My Little Pony Generation 5

Chapters

Hard to Confess Part 1
Missing Princess Part 1
Missing Princess Part 2
Missing Princess Part 3
Missing Princess Part 4
Hard to Confess Part 2
Family Difficulties Part 1
Family Difficulties Part 2
Family Difficulties Part 3
A "Flurry" Change Part 1
A "Flurry" Change Part 2
A "Flurry" Change Part 3

Hard to Confess Part 1

Today was a warm, summer day in the small town of Ponyville and today the new mayor of Ponyville would take his place. A red unicorn stallion by the name of Drawn Pen, who was the older brother of Blooming Rose, who was also in the audience along with the rest of her family, her father Sword Tip, who was also captain of the Canterlot guard, her mother Doctor Bluebell, a doctor of the Canterlot Hospital, and her older sister Dancing Tune, who was the head of the Canterlot Orchestra. And well now Pen would take his final place like the majority of his family, being the new mayor of Ponyville, after Mayor Mare decided to retire and Pen, who before was Mayor Mare's assistant, ran for mayor and won.

The newly crowned Crystal Princess, Flurry Heart was also present in place of her parents, who needed to stay behind in the Crystal Empire because of some pressing matters that required their attention. Plus it gave Flurry the chance to see one of her friends outside her own home.

"Can't believe now my brother's taken his final step and any day now it'll be mine." Rose said with a smile, Rose, who's cutie mark was a yellow rose in mid bloom, was currently working on getting a flower shop in Canterlot's business district.

"We all have our big moments Rose." Flurry added as soon enough the new mayor, with his wife and his new assistant, Pipsqueak, , was all ready to take his new job, appearing on the steps of town hall before everypony present, cheering.

Rose could tell that Pen was rather nervous as he was sweating a little and not just from the heat of the day as he had on a collar with a tie as his wife, a very familiar yellow pegasus, placed a hoof on him, reassuring him that he was going to do fine. Pen cleared his throat before speaking.

"Hello everypony, I'm glad you all could make it today to welcome me as your new mayor, it is an honor and pleasure to have, to serve this town and make sure everypony is happy." Pen said as another pony with a thick book, came up, to make Pen's position as mayor official.

"Do you, Drawn Pen, take this new position as mayor of Ponyville and promise to put the town's needs above your own, to make sure everypony is safe and happy?" The pony spoke while Pen had one of his front hooves on the book, with the other front hoof held up in the air.

"I do, to the best of my ability." Pen replied.

"Than you are hereby now mayor of Ponyville." The pony finished as the audience once more cheered.

"Oh honey, I'm so proud of you." Pen's wife said as she gave him a kiss on the cheek.

"Thank you my dear Fluttershy, I couldn't have done it without you." Pen said as he returned the kiss.

After the short ceremony was done, a small party was held to celebrate the new mayor as Pen was congratulated by his family.

"Well done son, I mean Mr. Mayor." Sword Tip said proudly.

"Dad, I'm still your son, no matter what." Pen blushed as his mother gave him a hug.

"Seems like just yesterday you were writing your first words." Bluebell shedding a tear.

While Pen was being smothered by his parents, Rose, Tune, and Flurry were talking along themselves when a familiar voice greeted Flurry as she turned around to see that it was her hippogriff friend, Feather Tang.

"Hey Flurry." Feather greeted the young alicorn.

"Hey Feather, what are you doing here?" Flurry asked.

"Oh, I'm here for a couple of days with my mother, she's discussing things over at the School of Friendship with Headmare Starlight, so she said that I'm free to roam about, just as long as I stay in Ponyville." Feather replied.

"Feather, is that you?" Rose's voice called as she was behind Flurry and Feather didn't see her. "Hey, it's good to see you."

"You too Rose..." Feather blushed, his cheeks going light red, not enough for Rose to notice, but Flurry did, not that it surprised her, she and the rest of their friends knew Feather had a thing for Rose and being the daughter to the Princess of Love, Flurry knew a thing or two about true romance. "You look well..."

Before Rose could reply, she heard her father calling for her and her sister.

"Oh, it sounds like my dad wants me and my sister, I'll see you later Feather." Rose smiled.

"Yeah, see you later..." Feather replied, sighing some relief as he was left with Flurry, who took her chance to get Feather to admit something.

"Feather, when are you going to ask Rose out on a date?" Flurry getting straight to the point.

"What!?" Feather said, very much surprised as now his cheeks went from a light red to a deep shade of red. "Why would I do that?"

"Come on Feather, ever since we all became friends, you liked Rose more and more, we all know how you feel about her." Flurry telling Feather. "Rose is one of the best young mares in Equestria, sweet, kind, shy, just like you, so why are you so afraid?"

Feather sighed as he knew it was worthless to keep on lying, he knew eventually he was going to have to admit it.

"Okay, okay, it's not that I don't want to ask her out." Feather started. "It's just I'm scared of what she'll say or react to my confession, I really like her, but what if she doesn't feel the same way about me? I remember this one time during our school years when I came so close to doing so, it was during the school's Amity Ball..."

Some Years Ago...

The School of Friendship in Ponyville has many events that help keep the school fun for its students as another day came and headmare Starlight was trotting through the halls, carrying a bunch of posters with her magic as she placed them around the boards on the walls.

"New posters!" Abby's voice called as Starlight looked to see a group of students running towards her.

"Yes Abby, the Amity Ball is once again coming, as your parents must have told you about it when they attended the school, I'll spare you the details of it, just remember to pick your pal and get your potluck dinner ready for the night." Starlight happily revealed while the students began talking along themselves.

"Hey Smoky, want to be my pal?" Teresa asked the dragon.

"Sure, I guess I got nothing else to do that night." Smoky answered.

"Griffon want to be mine?" Khan asked Abby.

"I guess so Khan." Abby replied.

"Now, who wants to help me finish up the posters?"

"Sure, it'll keep me from studying for awhile." Smoky taking some posters.

"I'll help!" Abby also volunteered.

As Starlight now had a group of students to help her, two were left behind, Feather Tang and Blooming Rose, Feather looking at the poster at the wall and then taking a quick glance at Rose, who was also looking at the poster.

"Come on Feather, you're all alone with her, no one else is around, just a few words and if she says "No", what's the worst that can happen?" Feather thought in his head as he took a quiet breath before clearing his throat to speak clearly. "Hey Rose?"

"Yes Feather?" Rose replied as she turned to look at him, Feather almost freezing right away.

"I was just wondering, since no one has asked you yet to the ball, if you would like to..." Feather started, but was interrupted.

"Hey Feather, Rose, you joining us or not?" Teresa called to her two friends, after noticing they didn't come along.

"Coming." Rose called back as she turned to Feather. "Do you mind asking me later?"

"Sure, I guess it can wait." Feather answered as he missed his chance.

And well he didn't get to asking again as every time he wanted to, he just couldn't and well it was too late as the night came and everycreature had their partner, that is except for Feather and Rose. Not that it mattered anyway, for the rest of their friends were not interested in the dancing part and just played some board games together, Feather and Rose joining in. Feather had fun, but not as much fun as he imagined as he looked from time to time at the rest of the students, enjoying their night with their parents, dancing the traditional dances that the Amity Ball was based on, Fetlock Fete. Feather very much imagined dancing with Rose and finally admitting his feelings, but it never came to be as the night came and was gone as the next school day came.

Back to the Present

"So I have never been able to admit my feelings, even when I came so close and I don't think I ever will, not that I think Rose would ever like a guy like me." Feather sighed with hopelessness as an older female's voice called out to Feather.

"Feather, come on, lets get to our hotel room for the night!" Feather's mother, Silverstream, called for her son.

"I got to go, see you tomorrow Flurry, if you're still here that is." Feather said his goodbyes before going to join his mother.

As Flurry watched Feather go, an idea started forming in her head as she thought of a perfect plan to get Feather and Rose alone and talking to each other and for Feather to admit his feelings.

"Don't worry Feather, I got the perfect idea to get you two together..." Flurry said softly as she watched her hippogriff friend go.

Missing Princess Part 1

Today was a joyful day for the Crystal Empire, a day that was a long time in waiting for and everypony eager for as the streets were crowded with the Crystal ponies as they trotted in doves to the palace in the center, only being stopped by the circle of Crystal guards surrounding the palace. And in the palace itself were the many royal guests, leaders of the various lands in Equestria and beyond, in the main halls of the palace, talking along themselves as they waited patiently for the main event to begin. One might ask why there was so much happiness and joy in the Empire and well today is the official crowning of the newest Crystal princess of the Empire, Flurry Heart, the 18 year old daughter of Princess Cadance and Prince Shining Armor.

Speaking of the princess herself...

"Isn't this a little too much?" Flurry Heart asked as the finishing touches to her ceremonial dress were put in place, the royal dresses busy at work.

"Princess, this is very important, your mother and father will want you to look your best, don't worry, just a couple more things." The dresser replied as all Flurry could do was sigh and look froward to when she can take all of this off and enjoy her more simply princess accessories, like her hoof shoes and necklace.

The dressers were almost finished when a knock came at the door, Flurry first thinking it was her parents.

"Come in." Flurry called as the door opened to reveal one of the two Crystal guards who were standing by the door.

"Excuse me princess, but there's a group here, calling themselves your friends." And the guard opened the door wider to reveal a group of various creatures, a pony, dragon, hippogriff, griffon, changeling, and a yak, and seeing them made Flurry smile. "Are they allowed in?"

"Of course they are!" Flurry smiled as she turned to the royal dressers. "May you all please excuse me and my friends?"

"Princess, are you sure?" One of them asked.

"Yes, it's almost time for your coronation." Another reminded Flurry.

"Yes, I am sure, and you all are pretty much done already, I don't need anymore attention." Flurry politely addressed.

"As you wish princess." A third dresser replied as the group of royal dressers left the room, leaving Flurry with the group of creatures and the first thing that they did was give each other a big hug.

"It's so good to see you all before getting my crown, it's been awhile since I had to spend the weeks before preparing for this day." Flurry sighed with relief.

"Well, it's a good thing most of our parents are the royal leaders in our lands." The Changeling explained.

"The captain of the guard in Canterlot for me." The pony added.

Yes, Princess Flurry Heart of the Crystal Empire was friends with this group, the sons or daughters of the royal leaders of the other lands.

They were...

Blooming Rose, the pony, who is a red unicorn mare, with a yellow mane and tail and a cutie mark of a yellow rose that has yet to bloom fully. She is a rather shy and nervous pony, socially awkward around most others. The reason she is here is because her father was currently the Captain of the Canterlot royal guard, of course Princess Twilight Sparkle was here to attend the ceremony.

Smoky, the dragon, who is a light red male dragon, with orange underneath his wings and orange spikes. He's a rather more outgoing dragon, more tough, but also a little soft spot for others, after all he has friends who are not dragons. The reason he is here is because he's the son of Dragon Lord Smolder.

Feather Tang, the hippogriff, who is a aqua green male hippogriff, with blue wings, head feathers, and tail. Just like Rose, he's also nervous and shy and has trouble being around others. The reason he is here is because he's the son of Princess Silverstream, which is quite weird since his mother is quite the outgoing hippogriff.

Abby, the griffon, who is a blue female griffon, with dark blue wings and golden beak and talons, she's also a little shy, but also more friendly than the average griffon is. The reason she is here is because she's the adoptive daughter of King Gallus, but some believe she's actually his daughter by birth since she looks a lot like him.

Teresa, the Changeling, who is a purple female changeling, with dark blue wings and tail wings, she's actually more active and energetic. The reason she is here is because she's the daughter of Queen Ocellus, which is strange, since Ocellus is quite the shy leader.

And finally, Khan, who is a dark blown male yak, with light black horns and feet, very energetic, but more toned down, even for a yak. The reason he is here is because he's the son of Princess Yona.

"Wait, aren't your parents going to be worried where you went?" Flurry asked as they broke the hug.

"Nah, we told them we wanted to see you, besides they can't keep us contained like when we were younger." Smoky said matter of factly.

"And my dad's job is to protect the princess right now, not me." Rose added.

"So, you look good..." Abby commented, lying through her beak.

"Thanks Abby, but I know I look terrible..." Flurry sighed sadly. "I wish it was a private ceremony, I don't need all the attention, just me in my normal wear, with the crown being placed on my head..."

"Yeah, but then we wouldn't get to see you." Feather reminded his friend. "Besides when else are we all going to be together?"

"I guess you have a point." Flurry agreed.

"Hey, why don't we spend some alone time right now?" Teresa suggested. "Catch up on things, enjoy some peace and quiet before all the commotion and be back before anyone realizes we're gone."

"Khan agrees." Khan raised one of his legs.

"But what about our parents?" Rose reminded the two eager ones. "Aren't they going to wonder where we went?"

"Yeah and they're leaders too, they're going to freak out, we don't want to be causing an international incident." Feather agreed with Rose.

"Maybe we should let Flurry decide, it is her day after all." Smoky putting in an idea as he went to Flurry, all of her friends then looking at her for her decision.

"Well, I guess if we're only gone for a little bit and come back, we should be fine." Flurry making the decision as she undid her dress and carefully took it off to free herself from its constraints. "And I know where exactly we can spend some time alone together, everyone hold onto each other."

And the group of friends held onto each other's hoof, claws, foot, whatever, either easily or with some hesitation, whether it was from being feeling touchy or awkwardness. Once everyone held onto each other, Flurry lit up her horn as she used her magic to teleport her and her friends somewhere else, outside of the Crystal Empire...

Meanwhile, a couple of guards trotted up to the two guards by the door where Flurry was getting the finishing touches on her ceremonial dress, it was time for the coronation to begin, with everyone waiting for Flurry to come.

"Is the princess done?" One of the arriving guards asked.

"She's currently with her friends." One of the guards by the door replied.

"I'll see if she's ready." The other guard by the door added as he opened the door while saying. "Princess, it's time, everyone's waiting and..." Only the guard found that no one was in the room. "Oh no..."

"What is it?" One of the arriving guards asked, only he looked in himself and saw exactly what the first guard saw, no one... "Get to the princess and prince, now!" He ordered the other guard who came with him.

Meanwhile, on the main palace balcony, where Princess Cadance would often make big announcements to her subjects of the Crystal Empire, the princess herself, along with Shining Armor and Twilight, as well as the other major royal leaders, plus a few Crystal guards, were waiting for Flurry to come with her guard escort so the coronation could begin.

"I still can't believe this day finally came, my little girl is all grown up and ready to take her new position." Shining Armor couldn't help but shed a few tears of "Liquid pride".

"Kinda of reminds me of a certain big day in my life, big brother..." Twilight teased Shining Armor, reminding him of when she became a princess and he showed his "liquid pride", while Cadance had to chuckle as well.

"Very funny Twily..." Shining Armor rolled his eyes.

"Don't worry honey, she'll still be our little girl no matter what, nothing's going to change that." Cadance reassured her husband,

"I hope so, I would be very disappointed if she was any different." Shining Armor calmed down.

And soon enough the trotting of a guard could be heard, only there was something off, it wasn't a gentle, smooth pace, but a very fast gallop as everyone on the balcony turned their heads to the coming guard pony, no Flurry present.

"My Princess, Prince, I'm very sorry to report, but it seems the princess is gone!" The guard reported while panting, getting back his breath while everyone gasped in shock.

Author's Note

And so begins this rather shocking start! Well maybe not, but I hope you did enjoy it!

Now Blooming Rose is a character I have had for awhile from my fanfiction account and brought over to here.

However, Smoky, Abby, Teresa, and Khan, are all new creations by me. And yeah, I'm not very good at naming characters, so if you want, you could suggest some different names and I'll see if I like them or not!

And lastly, Feather Tang is a creation made by my friend over on fanfiction, T8ECR34TOR, although I did change some things about his character!

Now, this first chapter is really a test and first attempt at making a G5 kind of thing, so I do hope you all like it!

Missing Princess Part 2

"Where could she have gone?" Cadance wondered, very confused as to how her daughter isn't in the palace. "Was she kidnapped?"

"I'm sure she's safe honey, she's a strong girl after all." Shining Armor comforted his wife.

"Yes, we just need to focus and think about where she could have gone to." Twilight added as the rest of the royal leaders knew it was not just a coincidence that their kids went to see the princess and then she disappeared.

"You think our kids wanted to spend some alone time with the princess?" Ocellus wondered out loud.

"Yona thinks so too, Khan would never go off like this." Yona agreed.

"Well than we just need to think about where they could have gone to, we need to think like our kids." Gallus spoke up.

"Well, we all gone to the School of Friendship and we all sent our kids there when they were old enough..." Smolder thinking.

"Nah, seems too obvious..." Silverstream trying to think of where else her kid and his friends could have gone too...

Meanwhile

Flurry's teleportation spell brought her and her six friends to a more quieter place than the Crystal Empire currently was, a place that had rolling green hills and fields all around, and in the middle of that, a small town, with a few large structures. It was the town of Ponyville, which was like a second home to Flurry, after all, this was where her Auntie Twily lived before taking her grand aunties Celestia and Luna's jobs in Canterlot.

"Ponyville, sweet Ponyville..." Flurry sighed, breathing in the fresh air.

"Yeah, feels kinda of good to be here honestly." Smoky added as he and the rest of the group walked up to see the town.

More towards the back of the town was Princess Twilight's castle, as well as the School of Friendship, both still in good condition and running. The school, especially, held special meaning for Flurry's friends, since they all attended it at the same time, that's how they became friends after all.

"How about we walk by the school?" Teresa suggested.

"Good idea, it'll be a nice trip down memory lane." Feather agreed.

And the group began going down towards the school, ponies going about their business as many of them noticed Flurry Heart, waving or bowing, which Flurry nervously smiled at as all the attention towards her felt uncomfortable.

"Now this is exactly what I'm not looking froward to during my coronation..." Flurry sighed.

"You're a princess Flurry, everyone loves them." Rose reminded her. "At least you have six friends who wouldn't treat you like that."

"Thanks Rose, that makes me feel a little better." Flurry replied back as they approached the school.

"So many wonderful memories..." Abby sighed happily as the group all sat by the edge of the small pond by the school's entrance.

"Khan agrees, feels like just yesterday we were here." Khan stated.

"I still remember when we all met each other, on Friends and Family Day, so many years ago..." Flurry smiled as she brought her memory back when she was around eight years of age...

About ten years ago...

It was a bright, sunny day and at the School of Friendship, the first day of a new school year began as the school, now being maintained by headmare Starlight Glimmer, opened its doors after the summer break. The new, as well as returning group of students filed in, excited to start another or first year at the school. As the students came in, along them were some non-ponies, rather other creatures from the surrounding lands...

"Why do I have to attend this school while the other dragons get to stay behind?" Smoky asked, rather annoyed as his mother, Dragon Lord Smolder, dragged him into the building.

"Because as both your mother and dragon lord, I'm ordering you to be here." Smolder said sternly. "Look son, it's not that bad, if I survived this school, than so can you, it'll prepare you for the day when you enter the Gauntlet of Fire, trust me." Smolder finished.

"Whatever..." Smoky huffed.

"Hey Ocellus!" Smolder called out as she spotted a familiar changeling.

"Hey Smolder!" Ocellus called back, the tall female changeling, with a shorter female changeling. "Teresa, aren't you going to say hello to Dragon Lord Smolder?"

"Hey..." Teresa said, a little rudely.

"I'm very sorry about my daughter, she can be quite rude towards others." Ocellus stated, a little disappointed. "That's why I pushed to have her attend the school."

"Don't blame you, that's why my son is here too." Smolder replied.

Meanwhile, just coming in now was Abby, with her two fathers having brought her to her first day, the young female griffon very nervous to be away from her family and griffonstone.

"Dads, are you sure this is a good idea?" Abby asked her fathers, King Gallus and Sandbar.

"Yes sweetie, your dad and I think you're old enough to see more of the world and make some friends, like we did." Sandbar told his daughter.

"And when you become queen of Griffonstone, you're going to need some new knowledge to help you." Gallus reminded his daughter.

A couple of seconds after Gallus finished speaking, something suddenly rammed into him from the back, nearly knocking him off his talons as Abby jumped up in fright at first, before hiding herself with her wings over her face.

"Yona sorry about her son." Yona's voice came out. "Khan, what did we talk about?"

"Khan sorry about almost knocking over griffon king, just excited for school." Khan apologized.

"It's okay Khan and good to see you too Yona." Sandbar spoke up.

"Good to see Sandbar and Gallus again too." Yona said happily.

Meanwhile, already inside, two hippogriffs were standing aside, one of them, the younger one, a bit nervous to reach out, unlike his mother.

"Mom, are you sure I'm old enough for the school, I know I agreed to come here, it's just..." Feather Tang said nervously. "It's a lot more crowded and anxious than I thought it was going to be."

"Now Feather, we talked about this, you're ready and besides the school needs at least one hippogriff and you're the next in line after me." Silverstream told her son. "I know you're a lot less energetic and out going than me, but I promise you that you will have fun and learn a lot, why don't you go out into the crowd and try to make a first friend?"

"Sure mom..." Feather sighed and did as his mother instructed.

Feather walked forward, keeping his head more down, looking towards the ground, only looking up once in awhile so he wouldn't bump into anyone or anything, but well fate would have it that he would collide with someone. And Feather did as he didn't expect it, falling down as the someone he bumped into turned around.

"Oh, I'm so sorry, are you alright?" A female's voice said to Feather as Feather looked up to see a red unicorn filly, with a yellow mane and tail, reaching out a hoof for him to take and help him back up on his claws.

"Oh, I'm alright, it's my fault, I wasn't looking where I was going..." Feather apologized as he took the hoof and was helped up. "I hope I didn't hurt you..." Feather continued as he found himself blushing.

"No, I'm alright, my name's Blooming Rose, by the way." The unicorn greeted Feather.

"My name's Feather Tang... " Feather said slowly, swallowing a lump in his throat. "Man, she's pretty..." Feather looked back to see his mother with a smile, looking at him.

"Well, I should get to my dad, he's currently speaking to one of the teachers right now." Rose informed Feather. "I'll see you later Feather Tang."

"You too..." Feather returned, feeling some sweat run down.

While that was happening and the six new students, as well as all the others were inside, another group of ponies entered, clearly having came from far to be here as the headmare came up to greet them...

"Twilight! It's so good to see you again!" Headmare Starlight greeted one of the visitors with a hug. "What are you all doing here?"

"It's good to see you too Starlight." Twilight smiled. "I'm just here to see how the school's doing and so far it looks like you're running things here perfectly."

"And we came for the same thing as well." Cadance joined in, being one of the visitors as well.

"Yeah, with how busy things are in the Crystal Empire, we decided we all should come to Ponyville for some rest and well turns out we met Twilight at the station." Shining Armor added. "And plus, Flurry loves seeing the school."

Yes, Cadance and Shining Armor brought along their growing young daughter, who was turning into quite the spitting image of her mother, starting to look more mature, but still very childish, after all, she was going to be the newest princess of the Crystal Empire when she becomes 18 years of age.

"Hey Auntie Starlight!" Flurry said happily as she gave her honorary auntie a hug.

"It's nice to see you too Flurry. "Starlight returned. "And man, you're growing up really fast, grow up too much and you'll end up being taller than me!"

"Awww, come on Auntie Starlight, you're making me blush." Flurry blushed slightly while breaking off the hug.

"Oh, I should get to officially starting the year." Starlight remembered.

"Well don't let me keep you waiting." Twilight urged Starlight as the headmare walked up in front of the crowd of new and returning students, as well as their parents/guardians and cleared her throat before speaking.

"Attention everyone." Starlight called, everyone stopping their current conversations to listen to the headmare. "I am very happy to welcome you all to a new year at the School of Friendship, to teach everything about the subject to all the students. Now once you get your class assignments, head on down to them and at the end of the day, we'll be having our annual Friends and Family Day for everyone to get more acquainted with each other, I hope to see everyone there!"

And with that announcement, everyone cheered before the students got their class assignments and started the day...

Author's Note

So how will Friends and Family Day go? Well you'll see, but it's not going to be as bad as in School Raze... But you'll see how the group of friends all came together!

I hope you all are enjoying it so far and thanks to everyone who liked and/or commented!

Missing Princess Part 3

Author's Note

Hello everycreature!

It's been awhile since the last update and I'm very sorry about that! But I'm back and ready to present the third part of the first story in this series!

Also, if you have ideas for future stories, than by all means share them!

Missing Princess Part 3

As the first day of school began, with all the students in their first classes getting their first assignments from their teachers, Starlight was leading her royal guests through the halls as they stopped by some of the classes. Most of the students seemed to be enjoying their time and teachers as Twilight was quite pleased that Starlight changed very little, the difference obviously being the teachers as Twilight and her friends now had to rule Equestria and had no time to teach anymore.

"Everything looks to be in working order Starlight, hard to believe that you were once only my student and now look at you, being in charge of an entire school." Twilight commented.

"Thanks Twilight, but come on, you deserve all the credit for this, not me, I was only given the responsibility." Starlight blushed as she was rather embarrassed.

As the group took a stop at a class being taught by Big Mac, in the same outdoor classroom that was Applejack's, the students were hard at work making some birdhouses, busy nailing the wood boards together, sharing tools and such. Big Mac noticed the visitors and bowed his head as Starlight smiled and went to Big Mac to talk to him. Meanwhile as the class continued working, occasionally stopping to glance at the royal visitors, Flurry noticed a pair of students not really getting along with each other...

"No, I'm nailing the boards, I'm stronger!" Smoky said in a slight yelling voice as he was working with Teresa.

"Don't you know what I am?" Teresa replied, annoyed. "I'm a changeling and can turn into any creature, don't make me change into something much bigger than you!"

"How about you try it and we'll see who's stronger than..." Smoky dared as the two bumped heads with each other, on the verge of making a scene.

As Twilight and her parents were occupied talking to some other students now, Flurry was left alone and she knew that she should tell her auntie or parents, but she thought that maybe she could solve the problem herself, after all she knew that she was going to be an official princess one day, might as well practice for when that day comes. So bravely she went to go settle the matter between the two students.

"I see there's a problem here, everything alright?" Flurry asked calmly, hoping to defuse the situation.

"No, but how about you mind your own business pony..." Smoky sneered at Flurry.

"Yeah, who asked you?" Teresa actually agreeing with Smoky on this.

"I just thought that I could maybe solve whatever issue there is here..." Flurry said nervously.

"Flurry, what's going on here?" Twilight's voice sounded as Flurry looked to see her auntie standing behind her.

"These two were arguing and I thought I could help solve the problem." Flurry stated.

"Well we don't need any help, thank you very much." Teresa said.

Twilight looked at Smoky and Teresa and thought that it would be better if the two solved the problem themselves, sometimes two creatures need to talk it out between the two.

"Okay, but please do not change into any other creature." Twilight speaking to Teresa." And no fire." Twilight told Smoky. "Come on Flurry, we should get going."

As Flurry followed her auntie, she kept on looking back at the two continuing to not settle on their problem as she sighed, which Twilight took notice of.

"I know you feel like you should get involved Flurry, but sometimes it's best to leave others alone to figure it out by themselves." Twilight advised her young niece.

"I guess you're right Auntie Twily..." Flurry replied as she knew she couldn't argue with the Princess of Friendship on this.

Soon enough the walk around the school was over as the Friends and Family Day event was around the corner as final preparations were being done as the royal visitors pitched in to help, even thought they weren't asked to. As Flurry helped her mother put up some colored ribbons, the Cake family came, including the twins Pound Cake and Pumpkin Cake and well Pound changed his expression as he saw the young alicorn filly.

"Hey Pound, Pumpkin!" Flurry said happily as the Cake twins were helping their parents bring over the baked goods that Starlight requested for the day. "Good to see the two of you."

"It's nice to see you two, your highness." Pumpkin teased.

"Oh come on, I'm not a princess yet..." Flurry blushed as she turned to Pound. "And how are you Pound Cake."

"Good..." Pound stuttered. "You look... look..." Pound not quite getting out the words. "Oh did you hear that, our parents are calling us, see you later!" Pound galloping off to join his parents while Pumpkin rolled her eyes at her brother before saying goodbye to Flurry and returning to her own family.

"Looks like somepony has a crush on you sweetie..." Cadance's voice spoke to her daughter.

"Mom!" Flurry blushed as she had no response while her mother just chuckled.

"Easy sweetie, I'm only teasing, but seriously, if he likes you, maybe you should consider seeing Pound Cake more when you get the choice." Cadance advised. "He certainly seems like a good colt."

"Really?" Flurry questioned, confused. "But don't you and dad want me to marry someone from royalty?"

"Sweetie, love can come from anywhere and anyone, it doesn't matter how different you are in wealth and power." Cadance answered. "And Pound Cake looks like he'll grow up into a good stallion, in fact I remember when your father and I started going out, nervous, but also has a very good heart, even thought sometimes I thought it would burst out of his chest sometimes when we saw each other." Cadance smiling at remembering how disoriented Shining Armor can get when he was around her.

At this point, the students and teachers were all free, having completed the first day of classes as they all came to gather outside the school on this nice day as the parents/guardians of the students were there already as everyone mingled and chatted along themselves. Of course there was a lot of attention paid to the royal visitors, especially Princess Twilight as they knew she was the former headmare of the school. So while the royals were busy, Flurry was free as she was not yet well known to really be approached by anycreature, Flurry spent time talking to her friend in Ponyville, Pumpkin as they chatted along themselves, while Pound... Well he mostly stayed with his parents.

"So, do you think your brother has a crush on me or something?" Flurry asked her friend.

"My brother? Has a crush on you?" Pumpkin teased. "Of course he does, why shouldn't? Why... Do you like him?"

"Well... I..." Flurry at a loss of words as she struggled with an answer. "Maybe..."

While the two fillies had their conversation, with Pumpkin giggling to Flurry's response, nearby a disturbance was undergoing...

Abby was going for a cupcake, when Smoky, who was about take the same one, got a little angry...

"Hey, I was reaching for that one!" Smoky stated, upset.

"Oh sorry... Here you go..." Abby gave up and was about to give the treat to Smoky, only for Rose to step up and help the griffon.

"Wait, she had it first, so it should be her's." Rose argued.

"You seriously want to pick a fight with a dragon, pony girl..." Smoky sneered at the red unicorn.

"Wow, hey now, you don't go picking on some girls, why don't you pick on a boy like me?" Feather coming up to defend Abby and Rose, but mostly Rose.

"No problem..." Smoky replied as he pushed Feather, hard, the hippogriff losing his balance as he bumped right into Khan, who wasn't expecting this as the impact made him spill his drink which splashed all over Teresa, who was close by.

"Okay, who was that!?" Teresa said angrily as she looked around and saw Khan with his now empty cup dripping. "What's your problem Yak, too clumsy?"

"It's not Yak's fault!" Khan defending himself as he looked behind him. "It's hippogriff's fault!"

"Hey, I wouldn't have done so had this dragon not pushed me!" Feather looking at Smoky.

"You're blaming me, you're the one who picked a fight in the first place!" Smoky shouted back as now a real scene was going on.

Twilight and Starlight were going to be the first ones to defuse the situation, but Flurry beat them to it as she passed by her auntie and right away took charge.

"Enough!" The little alicorn filly shouted as loud as she could as she used her magic to literally stop the fighting, engulfing the six arguing creatures in a magical aura. "Is this how you're going to be spending your first day here at the School of Friendship, by not being friendly towards each other, you were sent here to learn friendship and make friends and this is not how you do it!" And Flurry then felt a hoof on her as she looked to see her Auntie Twily with a smile.

"My niece is right, I created this school in the first place so all the lands can share friendship with each other and spread it all around, you six have a lot to learn and I hope you do during your time here." Twilight agreeing with Flurry. "However Flurry, please let them down." Twilight requested of her niece, which she did so, gently putting down the six as their parents, as well as Starlight came up.

"What did I tell you son about picking fights?" Smolder said a bit sternly to Smoky.

And you young man, you're lucky Edith isn't here to turn you into stone as punishment." Silverstream joining in.

"I'm very sorry your majesties, with your permission, I would very much like for them to come to my office and stay there during the event to think about this." Starlight requested.

"Of course." Ocellus agreed as the other parents did as well.

As Flurry watched the six leave, being led by headmare Starlight, Flurry felt a little bad for them and maybe she could try getting through again in a softer way. So after a few minutes, Flurry decided to go see them, but not before getting some treats to share and carrying them on a plate with her magic, after making sure no one saw her go, she entered the school, trotting through the halls to come to the headmare's office, its doors towering over the little alicorn filly as she knocked on the door with her hoof.

"Come in." Starlight called as Flurry then opened the door. "Flurry, what are you doing here?" Starlight wondered as the six students with Starlight turned to see her.

"I just thought that since these six couldn't be with everycreature out there, I could bring them some treats." Flurry explained. "Also since I'm here, you can go back to the party."

"Well, I guess since you're here, these six can't leave anytime without somecreature noticing." Starlight thinking about it. "Alright, but you have to stay here."

"Will do auntie." Flurry nodding her head in understanding as Starlight trotted out of her office, Flurry closing the door for Starlight as she turned her attention to the six.

"What is little pink pony doing here?" Khan asked.

"Yeah, didn't you cause enough trouble for me?" Smoky shot at Flurry.

"Look, I think we all got off on the wrong hoof and I think we can all try to get along with each other and try to form some connections." Flurry suggested.

"Well, it's not like we can do much else..." Abby sighed as she hated being coped up in the headmare's office.

"Good, how about we start with names, my name is Flurry Heart..." Flurry started.

Back to the present...

"Funny that's how we first got to know each other..." Feather chuckled awkwardly.

"Yeah, but looking back, I'm glad that was the first time." Teresa added.

"Life's certainly has been interesting for the seven of us." Flurry sighed as she looked at the school. "Sometimes I wish I could have been attending this school with you all, instead of learning how to become a princess one day..."

As soon as Flurry said that, a magical popping sound could be heard behind the seven and a familiar voice greet them...

"Which you should be one right now..." Starlight's voice sounded as Flurry and friends turned to see the headmare having popped right behind them.

Missing Princess Part 4

"Auntie Starlight, how did you know we were here?" Flurry asked slowly as she prepared herself for any sort of reprimands from the headmare.

"I saw you seven hanging out in the front of the school from my office, should have picked a better place where there are no windows from which you could be seen." Starlight advised. "Anyway, isn't today your coronation day Flurry, you're not running away are you?" Starlight asked with an eye raised.

Flurry knew she couldn't hide the truth from Starlight, after all she wasn't only the old guidance counselor for the School of Friendship, but she was one of Flurry's honorary aunties and to be honest, not including her real Auntie Twily, Auntie Starlight was Flurry's most favorite, she felt comfortable going to Starlight for advice or just another pony to talk to besides her own family. So Starlight pretty much knew how her "niece" was feeling.

"I'm sorry Auntie, I just wanted to spend some alone time with my friends, you know before I have to spend all my time being the next crystal princess and possibly never getting the chance to see my friends again." Flurry sighed. "I know it's my duty and obligation to be the next princess, but sometimes I wish I could just not be one, so I can focus on my friendship."

Starlight knew how Flurry was feeling, in fact she felt the same way when Twilight and her friends took over for Celesita and Luna and Twilight left her in charge of the school. Starlight had a feeling that since her friends were all now in Canterlot, she would never get a chance to see them again, but they always found time to come back to Ponyville and visit and Starlight made sure to visit Canterlot when she could. Even thought friends may become more busier, that doesn't mean they would never see each other again.

"Look Flurry, I understand, but there's no reason to fear that, I am still very good friends with your Auntie Twily and her friends and we still see each other and have good times and there's no reason to think that since you're now an official princess that your friends will stop being your friends." Starlight pointed out.

"You really think so Auntie?" Flurry asked.

"I know so." Starlight smiled as she brought Flurry's head up with her hoof. "Now, you better hurry back to the Crystal Empire before you seven start an international incident." Starlight half joked as Flurry blushed.

"Right, everyone hold onto each other." Flurry told her six friends as they all held onto their hooves, claws, or feet as Flurry lit up her horn as she teleported them all back to the Crystal Empire...

Back at the Crystal Empire...

"Your majesties, we searched the whole Empire, the princess and her friends all nowhere to be seen." A royal guard reported to Flurry's parents and her auntie.

"Captain Sword Tip." Twilight called over the captain of the Canterlot guards, who escorted the princess from Canterlot to the Empire and is also the father of Blooming Rose.

"Yes princess." A red unicorn stallion who was wearing the captain's armor saluted.

"Please have some guards to go back to Canterlot and have my friends organize a search for the missing princess and her friends." Twilight ordered.

"Right away princess." The captain saluted once more before going to deliver the order.

While that was happening, Cadance was speaking to the visiting royal leaders, showing her clear apologizes for this.

"I'm very sorry that your kids have gone with my daughter and are missing, I promise we'll find them as fast as possible." Cadance reassured them.

"You better, my son needs to have some punishment for making me worry about him." Smolder snorted.

"What Dragon Lord Smolder is saying is that we're thankful for your concern princess." Ocellus giving her friend a "Seriously" look on her face.

"I wonder why Abby would leave like this, it's really not like her..." Sandbar thought as he knew his daughter, unlike most griffons, she actually listened to her fathers and rarely, got into trouble.

"Well she's growing up, she's becoming a more independent griffon." Gallus reminded his husband. "So lets not be too hard on her when she comes back."

"Yeah Feather's like that too, he's always gentle and listens to me, but I knew he would very much grow up, just like how I did with my parents." Silverstream, who was next to the couple, agreed with Gallus.

"Yona just know that she just wants Khan to return safely." Yona sighed.

"And Khan has, mother yak." Khan's voice sounded as everycreature present turned their heads to see the seven friends have returned and were all fine.

"Flurry?" Twilight said as she trotted up to her niece. "Where did you go, why did you run off with your friends without telling us?"

"Yes, I think we all would like to know what the seven of you were up to." Gallus agreed.

And Flurry took a deep breath as she explained what happened...

"It started when my friends came to see me while I was getting the finishing touches for the coronation ready." Flurry began. "We talked for a bit before we decided we all wanted to spend a few moments alone together, before I became an official princess, so I decided that we should all go see the School of Friendship, the place where our friendship started. I never met to run away, I just wanted to have a chance to enjoy being with my friends before..."

"Before what sweetie?" Shining Armor asked, curious to know what his daughter was feeling.

"Before I might never see them again, I'm just afraid that with me being the newest crystal princess, I would be too busy to see and spend time with my friends again..." Flurry sighed before brightening up. "But it was Auntie Starlight who reassured me that even thought I would become a princess, it doesn't mean the end of the friendships I made with these six throughout the years growing up."

"That's right sweetie, I'm sorry if your father and I put a lot of emphasis on you being the next princess, but I promise you'll still have time for your friends no matter what." Cadance confirming her daughter's statement.

"And I'm glad that you made such friends Flurry and your bond with them is strong, reminds me of my friends and I." Twilight proud that her niece has grown this much to think of her friends before anycreature else. "And I'm glad your Auntie Starlight was the one to reassure you, I have to make sure to thank her later."

Meanwhile Flurry's friends were talking to their parents...

"Sorry mom that I left the Empire without your permission." Teresa genuinely apologized to Ocellus, which the elder female was rather surprised by.

"Yeah, we never meant to make you all worried, we just wanted to spend some alone time with our friend." Abby added, apologizing to her dads.

All the friends' parents were going to punish their kids, but now, mostly, they knew they were sorry and nothing bad happened to them, so could they really be mad and upset?

"Well, you all are back and have apologized, so I guess we can let you all off easy this time." Silverstream speaking up.

"Wait what?" Smolder not completely agreeing. "Of course we can punish them, I'm very..." Smolder went on until she felt something step hard on her bottom claws, Smolder seeing that it was Yona, who was shaking her head, "No" at the dragon. "Fine, but you're still getting a talking to when we get home Smoky."

"Yes mom..." Smoky sighed.

"Well now that my daughter is back, we better not keep the coronation waiting." Cadance addressed everycreature.

So after once again Flurry was put into the ceremonial dress, heavy and uncomfortable it was, but willing to bear with it now that she had her friends by her side, Flurry, coming out from the room from which her preparations were made, she trotted to the palace balcony, slowly but surely so as not to trip as she saw her family, royal leaders, and most of all her friends there to witness and event. Flurry smiled at each of her friends as they smiled back. As Flurry came, Cadance started the ceremony.

"Attention everypony." Cadance spoke loudly from the balcony using a voice enhancing voice to make sure everypony could hear. "Today we celebrate an important milestone, not just for the Crystal Empire, but also for my daughter, Flurry Heart, for today she has matured into a young mare who's ready for the next step in her life, to become the next Crystal princess and take her rightful place besides myself and her father, I now present to you your newest princess." Cadance called as Flurry stepped up, now looking out on the thousands of crystal ponies crowding the streets, it was all so daunting and nerve wracking, but Flurry imagined that it was just her friends celebrating her becoming a new princess.

After doing her mother's breathing technique, calming herself down, Flurry knew it was now her turn to say a few words before receiving her crown.

"Hello everypony, you know I never imagined that this day would eventually come to me, it seems like just yesterday I was an innocent little filly playing with dolls and having imaginary tea parties, but here I am now, 18 years old and ready for the next steps in my life. It is an honor and privilege to be your princess and to serve the Crystal Empire to the best of my ability and represent what the Crystal Empire is." Flurry started as she took another deep breath. "However I never would have the courage to do so if it wasn't for my six friends who I grew up with, they come not only from Equestria, but the lands beyond and each of them has taught me about the different cultures and customs I have to face in the future and if there are any challenges ahead, I know I can count on them to help me." Flurry finished speaking as her father, who was in his guard armor for the occasion, stepped up to give his daughter her new crown.

"I now present your newest Crystal princess, my daughter Flurry Heart." Shining Armor said out loud as Flurry took a bow, her head lowered as her father gently placed the crystal made crown on top of her daughter's head.

As the crown was now on top of Flurry's head, she raised her head while now her father bowed to his daughter and in turn everyone else did as Flurry looked out to the Crystal Empire, watching as all the Crystal ponies bowed. As everyone bowed the Crystal Heart glowed, spinning as all the love from the Crystal ponies powered it up before the Crystal Heart's power shot its way up the palace and exited through the spire at the top, creating a rainbow light show which lit up the sky.

Flurry looked up towards the sky, enjoying the rainbow lights as she then turned around, only to be met by her friends rushing to give her a big hug, being impatient to do so.

"Congratulations Flurry, you deserve that crown." Abby said happily.

"Yeah and thanks for mentioning us, you really didn't have to." Teresa added.

"Well, you six are a big part of me and I can't imagine my life without you." Flurry smiled as she felt comfort in the big hug her friends were giving her.

"You know, this feels kinda of like an ending..." Rose sighed, a bit sad as well as Flurry cheered up Rose.

"Yes, it is, but it's also a beginning for all of us."

Hard to Confess Part 2

It was early in the morning in Ponyville as Feather Tang was sleeping peacefully on his bed in his hotel room and even with the sun rising above and the light coming through the window, he refused to wake up. It was only when he heard a knocking on his door that he snapped his eyes open. However still he didn't get up, not wanting to get out from his comfortable place.

"Feather, you awake yet?" A familiar's friend voice called as Feather didn't answer.

"Coming Flurry!" Feather called loud enough for his alicorn friend to hear as he sighed, lifting off the covers of his temporary bed in Ponyville as he then got out of bed, stretching out his legs and wings before going to the door. "Something wrong Flurry? Couldn't this wait until later?"

"Well your mom and you are leaving by the end of the day and Rose and I will be going back to our homes as well, so I thought that we all could enjoy some lunch together at the Cafe Hay, to catch up on things just between us three." Flurry answered.

"Sure I guess, it'll be nice to have some alone time with you two." Feather smiled weakly, still tired. "Now, can I get some more sleep?"

"Sure." Flurry chuckled. "Just make sure you're not late and like my Auntie Rarity would say, do try to look presentable." Flurry advised as she then left, leaving her hippogriff friend slightly confused with that last comment.

"Why would she say that..." Feather thought. "She never said anything like that before..." However Feather decided to not think too much into it and went back to his hotel bed, to enjoy what remaining sleep there was to enjoy until he had to get up fully for the rest of the day.

As lunch time came around, Feather prepared, making sure his feathers were not messy as he gave himself a quick wash in the pond in front of the School of Friendship before heading to the cafe to meet his two friends. As the cafe came into view, he saw Rose at a table, waiting for her friends, looking up every once in awhile to check if her friends were coming. And she saw Feather as she waved at him, however Flurry was not there...

"Suddenly I got a funny feeling about this..." Feather said to himself as he slowly walked to the cafe, entering it as he then took the seat from across Rose, Rose smiling at him as he nervously smiled back.

"You look good Feather." Rose commented.

"Thanks, you too..." Feather slowly spoke as he breathed out slowly, feeling his heart beat a little faster. "So, is Flurry in the mare's room or something?"

"No, she hasn't come yet, maybe she's discussing things with my brother for relations between Ponyville and the Crystal Empire, she is a princess after all and can get pretty busy last minute." Rose thought.

"Right..." Feather replied as he wished Flurry would come so he wouldn't be alone with the girl he very much liked as a waiter came with a small piece of rolled up parchment.

"Excuse me, are you Feather Tang?" The waiter asked.

"Yes, I am..." Feather answered.

"Princess Flurry Heart has left this note for you." The waiter replied as he held out the rolled parchement.

"Thank you..." Feather said to the waiter as he left, Feather unrolling the note as he read it.

"Feather,

I'm sorry to have to do this to you, but I tricked you into being alone with Rose to get you to confess your feelings. I hope you'll forgive me for this, but I know you can do it, just talk to her nice and calmly, ease into it and you'll find the right things to say. You'll feel much better when you do and if I know Rose, she'll be very happy and accept the new relationship between you two.

From Flurry."

"So what does the note say?" Rose asked.

"Turns out you were right, she had some last minute things to discuss with the mayor of this town." Feather lied as he rolled the note back up and put it on the table. "So I guess it's just us two." Feather nervously chuckled a little.

"Well, I guess that's fine, come to think of it... I don't think there was ever a time when we were alone without any of our other friends." Rose thought.

"Yeah, funny how that turns out..." Feather mentally telling himself to calm down and relax as the waiter once again returned.

"Do you both know what you want?" The waiter asked.

"Oh sorry..." Rose apologized as she forgot that she should eat lunch. "How about we share a plate of some hay spaghetti Feather?" Rose suggested.

"Sure, whatever you want." Feather agreed as the waiter took note and once again left.

"So, how are things on Mt. Aris and Sequestria?" Rose asked Feather, starting up a conversation.

"Good!" Feather answered right away with haste, but cleared his throat as he lowered his tone. "My mother and my Auntie Skystar have been running things quite smoothly, although my mom's having some problems with the relationship between our animals on Harmonizing Heights and the flock of Cockatrices living there now, it's lucky my mom has Edith by her side to help her out at least. Makes me wonder how I will be able to step up to my mom's position when I have to take her place."

"I'm sure you'll make a great prince for both Mt. Aris and Sequestria." Rose smiled as she held out a hoof and took one of Feather's claws to help reassure him.

"Thanks Rose..." Feather blushed lightly." You always know what to say... So what about you? Is everything going alright for your future flower shop?"

"Well, so far it's mostly alright, have to take a lot of things into consideration, lots of bits to spend on the endeavor, but with my family's support it will become a reality." Rose answered. "In fact I already have the perfect motto for the shop."

"Really, what is it?" Feather curious.

"Well, since most of my friends are not ponies, I can't very well have my shop be restrained to just ponies, so it's going to be... "Open to everycreature!", because I want to make sure visitors to Canterlot know that they're welcome." Rose announced. "What do you think? Too bland, too speciest?"

"No, I think it's perfect and I'm sure all our friends, including me, will be there to support the official opening." Feather quickly said so as not to make Rose feel bad, as it was now Rose's turn to blush.

"Thanks, I really do hope my shop's a success." Rose replied as the waiter came back with a plate heaped high with fresh hay spaghetti for the two friends.

"Enjoy your meal." The waiter told the two after he placed their food on the table in the middle before leaving.

"Oh boy, I'm starving now looking at this." Rose commented as she went froward and took a full muzzle bite of spaghetti, enjoying the hay noodles for a minute with her eyes closed before she opened them to find Feather staring at her. "What?"

"Nothing..." Feather replied back as he found himself blushing again, ashamed that he was caught staring or Rose thought that he didn't like the way she was eating. "Lets just enjoy our lunch." Feather taking his own bite.

The two continued to eat their meal, sharing the plate of hay noodles, silent until the two each took a rather long piece of noodle, chewing at it, but needing to go more and more froward until...

"Oh no..." Feather mentally said to himself in his head as he opened his eyes to find that his beak was touching Rose's muzzle.

Rose was rather embarrassed as well as she herself was blushing, it was fortunate for her that she had red fur, so it wasn't easily noticeable. The two just as quickly broke the accidental kiss as whatever noodle was left fell down onto the plate.

"Well..." Rose not knowing what to say at the moment.

"That was something..." Feather feeling like he was going to faint and well he thought it would be rather stupid, but best to get it over with, he couldn't take it anymore...

"You know what I feel full now, so lets just pay for the meal and how about we go back to our families..." Rose suggested as she was starting to get off of her stool she was currently on at the table.

"Wait Rose, I need to tell you something, something I been waiting for years to say." Feather said as Rose stopped. "Listen, ever since we first met at our first day at the School of Friendship, I have been having these funny feelings around you, but I could never admit them because I was just so nervous and afraid of how you might react. To be honest, I even felt you might not want to be friends anymore."

"Feather, of course I will always be your friend, no matter what, same goes for the rest of our friends, you can tell me anything you want." Rose replied, reassuring Feather that she would not think differently.

"Okay... The truth is, Rose..." Feather took a deep breath, swallowing the lump in his throat before revealing the truth. "I really like you, like more than just a friend."

"Oh..." Rose very shocked as now her blush was a little more visible.

"I knew it, you don't feel the same way I understand, I'll just be going..." Feather now being the one to get up as now Rose stopped him.

"No Feather, it's alright, I'm just surprised, can I ask why?" Rose a bit flattered that a boy had these kinds of feelings for her.

"Well, you're smart, shy, but also fun to be around, you like flowers and animals, and well... I know some other boys may say this, but you're the prettiest girl I ever met..." Feather confessed as suddenly he felt a lot better finally being able to let his feelings out, Flurry was right.

"Thank you Feather..." Rose blushed. "And can I tell you... I feel the same way about you." Rose revealed, now her blushing fully visible.

"Thank you Rose." Feather smiled. "Now, how about we finish up our meal and then head on down to the lake for some alone time?"

"I would like that." Rose smiled back as nearby, hiding behind some blushes was Flurry, who was watching the whole thing go down.

"See Feather, I knew you could do it." Flurry proud that her plan worked and she had her mother's traits in her. "And I hope you two enjoy your life together whatever your future brings."

Family Difficulties Part 1

Flurry Heart was currently in the library in the Crystal Palace, laying down on a soft rug, reading about the tales of her Auntie Twily and her friends, which she always loved and never got bored of. She was in fact reading about the tale of her Aunties Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie going to Griffonstone and having a little adventure there. She was so occupied with reading, that at first she didn't notice the crystal guardpony trotting up to her and then stopping in front of her, until he cleared his throat to get Flurry's attention.

"Excuse me princess." The crystal guard spoke as Flurry was surprised, dropping the book from its upright position as it landed on the rug with a soft thud, Flurry clearing her own throat as she got up from her comfortable, laid down position, to stand tall on her hooves.

"Yes, what is it?" Flurry asked as she blushed being caught in such a relaxing position.

"The ambassador from Griffonstone is here to speak to well your parents, but since they're not here..." The guardpony not sure what to say.

"Okay, please tell her I'll see her in a few minutes, in the throne room." Flurry told the guard, who bowed before leaving to tell the ambassador while Flurry made sure her mane was clean and putting on her crown and hoof shoes which she took off in order to relax more. "Well, I knew being a princess now meant issues will come up." Flurry said to herself as she exited the library and went to the throne room.

Yes, Flurry was left alone to take care of the Crystal Empire for a few days while her parents had to attend an important meeting in Saddle Arabia. And since there was barely anything to take care of, no trouble or issues currently needing her attention, Flurry basically had the Palace to herself, free to do whatever she wanted. Well at least until now, but Flurry wasn't complaining, she knew she was a princess now and couldn't let anyone down. So as Flurry opened the throne room doors, she was greeted by the sight of a young adult female griffon, waiting very patiently for her.

"Your highness." The griffon ambassador bowed as Flurry trotted up.

"Oh please, no need for that." Flurry casually replied. "I'm very sorry to keep you waiting and that my parents aren't here, Miss..." Flurry trying to remember the ambassador's name, as she knew she heard it before.

"Oh, Gabriella, but I very much prefer Gabby." The griffon ambassador replied.

"Right, I remember now!" Flurry's memory finally kicking in. "Now what is it I can help you with?"

"Well, you see princess, I was sent by King Gallus to find out if he could have some help from the Crystal Empire." Gabby informed Flurry.

"What is it?" Flurry a bit worried. "Is Griffonstone under some kind of threat?"

"Oh no." Gabby replied. "You see ever since King Gallus was placed on the throne, he has been working hard to rebuild Griffonstone and bring it back to when it was a great kingdom, but it has taken a lot of bits to pay for building up the kingdom and we're running low and the construction has really just began. The King's advisers asked him to seek out help, but the king has refused for quite a bit, he didn't want to feel like he was just taking wealth away from others. Finally he decided to send me here to request any kind of help your Empire can offer and he's willing to exchange anything for what little help you can spare."

Flurry was rather touched by what the griffon ambassador just told her. She knew from meeting King Gallus, who was formerly one of her Auntie Twily's students at the School of Friendship, from the few times she did meet him, that he was a very kind-hearted griffon, who unlike most other griffons, treated others with respect and kindness. And that's part of the reason why he was chosen to become the new ruler of Griffonstone. Flurry knew that there was no time to waste so she made a quick decision in her head before speaking to Gabby.

"Thank you for coming all the way here to tell me this Gabby." Flurry placed a hoof on the ambassador. "Please tell King Gallus that I will come to Griffonstone within a day or two to talk to him myself, at least start relations between the two kingdoms." Flurry told Gabby as the two guards, who were standing by the throne room's entrance looked at each other with concern.

"Thank you princess, I'm sure the king will be most happy to hear this." Gabby smiled.

"You're welcome, safe travels back to Griffonstone." Flurry told Gabby as Flurry opened the throne room door for the ambassador and closed it as one of the two guards spoke to her.

"Princess, are you sure it's a good idea for you to leave alone without your parents' permission?" The guard addressing his concern.

"My parents left me in charge for the time being and I am old enough and a princess to make my own decisions regarding politics." Flurry laying down her hoof. "The griffon king needs our help as soon as possible, it can't wait for later, now make some preparations, including a gift to give..."

So the rest of the day was spent packing up for the trip to Griffonstone, Flurry making sure there would be no issues while she was away, making sure that the guards would inform her parents of her trip should they come back before she did. As the next day arrived, Flurry was all ready and with a company of some guards, boarded the Friendship Express for Griffonstone. It took almost all day long to reach the far off kingdom, which involved the train going over mountains and rivers as Flurry enjoyed looking over the scenic sights from the train car window.

It was nearly the end of the day by the time the train arrived at the Griffonstone train station. slowing down to a stop at the isolated station at the foot of a huge mountain range, which Flurry and her company needed to hike up in order to reach the kingdom. After a trek through the mountains, the group arrived at the kingdom, which...

...Was rather more built up and looked more beautiful and inviting to anycreature who would visit, many structures currently under construction as griffon workers hammered wooden boards together or laid down bricks. Flurry remembered the tale of her Aunties Rainbow and Pinkie going to Griffonstone for a map quest and back than Griffonstone... Well as her Auntie Pinkie put it... "A dump".

"Wow, King Gallus has really been putting some effort." Flurry smiled as she and her company looked for where the king lived and as she walked through the kingdom, griffons seemed a lot more nicer and welcoming, from little to old, they bowed or waved to the visiting princess, and when Flurry couldn't find the king's home, she came to the closet griffon to ask. "Excuse me, but where does King Gallus live?"

"Over there, your highness." The griffon pointed out the king's home politely, showing the princess the rather modest home the king lived with his family.

"Thank you." Flurry told the griffon as he went on his business, but not before bowing once to Flurry.

As Flurry approached the front door, there were a couple of griffon guards standing at attention, who spoke to Flurry as she got closer.

"Princess Flurry Heart." One of the guards addressed. "Welcome to Griffonstone, the king has been expecting you."

"Yes, I know, is he inside?" Flurry asked.

"Yes, although I have to ask that your guards remain out here." The second one replied.

"Princess, I have to insist that we go inside as well, I know the griffons are friendly now, but we have to keep an eye on you." The leader of Flurry's guard escort, a sergeant, reminded the princess.

"Now sergeant, we have to respect the griffons' wishes, and the king's daughter is also my friend." Flurry reminding the guardpony. "I will be fine, stay here."

"As you wish princess..." The sergeant giving up as Flurry was granted access inside, being led by one of the two guards.

"This way your highness." The griffon guard told Flurry as the guard led Flurry inside the house to the king's room, Gallus currently at his work desk, looking over some papers. "Your majesty, Princess Flurry Heart has arrived from the Crystal Empire." The guard announced as Gallus looked up from his papers.

"Oh!" Gallus surprised. "Please come in princess." Gallus said to Flurry, before turning to the guard. "Thank you, now please leave the princess and I to conduct our business."

"Yes, your majesty." The griffon guard bowed before returning to his post as Gallus got up from his seat to greet the royal visitor.

"I was expecting you to come when Ambassador Gabriella told me." Gallus smiled. "I was quite surprised when she told me you were coming personally."

"Well, it's quite enjoyable and relaxing to travel and I can't ignore a plea for help, in fact I am quite impressed by the work you put into making Griffonstone a true kingdom, your majesty." Flurry praising Gallus.

"Well, I just ordered things to be done, I don't deserve all the credit." Gallus blushed as a familiar griffon entered the room from behind Flurry.

"Flurry!" The griffon shouted as she hugged the princess.

"Nice to see you too Abby." Flurry chuckled as she hugged back before Gallus cleared his throat to get his daughter's attention.

"Oh, sorry dad." Abby apologized.

"It's alright sweetie, in fact I think we can talk about relations tomorrow, the princess must be tired from her journey and in need of some rest and food, plus from what I can see, I think you two want to catch up on things." Gallus revealing part of Flurry's reasons for coming.

As Gallus called over the servants, who attended to the princess, showing her a comfortable guest room, Flurry got to meet Gallus' husband, Sandbar, who was with the couple's other child, a greenish pony who looked a lot like Sandbar, only his mane was more neatly kept.

"Your highness." Sandbar greeted the princess.

"Sandbar, right?" Flurry needing a quick reminder.

"Yes, may I introduce my son, Sandbar Junior." Sandbar looking to the shorter pony besides him.

"Princess..." Sandbar Junior greeted, in well... Not so much a happy tone.

Flurry was a little confused as she looked to Abby, who was glaring at his adoptive brother for being a little rude... Clearly Abby's brother had some problems with the visiting princess...

Family Difficulties Part 2

"What's wrong with your brother?" Flurry asked Abby as the two girls were now alone in Flurry's guest room after the servants got all of her things in the room and did some final cleaning.

"It's a long story..." Abby sighed. "And I'm not sure if you would like to hear it."

"Abby, we're friends, you can tell me anything and I am a princess, it's my job to help others if I can." Flurry reminded the female griffon.

"Well, I was told by Sandbar daddy that when he and Gallus daddy adopted me and Junior, it was because Sandbar daddy wanted Gallus daddy to have some enjoyment by having a family, so he wouldn't be stressed all the time." Abby started. "And Gallus daddy is a good dad, but..."

"But..." Flurry taking note of her friends's pause.

"Well he doesn't spend too much time with us, not that I blame Gallus daddy, I know he's busy, taking care of Griffonstone is a huge responsibility and he still loves us, but my brother doesn't feel like he's loved by Gallus daddy." Abby revealed. "Sandbar daddy has been the one who's the more attentive and taking care of me and my brother, but that's the reason why my brother doesn't take too kindly to royalty, because he feels like Gallus daddy likes hanging out with them more than he does us, even thought that's not true."

"So why doesn't Sandbar tell your brother?" Flurry asked.

"Oh, Sandbar daddy does, but my brother doesn't believe it." Abby answered. "And I love my brother, but I can't convince him that Gallus daddy loves us just as much as he loves Griffonstone." Abby sighed as she was currently sitting on Flurry's guest bed, getting off as she made her way to the door. "Well, I should let you sleep, see you in the morning?"

"You bet, my visit's just began." Flurry smiled as the two friends said their "goodnights" before Abby left, closing the door behind her as Flurry yawned and settling herself down on the comfortable guest bed, slept.

Morning came as Flurry was greeted by the morning sun shining above the mountains, the light going over her face as Flurry rubbed her eyes with her hooves. Stretching herself first, she then jumped out of bed, going to the mirror in the room, brushing her messy bed mane, to look presentable before she would start the day of relations talk and catching up with Abby...

"And also to see if I can do something about Abby's brother..." Flurry said quietly as she thought of the things she was going to do today as she then heard a knock on her door. "Coming!" Flurry called as she quickly brushed out any hairs sticking out before going to see who was at the door. "Oh, your majesty, good morning." Flurry said surprised as it was King Gallus who was here.

"And good morning to you too princess, when you're ready, breakfast is almost done and I would like you to join me and my family." Gallus cheerfully informed Flurry.

"Well thank you your majesty, I will be there very shortly." Flurry smiled as she thought about maybe asking Gallus about his take on the issue of his son, but she decided it was best to wait for that.

"Excellent, I'll leave you to it." Gallus bowed as he then left to go to the dining room.

After Flurry finished freshening up and putting on her royal attire, the crown and hoof shoes, she went to join Gallus and the rest of his family in the dining room, where on the table was a nicely made breakfast, while not as colorful or abundant as the breakfasts Flurry was used to, living in the Crystal Empire, it was still very tasty looking for griffon standards.

"I hope it's enough, I know you may be more used to where you live." Gallus informed Flurry as she came.

"It's perfectly fine, your majesty, your hospitality is much appreciated." Flurry politely replied as she took a seat next to Abby and began helping herself, but glancing occasionally at Sandbar Junior, occasionally because Junior was glancing as well at the royal visitor, or well what he considered an "unwelcome" guest.

"So, my guards told me that you brought over a small gift of crystals with you." Gallus striking up a conversation.

"Oh yes." Flurry being distracted as she redirected her attention to the griffon king. "I wanted to at least give you something small to continue the work here until the two kingdoms can reach a deal and we can help finish the work."

"That's all nice and is a kind gesture princess, but I really can't accept it and plus I don't want to get you in trouble with your parents." Gallus addressing his concerns.

"It's no trouble at all your majesty, I'm happy to help and I'm sure my parents will agree with my decision." Flurry insisting on the gift staying with the king as Gallus was about to speak, but Sandbar stopped him.

"I think we better accept it my sweet Griffon, no use arguing with a princess." Sandbar speaking up, with Gallus blushing a little bit due to being called "Sweet Griffon", both Abby and Flurry sharing chuckles with each other as Gallus returned to his professional state.

"Well, I guess since you brought it all the way here, I can't ask you to take it back." Gallus changing his mind as he attempted to get rid of the redness on his cheeks. "Now, after breakfast, we can discuss how much we exactly need to finish construction here and compensation for the Crystal Empire's troubles."

"Yeah and than you wouldn't show up until dinner time..." Sandbar Junior spoke softly as he took a bite of food, the table going a little quiet as Junior's dads looked at him.

"I'm sorry son, but you know how much work I have to do for Griffonstone and bring it back into the larger world." Gallus replied.

"Yeah, you been saying that for so many years, but look where we are, dad, we're still in the same position and it's going to be like that forever." Junior spoke up a bit louder.

"Junior, don't talk like that to your father, he's trying hard here." Sandbar trying to calm his son.

"Oh please... He might fool Abby, but I know he just wants to spend all his time with the other royals, never making time for his own family, I wish you two never did adopt me in the first place, I wouldn't be stuck here..." Junior admitted as that really stuck Gallus hard, that he was speechless, luckily Sandbar wasn't having it.

"That's it Junior, your breakfast is over, go to your room until you cool down." Sandbar speaking harshly to his son as Junior got off his chair and trotted to his room, once gone, Sandbar apologized to Flurry. "I'm very sorry princess, I don't know what's wrong with him." Sandbar feeling embarrassed.

"It's okay, I'm sure he just needs some time, sometimes I got mad at my parents when I was younger." Flurry replied.

After the family, minus Junior, and Flurry finished eating, Flurry waiting for Gallus, talking to Abby, Gallus and Sandbar were together by the dining table, discussing what to do.

"Am I a bad father Sandbar?" Gallus asked his husband.

"No, you're not, Junior just needs some time to understand how much you do, just focus on doing your royal duty until dinner time and I'll talk to Junior in the meantime." Sandbar giving his husband a kiss on the beak. "I love you." Sandbar said after he gave his kiss and touched foreheads with Gallus, the two blushing while Abby and Flurry were watching.

After their moment, Gallus broke his loving embrace with his husband before going to lead Flurry and discuss the finer details of relations between the Crystal Empire and Griffonstone, but not before saying goodbye to his adoptive daughter, who still loved her father.

"I'll see you at dinner sweetie." Gallus giving Abby a kiss on the cheek.

"Take your time daddy, I'll still be here." Abby smiling to cheer up her griffon father up a little.

"Don't worry Abby, I'll try not to take too long." Flurry added.

As Gallus led Flurry on a walk around Griffonstone, showing the princess how much work was done and still has yet to be done, at the same time, discussing costs and necessary building material equipment, Flurry noticed the sad tone in the griffon king's voice. He clearly had his son on his mind as Gallus tried his hardest to focus on his role, but it was difficult, not that Flurry blamed Gallus for his lack of focus, she knew it was difficult to balance leading a nation and raising a family at the same time, her parents went through a similar thing with her while growing up.

As dinner time came around, the two royals returned to Gallus' home, as dinner was laid out and Sandbar and Abby were there to greet Gallus back, but Junior was nowhere to be seen. With few words, the four ate their fill, and then went to go get some sleep, Gallus and Sandbar going to their bedroom as Abby was about to go to her's, but found Flurry going towards her brother's room.

"Flurry, what are you doing?" Abby asked.

"I got to talk to him Abby, try to get through to your brother as best I can." Flurry replied as she knocked on the door with a hoof, to try to mend the relationship between father and son.

Family Difficulties Part 3

"If it's you sis, I rather be alone right..." Sandbar Junior began, but stopped when he saw it was Flurry Heart. "Oh, it's just you... What do you want, princess..." Junior asked, quite annoyed, while Flurry relaxed, eager to do this as gently as possible.

"Look, I know you have a problem with visiting royalty, but at least let me figure out why you have such a problem." Flurry requested, not in demanding voice. "I promise I'll leave you alone once I'm done."

"Fine, it's not like I have a real choice now, do I?" Junior opened his door wider to let the princess in, to which Flurry began going inside, but stopped when she saw Abby coming to join in.

"No Abby, I got to do this alone." Flurry told her friend as the female griffon sighed and stayed where she was as Flurry than resumed trotting as she closed the door behind her. "You have a nice room." Flurry commented as she looked around Junior's room, which was much different from what she saw during the day touring the kingdom with King Gallus.

"Well, my dads wanted me to feel as comfortable as possible in a land where ponies don't exactly live at." Junior answered as he wanted to get this over with. "Now what is it you want to tell me?"

"Lets go out to the balcony, give us some fresh air." Flurry told Junior as she noticed Junior's room had an outside balcony, going outside, Flurry took in the evening mountain air, which was nice and cool, and plus it had a nice view. "You must be lucky to have such a view."

"Yes, it is nice." Junior agreed. "Now can we get to the real deal here."

"Of course, look I know that your griffon dad seems like he doesn't love and care for you, but he does." Flurry getting to her point.

"How would you know?" Junior not convinced.

"Because I know exactly how you feel, growing up as a young girl to a princess and prince, I sometimes felt ignored and unloved by them, they were very busy with others and I sometimes got mad that they didn't spend time with me." Flurry explaining. "Let me tell you a story..."

About 13 years ago...

Today was an important day in the Crystal Empire as the royal family from Saddle Arabia was coming for a visit and everypony at the crystal palace was very busy preparing everything that the visiting royals would need. Especially busy was Princess Cadance and Prince Shining Armor, who were each doing multiple tasks to ensure their guests had a comfortable stay. Meanwhile, their five year old daughter, Flurry Heart, was rather impatient as she tried getting her parents' attention...

"Hey dad, I'm about to start another tea party in my room and I got one more free seat..." Flurry, holding onto her favorite toy, a stuffed snail she named Whammy, told her father, who was wearing his shiny suit of armor, making sure the crystal guards knew their role.

"Sorry sweetie, daddy's very busy right now, I promise I'll get to it later." Shining Armor not taking his eyes off of his tasks, not even turning to look at his little girl.

"Okay daddy, I'll ask mommy." Little Flurry replied as Shining Armor didn't even reply back as Flurry, a bit sad, trotted to the throne room, where her mother was very busy signing papers and giving nods of "Yes" or "No" to such things like the baked goods or pillows for the guests. "Mommy, I'm about to start a tea party in my room and there's one more seat, dad's busy, but I thought maybe you could come..."

"I'm sorry Flurry, but mommy's extremely busy right now." Cadance answered back as she was currently writing her signature on a document she was holding up with her magic. "I promise I'll come after our guests have finished their visit, in the meantime, your Uncle Sunburst should be coming shortly to watch over you during that time at his house." Cadance informed her daughter before looking up for a second, but not at Flurry, but the two guards at the throne room doors. "Guards, please bring my daughter to her room and make sure she stays there until Sunburst comes."

"Yes princess." One of the guards replied as he and another stepped up and towered over the little alicorn. "Please follow us, your highness." The guard addressed the little alicorn as Flurry had no choice.

Later during the day, Sunburst came to pick up Flurry, as Flurry was a little sad, sitting on a small chair by the small table she used for her tea parties with her stuffed animals, not in the mood to do one today. Sunburst came with a smile as he was happy to see her.

"Hello Flurry, ready to stay over at my house?" Sunburst asked.

"I guess so..." Flurry sighed as she got off her seat, bringing her small saddle bags which contained a few of her stuffed animals and other toys to keep her company during her stay with Sunburst.

As Flurry got to Sunburst's house, Sunburst led her to the room he had just for her, a smaller version of her room back in the palace. Ever since Sunburst was the one who led the official crystalling ceremony for the little alicorn, he became like an uncle to Flurry, although they weren't officially related, Sunburst treated Flurry very much like a niece as well he was also her magic teacher. And Flurry very much loved her "Uncle" Sunburst, as much as the rest of her family and had a great time with him.

"Now, make yourself comfortable and I'll get some dinner ready for us." Sunburst said cheerfully before closing the door, giving Flurry some privacy as he went downstairs to the kitchen.

As the door closed, Flurry sat on the little bed in the room as she looked out the window, to the palace, which was still full of activity. Flurry shed a few tears as she looked away, not wanting to think about how her parents just ignored her.

A little later, Sunburst called Flurry down for dinner, the little alicorn walking down and seeing a modest meal that Sunburst prepared by himself laid out on the kitchen table. Flurry tried to smile as Sunburst got his "niece" a seat for her as he sat down himself. Flurry sat down and began eating, but did so slowly, which Sunburst noticed.

"Everything okay Flurry?" Sunburst asked. "Do you not like the food?"

"Oh no, Uncle Sunburst, I do, it's just I'm a little sad that mom and dad haven't been spending time with me lately." Flurry stated. "I feel like I'm being ignored and they don't love me as much as other parents..."

"Oh Flurry, of course they do, your mom and dad are just struggling still to balance out family and their royal responsibilities, I know they have a very special place in their hearts just for you, I should know, I was there to make your crystalling official, remember?" Sunburst reminding his "niece".

"I guess so, thanks Uncle." Flurry trying her best smile.

"You're welcome Flurry, now lets finish our meal and if you want, I'll read you a bedtime story before you sleep." Sunburst smiled as he went back to eating.

After a couple of days, as the visiting royal family from Saddle Arabia was done and took the train back to their land, Cadance and Shining Armor went straight to Sunburst's house to pick up their daughter.

"Coming!" Sunburst called, hearing the knocking at his door as he opened it to find the two royals. "Hello princess, prince."

"Sunburst." Shining Armor greeted back. "We came to pick up Flurry."

"Did she have fun here?" Cadance added.

"Of course and I'm always glad to have her here." Sunburst replied as Flurry appeared behind her uncle.

"Oh sweetie, there you are." Shining Armor smiled as he spotted his daughter behind the orange colored stallion.

"Hi mom, dad..." Flurry said slowly, her parents noticing her tone.

"Your father and I are sorry about the past few days, we have been very busy, but we have all day tomorrow, just us three as a family." Cadance trying to cheer up the little alicorn.

"And on our way back home, we'll even stop by your favorite ice cream shop here to reward you for your patience with us." Shining Armor putting the final touches.

"Well..." Flurry looking up at her uncle, who smiled. "I guess that will make me happy." Flurry said as she stepped out the door and came to her parents' sides. "I love you mom and dad."

"And we love you too sweetie." Cadance replied as she bent down and gave her daughter a kiss on the cheek.

Back to the Present...

“So you see, even if your dad is busy, you still have other family or friends who you can be with, who love you just as much.” Flurry finished to Junior, who was actually thinking about the story he was told.

“To be honest, I thought since you’re a princess, you would have your parents’ undivided attention, but I guess not.” Junior getting the hint. “I don’t hate my griffon dad, I just wish he would spend a little more time with me, but I think I messed that up.”

“You wouldn’t know unless you try.” Flurry smiled as she trotted back to the room’s door, opening it with her magic. “Come on.”

So Junior joined Flurry as the two walked to Gallus and Sandbar’s bedroom, which was closed as Flurry stayed back and urged Junior on, who went froward and was about to knock on the door, but hesitated. Looking back at the princess, Flurry gave Junior a smile and reassuring nod, so taking a deep breath, Junior knocked on the door. The sound of griffon claws could be heard on the bedroom floor as Gallus’ shadow appeared at the crack between the bottom of the door and the floor, Gallus opening the door to see his son there, he was about to say something, but Junior stopped him.

“Before you say anything dad, I need to tell you something…” Junior taking in another breath as he spoke. “Look, I know I haven’t been the best son in the world and I have been upset at you, but it’s not that I hate you, it’s just that I wish you could spend some more time with me and Abby. I love you dad.”

Flurry could see Gallus shed a tear as he grabbed onto Junior, giving him a tight hug.

“Oh son, I’m very glad you said that.” Gallus said. “I’m sorry that I have been neglecting you mostly, it’s tough to balance out my family and being king, but I guess I didn’t find it yet. Tell you what, as soon as I can have a few days off, we’re going to go on a nice, little vacation, with your other father and Abby of course, I promise.”

“I would like that dad.” Junior smiled as he got more into the hug.

As father and son were hugging it out, Flurry sighed happily, knowing that not only her diplomatic visit to Griffonstone was a success, but she fixed a family problem, what a story she had for her parents when she got back to the Crystal Empire, that is if they were there and not worried or upset that she gone off without their permission.

A "Flurry" Change Part 1

"Wow, this place always looks more beautiful each time we come." Flurry commented as the Friendship Express rolled to a stop at the train station in the Changeling Kingdom.

"It surely is, the Changelings are truly a kingdom now." Cadance added as the train completely stopped and the family got off the train to be greeted by a couple of changelings, a taller, mostly greenish one and a shorter, more darkish, woody green one, the taller one wearing a big smile as Flurry came up and gave him a hug.

"Hey Uncle Thorax, nice to see you." Flurry greeted the tall changeling.

"It's good to see you too kiddo." Thorax hugging back as he lowered his head to meet the young alicorn's. "And you too Cadance and Shining Armor."

"Weird that we can't call you King Thorax anymore..." Cadance replied.

"Well, I never thought of myself as a king." Thorax chuckled as he let go of his hug with Flurry as she went to greet the other changeling.

"And it's good to see you too again Uncle Pharynx." Flurry smiled as the shorter changeling had a pretend, annoyed expression.

"I keep telling you to not call me that kid or else..." Pharynx started, only for Flurry to finish.

"Yes, I know, or else I'll end up in a cocoon..." Flurry chuckled. "But I know you wouldn't ever do that."

"You're good kid." Pharynx laughed softly. "Alright, come here." Pharynx inviting Flurry for a hug and as the two did, Thorax smiled matter of factly at his older brother.

"And I remember a time when you would be disgusted by hugs." Thorax remembering as Pharynx broke the hug.

"Haha, very funny brother, I'm still older than you remember that." Pharynx getting back to his tough tone of voice.

"Well, we shouldn't let the queen wait, she's very anxious to have her royal guests for the next few days." Thorax told the royal family as they began walking from the train station to the main changeling hive in the center of the kingdom.

Ever since Thorax took charge of the changeling hive, he has been slowly bringing the changelings back into the larger world, maintaining relations with the other kingdoms and improving the way the changelings lived, getting them to share love rather than take it. As a result, the plants started growing back, bringing color once more to the land as the changelings became softer and more welcoming. And that only grew stronger when Thorax decided to step down and retire, putting Ocellus, once a student at the School of Friendship in Ponyville, as the new leader of the changelings. During that time, Ocellus, now a queen, expanded the hive, creating new settlements around the main hive to house the expanding population, and, as well as with the help of Princess Twilight, got a Friendship Express line going to the Changeling Kingdom, in order to better connect the kingdom to the larger world. Now the Changeling Kingdom was very much on par with the Crystal Empire in terms of size.

As the changeling brothers led the royal family to the main hive, the changelings who lived outside in the newer settlements, doing things like planting flowers or buying groceries, took a few moments to stop to either wave or bow at the royal visitors in respect as the royal family felt a little embarrassed at all the attention.

"Well at least no changelings are hissing at us anymore." Shining Armor commented.

"Shining honey, don't be rude." Cadance scolded her husband.

"It's okay Cadance, I must admit that I don't blame you, but I promise you that we're all friendly and welcoming now, plus with Pharynx's help, we have some of the best security, our guards have some of the best training." Thorax commented.

"Yeah, it's nice that I been able to help the way I know how." Pharynx smiled as the group soon enough arrived at the main hive's entrance, which had several guards stationed there, who all bowed to the group.

"The queen's waiting in the throne room, your majesties." One of the guards addressed.

"Well, lets not keep her waiting." Cadance replied as the group, minus Pharynx were led inside.

"You're not coming Pharynx?" Thorax asked his brother.

"No, I'm going to double check that the guards know their assignments for the next few days, I'll catch up." Pharynx replied as he began talking to the guards at the entrance.

As the remaining four walked in, the visiting royal family enjoyed the new look of the main hive, looking more like a changeling version of the Canterlot palace. Flurry, especially, was impressed as well she was more looking froward to seeing a changeling she was friends with.

"Sometimes I feel like I am back at Canterlot here now." Cadance commented.

"Yeah, Ocellus has certainly made some great improvements around here, hate to brag, but I knew it was a right decision to put her in charge." Thorax replied as the group soon enough arrived at the throne room doors, a couple of guards posted outside, who bowed.

"Your majesties, the queen and her daughter are happy to see you here." One of the guards spoke.

"Well, wouldn't miss a chance to attend the birthday celebration of one of our greatest allies." Cadance replied, revealing the reason why she and her family were visiting, as the other guard opened the doors.

As the doors opened, the visiting royals could see that the changeling leader herself was rather busy with preparations as she was talking to her advisers, hearing the throne room doors open, the changeling queen looked to see the royal family, Ocellus smiling as she turned back to her advisers.

"We'll pick this up a little later, I have some visitors to attend to." Ocellus told the advisers, who bowed and left as the queen herself trotted up to meet her guests.

"Princesses Cadance and Flurry Heart and Prince Shining Armor, it is very good to see you all here, I'm sorry I wasn't able to meet you at the train station myself." Ocellus apologized.

"It's okay, Thorax here was good enough." Cadance replied.

"Oh yes, you know sometimes I think he still wants to be king..." Ocellus looked at the former leader.

"What can I say?" Thorax shrugged his shoulders. "It's a habit still."

"Well regardless, I hope you find your rooms for your stay comfortable and dinner will be served in a couple of hours." Ocellus began as she turned to a shorter female changeling that was besides her. "And Princess Flurry Heart, I'm sure there's another reason you came along..."

"You don't have to sound so surprised mom." Teresa rolled her eyes as she knew who she was addressing.

"Well, if Princess Cadance and Prince Shining Armor will allow it, I'm sure you two girls would like to catch up on things." Ocellus chuckling.

"That's fine by me, have fun with your friend Flurry." Cadance giving her permission.

"Thanks mom." Flurry thanked her mother as she began trotting away with Teresa, who was flying instead of being on the ground.

The two friends walked through the hallways of the main hive, chatting along themselves as those who lived in the main hive, walking by, bowed in respect, much like those living outside in the newer settlements, and not just to Flurry, but to Teresa as well, which the female changeling was a little annoyed with.

"It's like I can't go anywhere without a changeling bowing to me." Teresa sighed.

"Well, you are the queen's daughter." Flurry pointed out. "You get used to it."

As the two friends made their way to the library in the main hive, an unusually tall female changeling was trotting towards them, with a couple of changeling guards following her, the female wearing a smile as she saw the visiting princess. Flurry smiled back, but Teresa, had a defensive look on her face.

"Why isn't it Flurry Heart..." The tall female spoke lightly. "Excuse me, Princess Flurry Heart." The female correcting herself.

"Hello Chrysalis, I see you're doing well." Flurry replied.

"Indeed I am, I was just coming from the library, getting some reading material." Chrysalis replied.

"Well, don't let me stop you, Teresa and I were in fact going to the library ourselves." Flurry smiled as Chrysalis went on her way, but not before taking a quick bow, the two guards continuing to follow her.

"Even after all this time, I still don't trust her." Teresa commented as she stared harshly at the once evil changeling queen.

"Now, now Teresa, Chrysalis did help put a stop to Grogar and reformed, there's no reason to not trust her anymore." Flurry told her friend as Flurry continued trotting to the library, Teresa staying put where she was for a couple of seconds.

Ever since Grogar was defeated with not just Twilight Sparkle and her friends, but Chrysalis, Tirek, and Cozy Glow, Chrysalis has reformed, changed physically just like the rest of the changelings and over time came to accept her species' new ways and asked to be invited back into the hive. With some hesitation, Thorax decided it was best that old feelings be put away and did allow Chrysalis to come back. However, with the convincing of his brother Pharynx, Thorax decided it was best to always have some eyes on the former queen, to make sure she truly was a changed being. And Ocellus kept that up, not willing to let the guard down and bring any ideas into Chrysalis' head.

Now Chrysalis didn't mind, she knew she was being watched and well she has gotten used to it and most changelings have grown comfortable, with only a few still not believing she truly has changed, Teresa along those few...

"I know you have something planned Chrysalis, and I know it would involve my friend, but trust me, I'm not going to let you hurt Flurry in any way..." Teresa told herself in her head as she went to catch up to Flurry.

A "Flurry" Change Part 2

As night fell and after the visiting royal family had a nice dinner with Queen Ocellus and her family, the guests were off to bed for the night, for the main celebration tomorrow, Cadance and Shining Armor getting one room, while Flurry had her own guest room, which was very nicely prepared for her. As Flurry prepared for bed, taking off her hoof shoes and crown, she heard a knock on her door as the door then opened and one of the two changeling guards who were posted just outside to keep watch, spoke to Flurry.

"Excuse me princess, but your friend has come to see you." The guard informed Flurry as he opened the door wider so the princess can see her visitor.

"Oh, let her in." Flurry smiled, seeing it was Teresa.

As Teresa came in, the guard closed the door to give the two friends some privacy.

"So Teresa, what is it?" Flurry asked.

"I just wanted to say how sorry I am about how I acted, I should be focusing on my friend, rather than my worries about Chrysalis, you're right, she's reformed now and isn't up to something." Teresa admitted.

"Thanks Teresa, I forgive you and understand your worries, but I am an alicorn and have a lot of magical knowledge, it would take a lot to bring me down." Flurry calming Teresa's nerves.

"Yeah, I shouldn't worry, well I should let you go to sleep, big day tomorrow." Teresa replied. "But first, a goodnight hug?"

"Not exactly like you Teresa, but sure, you are one of my good friends." Flurry smiled as the two then shared a hug.

Only things went bad...

Flurry felt something wrap around her body, as she found she couldn't move, opening her eyes, since her eyes were closed while hugging, she found that she was being wrapped in a cocoon, she tried to scream out for help, but found she couldn't as there was something covering her muzzle. And what was worse... The Changeling in front of her wasn't Teresa, but an entirely different one, one Flurry didn't recognize at all as the changeling had a rather evil expression. Flurry tried her best to scream out to the guards just outside her room and it was enough that the guards were alerted to the noise the princess was making.

"Princess, are you and your friend alright?" One of the guards spoke through the door.

"We're alright, just hugging here!" The changeling, who still used Teresa's voice, replied, and unfortunately the guards believed it. "With you as a hostage dear princess, we can demand that Chrysalis once again takes her rightful place on the throne..." The changeling spoke very softly as the changeling used his magic to completely cover up the princess in the cocoon and send her to who knows where...

The Next Morning...

"I hope Flurry doesn't think I'm a bad friend..." The real Teresa thought as she just woke up and was on her way to the dining room for breakfast, she was deep in thought when she bumped into someone else... "Oh Flurry, I'm so sorry, I was just thinking!"

Little did Teresa know that "Flurry" wasn't exactly her, the evil changeling having taken the princess' form, after subduing Flurry last night.

"Yeah, you should watch where you're going..." "Flurry" replied, the response making Teresa raise an eye.

"So, I just wanted to say how sorry I am for how I acted yesterday, I'm just worried about you." Teresa apologizing.

"Huh?" "Flurry" confused as "she" got up, back on her hooves. "Oh, well whatever, it happened." "Flurry" replying as she was walking to the dining room.

"What's gotten into her?" Teresa very confused as she knew Flurry would not act in this way, unless... "That's not Flurry..." Teresa coming to the most logical conclusion as she got up herself and returned to walking to the dining room, where her family, plus the visiting royal family, as well as Thorax and Pharynx were there.

"There you are honey, I was thinking you were still asleep and I would have to send some guards to get you." Ocellus teased her daughter as Teresa sat down, next to "Flurry".

"Sorry mom, I was just deep in thought and Flurry and I bumped into each other." Teresa apologized as she had half her attention at her friend "Flurry".

"Well, now that we're all here, we can begin eating, we have a long day ahead of us, even if I feel like it's not necessary, it is only my birthday after all." Ocellus blushing as she hated to be the center of attention.

"Yes mom..." Teresa replied as she kept watching Flurry, but being careful that "Flurry" didn't notice her.

As those at the table were eating, Pharynx noticed how Teresa was looking at "Flurry" and was rather confused since both girls weren't really talking to each other, so the changeling decided that after breakfast he would talk to Teresa to see what was up. As the families finished eating breakfast and got up to start the day, Teresa stayed, watching "Flurry" go off with "her" parents, as the visiting royals were out of sight, a voice whispered to Teresa.

"Hey Teresa, over here." Teresa hearing Pharynx's voice calling her, Teresa looking to see that the changeling was popping up from behind a door to the kitchen, Teresa walking over the changeling. "What's up with you and your friend, did you two have an argument?"

"Not exactly, but I haven't been really up to my best with my friend..." Teresa started explaining. "However I know that she would have forgiven me very easily, every time so far, but today was different..."

"How so?" Pharynx asked.

"Well..." Teresa hoping Pharynx wouldn't think she was crazy. "I think it's not her, I think a changeling is impersonating her and Chrysalis has something to do with it."

Only Pharynx didn't think she was crazy.

"It's possible..." Pharynx thought. "I may have been the leader of patrols once when Chrysalis was in charge and was one of her most loyal subjects, but I have changed, I know that Chrysalis wasn't leading us well. Only I know that some changelings still refuse to accept Thorax and than Ocellus as their leader, they want Chrysalis to return and claim her throne and now that she's back here, they might try something, whether or not Chrysalis agrees I have no clue. That's why I pushed for Thorax and Ocellus to keep guards watching her all the time, making sure she wasn't up to anything..."

"So what do we do now?" Teresa asked.

"I'll have extra guards as well as myself watching Chrysalis, you stay with your "friend" and keep watch over "her"." Pharynx instructed.

"Got it Pharynx." Teresa nodded her head.

The two parted ways as Teresa went to rejoin the two royal families, Ocellus making sure everything was in order as the visiting royals accompanied the changeling queen, "Flurry" of course along the group as Teresa caught up.

"Honey, where were you?" Ocellus asked as she noticed that her daughter ran to catch up.

"Just needed to wash up after eating, you know." Teresa quickly answered.

"Well, next time make sure you let me know." Ocellus requested as the group returned to to overseeing the decorations, along other things, meanwhile Teresa decided to talk to "Flurry".

"So Flurry, how did you sleep last night, comfortable?" Teresa asked.

"Huh?" "Flurry" replied as she turned to look at the changeling. "Oh yeah, I slept well, the hive's servants did a good job."

"So, did you just go to sleep, or did maybe some changeling visit you before you slept?" Teresa questioned.

"Why would anyone visit me at my room and even if there are, there are guards outside my room, who could just turn away the visitor." "Flurry" answered, Teresa knowing that the real Flurry would not allow someone who wanted to see her go away, knowing that the real Flurry made sure to make time for everyone that she could.

"Well, you are a "princess" after all, everyone loves them." Teresa replied, putting emphasis on the word "princess".

"Right..." "Flurry" replied. "Well, if you don't mind, I don't want to talk anymore, we have more important things to see." "Flurry" explained as she put her neck back a little and trotted slightly faster to keep up with the group.

"Keep trying whoever you are, I know that you're not my friend..." Teresa whispered as she also caught up with the group.

Soon enough the royal families took a lunch break as they returned to the main hive, where "Flurry" decided to excuse herself.

"I'm going back to my room, I think I forgot something." "Flurry" excusing "herself".

"Don't take too long sweetie." Shining Armor told his "Daughter" as "Flurry" smiled and trotted away from the group, back to her guest room, as Teresa watched "Flurry" trot away, she also decided to excuse herself.

"Mom, I'm going with Flurry, make sure she finds what she's looking for." Teresa told her mom.

"Oh okay sweetie, I understand, go ahead." Ocellus allowing her daughter to join her friend.

So Teresa followed "Flurry", making sure she stayed back far enough not to be noticed and had hiding spots in case "Flurry" checked to see if anyone was following her, which did happen several times. Teresa kept on following, noticing that her "friend" wasn't going to her room, but deep down in the main hive, below ground level as Teresa eventually saw "Flurry" stop as her "friend" changed, to reveal a male changeling as he then touched the wall with his hoof, causing the wall to glow and reveal a secret door, which the changeling opened and went inside.

"I knew it!" Teresa said in a loud whisper as she decided to go inside by herself to see what exactly was happening.

Going to the wall and opening the secret door herself, she went inside, to see a dark winding staircase, going even deeper, Teresa lit up her changeling horn, making sure she had a light in order to see where she was going. Even for a tough changeling like Teresa, she did have to admit that it was rather creepy as she went further and further down and well it eventually reached an end as Teresa stopped and spotted the male changeling having joined a group of a few others and what's more...

The real Flurry was inside a cocoon, hanging upside down as Flurry had her eyes closed, clearly unconscious and had no awareness of where she was or what was happening...

A "Flurry" Change Part 3

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