Thirteen.

I am officially thirteen years old. Puberty struck me like a fucking tornado. My voice, although cracky, is deeper than the wheeze that came out of my mouth. Thanks to the hormones, my body is developing at a steady rate. I'm a bit short still, however, I'm not a dwarf anymore. I'm getting muscle mass because of the training. And now I have quite the cardio! I can run for quite a while, although I lack the speed other mares have. It's getting harder to ignore the other things that come with this age. Not on my part, thankfully, but on the mare's part. As one would expect, they have heat periods. And during those periods they get, assertive, with stallions.

I've been doing my best to avoid them. But as much as I would like to avoid them. I have classmates and most of them are ponies I have to interact with. Mom and Dad told me it's ok to be worried about this. But they also told me to be mindful of any mares approaching me out of the blue. I learned about cases of rape and other issues that stallions have to deal with now and then. I can't help but feel for them. I mean it's bad enough to be protected all the time, but then we have them going crazy like that.

To make things worse, I don't know if the butterfly effect I keep causing is good or bad. Cadance is my caretaker, but she seems closer to me than Gleaming. I think I'm making things worse in some way. Therefore, I need to be more careful. However, I think I screwed up things enough already. Therefore, the best I can do is try and keep things working as best as I can.

However, the things I should change and the things I can change are all mixed. And I don't know everything that transpired in the show, therefore, things I think are ok to change could be vital for later plots. This means that I have an impasse. On one hand, I can avoid certain outcomes I'm aware of, on the other hand, I might end up eliminating vital steps to avoid other catastrophes. Tirek is one I should be on the look-out for.

So, for now, I'll try to stick to small changes.

I was sweating cold, badly. Two mares cornered me in the cafeteria.

"You're the Princess's pupil, right?" The one from the right said while using her arm to block my left exit.

"Wow, look at you. Thirteen and looking this good?" The one from the left said while mimicking the mare to my right.

"Hey! Dusk!" Gleaming greeted while walking up to us.

Letting out a sigh of relief, I watched as both mares turned pale as a ghost before running as Gleaming approached.

"Another pair?" Gleaming asked while placing her hand on her hip. Thanks to her daily work-out, Gleaming has the most sculpted body in the academy. Spitfire popped some vessels when she heard that a unicorn was in better shape than her. "I swear, what am I going to do with you?"

"I was planning on teleporting away. But she was close enough to grab me by the horn," I explained while letting out a sigh. "I swear, the way I see it, mares should be flocking to you, not me."

"Says the second hottest student in the school. And the nicest," Gleaming said while hitting my head with her fist gently. "Put some hexes on yourself to make deform your face. That should keep them off your back."

For reasons beyond my comprehension, the school had a pool on the most handsome stallion and the most beautiful mares on the school. I scored second place mainly because of my age. Blueblood was the one before me on the list, for which I'm grateful, I am not about to deal with the trophy on my head. And the nicest was just a compliment on Gleaming's part. Gleaming held second place on the most beautiful mare, second to Cadance. Spitfire fell in the third place, I loved her face when she realized she was beneath both me and my sister.

"And send me to the hospital if I overdo it," I replied while taking a step forward. "I wish I could walk around as freely as you do though."

"Then turn into a mare," Gleaming said with a coy tone. "Break a few hearts on the way too. I would love to see their faces when they see you with the body of a mare."

"Thanks, but no thanks," I replied before opening my book and sitting on a table by the window. "I think that locking myself up in the library would be enough of a reminder of how I felt about the approaches."

I forgot to mention. After turning ten years old, I moved into an old section of the Canterlot Library. It was a storage area until I redecorated it with the Princess's permission. Barb is seven years old now, so she is still back home. I visit every weekend to check on her. This was mainly because of some stalkers that were following me home. In the library, I have the royal guard watching the gates, so if someone wants in, they have to break into the castle.

Do that, and you're arrested chief.

"If anything, I think that made you look more mysterious," Gleaming said while taking a seat in front of me.

"Why do my plans on that front fail?" I asked while letting down my shoulders.

"I don't know. Why does it bother you that much?" Gleaming asked while staring at the sky. "Did you fall for someone?"

"I guess you can say that," I said while an image of Celestia popped in my head. "Although, I think it's more of a dream than a possibility."

"Well, claim the dream and make it your reality," Gleaming said nonchalantly.

"Why do you take everything I say so lightly?" I asked while deadpanning at her.

"Why do you take everything I say so seriously?" Gleaming replied with a smirk.

"Ha-ha. I have to meet up with Moon Dancer. We got a chemistry paper to get ready. Then I have to think about my paper for independent studies. I was thinking about rocks and crystals. But there isn't much registered on books," I said before closing the book with a thud.

"Then ask for permission to go to the rock farms," Gleaming replied. "That is the place with the most knowledge on geodes and crystals ever."

I don't recall that being the show. Is it a new addition to this world? I mused while holding my chin.

"Rock farms? If they have so much knowledge, why don't they share it?" I asked while tilting my head.

"Something to do with customs. If you want to know you have to go there yourself. They don't share information through books based on what I hear," Gleaming said as I got up.

"And the reason no one has written the information they shared?" I inquired with a sigh.

"The rock farms are very isolated. And there is one particularly weird one, they have some strange deal with a Huge Bolder that decides some things for them," Gleaming replied while waving me good-bye.

"I see, thanks!" I replied before running out of the cafeteria.

After reaching the meeting point, I found Moon Dancer sitting by one of the classrooms. She was a particularly good friend and one that wasn't horny. Looking at you Minuette. NEVERMIND! Pushing that subject aside, I entered three or four different classrooms before finding Moon Dancer. Sitting by the blackboard, she played with the chalk by making it stand before knocking it down.

"Hey!" I saluted, which made her lazily look in my direction. "You're as sunny as ever."

"How can you be energetic with that much shit you have to deal with daily?" Moon Dancer asked with a frown.

"If I'm not energetic about the things I need to do, how can I be energetic about the things I want to do?" I inquired while glancing at the pile of papers next to Moon Dancer. Picking them up, I skimmed through the contents. "You did it all?"

"Well, I don't know if you notice, but you tend to do a lot on your own. Helping others and yourself," She said with a faint blush on her cheeks as she flicked piece chalk towards the can. "So, I wanted to do something to help. I know you're having a hard time getting your independent studies paper ready. So, I did this to give you some extra time."

Looking at the paper, then back at Moon Dancer, I let out a sigh with a shy smile as I hesitantly approached her. I don't know what took over me, but, but I. I leaned closer to her and gave her a peck on the cheek. I felt a jolt of energy rush me and before I noticed what had happened, I was half-way home with my lungs on fire.

I just made a terrible mistake, didn't I? I thought to myself as leaned on my parent's front door before cleaning up the sweat on my forehead. I, I wanted to thank her. But, I think I messed up. WHAT DO I DO?! Oh, look, Barb is playing with mom.

Knocking on the door, I waited until mom came to greet me. Which was immediately followed by Barb hugging my leg. I picked her up and held her in my arms while entering the house.

"So, to what do we owe the pleasure?" Mother asked as she took a seat in the kitchen.

"I had a miniature heart attack. And I needed to ask if either you or father could come with me to the rock farms. I need information on Geodes and crystals for my paper," I explained while rocking Barb up and down slowly. She wasn't one to talk much, I think I may need to keep her close so she speaks a bit more.

"Sweetie, I'm sorry but," Mom said while scratching her head. "I have to attend to school performance in Ponyville. It was at the request of the daughter of that family you recommended for the princess. The ones with the zap apples were it? There is someone in the village that is a big fan of my works. So, they asked if I could go there to see their designs for the school play. And your father is coming with me."

Deadpanning at that, I continued to rock Barb as she was about to fall asleep. What do I do now? Sis is out of the question since her training for the guard's test begins tomorrow. Cadance is a princess. Celestia, why did I even think of her? And, there is no one left. Shit. I mused while looking at Barb who had fallen asleep from the rocking.

"Hello there, champ," Father greeted while climbing down the stairs, he was walking funny for some reason. "What's the fuss about?" And he that was not his usual tone. I don't think he was drunk, but something had affected him, that much was a fact.

"Hey, Dad," I greeted without waking up Barb. "I came here to ask for help with a project. I would need one of my parents to accompany me, but mom told me neither of you will be available for the next couple of days," I added as father used the handrail as a clutch to climb down the stairs.

"Well, little guy, you can call in a favor Silver Line owes me," He said without a care in the world.

A waterfall of cold sweat ran down my back as I processed the idea of being alone with that mare for a couple of days. Flashbacks from our first and only meeting made let out a nervous chuckle.

"A-ah, er, a-are you sure I can't ask anyone else about it?" I asked while trying my best to keep my composure.

"Come on! I know I can trust her with my life, don't you agree, honey?" Dad asked after struggling to sit down without falling to the ground.

"I can't deny that. She is reliable," Mother said while using her magic to create a scroll before handing it to me. "There, that identifies Silver Line as a guardian. Now, you can leave town with her, as long as you head only for the rock farms. These papers are very specific about it. So, don't try loopholes," Mom said with a smirk.

I deadpanned as my mother lifted Barb with her magic and pushed the scroll against my face. I am so fucked. I should rephrase that. That is the last thing I want! But I need the data. This is an insane predicament. I REFUSE TO FAIL THE ASSIGNMENT! Dear Celestia, it's like I fused with Twilight. I was a nerd, but this is ridiculous! My body is on the line here! FUCK IT.

And that's how I ended up in a train towards the rock farms with Silver Line.

Send help.

Well, since Silver Line is asleep (bucking finally by the way, why did I write buck?) I better update how things are going so far. As things stand, I'll need to expend half of the next day with her in this cabin until we reach the rock farm. Our first meeting was, thankfully, uneventful. Aside from a small comment, she muttered when I was walking away. She said, and I quote: Too young, needs more time.

Now, I don't care if she sees me as a child. I am, in fact, grateful to whatever star smiled upon me when she decided that I was too young for her. But even if that's the case, I can't lower my guard around her. In any case, I have to give props to whatever it is that created this world. The land is brimming with life, and all of the colors are so vivid I can't help but awe at every change in scenery I can notice.

The train is also something else too. I have fought the drive to drool all over the place. The entire car smells like freshly baked pastries, not to mention the decor is adorably cozy. I loved the designs for train carts in those animated series. I can't remember their names now, but I recall a boy with blond hair and golden eyes sleeping on a train. That train had a rather luxurious cart, but this one makes me feel at ease. Almost as if I didn't leave home.

After spending a good amount of time looking at the scenery, I guess I-.

OK! OK! I am OK!

I woke up and had a blanket over me. Silver Line was watching the window, and before I knew what was going on, she had chased off a bunch of ponies that apparently, were watching me through the cabin's window. And to that, I say: FUCK WHOEVER MADE THIS FUCKED UP SOCIETY! Mentally I may be of age, but I have the body of a child! Give me a break!

The rest of the trip was quiet. Silver Line can be as intimidating as hell. I am somewhat glad I'm traveling with her. Even if she wants younger ponies, she at least has a code on how young she wants them. I just hope the bar isn't just above my head right now. Because if it is, I'll need to make sure to put up barriers, otherwise I might wake up with a naked mare above with a serious case of lust attack.

Back to the travel, the rock farms are quiet, dead quiet, ghost town quiet. Ponies are walking by and there are markets just like any other place. But, the area is barren and most ponies speak in such a calmly manner the whole place seems like a library being watched by a wicked monster that devours noisemakers. Not to mention everyone seems to avoid me and Silver.

Gleaming wasn't kidding when she said they were a reserved bunch. However, it didn't take long for me to figure out what to do. In the inn we stayed, there is a book with a few basic orientations for the town. Yes, I spent the rest of the day reading it, don't judge me. There is a family in town that handles a gigantic boulder. This family is, I kid you not, the Pies. Limestone Pie, Pinkie Pie, Maud Pie, Marble Pie (the daughters), Igneous Rock Pie, and Cloudy Quartz (the parents) are in charge of maintaining the bolder called Holder's Bolder.

And this rock is the one that decides who is allowed to receive the knowledge of the town. It also makes matchmaking. Something about fragments of it falling off it and showing colors for two or more ponies that are meant to be. I don't think the book explains it correctly because the entire thing is off. If they were assigned to maintain the boulder, how can they allow these matchmaking to occur? Since, you know, it chips away at their monument. Meh, I'm not here for matchmaking, so, it will be ok!

All I have to do is visit the rock, and then ask for the Pies to have it evaluate me. However, I do think its a bit problematic to have my paper hinge in the decision of a rock. Well, it's their rules, I'm the outsider. Better stick to the script and hope for the best. And before I go, I think it is obvious, but I will say it anyway: I need to share a room with Silver Line. And just so we are clear: I pulled every preventive measure I could.

Here is a short list: barrier spell, alarm spell, paralysis spell, sleep spell, stun spell, silence spell, and a snare spell. Those are the superficial ones, I rather not talk about the more extreme measures.

Entry number Sixty-three hundred eighty-nine.

As usual, the mining activities and cultivation worked without a hitch. Beginning at the usual hour, me, my daughters, and my husband went to our assigned shifts. However, it didn't take long for something unusual to happen. A young colt appeared at our farm. He couldn't be over fourteen. And he appeared with a legal companion. He talked to her for a few minutes before entering our farm.

He was a rather odd unicorn, instead of demanding to buy crystals or acting as a noble, he asked if he could be appraised by Holder. He explained how he read about the process to gain our knowledge, and asked if we were available to present us. If the time was inconvenient, he promised to return at a more convenient hour. That was a first. His appearance and posture showed something more akin to an adult rather than a child. I must say it was quite refreshing to see someone from the capital with respect and decent behavior.

He came to me since I was the one in cleaning the front fields. I asked his name, very politely he told me he was called Dusk Shine. He didn't tell me any titles, nor did he mention his family's position. All he told me was that he wanted information on geodes and crystals for a school paper. That was the oddest reason I ever heard for a pony to visit the rock farms. But in any case, I followed the procedures and led him to Holder.

He didn't ask any questions, nor did he comment about our farm. Once he was before the holder, he said the Holder was larger than he had thought. And instead of approaching it, he stood there and asked what he was supposed to do to get appraised. That was when I told him to approach Holder and pick one of the stones beneath it. He didn't question me, nor did he have a sarcastic look on his face. Instead, he walked around Holder, carefully examining the pebbles beneath it.

When he picked his stone, he analyzed it for a few seconds before handing it to me. I took it back home after telling him to wait.

His stone is a geode rich in natural energy, this means he has a considerable pool of mana. However, it's somewhat fragile. That is the typical stone of a unicorn. Rich in energy, but frail. But unlike the others, it didn't crumble when I applied pressure to the stone. It did crack, however. Exposing a small crystal that had the potential to be a decent catalyst, I'm putting it lightly, with the right cultivation, this can be a strong catalyst. And that was it. He had passed the test. Those with the right energy can sense the fragments of Holder that contain such crystals. And that's how we select those that can know what we know about the earth.

When I told him he was worthy to receive the knowledge, he practically fell on his flank with a smile of excitement. He told me how grateful he was to receive the knowledge. And then, he asked about the capabilities for spell storing in crystals. He also asked about geodes that could conduct magical energy and how to identify them. I invited him into our home and searched for our notes on the subject. During this time, I made sure he could see the pictures of my family. Unicorns aren't particularly interested in the earth. But with their magic combined with our knowledge of crystals, the cultivation process may produce strong catalysts for enchantments.

Not to mention, a child combining both these aspects might have a unique affinity for stones and crystals. That might produce a strong generation of farmers. However, back to the subject that matters. His main focus was on the subjects he mentioned, therefore, he didn't ask about my family. However, when I glanced at the window, I noticed that my daughters were peeking through it. Once he was satisfied, he thanked me again and left with his legal guardian.

After he was gone, I checked the crystal along with the stones of my daughters. His stone is neutral. Therefore, his matchings are yet to be set in stone. However, it seems he has a small resonance with the crystal of Pinkie Pie. We can also peek into places that would allow us to better grow by verifying the resonance of our crystals with samples of rocks from other places. And Pinkie has a resonance with a place by the Everfree. Based on that alone, I believe she will meet with him eventually.

As for Maud, because of his neutrality, she might have an opportunity. And given her resonance for Canterlot, I believe it might be the time for her to prepare for the degree she mentions now and then.

I got what I wanted. I also ran into one of the Pie sisters on my way out. She had a bruise on her knee. After using a quick healing spell, I helped her up and left. Sadly I didn't meet with Pinkie Pie. Well, I will meet her eventually, so, there is no issue I guess.

And maybe it's for the better, I did make the Apples earn a decent amount of money. And I might have made Celestia get addicted to zap apples. So, I think those are big enough changes for the main cast.

I think I'll stop recording these thoughts. If I eventually get this found out, they might ask what this is all about. And you know, I can't recall my face anymore. So, there is no point in dwindling on these thoughts.

I am Dusk Shine. The future element of Magic, a future prince of Equestria, and an honors student that has some issues to work on. And I don't think I plan on changing who I am, ever.

Author's Note

I guess I took a lot longer than I thought.

Sorry about that. I hope you enjoy the story.

Please, let me know what you think about it.