused look.

"Hey, Rarity, I, uh— Mustache!" Spike gave a weak grin at as he points to his nonexistent mustache, with Rarity just raising a brow at him.

Silver just looks at him and stifles a chuckle.

"...Good one Casanova." Silver muttered toward Spike, who just gave a soft glare at the stallion.

Twilight just looked at them confused.

"There's nothing wrong with being talented, is there?" She asked.

Applejack looks at her, with a stern gaze.

"Nothin' at all, 'cep'n when someone goes around showin' it off like a school filly with fancy new ribbons." Applejack said, as she glared up at Trixie, who just made a bouquet of flowers appear and levitated them to herself as she looked content.

Rarity then steps in as she looks to Twilight.

"Just because one has the ability to perform lots of magic does not make one better than the rest of us." Rarity huffed.

Rainbow Dash, though, just gave a cocky grin.

"Especially when ya got me around being better than the rest of us." Dash laughed.

It was then followed by Applejack glaring at Rainbow Dash, whom then stopped, before changing her mind, and looking up at Trixie.

"Eh, I mean, yeah, uh, magic shmagic. Boo!" Dash heckled.

This grabs Trixie's attention, as she frowns looking out at the audience.

"Well, well, well, it seems we have some neighsayers in the audience. Who is so ignorant as to challenge the magical ability of the Great and Powerful Trixie? Do they not know that they're in the presence of the most magical unicorn in all of Equestria?" Trixie asked intently.

Silver on the other hand, just stifled and giggle.

"Oh Celestia... d-did she really make that sort of pun...? T-that was bad..." Silver murmured, but found the pun funny regardless.

Rarity then blew a raspberry, with a look of unamusement.

"Just who does she think she is?" She asked.

"Yeah! Since we all know that Twilight here is—" Spike added, but was cut off by Twilight, who pulled him aside.

"Spike! Shh!" She pleased, with Silver looking at the two and Spike just looking at her confused.

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

"You see the way they reacted to Trixie? I don't want anypony thinking I'm a show-off." She said with a look of worry in her eyes.

"Twi, you are not the one to show-off... I'm your friend, and while I am watching Trixie... she is boastful, but I'm not the type to judge right away. But I know you are not the type that would show-off in the same vain as her..." Silver whispered.

"Thanks Silver, but still... I don't feel right trying to show her up..." She replied.

They were cut off as a small fanfare played, causing the three to turn their attention back at the stage. Rainbow Dash then flew up to Trixie, with a look of suspicion as she hovers there.

"So, "Great and Powerful Trixie". What makes you think you're so awesome, anyway?" Dash asked.

Trixie smirked.

"Heh, why, only the Great and Powerful Trixie has magic strong enough to vanquish the dreaded ursa major!" Trixied boasted, as the fireworks and fanfare go off again.

The audience all gasped in amazement.

"What?" Snips asked, tilting his head.

"No way!" Snails yelled out like his mind was just blown.

Silver took a moment to let that sink in.

"...Okay now I know she is making that story up... No way in Tarartus she did that." Silver thought, just looking at Trixie in disbelief, before he puts his hoof up to his chin, looking up.

"Then again... a magician needs a clever story to entice their audience."

Trixie then launched a magical projection from her horn as told her story, detailing it with a visual cue of her against an ursa major.

"When all hope was lost, the ponies of Hoofington had no one to turn to, but the Great and Powerful Trixie stepped in, and with her awesome magic, vanquished the ursa major and sent it back to its cave deep within the Everfree Forest!"

The visual projection then exploded into fireworks, which further dazzled the audience, especially Snips and Snails.

"Aw, sweet!" The two colts cheered.

The two step up, as they seem to boast out to the crowd.

"That settles it!" Snips yelled.

"Trixie truly is the most talented, the most magical, the most awesome unicorn in Ponyville!" Snails added.

"No, in all of Equestria!" Snips added, as the crowd all cheered, Trixie looking rather content with a soft grin.

Spike then glared up at the two, finding all this hard to believe.

"How do you know? You didn't see it! And besides, Twi—" Once again, Twilight cuts him off, by literally zipping his mouth shut, surprising the dragon. "Mmmph! Mmph!"

"Wow... brings a whole new meaning to the phrase 'Zip your lip.'" Silver said as he looked at Spike as she struggled to get his mouth unzipped.

Trixie didn't hear him, as she laughs from the praise Snips and Snails gave her.

"It's true, my enthusiastic little admirers. Trixie is most certainly the best in Ponyville."

Only to hear the sound of crickets chirp, which only annoyed Trixie a bit, before smirking again.

"Don't believe the Great and Powerful Trixie? Well then, I hereby challenge you, Ponyvillians. Anything you can do, I can do better. Any takers? Anyone? Hmm? Or is Trixie destined to be the greatest equine who has ever lived!?" Trixie bellowed, as her fireworks and fanfare play out again.

The audience looked at each other, with questioningly looks.

Spike, finally was able to unzip his lips, before he hugs Twilight's foreleg, looking desperate now.

"Please! She's unbearable! Ya gotta show her! Ya just gotta!" Spike cried.

Twilight gave him a look of concern, before he whispers to him again.

"There's no way I'm going to use my magic now, Spike. Especially since—"

Unfortunately, Trixie appeared to see her whispering to Spike, and sets her sights on Twilight.

"Hmm, how about you?" Trixie asked, as she points her hoof to Twilight.

Twilight's ears flattened as she stares up at the other mare, gulping.

"Well, how about it? Hm? Is there anything you can do that the Great and Powerful Trixie can't?" Trixie asked as she gazes right into Twilight, grinning.

"I... I..." Was all Twilight could stutter out.

"Well, little hayseed?" Trixie asked again.

Applejack then stepped up, glaring intently at Trixie.

"That's it! I can't stand for no more of this!" Applejack yelled, as she hops up on stage.

"You show her, AJ!" Spike cheered.

Applejack then whips out a lasso, and begins to use her tail to do some rodeo tricks, hopping through the lasso as she spun it around. The audience began to cheer for Applejack. To top it all off, she throws her lasso to a nearby appletree, grabbing an apple from it, and pulling it back to her as she catches it in her mouth and bites down on it, eating it. The audience cheered even more.

The farm pony gave a smirk at Trixie.

"Top that, missy."

Trixie, simply just looked unamused. Her horn begins to glow as she lifts her hat off.

"Oh ye of little talent. Watch and be amazed at the magic of Trixie!

Her magic surrounds Applejack's lasso, and begins to have it sway around like a snake. Applejack just watched, somewhat amused, as the rope does the same thing and grabs another apple from the same tree. She was then surprised when it then quickly wraps around her, and ends up hog tying her hooves together and stuffing the apple into her mouth.

The crowd then laughs at Applejack's predicament, as she starts hopping around trying to find a way to get free, and cheers to Trixie.

"Once again, the Great and Powerful Trixie prevails." Trixie calmly boasted.

Rainbow Dash scowls, as she flew behind Trixie, glaring at the smug unicorn.

"There's no need to go struttin' around and showin' off like that!"

Trixie just turns her head to stare at her, grinning.

"Oh?"

Rainbow Dash points to herself.

"That's my job!" She answered.

All Silver could do, was facehoof.

"Rainbow... please. You are just doing what Trixie is doing now, to prove her point..." He thought.

Rainbow then flies off, heading towards a windmill and begins flying around it repeatedly, gaining even more speed as she does so, and shoots off into the sky, flying a bunch of clouds, clearing them and getting soaked in precipitation, revealing the sun. She grins and flies back down, nosediving before doing a wide arc and landing onto the stage, as the precipitation she gathered followed her, hitting her from behind, to the point it created a mini rainbow above her. The audience cheered loudly for her. Silver wouldn't lie if he said he was amazed by that, but knew all she was doing was feeding into Trixie's ego.

"They don't call me "Rainbow" and "Dash" for nothin'!" She exclaimed.

While the crowd cheered, Trixie still kept a smug grin.

"When Trixie is through, the only thing they'll call you is loser."

Her horn glows as an aura surrounds Rainbow and the rainbow, causing the latter to spin rapidly around the former like a mini cyclone, causing her to spin rapidly out of control, around the same windmill and eventually landing on the ground in a daze.

"I think I'm... gonna be sick..." Dash mumbled.

"Seems like anypony with a dash of good sense would think twice before tussling with the Great Trixie." Trixie said, sending a small, dark rain cloud, behind the downed pegasus.

Applejack, who since got unstuck, helps her friend up, but notices the cloud behind Rainbow, which sparked a thunderbolt, jolting her.

"YEOW!" Dash yelped.

The audience then laughed, as Trixie did the same.

Spike glared up at Trixie, clearly done with the showmare's stunts of humiliating his friends.

"What we need is another unicorn to challenge her. Someone with some magic of her own." Spike said, as Rainbow and Applejack smirked, looking down at the baby dragon.

"Yeah! A unicorn to show this unicorn who's boss." Rainbow agreed.

"A real unicorn to unicorn tussle." Applejack added.

Spike, clearly was looking at Twilight, whom just frowned.

"Uh..." Twilight uttered.

Silver just sighed, as he glared at Spike.

"Spike... you are not helping..." Silver whispered.

Before Spike could reply, Rarity jumps into the conversation.

"Enough. Enough, all of you. I take your hint, but Rarity is above such nonsense. Rainbow Dash and Applejack may behave like ruffians, but Rarity conducts herself with beauty and grace." Rarity said calmly, as the group looked at her.

Silver sighed in relief. Granted, Fluttershy hasn't said much while this whole thing was going on, not wanting any part of this showing up stuff, considering her kind, but very timid, nature. Least Rarity saw how pointless this all was.

"Ooo, what's the matter? Afraid you'll get a hair out of place in that rat's nest you call a mane?" Trixie asked, smirking.

The audience gasped. Silver just looked at Trixie, and simply placed his hoof on his chest.

"...Sweet Celestia, that was a burn if I never heard one..." Silver said quietly.

This, of course, sets Rarity off. She glares at Trixie, furrowing her brows furiously.

"Oh. It. Is. ON!" Rarity emphasized, as she hopes on stage, and began approaching Trixie, calmly.

"You may think you're tough with all of your so-called powers, but there's more to magic than your brutish ways." She explained, Trixie simply glaring at the white unicorn.

Rarity then grabs some of the curtains from the stage.

"A unicorn needs to be more than just muscle. A unicorn needs to have style." She added, as the curtain surrounds her, before turning into a fabulous blue dress with a gold frills and a saddle, as well as having her mane style changed.

The audience awed at this.

"A unicorn is not a unicorn without grace and beauty." Rarity said.

The audience cheers, while Trixie just gave a sinister grin, and her horn glows.

"Rarity won't let Trixie get the best of her! She's strong, she's beautiful, she's—" Spike was cut off as the sound of magic going off happened.

The audience then gasped. Spike, Silver and the girls just looked at Rarity in shock. Rarity, naturally, began to freak out.

"Quick! I need a mirror! Get me a mirror! What did she do to my hair? I know she did something terrible to my hair!" She asked in desperation.

Wanting to spare her feelings, Twilight and the girls simply lied.

"Nothing." Twilight grinned sheepishly.

"It's fine." Rainbow lied.

"It's gorgeous." Applejack added.

Silver was about to comment, but Spike cuts in before he can say anything.

"It's green." Spike said.

Suddenly, they glared at him.

"What?" Spike asked.

"Spike... there is something called being subtle." Silver said in the most calm way possible.

Rarity, hearing what Spike said, caused her to look up and saw that her mane became a putrid green, and the top of it was made into a literally rats nest, as two pink tails could be seen sticking out at the top. Rarity began tearing up.

"Ugh, no. Green hair! Not green hair! Such an awful, awful color!" She cried as she ran off stage, past the crowd.

The last part of the comment made Golden Harvest take offense to that, as her mane and tail were, in fact, green.

"Well I never!" Golden scowled before walking away in a huff.

Spike then looks at Twilight.

"Well Twilight, guess it's up to you. Come on, show her what you're made of."

Twilight just backs away, ears pressed to her head.

"What do you mean? I'm nothing special." Twilight replied in a worried tone.

"Yes, you are! You're better than her!" Spike shouted.

"I'm not better than anypony!" Twilight shouted back at him, with pleading eyes to tell him to stop.

Trixie hearing her, simply grinned with sinister smile.

"Hah! You think you're better than the Great and Powerful Trixie? You think you have more magical talent? Well, come on, show Trixie what you've got! Show us all!" Trixie demanded.

All eyes laid on Twilight, who was on the verge of cracking. She just wanted to run away and hide. She just wanted this to stop.

"...Enough." Silver said in a calm, but serious tone.

He steps before Twilight, looking up at Trixie. Twilight simply looks at Silver, tilting her head.

"Trixie... this has to stop." Silver said simply.

"Oh? And why should Trixie stop, dear Silver?" Trixie asked.

"Because... what you are doing is not something I expect a showpony like you would be doing. I been standing idly, watching you. When we first spoke this morning, I figured you would be an okay pony. You have potential, skill, and the qualities of an entertainer..." Silver replied.

"Well, you are too kind. Trixie knows she has all the potential and grace of a powerful unicorn." Trixie grinned brightly.

Silver still kept staring at her intently.

"Yes, however... A good entertainer does not humiliate her audience members the way you do. These are my friends that you hog tied, shocked, and seriously disheartened by ruining her mane. What you did was disrespectful and just shameful."

The audience began to murmur.

"Well good stallion. Trixie wants to know why you haven't tried to prove he was superior. You said you were an able swordspony, so why not come up on stage and try to prove Trixie wrong?" Trixie asked.

"...Because I refuse to." Silver simply replied.

"So you admit that Trixie is better than you?" Trixie asked.

"I didn't say that. Trixie, you may have studied the type of magic you got your talent in, but I trained solo for five years... five years in that Celestia-forsaken Badlands to become stronger after my mother passed away. I was devastated that the one pony that cared for me for my foalhood departed from this world from an illness that not many doctors can learn about because of its rarity..."

"Five long years to strengthen my body and my mind, so that one day I don't lose another I care about. I trained to become a guardian and be willing to put my own life in danger so that others can live... My point is that I am quick with a blade, and while you may have an advantage with magic, 98% chance that you would lose against me. But I don't want to prove it, if it means I'd have to feed your ego, just like those two and Rarity did." He said as he pointed at Applejack and Rainbow Dash, whom just looked flabbergasted.

"Hey!" Rainbow and Applejack exclaimed.

"You two were just feeding fuel to the fire, and just proving her point. Plus, you were being hypocrites as you two were also boasting about your own skills just to one up Trixie. And looked how that turned out..." Silver said without looking at them.

The two mares didn't have a response to that.

"So I'm sorry Trixie, but even if you challenge me to a duel with blades, I have to refuse. If this were a test of mettle or just to entertain the audience, then I'd obliged. However, I won't do it if its just going to feed your ego and try to prove your point. I'm not that dumb..."

"Because of this... I don't think I can watch you go on, if this is how you perform. And because of that, I bid you a good day, Miss Trixie..." Silver said as he turns around and walks past Twilight, who just watched him go, now just concerned.

"Shame too... I was hoping to be your friend too, but alas... I don't think it would work out. If Hoofdini himself was watching this, he would not be amused by this." Silver added and walked away from the crowd down the street.

Trixie simply watched him go. She would just go on, but everything he said just now, becomes ingrained into her mind, even mentioning he wanted to be her friend. She frowns.

"Hmph, it appears that the Great and Powerful Trixie has decided to conclude this showtime for now. Do not bother her as she requires time to prepare for her next performance." Trixie yelled out as fireworks and the fanfare played out, causing Trixie to turn around and walk backstage. She then sighs deeply.

The audience just all looked at each other, confused.

"...I'll be back at the library." Twilight simply said as she trots back home.

Spike, Applejack, and Rainbow Dash just look at each other, with looks of concern.

Some time later...

Trixie was simply brushing her mane in front of a mirror, her stage having since been closed back into her wagon. While this was going on, she thought back about what Silver told her. She couldn't help but feel mad and a bit enraged at him for calling her out like that as well as refusing to challenge her, but also feel a bit sadden that he was willing to give her a chance, and wanted to try to be her friend.

She could agree that if the Great Hoofdini was still around, he likely would not be impressed by Trixie's method of entertaining.

Her thoughts were snapped out of it, when she looks down and sees Snips and Snails there, with the former holding a tray with a smoothie on it from his rump. Trixie backed up, surprised.

"Here's your smoothie you asked for, with extra hay, just how you like it." Snips said with glee.

"Mmm, hay." Snails said, his mind elsewhere.

Trixie simply glared at the two, mostly for bothering her, but regardless took the hay smoothie and sips it. The two colts look at her pleadingly.

"...Yes?" Trixie asked, while sipping, staring at the two.

"Ooo, tell us another story, Great and Powerful Trixie." Snips said in a giddy tone.

"Yeah, tell us about how you vanquished the ursa major." Snails added.

Trixie rolled her eyes, sighing.

"Guh! Trixie is far too exhausted from performing feats beyond imagination. Begone with you until morning." The mare said, as she waved her hoof away.

The two colts simply complied, bowing their heads as they start to back away.

"Oh, of course, Great and Powerful Trixie." Snails said.

"Anything you say. We are at your beck and call." Added Snips.

Trixie just shook her head, sipping her smoothie.

"Ah."

As the two continued backing away, Spike was standing behind them, his arms crossed, looking unimpressed at the two.

"What are you two doin'?" Spike asked, causing the two colts jump.

Snips looks at Spike, smiling.

"Just bringin' the Gee an' Pee Tee a—" Snips began but was cut-off from Spike.

"The what?" He asked, raising a brow.

"The Great and Powerful Trixie." Snips replied.

Spike just rolled his eyes.

"Sheesh..."

"Just bringin' her a smoothie." Snips replied again.

Spike then just sighs as he looks at the two.

"How can you fall for her lameness? She's just a show-off. Unlike Twilight, who—"

Snips cuts him off.

"The Great and Powerful Trixie vanquished an ursa major. Can your Twilight claim that?" He asked.

"Oh really? Were you guys actually there?" Spike asked, giving them a skeptic look.

The two stared at each other, frowning.

"Well, eh, uh... no, but—" Snips uttered out.

"But nothin'. The proof is in the pudding." Spike said.

Snails just laughs.

"I like pudding."

Spike crosses his arms and glares at them.

"Look, unless an ursa major comes waltzing up the street for Trixie to vanquish, I am not gonna believe a word she says, and neither should you!"

Hearing Spike, Snips grinned as he looks to his friend.

"Hm, an ursa walkin' up the street, hey? Snails! You thinkin' what I'm thinkin'?"

Snips took a moment to reply, but then asked a random question.

"Why is it they call it a flea market when they don't really sell fleas?"

Snips just stared at Snails for a moment.

"Yeah, uh... oh, come on!"

Snips then begins galloping off, with Snails following behind him. Spike watches them leave, and shrugs.

Golden Oak Library - Ponyville

Dusk

Twilight has been reading the same book for almost a few hours, ever since she came back from the town center. Spike stood behind her, near the checkboard of the spells she practiced early that morning.

"Twilight, would you put down that book and just listen to me?" Spike pleaded.

"Didn't you see how they hated Trixie's bragging, Spike? If I go out there and show off my magic, I run the risk of losing them as friends." Twilight said with a worried look on her face as she looks at him.

Spike shook his head.

"It's not the same thing, Twilight. You'll be using your magic to stand up for your friends!" Spike rebutted.

"No, Spike, it's exactly the same." She rebutted back.

He frowns deeper, before waving toward the checkboard.

"Come on, Twilight, any one of these tricks, even the teeniest, would be enough to show up Trixie."

Twilight was at her wits end.

"I don't want to be seen as a bragger like Trixie."

She then summoned a blue door in front of Spike, and had it slam shut in his face. He simply opened the door.

"But you're the best!" Spike exclaimed.

Twilight glared at him, now irritated.

"Ugh! Please Spike, I said no!" She yelled.

Spike was about to argue more, but he sighs and just glared back.

"If that's the way you want to be, then fine." Spike said as he slams the door.

Twilight just gave an unimpressive look when he did that.

Spike then opens the door as he walks through it, not saying a word, and simply leaves out the front door, leaving Twilight alone, frowning and looking down ashamed.

Everfree Forest

Night

Later that evening, Snips and Snails made their way through one section of the Everfree. Wanting to prove that Trixie is the best unicorn in Equestria, the two planned to find an ursa major and lure it back to Ponyville, with the motive to have her vanquish it. The eventually find a large cave and enter it.

The two go in enough where it was pitch black and unable to see a thing. Snips groans.

"Oh, how we gonna find an ursa major when I can't even see my own hoof in front of my face?" He asked.

"Hold on." Snails grunts as he tries to light his horn for the two to see.

It works, but what the two didn't expect to find was a large, blue bear in a slumber, eventually stirring awake from the light.

"Oh, heh. That's better." Snips remarked.

The two then hear the growl from the ursa, as the two look up, saw how irritated it was for being woken up.

The two colts scream in horror as the large bear roars at them, causing the two to flee out of the cave, with the ursa trudging after them.

The two eventually made it back to the outskirts of town, where Spike was going for a walk after his argument with Twilight, hearing the two scream.

"Hey! Where are you two going?" Spike yelled to them, but they just run past him.

"Can't talk now!" Snips panted.

"We've got a major problem!" Snails added.

"Yeah, an ursa major, to be exact!" Snips added, as the three hear a roar.

Spike sees the ursa major come out of the thicket. His eyes bugged out and ran after Snips and Snails.

"TRIXIE!!!" Snips and Snails screamed.

"TWILIGHT!!!" Spike screamed as he ran back to the library.

Snips and Snails reach Trixie's wagon and start banging on the door in desperation.

"Trixie! You have to wake up! Hurry!!" Both colts scream over each other in mingled speech.

Trixie opened the top half of her door, half asleep.

"Trixie thought she said the Great and Powerful Trixie did not want to be disturbed!" She bellowed in anger.

Both colts nervously chuckled.

"We— We have a— a tiny problem." Snips said.

"Actually, it's a big problem." Snails added.

Trixie just scoffs, annoyed by the two.

"What is so important that you cannot wait until morning to disturb Trixie?" She asked.

They then hear a roar nearby, which now fully alerted Trixie, as the three look down the street as the ursa major comes out and roars again.

All three screamed as they made a run for it, with the ursa major, smashing down on Trixie wagon with it's large paw, roaring loudly. At this point, most of Ponyville were woken up by the noise and saw the ursa and began to freak out and fear.

Silver was just walking back to his house, after doing a nightly stroll, when he heard the roar. He looked back toward town and started making a made gallop back.

Back at the library, Spike bursts into the door, panting, seeing Twilight still reading the same book.

"Twilight! You've gotta come! Quick!" Spike pleaded, while catching his breath.

Twilight sighed.

"I already told you, Spike, I don't wanna show up Trixie!" Twilight said in an annoyed tone.

Spike shook his head.

"No, you don't understand, it's—" Spike began but was cut-off by the roar, which the two heard.

Twilight then looked at Spike, questioningly and concerned.

"Uh, is that what I think it is?" She asked.

Spike only replied with one word.

Majorly..."

Back outside, Trixie, Snips and Snails were backing away as the ursa slowly stops in front of the three, growling.

"Great and Powerful Trixie, you've got to vanquish the ursa!" Snips said in both excitement and worry.

"Yeah, vanquish so we can watch." Snails added.

"It took a lot of trouble to get that thing here." Snips added, which caused Trixie's jaw to drop and stared at the two.

"Wait, you brought this here?" Trixie gasped. "Are you out of your little pony minds?!"

The two colts weren't having any of it.

"But, you're the Great and Powerful Trixie!" Snips said.

"Yeah, remember? You defeated an ursa major!" Snails added.

They backed away when it roared at them again. Trixie gulps as slowly approached the large creature.

"Uh, okay... Stay back...!" She said with hesitation as her horn glowed.

She used the snake charmer spell she used earlier to hog tie Applejack, by tying the rope around the ursa's claws.

"Heh. Piece of cake." Trixie boasted weakly.

The bear looked, and gave a deadpan look as it simply moved its claws apart and snapped the rope off freeing its claws.

Snips and Snails just gave Trixie a questioning look.

"Aw, come on, Trixie!" Snips yelled.

"Yeah, stop goofin' around and vanquish it, eh?" Snails added.

Trixie began sweating under the pressure, and gulped.

She then brought the rain cloud she used on Rainbow Dash earlier, and rather than a large and loud thunderbolt, it just did a small spark that didn't do a thing to the ursa, but annoy it further.

"Well that was a dud." Snails remarked, looking unimpressed.

"Yeah, pfft, come on! Where's all the cool explosions and smoke and stuff like earlier? You know." Snips added with the same unimpressed tone.

It was then the rain cloud produced a large crackle, which just made the ursa angrier than before.

"Uh-oh..." Trixie uttered.

The ursa roars loudly, causing every nearby pony who witness this happen, to cry in fear and scream. It then prepares to raise its claws up, having lost its patience, and going to just attack Trixie and the two colts, who all huddle in fear.

"Oh no you don't!!" A male voice screamed out.

The ponies see Silver, leap out, with his Mythril Sword in mouth, and was able to block the ursa's swipe, his blade connecting with the creature's claws, causing it to recoil back. Silver lands before the three.

"You three alright?" Silver asked, not looking back, his eyes on the large bear.

The three ponies just stared in awe.

"Y-yes. T-thank you Silver..." Trixie stuttered out.

"You can thank me later, for now you three need to get away from here..." Silver replied.

The three ponies didn't give him a second quarter and ran back with the crowd.

The ursa now had its attention on Silver, as it growls at him and roars in his face. Silver, didn't even flinch.

"...You are just cranky is all... I'll just have to wear you down." Silver muttered, as the ursa lunged at the stallion, causing him to leap out of the way. And started to direct it away from the crowd.

It was then Twilight arrived, seeing the ursa major and Silver trying to keep its attention on him. She gasped as she sees Silver getting flung across the town center and hitting a tree.

"Ow... gonna feel that in the morning..." Silver said as he got back on his hooves and charged back at the ursa.

"What is going on here?" Twilight asked, as she watched Silver.

"We brought an ursa to town!" Snips answered.

All the ponies gasped and stared at the colts.

"You did WHAT?!" Twilight screamed.

"Don't worry, that pony is just going to weaken it so that the Great and Powerful Trixie can vanquish it!" Snails replied, grinning.

"...I can't." Trixie spoke softly.

Snips and Snails just gaped at her.

"What?!"

"I can't vanquish it. I never did. I only said that I vanquished an ursa major so that it make me look good!" She admitted.

"You made it up?!" Snips and Snails asked in shock.

They look as the ursa roared, and they can see that Silver is beginning to show his signs of wear.

"W-well... least I can add... training against an ursa on the list of things I need to work on..." He joked to himself, as he blocks the ursa's slash, locking his blade and its claw and holding his ground.

"Twilight! You have to do something, or Silver is gonna get killed!" Spike pleaded.

Twilight just looked on in worry. She was going to lose her old friend if she didn't think of something. She knew she had no choice but to use her magic.

She sighed deeply, as her horn began emitting a charge, a large one. She starts grunting, as the wind began to blow through the town, causing some cattails to emit what sounded like a lullaby. The song slowly made its way toward the ursa as it almost finishes the job, and the music enters its ears, causing it to growl, and then grunt, before finally backing away and looking sleepy.

Silver was able to get stable footing as he stood back up, watching Twilight, as well as everyone in the crowd watched in amazement.

"Woah..." Silver muttered.

"Nice use of number sixteen." Spike said with a grin.

She then levitates a large water tower, as it travels through a nearby barn, as the sound of moos and milk being made is heard, and the water tower comes out.

A cow that was in the barn just looked on in confusion.

"Golly, dont'cha know?" The cow asked.

"That's new." Spike said.

Soon the tower made its way toward the ursa, looking like a large bottle, and soon she gave it to the sleepy ursa and it began suckling on it and then ends up getting levitated back to the Everfree Forest to it's cave, now sound asleep.

Twilight then stops and nearly collapses on the ground, exhausted. The crowd began cheering, as Twilight's friends surround her, smiling brightly.

"Unbelievable!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed.

"Heavens to Betsy! We knew you had ability, but not that much!" Applejack said, amazed.

Twilight then looks at her three friends, frowning.

"Please... please don't hate me." She whimpered.

Rainbow Dash, Applejack and Rarity look at each other, confused.

"Hate you?" They asked.

"Why, whatever do you mean darling?" Rarity asked tilting her head.

"Well, I know how much you all hated Trixie's showing off with her magic tricks, and I just thought--" Twilight began, but was interrupted by Rainbow Dash.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa. Magic's got nothing to do with it. Trixie's just a loudmouth."

The girls nod their heads in agreement.

"Most unpleasant." Rarity added.

"All hat and no cattle." Applejack added as well.

These comments, caused Trixie to frown, her ears snapping to the sides of her head, looking away. She likely did deserve that.

Silver then tiredly approaches the group.

"Jeez Silver, never thought you'd go hoof-to-hoof with an ursa major!" Rainbow said, as she helped support the stallion.

"Well... I'm just doing what I said I do." Silver replied in a pant, and in pain.

"Oh I'm gonna have a fun time waking up tomorrow..." He added.

"Silver! You could've been killed! Don't you ever worry us like that again!" Twilight scolded, as she goes and hugged him.

"I don't want my old friend that I just rekindled with to leave us like that..." She whispered, as Silver hugged her back.

"Sorry Twilight but... I just had to step in and save those three." Silver said, motioning his head to Trixie, Snips and Snails.

"Well regardless..." Applejack stepped in, as she looked at Twilight.

"Your magic is a part of who you are, sugarcube, and we like who you are. We're proud to have such a powerful, talented unicorn as our friend." She said with a soft smile.

"Y-you are?" Twilight asked, stunned

They each nod their heads.

Twilight smiled and hugged her friends tightly.

"Thank you girls..."

"So Twilight, how did you know what do against that ursa major?" Spike asked.

Twilight giggled.

"That's what I was doing when you came looking for me. I was so intrigued by Trixie's bragging that I was compelled to do a little reading up on them." She replied.

"So it is possible to vanquish an ursa major all by yourself?" Spike asked with a skeptical look.

"Ooh, if that was what an ursa major looked like. But that was not the case, as that was actually a baby, an ursa minor." Silver interjected.

The group gasped, Trixie was more shocked.

"That was just a baby?" Trixie asked in disbelief.

Twilight nods, before she gave a stern frown.

"And it wasn't rampaging. It was just cranky because somepony woke it up..." Twilight said, looking at Snips and Snails.

The crowd all glared down at the two colts, who just looked ashamed.

"Well, if that was an ursa minor, then what's an ursa major like?" Spike asked.

Silver and Twilight look at each other, and both of them though the same thing. In the cave which the ursa minor was sent back two, a large, towering purple ursa major was sitting, cradling her cub as it slept peacefully, suckling the water tank filled with milk quietly, and looking content.

"Spike... you really don't wanna know..." Silver added, chuckling.

Trixie then approached the group.

"Tr-I just wanted to say something to you, Twilight Sparkle." Trixie said, not using her name in third person.

The group looks at her, questioningly.

"You all have every right to hate me... ever since I came to Ponyville, I did nothing but cause trouble for you and your friends. I was just focused with my dream to being the best showmare in Equestria, that I just lost myself in it all... claiming I could be better than anypony. And after meeting Silver this morning, hearing a bit about himself and how he welcomed me to town, and then I ended up humiliating your friends and listening what he told me about how I been going at this the wrong way... it was a reality check that I needed to come back too..." Trixie explained.

She looks at Rainbow Dash, Applejack, and Rarity.

"I know you likely won't forgive me yet, but I just wanted to say... I-I'm sorry..." She said looking away.

The three blinked and stared at each other.

"Twilight... I'll admit this. You are a more talented pony than me, as you proved stopping that ursa minor. I know now that word will spread about this, and likely now I'll be labeled as a joke and probably won't see my shows... But it is what I deserve for being such a loudmouth!" She exclaimed.

She looks at Silver.

"You almost got killed trying to protect me and those colts. I know you probably don't want to give me another chance after what happened today, but... thank you for saving us..." Trixie said, looking as sincere as she possibly could.

Silver took a moment before he smiled.

"Trixie, I meant what I said earlier that we couldn't be friends because of your boastful nature and how you embarrassed my friends the way you did, but I also meant that you do have potential to be a great unicorn. You were just too hung up in your idea of fame and recognition. I'll admit: I knew that story you said about vanquishing an ursa major was just bull, because if it did happen then we'd probably all know who you were and that sort of accomplishment would be heard all over Equestria." Silver said, placing a hoof on her shoulder.

"However... I'm also a pony that is willing to give another the benefit of the doubt, and I'm willing to give you a second chance. I think you are a bright young mare unicorn. We are both the same: we are aspiring to become something we dream of. You are an aspiring traveling magician, and I'm an aspiring guardian pony. We have to overcome a lot of hurdles and obstacles to fulfill our dream, and I know you can fulfill yours." He added.

Trixie just gave a soft smile.

"So does that mean... you can be Trixie's friend...?" She asked, going back into third person.

Silver chuckles.

"If you are willing to change your ways for the better, then yes. I'll be your friend." Silver replied.

"We'll all be your friend, Trixie." Twilight spoke up, as she placed her hoof on her shoulder.

"I can agree with Silver that you do have potential in magic, Trixie. With enough practice, you can probably achieve more feats in your shows. I'd be willing to help you learn some tricks if you ever want to. Be nice to practice with another mare with a talent in magic." Twilight giggled.

Trixie gave a light grin.

"Heh.. yeah. Trixie would likely like that."

"Well, I guess we can forgive you for what you did. I have to admit: some of the stuff you did to us, while were cruel, were pretty good." Rainbow said, nonchalant.

"Yeah sugarcube. Ah wouldn't be the Element of Honesty, if ah didn't say that rope trick you did... was pretty amazin'. Though, ah would've been better off without being hog tied..." Applejack said, rubbing the back of her neck.

"What you did to my mane Trixie... well it might take time to forgive you for that. But, if my friends are willing to give you a second chance, then... I suppose we could work something out. Plus, your cape and hat, they certainly do make you dazzle a bit more, but I could perhaps make them even more awe-inspiring!" Rarity said.

Trixie just looked at them.

"Trixie is glad... you least appreciate her talents. Well, thinking about it now, you three did pretty well. Applejack for her rodeo skills, Rainbow for creating a mini rainbow by using her speed, and Rarity who did make a rather elegant dress using my stage curtains--" She stopped, and sighed.

"...My stage and wagon." She looked at the wreckage.

"That reminds me..." Twilight said as she looked down at Snips and Snails, who just looked down.

"Heh... we're really sorry for waking up that ursa minor..." Snips said sadly.

"We just wanted to see some awesome magic. Snails added, glumly.

"And we are sorry about your wagon Trixie..." Snips said, looking at Trixie, who simply nods, still upset.

Both colts bowed down before Twilight.

"We deserve whatever punishment you give us." Snails said.

Twilight just gave a stern stare, as she nods.

"Well, for starters you two can clean up this mess. And... what do you think Spike? Should I give them number 25?" She asked, giving a smirk.

Spike grinned.

"Oh yeah! And I think I deserve it too!" Spike laughed.

Both colts looked confused.

"Hmm, I think your right." Twilight giggled as her horn glowed, and suddenly, three mustaches appeared on Snips, Snails, and Spike.

They looked at them, and grinned contently.

"Sweeeet." All three of them said.

They all chuckled as everypony began to disperse and head back home for the night. Twilight told the Snips and Snails that they will begin cleaning up the mess the ursa minor left the next morning, which they agreed and went home. The two colts knew they were in even deeper trouble when they saw each of their parents.

The girls all decided to head home as well, after this eventful evening. Trixie, however, looked down.

"Need a place to stay for the night Trixie?" Silver asked as he walks by her.

"Trixie doesn't know what she will do now. She was forgiven, but my wagon was also my home... I don't have a lot of bits since most of them went into the wagon alone..." Trixie sighed.

"Well, come with me. You can spend the night at my house outside of town. It is better than having to leave at this time. There is something I want to give you as well." Silver said as he trots past her, with Trixie looking at him.

"Huh? You'd be willing to let Trixie in your home?" She asked.

"Hey, we're friends now. I can't just leave you out here by yourself. Just follow me." Silver said as Trixie followed close behind him.

Silver's House - Ponyville

Night

The came upon the lone house near the Everfree Forest. Trixie was astonished that he bought a house this close to the Everfree Forest, knowing that is where the ursa minor, and like it's mother, reside. He assured her that creatures in the Everfree almost never wander outside of the place, which is why this house is still standing.

"Trixie must say... despite living near one of the most dangerous places in Equestria, this is a humble little abode..." Trixie said as she looked around.

"Yeah, I just felt as if the forest called me and told me to get this house so I'm near it. It's far out of town but it is more quiet, and more private. Plus, I feel at peace here, as strange as this is." Silver said, placing his Mythril Sword against the wall.

"Well, I guess you want to turn back in for the night. I can sleep on the couch, and you can have my bed." Silver said.

"W-what? No, no, no! Trixie is just a guest in your home. It wouldn't be right for her to sleep in your bed. I can just take the couch..." Trixie insisted.

"It's alright, I slept on a bed made of stone for the past five years, a couch is a step up from that. Besides, you are a mare that needs her beauty sleep. Just get some shut eye. There is something I wish to give you before you set off tomorrow." Silver said as he took his cloak off, showing that he was a moderately built stallion, his cutie mark being a green Delta triangle.

Trixie blushed at his appearance.

"W-well, if you insist then... T-Trixie bids you a good night!" She stuttered as she goes up to the bedroom and closed the door.

He just chuckles, as he lays on the couch.

"Ow, forgot about my back... eh well."

With that, he turned the lights out and drifted off to sleep.

Golden Oak Library - Ponyville

Night

Dear Princess Celestia,

I have learned a very valuable lesson about friendship: I was so afraid of being thought of as a show-off that I was hiding a part of who I am. My friends helped me realize that it's okay to be proud of your talents, and there are times when it's appropriate to show them off... Especially when you're standing up for your friends.

She puts her quill down, as she goes over to Spike, who is still admiring his mustache.

"So, you finally admit that you're the most talented unicorn in all of Ponyville?" Spike asked with a smirk, fiddling with one end of his mustache.

Twilight just nods.

"Well, yeah, but it's nothing to brag about. So, uh, how did it go with Rarity?" Twilight replied with a question.

Spike just frowned and shrugged.

"Eh, she didn't go for the mustache." He replied.

She giggled.

"You know, Spike, that mustache has nothing to do with who you really are. Maybe you should just try being yourself." Twilight said with a soft smile.

Spike took a moment to process this, before another idea came to mind.

"Or... Maybe the mustache wasn't enough. Maybe if I had a mustache and a beard?" Spike grinned brightly.

Twilight just gave an exasperated sigh.

"Ugh! Not this again." She groaned.

"Okay, imagine me with a nice, long, Fu Manchu type beard. Or maybe a goatee. Oh, no, a soul patch right on my chin!" Spike spouts out, leaving Twilight to stand there before turning around, and heading upstairs to bed, not wanting to deal with this tonight.

Silver's House - Ponyville

Morning

The following morning, Silver made both Trixie and himself breakfast, before Trixie needed to leave back onto the road.

"Well, Trixie wanted to say that she is thankful for your hospitality, SIlver." Trixie said dabbing a napkin around her mouth.

"Heh, well should you ever need a helping hoof or somepony to talk to, my door is always open. So, where are you going to be going now?" Silver asked as he takes the plates to the sink.

"For now, Trixie shall be returning to Baltimare. She needs to figure out how to come up with the bits needed for a new wagon and stage." Trixie replied.

"Hmm... well considering you can't be a traveling magician without a stage and a place to sleep for the night, that would be a very important place to start." Silver said, washing the dishes.

"Mmm, true. But Trixie doesn't know how she could earn the bits needed though... After what happened yesterday, if word didn't spread out about the whole thing, it might be difficult to find a place to perform." The stagemare mused.

He smiled as he left the kitchen. A few moments later, he comes back, and sets down a large coin purse.

"There. Consider this not only a gift... but also an investment." Silver said, as Trixie's eyes widened and opened the purse. Her jaw almost hit the table.

"S-silver! This is... You would do... I-I can't accept all this!" Trixie stuttered, seeing that there was almost 6500 bits in the bag.

"It's alright. I have a lot more wealth than I appear to have. This isn't even half of what I have saved away. Please, take it. Use it to buy a new and better wagon. And then, take a bit of time off to travel to other cities and see other magician ponies perform." He said with a soft grin.

"What?" Trixie asked, raising a brow.

"You are starting over right? It is only natural that you go and see other talented showponies and get some ideas off of, and try to adapt them to your own skills in magic. Also consider taking Twilight's advice and try to hone your natural magic skills, as it could help you in the long run when you do performances." Silver replied.

"Just promise me one thing: promise that you will fulfill your dream. Be the best showmare Equestria could look upon for an experience, and just wow the audience. Come back to Ponyville when you feel the time is right, and put on a real show that will be remembered as something that the Great and Powerful Trixie could leave behind..." Silver placed a hoof on her shoulder.

"Can you do that for me?" He asked.

Trixie was just overwhelmed. She never though she meet a pony that would put so much belief in her, so much faith, and so much support. Her eyes began to water as she hugs him.

"...I-I'll try. Thank you Silver Guardian, for believing me... I promise, that I will make a comeback, living up to the title as the Great and Powerful Trixie!" She said with confidence.

"You do your best in fulfilling your dreams to, Silver. You saved my life last night, despite what you told me yesterday about the kind of mare I was, and you gave me a second look on my life, and I swear to Celestia's sun, The Great and Powerful Trixie will not let you or anypony down!"

Silver nods, grinning brightly.

"Until we meet again, Oh Great and Powerful Trixie." Silver said, shaking her hoof.

Trixie smirked and shook it back.

"Like wise, Oh Humble and Wise Silver Guardian..."

Author's Note

HOLY S*** THAT WAS LONG AS F**K.

So yeah, this was the first chapter that I decided would be a canon divergence chapter. Because Trixie was convinced to change her life around and become better in what she wants to be, Magic Duel will not occur as Trixie doesn't return with revenge in mind.

This is the first in many other canon divergences that will occur, making the AU tag make sense.

But yeah this chapter was long, hopefully no other chapters get as long as this one lol

Until then, later!

Interlude - Transpiring Events