A Second Chance

“So, tell me again what I'm supposed to be doing?” Josh said as he leaned back in a wooden chair, it was late out but Twilight had woken him because she had gotten something important. He felt a hoof pull his chair back down as Twilight levitated a book towards him.

“Princess Celestia has trusted me to figure out Star Swirl the Bearded’s secret unfinished “Masterpiece”, and what better way to teach you more about magic then helping me figure out something by a legend!” Twilight said as she opened the books last page.

“Really, let me have a look.” Josh said grabbing the book, scanning the page he found what he believed to be the unfinished “Masterpiece” as it seemingly ended suddenly. Josh began reading it out, “From one to another, another to one. A mark of one’s destiny singled out alone, fulfilled.” Looking around the room, Josh didn’t notice anything out of the ordinary. Handing the book back to Twilight he sighed, “Unfinished for a reason, I guess, unless you trying it will do any better.” Walking off he thought he noticed something out of the corner of his eye, looking towards the Elements of Harmony that sat in a case. He got closer and inspected the Elements.

“From one to another, another to one.” Twilight began to speak as Josh noticed Twilight’s element glowing.

“What the hell?” Josh quietly mumbled and focused on the element.

“A mark of one’s destiny singled out alone, fulfilled.” Twilight finished as the Element of magic flashed, a small beam like lightning struck the other elements quickly. Unfortunately for Josh, he was close enough for it to strike him as well, staggering back he bumped Twilight and caused her to drop her book. Turning around Twilight looked at a now stunned Josh, “Are you alright?” Twilight asked as Josh took a deep breath.

“I think, best I head to bed now.” Josh began walking towards the stairs he waved at Twilight, “Night Twi.....” Josh paused for a moment, as if he couldn’t remember Twilight’s name.

“Uhhh, Josh?” Twilight walked towards her friend, “Are you okay?”

Josh shook his head and waved her away, “I’m fine Twilight, just a migraine.” He began walking upstairs.

Twilight picked up the book and placed it on a table, she looked towards the stairs as Josh’s footsteps faded. Picking up a nearby book she decided that reading could take her mind off the bit of concern about Josh.

Twilight awoke with a yawn, looking out her window she saw that today was extra beautiful. Getting out of bed she began humming a happy tone, walking through the halls of Golden Oaks she knocked on a door. “Joshua are you awake?” She asked, slowly opening the door. “It’s a nice day out so maybe we could grab some food.” She walked in noticing Joshua was still asleep. Walking towards his bed she lifted his blanket up, “Common, rise and shine!”

Twilight watched as Josh rose from his bed, with a yawn he rubbed his eyes and looked around the room. Looking at Twilight, his eyes went from a squint to opened wide. “Who are you?” He asked as he leaned in closer.

Twilight couldn’t help but laugh, “Nice try, but you're not getting me with that easy of a prank Josh” She said as she smiled.

“Josh? Is that my name?” Josh said as he looked outside, “Can you tell me your name? I’m sure it’s beautiful like you.”

Twilight Blushed a little at this comment, “Alright sweet talker, that’s enough.”

“I’m sorry, should I know you?” Josh asked as he got up, looking in a mirror. Turning to Twilight he said, “Sorry but I don’t really remember much right now.”

Twilight began getting nervous, what had gotten into Josh? Walking up to him she said, “Hello! It’s me, Twilight Sparkle! I let you live here and teach you magic?”

Josh scratched his head, “Sounds familiar but fuzzy at most.” He looked around the room, “Do I live here?”

Twilight couldn’t be bothered answering, she immediately ran to find Spike who was still asleep. “Spike!” She yelled, waking the Dragon who jumped at the noise.

“Twilight what is it?” He asked.

“Did Josh try any memory spells yesterday?” She asked Spike who looked confused.

“Not that I know of.” Spike said as he asked, “Why?”

“Get me any and all the books that could have one.” Twilight asked as she levitated Star Swirl’s book towards her, “Maybe....” She kept the thought to herself as she made her way back towards Josh, who had now made his way to the main room and sat down on the couch.

Turning his head he saw Twilight and smiled, “Hey Twilight.” Josh said as Twilight walked in front and sat next to him.

“Okay, Joshua.” Twilight placed Star Swirl’s book on a coffee table next to her, “While Spike looks for if you just memory wiped yourself, let’s try and see what you remember.”

“Hmm, well when I woke up I could barely remember my name. But after taking a look around this place I think my name is Joshua Hill.” Josh looked around the room, “And I think this place is called Golden Oaks.” Josh stood up and walked over to the window, looking outside. “And I know i’m not from here, but at the same time I don’t know how I got here or who I really am.” Josh squinted as he looked out the window, “And I may be crazy because those clouds are in some sort of pattern.”

“What?” Twilight questioned as she walked outside, and indeed the clouds and weather was all out of whack. Josh followed as she walked towards the middle of town.

“So, is this normal?” Josh asked as he followed Twilight.

Just then, a small thundercloud flew over and dropped water on top of both Joshua and Twilight. Both shook to try and dry themselves before Twilight yelled out, “Rainbow Dash, that’s not funny!” Just then Rarity moved the cloud away.

“Terribly sorry, darling. I’m afraid I’m... I’m not good with the thundery ones.” She said as Twilight looked in shock, while Josh looked in confusion.

“What are you doing?” Twilight asked as she noticed something about Rarity, looking at her flank she noticed that Rarity’s cutie mark had changed from her normal three diamonds to Rainbow Dash’s rainbow thunderbolt. “What happened to your cutie mark?” She asked as Rarity continued moving clouds.

“Whatever do you mean, Twilight? I’m simply doing what I’ve done since the day it first appeared.” Rarity said as she finished moving the clouds, “Does my sky look fabulous or what?”

Multiple Ponies began yelling at Rarity, “Too last season?” She asked as Josh spoke up.

“Wait, Rarity? Don’t you make dresses?” Josh asked as he walked towards Rarity.

“Oh no darling that’s Applejack.” Rarity said as the ponies began walking away from her.

“No, that doesn’t sound right.” Josh said, “I can’t remember exactly but I swear you made me these clothes.”

“Hmm, No I can’t recall.” Rarity said.

Twilight grabbed Josh’s arm, “Come with me, we gotta get Spike and find Rainbow.”

“I still don’t know what you had to wake me up for. I love sleeping in the rain.” Spike said, letting out a yawn.

Twilight turned to him, “It’s not about the weather, Spike. Rarity had Rainbow Dash’s cutie mark and said this was Rainbow Dash’s cottage.” She said as Spike, Josh and herself reached Fluttershy’s cottage. Knocking on the door she was surprised when Rainbow Dash did in fact answer.

“Hey, guys.” Rainbow said rather meekly.

“Rainbow Dash! Why is Rarity doing your job?” Twilight asked as Josh looked past her, hearing the sounds of animals causing a riot.

“What in the world is going on in there?” Josh asked as he walked in to find animals running, fighting and tearing the cottage apart. Josh walked in and looked around, “I feel like I’ve been here before, but I don’t remember you being in charge.” Josh said as he pointed at Rainbow.

“Well Josh I have been doing this since my cutie mark appeared, what you got amnesia or something?” Rainbow jokingly said as she dodge some birds.

“Well yes actually.” Josh said as he walked outside.

“Well what now?” Spike said as he looked at Twilight.

“Okay from what I can tell Josh, Rarity and Rainbow have had some memory spell cast on them, with Rarity swapping marks with Rainbow who swapped with Fluttershy.” Twilight said as she put a hoof to her chin, “We also know that Applejack has taken Rarity’s mark, considering what Rarity told us. Meaning we need to find out what happened to Pinkie and Fluttershy.” Twilight turned to Joshua, “So I think we should split up to figure this out quicker, Joshua can I trust you to go to Sweet Apple Acres? I think that Fluttershy or Pinkie might be there.”

“Sure but, what about you and Spike?” Josh asked, “Also where is Sweet Apple Acres?”

Twilight summoned a map and floated it over to Joshua, “Just follow this map, Spike and I are going to Sugar Cube Corner.”

Waving goodbye, Josh began following the map. Lucky for him, it seemed the Sugar Cube Corner was further away from the cottage then Sweet Apple Acres. As he walked his thoughts wondered, he tried to remember things about himself. He could piece together things like his name, the fact he came from Earth, who Rarity, Twilight and Rainbow Dash are to a limited degree. He soon found himself on a dirt path walking towards what he could make out as a farm, it looked familiar. Just then, a red maned yellow coated filly ran towards him.

“Joshua! Boy am I glad to see you!” Apple Bloom said stopping in front of Josh.

“Uh yeah, glad to see you too.” Josh said, pretending to know who this was. “You seen Pinkie or Fluttershy around here?” He asked.

“Yes and that’s the problem.” Apple Bloom said, “Common follow me.”

Josh began following Apple Bloom, walking down the dirt path he began looking around. He didn’t see anything interesting until he noticed a curtain tree. Stopping in place, his vision tunneled on the tree. Apple Bloom soon took notice.

“Whatcha lookin at?” Apple Bloom said, now turning to look at the tree. “Hmmmm, why does this look familiar?” Apple Bloom thought, quickly a light bulb went off in her head. “I know why it looks familiar!” She yelled out, “This is where you met Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle!”

“I did?” Josh mumbled, quickly the memory flashed in his head. He remembered the three fillies inviting him on a little adventure, and how he went on to meet Twilight, Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash. “I did!” Josh exclaimed, “I remember!” Josh said turning to Apple Bloom and picking her up, “I remember you!” Josh said as he pulled her into a hug.

“Uh, Josh?” Apple Bloom asked, quickly Josh let her down.

“Sorry, long story but let's get back to the “Problem” you told me about.” Josh he said as Apple Bloom nodded, they began running towards Sweet Apple Acres. Reaching the farm Josh noticed a familiar, pink pony attempting to kick a tree hard enough to knock the Apples down. “So that’s the problem, I can see why” Josh said looking at Apple Bloom.

“I don’t know what’s going on, I woke up today and Pinkie was here and not Applejack. When I asked her about it she said this is what she had always done.” Apple Bloom said as Josh approached Pinkie.

“Uh, Pinkie?” Josh walked next to the Pink pony, “You need a hand with that?”

“Knock yourself out, I can’t seem to get these apples down.” Pinkie said as she walked away from the tree.

“Now how should I do this?” Josh wondered, he had seen AJ do this before but should he kick it or punch it? Josh decided to try and kick it since he can normally put more power into a kick. Winding up he swing kicked the tree, he heard the leaf’s ruffle before apples began falling in the buckets. “Huh, a little sting after kicking but I could do this some more.”

Josh helped Pinkie Pie for another 2 hours, but he was no Applejack nor Big Mac. Whom Apple Bloom had managed to drag back to the farm from the market in Ponyville. Josh called it a day and headed home, he needed to tell Twilight about how he regained some memories.

“Twilight!” Josh yelled as he threw open the door, “I remembered something! Like a full and significant event!”

Josh could hardly contain his excitement, however when he saw Twilight looking out her window sadness in her eyes as Spike stood behind her. He quickly realized that this was not the time and approached her, “Twilight?” He asked softly. Taking a seat next to her on her bed, he placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. This finally caught her attention, as she turned around.

“Oh, Josh.” Twilight said, “Sorry I just...” Twilight was shushed by Josh.

“What's wrong?” Josh asked, looking at Twilight.

“Nothing, I'm fine” Twilight said looking back outside.

“Twilight,” Josh said softly but firmly, “I know for a fact that’s a lie.”

Twilight sighed, “It’s just, all my friends have had their destiny changed and your memory wiped and it’s all my fault.”

Josh took his hand off her, “Hey!” Josh said, his voice a bit louder. “This is not your fault, all you did was what you were asked. You are still a kind-hearted mare, and you will fix this. Besides these are your friends, and from what I heard you are some pretty tough cookies.” Josh said as he looked away, “Not to mention you let a complete stranger and in both identity and species stay at your house.”

Twilight got up, “You’re right,” Twilight said as she began walking toward a photo of all her friends. " And they mean more to me than anything!” Twilight began to glow, “My friends...”

“Twilight?” Josh asked.

“I got it! I know what to do!” Twilight said as she floated a box towards her and placed the Elements of Harmony into it. “I may not be able to remind them of who they are, but I can show them what they mean to each other. They’ll find the part of themselves that’s been lost so they can help the friend they care about so much!” She threw the box at Spike who caught it, “Common you two, we got a job to do.”

Making their way outside, They managed to catch Fluttershy about to leave Ponyville. “Fluttershy wait!” Twilight yelled out causing Fluttershy to turn around.

“Oh, hey Twilight.” Fluttershy replied.

“Where are you off to?” Josh asked.

“I’m moving back to Cloudsdale. I don’t know what’s wrong, but I can’t seem to make anypony laugh.” Fluttershy said as she deflated a whoopee cushion in front of the trio.

Twilight looked at Josh and Spike before walking towards Fluttershy, “Before you go, I was wondering if you might be willing to help Rainbow Dash. She’s really struggling with her animals.”

“But...” Fluttershy began twirling her hooves, “I don’t really know anything about animals..., "

“But last I checked you know a lot about Rainbow Dash.” Josh chimed up.

Fluttershy looked down as she began speaking, " I... Know that she’s a true friend,” She looked up, more confident. “And I’ll do anything I can to help her.”

With this, they rushed over to Fluttershy’s cottage, getting near the door they heard a large thud. Opening the door they saw animals rampaging, with Rainbow Dash being tied in a large pot with many animals surrounding her.

“I'm here! Help! I’m trapped!” Rainbow Dash yelled out.

Fluttershy turned to Twilight, “Hurry, Twilight! Can’t you do some sort of spell to get her out?”

Twilight shook her head, “No.” She said, “Fluttershy, you’re the only one who can help! Rainbow Dash needs you!”

Fluttershy gave Twilight a nervous nod, she then walked inside and tried to get the attention of the animals. “Um... Hello? Little... Woodland creatures?” She said catching the attention of some animals, " know that you’re all very upset and feel like giving Rainbow Dash a hard time, but we’d all really appreciate it if you’d calm down and, um, maybe... Rest for a bit?” Soon all the animals surrounded her, getting nervous she looked over and noticed a bowl of salad. Quickly flying over she grabbed it and zoomed back, “look! Here’s some nice, juicy leaves for you to munch on!” She said, placing it down. She then grabbed some assorted nuts and handed them out as well, “And some crunchy, munchy acorns too!” She then approached some of the animals still chattering at Rainbow, “Uh, wouldn’t you like to take a break and have a little snack?” The animals looked at each other and threw down the cutlery they had been using as tiny weapons.

“Phew, she did it.” Josh said, letting out a heavy breath.

“Did you think she couldn’t?” Twilight asked.

“Well no, but this was a bit risky.” Josh replied as Fluttershy was surrounded by the animals.

As a bear picked her up, Fluttershy began to glow. “Goodness, it’s like I can understand them!”

Twilight lifted Fluttershy’s Element out of the box and floated it towards Fluttershy.

Fluttershy floated up into the air, “I feel strange, like... Like this is what I’m meant to do, like this is who I am! My destiny!” The Element floated onto Fluttershy and her memories flashed. Falling onto the ground, she got up in a daze. “Wha... What happened?”

Twilight and Josh walked towards her, Josh looked at her flank and exclaimed. “Look! It worked!”

Twilight also looked and yelled out, “Fluttershy, look! Your cutie mark!” Twilight began jumping around in joy. And as Josh watched, Twilight seemed to start singing.

🎵A true, true friend helps a friend in need. A friend will be there to help them see🎵

Josh bent down towards Spike and asked, “Is she singing?”

“Just roll with it dude,” Spike said.

Fluttershy joined in with Twilight.

🎵A true, true friend helps a friend in need to see the light that shines from a true, true friend🎵

“Um, hello? Friend trapped inside, remember?” Rainbow Dash said, wriggling around in the pot.

“I got this!” Josh said running towards and behind Rainbow, working quickly he untied her.

(Not going to write out the whole song so just listen to it here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tCPxXW_9qI)

Making it back to Golden Oaks everyone headed inside, Twilight grabbed Star Swirls book and readied to finish the spell. However before she could she remembered something.

"What is it Twilight?" Josh asked walking behind her, "You fixed everyone's cutie marks and memories."

Twilight looked at Joshua, "Not everyone's." Twilight walked towards Josh, "This whole time and we forgot about you."

Josh looked confused, "What? But I'm fine."

"So you remember everything?" Twilight asked.

"Well, you see." Joshua rubbed the back of his head looking around, "Maybe not everything."

Twilight put a hoof on his chest, "This whole time, I was so focused on my original friends I forgot about my new friend." She pulled Josh in and hugged him, "And he is a great friend, and someone I without a doubt consider a true friend."

"A....true friend?" Josh said, quickly and just like everyone else his memories flashed. All the times with his friends on Earth and new friends in Equestria. Josh pulled Twilight closer, "Thank you."

letting go of each other, Twilight grabbed Star Swirls book. "Now I can finish this." Twilight began to read and write out her ending to the spell, "From all of us together, together we're friends. With the marks of our destinies made one, there is magic without end!"

Finishing the spell, the Elements began to glow. Then all of the Elements let out a blast and a bubble surrounded Twilight, soon a magical glow flashed and blinded all of them. When they got their vision back, they saw that instead of Twilight there was a pile of ash. Everyone cried out in shock, everyone but Josh who looked with a blank stare.

"No....." Joshua felt his world spiral, he wanted to cry or scream or anything. He just saw someone who moments ago called him a close and true friend and now she was gone, all he could muster out was. "No...."

Rarity was the first to notice Joshua, walking up to him she looked at him concerned. "Darling? Are you alright?"

Joshua looked down, "No...." Joshua felt his knees giving way, he trembled. Just then he noticed something outside the window in the sunset. Running outside he was soon followed by the rest of his friends. They looked up and saw a massive explosion, out of it they saw what looked like Twilight's cutie mark in the sky. It floated down towards them.

"Twilight?" Applejack asked as Twilight stood proud, and extended her wings?

Everyone gasped, Twilight had become an Alicorn! "Wha... I-I've never seen anything like it!" Applejack said as everyone approached Twilight.

"Ha!" Rainbow Dash laughed, "Twilight's got wings! Awesome! A new flying buddy!"

"Why, you've become an Alicorn. I didn't even know that was possible." Rarity said as Pinkie pie hopped towards Twilight.

"Alicorn party!" She yelled.

"Twilight!" Josh yelled out as he ran and scooped Twilight up in a massive hug, "Your okay! I was so worried, when you vanished and I only saw ash I was so devastated. But you're here! You even have a new set of wings." Josh hugged her tightly. He then looked at his other friends who were snickering under their breath, quickly he dropped Twilight and looked towards the sky blushing.

Twilight got up and patted him on the back, "Well, someone certainly cares a whole lot about someone."

"Wow... You look just like a princess!" Fluttershy said as a voice soon responded.

"That's because she is a princess." Everyone looked to see Celestia landing in front of them.

"A princess?" Twilight questioned.

"Since you've come to Ponyville, you've displayed the charity, compassion, devotion, integrity, optimism, and of course, the leadership of a true princess." Celestia said as she put a hoof on Twilight's Shoulder.

"But... does this mean I won't be your student anymore?" Twilight asked looking at Celestia, a hint of sadness in her voice.

"Not in the same way as before. I'll still be here to help and guide you, but we're all your students now, too. You are an inspiration to us all, Twilight." Celestia said as she and everyone else bowed.

"But... what do I do now?" Twilight asked, "Is there a book about being a princess I should read?"

Celestia laughed at this notion, "There will be time for all that later."

"How do I look?" Josh asked as he straightened his hair, he already was in a rush having his suit just been made that morning.

"You like fine darling." Rarity said, "Now hurry up, the coronation is almost starting."

Josh and Rarity rushed quickly to stand beside Fluttershy, Pinkie, Rainbow and Rarity. Josh looked out on the crowd of ponies, he could tell that a lot of eyes were on him. He understood why he was still a mysterious and unknown creature who was now standing next to three and soon to be four princesses. Once Twilight arrived of course.

"We are gathered here today in celebration of a momentous occasion." Celestia began to speak, "My most faithful student, Twilight Sparkle, has done many extraordinary things since she's lived in Ponyville. She even helped reunite me with my sister, Princess Luna." Celestia turned and looked at her sister, giving her a loving smile before continuing. "But today, Twilight Sparkle did something extraordinary. She created new magic, proving without a doubt that she is ready to be crowned Equestria's newest princess. Fillies and gentlecolts, may I present for the very first time, Princess Twilight Sparkle!"

Josh watched as Twilight began walking down the aisle, he could see ponies caring banners with her and royal guard-ponies escorting her. Josh watched as she was crowned princess. He then watched as she was led out to a balcony, ducking behind the door way so he could hear her. He was soon joined by the rest of his friends and they began to listen,

"A little while ago, my teacher and mentor Princess Celestia sent me to live in Ponyville. She sent me to study friendship, which is something I didn't really care much about. But now, on a day like today, I can honestly say." Twilight looked and called her friends out. Josh watched as Rarity, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Applejack and Pinkie Pie walked out. Josh stood back, half out of embarrassment and nerves and half out of the fact that he didn't think she meant him as he wasn't one of the Elements of harmony.

"Eham" Twilight said, pretending to clear her throat and looking at Joshua.

Josh walked outside and Twilight smiled and continued her speech, "Each one of you taught me something about friendship, and for that, I will always be grateful." Twilight turned to face the crowd as the rest of the mane six approached the front of the balcony, Josh decided to walk with them and soon found himself next to Twilight. He looked down on the crowd.

"Today, I consider myself the luckiest pony in Equestria. Thank you, friends. Thank you, everypony!" Twilight finished as the crowd erupted with cheers. Heading back inside, Rainbow nudged Joshua's shoulder.

"Nervous?" She jokingly asked.

"I just don't like big crowds." He said, as Twilight nudged him.

"Remember, you are my friend." She said looking at him, "And next time don't think I'm excluding you for Luna's sake." She said laughing.

"Twilight!" Shining Armour shouted out, "I'm so proud of you!" he said, hugging Twilight.

"Are you crying?" Twilight asked as she looked at her brother.

"Of course not. It's... it's liquid pride. Totally different thing." Shining said as he and Twilight laughed.

Shining Armour then looked at Josh, "You must be the Human Twilight told me about." Shining extended a hoof, "It's nice to meet you, I'm her brother Shining Armour." Joshua shook his hoof, "And this is my lovely wife...."

"Princess Mi Amore Cadenza!" Josh interrupted Shining, bowing in respect. "It is an honor."

"Please just call me Cadence." Princess Cadance said with a chuckle.

"Way to go, Princess!" Applejack said, as the rest of her friends gathered around Twilight.

"Best coronation day ever!" Pinkie Pie said.

"We love you, Twilight." Fluttershy said, as everypony hugged Twilight.

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

"Brings a tear to my eye." Josh jokingly said, before a familiar violet aura pulled him towards the group of mares who embraced him.

"Remember, you're my friend too." Twilight said.

Josh hugged his new friends tight, "So now what?" He asked.