Eric Sparkle and the Locket of Prophecies

Chapters

Chapter 1: The Arrival
Chapter 2: Meeting the Mane 6/Welcome Party
Chapter 3: Adoption/Meeting the Grandparents
Chapter 4: Visiting the Crystal Empire/First Day of School
Chapter 5: Becoming a Crusader
Chapter 6: A Royal Visit/A Day with Rarity
Chapter 7: A Day with Applejack
Chapter 8: Making New Friends
Chapter 9: Nightmare Night
Chapter 10: Rising to Fame
Chapter 11: A Checkup/Equestria’s First Harvest and Hugs Day
Chapter 12: Eric’s First Hearth’s Warming
Chapter 13: Hearts and Hooves Day
Chapter 14: The Talent Show/The Grand Galloping Gala
Chapter 15: Into the Human World
Chapter 16: The Crystalling

Chapter 1: The Arrival

It was the night of August 27th in Seattle, Washington, a boy named Eric lived at the Twin Spruce Orphanage. Eric had black hair and blue-green eyes. He also never knew his parents, since they died of dragon-pox shortly after he was born. Eric was in a closet, hiding from the cruel head caretaker, Maxim Horvath, who took over after the deaths of Ted and Lacey Marks from dragon-pox a year ago. Since then, he’s been the receiving end of Mr. Horvath’s cruelty and abuse, often by leather belt, backhanding, or even the Cruciatus Curse, and he had bruises and healed scars to prove it.

While inside the closet, he found a wand and an invisibility cloak. The wand was made of pine and 11 1/2 inches long, with a thunderbird tail feather core. Eric put the cloak on, exited the closet, and got his favorite stuffed animal, which was an orca whom he named Ariel after his favorite Disney princess and given to him by his mother figure Lacey when he was three. He also got his spell book, then put his backpack on, which had an undetectable extension charm on it. Eric made his escape and left the area. As soon as he got to the docks on his broom, Eric took off the cloak, then curled up and began crying, until a shooting star zoomed by.

“I wish for a loving family,” Eric said still crying.

Once he made his wish, he was magically transported to a new land, it was evening and Eric found himself on the edge of a dark forest, near a small town, full of ponies. He crept into town until he found an alley, unsure of what to do, he tried to stay quiet, but he just kept on crying.

Meanwhile, the Princess of Friendship, Twilight Sparkle was walking back to the Castle of Friendship after picking up some apples from Sweet Apple Acres, suddenly, she heard crying coming from a nearby alley.

”Who could that be? Sounds like somepony is very sad, I better go check it out,” Twilight thought to herself.

So Twilight trotted to the alley and discovered a little boy all curled up and crying, the boy looked up nervously.

“P-please don’t hurt me,” he said sniffling.

“I’m not going to hurt you. I want to help you,” Twilight replied.

He slowly stood up and cautiously approached the purple alicorn.

“Hi, I’m Twilight Sparkle, what’s your name?” she asked.

“M-my name’s Eric, Miss Twilight,” the boy said nervously.

“Nice to meet you, Eric, you don’t have to be formal with me,” Twilight replied.

“Where am I?” Eric asked.

“You’re in Equestria, this town is Ponyville, where are you from?” Twilight said.

“I’m from Washington, in a city called Seattle, it’s part of a land called the United States of America,” Eric replied.

“Interesting, whatcha got there?” Twilight asked.

“It’s my plush orca, her name is Ariel, she was a gift from my late caretaker,” Eric replied.

“You’re bruised and scarred, what happened?” Twilight asked.

“A mean wizard called Maxim Horvath did this to m-me for m-making a mess, even though it was just an accident,” Eric replied.

Twilight noticed that Eric looked starved, so she gave him an apple from her saddlebag, he ate it rather quickly, then thanked her and felt cold and tired as the moon rose.

“You look tired, here, climb on,” Twilight said as she lowered herself.

Twilight carried Eric back to the castle, then levitated him into her bed and pulled the blanket over him and she got Spike into his bedroom, then went to bed herself and wrapped her forelegs around Eric as he slept. He began dreaming about all the good times with Ted and Lacey until he thought of Mr. Horvath. As she slept, Twilight heard Eric crying and whimpering and gently nudged him.

“Eric, what’s wrong?” she asked in a sad tone.

“I was thinking about my caretaker, Ted, and all the good times that I had with him, now he’s gone, and I don’t want to go back to Mr. Horvath,” Eric replied sniffling.

“Shh.. There, there, you’re safe now, and I’ll take you to see Princesses Celestia and Luna tomorrow,” Twilight replied.

Eric looked worried and nervous, unsure if it was good or bad news.

“You don’t need to be afraid of Princess Celestia, she’s nice and so is her sister, Luna, they are the rulers of this land,” Twilight said reassuringly.

“Good night,” she said, then kissed Eric on the forehead.

“Good night, Twilight,” Eric replied wearily.

Immediately, they covered up and went back to sleep within moments. The next morning, Spike was cooking breakfast as usual, scrambled eggs and pancakes. Eric woke up to this pleasant smell and rushed to the kitchen.

“Good morning, Eric,” Twilight said.

“Morning, Twilight, I’m starving,” Eric replied.

Spike served Twilight and Eric their breakfast first, then himself.

“Hi, I’m Spike, and I am a dragon,” he said to Eric.

“H-hi Spike, I’m Eric. I’ve never seen a real live dragon before,” the boy replied.

“How old are you?” Spike asked Eric.

“I am five,” Eric replied.

As soon as the three of them finished eating, Twilight and Spike gave Eric a tour of Ponyville.

“While we’re in town, I want to introduce you to my friends,” said Twilight.

“A-are they nice, like you and Spike?” Eric asked.

“Yes, and I’m sure they’ll love to meet you,” Twilight said reassuringly.

The first stop on the tour was Sugarcube Corner, Twilight, Eric, and Spike met up with Pinkie Pie.

“Hi, Twilight, Hi, Spike, who’s that with you?” the pink pony said.

“Pinkie, this here is Eric, Spike and I are showing him around town,” Twilight replied.

“Hi there,” said Pinkie.

“Uh...hi, Pinkie,” Eric replied.

Pinkie then decided to introduce Eric to the Cake family, who eagerly greeted him. Eric warmed up to them rather quickly as he did with Spike, he then played with the twins, while Twilight went to talk with Pinkie alone.

“Ok, Pinkie, what do you think we should do?” Twilight asked.

“Since Eric is new here, I was thinking about throwing him a welcome party,” said Pinkie.

“You may want to keep it down, I want it to be a surprise for him,” Twilight replied.

After her discussion with Twilight, Pinkie gave Eric a cupcake.

“Thank you, Pinkie,” he said.

“You’re welcome at Sugarcube Corner anytime,” Pinkie replied.

Twilight and Eric continued with the tour, passing the town hall, while Spike bought a bouquet of roses and then met up with Twilight and Eric at the Carousel Boutique. Twilight knocked on the door, just then, Rarity came and opened the door.

“Hello, Twilight, hello, Spike,” she said.

“H-hi, Rarity, I brought you something,” Spike replied while blushing, upon entering the building behind Twilight and Eric, he gave Rarity the roses he bought.

“Thank you, Spike, these roses are lovely,” Rarity said.

“Just like you, Rarity,” Spike complimented.

“Oh, Spikey-wikey, you’re really sweet,” Rarity replied, she then kissed him firmly on the cheek.

Upon gazing at Eric, Rarity immediately beamed and said, "Twilight, he's so precious and adorable!"

“Hey Rarity, there’s somepony I want you to meet. This here is Eric, he’s human, those two legged creatures I told you about from the other world I went to,” Twilight said.

“Hi, Rarity,” said Eric.

“Hello, Eric, darling. Come and let me make you some new clothes,” Rarity replied.

She then took his measurements, then gathered her materials and started working.

“I’ll have these ready for you by tonight,” Rarity said.

“Thanks, Rarity,” Eric replied.

“You’re welcome, darling,” said Rarity.

Eric went to rejoin Twilight and Spike, then they left the boutique.

“Bye, Rarity,” Twilight, Spike, and Eric said in unison.

“Goodbye, Twilight and Eric, and goodbye to you too, Spikey-wikey,” Rarity replied.

Chapter 2: Meeting the Mane 6/Welcome Party

“Twilight, what’s up with Spike?” Eric asked.

“You see, Spike has a crush on Rarity, that’s why he makes googly eyes in her presence and also why he got her those roses,” Twilight explained.

The three of them made their way to Sweet Apple Acres for lunch, there, they met up with Applejack.

“Hi, Applejack,” Twilight said.

“Howdy, Twilight and Spike, who’s the young’un?” Applejack replied.

“This here is Eric,” said Twilight.

“Howdy, Eric, I’m Applejack,” the farm pony said to the boy.

“Uh.. hi, Applejack,” Eric replied.

The two new friends then met up with Rainbow Dash, who also came for lunch.

“Hi, Applejack, who’s the kid?” Rainbow said.

“Rainbow Dash, this here is Eric,” Applejack replied.

“Good to meet you, little buddy,” Rainbow said.

“Uh..same here, Rainbow Dash,” Eric replied.

Shortly before lunch was ready, Applejack introduced Eric to her family.

“Eric, this is here is my Granny Smith, my brother, Big Mac, my little sister, Apple Bloom, and my dog, Winona,” Applejack said.

“Good to meet you all,” said Eric.

“Pleasure to meet you too, young’un,” Granny Smith replied.

“Yep,” Big Mac said as usual.

“Howdy, Eric,” said Apple Bloom.

“That’s a pretty bow you have, and I like your mane,” Eric said to Apple Bloom.

“Thank you, I’m proud of it,” Apple Bloom replied.

Winona came up to Eric, but he hid behind Applejack, shaking in fear.

“Calm down, sugarcube, Winona is a nice, good dog,” Applejack said.

“The thing is, I’m uneasy around dogs,” Eric replied.

“You don’t have to worry about Winona, she’s just being friendly,” Applejack said reassuringly.

Soon, lunch was ready and everypony started eating.

“So, Twilight, where did you find Eric, and where did he come from?” Applejack asked.

“Last night, I found him in an alley, he was bruised, scarred, starved, cold, and very sad, and he came from a place called Washington,” Twilight explained.

“What was he sad about?” Rainbow asked.

“He said something about losing someone close to him and was abused,” Twilight replied.

“That’s just terrible,” Applejack said.

Rainbow Dash saw a note that said ‘I wish I had a mommy and a daddy,’ signed Eric.

“You and Applejack might want to read this note, Twilight,” said Rainbow Dash.

They looked closely at the note and they were somewhat surprised.

“Eric, we read your note, and we wanted to ask, why don’t you have any parents?” Twilight said.

“It’s because they died shortly after I was born, now I have no one to care for me and love me, for a year now, Mr. Horvath was in charge of the orphanage I lived in, called Twin Spruce and he’s only been mean to me,” Eric explained while staring to cry.

He rushed up to Twilight and cried deep into her chest.

“Shhh...it’s alright, sweetie, I’m here for you, we all are,” Twilight said in a motherly tone.

Twilight and Eric gently broke their embrace.

“I know how you feel, sugarcube, I lost my parents too, when I was a filly,” Applejack said.

“You’re lucky to have known your parents, Applejack,” Eric replied sadly.

As soon as lunch was over, Rainbow Dash left the farm.

“Later, little buddy,” she said as she zoomed away.

“Bye, big buddy,” Eric replied.

“Happy trails, y’all,” Applejack said

“See you soon, Applejack,” Eric replied.

After departing from Sweet Apple Acres, Twilight, Spike, and Eric made their way to a cottage near the edge of the Everfree Forest. Once there, Twilight knocked on the door and waited for it to be opened.

“Hi, Twilight, hi, Spike. Who’s that with you? He's so cute!” a yellow pony said as she opened the door.

“Hi, Fluttershy, this is Eric, he’s human,” Twilight replied.

“Hi, Eric. I’m Fluttershy,” said the yellow pegasus.

“It’s good to meet you,” Eric replied.

Meanwhile, at Sugarcube Corner, Pinkie, along with Mr. & Mrs. Cake, were busy making final preparations for the welcome party for Eric. Soon everypony in town got an invitation, especially the mayor, city hall was then full of decorations, including a welcome banner. Everything was in place and the lights were shut off.

Back at the cottage, Twilight had told Fluttershy about how she found Eric, and where he came from.

“Oh, poor little guy,” Fluttershy said.

“He had a terrible flashback last night, and now we need to go see the princesses, they’ll know what to do,” Twilight replied.

“Okay, bye, Twilight,” said Fluttershy.

“See you soon, Fluttershy,” Twilight replied.

As soon as they could, Twilight, Spike and Eric boarded the train bound for Canterlot, with tickets on hoof and claw. Once at the castle, they went to speak with the princesses, and were greeted by the guards, Eric hid behind Twilight’s foreleg, shaking in fear.

“It’s ok, sweetie, the guards are very nice,” Twilight said reassuringly.

“Right, thanks for the reminder,” Eric replied.

“Twilight, I presume you’re here on an urgent matter,” Princess Celestia said.

“I am, Princesses Celestia and Luna, this is Eric, he’s from a land called Washington,” Twilight replied.

“Hello, Eric and welcome to Equestria,” Princess Celestia said.

“Hi, Princess Celestia, hi, Princess Luna, I was told you can help me in my dreams, I had a very terrible one last night,” said Eric.

“Fear not, Eric, for I shall help you sleep well tonight,” Princess Luna replied.

“Thank you, Princess Luna, it was great to meet you too, Princess Celestia,” Eric said.

“The pleasure is all ours, Eric,” Princess Celestia replied.

Upon leaving the castle, Eric waved goodbye to the princesses, they did the same. He, along with Twilight, and Spike headed back to Ponyville, there, they went to the town hall. Eric noticed the lights were out and it was quiet as if it were empty.

“Surprise!” Pinkie shouted as she turned the lights on.

There was a hung-up banner that said ‘Welcome to Equestria’ on it.

“Twilight, is all this for me?” Eric asked.

“Yes, Pinkie wanted to throw you a welcome party, and almost everypony in town is here,” Twilight replied.

“Here are your new clothes, darling, I wanted to give them to you as a welcome gift,” Rarity said.

“Thank you, Rarity,” Eric replied.

“Howdy, Eric,” Apple Bloom said.

“Hi, Apple Bloom,” Eric replied.

She took Eric to meet up with her friends.

“Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, this here is Eric,” said Apple Bloom.

“Hi, Eric,” Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo said in unison.

“It’s good to meet you Scootaloo, you too, Sweetie Belle, I like your mane,” Eric replied.

“Aww, thank you, you’re rather cute,” said Sweetie Belle.

Eric blushed at this, since no one said that to him before. As the three fillies told him about their club and their goal, Twilight was with Rarity and the others.

“So, Twilight, where did you find Eric, and where did he come from?” Rarity asked.

“I found him last night in an alley, he was sad, starving, and cold, he came from a land called Washington, and he told me and the others that he lost his friend, Ted and he doesn’t have any parents. He was also abused by the head caretaker of his old orphanage,” Twilight explained.

“Oh, the poor darling,” Rarity replied.

Author's Note

Good night, I’ll continue working on it tomorrow.

Chapter 3: Adoption/Meeting the Grandparents

“So you three are trying to find your true talents by going out and trying new skills,” Eric said.

“That’s right,” Scootaloo replied.

The four friends went to gorge themselves on the pastries, so too did Twilight and the others. Just then, the mayor was making her announcement.

“Attention, everypony, for those of you who haven’t met him yet, I want to introduce you to our newest resident, Eric,” she said.

“Hi, Eric,” everypony said in unison.

“Hi, everyone, and thank you all for your kind welcome,” Eric replied.

Soon night was falling, and Eric was plenty tired, he came up to Twilight and her friends and thanked them for the party.

“You look tired after all we did today, here climb on,” Twilight said.

She then carried Eric back to the castle and put him in the bed.

“Good night, Eric,” said Twilight as she covered up.

“Good night, Twilight,” Eric replied in a tired tone.

Once asleep, Eric began dreaming about being back in Seattle.

”You’re coming with me, kid,” Mr. Horvath said.

He grabbed him by the arm and took him to the orphanage.

”Let me go!” he shouted.

”Quiet, you little rat,” the man said angrily.

Once at the orphanage, Mr. Horvath grabbed him by the arm and dragged him inside, until a bright blue, magical light was shining.

“Let the boy go!” Princess Luna said in her Royal Canterlot voice.

”Aaahh...who turned on the lights, my ears are hurting,” Mr. Horvath said.

“You shall not haunt Eric again, now leave before I zap you!” Princess Luna shouted.

The headmaster fled the area running in severe shock and fright.

”Never again shall your dreams be haunted again, you can sleep in peace now,” Princess Luna said.

”Thank you, Princess Luna,” Eric replied.

She then went to help other sleeping ponies in their dreams. Eric then opened his eyes and found himself wrapped in Twilight’s forelegs and he now knew for sure that he was safe in her bed, then drifted back asleep. The next morning, Eric woke up to the smell of breakfast cooking.

“Good morning, Eric,” Twilight said.

“Morning, Twilight,” Eric replied.

“How did you sleep last night?” Twilight asked.

“A lot better, thanks to Princess Luna,” Eric replied.

Once again it was eggs and pancakes for breakfast, Eric started eating along with Twilight and Spike. Once they were finished with breakfast, Twilight and Eric went out the door.

“What are we going to do today, Twilight?” Eric asked.

“I’m taking you to Canterlot, and there is something I want to do for you,” Twilight said.

“What do you have in mind?” Eric wondered.

“You’ll find out when we get there, climb on,” Twilight replied.

She lowered herself, Eric climbed on and held on tight, and she flew him to Canterlot. As Twilight flew, Eric hung on for dear life, he was shaking and his eyes were closed until they got to the castle.

“Where are you headed, Twilight?” Eric asked.

“I am going to city hall,” Twilight replied.

“What are you gonna do that for?” Eric asked.

“It’s a surprise, now why don’t you go meet Princess Celestia in the garden, I’ll be back shortly,” Twilight said.

Eric nodded in response, and he went to the garden.

“Hi, Princess Celestia,” said Eric.

“Eric, what brings you here?” the princess asked.

“Twilight has a surprise for me, and it involves city hall,” Eric replied.

“I think I know what she has in mind,” Princess Celestia said.

“What’s that?” Eric asked.

“She wants to adopt you as her son,” Princess Celestia replied.

As they walked through the garden, Princess Celestia explained to Eric about how Twilight became a princess, as he was also amazed by all the pretty plants in the garden.

“It’s beautiful here in the garden, Princess,” Eric said.

“I’m glad you like it, Eric. Since you’re here, I’d like you to meet my pet,” Princess Celestia replied.

Having shown him the garden, Princess Celestia led Eric back inside the castle.

“Eric, this is Philomena, my pet phoenix,” Princess Celestia said.

“What’s a phoenix?” Eric asked.

“Phoenixes are birds with red and yellow feathers, they burst into flame when they molt, and they instantly regrow their feathers,” Princess Celestia explained.

“Hi, Philomena,” Eric said.

The phoenix gave Eric a wave with her wing and flew over to him, then perched on his arm and nuzzled his face.

“She likes you, I think she wants you to pet her,” Princess Celestia replied.

Eric stroked Philomena on her chest and on her head, before she flew back to her perch. As soon as Twilight came back, Eric gave Princess Celestia a goodbye hug.

“Bye, Celestia,” Eric said.

“It was good to see you again, Eric,” Princess Celestia replied as she gave him a wave.

Twilight and Eric walked out of the castle, then she revealed a scroll from her saddlebag.

“What’s on that scroll?” Eric asked.

“It’s an adoption certificate, the reason I brought you here to Canterlot is because I wanted to adopt you, now it’s done and your wish is granted,” Twilight explained as she pulled Eric into an embrace.

“Princess Celestia mentioned this,” Eric replied.

“I love you, my son,” Twilight said.

“I love you too...mommy,” Eric replied.

Once Twilight and Eric gently broke their embrace, she showed him around the city.

“While we’re here, I’d like you to meet my parents,” Twilight said.

“Mommy, can I hold your wing?” Eric asked.

“Sure, sweetie,” Twilight replied.

Soon, Twilight and Eric made their way to her foalhood home, her parents were there.

“Mom, Dad, this is Eric, your new grandson,” Twilight said.

“Hi there, kiddo/Hello, dearie,” said Night Light and Velvet.

“It’s good to meet the both of you,” Eric replied.

They showed him the family photos, he noticed one of Twilight as a filly.

“Is that you, Mommy?” Eric asked.

“Yes, sweetie, when I was your age,” Twilight replied.

Night Light and Velvet showed Eric another photo of filly Twilight along with a certain white unicorn and pink alicorn.

“Grandpa, who are the other ponies in the photo?” Eric asked.

“That’s Cadance and Shining Armor,” Night Light replied.

“Your aunt and uncle,” Twilight said to Eric.

All of a sudden, there was a faint rumbling noise.

“Whoa, my stomach’s talking to me,” Eric said.

“Would you like a fruit salad?” Velvet asked.

“Yes, please,” Eric replied.

Soon, the salad was ready and Velvet passed the bowl to Eric.

“Thanks, Grandma,” he said.

“You’re welcome, dearie,” Velvet replied.

As soon as Eric was finished eating, Night Light and Velvet showed him more family photos, particularly ones of Twilight and Spike when they were little.

“The both of us were very happy when Twilight brought Spike home, we’ve always had a special place in our hearts for him, just as we now have for you,” Night Light said.

“Welcome to the family, Eric,” Velvet replied.

“Thanks, Grandpa, you too, Grandma,” Eric replied.

The four of them got into a group hug.

“It was good to meet you, Eric,” Velvet said as she and Night Light waved goodbye.

“See you soon, Grandma and Grandpa,” Eric replied while waving in response.

Twilight and Eric proceeded to the train station, with tickets in possession, they boarded the train.

“Where are we off to now, Mommy?” Eric asked.

“We’re going to the Crystal Empire, it is past the mountains just north of here,” said Twilight.

Chapter 4: Visiting the Crystal Empire/First Day of School

Once at the Crystal Empire, Twilight and Eric made their way to the palace, meeting up with a familiar yellow pegasus guard.

“Flash, it’s good to see you again,” Twilight said while blushing.

“Same here, Twilight,” Flash replied.

“Flash Sentry, meet my son, Eric,” Twilight said.

He waved at the guard with eagerness.

“Good to meet you,” Flash said to Eric.

“Same here,” Eric replied.

Twilight and Eric proceeded to the throne room, with Flash escorting them, they accidentally bumped into a unicorn stallion. His eyes were dark blue and his coat was bright neon green, his mane and tail were reddish-brown, and his cutie mark was a heart with two crossed swords. He was roughly Twilight's age.

"Hi, Twilight. I’m at your service," the stallion said, "You've always been the most beautiful mare I ever met."

He then kissed her hoof, Twilight blushed and giggled at his flirtatious gesture.

"It's great to see you again, Storm. We've been dating for a year now," Twilight replied.

"Glad you could come to visit, bro, this is Twilight's son, Eric," Flash said to Storm.

"Hi, Storm," Eric said.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, sport," Storm replied.

"How do you know my mommy?" Eric asked.

"I met her in magic school when I was a colt, I've helped her and her friends on numerous occasions, and we hung out at her coronation," Storm explained.

Once in the throne room, they saw off Flash and Storm and met up with Cadance and Shining Armor. The two princesses greeted each other in their usual jingle.

“Cadance and Shining Armor, this is Eric, your new nephew,” Twilight said.

“It’s good to meet you, Eric,” Princess Cadance said.

“Welcome to the Crystal Empire,” Shining Armor added.

“It’s good to meet you too,” Eric replied.

Cadance and Shining Armor gave him a tour of the palace from spire to base.

“Aunt Cadance, what is that thing?” Eric asked.

“That’s the Crystal Heart, it is meant to keep evil away,” Cadance replied.

“It also prevents the empire from becoming a frozen wasteland,” Shining Armor added.

“Uncle Shining, Aunt Cadance, can you please show me around the city?” Eric asked.

“Of course, sweetie,” Cadance replied.

Meanwhile, at the Carousel Boutique, Sweetie Belle was thinking about Eric, she had an enamored look on her face and let out a loving sigh.

“You’re surely in a good mood today, Sweetie Belle,” Rarity said.

“Oh, I was just thinking,” Sweetie Belle replied.

“Is this about Eric?” Rarity asked.

“Yes, he’s really sweet and cute as well,” Sweetie Belle replied.

“It’s pretty obvious that you have a crush on him,” said Rarity.

“No way, he was just being nice,” Sweetie Belle said while blushing.

“Admit it, you got a crush on him, and there’s nothing wrong with that,” Rarity replied.

“Okay, you got me, I want to tell him, but I’m a little nervous, he is new here after all,” Sweetie Belle explained.

“Considering all he’s been through, you should confess next time you see him, it ought to make him feel better,” Rarity said.

“Okay, Rarity, I’ll tell him how I feel,” Sweetie Belle replied.

Back at the Crystal Empire, it was late afternoon, Cadance and Shining Armor led him back to the palace.

“Uncle Shining, why is there a statue of Spike near the palace?” Eric asked.

“He saved the Crystal Empire from the evil King Sombra by bringing the Crystal Heart to the palace and it destroyed him, then again during the Equestria Games,” Shining Armor explained.

“Aunt Cadance, what are the Equestria Games?” Eric asked.

“Every four years, many competitors across Equestria compete in a variety of different sports,” Cadance replied.

“Maybe we could all go see the next Equestria Games as a family,” Eric said.

“We’ll look into it, sweetie,” Cadance replied as she hugged him.

They gently broke their embrace and went to rejoin Twilight.

“It was good to meet you, Uncle Shining and Aunt Cadance,” Eric said.

“It was great to meet you too, little nephew,” Shining Armor replied.

“We look forward to seeing you soon, sweetie,” Cadance added as they both gave him a wave, he waved in response.

Twilight and Eric boarded the train back to Ponyville, with tickets in hand and hoof. After nearly two hours, they reached the station and left the train.

“There’s one last thing I wanted to do for you, Eric,” Twilight said.

“What do you have in mind, mommy?” Eric asked.

“I’m going to enroll you in the school,” Twilight replied.

“I’m kinda nervous, I’m not sure if anyone will like me,” said Eric.

“It’s ok, sweetie. I’m pretty sure everypony at school will want to meet you. Besides, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo will be there, and you should try to make other friends there as well,” Twilight replied.

Once at the schoolhouse, they met up with Cheerilee.

“Hi, Twilight, what can I do for you?” she asked.

“I want to enroll my son, Eric at this school,” Twilight replied.

“Perfect timing, since tomorrow is Monday, it’s good to meet you, Eric,” Cheerilee said.

“Good to meet you too, Miss Cheerilee,” Eric replied.

As soon as Twilight completed the enrollment process, she and Eric were getting tired.

“I look forward to having you in class, see you tomorrow,” Cheerilee said.

“See you tomorrow, Miss Cheerilee,” Eric replied.

Twilight carried Eric back to the castle after a long day out.

“I’m getting hungry, mommy,” Eric said.

“Once we get home, I’ll have Spike cook us some spaghetti and tomato soup,” Twilight replied.

Twenty minutes later, Spike had just finished cooking dinner for the three of them. He, along with Twilight and Eric started eating immediately.

“This is really good. Thanks, mommy,” Eric said.

“You’re welcome, sweetie, I’m glad you like it,” Twilight replied.

As soon as they finished eating, Twilight and Eric got their teeth brushed and he put his PJ’s on. Afterwards, they went into their bed and pulled the blankets over them.

“Good night, Eric,” Twilight said, then kissed him on his head.

“Good night, mommy,” Eric replied.

Twilight wrapped her forelegs around him as usual, then drifted to sleep. The next morning, Twilight woke up and gently nudged her son.

“Morning, mommy,” Eric said as he opened his eyes.

“Good morning, Eric, it’s time for breakfast,” Twilight replied.

As usual, the three of them ate their eggs and pancakes.

“Thanks, Spike,” Eric said.

“You’re welcome,” Spike replied.

Once finished eating, Twilight walked Eric to school, making sure he new the way there. She gave him a lunch consisting of an apple, a box of milk, and honey on crackers, along with a pencil, quill and ink.

“Aren’t you forgetting something?” Twilight asked, Eric gave her a hug and a kiss on her cheek.

“Have a good day at school, sweetie. I’ll pick you up after, so you know the way home,” Twilight said.

“See you later, mommy,” Eric replied.

“Morning, Eric,” Cheerilee said.

“Hi, Miss Cheerilee,” Eric replied.

“Everypony, we have a new student today, this is Princess Twilight’s son, Eric,” said Cheerilee.

“Hi, Eric,” the other students greeted, except for Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon who were shocked to see a creature like him.

“Eric, over here, we saved you a seat,” Apple Bloom said as she and the other two crusaders waved at him.

“Thanks, girls,” Eric replied.

He got in his seat and was all ears for the first lesson. He did not notice that Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon were giving him mean looks. Two hours went by and it was time for lunch and recess.

Chapter 5: Becoming a Crusader

As soon as he finished eating, he heard the voice of a colt calling him.

“It’s good to meet you, Eric. I’m Pipsqueak, you can call me Pip,” the short colt said.

“Good to meet you too, Pip,” Eric replied.

“And I’m Rumble,” said another colt.

“Hi, Rumble,” Eric replied.

He also met Twist, Featherweight, Buttons, Peachy Pie, Sunny Daze, Snips, and Snails. Eric was playing with his new friends, just then, he accidentally bumped into Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon.

“Watch where you’re going, you two-legged freak!” Diamond shouted.

“You made a big mistake,” Silver Spoon added.

“I’m so sorry about that,” Eric replied while whimpering.

“Apologizing isn’t going to help you, freak, stay out of our way or else,” Diamond Tiara said.

The two mean fillies pushed him to the ground.

“If you ever bump into us again, you’re gonna get it, and stay down,” Silver Spoon added.

She then felt a stick hit her head, and Diamond was lifted up in a green aura. It was Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo, they each gave an angry look at the two mean fillies.

“Leave him alone, you two, Eric doesn’t need you picking on him,” Sweetie Belle said.

“You have no idea what he’s been through,” Apple Bloom added.

She put down Diamond away from Eric, who went away with Silver Spoon.

“You alright, Eric?” Sweetie Belle asked as she helped him up.

“I am, thanks to you girls,” Eric replied.

“We’ve got your back,” Scootaloo said.

“Eric, there’s something, I’ve been meaning to tell you,” said Sweetie Belle.

“What do you wish to tell me?” Eric asked.

“I have a crush for you, ever since we met you,” Sweetie Belle said.

“What? I was just being nice,” Eric replied as they embraced.

“Who were those fillies?” Eric asked.

“Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon, you’ll want to keep out of their way,” Scootaloo replied.

Soon recess was over and lessons resumed. As soon as the day’s lessons were finished, Cheerilee made an announcement.

“Before you leave, I want to inform you that the student pony president campaign is in two days,” she said.

“I’m not going to let that two legged freak upstage my campaign,” said Diamond Tiara as she left.

“I agree, he shouldn’t be a part of this whole school election,” Silver Spoon replied.

“He and those blank flanks picked the wrong fillies to mess with,” Diamond Tiara said with a sinister grin.

After the bell rang, the students went their separate ways, Eric was greeted by his mom.

“So how was school?” Twilight asked.

“Mostly good, except for when Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon pushed me down, they kinda remind me of two mean boys that beat me up last Friday,” Eric replied.

“I’m sorry to hear that, if those two fillies give you a hard time, tell Cheerilee,” said Twilight.

She and Eric were unaware that they were being followed. A teenage unicorn and two teenage pegasus colts were bidding their time, keeping their eyes on Eric, hoping for him to wander off on his own. The first was a pale brown unicorn colt with a blonde mane and tail, gray eyes, and a bird-shaped flame for a cutie mark. He second was blue with a dark gray and red streaked mane and a sparking thundercloud cutie mark, and the third was dark gray with a purple mane and a twister for a cutie mark, and both had golden eyes.

“Have you ever seen anything so pathetic?” the lead one said in a Trottingham accent.

“Not really, Hot Shot. He’s such a weirdo,” said the second one in a surfer-like accent.

“Bean-boy is more like it, Skywarp. He’s as puny as a bean,” the third one added in a Manehattan accent.

“Good one, Thundercracker. Soon he will get what’s coming to him, we don't want him interfering with our plans,” Hot Shot said then cackled.

As they followed Twilight and Eric, they were unknowingly being watched by the Cutie Mark Crusaders.

“There’s somthin’ I don’t like about those three colts,” Apple Bloom said.

“You’re telling me, all they seem to do is lurk in the shadows, very suspicious,” Scootaloo replied.

“Yeah, they are also following Eric and said nasty things about him, we need to tell him and Twilight,” Sweetie Belle added.

“Do you remember the way back here?” Twilight asked.

“Yes, mommy,” Eric answered.

“Eric, wait!” three voices shouted in unison.

He turned and noticed it was Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo.

“What is it, girls?” Eric asked.

“We were wondering if you would like to come to our clubhouse and join the Cutie Mark Crusaders,” Apple Bloom said.

“I’d be happy to be in your club,” Eric replied.

“Have fun, sweetie, just be back in time for dinner,” said Twilight.

“Yes, mommy,” Eric replied.

The four friends made their way to the clubhouse at Sweet Apple Acres.

When they got there, the three fillies began reciting the initiation, “We, the Cutie Mark Crusaders, elect Eric Sparkle to join us as a brother, friend, confidante, ally, bossom buddy, boy pal, compadre, chum of chums, homeboy, amigo, and fellow Cutie Mark Crusader. You are solemnly sworn in, here this day, in witness of your fellow sisters, friends, confidantes, bossom buddies, compadres, and allies.”

“Congratulations, you are officially a Cutie Mark Crusader,” Apple Bloom said.

“Thanks, girls,” Eric replied.

“Is something wrong?” he asked.

“While you and your mom were walking back to the castle, we noticed three colts saying mean things about you,” said Sweetie Belle.

“Oh no, first Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon, now these three colts, are out to get me,” Eric said whimpering in fear.

“We’ll walk you home from school starting tomorrow, and if anypony gives you a hard time, we will teach them a lesson,” Scootaloo replied.

“Thank you, girls, you’re the best friends I’ve ever had,” Eric replied.

After a few hours of crusading activities, evening has fallen and the three fillies walked Eric home. The four friends got into a group hug.

“See you tomorrow, Eric,” Apple Bloom said.

Eric went inside the castle and the three fillies went to their homes.

Chapter 6: A Royal Visit/A Day with Rarity

Just three days after his first day of school, Eric, along with the other Cutie Mark Crusaders were now celebrating the success from the day before, especially making peace with Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon. Apple Bloom and the others noticed Eric was just all by himself feeling unsure about his purpose.

“Eric, are you doing ok?” Sweetie Belle asked.

“Yes, it’s great that you got your cutie marks, but I’m unsure what I am meant to to, and it’s also a shame that I can’t get a cutie mark,” Eric said.

“You may not have a cutie mark, but you’re our friend, and you’ll find your purpose,” Scootaloo replied.

Just then, Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon came up to make an apology.

“Eric, we’re really sorry for being mean to you,” Diamond Tiara said.

“Do you forgive us?” Silver Spoon asked.

“I forgive you both,” Eric replied.

“Eric, we almost forgot somethin’,” Apple Bloom said.

“What is it?” Eric asked.

“A cutie mark on a bandana, we made it for you,” Sweetie Belle replied.

“Thanks girls,” Eric said.

The cutie mark on Eric’s bandana was the CMC shield with four-point stars centered on it. The four Cutie Mark Crusaders, along with Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon got into a group hug. Once he got home, he was greeted by his mom, whom he gave a big hug.

“How was school?” Twilight asked.

“A lot better, since Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon are my newest friends, and I got a bandana with a cutie mark on it,” Eric said.

“I’m glad to hear that,” Twilight replied.

“Hi, Eric,” Cadance and Shining Armor said in unison.

“Hi, Uncle Shining, hi, Aunt Cadance, it’s so good to see you,” Eric replied.

“We have great news,” said Shining Armor.

“What is it about?” Eric asked.

“We’re having a baby,” Cadance replied.

“You’re gonna have a cousin,” Twilight added.

Out of excitement, Eric gave his mom, along with his aunt and uncle a big hug.

“We also have a crown for you, made of pure crystal,” Cadance said.

“Thank you, Aunt Cadance,” Eric replied.

Soon it was night, and the five of them, including Shining Armor and Cadance, were having dinner. The next morning after breakfast, there was a knock on the castle door.

“I’ll get it, Twilight,” Spike said.

“Hello, Spike,” said Rarity.

“Hi, Rarity,” Spike replied while blushing.

“Rarity, what a pleasant surprise,” said Twilight.

“I have come because I want to invite Eric with me to the spa,” Rarity replied.

“Eric! Rarity is here if you want to go with her,” Twilight called.

“Sure! I’m on my way, mommy,” Eric replied as soon he had finished his teeth brushing.

“Good morning, Eric,” Rarity greeted.

“Hi, Rarity,” Eric replied as he went up and hugged her.

“Have a good outing, sweetie, be sure you stay with Rarity or the others at all times,” Twilight said.

“Yes, mommy,” Eric replied.

Rarity and Eric were on their way to the spa.

“I’m kinda nervous, I’ve never been to a spa before,” Eric said.

“It’ll be fine, darling, the spa ponies know what they’re doing, and they do a fabulous job,” said Rarity reassuringly.

Once there, they met the Lotus twins, “Welcome, Rarity,” they said in their obvious accent.

“This is Twilight's son, Eric, and we’re here for a massage,” Rarity said.

“Right this way, little prince,” Lotus Blossom replied.

Soon all of Eric’s nervousness had gone as he was enjoying his first massage. Beside him, Rarity was also getting her massage. An hour later, Rarity and Eric walked to the Carousel Boutique.

“This is my cat, Opalescence, or Opal for short,” Rarity said.

She began to purr as she went up to Eric, then he started petting her.

“Your cat is really sweet, Rarity,” he said.

As soon as he was finished with Opal, Eric went to help Rarity with her designs, then she began teaching him how to sew. The hours passed and Eric was ready to eat, he and Rarity went to find somewhere to have lunch. Soon, Rarity and Eric reached her parent's residence.

"I'm getting hungry, Rarity," Eric said.

"We'll have lunch with my parents," Rarity replied.

Once they were entering the house, Eric instinctively got behind Rarity.

“Ah, Rarity, you’re just in time for lunch,” Magnum said.

“Who’s that behind you?” Cookie Crumble asked.

“Mother, Father, this is my friend Twilight’s son, Eric,” Rarity replied.

Just then, Sweetie Belle entered the room, “Hi, Eric,” she said as she gave him a big hug.

“Hi, Sweetie Belle,” Eric replied.

The two friends gently broke their embrace and took their seats. Eric sat between Sweetie Belle and Rarity, and they all started eating. Rarity gave a detailed explanation to her parents about how Eric ended up in Equestria and being found by Twilight. It was already afternoon, Eric and Sweetie Belle finished their salads and then gave each other a goodbye hug. Soon, Rarity and Eric were headed out.

“I’m awfully tired from walking,” Eric said.

“Here, climb on, darling,” Rarity replied as she lowered herself.

She carried him all the way back to the castle. Once there, Eric climbed down and gave her a hug, which she returned.

“Rarity, when you’re not busy, can I come over for more sewing lessons?” he asked.

“Sure you can, darling,” Rarity replied.

As soon as Eric and Rarity saw each other off, he went back inside the castle.

“Eric, how was your outing with Rarity?” Twilight asked.

“After that massage, I feel great, and she’s teaching me how to sew,” said Eric.

“That’s great, sweetie,” Twilight replied.

Eric made his way to the castle library, he grabbed a book from the shelf, it was titled Daring Do and The Quest for the Sapphire Stone.

“This is kinda like Indiana Jones, I ought to read this,” he said to himself.

He went to the room he and his mom shared and started reading. Near the end of the book, he was soon interrupted when Twilight came in.

“Hey, mommy, I didn’t see you enter,” Eric said while trying to read.

“I notice you are reading the first Daring Do book,” Twilight replied.

“It seems very interesting,” said Eric.

“Storm and I are going out for a date tonight, just to give you a heads up,” Twilight said.

“Ok, mommy,” Eric replied.

Shortly after the moon rose, Storm was at the door, wearing a gray suit and Twilight was wearing the dress she wore at Cadance and Shining Armor’s wedding a year ago.

“We’re off now, I’ll be home in two hours, Spike is making spaghetti alongside tomato soup, your favorite,” Twilight said.

“Ok, mommy, that’s a nice dress,” Eric replied.

“Thanks, sweetie,” Twilight cooed as she hugged him.

As soon as dinner was ready, Eric went to join Spike, Cadance and Shining Armor.

“Wow, Spike, you’re a great cook,” Cadance said.

“Yeah, this is really good,” Shining Armor added.

“Aunt Cadance, why does Mommy like Storm Blade?” Eric asked.

“To be honest, I am not sure, you’ll have to ask her,” Cadance replied.

Shortly after dinner was finished, Cadance and Shining Armor were getting their teeth brushed then retired to the guest room. Eric was also getting his teeth brushed and then he put his pajamas on.

“Good night, Uncle Shining, good night, Aunt Cadance,” Eric said.

“Good night, Eric,” Cadance replied.

Chapter 7: A Day with Applejack

Meanwhile, in town, Storm was walking Twilight back to the castle.

“So what do you want to do for our next date?” Storm said.

“I was thinking we could go to a Wonderbolts air show, my friend, Rainbow Dash is a reservist,” Twilight replied.

“That’ll be great, see you soon, Twilight,” said Storm, “I love you.”

“I love you too, Stormy,” Twilight replied.

Then they gave each other a goodbye kiss. She entered the castle to find Eric waiting for her.

“Mommy, why do you like Storm Blade?” he asked.

“The truth is, since he and I became friends while in magic school, we helped each other with our studies. We hung out whenever he came to visit me, he lives with Fluttershy in her cottage. As a matter of fact, we confessed our feelings and started dating a year ago,” Twilight explained.

"Why did you blush at Flash when we were at the Crystal Empire?" Eric asked.

"I kinda had a crush on his counterpart who lives in a parallel world similar to the one you were born into," Twilight replied.

“There’s a world just like the one I was born into?” Eric asked again.

Twilight nodded and replied, “Yes, I have been to it twice, there is a magical mirror here in the castle, for it is a portal to that world, my experiences there are also how I know about your kind.”

“What did you do in this other world?” Eric asked.

“The first time I went there, I had to get my crown back, and the second time was to defeat three evil creatures called sirens, they use their voices to make ponies or other creatures turn on each other, the more conflict there is, the more powerful they become,” Twilight explained.

“Are there any more of these sirens in Equestria?” Eric asked.

“I’m pretty sure they’re extinct, which means they no longer exist. That’s enough questions for today, sweetie, it’s time for bed,” said Twilight.

“Yes, mommy,” Eric replied as he yawned.

Twilight gently picked him up in her hooves and flew him to their bedroom. As usual, she covered themselves in the blankets and wrapped her forelegs around Eric.

“Good night, Eric,” Twilight said, then kissed him.

“Good night, mommy,” Eric replied as he fell asleep.

As Eric slept, he held his plush orca, Lacey close to him, the same way Twilight kept him close as always. Next morning after breakfast and brushing their teeth, Twilight dropped Eric off at Sweet Apple Acres.

“Howdy, Eric,” Applejack said.

“Hi, Applejack,” Eric replied.

It was up to Eric to help the Apple family with the day’s chores. He held baskets for catching apples as they fell from the trees as Applejack bucked them, he also helped Apple Bloom feed the rotten apples to the pigs. As the hours went by, Eric helped Applejack and her family with other duties such as feeding the chickens and making applesauce.

He and Applejack formed a bond as they gathered more apples, he was also helpful to Big Mac in tending the field. Soon it was time for a lunch break, Eric has worked up an appetite, he was all ears when Granny Smith told him some stories. For Eric and the Apple family, it was a bonding experience, it was mid afternoon, and it was time to round up the sheep. Marie felt irritated at the manner they were always rounded up.

“Oh, great it’s you again, we would appreciate it if you could be more polite,” she said.

“Marie, this is our friend, Eric Sparkle, he’s helping out today,” Applejack replied.

“Good to meet you, Eric,” said Marie.

“Same here, I haven’t talked to a sheep before,” Eric replied.

“Marie, can you and the others please head back to your pen?” he asked.

“Ok, thanks for asking nicely,” Marie replied as she and the other sheep made their way to the pen.

“Applejack, when you and your family round up the sheep, can you please ask them nicely from now on?” Eric asked.

“Of course we will, sugarcube,” Applejack replied.

He was being watched by Hot Shot, Skywarp, and Thundercracker, they saw an opportunity to pounce. They threw banana peels in Eric’s path, then he slipped and fell face down in the mud. Once he got up, the three colts threw rotten apples at him he took out his wand and yelled, "Stupefy!"

Once Hot Shot was stunned, Eric stunned the other two colts. He ran but tripped on one of the banana peels and fell on his face. Luckily, Applejack went over to help him up. She noticed the mud on his face and wiped it off.

“Thanks, Applejack,” Eric said.

“Come on, sugarcube, let’s get you home,” Applejack replied.

“See you tomorrow, Eric,” Apple Bloom said.

“Bye, Apple Bloom,” Eric replied.

Applejack carried him all the way back to the castle.

“See you later, Eric,” Applejack said.

“Later, Applejack,” Eric replied, as he got off her back.

“Hi, sweetie, how was your day?” Twilight asked.

“Not too good. I ran into three mean colts, but I managed to defend against them,” Eric replied.

“Come on, let’s give you a bath,” Twilight said.

She closed her eyes as he undressed and she put him in the tub. As soon as the water was running, Twilight wet Eric’s hair and shampooed it until it was clean enough.

“Close your eyes, you don’t want to get shampoo in them,” she said.

Eric nodded in reply, since he didn’t want to get any soapy water in his mouth. Twilight also washed of all the rotten apple stuff off of him. Once she levitated Eric out of the tub and drained it, Twilight closed her eyes again and wrapped a towel around him, then used a smaller one to dry his hair. He put on his pajamas and saw off Cadance and Shining Armor as they headed for the next train back to the Crystal Empire. Once dinner was finished, and his teeth brushed, then he and Twilight turned in for the night.

Author's Note

Sorry for the hiatus, I was working on my science fiction novel.

Chapter 8: Making New Friends

The next day after breakfast, Eric put his spell-book and wand in his backpack, alongside his usual lunch, in case of another run-in with Hot Shot, Skywarp, and Thundercracker.

“Have a good day at school, sweetie,” Twilight said as she hugged him, then kissed his head.

“I just hope I get back home without being bullied on the way back, see you later, mommy,” Eric replied.

Once at school, he sat in his usual spot next to his best friends. The first lesson of the day was about the coastal town of Silver Shoals.

Cheerilee saw Eric’s hand raised and said, “Yes, Eric?”

“Is it called Silver Shoals because there were large portions of silver found there?” Eric asked.

“I’m sure that’s part of it,” Cheerilee replied.

Several hours went by and it was the end of class, Cheerilee made an announcement.

She said, “Tomorrow, we are going on a field trip to White Tail Woods, here are your permission forms.”

While on his way home, Eric and his three friends noticed Hot Shot, Skywarp, and Thundercracker headed for him.

“If It isn’t the cheese-headed bean boy,” Hot Shot said.

“That’s Prince bean-boy to you, jerks,” Eric replied.

Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo were shocked to see Eric so courageous. He took out his wand and pointed it at Hot Shot, Skywarp, and Thundercracker.

“Get behind me, girls,” Eric said.

“Stupefy!” he shouted as he stunned his opponent, then he incanted “Expelliarmus!” “Everte Statum!”

Skywarp and Thundercracker were sent crashing into the bushes, then Eric ran straight back to the castle. The three fillies and the towns-ponies were amazed at his magical abilities for they saw the whole thing, he was glowing in a purple aura, much to his surprise. As soon as Eric was back at the castle, he gave Twilight his permission slip for her to sign.

“My class is going on a field trip tomorrow,” Eric said.

“Where to?” Twilight asked.

“Someplace called Whitetail Woods, mommy,” Eric replied.

Shortly after Twilight signed his permission slip, Eric noticed a concerned look on her face.

“Is something wrong, mommy?” he asked.

“I just hope those three colts don’t pick on you like they did yesterday,” Twilight said.

“I may not need to worry anymore, I showed them not to mess with me, with my wand,” Eric replied while showing it to her.

He also showed Twilight his potion and spell books.

“You can use magic?” she asked.

“Yes, there is magic in the world that I came from,” Eric replied.

Afternoon soon became evening and Eric was having his favorite dinner, spaghetti and tomato soup, with his mom and Spike beside him. After dinner, Eric took care of his nightly routine same as always. As usual, Eric was held in the comfort of his mother’s forelegs while they both slept.

The following morning, Eric was eating his usual breakfast, pancakes and scrambled eggs. Soon after he brushed his teeth, Eric put the signed permission slip and spell-book in his backpack along with his usual lunch of an apple and carton of milk, he also had his wand in his pocket.

“Have a good field trip, Eric,” Twilight said.

“See you later, mommy,” Eric replied.

As soon as he got to school, Eric joined his classmates as they set off for Whitetail Woods.

“Alright class, you are to form groups of three or four and report anything of interest to me,” Cheerilee said.

Eric partnered up with Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle. Pipsqueak went with Rumble and Featherweight, while Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon went with Snips and Snails, and of course Twist joined Sunny Daze and Peachy Pie. Over a few hours of searching, Eric, Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom, and Scootaloo were now lost.

“Uggghh, how do we find our way through this place?” Scootaloo grumbled.

“You’re telling me, Scootaloo, this is a lot bigger than Green Lake Park,” Eric added.

All of a sudden, they stumbled off a cliff, it was not that big of a drop.

“Hold on to me, girls,” Eric said then incanted, “Arresto Momentum!”

They had just stopped two feet above the ground, then dropped unharmed.

“How’d ya do that?” Apple Bloom asked.

“I can use magic, remember?” Eric replied showing them his wand, “You saw me defending myself yesterday.”

“So you use a stick to channel your magical ability?” Scootaloo asked.

“It’s not a stick, it is a wand, this is how certain humans like me use magic,” Eric explained.

“Thanks, Eric, you saved us,” Sweetie Belle said then kissed him on his cheek.

He blushed at this, since this was new to him. Suddenly, they saw something moving in their direction.

“Girls, there’s a deer over there,” Eric said.

The four friends stood still as the deer approached them, she was a fawn.

“I’m Holly, what’s your name?” the deer asked.

“Hi, Holly, I’m Eric Sparkle, these are my friends, Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom, and Scootaloo and we are lost,” the boy said.

“Hi, Eric, it’s good to meet all of you, my family and I know these woods inside and out,” Holly replied.

“Have you seen some other ponies around?” Scootaloo asked.

“Not that I know of, but maybe my family did, I’ll help you,” Holly said.

“Thank you, Holly,” Eric replied.

As the five young ones walked through the woods in search of Holly’s family, she took the time to get to know her new friends.

“What kind of animal are you, Eric?” she asked.

“I’m a human, a creature not from Equestria,” Eric replied.

He told Holly the story about how he came to Equestria and meeting his new family and first friends.

“Interesting, so you’re Princess Twilight’s son, correct?” Holly said.

“Yes, how do you know about my mommy and her friends?” Eric asked.

“They met my parents, King Aspen and Queen Willow and my big brother, Prince Bramble, on a friendship mission, that was this past summer,” Holly explained.

Soon, Holly’s family was in sight of Eric and the others, “Mom, Dad, Bramble, these are my new friends, Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, and Eric Sparkle,” Holly said. The four friends bowed in respect to the deer king and queen.

“You may rise, young ones,” King Aspen said, they slowly rose.

“Your highnesses, have you seen any other ponies around here besides my three friends?” Eric asked.

“Yes, we saw them headed for the southeastern edge of the woods, Holly knows the quickest way there,” Queen Willow replied.

As Holly led Eric and the fillies to find the rest of their class, they begun to smell something stinky and heard howling in the distance.

“Yuck, what’s that filthy smell?” Scootaloo asked.

“Was that a wolf?” Eric asked in fear.

“Yes, they’re timber-wolves, made of wood, and that stench is their breath, you can smell it a mile away,” Holly replied.

Suddenly a pack of eight timber-wolves came out of the brush and were about to attack.

“All of you, get behind me,” Eric said.

“What for?” Holly asked.

“I’m about to use my magic, you have to trust me,” Eric replied.

Eric got out his wand, then pointed it at the timber-wolves and incanted, “Confringo!”

Two of them were blasted to splinters, “Expulso!” Eric shouted, “Reducto!” The two remaining timber-wolves fled, then Eric and the fillies led by Holly made their way to their destination. Much to Eric and the fillies’ surprise, Holly was glowing in a yellow aura.

“Miss Cheerilee, everyone, this is my new friend, Holly, she’s a deer,” Eric said.

“Hi, Holly,” said the whole class in unison.

Holly gave them a wave, “I need to get back home, see you soon, Eric,” she said.

“Maybe you can visit me in Ponyville sometime, bye, Holly,” Eric replied, then Holly gave him a wave.

Eric, Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom, and Scootaloo explained the details of their adventure on the way back to Ponyville.

“I’m glad you four are safe,” Cheerilee said.

Soon it was time for all the students to head home, Eric was sure eager to get back home. Having returned to the castle, Twilight noticed Eric was in a good mood.

“So how was your field trip to Whitetail Woods?” she asked.

“I enjoyed it, mommy, I made a new friend, her name is Holly and she is a deer,” Eric said.

“That’s wonderful, sweetie,” Twilight replied.

Soon after dinner was over, Twilight and Eric turned in for the night.

Over the course of one month, Eric had memorable bonding experiences with his friends. He was baking with Pinkie Pie and the Cake family every Friday, sewing with Rarity every Wednesday, helping Applejack and her family on their farm every Sunday, went flying with Rainbow Dash every Thursday, helping Fluttershy with her animal friends and having tea with her and Discord every Tuesday, and playing with his fellow CMCs and Holly every Saturday. He also has been having quality time with his mom and Spike, such as playing hide and seek, playing Ogres and Oubliettes, reading Power Ponies comics, and importantly, magic training every Monday after school, Twilight and Storm were going on more dates, Eric had also introduced Holly to the rest of Twilight’s friends. Twilight herself, was enjoying every second of being a mom.

It was a sunny Saturday morning at 11:00 AM, Eric was anxiously waiting for Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, and Holly.

“Hi, Eric,” the three fillies said in unison.

“Hi, girls,” Eric replied as he gave them a group hug.

Soon Holly came prancing into Ponyville as any deer would.

“Hi, Holly,” Eric said as they came up to each other.

“Hi, Eric,” Holly replied as they were hugging.

They gently broke their embrace and went to go play in the field near the castle with Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo. After thirty minutes, they went to Sugarcube Corner for some cupcakes. Eric had more than enough bits, since he almost always saved a good portion of his allowance, which was ten per week.

“What can we get for all of you?” Mrs. Cake asked.

“We’ll have five cupcakes please, vanilla for me and Apple Bloom, chocolate for Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo, and strawberry for our new friend, Holly,” Eric said.

“You got it, coming up,” Mr. Cake replied.

“Here are your cupcakes, have a good rest of the day, little ones,” said Mrs. Cake.

“Thanks, Mr. and Mrs. Cake,” Eric replied as he paid them.

“These strawberry cupcakes taste great, I love them,” Holly said.

As soon as they finished their cupcakes, the five friends were taking a stroll through town. Soon Twilight came up to them with a invite letter from Canterlot.

“Who is this letter from, mommy?” Eric asked.

“It’s from my parents, they want us to meet them in for lunch, we’re going to Canterlot,” Twilight replied.

“Is it ok if Holly comes too?” Eric asked.

“Sure, sweetie,” Twilight replied, “All of you, gather around, I’m gonna teleport us to Canterlot.”

“See you in a few hours, girls,” Eric said.

The three fillies waved in response, then Eric and Holly did what Twilight said and she teleported them to Canterlot. Once there, they went to her parents’ residence. Twilight knocked on the door three times and the sound of hoof-steps were getting closer, then the door was open.

“Hey, Twilight, I see you got our letter,” said Night Light.

“Indeed, dad, we teleported here,” Twilight said.

“Hi, Eric,” said Velvet.

“Hi, Grandma, Hi, Grandpa,” Eric replied as he hugged them both.

“Good to see you, kiddo,” Night Light said.

“Grandma, Grandpa, this is my new friend, Holly,” Eric said.

“Great to meet you, Holly,” said Velvet.

“Same here,” Holly replied.

The Sparkle family, joined by Holly, went to eat at the Plaza del Comida. When the waiter came, they all placed their orders, Night Light and Velvet ordered a taco salad topped with rice, Holly ordered the same, Twilight and Eric ordered veggie burritos with a bed of rice and two quesadillas, and they all asked for ice water to drink, plus a mango smoothie for Eric. The waiter took the menus and went to serve them once the food was ready, Eric told his grandma and grandpa about his magical talent while waiting.

After forty minutes, the server came to them with their food. The family, plus Holly started eating right away.

“The veggie burritos here are great, same with the quesadillas, how is your salad, Holly?” Eric said.

“It’s really tasty, my family would love these pony foods,” Holly replied.

In the booth seat across from them were Fancy Pants and his wife, Fleur de Lis, and a kirin colt with a tan coat, golden scales, green eyes, red-orange mane and tail tuft.

“Princess Twilight, I haven’t seen you since the summit a while back,” said Fancy Pants.

“My goodness, you’re Eric Sparkle. I’m Nightshade,” the colt said in a Trottingham type accent.

“Hi, Nightshade. How do you know who I am?” Eric asked.

“I’m Fancy Pants, over here is my wife, Fleur de Lis. Your adoption made the headlines last month in the Canterlot Post, good to meet you,” the white unicorn stallion replied.

“Nightshade, this is my friend, Holly,” said Eric.

“Good to meet you, Holly,” Nightshade replied.

“Same here, Nightshade,” said Holly.

As soon as both parties were finished eating, their bills came.

“No need to fret, princess, we’ve got us covered,” said Fancy Pants as he paid the necessary amount of bits.

“Thanks, Fancy Pants,” Twilight said.

“Our pleasure,” Fleur replied.

“Mummy, can we please go to the park?” Nightshade asked.

“Of course, sweetheart. You’re all welcome to go with us,” Fleur replied.

The combined group made it to the very park that Twilight played at when she was a filly.

“Do you want to go play on the swings?” Twilight said.

“Yes please,” Eric replied.

Twilight gently pushed him, then gained momentum as Eric swung at a medium pace. They went to the slide set next, but once up, Eric was reluctant to slide down. This was due to one incident where a mean kid pushed him down and he fell face down back in Seattle last year, he held on to Twilight’s foreleg shaking.

“It’s okay, I’ll slide with you,” Twilight said.

“Thanks, mommy,” Eric replied.

He got in her lap and they slid down. They did so a second time before he was confident enough to slide in his own.

Soon there was a group of three friends. One was a zebra filly with maroon eyes and a lily symbol for a cutie mark. Another was a pale green hippogriff with a medium green beak, claws and back hooves, and a blonde mane and tail, as well as blue eyes. The third was a satyr with a medium gray coat and yet to grow horns, plus brown eyes.

“Hello, I’m Zuni. Me and my family moved here from Jamareca,” the zebra said in a Jamarecan accent.

“Name’s Slapstick,” said the satyr kid.

“I’m Eric Sparkle, and over here are my friends, Holly and Nightshade,” the boy replied.

“Hi, Eric. I’m Marina, good to meet you, Holly and Nightshade,” the hippogriff replied.

“Same here, Marina. You too, Zuni and Slapstick, you’re the second zebra I met,” said Eric.

“In case you’re wondering, I’m a satyr,” Slapstick said.

“And I’m a hippogriff. What kind of creature are you?” Marina asked.

“I’m a human,” Eric replied.

He told his new friends, plus Nightshade about how he came to Equestria and also about what he did since then.

“Amazing,” Zuni replied.

“Way cool,” Slapstick said.

“How fabulous,” Marina added.

“Who are these three, Eric?” Twilight asked.

“Mommy, these are my new friends, Zuni, Slapstick, and Marina,” Eric replied.

“Good to meet you,” Twilight said.

Eric also introduced his new friends to his grandparents. The six friends played for a few hours until it was evening. It was time for Twilight, Eric, and Holly to return to Ponyville.

Twilight said goodbye to her parents, while Eric and Holly went to see off their new friends.

“Bye, Eric,” Velvet said.

“Bye, grandma, bye, grandpa,” Eric replied.

At the Castle of Friendship, Eric had just brushed his teeth and put his pajamas on.

Chapter 9: Nightmare Night

Two days went by and everypony in town was getting ready for Nightmare Night. At the school, it was recess.

“Eric, over here!” Apple Bloom shouted.

Eric went over to his friends, his eyes were fixed on Sweetie Belle, and he suddenly began to understand how she felt about him. He blushed up a storm at the sight of her white, silky coat, her pretty pink and lavender mane and tail, and her green eyes shining like emeralds.

“S-Sweetie Belle, remember when you said that you had a crush on me?” Eric asked.

“Yes,” she replied wondering what he was getting at.

“I.....f-feel the same way about you, you’re really pretty,” Eric said.

He and Sweetie Belle shared a loving embrace. Eric then kissed her cheek, she did the same with him, they stayed like this for five minutes.

After school was out for the day, Eric and the three fillies were at the Carousel Boutique. They were talking about their plans for Nightmare Night.

“What’re you gonna dress up as, Eric?” Apple Bloom asked.

“I’m going as Harry Potter,” Eric replied.

“Who’s that?” Scootaloo asked.

“He’s only the most famous and greatest wizard in my birth world, he fought a monster called a basilisk, hooded creatures called dementors, and defeated an evil wizard known as Lord Voldemort,” Eric explained.

Soon, Rarity came downstairs, as if she was having designer’s block.

“Eric, darling, about the famous wizard you mentioned, Harry Potter, what is his typical attire?” she asked.

“When he went to school at a place called Hogwarts, he wore a black robe with a white shirt under it, and also a red and yellow necktie and scarf, and wears round glasses, as far as I was told,” Eric replied.

“Thank you, Eric, I’ll have your costume ready for tonight,” Rarity said.

“Thanks, Rarity,” Eric replied.

“Welcome,” Rarity added.

Deep in the Crystal Mountains, there was a hidden palace, its wall was twelve hooves high, eight hooves wide, and impervious to magic, protected by a series of magical fans and an army of one million ice ponies. Inside, there lived an alicorn prince, his name was Glacio. His coat was turquoise, his mane and tail were pale blue, his eyes were red, and his cutie mark was a big iceberg with snowflakes. Glacio had a heart and mind as black as night and cold as ice, same with everyone else in his service.

“Frostbite, why haven’t Hot Shot, Skywarp, and Thundercracker reported back yet?” Glacio asked.

“I’m not sure, my lord, maybe they got held up running into some difficulties,” the subordinate pony replied.

Frostbite’s coat was azure, his mane and tail were indigo, his eyes were maroon, and his cutie mark was that of icicles. He was Glacio’s second-in-command.

“Get my crystal orb and summon them immediately!” Glacio said.

“As you wish, my lord,” Frostbite replied.

Hours passed and the three teenage colts entered the palace.

“My lord, we came as soon as requested,” Hot Shot said.

“Do you have anything to report?” Glacio asked.

“The cities of Equestria are thinly defended each by several hundred law officers, Canterlot Castle is protected by one thousand guards, and the Equestrian navy has one hundred thousand sailors and there is something else, too,” Hot Shot replied.

“Very good intel, Frostbite tells me you were sidetracked,” Glacio said.

“That’s just it, we encountered an odd creature that walks on two legs, has clothing, and what look to be claws on it’s front limbs,” Skywarp replied.

“It also carries a magic stick as means of defense, and it blasted us every time we get near it,” Thundercracker added.

“Find out more about this two-legged creature, then break into Canterlot Library and find any information about a certain magic locket,” Glacio said.

“As you wish, master,” Hot Shot replied.

Back in Ponyville, Nightmare Night was in full swing. Eric had put his Harry Potter costume on, the townsponies were also dressed up for the night. Just then, Holly came dressed as a swamp monster, Eric was a bit spooked when he first saw his friend’s costume.

“I didn’t know you were interested in Nightmare Night, Holly,” Eric said.

“When I first heard about it, it sounded like fun, so I thought maybe I would be a part of it this year,” Holly replied.

Soon, Eric’s newest friends came all dressed up. Nightshade was dressed as a waiter, Zuni dressed as a ninja, Marina was a cheerleader, and Slapstick was a clown. They were soon joined by Cheerilee, who was dressed up as a swan.

Just then, three hooded figures came into town, they were making spooky noises, this made Eric and his friends nervous.

“Revelio,” Eric said.

The cloaks came off, revealing three familiar teenage colts.

“You three again, who are you?” Eric asked.

“I am Hot Shot, and this is Skywarp and Thundercracker, and we were ordered to deal with you since we first saw you, rump-head,” the leader said.

“My name is Eric Sparkle, and I’m not scared of you anymore, I thought my magic would make you think twice about messing with me,” the boy replied.

“You and what army?” Hot Shot asked.

“We’re his army,” Nightshade said.

“Expelliarmus!” Eric shouted.

Hot Shot was sent flying backwards into a wall.

“Don’t just stand there, get him!” Hot Shot said as he got up.

As the three colts came toward Eric, his friends came to his aid. Nightshade blasted Skywarp and sent him flying into a wall. Zuni wrestled with Thundercracker and blasted him into that same wall.

Just then, Pip, Rumble, and Featherweight tried to step in, but the three were quickly blasted by Hot Shot into an alley, he had tied Rumble and Featherweight up in conjured-up rope, then socked him in the face and stomped on his foreleg, breaking it. He began to cry over his injuries. Just as Hot Shot was about to knock him out, he was blasted by Nightshade, who was now glowing in a blue aura, he then carried Pip back to the others, and also freed Featherweight and Rumble.

Cheerilee gasped in horror as they saw Pip’s face with a black eye and a bloody nose. He tried to get up, but he was limping and fell down. Marina came to assist him, she was glowing in a white aura.

“Pip, are you ok?” Cheerilee asked in a sad tone.

“No, I’m not. My leg is broken,” Pip said.

“I’ll take you to back to your parents,” Cheerilee replied.

She then went to her Pip’s place, while Eric and his friends went to collect some more candy. An hour passed and they went to the maze at Sweet Apple Acres. Eric and his friends were nervous upon entry into the maze.

As they walked along, Eric and his friends stepped on something crunchy.

“Lumos,” Eric said.

They screamed at the sight of what looked to be bones. Zuni picked one up, tasted it and then spat it out.

“These are just sticks, made to look like bones,” Zuni said as they moved along, “I promise you that nothing is as it seems, just stay calm and keep going.”

Just then, Zuni was glowing in an orange aura. The others looked on in amazement. Eric lit up his wand once more, revealing fake eyeballs hanging down, Slapstick couldn’t help but laugh at the dangling eye balls.

“What’s so funny?” Eric asked.

“Those dangling eyeballs, it’s just like Zuni said, they’re fake, they just ‘look’ funny, get it, look, cause you see with eyes,” Slapstick said.

“We get it,” Zuni replied.

“You sure know how to make one laugh, Slapstick,” Eric added.

As they were all laughing, Slapstick was glowing in a pink aura.

“Look at me, I’m glowing,” Slapstick said.

“There’s some kind of magic going on here, we need to find my mommy, and tell her about this,” Eric added.

They kept going until they bumped into Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo.

“Eric, Holly, you’re here,” Scootaloo said.

“Pretty costume, Sweetie Belle,” said Eric.

“Thank you, Eric,” Sweetie Belle replied.

“These are my new friends, Nightshade, Zuni, Marina, and Slapstick,” Eric said, “Everyone, this is Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom, and Scootaloo.”

“Good to meet y’all,” Apple Bloom replied.

They soon got out of the maze and looked to see Twilight, Storm (who was dressed as Starswirl the Bearded), and their friends.

“Mommy!” Eric shouted as he went up to her.

“Eric, I never thought I’d find you here, sweetie,” Twilight replied.

“Mommy, I have something important to tell you,” Eric said.

“What is it, Eric?” Twilight asked.

“Me and my friends were glowing, I did when I defended myself from the mean colts; Hot Shot, Skywarp, and Thundercracker, Holly was glowing after she guided me out of Whitetail Woods. Nightshade glowed when he saved Pip, Rumble, and Featherweight from being hurt by Hot Shot, Marina glowed when she helped him walk after Hot Shot broke his leg, finally Zuni was glowing when she told us that everything in he maze was fake, and finally, Slapstick glowed when he laughed about the fake eyeballs, it must be a sign,” Eric explained.

“It is, you and your friends represent the Elements of Harmony, Holly possesses kindness, Slapstick possesses laughter, Nightshade possesses loyalty, Zuni possesses honesty, Marina possesses generosity, and you possess the element of magic,” Twilight explained.

As they went back to the castle, she told him and his friends about the Elements of Harmony.

A few minutes later, Twilight led Eric into his new room, then Spike came in with all his stuff. Twilight then tucked him in and gave him his orca plushie, Ariel.

“Thanks, mommy,” Eric said.

“You’re welcome, sweetie,” Twilight replied, “If you need me, my bedroom isn’t too far away.”

“Good night, sweetheart. I love you,” Twilight said before giving him a good night kiss. She then turned on his new night light, which was shaped like a sunflower.

“Good night, mommy. I love you too,” Eric replied drowsily as he fell asleep.

Twilight left for her room and left the door open in case something was wrong.

Author's Note

This chapter takes place during the episode 'Scare Master'

I finally introduced the main antagonist.

It’s pronounced ‘Glay-see-o.’

Chapter 10: Rising to Fame

It was November in Equestria, the first weekend of the month. Since Nightmare Night, Eric’s new friends; Nightshade, Zuni, Marina, and Slapstick, came to visit, per their parents’ approval. Holly also came to visit as usual. Storm Blade also moved in with Twilight. Spike and Eric were happy with this, especially since Eric and Storm began to bond.

“Hi, guys,” Eric said.

“Hi, Eric,” his friends said in unison.

Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo were also out and about, ready to have fun with Eric and the others.

“Howdy, Eric,” Apple Bloom said as she and the other two fillies waved at him.

“Hi, girls,” Eric replied.

Nightshade turned his attention to Apple Bloom. He began to blush heavily upon viewing her bow and red mane. Although Nightshade was a rich colt, he never payed much attention to any of the fillies back in Canterlot.

“Ya ok there, Nightshade?” Apple Bloom asked.

“Yes, you’re pretty for a farm filly, that’s a cute bow you have, and I like your mane,” Nightshade replied while blushing.

“Thank you, you’re really cute as well,” Apple Bloom said, also blushing.

Eric and his friends went back to the castle for lunch. There, they were each given a fruit salad, cheesy breadsticks and glasses of milk. As they were eating, Eric wanted to know more about his new friends.

“How long have you lived with Fleur and Fancy Pants?” Eric asked.

“They raised me since I was a baby,” Nightshade replied.

**FLASHBACK**

Seven years ago, it was a cold and rainy night, I was fast asleep in a woven basket wrapped up in a blanket, with a note on it. A severely injured kirin mare held the basket in her magic, trying to escape a hungry pack of timberwolves. She went up to a postal pony and gave the basket to him.

“Sir, can you please deliver this basket? There’s something precious in it,” the kirin mare asked.

“Yes, ma’am, right away,” the postal pony replied.

“Thank you,” the kirin said.

She ran until she was overpowered by the timberwolves.

The postal pony went up to the mansion, then knocked on the door, it was opened, revealing the owners.

“Fancy Pants and Fleur de Lis, I have a delivery for you,” the postal pony said as he set the basket on the doorstep.

As soon as the postal pony headed for his home, I woke up feeling wet and slightly cold, then started crying.

“Shh..you’re safe now, little one,” Fleur said in a comforting tone.

Mum and Dad looked at the note that had my name on it and read the message. They took me inside and got me cleaned up then warm in a crib built by the resident crafts-pony. My parents went to their chambers and turned in for the night.

“Sweet dreams, Nightshade, our little foal,” Fleur said, then gave him a good night kiss.

**END OF FLASHBACK**

“So that’s how my parents found me and I came into their lives,” Nightshade finished.

“Was the kirin mare your birth mother?” Holly asked.

“Yes, as far as what my parents heard from that postal pony, they often told me this story before I went to sleep,” Nightshade replied.

“Zuni, what’s it like in Jamareca?” Eric asked.

“Warm and humid all year, and full of nice ponies and zebras.” Zuni replied.

“I’m also the first kirin to attend the School for Gifted Unicorns, earlier this week, my class was learning about a magical object called the Locket of Prophecies,” Nightshade said, “I heard that it can show it’s user visions of the future.”

“Interesting, Princess Celestia must have high hopes for you, a magic locket that can show you the future is kinda cool,” Eric replied, then asked, “Mommy, what does ‘prophecy’ mean?”

“A prophecy is a vision of the future that is said to happen,” Twilight replied.

Soon after they were finished eating their lunch, Eric and his friends went to Sugarcube Corner. They ordered nine cupcakes for each of them; vanilla, strawberry, and chocolate. Nightshade had more than enough bits cover them. After finishing their cupcakes, they went to play in the park, when they overheard Hot Shot, Skywarp, and Thundercracker, the three colts were planning something.

“Remember, Glacio wants us to break into the Canterlot Library and get what information we can,” Hot Shot said to Thundercracker and Skywarp.

Eric and the others managed to stay out of sight and then followed the three colts to the train station. Nightshade, Zuni, Marina, and Slapstick bought their tickets, while Eric got on his broomstick with Holly holding on to him. He told Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom, and Scootaloo to inform Twilight were Eric was going, then the train left for Canterlot, Eric and Holly flew on his Nimbus 2005 alongside.

Once at Canterlot station, the six friends went to the castle. Then Eric left his broomstick by the front door.

“Guards, we need to see Princess Celestia right away,” Eric said.

The guards nodded in response, then opened the door. The six friends went straight to the throne room.

“Hi, Princess Celestia, hi, Princess Luna,” Eric said.

“Hi, Eric and Nightshade, who are your friends?” Celestia replied.

“This is Holly, Zuni, Marina, and Slapstick, and we need to talk to you,” Eric said.

“Good to meet you four, so what do you and your friends have to say?” Celestia asked.

“We overheard three colts named Hot Shot, Skywarp, and Thundercracker, they’re gonna break into the library, they’re under orders from someone named Glacio,” Eric replied.

“We think it has something to do with the Locket of Prophecies,” Nightshade added.

“Who exactly is Glacio?” Holly asked.

“Glacio was an alicorn pony with a heart and mind as black as night and as cold as ice, he was bent on taking over Equestria and plunging it into everlasting winter, but we soon found out his plan and used the Elements of Harmony to imprison him in the ice of the Crystal Mountains, he’s been in there for one thousand years, but now it is likely that he has returned, since we lost our connection to the elements,” Celestia explained.

“Possibly around the same time Discord broke free, it’s because of Discord that the Locket of Prophecies is missing,” Luna added.

“Where did it go?” Eric asked.

“It’s likely that it was sent to another land, if Glacio were to claim the locket, he would stay one step ahead of us and take us by surprise,” Luna replied. “however Celestia and I are concerned for your safety, for there’s also your age to consider.

“When we had a run in with Hot Shot, Skywarp, and Thundercracker on Nightmare Night, we held our own and were unharmed,” Marina said.

“Besides, there’s six of us and three of them,” Zuni added.

“Enough talking, we have a break-in to stop,” Eric said.

“Agreed, the six of you must get to the library and stop Glacio’s minions before they find any information,” Celestia replied.

Eric got on his broom, with his friends alongside him, went to the library immediately. There, they went to a storage room near the checkout. Marina, Slapstick, and even Nightshade tried to open it but it was locked.

“Allow me,” Eric said, “Alohomora.”

Once inside, they waited until Hot Shot, Skywarp, and Thundercracker entered. When that happened, Eric and his friends came out of the door, magically locked it and confronted the three colts.

“You six again?!” Hot Shot said.

“If your after any information here, you’ll have to go through us,” Eric replied.

Hot Shot tried to blast Eric, but it was futile.

“Protego!” Eric incanted.

“Holly, Marina, Slapstick, block off the history and magic sections,” Eric said.

“We’re on it,” the three of them said in unison.

As Eric, Nightshade, and Zuni faced off against Hot Shot, Skywarp, and Thundercracker, everypony in the library looked on rooting for them as they defended the library. The three colts tried to head for the history and magic sections, but Holly, Marina, and Slapstick were in their way. They immediately blocked the three colts’ every move and after a half hour long duel, they had Hot Shot, Skywarp, and Thundercracker surrounded, then chased and blasted them out of the library.

“Expelliarmus!” Eric incanted, it sent Hot Shot falling forward, then the three colts fled.

The six friends were met with a cheering crowd, among them were Fancy Pants and Fleur de Lis, Slapstick’s, Marina’s, and Zuni’s families.

“Nice meeting you, Eric. I’m Seawinkle and this here is my wife, Wavedancer,” the adult hippogriff said.

“I’m Zuma, here’s my husband, Zeff. Good to meet you, Eric,” said the zebra mare in a Jamarecan accent.

“And I’m Crackup, and this is my wife, Zany. Pleasure to meet you,” the adult satyr added.

Four of Eric’s friends were commended by their parents and siblings.

“I’m Riptide,” the young hippogriff said.

“And I’m Zippy,” the zebra colt added.

Nightshade, Marina, Zuni, and Slapstick went home with their families, while Eric and Holly got on the broom and went back to Ponyville. There, Holly returned to Whitetail Woods, then Eric walked home.

Author's Note

Twilight is probably freaking out about Eric and his friends right now

Chapter 11: A Checkup/Equestria’s First Harvest and Hugs Day

The next day, after breakfast, Twilight and Eric were headed for the train station. She lowered herself, then he climbed on her back.

“Mommy, why are we going to the train station?” Eric asked.

“We’re going to Canterlot Hospital, for an appointment,” Twilight replied.

“Why is that?” Eric asked again.

“I thought about it yesterday and I figured it would be best for you to get a shot for pony flu,” said Twilight.

“I haven’t had a shot for anything since I was two,” Eric replied feeling uneasy.

“Getting a shot only hurts for a little bit, you don’t need to worry,” Twilight said reassuringly.

They got their train tickets and went onboard. One hour went by and they reached Canterlot station. They soon made their way to the hospital, once there, they went to the front desk in the waiting room.

“My son, Eric Sparkle to see Dr. Radiant Hope, we have an appointment.” Twilight said.

“She’ll be available in about fifteen minutes,” the receptionist replied.

Fifteen minutes went by, Twilight and Eric were guided to the treatment room. Soon Radiant Hope came in, she had a pinkish purple coat with arctic blue eyes and mane, and a caduceus for a cutie mark. She also wore a brown cloak and was around the same age as Princess Cadance.

“Radiant, it’s been a long time,” Twilight said.

“Indeed, my my, you’re Eric Sparkle,” Radiant said shifting her focus.

“I’m guessing you read the newspaper? How do you know my mommy?” Eric asked.

“I met her sometime after I graduated from medical school, she was around your age, and yes, I also heard about what you did yesterday,” Radiant replied.

She began with using her stethoscope, checking Eric’s heartbeat and breathing.

“Do you want to try out my stethoscope?” She asked.

“Sure,” Eric replied as he then listened to his and Twilight’s heartbeats. As soon as he returned it to her, Radiant got out a tongue depressor and said, “Open wide, please.”

She looked in his ears, then checked his reflexes. Once the check up completed, she proceeded to give Eric his pony flu shot. He held Twilight’s hoof as Radiant placed a gentle restraining spell on him, then gave him the shot, she put a bandage on his arm and gave him a lollipop.

“Thank you, Radiant,” Eric said as he then gave her a hug which she returned.

“You’re welcome, Eric,” Radiant replied.

Having left the hospital, Eric had an idea upon remembering one of his favorite holidays.

“Mommy?” he asked.

“Yes, sweetie?” Twilight replied.

“There’s a holiday on this month of November known as Thanksgiving in the world I came from, it’s about celebrating what we are thankful for and there’s feasting, for me, Ted and his family, we had veggie pot pie, egg and cheese omelettes, mashed potatoes, corn on the cob, and plenty of desserts, such as pumpkin pie, it’s also a day off from school same with the day after.”

“That sounds nice,” Twilight said.

“That got me an idea about maybe celebrating something like it here in Equestria. I call it Harvest and Hugs Day,” Eric replied.

“There wasn’t anything like it before, and it’s a great idea, let’s go talk to Princess Celestia about it, while we’re here,” Twilight said.

Once at the castle, they met up with Princess Celestia.

“Hi, Twilight, hi, Eric, good to see you once more,” she said.

“Hi, Celestia, hi, Luna,” Eric replied.

They told the two sisters everything Eric knew about Thanksgiving.

“Great idea, Eric. Tia and I will announce the introduction of Harvest and Hugs Day and send word to the other cities straight away,” Luna said.

“Thank you, princesses,” Eric replied.

After helping the Apple family at Sweet Apple Acres, Eric and Twilight were headed back home.

“Mommy, can we get some ice cream?” he asked.

“Sure, sweetie, you’ve earned it,” Twilight said.

Eric got two scoops of chocolate, while Twilight got one scoop of vanilla oat swirl.

“Thank you, mommy,” Eric said.

“You’re welcome, sweetie,” Twilight replied.

Two and a half weeks passed and it was the last Thursday of the month, Equestria’s first Harvest and Hugs Day had begun, Eric came home after a few hours of flying with Rainbow Dash, and it was 4 pm. Everypony in town was making preparations, setting their tables, sending invitations out to family members elsewhere, and importantly, making the veggie pot pies and the other foods. At the Castle of Friendship, Twilight and Storm had sent out invitations to everyone in the Sparkle family and even one for Flash Sentry.

In the Crystal Empire, Flash Sentry, upon receiving Twilight’s invitation, had also sent invitations out to his family. Cadance and Shining Armor also got their invitations, they left their advisor in charge, then they and Flash went to board the next train.

Back in Ponyville, it was ten minutes till five, the table was set, the food was placed on it, with the desserts on the counter. Eric was especially excited about seeing his grandparents, uncle and aunt, for they would arrive any minute. It wasn’t too long before somepony knocked on the door, Storm opened it revealing, Night Light, Twilight Velvet, Shining Armor, Cadance, and Flash Sentry.

As usual, Twilight and Cadance greeted each other with their little rhyme from years past.

“Good to see you again, Storm,” Night Light said.

“Same here, to both of you,” Storm replied.

“Hi, Eric,” Twilight Velvet and Night Light said in unison.

“Hi, Grandma and Grandpa,” Eric replied as he gave them a big hug.

“Eric!” Cadance said.

“Hi, Aunt Cadance. Hi, Uncle Shining,” Eric replied as he gave them a hug.

Soon, there was another knock on the door, revealing six unicorns. It was Twilight’s and Shining Armor’s aunt Starshine and uncle Valiant Knight, cousins Stardust and Moonshadow, and Flash and Storm’s aunt and uncle, Stargazer and Scarlet Dusk.

Starshine’s coat was white and her eyes were blue, her mane and tail were blue-green, and her cutie mark was two four-point stars with beams. Valiant Knight had green eyes and a silver coat with a black mane and tail, and a knight helmet as a cutie mark. Stardust’s coat was cyan, her mane and tail were lavender, her eyes were maroon, and her cutie mark was a glittery cloud. Moonshadow’s coat was medium blue, his mane and tail were black with red streaks, his eyes were brown, and his cutie mark was a full moon. Stargazer’s coat was indigo and his eyes were golden, his mane and tail were light gray, and his cutie mark was a telescope. Scarlet’s coat was pale lavender and her eyes were cyan, her mane and tail were pink with white streaks and her cutie mark was a red half sun.

“It’s good to see you again, Aunt Starshine and Uncle Valiant,” Shining Armor said.

“Eric, this your great-aunt Starshine and great-uncle Valiant Knight, and your cousins, Stardust and Moonshadow,” Twilight said to her son.

“Good to meet you all,” Eric said.

“Come over here and give us a hug,” Valiant replied.

Eric also gave hugs to Moonshadow and Stardust. There was another knock on the door, Flash opened it, revealing two pegasi, and two earth ponies. They were his parents and sister with her husband.

“Twilight, Eric, these are my parents, Kimono and Lancer, my older sister, Misty Sky and her husband, Iron Cross,” Flash said.

“It’s great to meet all of you,” Twilight said.

“Good to meet you too, Twilight,” Misty replied.

Kimono’s eyes were greenish-yellow, with a lavender coat, her mane and tail were a darker shade of purple, and her cutie mark was two paper lanterns with flowers on them. She also had kanzashi sticks in her mane. Lancer’s eyes were sky blue and his coat was metallic gold, his mane and tail were orange, and his cutie mark was two crossed lances. He and Kimono were around the same age as Twilight’s parents.

Misty’s eyes were hot pink and her coat was light neon blue, her mane and tail were lavender, and her cutie mark was a mist cloud. Her husband’s eyes were lavender and his coat was rust colored, his mane and tail were tan, his cutie mark was the iron cross symbol. Misty and Iron Cross were roughly the same age as Shining Armor and Princess Cadance.

“Alright, everypony is here, let’s go eat,” Twilight said.

While everyone ate, Eric wanted to get to know Flash and Storm’s family.

“Kimono, where are you from?” he asked.

“I was born and raised in a city called Neighgasaki, then when I came of age, I moved to Canterlot, and that’s where I met Lancer, he was a royal guard,” Kimono replied.

“Flash takes after me, I was his inspiration for being a guard, whereas Storm wanted to be a magic tutor, before he became the Knight of Friendship,” Lancer added.

“So Twilight, where did you find Eric?” Starshine asked.

“I found him in an alley on my way home from Sweet Apple Acres two months ago, and my friend, Discord sent him here from another realm.” Twilight replied.

Everyone was either catching up or getting to know each other, for those who haven’t met each other before. Stargazer and Scarlet Dusk were entertaining everyone with some of their stories.

After a lot of chatting and dinner being finished, the desserts were placed on the table; pumpkin pie and pumpkin bread, along with chocolate cream pie. Soon after everypony was finished with dessert, they turned into the guest bedrooms, while Spike, Twilight, Storm, and Eric went to their three separate rooms.

“I’m glad that Princesses Celestia and Luna made Harvest and Hugs Day an official new holiday to Equestria, this was a great idea, Eric, thank you for the great time today,” Twilight said as she hugged him.

“You’re welcome,” Eric replied as he got into bed.

“Good night, Eric,” Twilight said as she kissed him.

“Good night, Mommy,” Eric replied sleepily.

The next morning, Spike had cooked breakfast for everypony. Soon after breakfast was finished, Eric decided to go with Storm on a stroll through town.

While strolling through town, they came up to Lyra and Bonbon.

“Hi, Eric,” the two mares said in unison.

“Hi, Lyra, hi, Bonbon. Storm and I are just walking around town,” Eric replied.

“Good to see you again, Lyra and Bonbon,” Storm said.

Eric and Storm kept strolling around town, from the spa to Sweet Apple Acres, meeting up with Rarity, Pinkie, Rainbow, and Fluttershy along the way. Once at the farm, they met up with Applejack.

“Hi, Applejack,” Eric said.

“Howdy, Eric,” Applejack replied, “I wasn’t expecting to see you ‘till later today.”

“Hi, Applejack,” Storm said, then gave her a hoof-bump.

“Good to see you, Storm,” Applejack replied.

Hours later after the friendship lunch, Eric and Twilight saw off Cadance, Shining Armor, and Flash Sentry as they left for the Crystal Empire, along with the rest of the Sparkle family who returned to Canterlot, same with Flash and Storm’s family.

Author's Note

Sorry for such a long chapter

There you have it, Equestria has a holiday similar to Thanksgiving and Black Friday.

Kimono is revamped from G3
Lancer is revamped from MLP Tales

Chapter 12: Eric’s First Hearth’s Warming

It was now December in Equestria, a few weeks after Rainbow Dash accidentally started winter early. It was Hearth’s Warming Eve, everypony in town was doing some last minute shopping and making other necessary preparations.

At the Castle of Friendship, Twilight and Storm were decorating the tree, it was mostly finished, for all that remained was the star.

“Eric, do you want to put the star on top?” Twilight asked.

“Yes, mommy,” Eric replied.

He had the star in his hands, ready to put it on the tree. Twilight lifted him up and flew to the top of the tree.

“I got you,” Twilight said reassuringly as Eric put the star atop the tree.

She flew back down and with help from Spike, they decorated the rest of the castle. A few hours went by and the castle was completely decorated. Twilight and Storm told Eric everything about Hearth’s Warming and what it’s about a few days before, he really liked hearing the story of how Equestria was founded. Also a few days earlier, Twilight taught Eric all the Hearth’s Warming carols, and he told her about how similar it is to the Christmas holiday from his past home.

Twilight and Eric put on their winter gear went outside. Eric’s winter gear consisted of a dark blue snow hat, pink earmuffs, purple heavy coat and snow-pants, snow boots and a pink scarf, all of which Rarity made for him. Even in rain or snow, Eric always wore his bandana and crown.

They were headed for the Carousel Boutique. En route, Eric made a snowball and threw it at Twilight.

“Heads up, mommy,” Eric said.

Upon feeling the impact of the snowball, Twilight looked back at Eric with a mischievous smirk and said, “It is so on.”

She made some snowballs threw them at Eric, the first one hit his chest, and the second one hit his stomach, but he kept his footing.

“Hey, Eric, Rarity tells me that you blush every time your around Sweetie Belle or when she’s brought up, do you like her?” Twilight asked with a smirk.

Eric nervously nodded with a blush on his face and said, “I can’t help it, she’s just so pretty, and she feels the same for me.”

“She told you, right?” Twilight asked.

“Yes, she told me first,” Eric replied.

Once at the boutique, Twilight knocked on the door. Rarity then came downstairs and opened it.

“Hello, Twilight,” said Rarity.

“Hi, Rarity,” Twilight replied.

“Hello, Eric,” Rarity said.

“Hi, Rarity, is Sweetie Belle here?” Eric asked.

“Here she comes now,” Rarity replied.

“Hi, Eric,” Sweetie Belle said as she hugged him.

“Hi, Sweetie Belle,” Eric replied as the two blushed in their embrace.

After they walked in, Eric and Sweetie Belle helped decorate, while Rarity shut the door behind them.

“Is Eric’s Hearth’s Warming doll finished yet?” Twilight asked.

“Yes, and I am also nearly finished with his Hearth’s Warming gift, once it’s done I’ll drop it off at the castle,” Rarity replied.

Once they finished decorating, Eric and Sweetie Belle just stood there, looking in each other’s eyes and blushing. Eric happened to notice a familiar plant growing on one of the house plants above them.

“Is that mistletoe?” he asked.

“Yes, and do you know what that means?” Sweetie Belle asked with a mischievous smirk.

“Y-Yes, I-I saw Ted and his wife, Lacey do it back in my former home,” Eric replied.

Sweetie Belle moved closer to Eric and pressed her lips onto his. Eric’s eyes widened, but then he returned the kiss. Rarity saw this and gently nudged Twilight’s shoulder, drawing her attention to Eric and Sweetie Belle.

“It appears Sweetie Belle has found her special somepony,” Rarity said.

“Same could be said for Eric,” Twilight replied.

After Eric and Sweetie Belle gently broke away, they blushed and stop there in silence.

Eric broke the silence and said, “That felt....kinda nice.”

Twilight came up to him and gave him his Hearth’s Warming doll.

“Thank you, mommy, you too, Rarity,” Eric said.

“You’re welcome, darling,” Rarity replied.

“You’re welcome, sweetie, let’s go home,” Twilight added.

After saying goodbye to Rarity, Twilight and Eric went back to the castle. Another two hours passed, Twilight, Storm, Spike, and Eric were about to put up their Hearth’s Warming dolls when suddenly, Pinkie Pie came down the chimney covered in soot and said, “Happy Hearth’s Warming Eve!”

Twilight, Spike, and Eric laughed at that. She fell down and Applejack came in the room through the doorway.

“Shucks, Twilight and Storm! Y’all done it up nice and cozy in here,” the farm pony said.

“We’re about to hang our Hearth’s Warming dolls if you wanna join us,” said Twilight.

“Oh, that’s mighty sweet of you, but we’re just stoppin’ in to wish y’all a happy Hearth’s Warmin’ before we go,” Applejack replied then whispered to Twilight, “We also came by to drop off Eric’s presents.”

“I think it’s sweet that your families are spending the holiday together,” Twilight said as she hung the three Hearth’s Warming dolls.

“I’d like to meet your family one day, Pinkie,” Eric added.

“Picture the most fun-tacular thing you can think of. Now multiply that times infinity! Whoo! It’s gonna be great!” said Pinkie.

The train tooted in the distance.

“That’s us. See you later!” Applejack said as she and Pinkie put Eric’s presents in the pile.

“Now can we open presents?” Spike asked.

“But tonight is Hearth’s Warming Eve. Everypony knows you don’t open presents ‘til tomorrow,” Applejack replied.

“When Spike and I spent our first Hearth’s Warming Eve together, he couldn’t wait all night to open his presents! Ever since then, we’ve always opened them the night before!” Twilight explained.

“It’s kinda like our tradition!” Spike added.

“That’s not how our family does it, and I reckon it can’t be how Pinkie’s does it. Is it?” said Applejack.

“No sirree!” Pinkie replied.

The train whistle blew once again.

“Agh! Gotta go, bye!” Pinkie said as she zoomed off with Applejack.

Spike opened up his first present and nervously said, “Just what I always wanted! A book.”

Eric went to go read when he came across a big piano, he was hesitant to play it, since he lost interest last year. He only managed to remember one tune that Ted’s wife, Lacey taught him, it was his favorite, and started to play.

Meanwhile, Twilight, Storm, Spike were finished making dinner, when they heard a knock on the door, Twilight opened it revealing Rarity, Fluttershy, and Rainbow Dash.

“Hi, Rarity,” Twilight said.

“Hello, Twilight, we have some presents for you, Storm, and Eric,” Rarity replied.

As soon as they put them with the others and left, Ditzy came with some packages with bows on them. Twilight had a look at them and found out they were from the rest of the Sparkle family. After placing those presents with the others, Twilight and Storm put heir own presents for Eric with them as well and went to go find him.

Twilight walked through the hallway until she heard the piano, turning to find Eric playing it.

“Eric, dinner is ready,” she said.

“I’ll be right there, mommy,” Eric replied.

Eric stood up and went with Twilight to the dining hall.

“That performance was wonderful, sweetie, where did you learn that?” Twilight asked.

“Ted’s wife, Lacey taught me, I really loved playing piano with her,” Eric replied with a frown.

“What’s wrong, sweetie?” Twilight asked with concern.

“For four years, Lacey was the closest person I had to a mom, she and Ted passed away from a disease called dragon-pox last year,” Eric explained.

“I’m sorry to hear that. If you want, we can play piano together, like you did with Lacey,” said Twilight.

“I’d like that, mommy,” Eric replied.

After dinner was finished and teeth brushing done, Twilight took Eric to his bedroom and shut off the lights.

“It’s time for bed, sweetie, you don’t want to be too tired to open your presents,” Twilight said.

“I can’t sleep, I’m too excited for tomorrow,” Eric said.

“Would you like me to sing you to sleep?” Twilight asked.

“Yes, please,” Eric replied.

Twilight pulled the covers over him and began singing.

(All credit for this song goes to Blue Sky Studios and Anne Hathaway)

“Good night, Eric. I love you,” Twilight said softly as she kissed his face.

“Good night, mommy. I love you too,” Eric replied sleepily with his eyes closed.

The next morning, on Hearth’s Warming Day, Twilight and Storm woke up first. She gently nudged Eric in an attempt to wake him up.

“Eric, wake up,” Twilight said softly in his ear.

Eric opened his eyes, sat up and got out of bed.

“Morning, mommy. Happy Hearth’s Warming,” Eric said.

“Happy Hearth’s Warming, Eric,” Twilight replied.

After breakfast, Twilight, Storm, Eric went to the tree to open their presents. Twilight and Storm had opened theirs from their friends, they went to watch Eric open his gifts.

He opened his first one from Rarity, it was a red and white sweater with his initials, ES sewn on it. Eric’s second gift was from Fluttershy, he noticed something moving, it was an otter pup, like Eric was for four and a half years, this pup was an orphan.

“Mommy, look what I got from Fluttershy,” Eric said motioning to the otter pup.

“Aww, how cute. Have you thought of a name for your new pet?” Twilight asked.

“I’ll name him Ron,” Eric replied.

Eric’s third and fourth gifts were from Applejack and Rainbow Dash, they were a toy train and a Wonderbolts cap. His fifth present was a gingerbread house kit from Pinkie Pie. He got a telescope from his great-uncle, a compass and journal from his grandparents, and from Cadance and Shining Armor, their old dolls, Brutus Force and the pink plush bunny named Lovey. Eric’s last presents were from Twilight and Storm, it was her old doll, Smarty Pants and a ball.

“Look what I got from Uncle Shining and Aunt Cadance,” Eric said.

“That’s Brutus Force and Lovey, your aunt’s and uncle’s favorite toys when they were foals, and this is Smarty Pants, she was my doll when I was your age, and now I wanted you to have her,” Twilight explained.

“I got you this ball, so that we can play catch whenever you want,” Storm added.

“Thank you, mommy,” Eric said, hugging them, “And thank you too, Storm for the ball.”

“You’re welcome, sweetie,” Twilight replied while returning the hug.

After opening his presents, Eric proceeded to raise the Equestrian flag, being the youngest of the Sparkle family. Before he came, Spike always raised the flag.

“Wingardium Leviosa,” Eric incanted as he raised the flag.

A few hours after getting dressed, Eric, Twilight, Storm, and their friends; including Applejack and Pinkie Pie, who just returned from the Pie family rock farm, went to Canterlot to meet their families for lunch. Under his winter gear, Eric wore his sweater that Rarity made for him. Upon entering the Sparkle home, Eric and Twilight hung up their winter clothes.

“Happy Hearth’s Warming, Eric,” Twilight Velvet and Night Light said in unison.

“You too, grandma and grandpa, thanks for the journal and compass,” Eric replied.

As everyone was ready to start eating, Eric thanked the rest of his family and friends for the gifts. They were mesmerized by Eric’s pet otter, Ron.

“He’s so adorable, like Opal when she was a kitten,” Rarity said.

“I haven’t seen anything this cute, since Winona was a puppy,” Applejack added.

After a few hours, Twilight, Eric, and their friends went back to Ponyville, Eric’s five friends were with him. While Eric and his friends were playing in the snow, they met up with Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo, along with his other classmates.

Eric introduced four of his friends to his classmates and teacher. Rumble and Pip were mesmerized by Marina’s and Zuni’s pretty looks, Marina and Zuni thought the three colts looked cute. Slapstick was also mesmerized by Scootaloo and vice versa, she thought he looked cute as well.

Eric began to think about Storm Blade, how nice he is and the possibility of having Storm as his daddy.

Author's Note

This chapter is set during the episode, ‘Hearthbreakers’

Chapter 13: Hearts and Hooves Day

Two months went by and it was now February. It was Hearts and Hooves Day. Eric was at school receiving cards and candy from his classmates, including some peppermint sticks from Twist, he did the same in return for his classmates.

Soon, school was out for the day and Eric saw off his friends and wished them a ‘Happy Hearts and Hooves Day’ and they also wished him the same. Eric got hugs from Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo, followed by a cheek kiss from Sweetie Belle. She was quick to seize the opportunity to ask Eric for a date.

“Hey, Eric?” she asked.

“Yes, Sweetie Belle?” Eric said.

“I was wondering if you’d maybe like to go on a date tomorrow?” Sweetie Belle asked.

“I’d love to, just need to let my mommy know,” Eric replied.

“OK, see you tomorrow, Eric,” Sweetie Belle said as she kissed him on his cheek once more.

After Eric waved bye to Sweetie Belle, he went to go do some baking at Sugarcube Corner.

Meanwhile, in Seattle, two twin brothers were walking through the streets. They both had black hair, brown eyes and they were both 17 years old. Their wands were made of spruce and had unicorn hair cores, and were 10 1/2 inches long.

“What do we do now, Jasper?” the first boy asked.

“That’s just it, Smokey, I’m not sure what to do, since Mom and Dad died a year ago and Eric is missing,” Jasper replied.

“The news of Mom and Dad’s death, and the disappearance of Eric, is the very reason why we dropped out of Ilvermorny in the first place,” Smokey said.

“I wish we could see him again,” said Jasper.

“Do I detect a wish in the making?” a voice behind them said.

The two boys were shocked to see the sudden appearance of an old wizard (Discord in disguise).

“Fear not, boys, I can grant any wish you make and help you,” the Lord of Chaos said through his disguise.

“Okay, we wish to see our little buddy, Eric again,” Smokey replied.

With one snap of his fingers, Discord teleported them to Equestria, they appeared just outside of Ponyville.

“Who are you?” Jasper asked.

“My name is Discord, the lord of chaos. What are your names?” the draconequus said as he revealed himself.

“I’m Jasper Marks, and this is my brother, Smokey,” the second boy replied.

“Where are we exactly?” Smokey asked.

“You’re in the land of Equestria, and that town over there, is Ponyville, you’ll find Eric there,” Discord replied.

“How do you know that?” Jasper asked.

“Because I brought him here months ago. Allow me to demonstrate my magic,” Discord replied as he transformed the boys into ponies.

Jasper and Smokey were now metallic silver unicorns each with a bluish-black mane and brown eyes. Jasper had a geode for a cutie mark, while Smokey had puffs of smoke and two crossed lightning bolts for a cutie mark.

Smokey and Jasper were admiring their new looks, while Discord told them everything about Equestria, including the holidays and ponies’ cutie marks, which the now former boys originally thought were tattoos on their hips.

“Good luck finding Eric, he lives at the Castle of Friendship. You can’t miss it,” Discord said.

“Thanks, Discord,” Smokey and Jasper said in unison.

Meanwhile, on the outskirts of Canterlot, Hot Shot, Skywarp, and Thundercracker decided to be more discreet about finding any useful information. They put on disguises and snuck into the library once more, then went to find the knowledge they seek. The three colts tried looking in the magic section and finally found one about magical relics, upon reading it, they found out that Discord made it disappear into another realm.

“Skywarp, Thundercracker, it’s about time we tell Glacio that we have a lead on the locket,” Hot Shot said.

“Right away, Hot Shot,” Skywarp and Thundercracker replied in unison.

Hot Shot teleported himself, along with Skywarp and Thundercracker to the ice fortress and went to report to Glacio.

“My lord, we have a lead on the Locket of Prophecies, Discord sent it to another realm,” Hot Shot said.

“Good, you just need to find Discord and interrogate him,” Glacio replied.

“From now on, you three won’t be going alone,” Frostbite added, “Hydia! Reeka! Draggle!”

Just then, three teenage gorgons came in. The lead one had cerulean scales, the second had bright green scales, and the third one had medium gray scales, and they all had evil-looking, yellow eyes. Their faces were mutilated with scars and what look to be burn marks.

“You sent for us, General Frostbite,” Hydia said in a Trotish accent.

“What can we do for you, sir?” Reeka and Draggle asked together in Prench and Hayburg accents.

“You three are to accompany Hot Shot, Skywarp, and Thundercracker from now on, starting with helping them interrogating Discord,” Frostbite replied.

“Now all of you go!” Glacio ordered.

“Yes, my lord,” Hot Shot replied.

The three gorgons and two pegasus colts nodded in response and teleported out of the palace.

Back in Ponyville, Jasper and Smokey were walking around town looking for Eric. They noticed a lot of ponies out on dates and they were also looking to find some pretty mares. As they walked along, Jasper and Smokey noticed Rarity and Applejack. Smokey was particularly mesmerized by Applejack’s gorgeous form.

Smokey was the first to speak up in a semi-flirtatious tone, “Hey howdy hey, missy. I’m Smokey”

“Howdy, Smokey, I’m Applejack, and this is my friend Rarity,” the farm mare replied.

Rarity blushed at the sight of Jasper’s handsome looks.

Then Jasper spoke up, “It’s good to meet you, Rarity, I’m Jasper.”

“Same here, Jasper,” Rarity replied and giggled.

At Sugarcube Corner, Eric continued to help Pinkie Pie and the Cake family with baking until he looked at the clock.

“Pinkie, I have to go home now and get my homework done,” Eric said.

“See you next week, Eric,” Pinkie replied as she hugged him.

“You too, Pinkie,” said Eric.

After getting acquainted with Rarity and Applejack, Jasper and Smokey decided to discreetly follow Eric back to the Castle of Friendship and surprise him when he got there. Once Eric reached home, he was greeted by Twilight and Storm.

“Hi, mommy,” Eric said.

“Hi, sweetie. How was school?” Twilight asked.

“The best, since we had a Hearts and Hooves Day party,” Eric replied.

“Hi there, sport,” said Storm.

“Hi, Storm,” Eric replied.

An hour passed and Eric had completed his homework and went to go read before dinner. Twilight came up to him wearing her star patterned dress with the neck frill, while Storm was wearing his gray suit.

“Eric, Storm and I are headed out for a date. Spike’s cooking your favorite dinner and Misty Sky will be here to watch you until we return, so please be good for her,” Twilight said.

“Yes, mommy,” Eric replied, “I have a date with Sweetie Belle tomorrow.”

“That’s wonderful, sweetheart,” Twilight said, then kissed him, “We’ll see you later tonight.”

“Ok, mommy,” Eric replied.

As soon as Twilight and Storm left for their date, they bumped into two unicorn stallions.

“Who are you?” Twilight asked.

“We’re Jasper and Smokey Marks, and we came to see Eric,” the brothers said.

“You’re in luck, because I’m his mom, my name’s Twilight Sparkle, good to meet you by the way,” Twilight replied.

“I’m Storm Blade, her boyfriend, the pleasure is mine as well,” the neon green stallion added.

The brothers then entered the castle revealing Eric and Spike.

“Hi, Eric. It’s us, your big buddies,” the twins said.

“Hi Jasper! Hi Smokey!” Eric replied while giving them a group hug.

“We missed you, little buddy,” Jasper and Smokey said.

Just then, Misty Sky came in and greeted Eric. He introduced Misty and Spike to Jasper and Smokey. Once dinner was ready, everyone started eating.

A couple hours after dinner and shortly after brushing his teeth and putting on his pajamas, Eric, Spike and Misty were explaining all he had accomplished to Jasper and Smokey. Just then, Twilight and Storm returned from their date.

“Hi, mommy! Hi, Storm!” Eric said as he gave them a group hug.

“Hi, sweetie,” Twilight replied.

“Hey there, sport,” Storm added.

After Smokey and Jasper went to sleep in the castle’s guest rooms, Eric went to his bedroom.

The next day after breakfast, Eric, Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom, and Scootaloo met up with Holly, then went to the train station to meet Nightshade, Zuni, Marina, and Slapstick.

“Hi, guys, I’m glad you’re all here, we need to talk to Discord and find out where he sent the locket,” Eric said.

“We’ll help you,” Scootaloo replied.

“Apple Bloom, do you want to go on a date with me later?” Nightshade asked.

“Aww, Nightshade. I thought you’d never ask!” Apple Bloom replied sweetly.

She kissed him on his cheek and he blushed up a storm. In the town alleys, three gorgons and three teenage colts were watching the eight friends, it was Hot Shot, Skywarp, and Thundercracker accompanied by Hydia, Reeka, and Draggle.

“New plan, we’ll let Eric Sparkle and his friends lead us to Discord, then eavesdrop on them,” Hot Shot said.

“Good thinking, Commander Hot Shot,” Draggle replied.

The gorgons and teenage colts began following Eric and his friends to Fluttershy’s cottage. Eric began knocking on the door, then it opened revealing Fluttershy.

“Oh, hi Eric,” Fluttershy said.

“Hi, Fluttershy, we came because we want to talk to Discord about something important,” Eric replied as he hugged her.

“He should be here any minute,” said Fluttershy as they went into her cottage.

Hydia put an invisibility spell on himself and his partners, then they went inside. Once Discord appeared, he greeted Eric and his friends.

“Discord, these are my friends Holly, Nightshade, Zuni, Marina, and Slapstick,” Eric said.

“Good to meet you lot,” Discord replied.

“Do you know where you sent the Locket of Prophecies?” Nightshade asked.

“I’m not sure I remember, but I believe I sent it to the same place that Starswirl the Bearded banished three sirens to one thousand years ago,” Discord explained.

“That’s the same place my mommy went to several months ago through that magical mirror, full of humans like me,” Eric replied.

After eavesdropping on the conversation, the gorgons and teenage colts teleported out of the cottage and into Canterlot, where they took a train to the Crystal Empire and then went back to the mountain fortress on foot.

“My lord, Hydia, Reeka, Draggle, Hot Shot, Skywarp, and Thundercracker have returned,” Frostbite said.

“Escort them to me,” Glacio ordered.

“Right away, my lord,” Frostbite replied.

“Have you managed to interrogate Discord?” Glacio asked.

“No, but we did eavesdrop on him talking to Eric Sparkle and his friends,” Hot Shot replied.

“According to Discord, he sent it to the realm that the three sirens were banished to, which is accessible by a magical mirror,” Thundercracker added.

“Good, all you need do is find that mirror, follow Eric Sparkle and his friends into it, and bring the locket to me,” Glacio ordered.

“It will be done, my lord,” Hot Shot replied.

Back in Ponyville, a few hours passed as Eric and his seven friends met up with Pipsqueak and Rumble. After playing in the park, they went to the café in pairs, except for Holly. Eric went with Sweetie Belle, Nightshade went with Apple Bloom, Slapstick with Scootaloo, Zuni with Pip, and Marina with Rumble. It became an pentuple date.

Chapter 14: The Talent Show/The Grand Galloping Gala

Three months went by and it was May, the spring season was in full swing. Applejack and Smokey were now dating. Eric was feeling excited yet unsure, since today was Twilight’s birthday. As he was helping Pinkie and the others decorate the interior of the castle, Eric kept thinking about what gift he should get for his mom, until an idea came to him.

While Eric and the others were getting ready for the party, Storm treated Twilight to a birthday lunch date at the cafe. They were sharing spaghetti with tomato sauce and Parmesan cheese. While they were eating, they unknowingly grabbed hold of one in unison. Twilight and Storm gently bumped their faces while slurping as if they were kissing each other on the lips, their eyes widened in response. They slowly chewed their noodles and gently pulled back with slight embarrassment, blushing heavily.

“That felt.... kind of nice,” Twilight giggled.

“You’re telling me,” Storm agreed.

An hour later, Twilight and Storm were finished eating and they went for a stroll back to the castle.

“Thanks for treating me to lunch, Storm,” Twilight said.

“Anything for you, Twily,” Storm replied.

At the castle, Eric and the others finished decorating and Spike noticed Twilight and Storm coming their way.

“Here they come, everypony, places,” Spike said.

Everyone went and hid as Twilight and Storm entered.

“SURPRISE!!!” Pinkie and the others shouted as party favors and confetti cannons were going off. There was also a banner unfurled saying, “Happy Birthday Twilight” on it.

“Happy birthday, Twily,” Storm said.

‘Thanks, Storm,” Twilight replied.

Everypony that was present wished Twilight a happy birthday, and she opened up all her gifts but one. The last one was from Eric.

“Happy birthday, mommy,” Eric said as he gave her his gift.

Twilight opened her last gift revealing a flower vase and a card, both saying ‘World’s Best Mommy’ on it. She gave Eric a big hug and nuzzled him, then said, “This is the nicest thing you’ve ever done for me, thank you, sweetie.”

Soon enough after socializing and eating cake, the party was over. Eric and Twilight did some nighttime reading before going to sleep.

Two days later, Eric and his class were making final preparations for the school talent show. Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo, along with Pip and Rumble noticed Eric feeling a little down and unsure.

“Ya okay, Eric?” Apple Bloom asked.

“Is something wrong?” Scootaloo added.

“I’m okay, I’m just a little unsure about the show is all,” Eric replied.

“What are you planning to do for the talent show?” Sweetie Belle asked.

“Is there anything you’re good at?” Rumble added.

“I’m good at magic, but I don’t think I can do it on stage, besides, I’ve never been in a talent show before,” Eric replied.

“No need to be nervous, you should give it a try,” Sweetie Belle said as she kissed Eric’s cheek.

“Maybe there’s something else you can do.” Pip added.

“Well, I am good at singing, as far as I was told, I guess I’ll give it a try,” Eric replied whilst blushing.

“That’s the spirit, buddy,” Rumble said.

Once evening came and all the preparations were finished, the talent show was about to begin, and Eric had his song ready.

While Eric and the other CMCs were waiting for their cues, Snips and Snails were performing their magic act, soon followed by Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon with their dramatic act, then Pipsqueak, Rumble, and Featherweight with their comedy act. Soon it was time for the Cutie Mark Crusaders to perform their musical act, Sweetie Belle was ready on the piano, Apple Bloom had her fiddle at the ready, Scootaloo was on tuba, and Eric was ready to sing.

(All credit for this song go to Disney/Pixar and Randy Newman)

Once Eric and the three fillies finished the musical act, everypony present in the audience gave their applause. Then it was time for the awards. Cheerilee came on stage and went to announce the winners, “The first award goes to Snips and Snails for the best magic act. The second award goes to Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon for best dramatic act. The next award goes to Pip, Rumble, and Featherweight for best comedy act, and finally our last award goes to the Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, and Eric Sparkle for best musical act.”

The audience cheered with a final round of applause.

“Good goin’ Eric! You too, Apple Bloom,” said Applejack.

“That was awesome, little buddies!” Rainbow Dash said to Eric and Scootaloo.

“Lovely piano playing, Sweetie Belle, beautiful singing, Eric,” Rarity said.

“I’m proud of you, sweetie,” Twilight said to Eric as she hugged him.

“Way to go, sport,” Storm added.

Eric also received much praise from his friends from Canterlot and Whitetail Woods, who also came for the show.

A week later, it was May 21st. Spike had a sensation, he then burped up a message from Princess Celestia. There were two tickets for the Grand Galloping Gala.

“Twilight, you have a message from Princess Celestia!” Spike called out.

Twilight took the scroll, it read:

Dear Twilight and Storm,

I am requesting your presence in Canterlot in three hours in order to help make preparations and help in planning the Grand Galloping Gala, I also cordially extend invitation to Eric Sparkle, plus one guest.

Yours truly, Princess Celestia

Eric was reading a Daring Do book in his room when Twilight came in.

“Eric, Princess Celestia has requested mine and Storm’s presence in Canterlot and has invited you and your friends to the Grand Galloping Gala,” Twilight said.

“What exactly is the Grand Galloping Gala?” Eric asked.

“It happens on this day every year to celebrate the completion of Canterlot, where ponies or other creatures in your case go to socialize and dance,” Twilight explained.

“But, mommy, I’ve never been to party that big and important before. What if I mess up? Besides, I don’t know how to dance.” Eric replied.

“Oh, come on, sweetie, a dance would be nice. Besides, we can practice after I bathe you, brush your hair, and have Rarity make you a suit,” said Twilight.

“Do I really have to bathe? I’ve never had anyone but Ted or Lacey brush my hair,” Eric asked.

“Yes, sweetie, you have to. I want you to look your best for the Gala.” Twilight said.

Twilight and Eric went into the bathroom, she closed her eyes as he undressed and got in the tub. Twilight turned the water on and began washing him from hair to foot, freshly scrubbing. Once Eric was finished bathing, Twilight dried him off and he redressed.

“Hold still, sweetie,” Twilight said as she began brushing Eric’s hair. Once his hair was all brushed, Twilight and Eric went to the Carousel Boutique. Once there, Rarity took his measurements.

“I’ll have your suit ready before you and Twilight leave for the Gala.” Rarity said.

Eric then bumped into Jasper and Smokey, who also got their own tickets to the Gala. They were also looking to have suits made for them. Soon, Holly came into the boutique.

“Hi, Holly,” Eric said.

“Hi, Eric,” Holly replied.

“I’ve got our tickets for the Grand Galloping Gala,” said Eric.

“The Grand Galloping Gala? What’s that?” Holly asked.

“You’ll find out when we get there,” Eric replied.

The two went up to Rarity’s workroom.

“Hey, Rarity, would you care to make a dress for Holly?” Eric asked.

“Of course I can, darling,” Rarity replied sweetly as she began taking Holly’s measurements.

Soon, Eric’s suit and Holly’s dress were finished. Eric’s suit was red with blue buttons, a white sash on the waistline and a blue undershirt and cravat. Holly’s dress was green with flower designs.

Hours later, Twilight, Storm, Eric, and Holly were in Canterlot as the gala was about to start. Storm was wearing a dark blue uniform with lighter blue stripes on the sleeves, a red cravat and red epaulettes.

“I must say, it’s been very nice having both of you take over some of the planning responsibilities for this year’s Gala,” Celestia said.

“Anything we can do to make it easier on you,” Twilight replied.

“You can count on us,” Storm added.

“Thank you, Twilight. I am quite looking forward to just enjoying the Gala for once,” Celestia said before the fanfare played.

“Announcing the spirit of chaos, Discord, and his guest, the, uh...” the announcer said as Discord whispered in his ear, ”The Smooze!”

The green blob came up and everypony gasped.

“Good evening, everypony! What a glorious affair!” said Discord.

The Smooze then slurped up a trumpet.

“He does have a yen for shiny things, the rascal,” Discord said.

Seeing his hand was gooey, he wiped it on the announcer’s suit.

“Gross!” Holly exclaimed.

“Discord, did that thing come out of your nose?” Eric asked while grossed out.

“Eric, be polite,” Twilight said in a firm tone.

“Yes, mommy,” Eric replied.

“We’ll take care of this,” said Twilight.

Twilight and Storm went over to Discord and went to have a word with him.

“What are you doing here with... that?!” Twilight said in a hushed tone.

“Now, now, now. The Smooze may be an “it”, but it’s an it with a heart of, well, blob.” Discord replied.

“This night is extremely important to us, Discord. Keep it under control!” Twilight said through gritted teeth.

“This is also supposed to be a date for Twilight and I, so you better not mess this up for us,” Storm added.

“Yes, yes, yes, of course. Tell me, have you seen Fluttershy anywhere?” Discord asked.

“I think she’s over there with her new friend,” Storm replied pointing to her and the mare called Tree Hugger.

“We’re here! We’re here! We made it to the Gala!” The CMCs said in unison.

Eric noticed Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle in their dresses.

“You look pretty, Sweetie Belle,” Eric said.

“Thank you, Eric, you look great also,” Sweetie Belle replied sweetly.

Rarity and Applejack came in, with Jasper and Smokey by their sides. Japser was wearing an elegant royal blue dress robe with a white bowtie, whereas Smokey was wearing a dark brown formal southern style jacket with a black stetson hat.

Eric and Holly, along with Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo met up with Nightshade, Zuni, Marina, and Slapstick. Nightshade was wearing a light gray suit with a blue bow tie. Zuni was wearing a traditional multicolored Jamarecan dress, with a beaded necklace. Marina was wearing a blue ocean patterned dress with a pearl necklace. Slapstick was wearing a dark red suit and dress pants with a silver bow tie.

“That’s a nice dress, Apple Bloom,” Nightshade said, “You look beautiful in it.”

“Thank ya, Nightshade,” Apple Bloom replied sweetly.

“It seems my little sister’s got a special somepony,” Applejack said to Rarity.

Meanwhile, Hydia, Reeka, and Draggle, along with Hot Shot, Thundercracker, and Skywarp teleported into the castle gardens. They managed to put a cloaking spell on themselves and trotted into the castle. Once inside, they deactivated the cloaking spell and began their search for the Crystal Mirror.

Eric and his friends barely noticed the gorgons and teenage colts and went to find out what they were up to.

“Mommy, Storm, I think there’s something suspicious going on here, my friends and I are gonna check it out,” Eric said.

“Eric, sweetie, I see nothing to worry about, everything’s fine,” Twilight replied.

“Trust me, I know something’s up, I just know it,” said Eric.

“Twily, we should let Eric trust his instincts, it’s helpful for me as a knight of Equestria, and for you as well,” Storm said to Twilight.

“Just be careful, sweetie, and stay where we can see you,” Twilight said to Eric.

“We will,” Eric replied.

Eric and his friends followed Glacio’s minions until they got to the hallway outside the quarters. Hydia, Reeka, Draggle, Hot Shot, Thundercracker, and Skywarp met up with a white unicorn stallion with a blonde mane, and a compass rose cutie mark.

“You six better have a good reason for coming to the castle uninvited and during the gala without any tickets or formal attire,” the royal pony said.

“Forgive our intrusion, Blueblood, the master sent us to go looking for the Crystal Mirror,” Hot Shot replied.

“Glacio also sent us to check on your progress,” Skywarp added.

“Where in the castle is the mirror?” Thundercracker asked.

“My cover-ups of your operations are going smoothly, and last I heard, the mirror was in the Crystal Empire, try looking there,” Blueblood replied.

Eric and his friends stayed out of sight and went back to the gala before anyone noticed they were gone. They noticed everypony was near the stage as Discord was about to attempt stand-up comedy.

“Check, check, check. Is this thing on? Good evening, fillies and germs! I just flew into Canterlot, and wow, are my inter-species parts tired!” Discord said on the mic.

Everypony was silent, except for Eric and his friends who ended up laughing.

“I’ve only got these tiny mismatched wings, and even I can fly better than Twilight Sparkle! Am I right? Pchoo!” Discord said.

“Hey!” Twilight retorted, Storm grumbled at this, while Celestia giggled.

“Uh, well, perhaps you’re into more observational humor. Did you ever notice how you always materialize out of thin air? Why not thick air? What’s the deal there?” Discord asked.

Once again, the only ones laughing were Eric and his friends.

“Tough crowd, at least somepony is amused,” Discord remarked.

“What is he doing?!” Twilight asked.

“I think they’re... jokes?” Rainbow Dash replied.

“None of us get them, except for Eric and his friends,” Storm said.

“Maud! Jokes!” Pinkie said.

“My favorite,” Maud replied.

“You might be a Ponyville pony when an ordinary night on the town ends in a lesson about friendship! Knock knock! You’re supposed to say “Who’s there?”! This is the most basic of jokes!” Discord said.

He then took a mallet and smashed the melon, causing it to splatter. Again, Eric and his friends were the only ones laughing.

“You’re the most basic of jokes,” Maud said. Everypony laughed at Maud’s remark.

“Good one, Maud!” Pinkie replied.

Eric saw a bright glow and noticed the Smooze creeping out the door. He trembled and held on to Twilight’s back leg.

“What is that?!” Twilight said.

“M-m-mommy, m-my f-friends and I are gonna.....go to the garden,” Eric said while shaking.

Eric and his friends, including Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo, managed to escape the Smooze into the garden. Eric and Nightshade each picked a rose. Eric got one for Sweetie Belle, Nightshade got one for Apple Bloom, and Slapstick got one for Scootaloo.

“Thank you, Eric, you’re really sweet,” Sweetie Belle said before she and Eric shared a kiss.

“Thank ya, Nightshade,” Apple Bloom said to Nightshade before they kissed.

Scootaloo and Slapstick also shared a kiss.

Soon the Smooze/Discord’s jealously incident was handled, Eric and his friends went back inside.

“Sweetie Belle, you want to dance?” Eric asked.

“Sure, Eric,” Sweetie Belle replied.

Eric and Sweetie Belle started dancing together.

“Shall we, Twily?” Storm said.

“Of course, Storm,” Twilight replied.

Twilight and Storm began dancing, Applejack danced with Smokey, and Slapstick danced with Scootaloo.

Apple Bloom and Nightshade were mingling with Zuni, Marina, Slapstick, and Holly.

“I wish Pip was here,” Zuni said.

“You’re telling me, Zuni. I wish Rumble was here so he and I could dance.” Marina replied.

They decided to go hang out with Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Jasper, Pinkie and Maud Pie. Everypony kept enjoying themselves until near the end of the gala.

Author's Note

The latter portion of this chapter takes place during the 'Make New Friends But Keep Discord' episode.

Just two chapters left.

The images of Twilight, Rarity, Applejack, and Pinkie Pie are special courtesy of Magister39

The picture of Apple Bloom is courtesy of illuminous

The image of Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo is courtesy of CloudyGlow

Chapter 15: Into the Human World

It was now late May. Twilight and Storm were preparing to give a lecture at the School for Gifted Unicorns, with Spike helping them to rehearse. Eric was writing a letter to his friends in Canterlot, informing them of their mission to recover the Locket of Prophecies:

Dear Nightshade,

I need you, Marina, Zuni, and Slapstick to please come to Ponyville immediately, we need to go through the Crystal Mirror and recover the Locket of Prophecies. Meet me and Holly at my home in the Castle of Friendship.

Your best friend, Eric Sparkle

Eric went into the library and found Spike helping Twilight and Storm, then tapped on his shoulder and Spike was startled at the sight of Eric.

“Spike, can you please send this letter to Princess Celestia? It’s important and it’s for my friends,” Eric asked whispering in his ear fin.

“Sure, little dude,” Spike replied as he sent the letter via green flame.

Eric thanked Spike and went outside, then got on his broom and went to Sugarcube Corner, meeting up with Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo.

“Hi, Eric,” the three fillies said in unison as they gave him a group hug.

“Hi, girls. Can you please go to Whitetail Woods and bring Holly to the castle?” Eric asked.

“Right away, Eric,” Apple Bloom replied as the three fillies went off.

Soon, Holly met up with Eric, then Nightshade, Marina, Zuni, and Slapstick came.

“We came as soon as we could,” Nightshade said as they went inside the castle.

Eric and his friends were unaware that they were being watched by Hydia, Reeka, Draggle, Hot Shot, Thundercracker, and Skywarp. The three colts and three gorgons activated their cloaking spell and waited outside the front door.

Eric and his friends managed to sneak by Twilight and Storm unseen and went into the castle library. Just then, Twilight and Storm came in.

“Eric, we’re headed for Canterlot to give a lecture at the School for Gifted Unicorns, we’ll be back in a few hours,” Twilight said.

“Jasper and Smokey will be here any minute to watch you ‘till we return,” Storm added as he and Twilight gave him a group hug.

“See you later, Mommy. You too, Storm,” Eric replied as they and Spike left for Canterlot.

Shortly after Twilight, Storm, and Spike left, Jasper and Smokey came in and greeted Eric, unaware that the cloaked gorgons and colts followed them inside. Eric’s friends came out of hiding and introduced themselves.

After eating lunch, Eric and his friends searched the castle for the Crystal Mirror. They split up before meeting up in the library, they found a secret compartment in the castle revealing the mirror.

“Eric, what are you and your friends up to?” Jasper asked.

“We just found this mysterious closet and we need to go inside,” Eric replied.

“I think it’s secret as a way to keep it safe, and keep it private, so I don’t think you should be going in there,” Smokey said.

Eric and his friends explained to Jasper and Smokey everything about the Crystal Mirror being a portal to another realm and the need to recover the Locket of Prophecies.

“We understand now how important that locket is, we won’t stop you and your friends from going, but you’re not going unsupervised,” Jasper said.

“Thank you, Jasper and Smokey,” Eric replied.

“Let’s go get that locket,” said Nightshade.

“We’re right behind you, Eric,” Zuni added.

The six friends, along with Jasper and Smokey went into the mirror, then came out of a horse-shaped statue in front of what looked to be a school building. Eric and Holly’s appearances didn’t change. Nightshade was now a tan boy with orange hair, Zuni was a pale gray girl with black and white striped hair, Marina was a pale green girl with blonde hair, and Slapstick was a medium gray boy with darker gray hair. Jasper and Smokey were humans once more, but kept their cream white and gray colors. Eric helped Nightshade stay upright, since he was having trouble staying on two legs, Jasper and Smokey didn’t have too much trouble, they supported Zuni and Marina, who were also having trouble walking upright.

“This place kinda reminds me of the suburban areas in Seattle,” Eric said.

“You’re telling us, little buddy,” Jasper replied.

“We can’t just wander aimlessly, we need to find someone who knows their way around,” Smokey added as they entered the school.

“I don’t think we have long to wait, somepony’s coming,” Nightshade said as he, Eric, and the others hid behind the stairwell.

A group of five girls entered the building. The first girl wore a white collared shirt with green shading near the collar, a short jean skirt, a brown belt with a red apple symbol on it, and brown cowgirl boots each with three red apple symbols, along with a light brown Stetson style hat on top of her head. The second girl wore a white shirt with short blue sleeves and a pink heart in the center of the shirt, a dark pink skirt with blue and yellow balloon patterns, and light blue go-go boots with pink bow-ties on each of them. The third girl wore a pale blue shirt, a dark purple belt, a purple skirt with three blue diamond designs on it, and dark purple go-go boots with a diamond decoration on the top of both of them. The fourth girl wore a white T-shirt with a rainbow colored lightning bolt design on it, a dark blue athletic jacket, a light magenta and white skirt, black shorts, rainbow patterned socks, and blue go-go boots. The fifth girl wore a white tank top, a light green skirt that white and pink butterfly symbols on it, pink knee socks, and light green go-go boots.

There were also three younger girls sitting on the steps. The first girl was wearing a light green shirt, blue jean shorts and orange boots, with a pink bow in her red hair. The second wore a pink jacket over a striped T-shirt, yellow skirt, and pink boots. The third wore a black hoodie, green shorts and black boots.

Upon getting a good look at these girls, Eric recognized them immediately, he and Nightshade looked enamored at the sight of two of the younger girls, who were none other than this world’s versions of Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom.

“They look familiar,” Eric said.

“You’re telling me, little buddy,” Jasper replied.

Soon, another girl came towards the school. She had red and yellow hair, lime green eyes, her attire was a leather jacket over a cyan dress with a yellow hem, blue-green leggings, and black go-go boots.

“Girls, I feel like...” Sunset tried to say.

“Like what?” Human Rarity asked.

“Like we’re being watched,” Sunset replied motioning to Eric and company.

Once Eric and his friends came out from behind the stairwell, they approached Sunset and her group.

“I’m Sunset Shimmer, what are your names?” the red and yellow haired girl greeted.

“I’m Eric Sparkle, and this is Nightshade, Holly, Marina, Zuni, Slapstick, Jasper, and Smokey,” Eric replied.

“Good to meet you all. Eric, are you related Princess Twilight by any chance?” Sunset asked.

“She’s my mommy,” Eric replied.

Eric explained to Sunset his story about coming to Equestria, getting adopted by Twilight, and everything that’s happened since then.

“Interesting story,” Sunset replied.

“We’re here to find the Locket of Prophecies, it has the ability to reveal visions of the future and it was carved out of a geode, so it has a crystal hue,” Eric said.

“We found out from Discord that he sent it to this world, and we could use your help,” Nightshade added.

“I’ve heard about the Locket of Prophecies from my studies at Princess Celestia’s school, and I’ll help in any way I can,” Sunset replied.

“Who are you talking to, Sunset, darling?” Human Rarity asked as she and the other four girls came to Sunset.

“Rarity? Applejack? Rainbow Dash? Pinkie Pie? Fluttershy? Good to see you,” Eric greeted.

“Sunset, how does he know our names?” Human Rainbow Dash asked.

“He and his friends came here from Equestria,” Sunset replied.

Meanwhile, back at the statue, Hot Shot and his five partners had become teenage boys wearing leather jackets and blue jeans. They were constantly trying to keep walking upright.

“What happened? We’re not invisible anymore,” Draggle wondered.

“No idea, but it’s likely that there’s no magic here,” Reeka replied.

The gorgons and colts-turned boys went inside the school and tried to think of a plan to get the locket.

“Boys, tear this place apart until you find that locket and bring Eric Sparkle and his friends to me!” Hot Shot ordered.

In the hallway, Eric and his friends were still with Sunset, trying to find any clue on the locket’s location.

“Sunset, do you know who has the locket?” Eric asked.

“I noticed Principal Celestia had a peculiar looking locket on her, she mentioned that it’s been in her family for many generations,” Sunset explained.

“That must be the Locket of Prophecies, we should ask her for it,” Eric suggested.

Eric and his friends, with help from Sunset Shimmer made their way to Principal Celestia’s office. As they walked through the hallway, Hot Shot and his partners soon spotted them.

“There they are!” Thundercracker said.

“Oh no, we’ve been spotted!” Holly shouted fearfully.

“We’re tired of attacking and interrogating students, get them!” Hot Shot ordered.

“They’re coming after us!” said Marina.

“Girls, we need to get to Principal Celestia’s office, can you please buy us some time?” Sunset asked.

“Ya’ll can count on us, Sunset,” Human Applejack replied as she and the others went to head off Hydia and his partners.

The two groups then stood face to face with each other, the boys tried to get by, but the girls blocked their every move.

“Out of our way!” Hot Shot said.

“I don’t think so,” Human Rainbow Dash countered.

Thundercracker noticed Eric, his friends and Sunset making their escape and said, “They’re gettin’ away!”

“Would you lovely mademoiselles care to step aside?” Draggle asked flirtatiously as he tried to put his hands on Human Rarity.

“Get your hands off me, you brute!” Human Rarity shouted. She slapped Draggle, while the other boys got slapped as well, especially Reeka and Thundercracker by Human Rainbow Dash for trying to lay a hand on her and Human Fluttershy.

“You are going to pay for that, my little chocolate croissant!” Draggle yelled at Human Rarity.

The boys resorted to wrestling the girls just to get by them, but then a wrestling duel broke out.

Meanwhile, Eric and his friends, along with Sunset Shimmer successfully made it to Principal Celestia’s office.

“Sunset, what can I do for you?” Principal Celestia asked.

“It’s about your locket that you described to me a while back, it is actually a magical relic from the land that my new friends here came from,” Sunset replied.

“It’s true, we’ve read about the Locket of Prophecies and we came to find it and bring it back safely. Please, Ms. Celestia, the fate of our land depends on it,” Eric added.

“You have a big and kind heart, little one. The locket is better off with you than it is with me,” Principal Celestia said as she gave Eric the locket before leaving her office.

“Thank you, Ms. Celestia,” Eric replied.

“If you’ll excuse me, I need to rejoin my friends,” Sunset replied as she left.

After they got the locket, Eric and his friends made their way to the school entrance, barely escaping Hydia, Reeka, Draggle, Hot Shot, Thundercracker, and Skywarp. They went into hiding behind the bleachers as the Friendship Games was going on, this part of it was called the Tri-Cross Relay.

While in their hiding place, Eric got a good look at two of the competitors from Crystal Prep. It was the human versions of his mother, Twilight Sparkle and Storm Blade, he also took a good look at the announcer’s booth and happened to notice the human version of his aunt, Cadance.

Just then, Hot Shot and his partners were coming their way. Jasper and Smokey went out of hiding to face them. All of a sudden, some magical plants came out of rifts from Equestria opened up by stolen magic.

Jasper and Smokey threw their opponents into the path of the plants, which then grabbed hold of Hydia and his partners, while Jasper and Smokey managed to escape. It wasn’t long before the rifts were sealed and the five boys were left confused.

“What was that? I thought there was no magic in this world,” Reeka said.

“It must’ve somehow got here through the portal a while back,” Hydia replied.

Under the bleachers, Eric and his friends witnessed the magical mishaps and were puzzled about it, they went to find Sunset Shimmer and then Nightshade asked, “What happened over there, Sunset?”

“Someone had a device that absorbs magic and it caused those rifts to form and those plants to appear,” Sunset replied.

“We had better stay clear of that device, Eric, it could absorb your magic as well,” Zuni said.

“Good thinking, Zuni,” Eric replied.

Meanwhile, back in Equestria, Twilight, Spike, and Storm, along with the newly reformed Starlight Glimmer, returned to the present day and the time travel scroll disappeared.

“One Castle of Friendship. Check!” Spike said as he kissed the floor.

The throne room door opened revealing Rarity, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, and Fluttershy.

“What in Equestria was that?!” Rarity asked in shock.

“Is everypony okay?” Fluttershy asked worriedly.

“Can you do it again?” Pinkie squealed.

“One group of amazing friends. Check!” Spike said.

“Yeah, Spike. It looks like we’re home!” Twilight replied.

“Indeed, it’s good to be home. It felt like such a long day,” Storm added.

“Uh... what’s she doin’ here?” Applejack asked pointing to Starlight.

“Actually, it’s kind of a long story,” Twilight replied.

“One that we’d be happy to share with you,” Storm added.

Twilight, Storm, and Spike explained everything that they went through during their time travel experience, and how they convinced Starlight to change her ways.

“I mean, I knew my rainboom was awesome, but I never thought all of Equestria depended on it!” Rainbow said.

“Or on us!” Pinkie added.

“We think it’s more than that. Friendship connects all of Equestria, and undoing one group of friends made its magic less powerful,” Twilight said.

“It’s true, friendship is perhaps the most important virtue we have,” Storm added.

“I can’t believe y’all were able to travel through time like that,” Applejack replied.

“That Starlight must be pretty magical!” Pinkie added.

“She obviously has more talent for magic than almost anypony Storm and I have seen. Our magic couldn’t stop her. We had to convince her to stop on her own. Once we realized that, everything fell into place,” Twilight explained.

“With the magical talent that Starlight has, she may yet have the potential to help us protect Equestria,” Storm added.

“But if she’s as powerful as all that, we can’t just send her on her way, can we?” Applejack asked.

“Actually, we kind of have something else in mind,” Twilight replied.

Starlight kept waiting outside the throne room, until Spike opened the door.

She nervously gulped and sighed, then said, “I know there’s no excuse for what I did, but I want you all to know that I’m ready for whatever punishment you think is fair.”

“We’ve been thinking a lot about how badly Equestria fared without just one group of friends. Because even when one friendship dies, the results can be disastrous,” Twilight explained.

“I know first-hoof how true that can be,” Starlight said.

“And that’s why I’ve asked you here. If you’re willing to learn, I’m willing to teach you what I know. You’ll have the power to make Equestria an even better place,” Twilight replied.

“We see much potential in you, Starlight. You’re destined for great things,” Storm added.

“How do I start?” Starlight asked in a hushed tone.

“Starting is easy! All you have to do is make a friend! And you’ve got eight of them right here,” Twilight replied.

Once back at the castle, Twilight and Storm suddenly began thinking about Eric. Twilight had a troubled look on her face.

“What’s troubling you, Twilight?” Storm asked.

“I just remembered, we need to go see Eric. We had such a long day,” Twilight replied.

“I’m sure he’s in good hooves with Jasper and Smokey,” Storm said.

“Eric! We’re home!” Twilight called out.

The castle was too quiet.

“Eric! Where are you, sport?!” Storm called.

“Twilight, who’s Eric?” Starlight asked.

“He’s my son, who I adopted eight months ago,” Twilight explained.

She and Storm told Starlight about how he came to Equestria and what he’s done since then.

“When you find Eric, I’d like to meet him,” Starlight said.

Twilight, Spike, Storm, and Starlight searched nearly every part of the castle and still no sign of Eric or Jasper and Smokey. Twilight was constantly freaking out about this, she started to have tears form in her eyes.

“Try to think positively, Twilight,” Storm said.

“How can I?! My baby is missing and we don’t know where he is!” Twilight sobbed.

“I’m sure he’s fine, wherever he is,” Storm replied reassuringly.

Meanwhile, Eric and his friends just came out of the mirror and back in to the castle.

Hot Shot and his partners also came out of the mirror, but then with one incantation, Eric, Jasper, and Smokey used a Memory Charm on them, then the gorgons and colts fled.

They came out of the secret compartment and walked down the hallway towards the throne room. Once there, they opened the door revealing Twilight and Storm in each other’s comforting embrace. Spike saw him, tapped Twilight’s shoulder, and said, “Twilight, Storm, Eric’s back, and his friends are here.”

“Eric!” Twilight cried out.

“Mommy!” cried in joy as he hugged her.

“Where were you?!” Twilight asked.

“My friends and I went through the Crystal Mirror into the human world to find the Locket of Prophecies and we got it,” Eric explained presenting the locket.

“Thank goodness you’re okay!” Twilight replied.

“We were so worried about you, sport,” Storm added.

Eric and his friends told Twilight, Spike, and Storm about their adventure in the human world, especially meeting Sunset Shimmer.

“Glad to hear about that, sweetie. There’s somepony who wants to meet you,” Twilight said.

“You wanted to see me, Twilight?” Starlight asked.

“Yes. Starlight, this is my son, Eric Sparkle,” Twilight replied.

“Eric, this is your mom’s student, Starlight Glimmer,” Storm added.

“Hi, Starlight,” Eric said.

“Good to finally meet you, Eric,” Starlight replied.

A short time later, Eric’s friends went back to their families, then Jasper and Smokey returned to the Carousel Boutique and Sweet Apple Acres, and after his usual evening routine, Eric went to sleep.

Author's Note

This chapter is set during the Cutie Re-Mark Parts 1 & 2 and Equestria Girls: Friendship Games.

The image of Starlight Glimmer is courtesy of DashieSparkle

Chapter 16: The Crystalling

A month passed since Eric and his friends recovered the Locket of Prophecies. It was a sunny early summer morning, Eric was sound asleep, until Twilight tickled his feet with her wings and woke him up.

“Morning, mommy,” Eric said while being tickled.

“Morning, sweetie,” Twilight replied.

She had a mischievous smirk on her face, then she began blowing raspberries on Eric’s midsection.

“Mommy, quit it. I surrender,” Eric said laughing hard.

A short time later, Starlight was wandering the hall trying to find the library.

“Okay. Library... Library... Where did they put the library?” Starlight said to herself and sighed, “This castle looked a lot smaller from the outside.”

Starlight opened a door revealing Spike in a towel and brushing his teeth.

“Morning, Starlight!” Spike greeted with a mouthful of toothpaste.

“Whoops! Sorry, Spike! I guess I’m still trying to find my way around,” Starlight said then asked as she closed the door, “You don’t happen to know where the library is, do you?”

“Next door on the left!” Spike replied.

“Oh. Thanks!” said Starlight as she went into the library.

“Acceptance, mm-hmm. Altruism, definitely. Starlight, good morning, come in!” Twilight said as she noticed Starlight at the door.

“Sorry I’m late. I got a little turned around. I still can’t believe you and Storm are letting me stay here... as your pupil... after everything I did,” Starlight replied.

“Well, we’re not ones to dwell on the past, and neither should you. The castle is your home now, and as far as being my pupil goes, we were just trying to figure out what your first friendship lesson should be!” said Twilight.

“That shouldn’t be too hard, since Jasper and Smokey are also my pupils,” Storm added.

“Oh, well, it looks like both of you are really narrowing it down!” Starlight said.

“Oh, these are just the A’s. After this, I move on to the B’s!” Twilight replied.

“Then the C’s, the D’s, and so on,” Storm added.

The view briefly showed the outside of the castle.

“I know I’m just learning about friendship, but I didn’t think there were this many lessons for anything. How do we choose?” Starlight said while looking at the lesson ideas.

“Maybe we should pare things down a bit before we go through them. Why don’t you join the others in the throne room? They’re planning our trip to the Crystal Empire when Shining Armor and Princess Cadance have their baby!” Twilight replied.

“Besides, maybe you can get to know my pupils, Jasper and Smokey as part of your friendship lesson,” Storm added.

“Throne room! Jasper and Smokey! Got it! Um, which way is the throne room?” Starlight nervously laughed.

Twilight and Storm just sighed.

All of Twilight’s friends, plus Jasper and Smokey were all gathered in the throne room. Eric and his pet otter, Ron were also present.

“Well, I think we should leave ASAP. I don’t want to miss the Crystalling!” Rainbow Dash suggested.

“But, um, shouldn’t we wait for the invitation?“ Fluttershy asked.

“Frankly, I’m not exactly clear on all the customs and traditions of the Crystal Empire, especially when it comes to a Crystalling,” Applejack replied.

“That kind of thing is new to me, too, babe,” Smokey added.

“What’s a Crystalling?” Starlight asked.

“I don’t know what what that is, either,” Eric added.

“Well, that’s just it, darlings. Princess Cadance and Shining Armor’s baby is due any day, and we’re still not sure. The Crystal Empire was gone for a thousand years. A lot of their customs are a bit murky,” Rarity replied.

“You’re telling me,” Jasper added.

“We know it’s got somethin’ to do with the new baby,” Applejack said.

”And a party!”

“And the Crystal Heart,” Fluttershy replied.

”And a party!”

“And some kinda cool energy,” Rainbow added.

”And... a party!”

“It’s not hard to understand. Most things in the Crystal Empire aren’t. Like how I’m a big hero there, for example!” Spike pointed out as he showed an image of himself.

Rarity stifled a giggle.

“Eh... plus, I’ve had to help Twilight do a lot of research on Crystallings. Whenever a baby is born in the Crystal Empire, the parents bring it before the Crystal Heart. They get the purest shard of crystal they can find, then pick a crystaller to present the baby to everypony who comes. Then they all share the light and joy they feel, feeding it into the crystal that joins with the Heart, and increases its power! And this is going to be a royal Crystalling, so pretty much the whole empire will show up. That hasn’t happened in a millennia!” Spike explained as he held a vase showing it.

“What do you mean it increases the Crystal Heart’s power?” Starlight asked.

“The energy it uses to protect the Crystal Empire, I guess,” Spike said, shrugging his shoulders.

“Protect it from what?” Starlight asked.

“I... didn’t help Twilight with that part,” Spike replied.

Twilight and Storm were still planning out potential friendship lessons. Just then, Starlight came in.

“Hey, Twilight? Storm? can I ask you something about the Crystal Empire? Starlight asked.

“Huh! Funny you should mention it. Because I just narrowed your first friendship lesson down to three options, and one of them is in the Crystal Empire!” Twilight replied.

“It was a lot harder than I thought, but we managed to pull through,” Storm added.

“Really?” Starlight asked.

“We found out that’s where the first pony you ever cared about lives!” Twilight replied.

“Sunburst?” Starlight asked.

“Of course, that’s just one idea. We could also go to Griffonstone.... Making friends with a griffon is a challenge all by itself! Or we could tag along with the CMC’s the next time they try to help a pony figure out why they’re special...” Twilight replied.

“Here’s another idea, maybe we could go to Yakyakistan. I hear befriending a yak isn’t exactly a walk in the park either,” Storm replied.

Meanwhile, in the northern reaches of the Crystal Empire, a guard was patrolling the perimeter. All of a sudden, several guards were stunned by magic blasts, a huge army came down from the north, led by Glacio.

“We’re under attack! Light the signal!” the guard shouted.

The remaining guards lit the torches, then they quickly went to the palace. Glacio himself appeared, the guard backed away in fear, then lit one of the torches.

“Now all of Equestria knows you’re here,” the guard said.

“Perfect,” Glacio replied sinisterly.

Once at the palace, the guards patrolling the northern boundary went to alert the prince and princess. Princesses Celestia and Luna were also present, along with Nightshade, Marina, Zuni, and Slapstick.

“Your majesties, somepony has breached the northern boundary with a huge army, and they’re headed for the palace!” The guard captain said.

“Who could possibly attack us from the north?” Shining Armor asked.

“Glacio is leading them,” said the captain.

“Thank you for alerting us, Captain Brawn. Recall every guard back here immediately,” Cadance ordered. Brawn nodded in response.

“Sister, we need to inform Princess Twilight and Sir Storm about this,” Luna said.

“Good thinking, Luna,” Celestia replied as she started writing a letter.

Back at the Castle of Friendship, Spike, Eric, and Starlight were in the middle of a heart to heart conversation until, they heard Twilight’s voice, “Spike! Eric! Come quick!” she called.

Spike, Eric, and Starlight came up to Twilight and Storm who were up on the balcony. The wind blew a message in the shape of a snowflake to them, Twilight caught it in her wing.

“It’s a Crystalling invitation!” Spike said.

“What is it, Mommy?” Eric asked.

“Shining Armor’s a father! I’m an aunt! Well, this settles it! Since we’re going to the Crystal Empire, your first friendship lesson is going to be... reuniting with Sunburst!” Twilight replied.

“Great..” said Starlight as she lowered her head and dropped her ears.

“You hear that, Eric? Your cousin has been born,” Storm said to Eric.

Just then, Spike got a familiar urge. He belched, revealing a message.

“Twilight, Storm, you have a letter from Princess Celestia!” Spike said.

Twilight and Storm looked at the letter, it read:
Dear Twilight and Storm,

I regret to inform you that the Crystal Empire is being attacked by Glacio and his army. The both of you and the others must come and help protect it during your visit.

Yours truly, Princess Celestia.

“It appears we have another important item to attend to, Starlight,” Storm said.

A while later on the train, Twilight, Storm, and all their friends, along with Eric, his pet otter, Ron, and Holly were seated together. Eric sat between Twilight and Storm with Ron in his lap. Starlight sat beside Twilight, Fluttershy and Rarity sat with Jasper, Applejack sat with Smokey, and Holly with Rainbow Dash.

“Um, Applejack, what is that?” Rainbow Dash yawned, then asked.

“Oh, just a little somethin’ for the young’un. Made from genuine Sweet Apple Acres apple trees. We make ‘em for all the Apples, and anypony related to Twilight is practically family,” Applejack said.

“You’re a brilliant craftspony, AJ. That’s one thing I love about you,” Smokey said to Applejack.

“Ya flatter me, Smokey,” Applejack replied.

“Yeah, it’s okay... But it’s no Cloudsdale mobile! Bam!” Rainbow said.

Pinkie Pie, Rarity, and Jasper gazed at it in awe.

“Pretty,” Pinkie commented.

“Well, a mobile is real nice... as long as you have somethin’ to lay in so you can look at it,” Applejack replied to Rainbow.

“And a fetching blanket to keep you warm,” Rarity added.

“I’m sure Shining Armor and Princess Cadance will love all our gifts. But I think they’re more happy we’ll be attending the baby’s Crystalling,” said Twilight to her friends.

“Ooh! I can’t wait to see all that light and love make the Crystal Heart even more sparkly and shiny!” Pinkie said in excitement.

“Actually, Pinkie, the Crystal Heart is an ancient and powerful relic. Without its magic, the Crystal Empire would be lost to the Frozen North,” Twilight replied.

“It’s among the oldest magical relics in the land,” Storm added.

“Wow, this Crystalling sounds pretty important. I’d understand if you wanted to... you know... wait to do a different friendship lesson when we get back,” said Starlight.

“Are you kidding? This trip is perfect! Not only do I get to see the baby and take part in the ceremony that helps maintain the magic of the Crystal Empire, but I’m starting my new pupil off with the most amazing friendship lesson ever! I can’t wait!” Twilight said.

“Right... Me neither... Actually, Twilight, I am a little worried about meeting Sunburst,” Starlight replied.

“Oh, trust me. I know what it’s like to see old friends. But I’ll be right there to help things along. I’ve broken the whole lesson down into a few easy steps to ensure this reunion goes off without a hitch!” Twilight said reassuringly.

“Right. Minuette, Lemon Hearts, Twinkleshine, and Moondancer. She was the hardest to reconnect with, especially since she had the biggest crush on me back in magic school, they all did,” Storm recalled.

Starlight laughed nervously at this. The train stopped and everypony got off at the station, then went to the palace.

“Step one, head to Sunburst’s house and get you two started on the right hoof. Step two, get to the castle with enough time to visit the ba—” Twilight read before bumping into a tired Shining Armor.

“Shining Armor!”

“Uncle Shining!”

“Twilight! Storm! Eric!” Shining greeted tiredly.

The four of them entered a group hug.

“I didn’t know you were meeting us!” Twilight said.

“Of course I am! It’s me, right here. Here I am. Why wouldn’t I come meet my sister? Though we have met before, heh-heh...” Shining replied tiredly.

“Are you all right?” Twilight asked.

“Yeah, you look exhausted,” Storm pointed out.

“Never better! Being a father is amazing! And wonderful, and amazing, and confusing, and amazing, but surprising too, you know? I mean, not that you’d know. You wouldn’t know, I know... You know. Sorry, I haven’t really slept since Cadance had the baby. Come to think of it, she hasn’t either. It sure would be great to get a break,” Shining explained.

“Oh, of course! I don’t know what I was thinking! You two probably need all kinds of help! I’m sorry, Starlight, but I guess combining your first lesson with this visit wasn’t such a good idea,” Twilight said.

“Not to mention we also have to help repel an attack led by this evil pony called Glacio,” Storm added.

“Oh, uh, don’t be ridiculous! You’re an aunt now, and also a mother! That’s way more important than some friendship lesson,” Starlight replied.

“I just wish there was a way to do both,” Twilight said.

“Maybe there is! You’ve already done the work for Starlight’s lesson with this list. All we have to do is follow it!” Spike replied.

Starlight facehoofed herself at that.

“Spike, you’re a genius!” Twilight said.

“Good thinking, little buddy,” Storm added.

“Yeah... genius,” Starlight laughed nervously and commented through gritted teeth.

“Then it’s settled! Shining Armor, Storm, and I will head straight to the castle, and you two can head straight to Sunburst’s!” Twilight said.

“Aye-aye, Princess and Sir Knight!” Spike replied as he saluted them.

“Uh-huh,” said Starlight nervously.

“Alright, big brother, let’s go see this amazing baby pony!” Twilight said.

“Ahhh... the baby...” Shining mumbled snoring in his sleep.

“Yay! We’re gonna meet my new cousin!” Eric shouted jumping in excitement.

“I know you’re excited, sweetie, but you need to settle down,” Twilight said to Eric.

“Yes, mommy,” Eric replied.

Once in the palace, Twilight, Storm, and their friends, plus Eric and Holly waited behind Shining Armor outside a door.

“Before we go in, I should probably tell you. Seeing the baby might be a bit of a shock,” Shining said.

“Come on, big brother. Storm and I have met babies before. I expect meeting this one won’t be any different,” Twilight replied as she and Storm entered the nursery.

Twilight, Storm, Eric, and Holly looked on with soft smiles on their faces.

The baby unfurled her wings and cooed, causing Twilight and Storm to gasp.

“Of course, we could be wrong,” Twilight said.

“You’re telling me, Twily,” Storm replied.

The infant filly just kept babbling.

“The baby is an alicorn?!” Twilight and Storm asked in unison.

“My cousin is an alicorn?!” Eric added in equal shock.

“It looks that way,” Cadance replied tiredly, “Hi, Eric.”

“Hi, Aunt Cadance,” Eric greeted as he hugged her.

“But... But... But I thought Alicorn wings had to be earned by accomplishing some great, princess-worthy deed!” Rarity replied.

“Yeah. How can you just be born with ‘em?” Applejack asked.

“The birth of an Alicorn is something Equestria has never seen!” Celestia said.

“It is beyond even our understanding,” Luna added.

“That’s not very reassuring,” Fluttershy replied in a hushed voice.

Jasper and Smokey just stood still in shock.

“Wow! A unicorn, and a Pegasus! So she could be a super-strong flyer and have crazy baby magic!” Pinkie said.

“Well, I know all about super-strong flying!” Rainbow replied.

“And we can help keep tabs on her magic!” Twilight added.

“Easier said than done. We also need to be ready to repel Glacio’s army,” Storm pointed out.

The baby began sneezing, causing a huge magic surge which blew a hole in the ceiling going many stories.

“It appears her magic is more powerful than that of a newborn unicorn!” Celestia said.

“The crowds have already started to gather,” Luna replied.

“Hi, Eric! Hi, Holly!” Nightshade, Marina, Slapstick, and Zuni said in unison.

“Hi, friends,” Eric replied as they got into a group hug.

“This Crystalling is gonna be some party!” Pinkie shouted as she blew up a balloon only for it to pop.

“Do you think we should call it off?” Cadance asked.

“Um, we’ve all faced a lot worse than baby magic,” Rainbow pointed out.

“I can’t imagine cancelling such a beautiful and important ceremony over something so potentially adorable!” Rarity replied.

Applejack, Pinkie, Rainbow, and Fluttershy agreed with Rarity.

“In light of the little one’s abilities, this Crystalling might be more important than ever,” Celestia said, “Perhaps you should address your subjects and remind them of that.”

Cadance nodded in response and gave her daughter a kiss on the head, then left the room with the other princesses.

“What about stopping Glacio and his army? They’re already in the city, headed for the palace right now,” Storm asked.

“You, Jasper, and Smokey must delay them for as long as you can. Take Captain Brawn, Lieutenant Flash Sentry and a detachment of guards with you,” Luna ordered.

“As you wish, Princess Luna,” Storm replied as he, Jasper, and Smokey also left the room.

“Be careful, Stormy,” Twilight said as they shared a kiss and nuzzled.

Smokey also shared a kiss and nuzzled with Applejack before he and Jasper left with Storm.

“Shining Armor! Do you have everything you need for the ceremony?” Twilight asked.

“Huh? Oh, no! I still have to interview the honor guards, choose the purity crystal, and pick a crystaller!” Shining said frantically as he woke up from nodding off.

“Alright, take it easy. Pinkie can stay here with me, Eric, and his friends to keep an eye on the baby,” Twilight replied.

“And we’ll all help you with everythin’ else,” Applejack added.

Shining nodded off once again, mumbling ‘baby’ in his sleep.

“That is, if you can stay awake long enough to tell us how,” Rarity said.

A while later, Glacio and his army were already inside the city advancing to the palace, they were scaring the Crystal Ponies out of their homes, causing them to flock to the palace.

“All too easy,” Glacio said sinisterly, then cackled.

“Give it up, Glacio!” Storm shouted.

“Sir Storm Blade, we meet at last,” said Glacio.

Storm and Glacio tried to blast one another, until their magical beams crossed paths. It seemed as if Storm would quickly be overpowered. Jasper and Smokey blasted their own magic beams, the three unicorns managed to redirect Glacio’s magic beam back at him. He fell but got back up, then kept up the duel.

The guards led by Brawn and Flash were brawling with Glacio’s army.

“Captain, I’m not sure we can keep this up for much longer!” Flash said.

“We could really use Princess Twilight’s help right now!” a guard added.

“Princess Twilight and the others are still preparing for the Crystalling, we’ve got to give them more time!” Captain Brawn replied.

As the battle dragged on, the guards were fearing that they would be overpowered.

“If we scatter, they’ll pick us off! Stand together!” Storm ordered.

Jasper and Smokey stood alongside Storm, with the guards behind them. Soon, it would become more clear that they won’t be able to hold out for long.

Back at the palace nursery, Twilight and Pinkie, along with Eric and his friends were trying to keep the baby under control.

“Well... at least she’s having... fun!” Pinkie said.

The alicorn filly kept blasting her magic, Twilight was constantly intercepting it.

Nightshade shielded himself, along with Marina, Holly, Zuni, and Slapstick.

“Protego!” Eric incanted.

“Whee!” Pinkie exclaimed.

“Pinkie, hold her still!” Twilight said.

“I’m tryiiiiiiing!” Pinkie replied.

At the base of the palace, Rarity and the others were trying to keep Shining calm and help him overcome his stress.

Cadance, along with Celestia and Luna came down to check on their progress.

“Okay. I chose the honor guard, picked the purity crystal, and I know exactly who I want to be our crystaller. So, all we need is...” Shining tried to say.

“The baby?” Cadance finished.

“We’re here!” Twilight said.

“She’s a really strong flyer!” Pinkie added.

“You’re telling me, Pinkie! My cousin is really hard to keep up with!” Eric replied.

Using her magic, Cadance separated her daughter from Pinkie, much to the filly’s dismay. This caused her to cry as loud as the Royal Canterlot Voice. The frequency was so powerful that it shattered the Crystal Heart.

Everypony gasped at the sight of this, the little filly calmed down and slowly dropped into her mother’s left hoof.

“I’m guessin’ that’s gonna make it harder to do the Crystalling,” Applejack said.

“It’s worse than that. Without the Heart, the Crystal Empire’s about to be buried under a mountain of ice and snow!” Twilight replied.

“That and Glacio and his army is on their way here. He’ll try to prevent the Crystalling from taking place and destroy what’s left!” Eric added.

Meanwhile, Storm, Jasper, Smokey, and the guards tried to hold out but most of them had been overpowered. they noticed the storm clouds had gathered and that signaled the start of a huge snowstorm.

“Fall back to the palace!” Storm ordered.

“What’s going on?” Smokey asked as they fled back to the castle.

“There’s a huge storm, something must be wrong. Let’s find out,” Storm replied.

Once back at the palace, Storm, Jasper, and Smokey, along with Flash and Brawn reunited with Twilight and the others.

“Twilight, we held them off as long as we could, but Glacio was too powerful,” Storm said.

“Is nopony else back?” Shining asked.

“Storm, Jasper, Smokey, Captain Brawn, and myself are all that’s left. We didn’t stand a chance,” Flash replied.

Everypony bowed their heads and held their right hooves/claws/hands to their chests in respect to the guards who had fallen at the hooves of Glacio and his army.

“What happened?” Storm asked.

“The Crystal Heart was destroyed, and without it, the Crystal Empire will freeze,” Twilight replied.

“Glacio and his army will try to use the snowstorm to their advantage, this is just the first part of their plan to freeze Equestria itself,” Storm said.

“Storm is right, not only do we need to fix the Crystal Heart and get the Crystalling back on track, we also need to stop Glacio from turning all of Equestria into a frozen wasteland,” Celestia added.

The storm was blowing very fiercely and in the distance, Glacio and his army was advancing.

“There must be a spell that can restore the Crystal Heart!” Twilight said.

“Perhaps,” Celestia replied.

“But it isn’t something that either of us know,” Luna finished.

“The library here at the castle is nearly as extensive as the one in Canterlot. There’s a good chance we can find something there!” Cadance suggested.

“Can you hold off the storm?” Twilight asked.

“Yes, for a time, but even our magic will eventually succumb to the power of the Frozen North,” Luna replied.

“We will do what we can, but you must hurry,” Celestia said as she and Luna went to fight the storm.

“I don’t know how long it will take to find the right spell, but you should probably tell the crowd outside to get somewhere warm!” Twilight said.

“And try not to mention the Crystal Heart or Glacio. We don’t want to start a panic,” Cadance added.

“Yes, ma’am. C’mon, girls!” Applejack replied as she, Fluttershy, and Rainbow Dash went to the crowd.

“I’m gonna need all of your help. The crystal library is enormous!” Twilight said.

“You can count on us, Twily!” Shining replied.

The little filly giggled and teleported onto Pinkie’s face. She then teleported to another location.

“Where’d she go?!” Shining asked.

“This way!” Cadance replied as she heard her daughter giggling.

Meanwhile, Storm, Jasper, and Smokey went to face Glacio. Unknown to them, Eric and his friends were trailing behind.

“Do you think we’re being followed?” Jasper asked.

“I think so,” Smokey replied.

Storm looked behind them and saw Eric and his friends.

“Eric, what are you doing out here? You should be back with your mom and helping her at the library,” Storm said.

“We wanted to help you. We’ve held our own against Glacio’s minions before,” Eric replied.

“Please, Sir Storm?” Nightshade asked.

“Okay, but stay close to us and be careful,” Storm said.

“Will do, Sir Storm,” Zuni, Marina, Holly, and Slapstick replied in unison.

Soon, Glacio and his army spotted them.

“We meet again, Sir Storm,” Glacio said before turning to Eric, “You’re the two legged creature my minions told me about. Let me guess, Eric Sparkle. We meet at last.”

“You’ll never get the locket, Glacio,” Eric retorted.

“Oh ho ho, am I a dog that you come at me with a stick?” Glacio asked mockingly.

Everypony in Glacio’s army laughed at that.

“I don’t know exactly what you mean, but you’re gonna lose,” Eric replied.

“I beg to differ,” Glacio retorted, then ordered, “Minions, get the locket!”

“You want the locket, you’ll have to go through us,” Nightshade said definitely.

“Yeah! You mess with one of us, you mess with all of us!” Zuni added.

Eric began dueling Hot Shot, Nighshade fought Hydia, Zuni fought Reeka, Marina fought Draggle, Slapstick fought Skywarp, and Holly fought Thundercracker. Storm was able to defeat several ice pony soldiers with many kicks from her back legs. Storm was once again dueling Glacio, with Jasper and Smokey fighting more ice pony soldiers, the two brothers incanted, “Stupefy! Expelliarmus! Everte Statum! Confringo!”

“Incarcerous!” Eric incanted.

Hydia was then tied up in a conjured-up rope, Eric then took out the locket and said, “You want the locket? Go get it!”

He threw the locket very far, then incanted, “Reducto!”

“You’re too late, Glacio! I’ve destroyed the locket!” Eric said.

“What can any of you hope to gain from this? My forces outnumber yours, you cannot win!” Glacio asked mockingly.

“We’re just keeping you busy until Twilight and the others fix the Crystal Heart!” Storm replied in defiance.

“Forget the locket! Continue on to the palace, so we can destroy all information about the Crystal Heart and stop the Crystalling! Then we’ll march on Canterlot!” Glacio ordered.

A short time later, Celestia and Luna were still trying to fight the snowstorm, but their efforts were all but futile.

“Push them back, my sister!” Celestia said.

“I’m trying!” Luna replied.

All of a sudden, they were blasted out of the sky by Glacio.

“You cannot fight the freeze, sisters!” Glacio said.

“Equestria will never be yours, brother!” Celestia retorted.

“Let’s agree to disagree,” Glacio replied.

A duel between siblings broke out. Storm, Jasper, and Smokey suddenly zapped Glacio from behind, but then they were chased all the way to the palace, where Twilight and Cadance were preparing to fix the Crystal Heart.

“Twilight! Cadance! You may want to hurry up, Glacio’s here!” Storm said.

“We’re trying!” Cadance replied as Twilight was memorizing the spell.

“Princesses Twilight Sparkle and Mi Amore Cadenza. I’ve been looking forward to meeting you,” said Glacio.

“Feeling’s not mutual, Glacio!” Cadance retorted.

Glacio was about to blast Cadance and Twilight, but Storm intercepted him and they dueled once more.

“Uh, I think that’s everything?” Twilight asked.

“It looks right to me, but... there’s only one way to find out!” Cadance replied as she and Twilight activated the spell.

At first it seemed as if the spell was a success, but the Crystal Heart broke apart.

“The spell failed. I don’t know what else to do,” Twilight said.

“Looks like you’re out of ideas, princess,” Glacio mocked and cackled.

“An old student of mine believes he does,” Celestia replied as she and Luna revealed Sunburst.

“The baby did this?!” Sunburst asked.

“I tried putting it back together with—” Twilight tried to say.

“The spell of Relic Reconstitution. No, that won’t do it. The Crystal Heart’s been around for millennia, restoring a relic like this is way beyond one spell. You need to combine it with something else. Something unique to the relic itself, something that strengthens it and provides it with power...?” Sunburst explained.

“The Crystalling!” Twilight replied.

Meanwhile, Storm and Glacio resumed dueling, buying time for Twilight and the others to fix the Crystal Heart and begin the Crystalling. Eric and his friends, along with Jasper and Smokey were keeping the enemy soldiers occupied.

“Game over, Glacio! You’ve lost!” Storm said.

“I will prevail! I always have. Do you think Luna would have turned into Nightmare Moon if I didn’t go to her head and talk her into giving into her hate? Would Queen Chrysalis and the changelings have invaded Canterlot if I hadn’t told her about it? And who do you think lured Cerberus away from Tartarus so Tirek could escape?” Glacio retorted.

“Let me guess, that was all your doing?” Storm asked.

“Correct, your enemies have been pawns in my game,” Glacio replied.

Just when Glacio was about to overpower Storm, Jasper and Smokey quickly came to his aid.

“We’re here to assist you, Storm,” Smokey and Jasper said as they fired their own magical beams.

“Thanks, guys” Storm replied.

Meanwhile, the Crystalling was in full swing, as Sunburst presented the baby princess.

“Citizens! May I present the newest member of the Crystal Empire!” he announced.

Everypony then bowed in respect and then Sunburst collected the love energy inside the purity crystal and applied it to the Crystal Heart, thus repairing and giving it the strength to repel the storm. Everypony soon began to glow all shiny, they all wowed and cheered.

“NOOOOOO!” Glacio shouted in fury, “This isn’t over, Eric Sparkle and everypony! I’ll be back!”

Glacio and his forces then fled back north, the Crystal Empire was safe, as was the rest of Equestria, for now.

Eric and his friends, along with Storm, Jasper, and Smokey rejoined Twilight and the others.

“Mommy! I’m all shiny!” Eric said as he and his friends were amazed.

“That’s what happens when the Crystal Heart is activated, sweetie,” Twilight replied.

Starlight went up to Sunburst and said, “For a pony who isn’t great at magic, you did pretty well.”

“Indeed. I’m glad to see you’ve found a way to share your unique gift, Sunburst. You may be more of a wizard than you think,” Celestia added.

Starlight and Sunburst just looked at each other and smiled.

A short time later, everypony went to the train station. Twilight Velvet and Night Light then came up to them.

“You would not believe the crazy weather that delayed our train. Came out of nowhere,” Night Light said.

“But it was all worth it to see this peaceful little angel! Awww, so sweet! Come to your grandmare!” Velvet added and said to her granddaughter.

“Grandpa! Grandma! You made it!” Eric said as he came up to them.

“Hi, Eric,” Night Light and Velvet replied in unison as they hugged him.

“Yeah, peaceful now, anyway,” Applejack pointed out.

“I suppose that spell really did the trick!” Twilight said.

Just then, the filly began to sneeze. Everypony ducked in fear of another magic surge, but it was just a normal sneeze.

“We have Sunburst to thank for that,” Shining Armor replied.

“I hope he takes his role as crystaller seriously. Something tells me the baby will need a pony like him to look to for magical advice,” Cadance added.

“Cadance, darling, aren’t we gonna name the poor little dear, or are we gonna spend our entire visit just calling her ‘the baby’?” Twilight Velvet asked.

“We were thinking... “Flurry Heart” Cadance replied.

“You know, to remember the occasion,” Shining added.

“Oh, goodness, how could anypony forget?” Rarity asked rhetorically.

“I think it’s lovely,” Twilight said as she gave Flurry a kiss.

The little filly giggled.

“Grandma, can I hold her?” Eric asked.

“Of course, dear,” Velvet replied as she passed Flurry to him.

“Hi, Flurry. I’m your cousin, Eric,” Eric said to the filly.

Flurry reached her hooves out and touched Eric’s face. The boy nuzzled his cousin, Twilight and Storm smiled at this.

“Flurry really loves you, sweetie,” Twilight said.

Soon everypony saw off Cadance and Shining Armor, then boarded the train.

“Well, I think you’re the Crystal Empire’s big important wizard, whether you like it or not,” Starlight said to Sunburst.

“I don’t know if I’ll have time for any wizarding. I’m a crystaller now, that’s a big responsibility,” Sunburst pointed out while blushing.

“I can’t think of anypony more qualified. Just... promise you’ll stay in touch?” Starlight asked.

“Hm, like I’d ever lose touch with my oldest friend,” Sunburst replied.

Twilight and Storm looked on as the two foalhood friends hugged. They had troubled looks on their faces.

“What’s wrong, Twilight?” Spike asked.

“I don’t know, Spike. I think I have a lot to learn about being a teacher,” Twilight replied.

“I think I do as well, for Jasper and Smokey,” Storm added.

“What are you talking about? Your lesson went perfectly! Starlight and Sunburst got over their past and rekindled their friendship! As for you Storm, your lessons for Jasper and Smokey went smoothly too,” Spike said.

“No thanks to us, we know a lot happened. We just wish we could have given our pupils the attention they deserve,” Twilight replied.

“Well, I know they needed to be put on the right path, but giving them the space to make their own decisions worked pretty well. Isn’t that how Celestia taught you?” Spike pointed out.

“You know, I never thought about it! But I guess it is!” Twilight said.

“Maybe you’re both better teachers than you thought,” Spike replied.

Starlight looked out the window and waved goodbye to Sunburst as the train started moving and went back to Ponyville.

“We’ll need to spread the word of Glacio’s return,” Storm said.

“We also need to tell Princesses Celestia and Luna that Prince Blueblood is working for him,” Eric added.

“We’ll tell everypony soon enough, sweetie,” Twilight replied.

Eric quickly fell asleep and rested on Twilight’s shoulder, she wrapped her wing around him, while she leaned her head against Storm. Applejack also leaned on her boyfriend, Smokey, on the train ride back to Ponyville.

THE END

Author's Note

This is the last chapter.

Images of Starlight Glimmer and Sunburst courtesy of DashieSparkle

Image of Flurry Heart courtesy of CloudyGlow

Stay tuned for sequels!