Twilight’s Little Comet

Chapters

Chapter 1: Loving Care and Calming Comfort
Chapter 2: Explanations to the Princess
Chapter 3: Getting Settled In & Welcome Party for Comet
Chapter 4: Learning New Things and Hard Decisions
Chapter 5: Sparkle Family Surprise Visit in Canterlot
Chapter 6: Applebuck Season
Chapter 7: Griffon the Brush Off
Chapter 8: Boast Busters
Chapter 9: Look Before You Sleep
Chapter 10: Bridle Gossip
Chapter 11: A Dog For Comet
Chapter 12: Swarm of the Century
Chapter 13: Comet’s New Robes
Prologue: The Crystal Eye of Nightmare’s Ghost and A Scared Colt’s Reborn Soul

Chapter 1: Loving Care and Calming Comfort

The next morning, Kyle started to awaken, as he slowly opened his eyes. He had no idea what the diamond did in a flash or how he was still alive, but he did know one thing besides feeling fresh oxygen in his lungs again. He felt something soft and warm pressed up against his cheek. He opened his eyes and looked around, “Wh-Where am I?” He saw that he was in someone’s cottage and sleeping on his or her bed tucked underneath bedsheets and a blanket, but also wrapped in a warm motherly hug. He was confused on how he ended up there or why he was being cuddled or who was doing it. He decided to carefully get up without waking up the purple creature who hugged him and have a look around, but he suddenly lost balance and fell over off the bed.

“OW!” Kyle shouted. “How did I...” He was surprised on how his voice didn’t sound raspy like how weak he was before, but he didn’t want to wake up the others. He was about to pull his hand to his mouth until he saw that his right hand was a pale light grayish purple hoof. “My hands!” He looked around, trying to find an explanation to where he was and what he was. But first, he looked down at his body and saw that he was some kind of oddly colored horse thing.

But, to make matters even more surprising, he saw that what lies in his crotch was of a male horse. He was not happy of what he was seeing. Not only did he find the stolen diamond, he got transported to some weird place somewhere completely different, but he ended up in the body of a horse thing. Then Kyle suddenly thought he forgotten about something important, before it hit him.

“The diamond! Where’s that diamond?!” Kyle nearly shouted, looking for the diamond. He then saw that the diamond that sent him there was now dull and broken right down the middle, along with a few smaller fragments or shards of it. “No! No no no no no no! I can’t be stuck here like this! I have to get out of here!”

Kyle tried moving around like a human would, trying to walk on only his hind legs, but he was really off balanced, trying to stand up like a human. But after the third step, he tripped and fell over down the stairs.

“Oof!” Kyle said as he landed on his stomach.

“Sheesh,” Spike said. “Talk about a good night’s sleep.” He went downstairs for a drink. As he got himself a cup of water, he heard something he did not expect to hear. The voice of a colt whimpering quietly.

That made Spike stop, and look around. He had no idea where that voice came from, but he then decided to run around the cottage, trying to find the colt. He followed the sound of the colt's voice, and stopped when he came across one room. He saw the colt, trying to leave the place.

“Wh-Whoa! Whoa!” Kyle said, trying to maintain his balance, but suddenly bumped into something or someone.

“Gah! Ow!” Spike said, rubbing his forehead. But then he looked over at the colt, and Kyle was surprised by the dragon’s appearance. Spike then screamed, making the colt scream as well. Then the two of them ran in separate directions, Spike hid behind the couch, but Kyle, who somehow got perfect balance ran outside the door and headed towards the Everfree Forest panicking.

Spike then went after him, “Hey! Wait! Come back!”

Kyle kept panting while running, before Spike lost sight of him, “Hey! Hey, wait!”

Spike was now in trouble, “Aw, shoot.” He went back inside to warn the others.

Meanwhile, at the ruins of an old castle, Kyle ran towards a bed inside an old bedroom, jumped on it, grabbed the blanket with his teeth, and covered his entire body up, trembling under the covers. He was mumbling towards himself, “This isn't real. It's just a bad dream. This isn't real. It's just a bad dream. This isn't real! It's just a bad dream!”

Spike was running back inside Fluttershy’s cottage and suddenly saw Twilight and her friends having some tea so that she can recover from her magical labor, before they could help her and Spike move in to the Golden Oaks Library later. The six of them looked towards the door to see Spike.

“Well, howdy, Spike,” Applejack said. “Did ya have a good night’s rest?”

“Twilight! It’s an emergency!” Spike exclaimed.

Twilight suddenly noticed that Spike panting, and asked, “Spike, what is it? Is something wrong?”

“Twilight, remember when you went into labor last night?” Spike asked.

“Yes, why?” Twilight asked.

“I saw the colt walking around but he was moving around a little bit wobbly, but he suddenly saw me, before he did one thing ponies usually do when encountering a dragon: scream and run,” Spike said. “And to make matters worse, he ran all the way in there!” He pointed at the view of the Everfree Forest at Fluttershy’s door.

“Wait, what?” Rainbow Dash asked. “The colt’s out there by himself?”

“Was he okay?” Fluttershy asked.

“I wanted to calm him down by chasing after him, but to bring him back so I can make him something to eat, but he was too fast before he teleported,” Spike said. “But I suddenly got a bad feeling of where he might’ve ended up. The Castle of the Two Sisters!”

“WHAT?!” the Mane 6 shouted.

“Oh, that poor dear!” Rarity said, with a hoof over her chest. “He might get himself hurt!”

Twilight placed Spike on her back and said, “C’mon, everypony! We got to get to the Castle of the Two Sisters!”

Then the Mane 6 and Spike headed out of Fluttershy’s cottage, and headed towards the forest. As they entered, Fluttershy wondered about the colt. She asked, “You don’t think something might scare that colt, do you?”

“I sure hope not,” Applejack said.

“Maybe he needs a friend!” Pinkie Pie said rushing ahead.

“What matters right now is search and rescue,” Twilight said. “We have to find that colt before something happens to him.” They continued running through the Everfree Forest, trying to save the colt and bring him to safety.

Back at the castle, Kyle was still covered up, hiding from that creature that caught his eyes, but was also crying and shaking because of the surroundings he was experiencing, realizing that the forest wasn’t a good place for children to live. He was scared, and lonely. He didn’t know how long he hid under those covers, but he didn’t want to come out for anything. But one thing came to Kyle: he had to use the bathroom, but he didn’t know if this castle had any toilets.

Kyle slowly and carefully got out of the bed, and headed towards the exit of the castle. He was embarrassed that he had to pee because he had no idea how to pee in the current form he had now, but he had no choice but to go with it. Kyle really had to go, so he walked over behind a bush in case someone came in and saw him.

Kyle then finished up quickly and headed back inside. But as he went into the doors, he heard some voices.

“There’s the castle!”

Kyle gasped, and then he rushed back inside the castle, and headed back towards the room where he hid before. He went under the covers again. He shivered in fear while whimpering and crying at the same time, hoping that he wouldn't be hurt. He waited for when the owners of the voices to go away. But then, he heard the sound of hoofsteps coming in.

“That must be the colt,” a voice that Kyle didn't recognize said. “Let’s get him out of here. It’s not safe here for him.”

Kyle then felt something wrap around the blanket, pulling him up as well.

“Should we at least see if he’s okay, first?” came a quiet and calming voice. “Look at the little guy. Even though we can’t see him, he must be scared to death.”

“I agree, darling,” Rarity said.

“You have a point, Fluttershy,” the first voice said again. “Let’s see if he’s okay.” Kyle was placed back down on the bed. He felt something go across her back, it was a hoof rubbing his back. Then, the end of the blanket was pulled out.

Kyle saw that the ones who was in the room with him. He saw six colorful horses that were bigger and older than him. Two unicorns, two pegasi, and two regular. And... all of them were shocked to see Kyle’s appearance.

“What the…?!” the six mares shouted.

Kyle was surprised and pulled the covers back over him, hiding from the mares underneath the bed. He was shaking even more than usual.

“I don’t believe it!” came the first voice.

“He looked just like you!” the dragon known as Spike said.

“It must’ve been a part of Nightmare Moon’s spell, but there must be something else we don’t know,” Twilight said.

“I don’t know too much ‘bout magic, but how do we even know that this colt is dangerous?” the orange country mare asked.

“Only one way to find out!” the rainbow maned pegasus said, clasping her hooves together.

“Oh no no no no! He’s already frightened too much!” the white unicorn said.

“Because we’ve frightened him. The only way for him to get him to talk to us if we don’t alarm him, but calm him down. He did look like me, but his coat and mane were also familiar,” the purple unicorn said.

Kyle was trembling and crying, but then he felt the covers being pulled off of him. Kyle looked at the six mares with fear in his eyes, backing up towards the wall behind him underneath the bed.

The six mares looked at each other in confusion, but concern. The pony known as Twilight walked up towards Kyle, as she was also getting a little worried for the colt. With a concerned tone, she asked, “Are you alright, sweetheart?”

Kyle then freaked out that the ponies could talk, before he crawled backwards still shaking, “Get back! Stay away from me!”

“Whoa, whoa,” Twilight said. “It’s okay. Everything’s going to be alright.” She then reached out her hoof for him while Kyle looking away from her, “Hey, you don’t have to be scared. I won’t hurt you.” The colt then tried crawling away from them all, but Twilight grabbed him and pulled him out from underneath the bed with her magic, and pulled him over for a hug, and gently rubbed his back. “Shhhhhh shhhhhh… Just relax.” Kyle then leaned against Twilight’s foreleg and nuzzled with her chest. Twilight then smiled motherly while seeing the poor colt cuddle with her fur.

“Do you remember what happened before waking up here?” Twilight asked.

Kyle nodded, and then replied while still shake, “I was a completely different species before waking up like this.”

“A completely different species?” the rainbow maned pegasus asked. “Like what? A griffon or dragon?”

“No,” Kyle replied.

“What species were you? And where did you come from?” Twilight asked, while hugging the colt.

"I... I was originally a human being. And... I’m from Baltimore, Maryland. It’s a country in the United States of America, on the planet Earth," Kyle said, trying to explain where he came from.

“A human?” Twilight asked in confusion.

“Ain’t that the species that Lyra Heartstrings was talkin’ ‘bout?” the orange mare with the southern accent and blonde mane asked.

“But, how did you end up here... like this?” Twilight asked.

“There’s this diamond that sent me here. It was some kind of light greenish blue gem, about... this big. The size of a baseball diamond, but it looked like an eyeball,” Kyle said, motioning his hooves to figure out the shape. “But the last time I saw it, it was broken in half, and it had shards with it.”

“I’m on it!” said the rainbow maned pegasus. She then zoomed out of the room and went to look for it. 30 seconds later, she came back with the broken diamond from Fluttershy’s cottage. She held out the diamond, which was the Crystal Eye of Nightmare, and Twilight took it in her unicorn magic.

“Is this it?” Pinkie Pie asked. Kyle nodded.

“What do you think of it, darling?” Rarity asked.

“Interesting,” Twilight said, inspecting the broken Crystal Eye. “I sense some lunar magic coming from it. But... I’m afraid that it can only be used once. The magic has already been depleted.”

“I’m... stuck like this?” Kyle asked, biting his lip.

“I’m... I’m afraid so,” Twilight said. She then sighed. “But I’m sure we’ll figure something out. Let’s get you out of this place. But first, introductions. My name is Twilight Sparkle.” She then motioned a hoof towards the others. “The baby dragon over there is my assistant, Spike, which you met earlier.” Kyle looked over at Spike, who replied with a nervous chuckle and a wave.

The orange earth pony said, “Ah’m Applejack.”

“I’m Rainbow Dash,” the rainbow maned pegasus said.

“I’m Pinkie Pie!” the pink pony with the cotton candy mane replied.

“I’m Rarity,” the white unicorn with the curly purple mane replied.

“I’m… Fluttershy,” the yellow timid pegasus with the long and silky light pink mane and tail said.

“Can you please tell me your name?” Twilight asked.

"I’m... I’m... I’m Kyle," he replied.

“Kyle?” Twilight asked, until she pondered. “Never heard a name like that, but it’s nice to meet you,” Twilight said sweetly, and then she hugged him again.

Twilight then lifted Kyle up and off the ground where the blanket was, then she took the blanket and put it back onto the bed, until Rarity neatly reset everything it was before Kyle laid on it. Twilight then said, “Let’s get you out of here. It’s not safe for you to be out in this part of the forest.”

“Okay,” Kyle said, but before they left the forest after leaving the castle, Rainbow Dash spoke up.

“But would you guys honestly believe that we would harm a filly or colt that looked like Nightmare Moon, if he or she did have her spirit or not?” Rainbow Dash said.

“Oh, I do concur, dear. That would be a disastrous thing to do so,” Rarity said.

“Do you also know how I’m still alive?” Kyle asked.

“Well, I encountered the same evil that we recently came across a bad pony that almost took over your current body, but much older,” Twilight said.

“Nightmare Moon,” the others said.

“When I first saw him walking downstairs, he looked at me and just ran off screaming and panicking, like I did something to offend, which I didn’t!” Spike explained.

Rarity then looked at the colt hugged by Twilight as she was standing up, “Are you feeling alright, sweetie?”

“I’m… I’m scared,” Kyle said.

“Don’t worry, sugarcube. We’re right here,” Applejack said.

“I’m just nervous how others might react to seeing a human inside this body,” Kyle said.

“You’ll get used to it, darling,” Rarity said. She then looked at Kyle’s flank. “Looks like it’s not just everything that Nightmare Moon almost took over, before Kyle’s spirit came along. Look at his flanks. It’s a good thing he didn’t have hers along.”

All of the ponies looked at Kyle’s flanks, including Kyle himself. Kyle then asked, “What about my... flanks? I’m sorry, I’m just used to hips or thighs.”

“That makes sense,” Spike said. “Let me guess, humans are bipedal like me, right?” Kyle nodded.

“Well, Kyle,” Twilight said. “Nightmare Moon had her cutie mark, a white crescent moon over a blotch of purple, but it looks like you’ve somehow bonded with my DNA when your spirit, including both your mind and soul entered your body, and gave you life again. It would seem that you are just going to have to find your mark on your own.”

“My mark?” Kyle asked.

“Your cutie mark, darling,” Rarity said. “Basically, it’s a mark that represents your special talent, which is the trait you’re professionally good at.” She then showed her cutie mark of three blue diamonds. “For example, my cutie mark represents my love and inspiring traits for fashion.”

“My cutie mark represents my talent for planning parties and making ponies happy!” Pinkie said, showing off her three balloons, as two were blue, and one was yellow.

“My cutie mark represents helpin’ out at my family’s Apple Farm,” Applejack said, showing off her cutie mark of three red apples.

“M-my cutie mark represents my love for animals, and how much care they need,” Fluttershy said, showing off her cutie mark of three pink butterflies.

“My cutie mark represents my love for speed and racing!” Rainbow Dash said, showing off her cutie mark of a cloud shooting out a rainbow colored lightning bolt underneath. “You saw how fast I zoomed out of here and back. I would’ve been here sooner, but I didn't know which room of Fluttershy’s cottage the diamond was in.”

“And my cutie mark represents how good at magic I’m good at,” Twilight said. “Ponies are normally able to get their cutie mark at their younger age, kinda like you or older, but it just takes time for them to be discovered. Now, how about if we get out of here?” Kyle nodded.

“We better keep a close eye on Kyle," Rarity said. “It’s so that he’ll have a comfortable journey back.”

“Although, since he’s not really just a copy of Twilight as a colt being controlled by Nightmare Moon, he seems okay by my book. I just hope other ponies might understand clearly,” Rainbow Dash said, gently rubbing his head with her hoof.

“He’s still young, Rainbow Dash,” Twilight said. “It may take time for that to happen. But now, we need to focus on getting Kyle through Ponyville, and out of sight from any other pony in Ponyville since he’s still new to this place, and possibly nervous.”

All of them, except for Kyle, thought of something. They couldn’t come up with anything at the moment, until Twilight thought of something, “Okay, we’ll just walk straight towards the library, and we won’t have to worry about the ponies seeing him, but except a few won’t mind. Of course, I’ll have to watch over him just as we’re about to leave the Everfree Forest.”

“That's a good idea,” Spike said. “Well, we should get going.”

“Good idea,” Applejack said. “There are a lot of dangerous critters here, and we don’t wanna disturb any of them. Let’s go.” Then the eight of them headed out of there. Kyle had a hard time trying to catch up with the others, until he kept tripping. Twilight then used her magic to pick him up, and placed him on her back. Then they all left.

Twilight then saw Kyle hiding underneath her mane, and smiled warmly as she kept walking.

It took Twilight and the group a while to get to the Golden Oaks Library without drawing attention, since Twilight kept Kyle out of sight from other ponies as they went through town by having him hide underneath her mane. As soon as they got in, Spike closed the door since he was the last one in and then walked back over to the group. “Okay, we’re clear,” he said.

“And just in time as well,” Twilight said.

Kyle looked around to see some boxes . He was confused on that and asked, “Twilight? Why are we in a library, and what’s with the boxes?”

“Spike and I are moving in, sweetie. We live here now,” Twilight said. “There’s a bedroom upstairs. It’s just gonna take us some time to get settled in. Now, we should continue unboxing some stuff.”

No sooner than did Kyle expect, his stomach growled loudly, making him blush nervously, then he sat on his haunches and put both his hooves on his stomach. He then said, “Sorry. I haven’t eaten anything since lunchtime yesterday.”

“Looks like you definitely need something to eat,” Twilight said. “Spike, why don’t you get started on preparing lunch for him, and maybe for us when we finish?”

“Well, since you’ve said so, I might as well get started on making it,” Spike said. “Don’t worry, Kyle. I’ll make you a nice big platter for you.” Spike then went into the kitchen.

Kyle looked around to see the others helping Twilight move in. Kyle somehow received his lunch which were two tomato, cucumber and lettuce sandwiches with white bread. “Thank you,” Kyle said, as he took his sandwiches and ate both of them. After 2 or 3 minutes, Kyle finished his sandwiches, and he was now full.

When they all finished unboxing and sorting everything, Twilight walked over towards Kyle, but she and the others saw him sitting on the couch sniffing. Worried about him, Twilight went over to him and saw small tears rolling down his cheeks.

“Kyle? What’s wrong, sweetie?” Twilight asked, sitting on the couch next to him, and pulling the poor colt towards her for a hug and rubbing his back.

“Y-You’ve been s-so n-nice to me,” Kyle sobbed. “N-Nobody’s ever b-been so n-nice to m-me.”

Twilight then thought of a question, and then looked down at him, “Sweetheart? Is something bothering you?”

“Like I said, I was from Baltimore, Maryland on Earth. Three months ago, my parents were in Europe for a business trip, until my Aunt Paulista, Uncle Vincent, and my mean cousin Brent took me in. But instead of caring for me, my aunt, uncle and cousin treated me more like a slave than a family member, and abused me with fear and carelessness. I was forced to cook and clean for them, but sometimes my cousin would bully me and beat me, and they would barely feed me. But one night, I was kidnapped by a crook lady and forced me to steal back the diamond I mentioned before. I miss my mommy and daddy since they came home from work, and I… I… I…” His eyes then started tearing up. He then said, “I’ll... never see them again.”

That made the girls and Spike gasp, Rarity and Fluttershy covering their mouths with their hooves. Twilight tightened her hug, and rubbed Kyle’s back as he softly began to cry. She said to him, “Shh... Shh... It’s okay.”

Rarity then said, “Those nasty creatures. What kind of mare, stallion and colt would treat their own family member like a useless piece of trash?!”

“I agree!” Fluttershy said angrily. “Nopony should ever treat a member of their family like that! Not ever!”

“I can’t believe they’d do something so offensively abusive like that!” Applejack said.

“So, what are we going to do with the colt, now?” Rainbow asked.

“Twi,” Applejack said after she got her plate of sandwiches. “Don’t ya think we should alert the princess about this?”

“I actually haven’t thought of that!” Twilight said.

“Now’s probably a good time,” Rainbow Dash said.

“Alright,” Twilight confirmed in reply. “It’s now time to write to the princess. Ready, Spike?”

Spike pulled out a quill and a piece of parchment, and prepared to write. He was about to write what Twilight was about to say.

“Dear Princess Celestia,

Last night, when I was gazing at the stars, I suddenly figured I dropped a book from my saddlebags, meaning I left it in the Everfree Forest by mistake, so I went to get it. But suddenly as I got it, I noticed a tunnel underneath the ground, and wondered where it led to. I found out quickly when I fell and slid down that tunnel.

I found myself somewhere deep in the Everfree Forest. I looked around and found a maze that looked like stone walls and bushes with vines covered with flowers that were blooming in the light of the full moon. As I inspected a small stone-hedge up ahead, I saw some mysterious diamond that looked like one of the eyes of the mare your sister became, Nightmare Moon. I suddenly encountered the mare’s ghost, but she suddenly casted a maternity spell on me, but I didn’t feel anything.

I then had to head on back home to help Spike finish unpacking everything in our new library. But as I was walking, I was starting to get really hungry for some reason. And the straps on my saddlebag started to feel a little too tight. But I was surprised on what I saw when I was about to loosen the straps. I became a pregnant mare. Nightmare Moon somehow wanted to possess the foal with her spirit so that she can retake Equestria.

I asked my friends to help me deliver the foal, after I explained what happened with me.

I know, you’re probably thinking that Nightmare Moon is back for revenge due to a cult of ponies that worship her magically, but from what we all heard, and that his story is too detailed to be a lie, he used to be a completely different species called a human, but he was 6 years old and his name is Kyle, but he’s really a unicorn colt with the boy’s spirit, including both his mind and soul. And according to him, he arrived here in the form I’ve given birth too, until he fully aged up into the age he originally was, and made some resemblance to me. Don’t engage in any violence. We don’t need to cause another panic, or give the colt anymore trouble. He’s had a hard time, so hopefully, you’ll know what to do and respond as soon as possible if you receive this message.

Signed, your faithful student,

Twilight Sparkle”

Spike finished writing, rolled it up, and blew his emerald green flames on it. “There. Now all we can do now… is wait.”

“Um, Twilight?” Kyle asked. “Where’s the bathroom? I have to go like… really bad.”

“It should be somewhere upstairs,” Twilight said.

“I'll take him, darling,” Rarity said. She then used her magic to pick up Kyle and place him on her back since he couldn’t walk like a pony still, and then the two of them went upstairs to the bathroom. The sound of the door closing came from upstairs in the bathroom.

“So, how long will it take for the princess ta respond?” Applejack asked. But then, a flash of golden light appeared in the room, surprising the five mares and Spike. Standing in front of the entrance was Princess Celestia, but she had a glare on her face.

She had a light fuchsiash gray fur coat, a overflowing mane and tail colored of a rainbow with streaks of light cerulean, light turquoise, very light cobalt blue, and pale heliotrope, pale light grayish magenta eyes, and she had a gold necklace, a gold tiara, and gold hoof shoes on all four hooves.

“Where is he?!”

The Mane 6 were in really deep trouble now…

TO BE CONTINUED…

Author's Note

Looks like Princess Celestia must’ve heard the Nightmare Moon part in the letter, and probably made her ~~pissed~~ off. :twilightoops: :pinkiegasp: But honestly, Princess Celestia has arrived to see Kyle for herself. Hopefully, she won't do anything too harsh to the former human boy turned unicorn colt.

This is still based of the stories I’ve mentioned, but I promise I will make sure that what happens next will sound more calmer, and probably have the Mane 6 explained what happened.

Chapter 2: Explanations to the Princess

“Where is he?!” Princess Celestia asked, giving a glare towards the five mares and dragon in the room. The five mares were surprised by the princess's sudden appearance.

“Princess Celestia?!” Twilight asked as she was very surprised. “How the heck did you read the entire letter in a small amount of time?!”

“I didn’t read much after the two words that my sister had become,” Princess Celestia said. “I must deal with the threat you mentioned and stop her once more before it becomes too dangerous, meaning that this foal might be preparing for her return.”

Rainbow Dash rushed in front of Princess Celestia, “Whoa, whoa, whoa! Wait a minute! You should’ve read the whole letter instead of just randomly jumping into conclusions for no reason!”

“Ah agree, Princess,” Applejack added. “Ya shoulda read the whole thing. It also explains what happened when Nightmare Moon’s voodoo appeared last night and attacked Twilight. Trust me, when Ah say that the colt ain’t got nothin’ to do with Nightmare Moon, but was almost taken over by her spirit.”

Princess Celestia pulled out the letter she received and continued reading. She raised an eyebrow and asked, “A human boy? That is a little... Hmm…” She continued reading it. Then, she widened her eyes and looked back at the group with a curious glare. “Show me this diamond.”

Fluttershy flew up to Princess Celestia and held out the broken diamond along with the shards to show Princess Celestia. Princess Celestia took the broken diamond and inspected it by holding it with her magic.

“I thought I’ve seen the last of this centuries ago,” Princess Celestia said.

That somehow made the five mares and Spike gasp. Twilight then asked, “You’ve seen one of these diamonds before?!”

“Twilight, these five diamonds were banished from Equestria long before my sister was banished,” Princess Celestia explained. "They’re called the Crystal Eyes of Nightmare. They were originally designed to transport ponies to the castle my sister and I used to live in, using the power of the light of the full moon, but there was a major side effect. It leaves the one who transports them in a monstrous form, and it can only be used once, but it can also return life to a deceased soul.”

“So that’s how it works!” Twilight said. “The vessel will then fall into the hands of her spirit, and become the monstrous form of Princess Luna and tried to leave Equestria in an eternal night.”

“Yes,” Princess Celestia said. “So, the one who was transported was a foreign creature who goes by the name of Kyle, am I correct?”

“Kyle said that his species was called a human,” Twilight said. “And he has no idea how to get back.”

“There is no way to get him back,” Princess Celestia sympathetically said. “It can only be used once. We had no control of the diamonds’ magic. The Crystal Eyes of Nightmare were way too dangerous. So, to protect our subjects, we got rid of them all. We thought that they would be completely destroyed when we sent them off. But it looks like one of them must have survived.”

“Princess, like I said in the letter, when I touched the diamond, her ghost appeared, like it was containing her spirit, soul and mind. She suddenly casted a maternity spell on me, making me look pregnant,” Twilight said.

“A maternity spell?! How in Equestria did this happen to you?!” Princess Celestia asked in concern.

“Well, when I was on my way back, I felt some kind of swelling in my stomach, until I made it towards Fluttershy’s cottage and asked her for her help, until my friends joined in and helped me deliver the foal,” Twilight replied.

“Hmm, I see…” Princess Celestia said, pondering why it happened to her faithful student. “Twilight, not to judge you, but what exactly happened afterwards?”

Twilight then continued, “Well, after seeing that Nightmare Moon’s spirit was about to take over, another spirit of the boy I mentioned came and took over, but we don’t know if the spirit of the mare your sister became followed or disappeared. Later this morning, he was very afraid of us, because back home, he had an abusive life. His so-called aunt, uncle and cousin mistreated him and abused him with fear and carelessness. He was also kidnapped by thugs and forced him to steal the diamond, until he ended up here after dying of a terminal illness, because of the barely amounts of food those abusive creatures gave him. His parents also left for a business trip before the abusive treatment happened.”

“Are you sure?” Princess Celestia asked after gasping in shock.

“Yes. But right now, we’re figuring out what to do with him,” Twilight said.

“Then if Nightmare Moon’s spirit may have survived, this could be troubling times for Equestria,” Princess Celestia said.

“My, my. Guess that is some troubling news,” came the sudden voice of Rarity. The group of ponies looked over to the stairs that were leading downstairs to the basement, and began to see Rarity coming up with Kyle on her back. As soon as she came up, she levitated Kyle off of her back.

Kyle looked up at Princess Celestia with wide eyes, seeing how big she was compared to the other mares in the room. Kyle then said, “You are really... big…”

The princess just chuckled and replied, “You certainly are a young little one, aren’t you?” That made Kyle nod nervously, until Celestia stroked his mane with her hoof, before bringing him over for a hug against her foreleg. Princess Celestia then said, “You certainly must have been having an awful life, haven’t you?”

Kyle sighed and said, “I was hoping to get out of a bad situation with my family, and wake up in a better life. But now I feel like it’ll even be worse like before.”

“I understand, but I’ve never seen anything like this, especially a spell nopony has ever casted, but to have it be related to the dark magic of Nightmare Moon. I didn’t even think that was even possible, until now,” Princess Celestia said, as Kyle kept hugging her leg. “But, I must warn you that there are a lot of ponies who might judge you or a little bit offensive, and may not treat you as who you really are, or used to be, since your spirit has given life to this body of yours. But, I’m going to have to make an announcement that will let no harm come to you because on what happened to you.”

Kyle nodded and nuzzled Celestia’s leg again, causing her to blush. She then leaned down to give him a kiss on the cheek, “But with a simple introduction for Kyle here to welcome him towards the rest of Equestria would suffice. Although, besides that, it’ll take some time for them to get to know this dear sweet young little colt.” Kyle blushed as Celestia placed her hoof on his cheek.

“That sounds like a good idea,” Twilight said. “It wouldn’t be too easy to explain to the other ponies here.”

“Might... I make a small suggestion?” Rarity asked, raising a hoof. “I know that he is used to his name, but it’s not exactly a name you find here in Equestria. Don’t you think we should change it?”

Kyle looked up at the ponies after letting go of Celestia’s leg, and then asked, “A new name? What’s wrong with the name I have?”

“Well, it’s just that… it doesn’t really fit here in this world,” Rarity replied.

Celestia nodded and said, “I believe that we should. The little colt should have his name changed so that the ponies won’t be confused by his unusual name. Even to him, it is a common name among his old world.”

“Well, you do seem to also have an appearance similar to me,” Twilight said. “We need a name for you that is similar to my family or my traits for educational study, like the stars for example.”

“Good thinking,” Princess Celestia said. “Although, I suggest you come up with one suitable for him.”

“How about… Sweet Nova?” Rainbow suggested.

“Oh, no, darling,” Rarity said. “I have a little sister named Sweetie Belle. It would be a little bit confusing for the both of them because they wouldn’t know who I’m calling if they’re in the same place. And that is indeed almost related to a filly’s name, just so you’re aware.”

“Good point,” Rainbow Dash said, crossing her forelegs.

“How ‘bout Night Light?” Applejack suggested.

“That’s my father’s name,” Twilight said. That made Princess Celestia nod towards Applejack.

“Ooh! Ooh! How about Star Swirl or Moon Racer?!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed.

“Actually, Starswirl already existed, but he was still here, we’d confuse him and this colt right here with their names and the other one is pretty close to my friend from Canterlot, so no,” Twilight said.

“Aww! You’re a bunch of party poopers!” Pinkie Pie said.

“Um... How... how about... Comet?” Fluttershy suggested, very quietly.

“What was that, Fluttershy?” Twilight asked.

“Um... I was thinking... the name... Comet...” Fluttershy suggested.

“Comet,” Twilight said, putting a hoof to her chin. She then smiled and said, “I kinda like it.”

“Sounds good,” said Rainbow Dash. “But, does it have to be just Comet alone?”

“Maybe…” Twilight looked at the colt before something sparked her view, and gave her an idea for his new last name, then said, “Comet Moonstone.”

“An interesting choice, Twilight,” Princess Celestia said. “But, for now, I have one more suggestion, but I assume you all have your own homes and responsibilities?”

“I live at Sugarcube Corner, and I'm not the only pony that lives there. And me and the Cakes, we’re usually busy every day,” Pinkie Pie said.

“I’m sure that my animals wouldn’t mind, but it might be a little bit too crowded,” Fluttershy said.

“The only way for him to get up to my place is to fly,” Rainbow Dash said. “Because my house is literally up in the sky. And he’s only a unicorn.”

“I live in a boutique, and I get a lot of customers,” Rarity said. “And I usually have my little sister Sweetie Belle to care for.”

“My family wasn’t too fond o’ Nightmare Moon,” Applejack said. "It’ll take time for them ta get ta know him, the real colt he is, so I shouldn’t consider, and the farm work be too much for him to handle.”

“So, I guess that just leaves you, my faithful student,” Princess Celestia said, looking over at Twilight. “I’m trusting you with this responsibility, Twilight Sparkle. He needs somepony to look after him. My sister Luna and I would do it ourselves, but we have our duties as the high princesses to deal with, so I turn to you. Will you accept this responsibility?”

Twilight looked over at Kyle, who looked down and shuffled his hoof. She was a little concerned, but then she sighed and nodded, “I might as well take care of him. He has been through a tough life before, and since I’m the one that gave birth to him and resurrected his spirit. But, maybe with him, I can learn a lot from him and his human culture, and I can teach him how to use his magic. So I guess you can count on me, Princess Celestia. I won’t let you down!”

“You... you would... take care of me?” Kyle asked.

“As long as you do what we say, and go by Comet Moonstone from now on,” Twilight said. “I will make sure that you’ll be in good hooves here, under good care, and not ever again let you experience what that cruel aunt, uncle and cousin of yours did to you.”

Kyle, now going by Comet Moonstone, thought about it. He then gave a hopeful smile, and walked towards Twilight, still trying to get used to walking like a pony. Twilight used her magic to pull him closer and Comet got wrapped up in a hug, until he nuzzled his cheek with her chest fur, until Twilight let out a motherly smile and bedroom eyes.

“I know you can do this, my faithful student,” Princess Celestia said. “I have full faith of you.” Twilight looked up at Princess Celestia and nodded. “I will be heading back to Canterlot to make the announcement. Make sure that Comet adjusts well here in Ponyville, and take care of our newest citizen like he was your own foal.”

“I will, Princess,” Twilight said.

Princess Celestia walked out of the library, and took off towards Canterlot. Twilight looked towards Princess Celestia, and then she looked at her friends.

“We have a lot to get done, Twi,” Rainbow Dash said. “We’ll see you soon.”

“Sure thing,” Twilight said. “I better make sure that Comet will adjust. See you all later.”

“We’ll leave you to your acquaintanceship and settlement business now, so ta-ta,” said Rarity.

“See ya, Twilight,” Pinkie Pie said, as she, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Applejack, and Fluttershy left. Twilight watched as they left the library, until she looked down at Comet and said, “Let’s get you adjusted to life here, and probably refresh your memory a little until your senses are fully recovered.” She then started smelling Comet, until she recognized the scent from last night, and saw some dirt on him, along with some twigs in his mane, “So for starters, I think it’s best that I give you a bath.” Twilight carefully lifted Comet with her magic, and placed him on her back before they headed upstairs to the bathroom.

“Twilight? How are you able to do that?” Comet asked.

“Do what?” Twilight asked.

“This. The glowing and lifting thing,” Comet tried making it clear by pointing at his horn.

“Oh, that’s just my magic. It’s sometimes easy to use,” Twilight replied.

“Magic?” Comet asked.

Twilight pointed at her horn and said, “Unicorns and alicorns can generate magic from their horns, and are able to use their horns to lift things with a magical aura. Such as a simple levitation spell. I’ll teach you how to use your magic later today, or tomorrow. Right now, Comet, let’s get you cleaned up.” They headed into the bathroom, and Twilight started up the tub with both faucets for warm water, and then she dipped her hoof to check the temperature as it was just right, and then let it fill up the tub.

As the water was at the proper amount, she set Comet down into the tub with her magic and got some bathing materials, including a shower sponge brush, some shampoo, and a bar of soap with her magic. “Is the water warm?” Twilight asked.

Comet nodded, “Yeah, it is.”

She smiled warmly and then rubbed his shoulder, before Comet returned a smile of his own. She then gently got the small bits of twigs and branches out of his mane, and then lathered his mane in shampoo. She then took a small pitcher of water and dumped it over his head to wash the shampoo out of his mane. Feeling the water, he made a soft “eep!” until Twilight shushed him and rubbed at his side with her hoof, calming him down. When Comet was calm, Twilight then lit up her horn, filled up the sponge brush with the soap from the soap bar, and then very gently washed his body and got all the dirt and mud off of him, before she giggled at Comet rinsing him off with the entire tub. With Comet all squeaky clean, Twilight picked Comet up, placed him next to her, and drained the tub. Once the tub was completely drained, she used a towel and gently dried him off.

As they came downstairs, Twilight sat down on the couch with Comet next to her, before Spike asked.

“So, where’s Comet going to sleep?” Spike asked. “We only have two beds in the library.”

“Good thing we cleared out the rest of the room. We’ll wait until the announcement has spread across Equestria. Then we’ll do some shopping for some furniture,” Twilight said.

Comet nodded and said, “I guess. My aunt and uncle didn’t want me to do anything but clean the house. They didn’t even let me go to school. I already miss school.”

Twilight smiled and said, “Well, as soon as you’ve settled in and until the summer break ends, I’ll get you registered at school.”

She then looked down at Comet. Comet then said, “I’m not sure I’ll be able to get along with the ponies here either. Especially because of me being a… well, you know.”

“Don’t worry,” Twilight said, putting a hoof on Comet’s shoulder. “You’ll be able to fit in with the ponies here in no time.”

“Yeah, Comet,” Spike said. "If I can eventually make it to be accepted by ponies, I’m sure you can. Things like this just take time.” He then sighed and said, “And I’m sorry for screaming in your face earlier this morning.”

“It’s okay, Spike,” Comet said. “You startled me as well. I just wasn’t expecting a little purple dinosaur to appear in front of me.”

“Dinosaur?!” Spike asked. “I’m a baby dragon!”

“S-Sorry…” Comet said nervously. That said made Twilight laugh. Spike looked over at Twilight with an angry look. “Twilight! It’s not funny!”

“So-Sorry Spike,” Twilight said, trying to hold in her laughter, which was failing. “It’s just... ha ha ha... It’s just that that’s not... ha ha... that’s not the first time Spike’s been called something... ha ha ha... something like that. Ha ha ha!”

Spike just grunted angrily, and then Twilight and Comet did some quality time together, and then read a few books together, and helped Comet learn how to walk like a pony.

Later that night, Twilight and Comet were sharing the same bed. Twilight was still adjusting to her new home. She was having trouble sleeping, but somehow managed to get through it. But that wasn’t the only issue.

Twilight suddenly felt some shaking in the bed. She looked down and saw Comet struggling in his sleep. Comet was having a nightmare. Twilight felt bad for Comet, so she sat up and pulled him in for a hug. She then whispered into Comet’s ear.

“Shh... shh... It’s okay, Comet. I’m here, I’m here,” Twilight whispered into Comet’s ear. “I promise I’ll be here to protect you. You deserve the best, and I’ll get you as much as I can to give you the best as I can.” Comet then calmed down in his sleep. He then snuggled closer to Twilight’s barrel and nuzzled with her chest fur, wrapped his hind legs around her belly, and laid his head against the crook of Twilight’s neck as he curled his hooves against hers and his chest. Twilight smiled at that, and went back to sleep. This is just the start of a new life for her and the colt.

As the moon of Princess Luna shined up in the sky, it casted a blanket of warmth for the unicorn mare and colt.

Chapter 3: Getting Settled In & Welcome Party for Comet

The next morning, Twilight was starting to wake up from her peacefully calm slumber in her cozy bed. She was about to get out of bed until she felt something wrapped around her barrel. Twilight looked down at her body to see Comet under the covers with her. Twilight smiled to see the colt holding onto her barrel, but it was time for him to get up.

Twilight put a hoof on Comet’s back and quietly said, “Comet. Comet. It’s time to get up.”

Comet groaned and squirmed a little until he woke up. He looked into Twilight’s eyes and smiled. He then said, “Good morning, Twilight.”

“Good morning,” Twilight said before yawning. “It’s time to get up.”

Comet nodded, then he let go of Twilight’s barrel, and sat up. Comet then said, “It feels kinda weird sitting like this. It’s like I’m sitting like a dog.”

Twilight giggled and said, “You’ll get used to it. Now let’s head down and get some breakfast.” Twilight then got out of her bed, and then she used her magic to levitate Comet off of the bed. She then placed Comet onto her back, and then headed on downstairs.

Twilight went across the main room of the library and walked into the kitchen to see Spike cooking up some pancakes. Spike turned towards the door, saying, “Good morning.”

“Morning, Spike,” Twilight said, until she smelled the aroma. “I see that you’ve been busy with making some breakfast.”

“Yep,” Spike said. “I thought that you should enjoy something good today. Since we’ve already moved in.”

“Good call,” Twilight said. She then levitated Comet off of her back and onto a seat at the table. “Alright, Comet. I think it’s time for you to learn some more basic magic. Starting with levitation.” Twilight moved a fork towards Comet. Comet was confused about that. “What I want you to do is I want you to focus on the magic within you, and concentrate it through your horn, but also have a clear mind while doing it because that’s how it normally works, and it also requires focus on the object you see in front of you or if you’re casting any type of spell.”

“I’m... I’m not sure that I can do it...” Comet said, dipping his head.

“I know you can,” Twilight said. She then sighed and said, “It’s all within you. Feel the magic flowing within you, clear your mind, maintain your focus and concentrate it through your horn. Just focus.”

Comet nodded, then exhaled and closed his eyes, and cleared his mind. He was now concentrating on something flowing within him. He then pushed that magic towards his horn which started glowing in a dark blue aura. Comet looked up at his horn in amazement.

“Whoa,” Comet said.

“Don’t lose focus,” Twilight said. “Now, I want you to concentrate that magic around the fork, and lift it up.”

Comet looked down at the fork. He then focused some of the magic, looking at the fork. Then, a dark blue aura surrounded the fork, which was the same aura surrounding Comet’s horn. Then the fork started levitating.

“Wow…” Comet said in surprise.

“Keep that focus,” Twilight said. “Try moving it the way you usually use a fork, but with your horn. And remember to concentrate.”

Comet nodded. He then focused on moving the fork like Comet did before as a human.

“I did it!” Comet said.

“Great job, but you’ve still got more to learn,” Twilight said.

Comet nodded with a soft smile.

Spike walked up to Comet with a plate of pancakes, and placed the small stack in front of Comet, saying, “Here ya go. Enjoy.”

“Perfect timing, Spike,” Twilight said. Then she looked back at Comet, saying, “Go ahead and eat. We’ll do more basic magic training later, and maybe try a few spells I know.” Spike then put a small stack of pancakes in front of Twilight. Then he went over to his seat with a plate of pancakes for himself. “Now, let’s dig in.”

The three of them started eating their pancakes. When Comet was just about half way done with his pancakes, he then passed his plate over and went to the couch and sat down.

Twilight somehow knew what he was feeling and went over to talk to him, “Are you okay?”

Comet nodded, until he felt tears beginning to escape his eyes, “I just miss my mommy and daddy.”

“Aww, sweetie. I know you miss them,” Twilight said, until she sat next to Comet and placed her hoof onto him before she brought him towards her side. “Some ponies might be wanting to get to know you but it may take time. Besides, it’s not the outside of yourself that matters, but what matters is what’s on the inside, because you have a strong kindhearted spirit, and that’s what I like about you.” Comet then smiled that he was getting some positive words about himself, until he leaned over on Twilight’s neck and nuzzled his cheek with her fur.

Twilight suddenly got an idea about what she and Comet could do today, “Hey, Comet? After breakfast, I’ll teach you the basic spells of a unicorn if you’re interested.”

“Okay!” Comet said, and then they went back to the kitchen and continued to finish their breakfast.

Applejack was coming up to the door of the Golden Oaks Library, accompanied by a filly around the same age as Comet. It was Apple Bloom, Applejack's little sister, and she was yellow with a red mane and tail, orange eyes, and a pink bow on the back.

“Can you tell me why we’re going over to Twilight’s again, Applejack?” Apple Bloom complained. “Ah was in the middle o’ my chores until ya brought me all the way over here.”

“It’s alright, Apple Bloom,” Applejack said. “Comet is actually the reason why I brought ya over here. Except he’s in some of Twilight’s physical features, but as a colt. Nightmare Moon’s spirit actually placed the spell on Twilight, until she brought Comet to life with a voodoo pregnancy. Now, Ah just want ya ta get ta know him. Let’s just say that that poor feller has had a tough life before comin’ here.” Applejack then knocked on the door, as Apple Bloom still felt confused about it.

The door opened and revealed Spike standing there. Spike then said, “Oh, hi Applejack. What brings you here?” He then caught sight of Apple Bloom. “Oh, you brought your sister, huh? Apple Bloom, right?”

Applejack nodded and said, “Eeyup. Just me and my li’l sis, Apple Bloom. Ah thought that Comet should make some friends ‘round his age. And Ah thought that Apple Bloom would be a good start.”

“That’s probably a good idea,” Spike said. “Well, come on in.” He opened the door more, and stepped aside for Applejack as she and Apple Bloom walked in.

As soon as they came in, they saw Twilight teaching Comet basic magic. And for Twilight, basic magic is… a little bit advanced by her teachings, but it’s usually not easy for beginners, except it takes time, practice, and concentrating focus.

“And that’s how you do some transfiguration magic,” Twilight said.

“Um... Twilight?” Comet asked. “Isn’t this a bit too much for someone… I mean somepony my age?”

Twilight looked back down at the book, chuckled nervously and said, “I guess you’re right. Sorry, I keep forgetting that you’re still learning things. I guess we can wait a bit. You’re currently still new to this form since you were a human once, but according to your DNA tests, your magic seems to be as strong as any younger unicorn, which is usually more skilled in magic than any other pony in Equestria. But don’t worry, once we’ve finished beginners, we’ll started advanced basic magic.”

“Darn tootin’,” Applejack said, getting the attention of both Twilight and Comet.

“Applejack?” Twilight asked. “What brings you here?”

“Ah just thought that Comet should meet some ponies ‘round his age,” Applejack said. She then used a foreleg to reveal Apple Bloom. “Y’all remember mah li’l sis, Apple Bloom, right?”

“Oh, yes, of course,” Twilight said, smiling warmly at Apple Bloom. “It was because of her that I couldn’t say no to your family for something to eat, which I’m really grateful for. But the other thing is… I’m still trying to lose those 30 pounds.”

“Yeah, guess we shoulda respected ya and not overfeed ya,” Applejack said.

“Did ya enjoy our company?” Apple Bloom asked.

“Yeah, I did. The food was good, really. But back then, I wasn’t too interested in friendship,” Twilight said.

“I understand,” Applejack said. “Now, I thought that Comet should make some friends ‘round his age, so that’s why I brought Apple Bloom here.”

“That sounds like a good idea, Applejack,” Twilight said. “He should make some friends around his age.”

Comet then felt nervous as he hid behind Twilight’s legs, and looked down on the floor.

“Aww… there’s no reason to be frightened of me sugarcube. You know I won’t hurt ya,” Applejack said gently to the frightened colt behind Twilight’s front legs. “Besides, I want to introduce ya to somepony.”

Comet then looked at the filly in front of Applejack. Applejack then cleared her throat before saying, “Comet, I would like you to meet my little sister, Apple Bloom.”

The little filly made her way towards Comet slowly, hoping not to scare him, until she asked, “Is he alright?”

“Apple Bloom, he needs ta make some friends,” Applejack said. “Just hang out with him for the day, and we’ll all be just fine.”

Twilight looked at Apple Bloom, “Sweetie? He needs some comfort. See how sad he is? He could use a friend just like you. So what do you say?”

Apple Bloom nodded, and then Twilight looked at Comet and gently but softly spoke, “Sweetheart, it’s okay. There’s no reason to be scared of Apple Bloom. I promise she’s a very sweet little filly.”

Apple Bloom gently smiled at the frightened colt, “It’s okay, Comet. I would never hurt ya. Please come out.”

Until Comet heard the filly’s sweet voice, he came out, until Apple Bloom gave a soft smile and said, “Hi.”

“Hi,” Comet replied.

“My name’s Apple Bloom.” Apple Bloom held out a hoof for Comet to shake.

“I’m... Comet,” Comet said, almost about to say his old name, Kyle, and then shook Apple Bloom’s hoof.

“What’s the matter?” Apple Bloom asked.

Comet then sniffed, “Sorry. It’s just... I’ve been having a tough life.”

“A tough life?” Apple Bloom asked, tilting her head. “Whatcha talkin’ ‘bout?”

Comet exhaled and said, “It all started two years ago.”

45 minutes later…

Apple Bloom was astonished by Comet’s story. She never heard a story so tragic from an ex-human. But she knew that throughout what Comet went through, she couldn’t resist on not wanting to be friends to somepony who needed one, but was mistaken for the appearance or religious side of one pony. She asked a lot of questions to Comet about the things he’s done back in his old world. They even had lunch during their talk, which were sandwiches like Spike made, with white bread, and stacked with cucumber slices, lettuce leaves and tomato slices, and some boxes of apple juice to drink.

“So, ya still have no idea how or why ya got here?” Apple Bloom asked, receiving a nod from Comet. “And ya have no idea why you’re a colt version of Twilight, but in random colors that almost relate to her?” That got another nod from Comet. “Must’ve been tough. Even for a human ta go through terrible things, especially with those who’re yer aunt and uncle, even your own cousin. Ah still can’t believe Ah’m talkin’ ta a human. Boy, Ah bet that Lyra Heartstrings’ll be mighty jealous.”

As soon as that last sentence came out of Apple Bloom’s lips, Spike was coming over to pick up the dishes by Apple Bloom and Comet. Spike then asked, “Did you say Lyra Heartstrings?” Apple Bloom looked towards Spike and nodded. “I was wondering what happened to her. She hasn’t been in Canterlot for at least two months.”

“Yeah,” Apple Bloom said. “Lyra Heartstrings moved here two months ago, livin’ with that candy makin’ pony, Bon Bon. She makes good sweet drops. They taste amazin’.”

“I’ll have to see about that,” Spike said. He then grabbed the plates and took them into the kitchen to get washed.

Apple Bloom looked back at Comet and smiled. She then said, “Well, Ah hope that you and Ah will be good friends. ‘Specially when school starts. Ya are gonna come ta school, right?”

“I... guess if I am stuck here,” Comet said. “I might have to get some school supplies.”

“Ah’m also sorry for what you’ve been through,” Apple Bloom said.

“It’s okay,” Comet replied, accepting her sympathies. “I just hope I can get along with… everypony here.”

“Ah’m sure ya will,” Apple Bloom said as she hugged her new best friend, which made him hug her back.

Twilight and Applejack were watching the filly and colt talk. They both smiled motherly, and then looked back at each other. Applejack then said, “Ah think that things will be good for Comet. Some ups and downs, but Ah believe that he’ll get along just nicely.”

“I think so too, Applejack,” Twilight said. “Although, I might as well get him registered for school. I wonder where the schoolhouse is here in Ponyville.”

“Ya actually passed it when comin’ down over ta Sweet Apple Acres the first time,” Applejack said. “It’s basically on the same path.”

Twilight thought about it and said, “Oh, right. Now I remember. Must’ve forgot.”

“And don’t worry about anythin’. I promise Cheerilee is a great school teacher,” Applejack said. “She’ll be able ta help with getting the little feller registered for school. Ah can find ‘er and send ‘er over here if ya’d like.”

“That would be nice, Applejack,” Twilight said. “Better do it as soon as possible.”

“Actually, Twi,” Applejack said, “registration for the next school year don’t start til early August. Y’all can go over to the schoolhouse until then ta get Comet registered.”

“Sounds good,” Twilight said. “Thanks for the advice, and for bringing Apple Bloom here. I’m glad that Comet’s already starting to make friends.”

“No problem, Twi,” Applejack said. She then looked over at the clock. “Well, Apple Bloom and Ah gotta get goin’. We got a lot o’ chores ta get done.” Applejack then started heading towards the door and called out, “C’mon, Apple Bloom. Time ta head on home.”

“Okay, sis,” Apple Bloom said. She then looked back at Comet, saying, “See ya some other time. I hope.”

Comet nodded as Apple Bloom followed her big sis out of the library.

“Looks like somepony’s happy that he’s made a new friend,” Twilight said, as Comet nodded.

Twilight then thought of an idea, “Comet, how about if I take you out for a little stroll around town? We can explore some places and maybe stop by to see my friends, and maybe get a treat from Sugarcube Corner.”

“Okay, Twilight. I’d like that,” Comet replied.

“Then let’s get going,” Twilight said, until she turned to Spike. “Spike, Comet and I are going out for a stroll. Could you keep an eye on the library while we’re gone?”

“Sure thing,” Spike replied, as Twilight and Comet left the library for their stroll.

Downtown in Ponyville, Twilight and Comet were still walking around, while the colt walked beside Twilight, who smiled motherly at him.

“Twilight?” Comet asked.

“Hmm?” Twilight asked.

“Can you tell me… how you met your friends?” Comet asked.

“That is quite a story,” Twilight said, then she began to memorize how it all began, “Well, let’s see… Oh, yeah. It all started when I arrived from Canterlot to prepare for the Summer Sun Celebration, which is a festival honoring Nightmare Moon’s defeat by Princess Celestia, but to commemorate Princess Luna’s return from her darkness’s grasp. But this is actually how it all began…”

*flashback*

During the walk, Twilight told Comet how she arrived in Ponyville and met Pinkie Pie,Applejack,Rainbow Dash,Rarity, and Fluttershy, before Pinkie Pie’s “Welcome to Ponyville” party came, and how everypony reacted to the unexpected return of Nightmare Moon.

*flashback ends*

“Wow… That was pretty scary,” Comet said.

“I know,” Twilight said.

“So, what happened next?” Comet asked.

“Spike and I rushed back over to the library and tried to get some answers about the Elements of Harmony, ancient gemstones of a powerful magic: friendship, but split in six traits…”

*flashback*

Twilight then told Comet how she and her friends tried to find answers about the Elements, before venturing into the Everfree Forest together. She then explained how they traveled together: Applejack’s honesty,Fluttershy’s kindness,Pinkie Pie’s laughter,while giggling at the ghostly trees in song,Rarity’s generosity, and Rainbow Dash’s loyalty. Once they reached the castle, Twilight and her friends found the Elements and let Twilight try to find the spark, until Nightmare Moon shattered them into shards,but Twilight found the spark, and together, with their friendship, they defeated Nightmare Moon and returned Equestria to normal,and both Celestia and Luna reunited and brought eternal balance again by ruling together as sisters, and the princess allowed Twilight to stay in Ponyville to study friendship and write reports about what she has learned.

*flashback ends*

“…and that’s how me and Spike moved into the library, until you came,” Twilight said, finishing her story.

“Do you know how I got here?” Comet asked.

“Don’t worry, sweetheart. I’ll tell you soon, but I need to save my breath for another time,” Twilight replied, until an idea came to her while seeing a giant gingerbread house that looked like a bakery.

Suddenly, she entered the shop, and out on the counter were Pinkie Pie, and two earth ponies, but one was a mare with a very light cerulean blue coat, pink eyes, a grayish red and pink mane and tail swirled like cupcake frosting, and her cutie mark were three cupcakes, and she had a yellow and pink apron, and pink pearl earrings. The other was a stallion with a amber yellow coat, orange mane and tail, green eyes, and his cutie mark were three slices of carrot cake, and he wore a white apron, a red and white striped tie, and a red and white hat. Their names were Mr. Carrot Cake and Mrs. Cup Cake.

“Hello?” Twilight asked, as she and Comet, standing behind her walked in.

“Hello, Twilight,” Mr. Cake replied.

“HEY, TWILIGHT!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed.

“Hello, Pinkie. I didn’t know you work here,” Twilight said.

“Silly billy! I live here too!” Pinkie Pie said, until she saw Comet behind Twilight.

“Hi, Pinkie,” Comet said nervously.

“Aww… this must be Comet Moonstone,” Mrs. Cake said sweetly.

“Mm-hmm. But like Princess Celestia said, he has nothing to do with Nightmare Moon or anything else that involves her. He’s just somepony I’m looking after,” Twilight explained.

“Well, he is an adorable little sweetheart,” Mrs. Cake said, as Comet nervously blushed.

“Well, he’s very sensitive, but I’m making sure he has a better life here while living under my wing,” Twilight said, rubbing her hoof on the colt’s head. “Anyway, is it okay if I could get a butter croissant, and maybe… a chocolate cupcake with vanilla frosting and sprinkles on it please?”

“Absolutely!” Mrs. Cake replied. Twilight then paid the bits with her magic, and then after they received their treats, Twilight whispered into Pinkie’s ear as she smiled with glee and rushed into the kitchen, until Twilight and Comet started to do one more stroll around town before heading back over to the library after eating at the café for dinner.

When Twilight and Comet got back to the library, the sun was almost all the way down behind the hills. Comet was pretty tired after today. Twilight stopped walking and looked down at the colt next to her.

“Hey, Comet,” she said, “Why don’t you open the door?”

“Uh, why?” Comet asked.

“You’ll see,” she said.

“Okay,” Comet replied a little nervous. Comet walked up to the door. He lit up his horn and it touched the door handle, and opened the door inside. It was black dark in there. “What’s going on? Spike? Are you there?”

The lights were on, and suddenly…

“SURPRISE!!!”

Comet jumped. Inside the library, there were decorations hung from the walls, balloons blown up, and a few tables that had plates of food on it. There were also a lot of ponies inside too, and they were all smiling at him.

“Wh-What is this?” Comet asked.

“It’s your ‘Welcome to Ponyville!’ party!” said a familiar voice. Comet looked around the library to find Pinkie Pie looking down at him with a smile on her face.

“Hi there!” she said, “I put this party together just for you! Were you surprised?! Huh huh huh huh?!”

“Y-Yes, I was,” Comet said, “But how did you put all this together? And how did everyone here get here?”

“Well,” Pinkie said, “I know everyone here in Ponyville, and I know I’ve seen you yesterday, and if I’ve never seen you before or have, then that means you’re usually new here. Twilight whispered into my ear for something special, and I was like, ‘*gasp*’, so I rushed over to the kitchen at Sugarcube Corner, asked Mr. and Mrs. Cake for helping me with some treats, and rushed over here and told Spike we needed to put together a party for you! Do you like it?!”

“I do,” Comet said as his eyes started filling up, “Thank you Pinkie.” The colt then walked up to her and hugged her.

“Aw,” she said, smiling and returning the hug, “You’re welcome, Comet.”

After Pinkie broke the hug, she brought Comet over to the floor. He saw Applejack and Apple Bloom again, and they walked up to him.

“Howdy again, Comet. Y’all enjoyin’ Ponyville so far?” Applejack asked.

“I am,” Comet replied, “Twilight showed me other places around Ponyville and I even met Mr. and Mrs. Cake, and she told me how you defeated Nightmare Moon together and how you first met.”

“Sounds like y’all had a lot of fun,” Applejack said. Just then, Comet heard his stomach growl. Twilight giggled. “You’d better get something to eat, Comet.”

Comet nodded his head and went over to the snack table. While he was getting a few cookies, and a apple pie, someone started talking to him.

“Hey there!” said a voice, “You’re Comet Moonstone, right?”

He looked next to him and saw 2 identical twin pegasus mares, but one had a Persian blue coat, light blue mane and tail with white highlights, pink eyes, and a cutie mark of a shooting star and the other mare had a grayish blue coat, a pink bow in her grayish opal mane, and pink eyes. Her cutie mark was a picture of three blue and white dragonflies.

“Uh, yes,” Comet said to her question, “I am. Who are you two?”

“I’m Cloudchaser, and this is my sister Flitter,” she replied.

“It’s really nice to meet you, Comet,” Flitter said.

“Yeah, it’s a pleasure.” Cloudchaser said. The colt began to warm up to them like he always did.

“Thanks. It’s nice to meet you too,” Comet said. “And... Cloudchaser, right?” The colt tried to remember the name of the spikey-haired pegasus.

“Yep, that’s me,” Cloudchaser replied with a wink.

“You... your mane is very cool.” Comet replied.

Cloudchaser was touched by that compliment. “Aww… that’s sweet,” she said. “Thanks.” She then gave Comet a small short kiss on his cheek to tell him thanks.

“And Flitter I... I really like your bow,” Comet said to the younger sister this time.

“Aww, thank you, Comet.” Flitter said, touched by his compliment. She gave Comet that same kiss like Cloudchaser did next. The colt flustered from the kisses and rubbed his head with embarrassment, but he somehow enjoyed them.

“Hello there, you two,” Twilight said, walking over. “Hey, Twilight,” the twin pegasus sisters replied.

“I see you’re getting to know him very well,” Twilight said.

“Yeah, he’s also very sweet,” Flitter said.

“He’s a sensitive colt,” Twilight said. “But I’m helping him get to know a few.”

“That’s cool. Well, we’re going to enjoy the rest of the party,” Cloudchaser said, then she and her sister turned back to Comet. “See you later kid,” the spikey-haired pegasus said kindly. She gently and playfully rubbed the colt’s head, making him giggle a little. “We should hang out some time.”

“Yeah, and we can do something fun together,” Flitter added.

“Sure,” Comet said with a smile.

The sisters than told them their byes and continued their time at the party.

After they left, Comet met a white unicorn mare, with a bright blue mane and tail, big purple sunglasses, and a music note cutie mark. He couldn’t see her eye color because her sunglasses were blocking them. Her name was Vinyl Scratch, and she was playing some music for this party. It was fun to dance to.

Later, Comet was drinking some lemonade when he felt somepony’s hoof tap his shoulder. He turned around and saw two ponies: a unicorn and an earth pony. The unicorn had a bright green coat, a light blue and white mane and tail, orange eyes, and a golden lyre cutie mark. The earth pony had a pale grayish yellow coat, a two-sided blue and pink mane and tail, blue eyes, and three candy wrappers for a cutie mark.

“Uh, hello,” I said.

“Hello,” the yellow earth pony said, “It’s nice to meet you, Comet. My name is Bon Bon.”

"And I am Lyra Heartstrings, but you can call me Lyra for short,” the green unicorn added. “We heard about what was going on with you today and... we are so sorry to hear that.” Her tone changed from happy to sympathetic. “We thought we would like to meet you face to face.”

“Well, it’s nice to meet you both,” Comet said to both of them. The two best friends smiled warmly at his politeness.

“It’s nice to meet you too, Comet,” Bon Bon said.

“How do you know my name anyway?” The boy asked curiously.

"Twilight and the others told us all about you, and you are one interesting kid,” Lyra said, winking at him. “Hey. If you would like to hang out with us, you are more than welcome to.”

“And we can do something fun and exciting together,” Bon Bon added.

“Okay, I will,” Comet said with a smile.

“Oh, and... don’t think we won’t like you because we like you a lot already,” Lyra said playfully. “We will always be here in Ponyville no matter what. Become anypony who’s appears differently is fine with us.” Then, she winked at him playfully.

She then leaned her head down and hugged Comet, and he hugged her back. After they finished, Comet heard a clock ring. Everypony in the room looked at a clock and saw it was 10 o’clock.

“We’d better head home now, Lyra,” Bon Bon said, “It was nice meeting you, Comet.”

“It was nice meeting you too,” Comet replied.

“See you later, Comet!” Lyra said as she and Bon Bon walked away.

“You’re welcome, Lyra,” Comet said waving to her. Comet then looked around the room and saw that a few ponies were leaving the library or helping clean up. After a few minutes, most of the ponies said goodbye and welcome to Equestria to Comet as they left. Pinkie Pie was the last one.

“So Comet,” she said, “Did you enjoy the party?”

“I did, Pinkie,” Comet said, “Thank you.”

Pinkie picked the colt up and hugged him again. After she put him down, she bounced out of the library.

“Goodnight, Comet!” she said.

“Goodnight, Pinkie Pie,” Comet replied. He then yawned after Pinkie left. Comet was really tired.

“Tired, Comet?”

Comet looked behind him again and saw Twilight standing there.

“Yeah, I am,” Comet answered while nodding in reply.

“Let’s get you to bed,” she said, “You’ve had a long day.”

Comet nodded, and then Twilight lifted him up and placed the colt onto her back, and walked upstairs to bed.

Later that night, Twilight felt some shifting in the bed. She looked down at Comet, squirming in the bed like the previous night. Once again, Twilight sat up and pulled Comet in for a hug against her barrel and belly, and whispered into the colt’s ear.

“Shh… Shh… It’s okay. Everything’s going to be okay.”

Comet then started to calm down while in Twilight’s hold as he snuggled against her soft warm fur listening to her heartbeat. Although, he did mumble something Twilight was not expecting.

“M-Momma?”

Twilight went wide-eyed at that. She then gave a nervous smile, but it soon went away. She looked out the window and looked up at the moon. She then asked one thing before going back to sleep, with Comet still snuggled up against her for comfort with her hooves still wrapped around him like from last night.

“What am I going to do?”

Chapter 4: Learning New Things and Hard Decisions

After the last couple days since he arrived from magical labor, Twilight has been teaching the human turned colt, now known as Comet Moonstone, about life in Equestria. He was surprised to know that the sun and moon are moved through the sky by both Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. And as for the weather, it was controlled by the pegasi that work for the weather division.

It was also difficult for Comet to walk around like a pony because his center of gravity was completely different when he was human before, but thanks to his recovery, he was back in perfect balance. Twilight had also kept on teaching Comet some basic magic, after he passed beginners. Twilight knew when Comet gets older, his magic will become stronger.

Twilight was sitting at the table trying to read the book that was in front of her. But every time she tried to get some reading done, her mind wondered towards Comet, who was reading some stories that ponies around his age would read. Twilight still couldn’t get the thought of what happened last night out of her head.

Last night, Comet had been squirming in his sleep. She had to calm the little colt down, telling him that it was still going to be okay, and promised she would be there for him. But when she succeeded on calming him down, Comet said one thing in his sleep: Momma. Twilight felt bad for Comet. Comet was abused by other members of his family, even before he arrived in Equestria after being kidnapped by a gang of robbing thugs.

Twilight sighed and then decided to go upstairs, but not without telling Comet, “I’ll be upstairs if you need anything.” Comet nodded and then Twilight headed upstairs. Twilight went into her room where Spike was belching out more scrolls with his emerald green dragon fire due to a tummy ache, while he was reading some comic books he had gotten before the two of them moved into the library. Although, for the time being, Twilight’s parents and brother have been writing to Twilight non-stop, and Spike was still belching them out.

“Oh, man!” Spike said, after belching out another scroll. “That’s like the 100th letter I let out from your parents or Shining Armor.”

Twilight then took the letter and started reading it. Twilight smiled at it and said, “Well, it’s just my parents being concerned about this whole situation with Comet. Hopefully, when they meet Comet, they’ll know why I had to take him in. And not just for the pregnancy reason.” Twilight then started to feel both concerned and depressed.

“Twilight?” Spike asked. “What’s wrong? You look really concerned about something, but also depressed.”

“Spike, I’m starting to feel bad for Comet,” Twilight said.

“Why?” Spike asked. “Is something wrong?”

“Before Comet came here to Equestria, he had a tough life as a human boy named Kyle,” Twilight explained. “Back in his world, Kyle’s parents went on a business trip and their son was sent to live with his aunt, uncle and cousin. And he was mistreated carelessly by them, and bullied by his cousin. Then there was the kidnapped thing.”

“You’re right,” Spike said, thinking about it. “Poor kid. If only there was something more we could do for him. Oh, boy. This is going to get confusing, I can feel it. He’s basically stuck here for the rest of his life.”

“Or longer,” Twilight said. “He’s a unicorn, just like me and Rarity, but Nightmare Moon was the one who brought this upon him, before she cast the pregnancy spell on me, until I gave birth to him, before his spirit took over before Nightmare’s could, or else she could’ve brought him to life with her spirit, and just like Princesses Celestia and Luna, they’ve lived for over a thousand years, meaning he could as well, and Equestria would be doomed forever.”

“Oh, right,” Spike said. “But why are you concerned for him? He wasn’t originally from this world, but there is no way of changing him back to his original form.”

“Comet should’ve been with his parents by then,” Twilight said. “I just hope that Comet will adjust well. But the sad thing is he basically can’t go back to his original form. He originally died of a terminal illness because of starvation and barley any lack of food those horrible caretakers offered.” She then sighed.

“Gosh… What are you gonna do?” Spike asked.

“I don't know, Spike,” Twilight said. “But Comet needs somepony to watch over him. He needs somepony to love him. Take care of him. But nopony besides us will see him for who he is on the inside, but mistakenly get confused of his colors.”

“Twilight, you’re not thinking what I think you’re thinking, are you?” Spike asked.

Twilight sighed and said, “I’m going to need some time to think about it,” Twilight said. “And I might need some help from a few other ponies I know before I make a decision.”

“Probably a good idea,” Spike said.

Twilight nodded, and then headed back downstairs to see Comet looking out of the window while reading the books. Twilight then walked over to him and asked, “Whatcha reading, Comet?”

“Just one of those children’s books you got me, Twilight,” Comet said.

"Still trying to fit in, huh?” Twilight asked, until Comet nodded before Twilight smiled motherly. “It’s okay, sweetheart. Your old parents would understand. They probably would’ve want what’s best for you, except for what your aunt, uncle and cousin did. I’m sure they would want you to be happy before they died.” Twilight then leaned her head in and kissed Comet on the forehead. “I’ll even make sure of that.”

Comet then nodded, before he looked down, feeling a little bit lost.

“Feeling a little bit lost in here, aren’t you?” Twilight asked.

Comet nodded and said, “I am. But, at least it’s not with Mrs. Evergreen. She treated me like a slave than a kid, kinda like how my Aunt Paulista, Uncle Vincent and cousin Brent did.”

Twilight pulled Comet in for a hug and said, “I promise that will never happen again.” Comet embraced the hug, wrapping his forelegs around Twilight’s chest.

Comet smiled and said, “Thank you, Twilight.” Comet then sighed, sadly.

“Everything’s going to be okay, Comet,” Twilight said. “I know you miss your parents. But, at least you got to see them one last time before they died.”

“Yeah, I know,” Comet said. “I just hope they’ll be happy once again while they’re remembering me. My aunt, uncle and cousin treated me horribly.”

“Well, you won’t have to worry about that anymore,” Twilight said. “I promise you that I’ll make sure that you’ll have a good life with a clean slate. And if there’s somepony troubling you, make sure you have good friends with you to help you out. It’s at least what you could do, since Apple Bloom cares about you.”

Comet nodded and then they both continued the hug.

The next morning…

“Dear Princess Celestia...

For the past few days, things have been going fine with Comet Moonstone. The ponies of Ponyville have accepted Comet as a colt that resembles me and have been getting to know him a little bit, probably because of the stroll around town I took him on one day ago. And all things considerate, Comet has been a wonderful guest, even if he is still considered an abused family member from another world.

But I’m writing to you because… I’ve been doing a lot of thinking, and… if it’s alright with you, your sister, and maybe my friends, I was considering about introducing Comet to my family, if there’s anypony I know around, but before I make this decision, I’m gonna need to have a talk with my family, seeing what they think before I make this decision. But, I’m afraid that if I bring him to the train station, he might react nervously like how his abusive guardians treated him, or the other way around because of the ponies of Canterlot, so I plan to take care of this myself in order to get me, Spike and Comet to Canterlot.

Signed, your faithful student...

Twilight Sparkle”

The next morning, Twilight had woken up early and started writing a letter to the princess. She decided to let Comet sleep in her bed once again because Comet was having another nightmare as he slept. She said that he’s been having nightmares ever since he, as Kyle the human, was kidnapped. But every time Twilight calmed Comet down as he slept, the colt had stopped having the nightmares. The colt stayed close to Twilight through the remainder of the nights, and Twilight was now getting the feeling that Comet was starting to see Twilight more than just a caretaker.

Twilight headed downstairs, quietly, so not to wake up either Spike or Comet, and she took the letter she was writing with her. She headed down to the kitchen, and sat at the kitchen table. Twilight sighed and looked out the window. A few moments later, Spike came into the kitchen, rubbing his right eye with his hand.

“Twilight?” Spike asked, tiredly. He then yawned. “Is something bothering you?”

“Actually, Spike, there is,” Twilight said. “How would you feel... if we had added Comet... as part of the family?”

Spike looked away, crossed his arms and said, “Well, he hasn’t done anything but read, learn magic, and hang out with Applejack’s little sister most of the time. Nothing seems to be wrong with him, except for his hard life. But, why do you ask?”

“I’m thinking about introducing him to my relatives, including my parents, but since my brother’s probably not available,” Twilight said. “But, I need a little more support on this before I make this decision.”

“Are you sure about that, Twi?” Spike asked.

“Spike, Comet needs a loving family, and the two people that loved him and cared about him left him alone with three people who treated him so cruelly, and it tore him apart, having them watch him die,” Twilight said. “We should be able to give him the family he deserves.”

Spike looked away for a bit, thinking about something, but then he asked with a slyly smirking smug grin on his face, “This wouldn’t happen to be the fact that he called you ‘Momma’ in his sleep, does it?”

Twilight nodded and said, “A foal needs a loving mother.” She then levitated the letter she had written earlier and gave it to Spike. “Send this letter to the princess. And then later, we’ll head on up to Canterlot.”

“Sure,” Spike said before blowing his emerald flames on the letter, sending it to Princess Celestia. Then he reached for something, even though he wasn’t wearing anything. “I’m surprised you want to head to Canterlot so long before the Grand Galloping Gala.” Spike held out his ticket to the Grand Galloping Gala.

“I know, Spike,” Twilight said. “But things like this are a lot more important right now than the Grand Galloping Gala.”

“Well, we’ll just have to...” Spike said, before he held his rumbling gut, and then puffed his cheeks before he let out a belch, with emerald flames transforming into a scroll, then landing in his claws. “I was going to say wait until we get a response from the princess, but I guess that counts.”

Twilight shook her head and said, “Open it and read it.”

Spike unrolled the scroll and read it out loud:

“Dearest Twilight...

I’ll be sure to make sure that the ponies of Equestria will know about Comet for who he truly is, and how he ended up here from a spell casted on you by my sister’s darker side, before turning into a colt resembling you. I am also glad that you want to introduce Comet to your family, and get them to know him as well. And I am very proud that you want to take the initiative to take full responsibility of Comet Moonstone. Of course, you would have to let your family know and make sure they will be okay with Comet being a part of the family. You have come a long way from the pony you were before I sent you to Ponyville, and I am absolutely proud of you for that. And if your family is okay with the decision and agrees with it, feel free to tell him the truth because he deserves to know everything. Also, I will send down a royal chariot to come pick up you, Spike and Comet up, along with your friends, by 10:00 AM.

Signed, your beloved mentor...

Princess Celestia”

“Good, good,” Twilight said. “We’ll just wait until 8:00, and we’ll go get the girls. And maybe have them meet Mom and Dad as well.”

“Good thinking, Twilight,” Spike said. “To make things more comfortable for him to have your friends by your side.”

Twilight nodded, but then something caught her ears from above. Twilight sighed and said, “Comet must be having another nightmare. I better go comfort him. We really need to find a way to get him to have peaceful dreams.”

“I hope that Comet will stop when you make it official,” Spike said.

Twilight nodded, and headed upstairs. She went back into the bedroom, and headed towards the bed, and saw Comet struggling in his sleep.

Twilight went back onto the bed and sat down on her haunches, and then pulled Comet into a hug. Twilight soothed him and said, “Everything’s going to be okay, Comet. I’ll make sure of it.” Comet snuggled closer to Twilight, and started to calm down. Twilight then started humming a soothing tune to make Comet have more of a peaceful dream. Twilight then kissed his forehead as Comet snuggled against her, and then Twilight looked out the window to see the sun beginning to rise. This was indeed going to be an interesting day.

Chapter 5: Sparkle Family Surprise Visit in Canterlot

The next morning, Twilight and Comet were waiting for the royal chariot to arrive outside the Golden Oaks Library. Comet was feeling a little nervous to be outside. He was afraid that ponies might offend him like his aunt, uncle and cousin have treated him. He stuck close to Twilight for protection, which she accepted.

Spike arrived with Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Applejack, and a whole lot of luggage that Rarity insisted on bringing. Spike was having trouble keeping the stuff balanced. He was carrying at least 20 bags.

“I thought I told you to tell the girls to pack light,” Twilight said to Spike.

“I… I did,” Spike said, dropping the bags and panting heavily. “Most of… Most of this… this stuff is all Rarity’s.”

“We all packed one bag, but Rarity insisted on packing a lot of things,” Rainbow Dash said, crossing her hooves.

“It took... an hour... and a half... just for her to pack her own version of essentials,” Applejack said. “Rarity, ya really should know how ta pack light.”

“Oh, dear Applejack,” Rarity said. “We are going to Canterlot! A place full of high dignitaries and sophistication. I will not be known as an unsophisticated pony with no style and manners.” Applejack was eating an apple at the time while looking at Rarity with an unamused expression on her face, and then she belched out after Rarity finished that last sentence. “Exactly.”

Applejack sighed, angrily. Just then, two pegasus-drawn carriages came down with two pegasi in golden armor strapped to them. The pegasus guards saw a lot of bags.

One of the pegasus guards groaned and said, “The Princess said to pick up some guests and escort them to Canterlot, and have them pack light. That... does not seem light.”

“Told ya,” Applejack said to Rarity, making her grumble.

“Rarity, just pack stuff for a small visit,” Twilight said. “We’re only going to be gone for two days.”

Rarity sighed and said, “Fine.” Rarity then started unpacking her bags, and started filling one bag with what the others were bringing. Comet didn’t bring all that much because he didn’t have any things.

As soon as Rarity finished, and put her luggage of leftover stuff inside the library until they get back, they all got onto the chariots, and Twilight called out, “Alright, boys. We’re ready.”

The royal pegasus guards nodded, and started running, and took off into the sky, heading towards Canterlot.

The Pegasus Guards dropped off Twilight, her friends, Spike, and Comet at the place Twilight and Spike used to live in before Princess Celestia gave them the assignment in Ponyville. Twilight headed for the door and opened it up.

“And this... is where I used to live,” Twilight said, showing the others the place. The other girls were amazed by how big it was.

“This... was your old home?!” Rarity asked. “It’s so... big!”

“Yeah, Twi,” Rainbow Dash said, looking around. “This place is just about twice as big as the library in Ponyville.”

“Could ya really afford a place like this?” Applejack asked.

“Well, I didn’t really buy it,” Twilight said. “Princess Celestia just gave me this place for my studies.”

“Wow,” Pinkie said. “I’ve never seen so many books! It’s almost like the library!”

“Wait until you see the library here, or the Canterlot Archives,” Twilight said.

Comet caught something in his sight, and saw a book under a stool. He lowered herself, reached under the stool, and pulled out the book. He then read the cover out loud.

“Identity’s Persecution: The Impossible Pursuit.”

Spike walked over towards it and picked it up. “Huh. I didn’t know Twilight had a copy of this book.” He then opened it and inside was a library card. He then checked the check in date and said, “Uh-oh. Twilight! This book has to go back to the Canterlot library by noon today!”

“WHAT?!” Twilight shouted, teleporting towards Spike. She checked the card and said, “Oh no. I got to get this book to the library as quick as possible!”

“You know what, I’ll take it there,” Spike said. “You go to your parents’s house while I take this book to the library. I’ll meet up with you guys at your parents’s house.” Spike then headed out the door, taking the book with him.

Twilight smiled, looked down at Comet and said, “Thank you for that. I always return my books to the Canterlot Library. Which was why I was the ‘Best Book Borrower’ there.”

Rainbow Dash scoffed and said, “Yeah, like that’s a real thing.”

“Oh, it is,” Twilight said. “They even have a picture to the pony who has the best borrowing of a library book by the check out desk.”

Rainbow Dash was wide eyed at that statement, but then she shut it, did a facehoof, and groaned. She then said, “You are such an egghead.”

“Whoa,” Comet said. “That’s a big hourglass.”

Twilight walked up towards Comet and said, “Yes. Yes it is.”

“How much did that thing cost?” Comet asked.

“Don’t know,” Twilight said. “It was actually here when I moved in. Alright, everypony, leave your stuff here, and then we’ll get to unpack tonight.”

“So, where are we heading?” Pinkie asked excitedly. “The castle?! The Opera House?! Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns?!”

Twilight shook her head, giggling. She then said, “Nope. We’re going over to the housing complex where my parents are living. Spike also said he’ll meet us there. So we should get going right now.”

They then continued on towards the housing district of the city of Canterlot, with Comet walking beside Twilight sports he wouldn’t get lost along the way.

Meanwhile, Spike rushed through the doors of the Canterlot, heading towards the desk where an old mare was sitting there. She saw Spike coming towards her. Spike jumped up onto the desk, out of breath, trying to speak.

“I’m... here to... return... this... library... book...” He then fell onto his back, panting and holding the book up. The old mare took it in her hoof, adjusted her glasses and read it.

“I take it that Twilight brought this book with her to where she was for the past few days?” the old mare asked.

“Not... exactly... Dusty... Pages...” Spike said, trying to get his breath back. He then inhaled as big as he can, and let out an relaxed exhale. “We found the book under a stool back where we were living before we moved to Ponyville.”

“Ponyville?” Dusty Pages asked. “Oh, that's where the Summer Sun Celebration was being held this year.” She then thought of something. “The Princess said that Twilight Sparkle has found a unicorn colt that resembles her and who originally used to serve the cult created by Nightmare Moon and is taking care of him now. Is that true?”

“Technically, Twilight’s DNA matched with the colt’s but his spirit was somepony else’s,” Spike said. “Turns out, he’s not really a foal made by Nightmare Moon’s cult, but by a spell casted onto Twilight. He was a completely different species that happened to find a cursed Equestrian artifact that can transport the holder of it, but in either spiritual form if that holder is already dead or in full body if he or she is still alive, under the light of the full moon. But it was banished from Equestria because it transforms the one using it into a monster that’s the exact age that the creature was before the transportation. Guess this time, that monster was Nightmare Moon.”

Dusty Pages breathed out in relief that it wasn’t another threat, and said, “Well, as long as other ponies don’t do any harm to the colt. Well, as long as you’re here, I’d like you to give a message to Twilight.” She then whispered into Spike’s ear as she was telling him.

The group arrived at a house in Canterlot. Twilight walked up towards the door and knocked on the door. Soon, the door opened and standing there was a blue unicorn stallion with a darker blue mane. He was surprised to see who was standing there.

“Twilight?” the stallion asked.

“Hi, Dad,” Twilight said smiling. “How have you been doing?”

“Get in here,” Twilight's father said, pulling her in for a hug. He then noticed the others. “Ah, these must be the friends I heard about.” He then noticed the colt behind Twilight’s hind legs. “And the princess explained about... that little colt right there. Come on inside, all of you.” Then the group walked inside. Night Light then called out to somepony else. “Velvet, honey! They’re here!”

“I’m coming!” came the voice of another mare. A light gray mare with a striped purple and white curled mane came into the room. She was Twilight’s mother, Twilight Velvet.

“Hey, Mom,” Twilight said.

“Twilight! It’s so good to see you, sweetie!” Velvet said, until she hugged her daughter as well, before she saw her friends with her.

“Girls, meet my father, Night Light, and my mother, Twilight Velvet,” Twilight said to her friends and Comet. She then looked back at her mother and father and said, “Mom, Dad, these are my new friends.” Twilight’s friends nodded in response as Twilight said their names. “We have Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Applejack...” She then pulled Comet closer to her with her hoof, before lifting him up and holding him against her chest. “And this little colt right here next to me... is Comet Moonstone.”

“Well, it’s nice to meet you all,” Night Light said.

The girls made pleasurable replies back, until Twilight looked at her parents smiling, “What? What’re you both smiling at?”

“Oh, Twilight,” Velvet said, smiling. “You honestly think we wouldn’t get a chance to meet the new colt we heard so much about, did you?” Velvet then walked over towards Comet, who was still in Twilight’s hoof. She smiled down at Comet and said, “I was wondering when we would get to meet you.”

Night Light walked up to Comet as well. He then said, “He sure looks a lot like you, Twilight. I never thought that would be possible.”

“It was really odd for me as well,” Twilight said. “But, at least he’s a good colt.”

“Absolutely. But I think he’s just the sweetest little thing,” Velvet said, as she began to tickle Comet’s belly with her hoof which made him giggle, and kissed him on the forehead, making him warmly smile. Twilight then put Comet down, and looked back at her parents.

“Mom, Dad? Could I talk to you both in the kitchen for a moment?” Twilight asked, and Velvet and Night Light replied with nods.

Twilight’s friends and Comet were checking around the place while making themselves at home, and Spike was showing them personally, except he arrived a few minutes ago and stayed with Comet in case he needed comfort.

Meanwhile, Twilight, on the other hoof, was talking with her parents about Comet. But after hearing her story, they felt touched by their hearts, concerned for Comet’s hard life and how Twilight experienced his arrival.

“So, let me get this straight, honey,” Velvet said. “You went to get a book you accidentally dropped back. You then saw a dark tunnel hidden somewhere in the forest, leading to a underground maze. You went to explore it. Found a baseball diamond that looked like an eyeball. Got ambushed by the ghost of Nightmare Moon. She shot a beam towards you. That blast made you pregnant, making the process go in seconds. Then Nightmare Moon tried taking that foal as her new body and then was rejected. And now you don’t know what happened?”

“Yep,” Twilight said. “That’s why I decided about this for a few days before now.”

“Are you sure you want to do this, Twilight?” Velvet asked.

“He was abused by his aunt, uncle and cousin and then kidnapped by criminals before arrived here in Equestria,” Twilight said. “I want to help him as much as he needs it since he’s still recovering. Wouldn’t you do the same thing?”

Velvet and Night Light looked at each other in concern about how harshly Comet was treated, and smiled about Twilight’s decision. Night Light than said, “Alright, Twilight. We’re so proud of you wanting to take the initiative. Although... it feels like you’re doing things out of order.”

“I know,” Twilight said. “But, a colt like Comet needs a loving family. I’m gonna be the pony who’s gonna give it to him.” Just then, her stomach growled. Her face turned red in embarrassment.

“Haven’t had anything to eat since breakfast?” Night Light asked.

“That’s okay, Twilight,” Velvet said. “In fact, we were just about to head out to the diner. Why don’t you and your friends join us?”

Twilight looked over to her friends, Spike and Comet. She then looked back at her parents and nodded. They were going out for lunch.

The Mane 6, Twilight’s parents, and Comet were walking through a certain part of the city of Canterlot. Rarity was amazed by all of the restaurants there.

“This row of restaurants is astounding!” Rarity said. “Each of them 3 to 5 hooves! They must have really good food if it has great ratings!”

Twilight scoffed and said, “Don’t get your hopes up, Rarity. I’ve eaten at all of those restaurants. Believe me when I say that they charge ponies like you’re going to eat more than one plate of food, but they give you three freeze-dried blocks of food not even rats would want to eat.”

“Oh, Twilight,” Rarity said, rolling her eyes. “Don’t you think you’re exaggerating just a bit?” Just then, they got surprised by a bunch of rats that came up towards a 3 hoof ranked restaurant, stopped, and headed towards an alley, squeaking all the way from the restaurant to the alley.

“Um... those rats said that they were hungry... not desperate,” Fluttershy said. That made Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, and Comet laugh. Rarity on the other hoof was surprised that rats agreed with Twilight.

“That’s why we’re going to a place where most ponies usually enjoy their favorites,” Velvet said. They headed towards a diner. The group walked into the diner, and everypony that was there were enjoying their meals, before they stopped what they were doing and looked at the group, except only at a certain unicorn colt who looked like Twilight, but in random colors that resembled hers a little.

Twilight saw Comet behind her hind legs feeling uncomfortable so the ponies there wouldn’t look at him, but Fluttershy gave them a stern stare, asking them to leave the colt alone, before they went back to eating. “It’s okay, Comet. We’re right here,” Twilight said, making the colt feel better. A waitress there walked up to them and asked, “Can I help you?”

“Table for 12,” Velvet said.

The waitress looked back down at Comet, who was shaking nervously with big cute puppy eyes. “Aww… is this sweet little cutie pie with you? He’s so adorable,” she said.

Twilight nodded, as she rubbed her hoof on Comet’s head. The waitress then looked back at Velvet, and got 12 menus out.

“Right this way, everypony,” the waitress said normally, as she figured out that Comet was an innocent foal, which she now didn’t mind.

They were eventually escorted to a row of tables big enough for all of them to sit at. In the sitting order from left to right was Spike, Comet, Twilight, Velvet, Night Light, and at the end of the row of tables were Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy and Rarity.

They were all handed menus and they looked at what to order.

Later on, the group had finished their meals. Even Comet, which the waitress could now easily handle delivering the plate to him, since she still thought he was cute. But, it was good. He couldn’t believe how good a hayburger was.

“I never thought a hayburger would be so good,” Comet said. “Must be my current form’s taste buds. My last one can’t handle pony food.”

“All creatures have a different kind of taste bud,” Spike said. “Dragons, for example, can bite through gems like they’re rock candy.”

Pinkie Pie hummed, licked her lips and said, “Rock candy...”

“Well, I am glad that you all enjoyed the meal,” Velvet said. She then got out of her seat, and headed towards Comet and said to him, “You are a very good colt. You may not have been originally born a pony until now, but I know that you can be happy.”

“I’m not too sure,” Comet said. “What if t-they treat me… l-like I’m… different than all of them?”

Twilight pulled Comet into a hug and said, “That’s not true, Comet. You are a good hearted foal who needs love. Not hatred.”

“Yeah, I guess you’re right. That waitress was even so nice to me,” Comet said. “She just thought that you were just an adorable little colt, darling. Nothing else,” Rarity said sweetly. Twilight looked out the window towards the castle. She smiled and said, “And I know just the pony who can help.”

Rainbow Dash looked over towards Twilight and asked, “Wait… You’re thinking of having Comet talk to Princess Celestia, aren’t you?”

“I think it’s a marvelous idea, Twilight darling,” Rarity said.

“This food is unacceptable,” came the voice of a mare. The mare has a light magentaish gray coat, a pinkish gray mane with light raspberryish gray stripes, wore a white shirt with pockets, black legging, and a dark purple jacket. “I won’t allow even one hoof on this diner’s rating. Not even a single princess would want to eat here.”

The group was looking towards the mare. Comet leaned towards Twilight and asked, “Who is that?”

Twilight sighed and said, “Zesty Gourmand. She’s a strict food critic with a weird sense of taste. She’s so picky. Whenever she comes to inspect a restaurant, she threatens to shut them down unless they make major changes, and give up their individual ways of cooking.”

“Wow,” Pinkie said. “That is... so... rude.” Pinkie Pie furrowed her brows when she said that last word. “Nopony tells somepony how to cook or what to serve. It’s like somepony telling Rarity how to make dresses the same style. Or Rainbow Dash how to fly properly. Or Applejack to make the apple treats properly in an elegant manner.”

“She has a point,” Rainbow said.

“Ya said it,” Applejack said.

“Yes, yes,” Rarity said. “If somepony made me make dresses the same style, I’d have to shut down my own store.”

“But Miss Gourmand!” the waitress serving her said. “The cook has prepared the food exactly how you wanted it to be in your order!”

“Well, this isn't how it is supposed to be served,” Zesty Gourmand complained. “I’m telling you that this diner won’t have what it takes to be able to satisfy any princess.”

The waitress looked towards Twilight, smirked, looked back at Zesty Gourmand and said, “Actually, just to let you know, we have the student of an actual princess dining here. In fact, she would usually come here whenever she wants to get out of the castle for something to eat, including Princess Celestia herself.”

“Hmm?” Zesty Gourmand asked. She looked around until her eyes caught Twilight, Celestia’s prized pupil, who was smirking at her. “Oh, so her so-called prized pupil thinks she can come dining in such a low class restaurant.”

Twilight walked towards Zesty Gourmand and said, "No, it’s the restaurants you ranked three hoofs or lower that are low class. Ponies expect something that can fill their stomachs and enjoy their meals. The restaurants that you made changes to, they aren’t that filling. It’s their choice on what to serve and how to decorate. Not yours.”

Zesty Gourmand growled and said, “Food is an art. Not something to fill their stomachs. The way you ponies make food is unworthy.”

That made everypony in the restaurant gasp. The ponies there looked at Zesty Gourmand in shock. Twilight sighed and said, “You’re a food critic. If you think that food is an art, than you’re the wrong kind of critic.” Twilight turned around, and headed back to her table, as the ponies at their tables clapped their hooves in applause. But then the group started heading out of the diner after paying for their check. Twilight then said, “Remind me to tell Princess Celestia about this.” The Mane 5 nodded in response.

The group arrived at the castle to speak with Princess Celestia. The guards let them all pass, as Twilight and her friends, including Comet and her parents, went into the throne room to see Princess Celestia sitting there. She was expecting them.

“Hello, Twilight,” Princess Celestia said to her student. “Hello, Sparkle Family, and my fellow Elements of Harmony.” Twilight and her family and friends bowed, leaving Comet to stand up correctly.

Princess Celestia then looked down at Comet, “Hello, Comet. Have you been enjoying your days here in Equestria?”

“I’ve... I’ve been trying to enjoy it,” Comet said. “But...” He sighed.

“Is something wrong, dear?” Princess Celestia asked, concerned. She then thought of something. “Do you miss your family?”

Comet then started shedding some tears. “I haven’t seen my parents in three months. They… they left me there for their trip.”

Twilight stopped bowing, walked over to Comet, and pulled him in for a hug. Twilight shushed him, trying to calm him down. Twilight softly said to Comet, “It’s okay. It’s okay.”

Comet hugged Twilight, as Twilight nuzzled the colt.

The princess walked over and nodded at her, meaning it was time to talk to her friends about her other problem.

“Twilight? What exactly did ya want to talk about with the princess?” Applejack asked.

“Is something else on your mind, dear?” Rarity asked.

“Girls, the reason why Celestia invited you to come with me, Spike and Comet here was because… I wrote to her about Comet’s good behaviors in Equestria, but there’s something else. Comet, there’s something important I need to tell you.”

“What is it, Twilight?” Comet asked.

“Remember when we found you in the Everfree Forest?” she asked. Comet nodded. “Well, there’s more.”

“Comet, the reason why you’re like this… is because when you found the Crystal Eye of Nightmare, you passed away from a terminal illness,” Celestia said.

“You mean? I wasn’t sleeping at the hospital?” Comet asked. “I’m… I’m never going back?”

“I’m afraid so,” Twilight said. “I felt the same way when Nightmare Moon returned, because Princess Celestia was supposed to appear for the Summer Sun Celebration to begin, so Nightmare Moon appeared instead. Like I told you before, I was scared, and I didn’t know how to stop her or what to do. But thanks to my friends, we stopped her together.”

Comet looked up at Twilight. He had eyes of curiosity, but still had tears in them. He then said, “I... I didn’t know.”

“It’s okay. But the sad thing about you is that, like the princess said, the reason why you died was because you got sick,” Twilight said.

“W-what?!” Comet asked. Twilight then nodded, “It’s true. Like how your abusive family fed you, your body was too weak and thin to survive, because you needed food and nutrients to keep your strength up, until you got very ill, and then you died. It tore me apart, hearing how much you’ve suffered. But I didn’t want you to suffer anymore since I’ve taken you in, because I made a promise to take care of you and that you’d have a better life.”

Comet then started sobbing lightly. Then he opened his eyes and then asked, “Wait. If I died back there, how am I alive here? It doesn’t make any sense.”

Twilight sighed, then said, “That’s also another thing. Come here.” Comet crawled over to Twilight, before she lifted him up and placed him on her lap, and spoke, “Remember the day when you asked me about how you got here? The night you arrived, it was... unexpected... for my friends and I.”

“What happened?” Comet asked.

“You see. A lot earlier before I usually go to bed at night, I was on my way back to the Golden Oaks Library so I could help Spike finish unbox everything from my old library at Canterlot so we could move in to Ponyville. When I saw a book I accidentally dropped from my saddlebags on my way back, I saw a dark tunnel in the Everfree Forest. It seems that I suddenly found a maze leading to a small stone-hedge, until I found the exact same diamond like you did, but suddenly, I was ambushed by an evil spirit. The ghost of Nightmare Moon, Princess Luna’s dark side. She intended on making a new body for her to use and take over Equestria in an eternal night.”

“How was she going to do that?” Comet asked.

“She intended on using a spell to make me or one of my friends pregnant. But instead of waiting 11 months, it went by in a minute. She fired that spell, and it was heading towards me, until suddenly, I was hit. It was extremely painful when it was happening. I somehow became heavily bloated in seconds until I asked my friends for help before my water broke. When we got to Fluttershy’s cottage, my friends helped me deliver the foal. The foal somehow had no color, nor soul. It was intended to be a vessel for Nightmare Moon. But before she could get into the body, the soul of something else entered it. Your spirit.”

“M-me?” Comet asked.

“Yeah. Nightmare Moon tried getting another shot in, but she was hit by a powerful source of goodness and kindheartedness. Her soul, we honestly didn’t know where it went. The foal aged to the age you were when you were alive. And that’s how we found you at the Castle of the Two Sisters and why you’re living with me and Spike now.”

He knew the pain he went through, but what he didn’t realize was that he died in his world, and his spirit entered the vessel of a magically born pony that had no soul until one entered it. And Twilight gave birth to that foal which he now was. He then realized that Twilight was his mom now.

Comet could somehow feel tears coming out of the corner of his eyes. He then felt the tears now coming out of his eyes. Comet then jumped onto Twilight, and wrapped his forelegs around her body as best as he could.

“It’s okay,” she told Comet, rubbing the back of his head. “I’m sorry for not telling you sooner. You had every right to know. and I’ll do my best to take care of you.”

Comet smiled and buried his head into her chest without piercing her with his horn and said, “Thank you.”

“For what?” she asked.

“For saving me. I wouldn’t be alive if it weren’t for you.” Comet felt Twilight wrap her forelegs around him.

“Comet, I know you miss your family,” Twilight said. “You have been through a lot of emotional pain, too.”

Comet nodded, until he once again spoke up. “Twilight?” Comet asked, and then Twilight looked down at him. “Can... Can I ask you something?”

“Of course,” she said, pulling Comet closer. “You can ask me anything.”

“Since you gave birth to me, does that… make you… m-my mommy?” Comet asked.

“Yeah, I guess it kind of does,” Twilight replied, “But are you sure about this? You’ll miss your parents more, and I don’t want to replace them.”

“You won’t, Twilight,” Comet said to her, “As long as I remember how much they loved me and how much I loved them, they’ll never leave me, so… can I stay with you? Please?”

Twilight smiled down at him, until she brought a foreleg around the little colt and pulled him closer to her for a hug. “Of course I will let you stay,” Twilight said. “But how about this? To be honest, I have been thinking about making you a part of my family since you were reborn and settling in.”

Comet looked up at Twilight in shock and asked, “You... you have?”

“It wouldn’t be fair for you to live the rest of your life without a mother,” Twilight said. “I want you to have a loving family. If you would have that.”

Comet looked up at Twilight, shedding tears, and starting to smile. He snuggled into Twilight’s chest a lot more, saying, “Yes. I... I would love to have a family again. Thank you... thank you… Mommy.”

Twilight smiled, along with all the other ponies looking at the two while Twilight kept hugging her son.

“I’m glad you’ve made the right decision, Twilight,” Princess Celestia said. “Now, if there is anything else you need to tell me, let me know.”

“Actually, there is one more thing, Princess Celestia," Rarity said. “It’s about that food critic, Zesty Gourmand.”

Twilight then walked over to her parents, and reintroduced Comet, “Mom, Dad, say hello to your new grandson, Comet Moonstone Sparkle.”

Comet ran over to his new grandmother and wrapped his hooves around her chest and nuzzled with her fur, until Velvet hugged him back.

“We’re honored to have you part of the family, dearie,” Velvet said, resting her chin on top of Comet’s head.

“I am too, Grandma,” Comet said, as he was still hugging his new grandmother.

From above, using an camouflaging invisibility spell, Princess Celestia’s sister, Princess Luna, was watching the group from above.

“Thou young foal did live a sad life,” Princess Luna said, making sure nopony heard her. “Tis sad he had been brought to life from a spell by the ghost of the monster that we have taken form for the past thousand years. We shall make sure he gets good dreams.” She then teleported out of the room.

Author's Note

Yep, Comet Moonstone is now Twilight Sparkle’s son, and is now gonna live with her and get a good life. :pinkiehappy: :twilightsmile:

Chapter 6: Applebuck Season

The group had came back from Canterlot the previous day. Comet was happy that he was officially welcomed by Twilight and her family. He was also spending as much cuddle time as possible.

After that, Comet had stopped having terrible nightmares. He started sleeping more in peace when he slept with Twilight. Twilight wanted to do something special for Comet, so she and her family and friends took him to an ice cream shop in Canterlot. Comet was so happy that he was getting some ice cream. Comet also got a souvenir from his new grandparents: a 14 inch grey husky plushie with blue eyes that he named Kugo.

After spending a couple of days in Canterlot, the Mane 6, Spike, and Comet made it back to Ponyville. They all went back to their homes. Twilight was happy to have given Comet what he really needed: a proper family once more. She was happy to give a colt what he needed.

Twilight came down the stairs, leaving Comet upstairs to keep sleeping and hugging his new plushie, and Spike as well. They arrived back at the Golden Oaks Library late the previous night, letting the colt and baby dragon sleep as they were headed back to their homes. As soon as she got downstairs, something hit the door. Twilight opened the door to see Ditzy Doo, or Derpy, who was a gray pegasus mare with yellow crossed eyes and yellow mane in a brown and white mail-mare uniform, and carrying a brown messenger bag full of mail for other ponies, flying away. But she crashed into a sign on the side of a building.

“Ooh, that’s gonna hurt,” Twilight said. Then she looked down and saw a newspaper at her hooves. She used her magic to lift it up and took it inside. Twilight headed into the kitchen and started reading it. Twilight was surprised that she and Comet were on the front page. It read:

Princess’s Prized Student Gives Birth To Unicorn Colt with Innocent Human Child’s Soul

Twilight Sparkle, the current prized student of Princess Celestia, has given birth to the colt that has been brought to life with the soul of a 6 year old human boy who had a rough abusive life, but from a pregnancy spell casted by the ghost of the darker self of Princess Celestia's sister, Princess Luna, containing her darker self’s evil spirit from one of the vanquished Crystal Eyes of Nightmare, but the child’s soul was too kindhearted to let the darkness inside. Princess Celestia has strictly declared that the pony is now offering a honorary citizen of Equestria and is to be treated fairly by other ponies.

Twilight sighed as she read the article. Hopefully, she won’t have to worry about Comet feeling hurt or threatened again. Twilight then continued reading the paper.

In other news, Zesty Gourmand, Canterlot Food Critic, has been fired for abusing her power and threats to close down restaurants for her orders to be exactly what she wanted. Nopony can tell somepony how to run a restaurant or serve food the way one pony wants all food to be served.

“Yes,” Twilight said. “Finally, somepony got what she deserved. At least the hayburger in Canterlot can go back to the way it was before.”

Twilight’s ears then twitched when the sound of Comet’s voice came up.

“Mommy? Is everything okay?”

Twilight looked towards Comet with a smile, as he was still holding his plushie. Twilight got up, and walked towards Comet and said, “Yes, Comet. Everything is okay.” She then leaned her head down and nuzzled Comet. “I think it’s time we get you to the doctor’s for a physical.”

“The doctor’s?” Comet asked nervously. “You mean... like needles?”

Twilight giggled and said, “It’ll be alright. How about this? You go to the doctor’s, and after that, we’ll go get some ice cream. Does that sound good?”

Comet was still nervous about going to the doctor’s office, but he thought about the ice cream. Comet smiled and said, “I guess I could go for some ice cream.”

“That’s the spirit,” Twilight said, rubbing Comet’s head. “I’ll make sure you are well taken care of.” Comet smiled. Twilight then got up and said, “Now, c’mon. We got to get some breakfast in your stomach.” She then headed for the pantry, and opened it up. She got out stuff for pancakes.

At Sweet Apple Acres, Applejack and Big Mac, who was injured, were looking at the entire orchard of trees ready for Applebuck Season.

“Boy howdy! I got my work cut out for me. That there is the biggest bumper crop o’ apples I ever laid eyes on,” Applejack said.

Big Mac then replied, “Eeyup. Too big for you to handle on your own.”

“Come on, big brother! You need to rest up and get yourself better. I haven’t met an apple orchard yet that I can’t handle,” Applejack said, accidentally placing her hoof on one side of Big Mac’s injured ribs before giving his sister a stern glare. “Oops, sorry. I’ll take a bite out of this job by day’s end.”

“Biting off more than you can chew is just what I’m afraid of,” Big Mac said.

“Are you sayin’ my mouth is makin’ promises my legs can't keep?” Applejack asked.

Big Mac just replied, “Eeyup.”

“Why of all the... This is your sister Applejack, remember? The loyalest of friends and the most dependable of ponies?” Applejack said, glaring at her brother with her head on his.

“But still only one pony, and one pony plus hundreds o’ apple trees just doesn’t add up to...” Applejack cut Big Mac off before he could finish, “Don’t you use your fancy mathematics to muddy the issue! I said I could handle this harvest and I’m gonna prove it to you. I’m gonna get every last apple out of those trees this applebuck season all by myself.” She then gulped nervously.

Twilight, Spike and Comet were walking down the streets of Ponyville, passing ponies that were going about their day. But when they saw Comet, they got a strange expression. Twilight looked at all of the ponies and sighed.

“Look, everypony,” Twilight said to the ponies. “I know you think Comet’s a lot like me, but by Nightmare Moon’s attempt to retake Equestria, but he’s actually had a tough life in another world before he even came here. I’m just trying to give him a good life and a good home. I mean, at least look at him. Do you really think a colt as cute and sweet as him would hurt a fly?”

They saw him on Twilight’s back hugging his Kugo husky plushie, and making a nervously cute face.

“We know,” said one of the ponies. “A gem that can transport a creature and transform them into an age equivalent copy of a monster? That’s so sad.”

“We’re so sorry for how he suffered,” said another pony. “Hopefully, you’ll be okay.”

Twilight was shocked by that, but recovered and said, “Well, he has been coping well. As long as you convince other ponies that still don’t believe the truth that it’s all good.”

“We promise, Twilight,” the first mare said.

“Congratulations, by the way,” another mare said.

“Thank you. You’re very kind,” Twilight replied. But then the ground started shaking.

“Mom?” Comet asked, getting scared. “What’s happening?”

Rainbow Dash flew upwards and then squinted her eyes to see up close, until she saw a herd of cows going crazy.

“STAMPEDE!!” came the voice of Rainbow Dash from above.

The ponies looked around and saw a stampede of cows running towards town, and then around every street. All of the ponies were running and panicking, trying to get out of the way of the stampeding cows.

Pinkie Pie laughed, while vibrating, “HEEEEYYYY!!!! THIIIIIIIISSSS MAAAAAAKEESSSS MMMMMYYYYY VOOOOOIIIIIIICCCCEEE SOOOOOUUUNNNNDD SIIIIIIIIIIIILLLLLLLYYYYYYY!!!!!” she yelled.

“Pinkie Pie, are you crazy?! Run!” Twilight exclaimed, as she moved ponies out of the way with her magic, trying to keep them from being trampled by the stampeding cows.

She suddenly saw her son Comet out there, trying to get to her, but he was too afraid, until Rainbow Dash grabbed him and flew him over to Twilight, before she nuzzled him as he held his plushie against him, and then got to safety.

Mayor Mare then spoke up, “Everypony calm down. There is no need to panic.”

“But Mayor, whatever shall we do?” Rarity asked.

Rainbow Dash then looked at somepony coming, “Look there!”

Applejack and Winona then came in, and started herding the cows away from the town before they could reach city hall before they stopped. Everypony was impressed by how much Applejack did with calming them down, and cheered for her bravery as she lead all the cows back to the meadow.

“Wow!” Comet said. “That was amazing!”

“It sure was, Comet,” Twilight said. “Now, it’s time for your physical. Better find the doctor’s office.”

Pinkie zoomed in and pointed towards one road, saying, “Oh, the hospital isn’t that far from the library. It's just southwest of Sparkling Lake.”

Twilight groaned and facehoofed. Then she grabbed Comet with her magic, and teleported out of there.

At the doctor’s office, Twilight sat beside Comet to make him more comfortable while sitting on the examination table and with his husky plushie with him, until Dr. Horse came in, and then checked Comet’s blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, looked into his ear canals as they were clean as a whistle, and measured his body weight, until he said, “Yep. He’s perfectly healthy.”

”Thank you, doctor,” Twilight said, placing her hoof on Comet’s, as he held hers as well, making them both smile.

Suddenly, a white earth pony mare with a pink bun mane and blue eyes, and a nurse’s hat with a Red Cross and four red hearts came in. It was Nurse Redheart. “Here are his medical records, Twilight,” Nurse Redheart said, coming in.

“Thank you, Nurse Redheart, and you too, Dr. Horse,” Twilight said.

“You’re welcome, Mrs. Sparkle. Now you and your son carry on with your day,” Dr. Horse said, letting them both leave. Twilight and Comet then went to Sugarcube Corner and got some ice cream for themselves, but Comet just got a vanilla cone.

“Mommy, why is everypony at city hall?” Comet asked. “Mayor Mare, along with me and my friends have been working on a special occasion for Applejack,” Twilight replied while walking, and then they walked over to city hall for the speech.

Comet went over to Twilight’s friends and stood beside Rarity, as Twilight walked up and began her speech, “Welcome, everypony! Today we are here to honor a pony we can always count on to help in matters great and small. A pony whose contributions to—”

“Rainbow Dash suddenly cut her off, “Did you see Applejack’s slick moves out there? What an athlete. This week she’s gonna help me with my new flying trick, and I know it’s gonna be so awesome.”

Twilight Sparkle then continued, “Exactly. And...”

Pinkie Pie cut her off again, “This week, I get to run Sugarcube Corner for the first time.”

“What does that have to do with Applejack?” Twilight asked.

Pinkie Pie then answered, “Oh. Applejack, one of the best bakers ever, is gonna help me. Applejack makes everything great, so free samples for everypony!”

The ponies cheered once again.

Twilight Sparkle then spoke up again, “Oh-kay, that’s great. Now if I could just make a point without being inter--”

“Twilight?” Fluttershy asked.

“--rupted,” Twilight said, then Fluttershy spoke up, “Twilight, I’m so sorry, but I just wanted to mention that Applejack is also helping me this week with the official bunny census, where we count up all the new baby bunnies that were born this season. She's gonna help gather them using her wonderful herding skills.”

Twilight Sparkle then waited, “Anypony else? Anypony? No? Well then, as I was trying to say... Urgh! Never mind.” She gave up, until Mayor Mare was ready to speak.

Mayor Mare cleared her throat, “Ah-ahem. And so, with no further ado, it is my privilege to give the prize, Pony of Ponyville Award, to our beloved guest of honor, a pony of the utmost trustworthiness, reliability, and integrity. Ponyville’s most capable and dependable friend: Applejack!”

The pony crowd cheered happily, as the Mane 6 cheered happily as well, but it suddenly stopped as Applejack wasn’t anywhere in sight.

“Awkward,” Spike said.

Applejack’s voice suddenly appeared, “I'm here. I'm here.” She then yawned and sighed while walking through the crowd with her apple baskets held by a strap around her as a few apples dropped. “Sorry I’m late--whoa--I was just... whoa... Did I get your tail?” She then walked over to the stage and stood by Mayor Mare. “Miss Mayor. Thank you kindly for this here... award thingy.” Applejack yawned again, and gazed at her trophy, “It’s so bright and shiny and, heh, heh heh, I sure do look funny, heh. Ooo-ooo.”

Pinkie Pie made a funny face like Applejack was doing too, “Woo-ooo.”

“Ooo-ooo,” Applejack and Pinkie Pie said together.

Twilight was suddenly confused, “Okay. Well, thank you Applejack for saving us from that scary stampede, and always being there for everypony.”

Applejack yawned, “Yeah. I like helping the ponyfolks and,” she yawned once more, “and stuff.” She began snoring, before shaking her head, waking herself up, “Oh, uh, yeah. Uh, Thanks.” Applejack then grit her teeth on the trophy and dragged it with her back to her farm.

Twilight was now more confused, “Was it just me, or did Applejack seem a little--”

Rainbow Dash asked, “Tired?”

Fluttershy then asked, “Dizzy?”

Rarity then asked, “Messy?” The others looked at her, before Rarity replied again, “Well, did you see her mane?”

Pinkie Pie then commented, “She seemed fine to me. Woo! Woo!”

Twilight then pondered, “Hmm...”

Back at the orchard of Sweet Apple Acres, Applejack was still bucking the trees to get all the apples in their baskets, but she was still tired and very dizzy she couldn’t even stay focused, especially with those baggy eyelids.

Twilight saw what her problem was, “What on Earth is that pony doing?”

Applejack accidentally tipped over a basket full of apples, while walking over to the next tree, “Whoops.”

Twilight then called out, “Hey, Applejack!”

Applejack then slept while standing still, until Twilight called out again, “Applejack.”

Applejack was still sleeping. “Applejack!” Twilight then teleported herself towards Applejack and shouted, “AppleJACK!”

Applejack then woke up startled, and saw Twilight with Comet on her back, “Oh, howdy, Twilight.”

“What is all this?” Twilight asked.

“It’s Applebuck season,” Applejack replied, as she walked over to the next tree and bucked it, before Twilight teleported in front of her again. “Whoa.”

“Applewhat season?” Twilight asked.

“Neh, It’s what the Apple family calls harvestin’ time,” Applejack explained as Twilight followed the country made by teleporting. “We gather all the apples from the trees so we can sell ‘em.”

“But why are you doing it all alone?” Twilight asked.

“Because Big McIntosh hurt himself,” Applejack replied.

Twilight then teleported herself again in front of Applejack, “What about all those relatives I’ve met when I first came to Ponyville? Can’t they help?”

Applejack sighed, “They were just here for the Apple family reunion. They actually live all over Equestria and are busy harvestin’ their own orchards. So, uh, I’m on my own.” Twilight then teleported herself in front of Applejack. “Which means, I should really get back to work. Ahem... hint hint? Get back to work?”

Twilight then moved aside, “Fine.”

Applejack suddenly got dizzy again, “Could you step aside, Twilight?”

“I just did,” Twilight said. “Applejack, you don’t look so good.”

Applejack suddenly replied, “Eh, don’t any of you three worry none, I’m just fine and dandy.” She then kicked her hooves but got woozy, “Whoa.”

Twilight teleported in front of the mare, and asked, “Do you... want some help?”

“Help? No way, no how,” Applejack said.

“But there’s no way you can do it all on your own. Plus, you look like you haven’t slept at all,” Twilight said.

Applejack then gave her a glare, “Is that a challenge?”

“Uhm... no?” Twilight replied.

“Well, I’m gonna prove to you that I can do it! Now if you’ll both excuse me, I’ve got apples to buck,” Applejack said, as Twilight walked off back to Ponyville with concern on her face.

Later on, Twilight and Comet were on the balcony. Twilight was reading some normal books while Comet was reading some children’s books and comic books he started to enjoy. Just then, something hit the railing, startling them both. They looked over and saw Rainbow Dash, bent over on the rail.

“Can I help you?” Twilight asked.

“What happened?” Comet asked, worried for Rainbow Dash.

“Let’s just say, I was trying out a new trick that didn’t go so well,” Rainbow said. “Not on my part, mostly because I wasn’t ready. But right now, I think somepony else really needs your help.”

“Applejack?” Twilight asked.

“Yep,” Rainbow Dash said.

“Alright, I’ll handle this,” Twilight said. “Before I go, could you and Rarity watch over him? Since you’re not doing anything?”

“Sure. I’ll take him over, and make sure he’s in good hooves, but I’ll make sure to tell Rarity about this first,” Rainbow Dash replied, as she grabbed the colt and cradled him in her hooves, and then flew over to Rarity’s boutique. Twilight then walked back over to Sweet Apple Acres.

Back at the orchard, Applejack was still exhausted from apple-bucking all the trees, and getting all the apples into each basket, but as she saw one on the ground and picked it up, she bumped her head into a branch and her head rang, and made sudden deafness, meaning she couldn’t hear anything or pay attention.

Twilight then spoke to Applejack, “Applejack, can we talk?” Applejack couldn’t hear anything, but read her lips.

”Applejack, can we talk?”

“Can bees squawk?! I don’t think so,” Applejack said.

“No. Can we talk?” Twilight asked again.

“Twenty stalks? Bean or celery?” Applejack asked.

Twilight repeated herself loudly, “No! I need to talk to you.”

“You need to walk to the zoo? Well, who’s stoppin’ you?” Applejack asked.

“I need to talk to you!” Twilight hollered.

“Oh! Well why didn’t you say so? What you wanna talk about?” Applejack asked.

“Rainbow Dash dropped in to see me today,” Twilight said.

“That’s quite neighborly of her.” Applejack said.

“Yes, except that she crashed onto my balcony after you launched her into the air,” Twilight said.

“Oh, yeah. I wasn’t feeling quite myself this morning,” Applejack said.

“Because you’re working too hard and you need help,” Twilight said, walking over to Applejack.

“What? Kelp? I don’t need kelp. I don’t even like seaweed,” Applejack said.

“HELP! You need HELP!” Twilight hollered.

Applejack then made a stern look, “Nothin’ doin’, Twilight. I’m gonna prove to you, t’everypony, that I can do this on my own.” She then bumped into the same branch, making her dizzy again, “Ow! Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve gotta go help Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy.”

Twilight groaned, meaning she couldn’t do anything to help poor Applejack.

Later on, baby bunnies stampeded the town and ate every flower, and most of the town was now sick.

Twilight, Comet, and Spike rushed over to see what had happened, “We came as soon as we heard.”

“Oh thank you, Twilight. We need all the help we can get,” Nurse Redheart said, as the ponies were moaning as their faces were also green.

“Oh no! What happened?” Twilight asked.

Spike sniffed the muffin, which had a worm in it.

“It was a mishap with some of the baked goods,” Nurse Redheart said.

Pinkie Pie then spoke up, “No, not baked goods, baked bads.” She then groaned, with her mouth full of vomit and puked it out in a bucket.

As Rainbow Dash came by, Twilight then knew why, “Applejack.”

“What has been going on with Applejack?” Comet asked. “She looks exhausted.”

“Now that you think about it, she does seem a little bit off,” Rainbow Dash said.

“Since her brother, Big Mac, has been injured, Applejack is determined to do the harvesting all by herself,” Twilight said. “She hasn’t been wanting anypony’s help, even though, it’s clear that she needs it. But after I’ve been saying it, she won’t listen, and is still stubborn as a mule. No offense.”

“None taken,” the mule said.

Then the three of them started thinking, putting a hoof to their chins.

Comet got an idea and said, “What if... we help with the harvesting without Applejack knowing? You know, making it more easier for her.”

“Actually, Comet, that’s not a bad idea," Twilight said. “Rainbow Dash, get Rarity and Fluttershy.”

“But we don’t know where to put the apples,” Rainbow said.

“But, I know somepony who does,” Comet said.

Twilight, Comet, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Fluttershy and Apple Bloom were bucking the apple trees of Sweet Apple Acres. They continued doing it before Applejack could come. Or wake up.

Pinkie Pie still wasn’t able to join them because of the “baked bads” that Applejack had made with her, making a quarter of the town very sick. So, they had to do the job as quick as possible. Comet almost knocked down an entire tree if Twilight wasn’t able to keep it up, but he used his magic to sort them neatly, like how Rarity was doing. Basically, they left five trees left unbucked, having Applejack ready to do those ones herself.

“That was close,” Twilight said as the seven of them were headed for the exit. “Thanks for letting us know where to take the apples, Apple Bloom.”

“No prob’, Twi,” Apple Bloom said. “Ah’ll try ta explain why we had ta help Applejack with ‘er chores.”

“A big job like that can’t be done by one pony,” Rarity said.

“Yeah,” Rainbow Dash agreed. “Not even the Wonderbolts are a one pony show. There are some tricks that have to be done in groups..

“I doubt even Princess Celestia can handle that much pressure of ruling Equestria all by herself,” Twilight said. “Now, how about we go get some breakfast?”

“Can we check on Pinkie Pie first and see how she’s doing?” Fluttershy asked.

“Good idea,” Twilight said. “We might as well see how she’s doing.”

“Do you think she knows how to make pancakes?” Comet asked. Twilight then smiled warmly at him for the idea about pancakes.

Twilight, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie and Comet were at Sugarcube Corner having pancakes. Pinkie Pie had also gotten better overnight. She just had to wait out the bad muffins that she consumed the previous day. Spike came in, eating those same muffins.

“Eeew... Spike, I threw those all away. Where’d you get them?” Pinkie Pie asked.

“From the trash,” Spike replied.

“EW!” The ponies replied.

When Pinkie Pie saw them being eaten by Spike, her face turned green and she had the urge to throw up. She rushed towards the bathroom so she could spew.

Just then, Applejack slammed the door open, and walked over towards her friends with an angry look.

“Y’all mind tellin’ me why ya bucked mah family’s trees when Ah said that Ah didn’t need help?!” Applejack shouted.

“Applejack,” Twilight said, a bit angry. “You actually did need help. You couldn’t possibly buck all of those trees by yourself. And it was proven when you were trying to do other activities with the others.”

“You launched me up into the sky when I wasn’t even ready for my trick yet,” Rainbow Dash gave her example.

“You poisoned ponies with those awful muffins,” Rarity said. “Including Pinkie Pie.” They suddenly heard her vomit again. “I’m okay!” she hollered.

“You had the baby bunnies run through town, making them eat all of the flowers that the florists worked so hard on," Fluttershy said.

“Isn’t it obvious, Applejack?” Twilight asked. “You needed help. You were just too proud and stubborn to accept it.”

“We just wanted you to take it easy,” Comet said. “We care about you as well.”

Applejack looked at her friends, showing how much they were concerned for her. She then lowered her head and said, “Ah... Ah guess y’all were right. Ah was wantin’ ta prove that Ah could handle all o’ the chores bah mahself, and be with mah friends, that Ah couldn’t focus. Ah’m sorry.”

“It’s okay, Applejack,” Twilight said. “Next time you’re feeling a little overwhelmed, come and find us and ask for help. We’d be happy to help you.”

“You got it, Twi,” Applejack said, and then she hugged Comet. “And thanks for your concern.” Comet nodded and nuzzled with her chest fur.

“And, I believe that would be a good friendship lesson,” Twilight said. “Spike, prepare a report.”

“Okay,” Spike said, as he grabbed his quill and began writing on the paper as Twilight spoke:

“Dear Princess Celestia,
My friend Applejack is the best friend a pony could ever have, and she’s always there to help anypony. The only trouble is, when she needs help, she finds it hard to accept it, so while friendship is about giving of ourselves to friends, it’s also about accepting what our friends have to offer.

Your faithful student,
Twilight Sparkle”

Spike then sent it, before he started grabbing another bad tasting muffin. “Mmm… yum.” Then the muffin was grabbed in a dark blue aura, along with the bag containing the rest of the muffins, and they were taken out of Spike’s claws.

Comet took the muffins, put them on the ground in front of him, jumped on them multiple times, and threw them back in the trash. Comet sighed and said, “You do realize it was these muffins that made those ponies sick, right?”

“Really?” Spike asked. “How come I wasn’t...” Then his stomach growled, hurting him. “Oh... boy. I need to go to the bathroom!” He then rushed towards the bathroom, but it was locked. He banged on the bathroom door. “Pinkie! Open up! Those muffins are making a run back up!”

The group of ponies looked at each other, and they all started laughing. Guess not even a dragon can’t handle those kind of muffins. It somehow just takes a certain amount of time for them to affect him.

Throughout the day, Applejack learned her lesson and from now on, if she is overwhelmed, Applejack would ask her friends or family for help anytime.

Chapter 7: Griffon the Brush Off

Comet walked into the library after playing with Apple Bloom. He’s been having a lot of fun with her. He even got to meet Twist, who was a friend of Apple Bloom. She got to know Comet as much as Apple Bloom did. But, Apple Bloom had to go back to the farm for her chores, and Twist had been called home for something. So, Comet had to go back to the Library. When he went inside, he saw Twilight working on some potions.

“Hey, Mom,” Comet said.

“Hey, Comet,” Twilight said. “Right now, I need to focus on this potion.” She then started writing something down on a piece of parchment. But when she turned away, the writing somehow disappeared. Twilight was busy pouring a green potion into a blue potion, until it then turned purple. Twilight then went back to the parchment, but she was now surprised that there was nothing written on it. Twilight was surprised, “Huh?” She was beginning to wonder what was going on until the potion behind her went poof. She then looked over at Comet and asked, “Comet? Did you...”

Comet shook her head and said, “No. The stuff you wrote down just vanished.” He then thought about it. “Like... disappearing ink.”

“Disappearing ink?!” Twilight asked. “I don’t have any...” She was then interrupted by the laughter of two of her friends. She looked outside and saw Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie laughing. Rainbow Dash was holding up a container of disappearing ink. Twilight smiled at their prank and walked away from the window. “That makes sense.”

“That’s still a classic, even back on my world,” Comet said, looking out the window.

“Yeah, it’s a classic here as well,” Twilight said. “But, I chose not to do anything fun. I didn’t even want friends. Until... well...” Twilight was hesitant about telling Comet about Nightmare Moon.

“Until Princess Luna came back as Nightmare Moon?” Comet asked.

"Yeah, I know,” Twilight said.

“I also read the book,” Comet said. “I even read about how the princess who controls the night became Nightmare Moon, and was banished to the moon by the Elements of Harmony, and then I remembered how you and your friends stopped her. After all, it did happen, right?”

“I guess,” Twilight said, looking away. “But, now, I gotta retry my experiment.”

“Okay, mom,” Comet said. He then headed upstairs, but was suddenly interrupted when Spike came through the door. And he was hiccuping. “Whoa, Spike, are you okay?”

Spike laughed, but still hiccuping, and said, “Oh, I’m *hiccup* alright. I just need *hiccup* some water. Hopefully this *hiccup* will go away soon. *Hiccup*”

Comet thought about it and asked, “Was it Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash?”

“Yep,” Spike said, before letting out one last hiccup. Comet then snuck behind Spike without letting him see him. Spike was still hiccuping, but then from behind, Comet jumped and roared at Spike, making him run towards the other side of the room. “GAAAAAAAH!!” Spike leaned towards the wall, putting his claw to his chest, and breathing fast. He then recovered and said, “Why did you do that?!”

“From what I heard, one of the things to stop the hiccups is to scare them away,” Comet said. “How do you feel?”

Spike checked himself. He waited a few moments. Then he smiled and said, “Hey, you’re right. Ya scared the hiccups out of me.” Just then, Spike belched out some flames, and a bunch of scrolls came out, burying the two of them. The two of them popped their heads out of the pile of scrolls, and a sticky note was attached to Comet’s horn. Then the two of them looked at each other. Spike grabbed the sticky note, and read it. “'I believe you sent these by mistake.' Well, I gotta send her a note explaining what happened.” Spike walked through the pile of scrolls.

Comet was walking through the streets of Ponyville. Most of the ponies there were looking over at Comet, smiled, and just went back to their business. They were now getting to know him more, and maybe wanted to ask him a few questions.

Comet came around to where Sugarcube Corner was. He was trying to get over what happened with Pinkie Pie the previous day. Pinkie said that Rainbow Dash’s old friend, Gilda, was being a grump when Pinkie Pie was trying to hang out with the two of them. Twilight thought that Pinkie Pie was jealous of Gilda, and Spike said that she was green, or rather, pink with envy. Twilight gave Pinkie an idea to improve her attitude. That didn’t go so well, and Pinkie left frustrated.

Comet then saw Pinkie sitting at a table outside of Sugarcube Corner, drinking a milkshake. Comet then started to walk towards Pinkie.

“Hey, Pinkie,” Comet said. “Are you feeling okay?”

“Not so much,” Pinkie said. She sighed and said, “I just want to be alone. Dashie’s probably off somewhere with that griffon friend of hers.”

“Still not over being jealous?” Comet asked.

“No, because I wasn’t jealous!” Pinkie nearly shouted, startling Comet. Pinkie sighed and said, “Sorry. I just really wanted to hang out with both of them, but she told me to back off.”

“Are you sure you’re not over... what was that word again?” Comet asked, putting a hoof to his chin.

“Overreacting?” Pinkie guessed. That made Comet nod. Pinkie Pie then sighed and said, “I guess you’re right. I just need to get to know Gilda more. But, she doesn’t want me to get close.”

Just then, there was the sound of wings flapping. Pinkie ducked below the table, while Comet looked up. Flying over their heads was Rainbow Dash and her griffon friend, Gilda. Rainbow Dash was somehow laughing, “That was sweet. Ugh, I gotta take care of a few weather jobs around here. Shouldn’t take long. Just, uh, hang out in town and I’ll come find ya.”

“That’s cool, I guess,” Gilda said. “I’m gonna go chow down.”

“Later,” Rainbow Dash said, as she flew off for her weather duties.

When Rainbow left, Gilda looked around, then smirked. She walked over towards a cart, which Applejack’s grandmother, Granny Smith, coming towards it. She was smelling the produce in the cart until Gilda’s tail came into view of her, scaring her.

Granny Smith screamed and shouted, “A rattler, a rattler! Run for the hills! Everybody forsake yourselves!” Granny Smith ran as fast as she could, which was just as slow as a sloth.

Gilda laughed a little bit, but a pony looking at her was surprised at Gilda’s behavior. Then Gilda said, “This stuff ain’t fresh, dude.” Gilda then walked away.

Pinkie and Comet were shocked to see what Gilda just did. “Aw, poor Granny Smith, she didn't know it was a joke!” Pinkie Pie said.

Comet then said, “That... was... so mean!”

“You’re right, Comet,” Pinkie said angrily. "That was clearly too mean to be a prank.” Pinkie then shook her head and said, “No, no. I can’t misjudge her. Maybe that was a one time thing.”

Pinkie and Comet looked back over at Gilda. Gilda was passing by the cart which had three ponies surrounding it. She snuck her tail over towards it, grabbed an apple, and ate it.

That made Pinkie Pie gasp and said, “I did misjudge her! She’s not only a meanie mean-pants, she’s also a thief!” Pinkie Pie held herself back and said, “No no no no no, she might give it back. It’s just a joke.”

“That’s not possible to return an apple that’s already been eaten, Pinkie,” Comet said. She then turned her head and saw Fluttershy escorting some ducks, walking backwards.

“All right little ones, this way, this way. Mama duck, you’re free and clear.”

Before she knew it, she accidentally bumped into Gilda, with the griffon saying, “Hey.”

“Please excuse me,” Fluttershy said, politely.

“I’m walkin’ here,” Gilda said, rudely. That made Fluttershy turn her body, making her body face towards Gilda.

“Oh, um, I’m sorry. I-I-I was just trying to...” Fluttershy tried apologizing, but was getting scared of Gilda.

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry,” Gilda said, mockingly. She then snapped, “Why don’t you just watch where you’re going, doofus?”

“B-b-b-but I... I...” Fluttershy tried apologizing, but then Gilda inhaled, and roared at Fluttershy, making all of the ponies shocked. Fluttershy then turned around, crying, and flew off.

Gilda looked around and said, “Ugh, please, all these lame ponies are driving me buggy.” She then prepared to fly. “I gotta bail.” She then took off.

“That... that griffon is such a jerk,” Comet said. “How could she do that to Fluttershy?”

“I know, right?!” Pinkie shouted. “She has been nothing but a grump, a thief and a bully! That’s the meanest kind of mean meanie-pants there is!” She then puffed her chest out and said, “I can take it, but no one treats Fluttershy like that. No. One.” Pinkie then gave off a devious smile and said, “This calls for extreme measures, Pinkie Pie style!”

At Sugarcube Corner, Pinkie Pie hosted a party for Gilda, in hopes to teach her a lesson. She greeted the ponies who entered the place, “Welcome, welcome. Welcome!”

“Who’s this Gilda I’ve heard nothing about?” Applejack asked Rarity.

“I hear she’s an old friend of Rainbow Dash. A griffon, so rare,” Rarity replied.

“You’ve met Gilda, right? What’s she like?” Twilight asked Fluttershy.

“Oh, um, well, I’ll tell you later, Twilight,” Fluttershy replied.

Pinkie Pie kept greeting more ponies as they entered, “Welcome. Welcome.”

“Um, Pinkie Pie, about this party for Gilda. Umm... do you really think it’s a good idea? I mean—” Pinkie Pie then cut Fluttershy off to calm her down, “Don’t worry your pretty little head about mean old Gilda. I’ve got it all taken care of.”

Pinkie Pie suddenly saw Gilda in the building, “Gilda! I’m so honored to throw you one of my signature Pinkie Pie parties, and I really, truly, sincerely, hope you feel welcome here amongst all us pony folk.” She then reached out her hoof for a handshake, but as Gilda placed her claw onto it, she got a shocking reaction.

Pinkie Pie laughed as she had a joy buzzer on her hoof.

Rainbow Dash laughed along, “Oh Pinkie Pie, the old hoof-shake buzzer. You are a scream.”

“Yeah,” Gilda chuckled nervously. “Uh, good one, Pinkie Pie.”

“Come on G, I’ll introduce you to some of my other friends,” Rainbow Dash said, trotting over to more ponies.

“Right behind you, Dash!” Gilda replied, before she glared at Pinkie Pie. “I know what you’re up to.”

Pinkie Pie just smiled, “Great.”

Gilda growled, “I know what you’re planning.”

Pinkie Pie giggled, “Well, I hope so. This wasn’t supposed to be a surprise party.”

Gilda then furrowed her eyes at the pony, “I mean, I've got my eye on you.”

Pinkie Pie then got closer to Gilda’s face, and said, “And I got my eye on you. Everyone, I’d like you all to meet Gilda, a long-time, dear friend of Rainbow Dash. Let’s honor her and welcome her to Ponyville.”

The ponies cheered, as Gilda nervously smiled.

“Please help yourself,” Pinkie Pie said.

“Vanilla lemon drops. Don’t mind if I do,” Gilda said, before she took one, and ate it, but she suddenly breathed fire, as Pinkie Pie roasted a marshmallow with it. “HOT!”

Rainbow Dash then exclaimed, “G, the punch!”

Gilda kept gasping and began gulping her drink, but she suddenly saw it dribbling onto her chest, “Huh?”

The ponies laughed like it was funny.

“Well, whaddya know, pepper in the vanilla lemon drops, and the punch served in a dribble glass!” Pinkie Pie said.

“Ha! Priceless, priceless!” Rainbow Dash laughed.

Gilda gulped her drink, and gasped for air, “Yeah, hilarious.”

“Hey G, look! Presents!” Rainbow Dash said, as Comet held one for her. Gilda snatched it from him and spitting snakes came out with a pop like confetti as she opened it.

The ponies laughed again.

“Spittin’ snakes. Hah, somepony pulled that prank on me last month,” Applejack said.

Gilda sarcastically laughed, “Ha ha. I bet I know who that was.”

“You do?” Pinkie Pie asked.

The ponies were chatting, and birds were singing with Fluttershy conducting the choir.

Pinkie Pie suddenly came in, “Cake time, everypony!”

“Hey, can I blow out the candles?” Spike asked.

“Why don’t we let Gilda blow out the candles, Spike? She is the guest of honor after all.

Gilda then elbow bumped Spike out of the way, “Exactly.” She then gasped and blew out the candles, until they lit up again. She then blew them out again, before they lit up once again.

The ponies laughed at the prank, as Gilda continued gasping and blowing, before she ran out of breath.

Spike laughed, “Re-lighting birthday candles, I love that prank! What a classic.”

“Totally!” Comet said, as he and Spike made a high-five.

“Now, I wonder who could’ve done that,” Pinkie Pie said.

“Yeah, I wonder,” Gilda said rudely.

“Mmm, who cares. This cake is amazing,” Spike said, crawling through the cake and eating it.

“Spike,” Twilight said sternly.

“What? It’s great, try some,” Spike said.

Gilda had an angry look, until Rainbow Dash spoke up, “Hey G, you’re not upset about some silly candles, are you?”

“No way, Dash. Like I said, I’m down with a good prank,” Gilda said.

“Come on then, let's have some cake,” Rainbow Dash said, trotting over for some cake, while Gilda was still angry with Pinkie Pie.

“Hey, it is good,” Comet said, eating some of the cake.

“Comet, not you too,” Twilight said.

“Want some?” Comet asked, offering clean pieces of cake with his mom and godmothers.

“Aww, Comet, you’re so sweet. Thank you,” Twilight said, as she and her friends took the cake slices and ate them.

As Pinkie Pie took a bite of the cake, Gilda grabbed her by the neck, and said, “Hey, I’m watching you. Like a hawk.”

“Why? Can’t you watch me like a griffon?” Pinkie Pie asked.

Applejack’s voice suddenly spoke up, “Hey y’all, it’s pin the tail on the pony. Let’s play.”

Rarity then picked up the purple tail, “Oh, my favorite game. Can I go first? Can I have the purple tail?”

“Well, I am the guest of honor, and I’ll have the purple tail,” Gilda said, snatching the tail from Rarity.

“Yeah, Gilda should definitely go first. Let’s get you blindfolded,” Pinkie Pie said, as Spike put a blindfold over Gilda’s eyes, as she spoke, “Hey what— ugh— what are you doing? Rrrah!”

Pinkie Pie then spun her around, “We’re spinning you around and around and then you can pin the tail on the pony. Now just walk straight ahead and pin the tail.”

Gilda replied mockingly, “Now just walk straight ahead and pin the tail. Hmph, yeah, right. This is another prank, isn’t it? I’m going this way.”

“Wait. The poster is this—” Pinkie Pie didn’t finish as Gilda couldn’t see where she was going, but suddenly tripped over a splotch of cake, and bumped into the kitchen, with cake all over her, and with the tail on her beak.

“Uh, Gilda? You pinned the tail on the wrong end,” Pinkie Pie said, as the ponies began to laugh again, but suddenly Gilda was now really angry.

Gilda then let out a screeching roar, “This is your idea of a good time? I’ve never met a lamer bunch of dweebs in all my life! And Pinkie Pie, you! You are queen lame-o with your weak little party pranks! Did you really think you could make me lose my cool? Well, Dash and I have ten times as much cool as the rest of you put together! Come on, Dash. We’re bailing on this pathetic scene.” Rainbow Dash was not happy at all. “Come on, Rainbow Dash. I said, we’re leaving.”

Rainbow Dash suddenly spoke up, “You know Gilda, I was the one who set up all those weak pranks at this party.”

Gilda gasped, “What?”

Pinkie Pie and Comet found out as well, “Ooh.”

“So I guess I’m queen lame-o,” Rainbow Dash said.

“Come on, Dash, you’re joshing me,” Gilda said.

“They weren’t all meant for you specifically, it was just dumb luck that you set them all off,” Rainbow Dash said.

“Plus, you were kinda being mean to all of us,” Comet said.

“I shoulda known, that dribble cup had Rainbow Dash written all over it,” Pinkie Pie said to Spike and Comet, who was near Twilight.

“No way, i-it was Pinkie Pie! She set up this party to trip me up, to make a fool of me,” Gilda said.

Pinkie Pie then explained, “Me? I threw this party to improve your attitude. I thought a good party might turn that frown upside down.”

“And you sure didn’t need any help making a fool of yourself,” Rainbow Dash said. “You know, this is not how I thought my old friends would treat my new friends. If being cool is all you care about, maybe you should go find some new cool friends someplace else.”

Gilda then just growled, “Rrgh... yeah? Well you, you... you are such a, a flip-flop, cool one minute and lame the next. If you decide not to be lame anymore, give me a call.” She then took off with a hawk screech.

Rainbow Dash wasn’t pleased with her attitude, “Not cool.”

“Wow, talk about a party pooper,” Spike said, as Comet nodded in agreement with the dragon.

“Wow, what was that about?” Twilight asked.

The ponies began talking indistinctly.

Rainbow Dash then spoke up, “I’m sorry, everypony, for bringing Gilda here. I didn’t know how rude she was. And Pinkie Pie, I’m really sorry she ruined that awesome party you put on for her.”

“Hey, if you want to hang out with party poopers, that’s your business,” Pinkie Pie said.

“I’d rather hang out with you. No hard feelings?” Rainbow Dash asked, reaching her hoof out, until Pinkie Pie did the same, “No hard feelings.” They suddenly shook hooves, before being shocked by joy buzzers before they laughed.

Twilight walked over to Pinkie Pie for an apology, “Hey Pinkie. Sorry I accused you of misjudging Gilda. Looks like I’m the one who misjudged you.”

Pinkie Pie then replied, “It’s okay Twilight, even you can’t be a super smart smarty smart-pants all the time. Come on everypony, there’s still a whole lotta party to finish!”

The ponies cheered, as they continued the party and had fun.

Twilight and Comet arrived back at the library after an interesting day they had, including the big party Pinkie Pie threw for Gilda.

After helping cleaning up the party, Twilight and Comet had some dinner at a restaurant, and headed straight back to the library.

“I can’t believe that that Gilda was such a jerk,” Twilight said. “I was really hoping to get some information about the griffons. Now that she showed her true colors, I might as well hold off on trying to find out more about griffons.”

“Her attitude was even worse,” Comet said. “Fluttershy was moving some ducks through town, and accidentally bumped into Gilda. Gilda roared at Fluttershy, even though she was apologizing.”

“Wow,” Twilight said. “Well, let’s get you to bed.” Both of them yawned and headed upstairs. When they reached the bedroom area, they saw a third bed in the room. Spike was asleep in the room as well. Twilight smiled at the bed.

“A new bed?” Comet asked.

“Yes,” Twilight said. “It’s yours, Comet.”

“M-mine?” Comet asked.

“Yes,” Twilight said. Then the two of them walked up to the bed, and both of them got onto it. “Wow, it’s so much softer than I was expecting.” Comet inspected the softness of the bed, as it felt as soft and fluffy as one of the clouds up in the sky. He smiled at it, but it then went to a sad frown. Twilight noticed it and asked, “What’s wrong?”

“It’s... it’s so soft,” Comet said. “Soft as my other mom’s skin.” He then started crying.

Twilight pulled Comet in, and started rubbing the back of Comet, shushing him. “It’s okay, Comet. It’s okay.”

“I... I really miss my old family,” Comet said, putting his cheek on Twilight’s chest as tears began forming.

“I know, Comet,” Twilight said. “I know. It must be tough for you. Missing you old mother’s touch. Her voice. Her face. Even everything that you loved about her. It must’ve been so hard for you to lose those closest to you. But as long as you have ponies, or in case, people close to you, the love of your old family will never leave you, and will gain as much from those willing to want to take care of you.”

Comet nodded and then snuggled closer to Twilight. Twilight stayed with him until Comet fell asleep. As soon as Comet fell asleep, Twilight placed him under the covers, gave him his plushie until he hugged it, and then Twilight kissed Comet on the forehead, “Goodnight, Comet. I’ll see you in the morning.”

Twilight then walked towards her own bed, and got into it. Twilight thought about Comet as she was laying in her bed. He had a bad life before coming to Equestria, and now he was in the body of a colt she gave birth too. Twilight is now hoping that things might light up for Comet pretty much soon.

At Canterlot, Princess Celestia received a scroll that appeared in Spike’s magical flame, and then read it.

“Dear Princess Celestia,
Today I learned that it’s hard to accept when somepony you like wants to spend time with somepony who’s not so nice. Though it’s impossible to control who your friends hang out with, it is possible to control your own behavior. Just continue to be a good friend. In the end, the difference between a false friend and one who’s true will surely come to light.

Your faithful student,
Twilight Sparkle”

The princess then decided to send a reply to Twilight.

“Dear Twilight Sparkle,
My most faithful student...”

She suddenly saw her writing disappear, and found out she used disappearing ink, “Oh! Heh, wrong ink.” She sighed, then chuckled before using real ink to write her letter back.

Chapter 8: Boast Busters

Twilight was trying out some new spells with Comet by her side. Comet was also learning some spells. But he was already at Twilight’s level. He was starting to learn things so fast, including how to use levitation and transfiguration.

“Wow!” Spike said in awe. “You two have been learning a lot of new spells.”

“Indeed,” Twilight said. “Although Comet might be a little colt, but he’s still learning. Now, we’ve done 24 spells.”

Spike was now listing down all of the spells the two have been doing in their magic. Spike then said, “Alright. Time for one more spell.” Comet was suddenly panting heavily.

Twilight smiled motherly, and then put a hoof on Comet’s back and asked, “Why don’t you go ahead and rest for a bit? I think you’ve done enough magic.”

“Okay,” Comet said, nuzzling his mom’s chest and walking over to the side to get a book to read.

“Alright, Twilight, time for a growth spell,” Spike said. “Come on, Twilight. You can do it!”

“Okay, here goes,” Twilight said before lighting up her horn. She then concentrated, and then a black mustache magically grew out above Spike’s snout.

“Ha ha! Ya did it! Growing magic, that’s number twenty-five,” Spike said as he turned to check off the last box on the list. “Twenty-five different types of tricks and counting. And I think this is the best trick so far.” Spike then looked at himself in front of a mirror, imagining that he was all alone with Rarity, who he secretly had a crush on. “Hello, Rarity. What’s that? Aw, it's nothin’, just my awesome mustache.” He then laughed to himself.

Twilight smiled and said, “Sorry, Romeo. As attractive and enticing as you look, it’s just for practice, and now it’s gotta go.” Twilight then used her magic to undo the mustache.

“Wait!” Spike shouted, trying to block the spell from getting rid of his mustache, but it didn’t work, and Twilight used her magic to remove Spike’s mustache. “Aw, rats!” That somehow made Twilight giggle.

“Wait a minute,” Comet said. “You said ‘Romeo’. As in Romeo and Juliet? That was an old romance book back in my world!”

“Really?” Twilight asked. “Huh. Must be some weird coincidence.” Twilight then walked over towards Comet and said, “Perhaps there are some other links from your world to ours. Looks like we’ll have to tell the princesses about this. But for right now, how about we go get some sunshine?”

Comet nodded, got up and then the three of them headed on outside.

Twilight, Comet and Spike were walking through the streets of Ponyville, enjoying the beautiful sunny day.

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

“True, for ponies whose talents are for things like cooking or singing or math,” Twilight said. “But what if a unicorn’s special talent is magic?”

“Like you, Twilight, and you know a ton of magic,” Spike said.

“Oh, Spike, stop. I’m sure there are lots of ponies right here in Ponyville that know just as much magic as me,” Twilight said.

“Are you kiddin’? I don’t think there’s another unicorn in all of Equestria with your kind of ability, Twilight,” Spike said.

“What about me?” Comet asked.

“You’ve still got a lot to learn, sweetie,” Twilight replied.

“But, Mommy, do you think my special talent might be yours too? If I ever had my cutie mark?” Comet asked, looking at his blank flank. “I can’t be a unicorn without a special talent, you know.”

Twilight giggled and then kissed him on the forehead, “Don’t worry, sweetheart. I promise you’ll find your special talent soon enough.” Comet smiled and hugged his mother on the leg and nuzzled with her chest fur.

“Gangway! Comin’ through!” a voice came, as it came from two unicorn colts ran past the three of them. They were the two colts, Snips and Snails.

“Snips, Snails! What’s going on?” Spike asked.

“Wha, haven’t you heard?” Snails asked. “There’s a new unicorn in town!”

“Yeah! They say that she’s got more magical powers than any other unicorn ever!” Snips said.

“Really?” Twilight asked, feeling flustered.

“Aw, no way, that honor goes to Twilight here,” Spike said.

“And she and I have gifted abilities,” Comet said, making Twilight blush.

“Where is this unicorn?” she asked.

“Ho, she’s in the town square. Come on!” Snails said, as he ran off.

“Yeah!” Snips said, making some laughter. “Come on! Whooo!”

They then headed over to Town Square where a bunch of ponies were gathered in front of a cart. Twilight, Comet and Spike went through the crowd as a mare was making an announcement from the cart, which it unfolded into a performance stage.

“Come one, come all! Come and witness the amazing magic of the Great and Powerful Trixie!”

In a puff of smoke, there came a blue unicorn mare with a white mane and tail, purple eyes, and wearing a purple cape and magician’s hat with blue and yellow stars and dots.

“Watch in awe as the Great and Powerful Trixie performs the most spectacular feats of magic ever witnessed by pony eyes!” The mare boasted as a bunch of fireworks came out of the cart. The crowd was standing in awe, but some ponies weren’t too happy about what the mare just said.

“My, my, my! What boasting!” Rarity said.

“Come on, nopony’s as magical as Twi— Twi— Twi— Oh!” Spike tried to say Twilight’s name, but was too caught off by Rarity. He then tried to come up with something to make Rarity think that he looks cool. “Hey Rarity, I… uh… Mustache!”

Spike dashed away from Rarity, who just looked rather clueless.

“There’s nothing wrong with being talented, is there?” Twilight asked, watching the performance.

“Nothin’ at all, ‘cep’n when someone goes around showin’ it off like a school filly with fancy new ribbons,” Applejack said.

“Oh, come on,” Comet said. “I’ve seen a lot stuff like this before back in my world.”

“You have? How?” Twilight asked. That also got the attention of Applejack, Rainbow Dash and Rarity.

“Yeah,” Comet said. “On stage like this, but also on TV.”

“T... V?” Rarity asked, confused. “Whatever are you talking about, darling?”

“Right,” Comet said. “The closest thing you have to a TV, or television for short, is a movie projector. Well, anyway, it’s this box-shaped type of thing that digitally shows a bunch of shows and plays made up by many humans and has many other multiple choices of fun entertainment, like sports, cooking, cartoons, sitcoms, news reports, and many more. Anyway, there’s this show I used to watch that involves a pair of great stage magicians called Penn and Teller. Those two know hundreds of professional magic tricks.”

“Oh, tricks,” Twilight said. “They don’t use real magic, but they give off the illusion to impress the audience.”

“Exactly,” Comet said. “They also have a show where a bunch of many magicians try to fool Penn and Teller with any type of trick that they have no idea how the performer did it, and then try to perform with them in a show. But, usually, it’s one performer that somehow fools Penn and Teller. It seems that Miss Trixie is just trying to impress the ponies of the show. She’s just saying that she’s really powerful just to get the crowd’s attention.”

“Oh, I get it,” Rainbow Dash said. “She’s just trying to get attention. I somehow know the feeling.”

“But, is she really all that powerful?” Twilight asked worriedly.

“Just because one has the ability to perform lots of magic does not make one better than the rest of us,” Rarity said.

“Especially when ya got me around being better than the rest of us,” Rainbow chuckled, before Applejack gave her a death glare. “Uh, I mean, yeah, uh, magic shmagic. BOO!”

Rainbow’s boo chant did not go unheard as Trixie faced her direction with a smirk, and then spoke up, “Well, well, well, it seems we have some naysayers in the audience. Who else is so ignorant as to challenge the magical ability of the Great and Powerful Trixie? Do they not know that they’re already in the presence of the most magical unicorn in all of Equestria?”

Rarity scoffed, “Just who does she think she is?”

“Yeah! Since we all know that Twilight here is—”

Twilight cut him off, “Spike! Shhh!”

Twilight practically dragged Spike away from the crowd by the tail, and Spike asked as she let go, “What? What’s wrong?”

“You see the way they reacted to Trixie? I don’t want anyone thinking I’m a show-off,” Twilight said, as more fireworks and fanfare played.

“So, Trixie? How come you keep calling yourself great and powerful anyway?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“Heh, why, only the Great and Powerful Trixie has magic strong enough to vanquish the dreaded Ursa Major!” she replied, with more fireworks and fanfare.

“What?” Snips asked.

“No way!” Snails said.

“When all hope was lost, the ponies of Hoofington had no one to turn to,” Trixie explained, theatrically. “But the Great and Powerful Trixie stepped in, and with her awesome magic, vanquished the Ursa Major and sent it back to its cave deep within the Everfree Forest!”

Snips and Snails were now amazed, “Saw, sweet!”

“That settles it,” Snips said.

“Trixie truly is the most talented, the most magical, the most awesome unicorn in Ponyville,” Snails said.

“No, in all of Equestria!” Snips exclaimed.

“How do you know? You didn’t see it! And besides, Twi—” Twilight suddenly casted a spell on Spike to zip his lips. “Mmph! M-mmph!”

“I’m not so sure like that could happen,” Rainbow Dash said.

“Agreed. It almost sounds illogical,” Rarity said.

“It’s true, my enthusiastic little admirers,” Trixie replied. “Trixie is most certainly the best in Ponyville.”

The only response other than dead silence was the chirping of crickets nearby.

“Don’t believe the Great and Powerful Trixie?” She retorts. “Well then, I hereby challenge you, Ponyvillians. Anything you can do; I can do better. Any takers? Anyone? Hmm? Or is Trixie destined to be the greatest equine who has ever lived?!”

Once more, Trixie sets off some fireworks and fanfare. By then, Spike finally managed to unzip his mouth.

“Please! She’s unbearable!” Spike cried, clinging to Twilight’s neck. “You two gotta show her. You just gotta!”

“There’s no way I'm going to use my magic now, Spike,” Twilight added. “Especially since—”

“Hmm, how about you?” Trixie called out.

Twilight Sparkle turned as Trixie approached the front of the stage, her gaze aimed towards ‘her’. Twilight just gulped as the magician stares her down.

“Way to go, Spike. You made Mom feel embarrassed,” Comet said.

“I heard what you said, little colt,” the voice of Trixie came once again when Comet was looking at Spike. Comet’s eyes dilated when he was being talked to by Trixie. “And I must say, I was somehow intrigued that you make some interesting facts from your perspective and make some naysayers not say anymore nays when I’m performing a few moments ago. Although, I was a little taken back when I saw your... familiar appearance.”

“My... appearance?” Comet asked.

“Yes,” Trixie said. “I heard about you, Comet. I even read the newspapers about you. And I cannot believe that you are not anything related to that dreaded Nightmare Moon, because you and your mother somehow look alike. So, how about I make this a special performance, with you and your mother as my volunteers for a performance?”

The crowd gasped at this, before Comet nervously stood beside his mother.

“Well, how about it? Hm?” Trixie challenged. “Is there anything you two can do that the Great and Powerful Trixie can’t?”

Twilight grew more and more insecure by the second. Even Comet couldn’t make eye-contact with her.

“I—I—” She stuttered.

“That’s it! I can’t stand no more of this!” Applejack retorted.

The farm pony quickly came to Twilight and Comet’s rescue as she walked up toward the stage.

“You show her, A.J.!” Spike cheered.

“Can your magical powers do this?”

Applejack began to show off some of her lasso skills, hopping back and forth through a rope ring. Then she used the rope to grab an apple from a nearby tree. She brought the apple straight towards her mouth and gobbled it down in one bite.

“Whooo!” The ponies cheered.

“Top that, missy!” Applejack challenged.

“Oh ye of little talent,” Trixie replied.

Trixie’s wizard hat began to glow, as she removed it, revealing the glowing magical aura emerging from her horn.

“Watch and be amazed at the magic of Trixie!”

Using her magic, Trixie brought the discarded rope to life. It began to wiggle about like a snake, as she added ‘snake charmer’ music to boot.

Unfortunately, Applejack started looking at the rope in front of her, as she appeared mesmerizingly charmed by the spectacle.

But it was too late to stop now. Trixie grabbed another rope and proceeded to trip Applejack.

“Whoa! Uh!” Applejack muttered.

The cow pony was so distracted, that Trixie had tied Applejack’s legs and pinned her upside down. And to add insult to injury, Trixie used her magic to levitate an apple from the tree and stuffed it into Applejack’s mouth. The ponies just laughed as Applejack rolled off the stage in disgrace.

“Once again, the Great and Powerful Trixie prevails,” Trixie boasted.

Just then, Rainbow Dash flew right up to her face.

“There’s no need to go struggin’ around and showin’ off like that,” Rainbow pointed out.

“Oh?” Trixie asked indignantly.

“That’s my job!”

Rainbow soon took off into the skies, using the nearby windmill to increase her speed as she flew upward. Blasting through several clouds until Rainbow posed in front of the sun before diving back to the surface. As she did, she used her slipstream to collect all of the dew from the clouds, spinning about through the windmill once again, and then came to a complete dead stop before Trixie. As the dew crashed into her, it created a miniature rainbow above her head.

“They don’t call me ‘Rainbow’ and ‘Dash’ for nothin’!” Rainbow said confidently.

The ponies all gave a loud cheer, but Trixie wasn’t impressed.

“When Trixie is through,” She remarked. ‘The only thing they’ll call you is loser.”

Trixie used her magic to make the rainbow above the Pegasus’ head shift into a multi-colored cyclone.

“Whoa! Whoa! Whoa-a-a-a!” Rainbow screamed.

The cyan pegasus spun around and around and dropped head-first toward the ground, leaving her very dizzy as all the other ponies laughed.

“… I think I’m… gonna be sick…” Rainbow gulped woozily.

“Seems like anypony with a dash of good sense would think twice before tussling with the Great Trixie,” The unicorn gloated.

As Applejack, who managed to get out of the ropes, thanks to Comet, helped the poor Pegasus to her feet, before Trixie used her magic to create a small dark cloud above Rainbow…. which shot a bolt of lightning at Rainbow’s rump.

“Ow!” Rainbow flinched, with a very girly shriek.

The ponies laughing in the audience laughed harder than before, as if this was all part of the show.

“What we need is another unicorn to challenge her,” Spike replied, his claws balled into fists. “Someone with some magic of her own.”

Twilight began to feel rather uneasy about the idea, especially where it was going.

“Yeah! A unicorn to show this unicorn who’s boss,” Rainbow added, fully recovered.

“A real unicorn to unicorn tussle,” Applejack finished.

Comet and Twilight grew more and more uncomfortable when a certain marshmallow unicorn stood before the two.

“Enough! Enough, all of you,” She said firmly. “I take your hint, but Rarity is above such nonsense. Rainbow Dash and Applejack may behave like ruffians, but Rarity conducts herself with beauty and grace.”

While Comet nodded in agreement, it puzzled him why Rarity was suddenly speaking in third person.

“Ooo, what’s the matter?” Trixie teased. “Afraid you’ll get a hair out of place in that rat’s nest you call a mane?”

“Oh, it. Is. On!” Rarity exclaimed fiercely, taking the stage. “You may think you’re tough with all of your so-called powers, but there’s more to magic than brutish ways. A unicorn needs to be more than just muscle. A unicorn needs to have style.”

Rarity grabbed one of the curtains with the magic from her horn, spinning the cloth around her before transforming it into a beautiful gown with Rarity’s mane styled in a beautiful done up-do.

“Ooh!” The ponies gapped in amazement.

“A unicorn is not a unicorn without grace and beauty,” Rarity concluded, with a pose.

“Rarity won’t let Trixie get the best of her!” Spike said proudly. “She’s strong, she’s beautiful, she’s—”

POOF!

GASP!

Spike stopped speaking as Trixie used her magic, leaving every pony stunned.

“Quick!” Rarity shouted, panicking. “I need a mirror! Get me a mirror! What did she do to my mane? I know she did something terrible to my mane!”

“Nothing!” Twilight smiled.

“It’s fine,” Rainbow said plainly.

“It’s gorgeous,” Applejack added.

“Never looked better,” Comet smiled awkwardly.

“It’s green,” Spike said.

The little dragon earned himself not just three, but a ‘fourth’ glare from Comet himself.

“What?”

Rarity looked up and before her eyes what she saw was true. Her dark purple mane had suddenly turned a shade of forest green.

“Ugh, no!” Rarity cried out. ‘Green hair! Not green hair!”

Rarity rushed off the stage, crying through the crowds.

“Such an awful, awful color!” Rarity sobbed.

In her haste, she passed a pony named Golden Harvest. Ironically, she had a mane of the same color.

“Well, I never!” She retorted, walking away.

As the others watched Rarity leave, Comet eye twitched in anger. In the heat of the moment, Spike approached Twilight.

“Well Twilight, Comet, guess it’s up to you two,” Spike said, despite their hesitant faces. “Come on, show her what you’re made of.”

Several ponies turned toward Twilight and Comet, expecting the pair to give it a shot.

“What do you mean?” Twilight asked innocently. “I’m nothing special.”

“Yes, you are!” Spike protested. “You are better than her! Both of you!”

“We’re no better than anyone! And he’s just a kid!”

But despite her protests, the stares from the ponies increased. Even the cobalt unicorn herself stood at the ready.

“Hah! You think you’re better than the Great and Powerful Trixie?” Trixie questioned. “You think you’ve got more magical talent? Well, come on, show Trixie what you’ve got. Show us all.”

Comet glared silently as he stood behind his mother, while Twilight felt more and more uncomfortable.

“Who, me? I’m just your run-of-the-mill citizen of Ponyville.” Twilight responded, “No powerful magic here. I, uh… I think I hear my laundry calling. Sorry, gotta go.”

Twilight took off suddenly. All the while, Spike and Comet looked on with worry.

“Twilight?”

“Mom?”

“Ha!” Trixie gloated triumphantly. “Once again, the Great and Powerful Trixie has proven herself to be the most amazing unicorn in all of Equestria. Huh, was there ever any doubt?” Trixie asked, taking her leave.

As the ponies just dispersed to their regular business, Spike and Comet looked on toward and Twilight in the middle of the shuffling, troubled by the fact she just ran away. All he could ask to himself is, ’Why?’

Back at the caravan, Trixie was brushing her mane with a mirror near her, until Snips and Snails brought her a drink.

“Here’s the oat smoothie you asked for, with extra hay, just how you like it,” Snips said.

“Mmm, hay,” Snails said.

Trixie levitated the smoothie towards her and sipped hit from the straw, but Snips and Snails were still there, “Yes?”

“Ooo, tell us another story, Great and Powerful Trixie,” Snips said.

“Yeah, tell us about how you vanquished the Ursa Major,” Snails said.

“Guh! Trixie is far too exhausted from performing feats beyond imagination. Begone with you until morning,” she said.

“Oh, of course, Great and Powerful Trixie,” Snails said, as he and Snips started walking backwards.

“Anything you say. We are at your beck and call,” Snips replied.

Trixie was still unamused, “Ah.”

As Snips and Snails kept walking backwards, they heard a voice, “What are you two doing?” It was Spike, along with Comet.

“Just bringin’ the Great and Powerful Trixie a smoothie,” Snips replied.

“How can you two fall for her lameness? She’s just a show-off,” Spike said.

“Yeah, but she’s a really good illusionist, and a good magician, because she’s been practicing, and that’s why she doesn’t like to be disturbed. Plus, she was even so nice to me,” Comet said.

Spike then nodded, “Exactly. Unlike Twilight, who—”

Snips cut Spike off, “The Great and Powerful Trixie vanquished an Ursa Major. Can your Twilight claim that?”

“Oh really? Were you guys actually there?” Spike asked.

“Well, eh, uh... no, but—”

“But nothin’. The proof is in the pudding,” Spike said.

Snails laughed, “I like pudding.”

“Come on, Spike. Mom’s probably waiting for us,” Comet said, as he and Spike started to walk home. “I’m telling you, if an actual Ursa Major would really roam the streets of Ponyville, it’d be the end of the world.”

“Yeah. Like that could ever happen, and it’d be the least of our problems,” Spike said.

“Hm, an Ursa walkin’ up the street, hey?” Snips asked, before an idea popped into his head. “Snails! You thinkin’ what I'm thinkin’?”

“Why is it they call it a flea market when they don’t really sell fleas?” Snails asked.

“Yeah, uh... oh, come on!” Snips said, as he and Snails went somewhere else.

Back at the library, Twilight was reading a book, before Spike spoke up, “Twilight, would you put down that book and just listen to me?”

“Didn’t you see how they hated Trixie’s bragging, Spike? If I go out there and show off my magic, I run the risk of losing them as friends,” Twilight said.

“It’s not the same thing, Twilight. You’ll be using your magic to stand up for your friends!” Spike said.

“No, Spike, it’s exactly the same,” Twilight said.

“What’s bragging, Mom?” Comet asked.

“It’s something most ponies talk about one’s achievements or possessions they value most by boasting about how proud they are of themselves,” Twilight explained.

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

“I don’t want to be seen as a bragger like Trixie,” Twilight said, as she conjured a door frame with a door and slammed it shut on Spike’s face. The little dragon wasted no time reopening it.

“But you’re the best!” Spike said.

Twilight then grunted with frustration, “Please, Spike, I said no!”

Spike sighed, “If that’s the way you want to be, then fine.” He then slammed the door shut, while Twilight looked unamused since the door he slammed didn’t ‘really’ shut her and Comet out or lead anywhere. Spike, realizing this, reopened the door and slowly made his way back outside without another word, until Comet walked over to Twilight and placed a hoof on her leg.

“Are you okay, Mom?” Comet asked.

Twilight smiled softly. “I’m fine, sweetheart. I’m just stressed out,” Twilight replied, stroking her son’s mane while rubbing her hoof.

Comet then nuzzled his cheek against her chest, “I understand. You still have me to talk to though.”

Twilight smiled warmly with a giggle, and then hugged the colt back, “I know.”

Later on, in the evening, the three of them, including Spike, who left the library in depression, finished having dinner that Spike made. Twilight was still looking through many books on stage magic. Twilight was smiling as she was reading it while Comet was reading some comic books.

“I still can’t believe that Trixie did such a really easy trick,” Twilight said. “That trick is usually one of the top acts performed.”

“Most magicians take years of practice just to perform certain tricks,” Comet said. “Even Penn and Teller had to practice on tricks similar to that one. I’ve also seen Penn and Teller do a trick, including harder ones on the internet.”

“Internet?” Twilight asked. She then smiled, shook her head and said, “Now I believe you’re making up words and such.”

“Aren’t all words in this world or in my world made up?” Comet asked.

“Touché,” Twilight said, smiling.

Outside the Everfree Forest, Spike was kicking a rock, and was still angry and depressed, “I know Twilight is talented, and so is Comet, or mostly any unicorn here in Equestria, but why won’t she prove it?” Suddenly, the sound of Snips and Snails screaming appeared as they both came out running from something chasing them. “Hey, guys, where are you going?” Spike asked.

Snips kept running breathing hard, but replied, “Can’t talk now.”

“Got a major problem!” Snails said.

“Yeah, Ursa Major, to be exact,” Snips said, until a growling roar shook Spike, as he turned around and saw what chased Snips and Snails away, before he ran for his life.

Snips and Snails shouted, “Trixie!”

Spike shouted, “Twilight!”

As the creature kept chasing the dragon and two colts, it knocked down a few trees while moving.

“Trixie!” Snips and Snails shouted, while knocking on her door with a mingled speech.

Trixie suddenly appeared and saw the two colts, “Trixie thought she said the Great and Powerful Trixie did not want to be disturbed!”

Snips made some nervous laughter, “We— We have a— a tiny problem.”

“Actually, it’s a big one,” Snails said.

“What is so important that you cannot wait until morning to disturb Trixie?” she asked, before the same roaring sound came back, revealing a giant, blue, starry bear appearing with another roar.

Trixie screamed, and ran for her life. Snips and Snails screamed, and followed Trixie, as the Ursa Major stomped on Trixie’s caravan, and roared again.

Back at the library, Twilight was still reading through her book, as she began walking over to her sofa, so Spike came in and ran over to her. Immediately, he jumped towards the ground and then threw himself around Twilight’s legs and exclaimed, “Twilight! I’m so glad I found you! You’ve gotta come! Quick!”

Twilight looked down at him with a confused look, but then made an annoyed look, “I already told you, Spike, I don’t wanna show up Trixie!”

Spike then spoke again, “No, you don’t understand! The whole town! Big danger! Really big! Major! Hurry! Hurry!”

“SPIKE!” Twilight shouted, as Twilight placed her hoof onto Spike’s head. “Calm down. Now, what’s going on?”

Spike then sat up while clinging harder onto Twilight’s leg, “It’s—”

But then, the ground started shaking. Comet then hid underneath Twilight and asked, “What’s happening?!”

“I don’t know!” Twilight said.

They suddenly heard a roaring sound, as Twilight suddenly recognized it, “Uh, is that what I think it is?”

“Majorly,” Spike replied.

Back at the town square, Trixie, Snips and Snails were cornered.

“Great and Powerful Trixie, you’ve got to vanquish the Ursa,” Snips said.

“Yeah, vanquish so we can watch,” Snails said.

“It took a lot of trouble to get that thing here,” Snips said.

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

“But, you’re the Great and Powerful Trixie,” Snips said.

“Yeah, remember? You defeated an Ursa Major,” Snails said.

The Ursa Major roared, as Trixie was still afraid. “Uh, okay,” she nervously gulped. “Stand back.”

Trixie lit up her horn and snake charmer music appeared as a few strands of rope was tied around the giant creature’s index fingers, and nervously said, “Heh. Piece of cake.”

The Ursa growled, and snapped the rope off.

“Aw, come on, Trixie,” Snips said.

“Stop goofin’ around and vanquish it, eh?” Snails said.

Trixie gasped, and then gulped again, as she made a storm cloud with her magic and struck a lightning bolt.

“Well, that was a dud,” Snails said.

“Yeah, pfft, come on! Where’s all the cool explosions and smoke and stuff like earlier? You know,” Snips said.

The next lightning bolt struck the creature on the rear end, and Trixie realized she made a huge mistake, “Uh-oh.”

The Ursa roared, and Snips, Snails, and Trixie screamed and ran off, before the creature made a roar, scaring all the ponies of Ponyville, who began to panic.

Then the three Sparkles, including Spike on Twilight’s back, headed outside to see what was going on, and they saw the giant bear rampaging the town, as many ponies were still panicking.

“What is that?!” Comet asked, with his legs shaking.

“Gah! It’s the Ursa Major!” Spike said.

Twilight suddenly saw Snips and Snails, and Trixie just standing there, “What’s going on?”

“We brought an Ursa to town,” Snips replied.

“You what?!” Twilight asked in shock.

“Don’t worry, the Great and Powerful Trixie will vanquish it,” Snails said.

“Yeah! Just leave it to her!” Snips said.

“I… I can’t,” Trixie confessed.

“What?!” Snips and Snails shouted.

“Oh, I can’t. I never have,” Trixie confessed. “No one can vanquish an Ursa Major! I just made the whole story up to make me look better! I just wanted more fans for my magic tour!“

“Made it up?!” Snips and Snails shouted.

“I’m sorry,” Trixie said.

“Mommy, I’m scared,” Comet said, hiding behind her front legs and underneath her barrel. As the ponies were still terrified, Twilight looked around to see what she can do to help. She got an idea, and looked at her son, “Comet, stay behind me.” Comet nodded and then looked away but nuzzled with his mother’s legs as she then took a deep breath and used her magic for a musical wind spell. Some plants suddenly started playing some rhythmically soft music, soothing the giant beast.

“Nice use of number 16, Twilight,” Spike said.

Twilight then used all her magic, without straining herself, and then lifted a big water tower off of its pedestal, and took it through a big red barn, where a bunch of cows were making mooing sounds.

“That’s new,” Spike said.

Twilight then gave the water tower full of milk to the beast like it was a baby bottle, and then she lifted the beast up, sending it to the cave where it originally came from within the Everfree Forest. Twilight was then exhausted as she doused the light from her horn.

“Mom?! Are you okay?” Comet asked, worried about his mother.

“I... I’ll be fine,” Twilight said, before she brought her son over for a hug.

“Wow,” Trixie said. “That... was the most fascinating thing I have ever seen in my life. I’ve seen a lot of things happen, but for you to tame an Ursa Major like that was just... Wow!”

“Unbelievable!” Rainbow Dash said.

“That was amazing!” Spike said, as he and Comet hugged Twilight together.

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

“I’m sorry. Please, please don’t hate me,” Twilight said.

Rainbow Dash, Applejack, and Rarity were confused, “Hate you?”

“Why, whatever do you mean, darling?” Rarity asked.

Twilight then spoke up, “Well, I know how much you all hated Trixie’s showing off with her magic tricks, and I just thought--”

“Whoa, whoa, whoa. Magic’s got nothing to do with it. Trixie’s just a loudmouth,” Rainbow Dash said.

“Well, I too don’t like to brag, mostly,” Trixie said.

“Most unpleasant,” Rarity said.

“All hat and no cattle,” Applejack said.

“So, you don’t mind my magic tricks?” Twilight asked.

“Your magic is a part of who you are, sugarcube, and we like who you are. We’re proud to have such a powerful, talented unicorn as our friend,” Applejack said.

“And after whuppin’ that Ursa’s hindquarters, we’re even prouder,” Rainbow Dash said.

“You are?” Twilight asked.

Her friends, including her son, nodded in reply.

“Wow, Twilight, how’d you know what to do with that Ursa Major?” Spike asked.

“That’s what I was doing when you came looking for me,” Twilight replied. “I was so intrigued by Trixie’s bragging that I was compelled to do a little reading up on them.”

“So it is possible to vanquish an Ursa Major all by yourself?” Trixie asked.

“That wasn’t an Ursa Major. It was actually a baby, an Ursa Minor,” Twilight replied.

“That... was an Ursa Minor?” Trixie asked.

“If that was an Ursa Minor…” Spike said.

“…then what does an Ursa Major look like?” Comet asked.

“You don’t wanna know,” Twilight said. “At least nopony got hurt, physically by the way. And it wasn’t rampaging. It was just cranky because someone woke it up.”

Spike then turned towards Snips and Snails, and shouted, “Why would you two want to endanger the town by bringing an Ursa Minor into town?!”

“We just... wanted to see the Great and Powerful Trixie vanquish one like she said she did,” Snips said.

“We just thought that nopony would get hurt,” Snails said. Both of them were ashamed of what they’ve done.

“You can’t always get whatever you want, you know,” Comet said. “Sometimes... before that happens, you have to really think about your own actions before you do those kind of things, and then just ask yourself, is it really the right thing to do?”

“Wow,” Twilight said. “That was really wise, Comet. Where did you learn that?”

“One of the neighbors at my old neighborhood in my world, Mrs. Fig said it to me one time,” Comet said.

“Huh!” Trixie snorted, pointing a hoof at them. “You may have vanquished an ursa minor, but you will never have the amazing, show-stopping ability of the Great and Powerful Trixie! Until next time!” Trixie then threw down a smoke bomb and she disappeared.

“Why, that little…” Rainbow growled.

Rainbow was about to take off after her when Twilight held her back by the tail. By then Trixie ran far away from Ponyville, deep into the distance.

“Just let her go,” Twilight said. “Maybe someday she’ll learn her lesson.”

“Yeah, I hope so too,” Comet said, feeling uncertain.

“Now, let’s head on home. It’s bedtime anyway,” Twilight said, and then all of the ponies went back to their homes, and Twilight, along with Spike on her back, and Comet walking by her side walked off.

Twilight then tucked Comet into bed and then went back downstairs.

“So, you finally admit that you’re the most talented unicorn in all of Ponyville?” Spike asked.

“Well, yeah, but it’s nothing to brag about,” Twilight said, as she then thought of an idea for her friendship report.

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

Your faithful student,
Twilight Sparkle’

Author's Note

This actually means Magic Duel will take place, but I promise I’ll get through everything.

Chapter 9: Look Before You Sleep

Later that day, Comet was looking out the window at the expected heavy storm that somehow started heavily pouring a lot of rain over the town of Ponyville. Twilight was trying to seal up the windows so the storm wouldn’t cause any damage to their treehouse library. Although, four days before, Twilight and her friends had to deal with a dragon that was asleep on a nearby mountain, blowing a trailing cloud of smoke all across Equestria. And even though she was afraid at first, Fluttershy was the only one who made the dragon leave.

Comet was also babysat by Mr. and Mrs. Cake while his mother and her friends were gone, and after he told them both about him being forced to cook for his aunt, uncle, and cousin, they felt sorry for him, but until he showed them how good at it he was, before they taught him how to bake some pastries, by helping him bake a delicious vanilla cake covered with vanilla icing and decorated with a few toppings so he could welcome his mother and her friends back, which they accepted when they returned.

Twilight finished up sealing the windows and walked towards Comet.

“Okay. All of the windows are sealed,” Twilight said. “Let’s hope that nopony is stranded outside in the storm.” Twilight then looked out the window. “Looks like it’s about to start. Let’s get you over to the kitchen.”

Comet then went wide eyed as he saw something familiar. He then asked, “Is that Applejack and Rarity out there?”

“What?!” Twilight asked, looking out the window. She was shocked to see two of her friends out in the rain. She then rand downstairs, and opened the door, and called out, “Applejack! Rarity! Applejack! Rarity!”

The two ponies looked towards Twilight.

“Come inside, girls, quick.”

Applejack and Rarity then ran towards the library. Rarity ran in, but Applejack stopped and thought about something.

“Whoa, nelly. Is inside a tree really the best place to be in a lightning storm?” Applejack asked.

“It is if you have a magical lightning rod protecting your home like I do,” Twilight said. “Come on in!”

“Hah! We are most grateful for your invitation,” Rarity said.

“Thank ya kindly for yer hospitality,” Applejack said, coming in. But Rarity stopped her on the door mat.

“Uh, do be a polite house guest and go wash up please, won’t you?” Rarity asked.

Applejack grumbled and then said, “If I gotta spend one more second with that fussbudget Rarity today, I can’t be held responsible for what I’m gonna do.” She then headed outside.

Comet was confused by that and asked, “What’s Applejack doing?”

“She’s washing up, darling,” Rarity said. “We wouldn’t want to get muddy hoof prints all over your home.”

“Some storm, huh? The Pegasus ponies sure have outdone themselves this time. I hope you and Applejack don’t have any trouble getting home,” Twilight said.

“It may indeed be a problem,” Rarity said.

“Well, you’re welcome to stay if need be. Spike is away in Canterlot on royal business. It’s only Comet and I that are home tonight,” Twilight said.

“I... I think I should go take a bath,” Comet said. “Do you mind, Mom?”

“No, go ahead,” Twilight said.

“Okay,” Comet said. He then headed upstairs and into the bathroom.

As he was upstairs, Twilight suddenly gasped with excitement, as an idea popped into her head. “You and Applejack should totally sleep over! We’ll have a slumber party! I’ve always wanted one of those.”

“Oh! Uh, goodness. Uh, I do believe I have another engagement scheduled for this evening that completely slipped my mind until just now,” Rarity said with a nervous laugh. “Ah, silly me, I can't possibly stay here all night -- with Applejack.”

Twilight trotted over to her bookshelf and levitated a book up with her magic, and showed it to Rarity as she read the title, “Slumber 101: All You’ve Ever Wanted to Know About Slumber Parties But Were Afraid to Ask.”

“My own personal copy. It’s a fantastic reference guide. You should see the table of contents. I’ve been waiting for a chance to use it, and today is the day! This is gonna be so great!” Twilight said excitedly with a huge grin on her face.

“Yes, uh, great,” Rarity said, nervously laughing, while feeling disgusted about Applejack washing her hooves with the hose, but it suddenly got sprayed on her face.

In the bathroom, Comet then turned both the faucets of the bathtub for warmer water, and filled it up with a bottle of bubble bath fluid, and then got in. At least it was warm enough for him to enjoy. Comet then looked down at his body and gave a sad sigh. “Out of everything that I’ve been through, this body is sometimes the weirdest thing I have to go through. My rebirth, my body with the same gender as I originally was or am, this weird set of colors, a horn on my head, even some recent problems with being like this I’ve already gotten over with. This is weirder than the time I woke up from a nightmare wearing a mud mask and curlers by my cousin’s girlfriend.” He then shivered at the thought of it, and resumed to washing his entire body.

20 minutes later, Comet got out of the tub, and headed on downstairs after drying off. When he looked at Twilight and Rarity, they had mud masks on their faces.

“Hey, Comet,” Twilight said. “Wanna try a mud mask?”

“You should try it, darling,” Rarity said. “It makes your face smooth as silk.”

Comet stood there in shock, but then he headed back upstairs, went into the bedroom he shared with Twilight and Spike and closed the door.

Applejack suddenly came back in with her hooves sparkling clean, but slightly covered in water before they quickly dried off, but gasped at a confusing sight, “What in tarnation…?” Rarity applied more green mud onto Twilight’s face.

“Now, wait just a goll-darn minute. Ya make me wash the mud off my hooves, but it’s okay for y’all to have mud all over yer faces?”

“Silly! This is called a mud mask. It's to refresh and rejuvenate your complexion,” Rarity explained.

“We’re giving each other makeovers!” Twilight said in singsong, before she giggled with a squeal of excitement in between. “We have to do it, it says so in the book.”

Applejack then looked at the cover of the book, “Slumber 101: Everything You...” She then went wide eyed and made up a fib, “Oh hey, heh, would’ja look at the time. I gotta skidaddle on home quick. I’m powerful late for, uh, fer somethin’. Uh, g’night.” As she went out the door, a bolt of lightning crashed, and she screamed and came back in, “Or maybe I’ll sit here for a spell.”

Twilight clapped her hooves together, “Hurray slumber party!”

Applejack felt uncomfortable about having Rarity because of what happened earlier, before she felt Rarity placing a mud mask on her face, “Blahch.” Rarity then put two cucumber slices on her eyes, “What in the world is this for?”

Rarity sighed, “To reduce the puffiness around one’s eyes, of course.”

“Puffiness-schmuffiness!” Applejack commented as she licked the slices off her tongue and swallowed them after chewing on them. “That’s good eatin’!”

Twilight was still excited, “Hee-hee! Isn’t this exciting? We’ll do everything by the book, and that will make my slumber party officially fun.”

Rarity then sacked Applejack, “Did you hear that, Applejack? You certainly would not want to do anything that would ruin Twilight’s very first slumber party, would you?”

“Of course not, ‘n you wouldn’t either, I reckon?” Applejack asked.

“So do we have an agreement?” Rarity asked.

“You betcha,” Applejack replied, as she spit on her hoof for a hoof-shake.

Rarity was suddenly offended, “Oh! Gross! You know, there’s messy and there’s just plain rude.”

“You know, there’s fussy, ‘n there’s just plain gettin’ on my nerves,” Applejack said.

“Fortunately, I can get along with anypony, no matter how difficult she may be,” Rarity said.

“Oh yeah? Well, I'm the “get-alongin-est” pony you’re ever gonna meet,” Applejack said.

“That’s not even a word,” Rarity said.

Twilight suddenly hugged them both by their necks, “This is going to be the bestest slumber party ever! Yay!”

While sternly staring at each other, Applejack and Rarity both sarcastically replied, “Yay.”

Comet tried not to go downstairs, doing girly stuff with Twilight, Rarity, and Applejack, who he’ll know that Applejack would hate, but because he is also a colt, who was once a human boy. Comet had gotten into Spike’s secret stash of comic books, which he knew Spike hid them in a secret compartment he had under his bed, and started reading some of them. Just then, the sound of thunder was heard and the room became completely dark, until he ran into his mom’s bedsheets and hid underneath them, and kept holding his Kugo husky plushie.

He kept whimpering and shaking while hiding, until screams of horror came, before he screamed as well, and ran out the door.

“MOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!!!”

Twilight suddenly saw him up there and came up to him, “Comet? Is everything okay?”

“MOM! I HEARD SCREAMING!” Comet replied.

Twilight then smiled and giggled, before pulling him over for a hug, “It’s okay, Comet. We’re just having our slumber party.”

“Oh, sorry,” Comet said, nuzzling his cheek on Twilight’s soft and warm chest.

Twilight then rubbed her hoof onto the colt’s head, “No, no, it’s okay. Sorry if we scared you or anything, but there’s nothing else to be afraid of. I promise.”

Comet nodded, and then smiled softly at her face, and her beautiful purple eyes.

“Why don’t you join us? We’ll do something related to the things foals your gender like to do, you know, play a board game or something,” Twilight suggested.

Comet then followed Twilight downstairs, and said, “Thanks for inviting me, but are you sure I won’t be a bother?”

“No, of course not,” Twilight said, shaking her head. “Rarity and Applejack won’t mind at all. Now, c’mon. Let’s get you downstairs and into a blanket.”

Comet then followed Twilight downstairs. As they got down, Comet saw Rarity and Applejack looking at the light on his horn. Before he could go sit down, Rarity said “Oh my. Comet, I’m impressed that you have already learned how to make your light.” Comet nodded as he smiled at Twilight.

Applejack looked at his horn, then at Rarity and said “I don’t really see what the big deal is. I mean, it’s just a light.”

Rarity got offended and angry as she said, “Just… a light?! Just a light?! Applejack, making your light as a unicorn is indeed a big deal! And if Comet here has only been practicing for a couple of weeks, that means he’s in fact gifted, just like his mother.”

Applejack looked annoyed at Rarity, but as she looked at Comet, she looked ashamed as she then said, “I’m mighty sorry Comet, I- I didn’t know.”

“It’s okay AJ. We all have to learn, I guess,” Comet said as he tried to make her feel better and as she gave the colt a smile, believing it worked.

Twilight then interrupted as she asked “Now, who wants s’mores?” She looked at Comet, who admittedly knew he actually wanted one as well, so Twilight asked, “Comet? Do you want s’mores?”

Comet nodded, and then felt Twilight’s hoof rubbing his mane.

Later, while Applejack was roasting marshmallows by the fireplace, Rarity was describing to Twilight and Comet how to make s’mores, the perfect way, “Then you place one marshmallow on the top of the chocolate and be sure it’s centered… …that’s critical… …and then carefully put another perfectly square graham cracker on the top. And done. Ta-da!” Rarity laughed.

“Ooo!” Twilight and Comet said.

Applejack was impatient, “Nah, ya just eat ‘em.” She then scarfed one down, making gross chewing sounds towards Rarity. “Mmm-mmm!” Applejack then belched.

Rarity sighed, “You could at least say excuse me.”

“Aw, I was just about to, but you interrupted me,” Applejack said. “Pardon.”

Comet was already making his s’more with a toasted marshmallow from one of Applejack’s roast sticks, and then ate it. It was a little dark, but he still found it good.

“I see you’re enjoying your first s’more,” Twilight smiled.

“His first s’more since bein’ here, or first s’more his whole life?” Applejack asked.

“First s’more his whole life,” Twilight said. “He said he always wanted to try one.” She then looked down at Comet. “And how was it?”

“Life changing,” Comet said, with a mouthful.

“Don’t talk with your mouth full,” Twilight said, smiling. She then grabbed a napkin with her magic, and started dabbing Comet’s mouth. Twilight then kissed the side of Comet head, and started making her own s’more. She then gave Comet two cookies since he deserved one more snack before bed.

Twilight then looked into her book’s checklist, “S’mores, check. Now the next item of fun we have to do is Truth or Dare.”

“Hey, we have a game like that in my world!” Comet exclaimed.

“Really? Well, that’s a new one,” Twilight said. “Probably should let the princess know soon enough.”

“I dare Applejack to do something carefully and neatly for a change,” Rarity said.

“Oh yeah? Well I dare Rarity ta lighten up and stop obsessin’ over every last little detail, for a change,” Applejack said.

“I think the truth of the matter is that somepony could stand to pay a little more attention to details,” Rarity said.

“And I think the truth is somepony oughta quit with her fussin’ so the rest of us can get things done,” Applejack said.

“Um, I don’t think this is how the game’s supposed to work,” Twilight said. “You actually have to give an honest answer to any question or do whatever anypony dares you to do.”

“Just like how my kind usually does it,” Comet said. “But I’m uncomfortable with the dare part. It’s kinda… scary.”

“No, no, it’s okay, Comet. It’s okay. You don’t have to play,” Twilight said.

Applejack then looked at Rarity and said, “I dares you to step outside and let your precious, tidy mane get ruined again.”

Rarity gasped, “You wouldn’t dare!”

“You have to. It’s the rule,” Twilight said.

“Hah!” Applejack laughed.

“Fine!” Rarity replied, as she angrily walked outside in the rain, and cried as her mane and fur were now wet and cold as she came back inside, as Applejack snickered and laughed. “Can somepony give me a towel?” Rarity asked.

“Here you go.” Comet said, levitating a towel from nearby.

“Thank you, dear,” Rarity said as she dried herself off a little. Her mane still had its wet look, but Rarity knew it would take time for it to return to its original style.

“You did pretty good, Rarity,” Comet said. “And you won the dare, so you get to go next.”

“Okay then,” Rarity said. “I dare Applejack to play dress up.”

“Dress up? In what?” Applejack asked.

Rarity then confessed, “In a frou-frou, glittery, lacey outfit.”

Applejack gasped, and then did the dare, and came back wearing the same frou-frou, glittery, lacey outfit, “Happy?”

“Very,” Rarity smirked.

“Um, do I ever get a turn?” Twilight asked, until she looked at her colt. “Comet, why don’t you go upstairs and read or color? I’ll be up soon when it’s bedtime,” Twilight said.

“Okay,” Comet said, as he went back upstairs to read or color.

The truth or dare contest lasted for quite a while. With Comet upstairs, Applejack and Rarity kept attacking each other with dares at every opportunity they could come up with, until they then threw pillows at each other, while Twilight couldn’t figure out what their problem was.

Short time later, knocks came from the bedroom door upstairs, until Twilight came in as she said, “Hey Comet, it’s time for bed.”

“Oh, okay,” Comet said, as he walked towards her, and then the bathroom to get ready for bed.

After Comet got closer to Twilight, she asked “Do you want to sleep with me tonight? I’ll even read you a bedtime story.”

Comet looked up at her, and said with a smile, “Yes, Mommy.”

After Comet had gotten ready, Twilight had got another bed out for both Rarity and Applejack to sleep together before Comet got on the bed and underneath the covers. Comet hoped that he would fall asleep quickly. After Twilight got into bed, the colt next to her snuggled into her while she read him the bedtime story she promised, and as Comet used her heartbeat to fall asleep too, he then fell asleep, as Twilght kissed his forehead and fell asleep as well.

Throughout the stormy night, Comet was sleeping while snuggled underneath his mother’s hug and the bedsheets of her bed as he laid his head on the soft and fluffy pillow but his cheek also pressed up against Twilight’s chest, and also had his Kugo husky plushie with him.

Meanwhile, Rarity and Applejack still had their problems wile sleeping in their guest bed.

“Keep your muddy hooves on your side of the bed,” Rarity said.

“My hooves ain’t muddy,” Applejack said.

“They were. There might still be a little on them,” Raring said.

“There ain’t. See?” Applejack said, showing her hooves, as Rarity complained again, “Eww!” Rarity then took the blanket, leaving Applejack uncovered.

Comet suddenly woke up, as he heard them arguing, so he nuzzled closer to Twilight so they could stop and covered his ears.

“Now who’s bein’ inconsiderate?” Applejack said, as did the same, before Rarity got up.

“I have to make the bed again so the blanket will be right. Get up,” Rarity said, as she nudged Applejack off the bed by pushing her to the floor.

“Hey!” Applejack hollered.

Rarity then fixed the bed, until she caught Applejack trying to open it back up, “Ah ah ah! You’ll ruin it. You have to do it like this.” She then carefully scooted into the bed without ruining the blanket, “Mm, uh, ooh, u-u-u-uh, uh, ah.”

Applejack wasn’t gonna buy it, “Yeah, that’s not gonna happen.”

Comet suddenly woke up again after hearing Applejack hollering, “Geronimo!”

Applejack hit the bed, causing Rarity to fall out and exclaiming “Hey!”

Applejack, being comfortable, let out a “Ahh…”

Rarity suddenly said, “You did that on purpose.”

Applejack responded, still feeling annoyed, “Um, yeah.”

Rarity, becoming more annoyed, said, “Get up so I can fix it again.”

Applejack ecstatically said “Can’t hear you, I’m asleep.”

As AJ began to imitate snoring, Rarity, now totally frustrated, ripped the blanket away from Applejack with a “Hmph!”

“I ain’t budgin’.” Applejack said.

Rarity with something in her mouth said “You will if you want any blanket!”

Comet was still trying to cover his ears with his pillows, but due to his pony ears having a stronger sense of hearing, the pillows didn’t help very much at all.

Applejack then grabbed the blanket with her teeth, “Give it back!”

“I will not!” Rarity said, with the blanket in her teeth, as she and Applejack did a little tug of war with it while arguing.

“Yes, you will!” Applejack said.

“Won’t!”

“Will!”

“Won’t!”

“Will!”

“Won’t!”

“Will!”

With their mouths full of the blanket, they still fought until Twilight got up, covered Comet’s ears and loudly said, “Enough!”

That made Applejack, Rarity and Comet look over towards Twilight. Comet was still tired and really wanted some sleep, while trying to nod it off.

Using her magic, Twilight levitated a book over, opened it and annoyingly said, “It says right here that the number one thing you’re supposed to do at a slumber party is have fun, and thanks to you two I can’t check that off!” Twilight shouted, keeping Comet from falling asleep, who snuggled into her and laid on her thigh and as she noticed that her colt was awake as well, she scolded them further. “And now, Comet can’t sleep since you woke him up!”

“I... need... sleep...” Comet said, trying to fall asleep while nuzzling against Twilight’s belly and laying on her lap.

“Ah’ve been tryin’ my darnedest to get along,” Applejack said.

“No, it is I who have been trying my best,” Rarity said. It then went to another argument between the two.

“No, it was me.”

“No, it was I.”

“Me!”

“I!”

“I hope you’re happy, both of you,” Twilight said, angrily. “Not only that Comet can’t already get some sleep, you’ve ruined my first slumber party. The makeover, the s’mores, Truth or Dare, the pillow fight… No wonder Comet was so afraid of wanting to join, the two of you repeatedly arguing over and over again! I mean, is there anything else that could possibly go wrong?!”

Comet gasped and shouted, “Never say that! Because most of the time, something always does!”

Just then, lightning struck a tree outside, making it swerve from the wind and loosening from where lightning struck it.

“Sorry I asked,” Twilight said, cowering under her bed covers.

Just then, the lights went on. Comet then covered his face, and tried to cover up the light.

Twilight then got out of the bed, as she said, “Comet, stay on the bed.”

Comet nodded in acknowledgement, before he then asked “Wait, if we have a magical lightning rod, could something have been hit outside?”

They galloped to the window and gasped before Twilight said, “It’s the tree next to us that was hit and it’s about to fall on the house next to that.”

Applejack looked at Rarity and scolded “You see. That’s why we needed to take down all those loose branches in town, not spiffy-’em up!”

“But I…” Rarity tried to defend herself.

Being interrupted by Applejack, she said, “Out of my way, missy!” She opened the window and then brought her lasso out, one end in mouth and swung the other end of the thunderstruck tree, like a pro.

Rarity tried to warn Applejack, “Wait! Stop! Don’t!”

Applejack then responded with rope in mouth, refusing to listen to Rarity, “No waitin’! No stoppin’! Doin’!” Before she tossed the other end of the lasso out off the window to catch the tree that was hit. Being successful, Applejack then gloated, “And that, my friends, is what we call “gettin” her done.” Before she took the rope, but as she pulled it, Rarity and Twilight yelled, Comet jumped away from the window by instinct, but got underneath the pillow and bedsheets safely, before something big and heavy hit the colt on the back and was then pushed to the floor with great speed while still covered with the blanket and hidden underneath the pillow.

“Aww, come on!” Comet shouted. “I just want to sleep!”

“Sorry, Comet,” Applejack said, with her rope in her mouth.

Comet then tried covering his face in his pillows and bed covers, and holding onto his husky plushie. Comet tried to overcome the noise and the light, but while cowering underneath the blankets, he suddenly heard Rarity as she whimpered and scolded, “I tried to tell you it would come crashing down in here!”

“Well you should have tried harder!” Applejack responded, as before saying, “I’m mighty sorry, Twilight.”

“It’s... Well, it’s not okay. There’s a giant tree branch in the middle of my bedroom, and the book doesn’t say anything about having a giant tree branch at your slumber party. Or at least I haven’t found that entry yet,” Twilight said, as she looked through the book.

Applejack saw Rarity cleaning up some of Twilight’s things, “What in tarnation are y’all doin’ over there?”

“Cleaning up this mess somepony made. Who was that again? Oh, right, that’s you,” Rarity said.

Applejack then tried to come up with an idea, until she went over to Twilight by poking her head through the tree, “We gotta do somethin’!” Applejack shouted.

Twilight looked through the book, “Baking... BFFs... Brothers... There's nothing in here about branches.”

Applejack kept grunting as she tried to move the branch with her earth pony strength, but suddenly saw Rarity and spoke, “Rarity, for pony’s sake, stop sweatin’ the small stuff and help me get rid of this thing!”

Rarity somehow ignored the country mare and went back to restocking the shelf.

“I said hussle over here and help me!” Applejack said, but Rarity continued. Suddenly, Applejack spoke up once more, “Look, I’m sorry, all right?”

Rarity suddenly stopped, “What was that?”

Applejack then spoke up, “I said I’m sorry! I shoulda listened to you when you noticed where this here branch would end up. Yer annoyin’ attention to detail would’a saved us from this whole mess. But right now, ya need to stop bein’ so dang fussy pickin’ up all the little things and help me move the one big thing in here that actually matters! Please!”

Rarity was unsure walking through a wet puddle, “Uh. Uh, but I”ll get all icky.”

“Consarnit!” Applejack shouted annoyingly, before she went wide-eyed, then changed her tone and said. “What the... eh... you... I mean, yes, ickiness is often a side effect of hard work. But y’all need to get over it, on account I just can’t fix this mess I made myself. I need your help.”

Rarity then thought for a moment, and made a confident smile, “Oh. Let’s do this.”

Rarity then grunted, as she made small figurines made of leaves and branches, but she caught Applejack trying to buck the log out the window, until the country mare grabbed the log by the branch with her teeth and carefully dropped it out the window, and then closed the window.

Rarity smiled, but frowned as she got mud all over herself, “U-ugh. Oh, I look awful.”

Applejack then placed cucumber slices on Rarity’s eyelids, “Better?”

Rarity then felt relieved, “Hmph, thanks.” She then hugged Applejack.

Twilight then saw the figurines Rarity made from the big branch, “Oh, pretty! Where did these come from? They’re not in the book either.” Eventually, Twilight looked down at Comet, but she heard him wincing in pain while uncovering him.

but as she picked up and hugged Comet, he let out a cry of pain, so she quickly laid him on the floor and lightly poked Comet’s back as she asked “Does this hurt? How about this?”

As it hurt, Comet let out a high pitched scream from his lungs, and then cried out, “Ow! That hurts!”

“Shhhhhh… Don’t worry, sweetheart. I’m going to take care of it, but first… you’ll need a second bath. Rarity, do you want to go first?” Twilight asked.

“Oh, no, no, no, no, no, no. Let’s get Comet cleaned up first,” Twilight thanked her, before she levitated Comet to the bathroom and carefully cleaned him.

After the careful bath, Twilight carefully dried him off before she brought him back to the living room and wrapped some bandages around his backside as carefully as she could, but in the end she said “Alright… Tomorrow we’re going to the hospital. Just to be sure.”

Comet nodded as Twilight laid him beside her, and Rarity and Applejack came over. “Are you feeling any better?” Rarity asked.

“I’m mighty sorry, Comet, if I had been more careful, you wouldn’t have gotten hurt, I’m sorry, can you ever forgive me?” Applejack apologized.

“It’s okay, but I think this slumber party Mom had turned out to be a success, huh?” Comet replied.

“Totally,” Twilight replied.

Twilight then carefully levitated him and the blankets and pillow up and placed them, along with Comet back down on the bed, gave him his plushie back as he hugged it, pulled the sheets over him and herself, then tucked him in, kissed him on the forehead and said, “Goodnight, sweetheart.”

Comet yawned as he responded, “Night, Mom.” Twilight then hummed a soft melody as she stroked his mane, and then fell asleep again, along with Rarity and Applejack, who finished cleaning up the mess from the storm.

The next morning, Comet eventually woke up, but he felt something on his face and pulling his mane. He didn’t pay attention to it when the rain was still going outside, but it was softening up. He then headed on downstairs to see Twilight, Rarity and Applejack having fun together and eating breakfast, which were pancakes, as usual.

“Morning,” Comet said.

The three girls then looked up at Comet. Twilight and Applejack were surprised at the sight of Comet, which he had no idea what was going on. Rarity smiled at Comet’s appearance.

Twilight looked over at Rarity and asked, “Rarity, did you put a mud mask and hair curlers on Comet last night?”

“Wait, what?!” Comet asked, before Rarity levitated a mirror over to him, as he saw a mud mask on his face and 3 hair curlers on his mane. “Oh, come on! I didn’t want this!”

Rarity then walked in, saying, “I just thought you would enjoy a colt-stylish makeover after the storm last night, and probably some recovery on your injury. You really should enjoy this. The mud mask softens your skin, but instead of giving your mane beautiful curls, I was actually going to brush your mane so it can look fresh afterwards.”

“Really?” Comet asked, as Rarity nodded.

“You should have asked first!” Comet said, shaking the hair curlers out of his mane and tail. He then filled up a wooden bucket, and dunked himself into it, making the mud mask dissolve and both his mane and tail soaked and straight. He then shook his body, making his mane and tail ruffled, nearly making it back to how it was before. “I still would have said no. You don’t do that without asking.”

Rarity sighed and said, “You’re right, dear. I should have asked.”

She and Twilight walked over to him. While Rarity brushed Comet’s mane, Twilight sat next to Comet and said, “Sorry about that, Comet. Guess Rarity forgot that you were still a boy. She just wanted to help you recover from last night.”

“Why couldn’t I just do it myself instead of having an injured spinal cord? And reappear as a human instead?” Comet asked.

Twilight then pulled Comet in for a hug and said, “Well, according to Princess Celestia, you were a victim of circumstance. I’m sorry that you lost your original form, but I will do everything to help you adjust as the colt you are, since your gender stayed with you.”

Comet sighed and said, “I know I’ve said that I have had a hard time back in my world. But there were a lot of bullies in my world. The boy bullies, which were my cousin’s friends, would gang up on me, throwing me face first into a trash can or just lock me up in the cupboard. The girl bullies, friends of my cousin’s girlfriend, take me into her room, dress me up in a ridiculous girly outfit, apply makeup onto me and push me out into public. Looking at myself in that mask and those curlers reminded me of those moments I got dressed up by the girl bullies.”

“That’s horrible,” Twilight said.

“I apologize for putting on those curlers and that mud mask,” Rarity said. “I... I forgot that you said that you were bullied back in your world.”

“Mistakes were bound to happen,” Twilight said. “I will make sure that that will never happen to you again.” Twilight then nuzzled Comet. “Now, let’s make you some breakfast before we head over to the hospital to check on those bones.” Twilight and Comet then headed downstairs. Rarity gave a sad look towards Comet.

“The poor dear. I never even noticed that happened. Maybe I shouldn’t have done that,” she said, while feeling ashamed of herself.

As Comet tried to move after breakfast, it still hurt as he was forced to let out a small cry before the colt got back to his very comfortable position on the pillow Twilight suggested. Twilight responded, “Oh my, we better get you to the hospital, just to be safe.”

Comet then gave her a smile and then said, “Heh, at least it not your problem anyhow.” Twilight just rolled her eyes at that as she levitated Comet into the air and loosely wrapped a blanket around the small colt before placing him on her back, and then they went out of the library and towards the hospital.

In the hospital, they waited for about an hour before being called in and Twilight placed him up on the bed and explained what happened to Doctor Horse, who said that a x-ray scan would be for the best, just to be sure that nothing’s broken or not.

After the scan, Twilight and Comet waited in the room, until the doctor came back. “You should now be happy to hear that nothing is broken or damaged, but it was a serious hit you got there, son. As I looked at your scan, it’s like you’ve never been hurt in your entire life,” he said.

Comet looked at Twilight in concern, but she was already no help as she only looked concerned at her son before the doctor continued, “So, I’d suggest that you should stay in bed for the rest of today and get something warm on that back, then you should be just fine by tomorrow. But if it’s getting worse, do not hesitate to come back over again and we’ll come up with something while we talk.”

“We won’t. Thank you, doctor,” Twilight replied and then Nurse Redheart got a proper bandage onto Comet, before Twilight rewrapped him in the blanket again and took him back home to their library.

On the way back, Comet asked “So… when is Spike coming back?”

“About half an hour,” Twilight answered and as they came home, before realizing that Applejack and Rarity already left. Twilight then took him to her bedroom instead of his. She then placed him down in the middle, tucked him in, and after she was sure Comet was comfortable, she then told him to get some rest, as she went to go pick up Spike and some things for dinner. Some time after she had left, Comet fell asleep.

Later on, Comet woke up to dinner in bed, which was tomato soup and some bread on the side, and a glass of ice water. After he ate his dinner and had his 2 cookies, Twilight asked, “Do you want to stay there and sleep or do you want me to move you into your own bedroom?”

“I wanna stay.” Comet said, as he snuggled under the sheets. After he got a nod from Twilight and a kiss on the forehead from her, he slowly fell asleep.

Chapter 10: Bridle Gossip

Twilight, Comet and Spike were walking down the streets of Ponyville. The three of them were looking around, seeing that it was a beautiful day. Comet then looked around town to see that nopony was around.

“Mom? Where is everypony?” Comet asked.

Twilight and Spike then looked around, but they didn’t see anypony either.

“You’re right, Comet,” Twilight said. “There aren’t any ponies out here.” She then sighed. “Somepony must be spreading rumors about you being a cult serving Nightmare Moon, again.”

They heard the whispering voice of Pinkie Pie came to their attention.

“Psst! Twilight! Spike! Comet! Come here! Come! Here! Hurry! Before she gets you!”

Twilight groaned and the three of them headed into Sugarcube Corner. When they headed in, they were yanked in and the door was slammed shut. When the three of them looked over at Pinkie, they saw that she was with Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Fluttershy and Apple Bloom.

“Who are you talking about?” Comet asked.

“Pinkie’s talkin’ ‘bout her,” Applejack said, pointing out the window. The group looked out the window and saw somepony in a cloak.

Twilight, Spike and Comet were confused by the figure in the cloak. Then Apple Bloom climbed on Spike’s back.

“Did you see her, Twilight?” Apple Bloom asked. “Did you see... Zecora?”

“Apple Bloom! I told you never to say that name,” Applejack scolded towards Apple Bloom.

“Whoa, whoa, whoa,” Comet said. “What is up with you all?”

As it only gave Comet an urge to say the name, but until he fought it back, Twilight said, ‘’Well, I saw her glance this way.‘’

Pinkie interrupted and got close to Twilight’s face and said ‘’Glance e-e-evilly this way.‘’

Twilight got Pinkie a bit away before she continued ‘’And then a bunch of you flip out for no good reason.‘’

‘’I didn’t.‘’ Comet responded as Twilight gave him a soft smile.

‘’No good reason?! You call protecting your own kin no good reason, why I never thought y’all would say something like that as a fellow big sister or lovin’ mother.‘’ Applejack said offended.

‘’I will protect Comet too, but there is nothing to be scared about and therefore there is no need to protect him.‘’ She looked at her colt as she finished, before giving her son a kiss on the muzzle.

‘’Why, as soon as my sister saw Zecora riding into town, she started shaking in her little horseshoes.‘’ AJ said as she shook her little sister.

‘’Did not.‘’ Apple Bloom said with a shaky voice.

‘’So I swept her up and brought her here.‘’ AJ said as she took Apple Bloom on her back.

‘’I walked here myself.‘’ Apple Bloom said and I believe Apple Bloom.

‘’For safekeeping.‘’ AJ said sternly.

‘’Applejack, I’m not a little foal anymore! I can take care of myself!‘’ Apple Bloom said as she jumped back down to the floor.

‘’Not from that creepy Zecora.‘’ AJ tried to correct her.

“That pony is really mysterious,” Fluttershy said.

“Sinister,” Rainbow Dash said.

“And spoooooky!” Pinkie said.

The group looked outside, and saw that the cloaked figure removed the hood, revealing a gray striped pony like creature. Applejack, Apple Bloom, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie gasped.

“Will you cut that out?” Twilight asked, angrily.

“Just look at those stripes! So garish!” Rarity said.

“She’s a zebra,” Twilight and Comet said in unison. Then the two of them looked at each other.

“You know what a zebra is?” Twilight asked, as Comet nodded.

“A WHAT?!” the mares asked.

“A zebra, and her stripes aren’t a fashion choice, Rarity, they’re what she was born with,” Twilight said, until Rarity then fainted.

“Born where? I’ve never seen a pony like that in these parts, ‘cept... her!” Applejack said.

“Well, she’s probably not from here, and she's not a pony. My books say that zebras come from a faraway land,” Twilight said, until she then looked at Comet. “How do you know what zebras are?”

“We have zebras back in my world,” Comet said. “They’re from a completely different continent. They’re completely harmless.”

“Harmless?!” Applejack asked. “You call creatures like that harmless?!”

“But I’ve never seen her in Ponyville. Where does she live?” Twilight asked, while comforting Comet as he felt startled by Applejack’s yelling.

“That’s just it, she lives in... the Everfree Forest!” Applejack said.

A loud crash that sounded like a thunderclap suddenly came from the kitchen, until Comet started clinging onto Twilight’s hind leg and pressing his face on her flank, until she scolded, “Spike!”

“Uh, sorry,” Spike said, until Comet let go of his mother’s leg.

“Sorry, Mommy,” Comet said.

“Shhhhhh… It’s okay, sweetheart. I’m right here,” Twilight said, comforting her son with a hug.

Applejack then continued, “The Everfree Forest just ain’t natural.”

“What’s so unnatural about the Everfree Forest?” Comet asked as he thought that it must be awful, if the ponies were afraid of it still.

Applejack looked at Comet and continued with fear in her voice, “The plants grow...”

Fluttershy then said, “Animals care for themselves...”

Rainbow Dash floated down to the ground with worry in her voice and added, “And the clouds move...”

All three of them then finished together ‘’All on their own!”

Rarity fainted once more, until Comet gulped, before Twilight hugged her colt again.

Pinkie Pie, who then appeared out of nowhere once more, said, “And that wicked enchantress Zecora lives there doing her evil... stuff! She’s so evil I even wrote a song about her!”

Rainbow Dash then commented, “Here we go...”

“Wow. Catchy,” Twilight said, sarcastically.

“It’s a work in progress,” Pinkie said.

As Twilight and Comet still haven’t bought it, Twilight then said, “This is all just a lot of gossip and rumors. Now tell me; what exactly have you actually seen Zecora do?”

“Well...” Rainbow Dash commented. “Once a month, she comes into Ponyville.”

Full of dramatic shock, Twilight replied, “Oooooh.”

‘’Then…‘’ Rarity added, ‘’She lurks by the stores.‘’

Twilight once again with sarcasm said, ‘’Oh, my.‘’

Fluttershy then tried ‘’And then she digs at the ground.‘’

As Twilight, sarcastically called ‘’Good gracious!‘’ She then spoke in a normal tone while still unamused, “Okay, I’m sorry. But how is any of this bad? Maybe she comes to town to visit?”

‘’Yeah.‘’ Apple Bloom added ‘’Maybe she’s just trying to be neighborly.‘’

‘’And maybe she’s not lurking by the stores.‘’ Twilight continued ‘’Maybe she’s going to them, lurk-free, to do some shopping.‘’

‘’Yeah. Everypony like to shop.‘’ Apple Bloom agreed ‘’You know what I think?‘’

But before she continued, AJ interrupted her as she scolded ‘’Apple Bloom, hush and let the big ponies talk.‘’

Apple Bloom walked off as she muttered under her breath to herself, not realizing that Comet overheard ‘’I am a big pony.‘’

Rainbow Dash then nervously asked, “W-what about digging at the ground? You’ve got to admit that’s weird.”

Fluttershy then gasped, and shuddered, “What if she’s digging for innocent creatures?”

“I am sure there is an explanation for everything Zecora does. And if anypony here were actually brave enough to approach her, she would find out the truth,” Twilight commented.

The grown ponies started saying different things when Twilight was trying to find out what was going on. The others were just coming up with crazy conspiracies. As he knew Apple Bloom was a bit down and Twilight didn’t look to have any progress, Comet walked over to Apple Bloom and asked ‘’Hey Apple Bloom, you okay?‘’

‘’Yeah… Thanks, I just wish they would listen to what I have to say.‘’ Apple Bloom said.

“I know,” Comet said, until he heard the mares continue to argue with conspiracies. “This is getting ridiculous,” Comet whispered towards Apple Bloom.

“Ya ain’t wrong, Comet,” Apple Bloom said. She then looked outside and saw Zecora heading out of Ponyville. “How ‘bout we go see how Zecora really is?”

Comet nodded. Then the two of them headed on out, following Zecora, staying out of sight.

Comet and Apple Bloom were following Zecora to the Everfree Forest. As soon as they came to a clearing, Comet stopped, held up a hoof straight to stop Apple Bloom.

“Why’d ya stop me?” Apple Bloom asked.

Comet was looking at the blue flowers that they were almost about to walk into. Comet then pulled both of themselves away from the pile of flowers.

“I read about these flowers in a book called “Super Naturals”,” Comet explained. “They’re called Poison Joke. One touch from these, and a small, yet funny, change will happen to you.”

“Like what?” Apple Bloom asked.

“I don't know,” said Comet. “It’s different every time.” Then the two of them looked up to see Zecora, moving in a pattern, not touching the flowers. “See. She knows what they are. Let’s get around this without touching them.” Apple Bloom nodded. Then the two of them started going around the flowers, but were stopped when they heard voices.

“Apple Bloom?!”

“Comet?!”

The two of them turned their heads and saw Twilight and her friends coming towards them from a distance.

“You two get back here right now!” Applejack exclaimed.

“Beware! Beware, you pony folk! Those leaves of blue are not a joke!” Zecora warned them.

Comet suddenly saw Applejack running towards them. “Wait, Applejack! Don’t...!” Comet tried warning them, but she ran right through the flowers. She then picked Apple Bloom up and over her head, and Comet on her back. “Y-you keep your creepy mumbo jumbo to yourself, you hear!”

The other ponies agreed as they repeated “Yeah!” over and over.

“Ha, was that supposed to scare us?!” Rainbow mocked while Pinkie sang her song from earlier.

"Oh, brother," Twilight said after she sighed.

“Beware! Beware!” Zecora said as she disappeared into the forest.

“Yeah, back at ya, Zecora! You and your lame curse are the ones who better beware!” Rainbow Dash said.

Applejack then looked at her sister, “And you! Why couldn’t you just listen to yer big sister?”

Apple Bloom felt guilty, until Applejack continued, “Who knows what kind of nasty curse Zecora could have just put on you?”

“You guys, there’s no such thing as curses!” Twilight said.

Rainbow Dash then flew over to Twilight and said, “Well, that’s interesting to hear coming from Miss Magic Pants herself.”

Twilight then said, “My magic, real magic, comes from within. It’s a skill you’re born with. Curses are artificial, fake magic. It’s conjured with potions and incantations; all smoke and mirrors meant to scare. But curses have no real power, they’re just an old pony tale.”

“Just you wait, Twilight. You’re gonna learn that some pony tales really aretrue,” Applejack said.

“Wow,” Comet said. “There was something like this on my world.”

“Really?” Apple Bloom asked. “What was it?”

“Something called... racism, I think?” Comet thought hard, trying to remember something he saw on TV.

“Racism?” Twilight asked. “What’s that?”

“Certain appearances make certain people uncomfortable,” Comet said. “People on my world don’t hire certain people due to certain skin color or what country they originally came from. And it seems that the others are doing the same to Zecora.”

“Wow,” Twilight said. “That’s... actually a good example. You five mares aren’t giving Zecora a chance to explain herself.”

“Twilight!” Pinkie said, getting in her face. “She’s... an... evil... enchantress. Who does evil dances. And when you look into her eyes, she will put you in trances.”

“Stop that, Pinkie!” Twilight snapped. “Did any of you even ask what she does?”

“She probably was cursing us when she was standing right there earlier,” Rainbow Dash said. “No way a simple curse is going to bring us down.”

“Actually, it’s…” Comet said before he was lifted into the air by Twilight’s magic, and was placed on her back.

“Alright, Comet,” Twilight said, “I think you had enough curiosity and excitement for today. We’re going back home to the library.”

Then they headed on home to their homes.

“Mommy, I’m sorry for going out there. I just wanted to see if Zecora wasn’t who you thought she was,” Comet said.

“It’s okay, sweetie. I’m not mad. I was afraid I would lose you, but for now, I’m just glad that you’re safe. But you’re still in trouble for going out there, but I forgive you,” Twilight said, kissing her son’s muzzle. “But if you try to do something like that again, ask me next time, okay?”

Comet nodded and then as he hugged his mother’s neck and nuzzled with her mane. Twilight smiled warmly and patted his hoof with hers.

Twilight was having some weird dreams throughout the night, “Curses, schmurses,” she said, but when she fully woke up, she smiled at Comet snuggled up against her soft and warm fur chest and holding his Kugo plushie. Twilight then kissed his forehead and nuzzled him awake. Comet shrugged while he was waking up. He opened his eyes and smiled at Twilight, but got surprised when he saw Twilight’s mane.

“Uh... Mommy?” Comet asked.

“What is it, Comet?” Twilight asked.

“Have you... seen your mane?” Comet asked, nervous to ask, as he noticed something else underneath her mane.

“What? What do you...” Twilight asked before looking in a mirror. “Whoa!” she then chuckled. “Maybe Zecora cursed my mane,” she said, laughing nervously while brushing her mane to its normal state, until she gasped, as what she saw next gave her a sudden shock.

Twilight then screamed.

“MY HORN! MY HORN! What’s happened to it?!”

The screaming woke Spike up, making him rub his eye. “Could you keep it down, I’m trying to sleep.” He then looked at Twilight’s horn, and that woke him up all the way. “WHOA!!”

“We have to find a way to get my horn back to normal!” Twilight said. She then rushed downstairs. Comet and Spike followed her and saw Twilight trying to use her magic to grab a book, but the book started vibrating and dropping on the floor. “No! I can't use my magic!”

“Mom,” Comet said, trying to get her attention.

“I can’t believe that my friends were right about Zecora,” Twilight said, trying to pick up a book with her hoof. “This shouldn’t be possible.”

“Mom,” Comet said. “You should really...”

“No no no no no!” Twilight said, throwing a bunch of books. “None of these books have a cure! Ugh! There has to be a real reason for this! An illness? An allergy?!”

Spike opened up the book “Super Naturals”. He then said, “A curse!”

“I said a real reason,” Twilight said. “Something that points to something real.”

“How about this?” Spike said, showing the book to Twilight.

“‘Supernaturals’?” Twilight asked, looking at the book. “Spike, the word supernatural refers to things like ghosts and spirits and zombies, which are as make-believe as curses. This book is just a bunch of hooey!”

“Mom?” Comet asked, but before he could say anything else, Twilight was tackled by Pinkie Pie, whose tongue was swollen and covered in blue spots.

“Ah pfurse!” Pinkie said, spitting all over Twilight.

“A purse?” Spike asked. Just then, there was the sound of banging coming from outside. Then Rainbow Dash came flying in, flying uncontrollably.

As she was flying without control, she was saying, “She’s... trying to say-ow! Zecora-oh! she slapped us all with a-ow- curse!”

Then the others came in. Rarity’s coat and mane were long and mop like as she said, “I’m afraid I have to agree with Rainbow Dash.” She then blew some of her hair out of her sight.

“I hate to say I told ya so, Twilight, but I told ya so!” came Applejack’s voice, in a high pitched voice. But when Twilight, Comet and Spike looked at Applejack, she was very small, and was standing on Apple Bloom’s back. “It’s a curse, I tells ya!”

Comet sighed, walked over to Apple Bloom and asked, “Couldn’t convince them either, could ya?”

“Y’all have no idea,” Apple Bloom said. “Ah’ve tried talkin’ ta Applejack, but she kept on tryin’ ta get me ta do what she says.”

“Apple Bloom, get me to that table!” Applejack said. Apple Bloom sighed and walked over to the table. Applejack then jumped off of Apple Bloom’s back and looked over towards Twilight.

“Okay, we’re all affected,” said Twilight.

Comet then noticed Fluttershy was here as well and said, “Fluttershy seems to be just fine.”

The group looked towards Fluttershy.

“Yes” Rarity said in agreement. “There doesn’t seem to be a thing wrong with her.”

Twilight came over to Fluttershy as she asked “Fluttershy? Are you okay?” But she didn’t answer and turned her head away, so Twilight tried again “Is there something wrong with you?”

Fluttershy nodded but still didn’t say anything and as nothing looked to be wrong, Comet then asked softly “Fluttershy? Is it your voice?” She nodded and Comet continued “Please tell us. We’re your friends.”

“So... you're not going to tell us? Yes you're not, or yes you will?” Twilight asked.

“Good gravy, girl! What's wrong with you?!” Applejack snapped.

But then, Fluttershy said something in a deep man voice.

Spike snorted, and then burst out laughing. He then said, “Look at all of you! We got: Hairity, Rainbow Crash, Spitty Pie, Apple Teeny, Flutterguy, and... uh...” Spike then stopped, trying to think of a clever nickname for Twilight. “I got nothin’... Twilight Sparkle. I mean seriously, I can’t even work with that.” He then walked towards Comet and Apple Bloom.

“Really? You seriously can’t come up with a clever name for Mom?” Comet asked. “Especially with her horn flopping around like a spaghetti noodle?”

“Flopping?” Spike asked. Then he started thinking out loud. “Flopping... Flop... Flopple! Twilight Flopple!” He then started laughing. Comet and Apple Bloom looked away, shaking their heads. Comet suddenly slammed his hoof on Spike’s head. “Ow!” he said.

“This isn’t funny, Spike!” Twilight shouted. “We need to find a cure for this...”

“Pfurse!” Pinkie spatted out, spraying in Twilight’s face, also cutting her off.

Twilight pushed her back and said, “It’s not a curse!”

Rainbow Dash groaned, “I think we’ll find a cure to this curse at Zecora’s place!”

Twilight Sparkle then shouted while covering Comet’s ears with her magic, “For the last time! IT’S NOT A CURSE!!”

Applejack then said, “I agree with Dash! We’ll go to Zecora’s and force her to remove this hex!”

“It’s not a hex either!” Twilight said.

Everypony but Apple Bloom and Comet kept shouting at once.

“This is all my fault. If you and I hadn’t followed Zecora in the first place, none of this would have happened,” Apple Bloom said.

“This is my fault too, but I’m not gonna let whatever happened to them affect Zecora. I’m going over there, find Zecora and then I’m gonna fix this,” Comet said.

“I’m with ya, pal!” Apple Bloom said, as the two young ponies left the library. However, their attempt to leave did not go unnoticed.

“Now where do those two think they’re goin’ this time?” Applejack said quietly.

She quickly ran across the table and jumped into Apple Bloom’s red tail.

“I don’t care what you say, Twilight. It’s time to pony up and confront Zecora. Come on, girls! Are you with me?” Rainbow Dash asked confidently.

Pinkie Pie said, “Ah am-pft!”

“And I as well,” Rarity said.

Fluttershy, in her deep male voice said, “Uh, I don’t know. Seems awfully dangerous.”

“How about you, Applejack? Applejack?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“Pf-she’s gone-pft!” Pinkie exclaimed.

“Aah! Or some pony stepped on her!” Rarity cried out.

They all each checked both their hooves, but not a single trace of Applejack was there.

“… or sat on her?” Twilight added fearfully.

They checked their rumps… still nothing.

“Rarity’s mane!” Rainbow proposed.

Pinkie began to search about, much to Rarity’s discomfort.

“Oh! OH! Pinkie, what are you doing?” Rarity exclaimed. “Ah, really. Aah! You ever hear of personal space?”

Pinkie had just finished her search, only to come up empty-hoofed.

“Nopthe!” Pinkie answered.

“Apple Bloom and Comet are gone too!” Twilight said.

“I bet they went after Zecora,” Rainbow assumed.

“Well, we better go find them, and probably find out where Zecora lives. Come on girls, let’s go,” Twilight said, as they were about to head out, but had some difficulties.

“Oh dear,” Rarity grunted, the hair over her face. “Oh, this is so unseemly. Auuaah!”

Apparently, Pinkie stood on one of her shaggy hair strands, preventing Rarity from moving. Pinkie stepped off so Rarity could move again. As for Rainbow, she had been hovering upside down and couldn’t flip over.

“Hey, a little help here?” Rainbow called out.

“Oopsie! Sorry!” Fluttershy apologized.

She and Pinkie managed to get Rainbow Dash upright… only for the Pegasus to zoom ahead and crash into another wall.

“OW!”

Fluttershy was about to follow the group when she saw Spike reading the same book Twilight brushed off earlier.

“Uh… Spike? Are you coming?”

Spike’s eyes widened as he chuckled nervously.

“Uh… gotta stay here and look for a cure,” He answered, reading the book.

Meanwhile, Comet and Apple Bloom entered the darker areas of the Everfree Forest in search of Zecora. They had stopped to scan the area when they heard a squeaky yet authoritative voice.

“Stop right there!”

Though they froze, they still looked about but couldn’t see any pony. That was until Applejack popped right out of Apple Bloom’s mane.

“Turn around right now, the both of you!” Applejack ordered.

Apple Bloom just smiled and what she said next was direct and to the point.

“No!” Apple Bloom replied simply.

“No?!” Applejack spluttered. “You can’t ignore a direct order from your big sister!”

“You're in no position to boss us around, Applejack,” Comet replied.

Apple Bloom reached into her mane and grabbed Applejack, then placed her on a tree branch.

“Hehehe. Sorry, Applejack, but I’m the big sister now,” Apple Bloom said.

“Good one, Apple Bloom,” Comet added as he laughed.

Comet and Apple Bloom walked away, leaving Applejack stranded.

“Apple Bloom! Comet! You come back here right this instant!” Applejack shouted. “I’m gonna tell Big McIntosh on you!”

But it didn’t take long for Applejack to realize how petty that last remark was… or the fact she had been ignored and sat on that branch all alone.

“Aw pony feathers!” Applejack muttered.

The mares were running into the Everfree Forest. “C’mon girls. We’ve got to get to Zecora’s. Hurry!” Twilight said.

Rarity suddenly slipped and got herself covered in dirt, leaves and twigs. “Ooh... Ahaha. Easier said than done,” Rarity said, as she continued running.

“Hey, wait for me!” Rainbow Dash said, as she accidentally crashed into a tree, before she spat out Applejack from her mouth.

“Sorry about that,” Rainbow Dash said.

“It’s fine. Now, could ya give me a lift? I need to save my sister,” Applejack asked, holding a rein made of vines and a stick.

Rainbow Dash groaned, “Okay, but only until we find a way to turn back to normal.” She then flew on ahead, but still couldn’t stay in control.

The girls then arrived at Zecora’s hut, until Rarity commented, “Oh. I look horrible!”

Pinkie Pie turned Rarity’s view over to the hut, “Plis place plooks horrible!”

Rarity was suddenly offended by the way Zecora’s hut looked, “Oh my. That place really does look horrible.” The mares peeked through the window, and looked at the masks and candles everywhere. “Nice decorations, if you like creepy!” Rarity said, until they saw Zecora without her cape enter the hut and then poured some contents into a boiling cauldron, until she began talking in her native language.

“Sthe sthtole my sthong! Shthe shtole mm mm!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed while lisping with her swollen tongue.

“She stole your song?” Rarity asked.

“Uhh, Pinkie. It doesn’t sound anything like your song,” Twilight commented.

“Ah. Hmm... Pbth!” Pinkie Pie whimpered towards, but got cut off.

“GIVE IT A REST ALREADY!” Twilight and Rarity exclaimed, before Fluttershy sighed in relief.

“You saw those terrible things. Now do you believe us Twilight?“ Rarity asked.

Twilight pondered for a moment, “Scary looking masks, confusing incantations, and a great big bubbling cauldron?” She then sighed, “Everything is pointing to Zecora being... bad.” She suddenly smiled about something she saw, “Or... what if Zecora is just making soup?”

Zecora then made sure that the brew was just right, “Mmm! The perfect temperature for ponies, I presume. Now, where is that little Apple Bloom, and that… Comet Moonstone?”

Twilight then gasped, Or... what if she’s making Apple Bloom and Comet Moonstone soup?!”

Twilight, Rarity, Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy screamed altogether.

As Rainbow Dash and Applejack heard their screaming, Applejack pulled the reins forward, “I’m comin’ for ya, Apple Bloom!”

Rainbow Dash flew inside the hut and wrecked everything like a heat seeking missile.

Zecora exclaimed in her Native language.

“Whoa there. Easy, Rainbow Crash,” Applejack said, as she kept wrecking the place.

Zecora kept chanting in her Native language in concern as Rainbow Dash crashed into something else, before Zecora shouted angrily in her Native language.

Twilight and her friends suddenly rammed through the door, “What have you done with Comet and Apple Bloom?”

They saw Rainbow Dash flying around crashing into Zecora’s furniture.

“No! No!” Zecora exclaimed and once again spoke in her Native language, before Applejack landed onto the zebra’s ear and tugged onto it by wrestling, and Rainbow Dash crashed into another corner.

“Ponies! What is this you...” Before Zecora could finish, Rainbow Dash crashed into Zecora’s cauldron, spilling her brew.

“No! You know not what you do! You’ve gone and spilled my precious brew!” Zecora exclaimed in rhyme.

“We’re onto you Zecora. I didn’t want to believe that you cursed us, but the evidence is overwhelming!” Twilight scolded the zebra.

“You made me look ridiculous,” Rarity said.

“You made me sound ridiculous!” Fluttershy said in her male voice.

Pinkie Pie incoherently spoke through her swollen tongue, “You made me speak ridiculous!”

“You ruined my horn!” Twilight exclaimed.

Zecora scolded the ponies, “How dare you! You destroy my home, destroy my work, then rudely accuse meof being a jerk?”

“You put this curse on us, now you’re gonna uncurse us,” Rainbow Dash said.

“It is unwise to venture down this road. Your actions will make my anger explode!” Zecora scolded.

“Where are my son and Apple Bloom!?” Twilight exclaimed angrily, until she and her friends glared at Zecora.

Suddenly, Apple Bloom and Comet returned with their findings, “Zecora! I think Comet and I found all the things ya asked for. What in Ponyville is goin’ on here?”

Applejack gasped, “Apple Bloom! You’re both okay!”

“Why wouldn’t we be?” Apple Bloom asked.

“Mom?” Comet asked.

Twilight gasped, “Comet Moonstone Sparkle! What could you have possibly been thinking?! I told you not to go in the forest without asking permission! Do you have any idea how worried I was?!”

“Mom, no! You don’t understand!” Comet exclaimed.

Twilight cut him off, “Oh, I understand alright! Because Zecora is an evil enchantress who cursed us and was gonna cook you both up into soup!”

Zecora, Comet and Apple Bloom then started laughing.

“Oh Twilight. Did those silly fillies finally get in yer head?” Apple Bloom asked.

“Yeah. You know there’s no such thing as a curse,” Comet said.

“Comet, Apple Bloom, sweetie. You can’t just stand there and tell me that this isn’t a curse,” Twilight said.

“It isn’t a curse,” Comet said.

Zecora then explained, in rhythm for some reason “If you will remember back, the words I spoke were quite exact.” *flashback* “Beware, beware you pony folk. Those leaves of blue are not a joke.”

“It was a warnin’,” Apple Bloom said.

“But what about the cauldron?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“And the chanting?” Fluttershy asked.

“And the creepy décor?” Rarity asked.

“Treasures of the native land where I am from. This one speaks ‘hello’, and this ‘welcome’,” Zecora explained.

“Not welcoming at all, if you ask me,” Rarity commented.

“The words I chanted were from olden times. Something you call a nursery rhyme,” Zecora said.

“But the cauldron... The Apple Bloom and Comet Moonstone soup?” Twilight asked.

Apple Bloom then explained, “That pot of water wasn’t for us, it was for all these herbal ingredients me and Comet got. The cure for poison joke is a simple old-natural remedy. You just gotta take a bubble bath!”

“But I tried to find a cure in all my books and couldn’t find anything. What book has this natural remedy?” Twilight asked.

Zecora then motioned Comet with the book she was looking for, “Here is the book, you see? Sad that you lack it in your library.”

“”Super Naturals, Natural Remedies and Cure-alls That are Simply Super”,” Comet read. “Did you read that part of the title?” Comet then levitated the book over to Twilight, who read it.

Twilight’s eyes then widened, and then she covered her face and groaned. Twilight then said, “I should have payed more attention to the text.” She then sighed. “What do you think is responsible for this?”

Comet then opened the book, and looked through the pages of the book and found the right page. He smiled and showed the page towards Twilight.

“Like we were trying to tell you: that blue plant right there. It’s called Poison Joke,” Comet said.

Zecora then explained in rhyme, “That plant is much like poison oak. But its results are like a joke.”

Applejack asked, “What in the hay does that mean?”

“It means this plant does not breed wrath. Instead this plant just wants a laugh,” Zecora rhymed again.

“Will somepony please talk normal?” Applejack asked.

“I think what she’s saying is that when we ran in to save Apple Bloom and Comet, we ran into the poison joke. All our problems are just little jokes it played on us,” Twilight said.

The six mares looked towards the book and saw the flower on that page.

“That’s what made us this way?!” Applejack shouted. “How do we know that Zecora wasn’t the one who planted them?”

Comet then groaned and shouted, "Would you stop blaming everything on Zecora?! You’re not giving her a chance. You’re all just racist jerks, not willing to give different creatures a chance, even though they’re smart as us. Shame on you!”

“Listen, Comet!” Applejack shouted. “You don’t get to...”

“APPLEJACK!” Twilight shouted, interrupting Applejack and getting her attention. “Comet is right. You all never have given Zecora a chance to explain her odd behaviors.”

The other ponies, minus Comet and Apple Bloom, looked at each other, thought about what Twilight and Comet said, and then looked at the ground, ashamed.

“You know, they’re right,” Rarity said. “We’ve all been weirded out by her looks and strange behaviors, we didn’t see who she was on the inside.”

“We were just too afraid to talk to her, thinking she was a wicked mare,” Fluttershy said in her deep male voice.

Zecora chuckled, “Maybe next time you will take a second look, and not judge the cover of the book.”

“My warning must’ve not gotten to you all,” Zecora said. “To the Poison Joke, you all fall.”

“Technically, we didn’t fall,” Twilight said. “Listen, we’re all sorry for not getting to know you. Ponies around here were afraid of you because of your appearance and your oddly strange behaviors.”

“My appearance and odd behavior may be strange,” Zecora said. “But it is no reason for ponies to be long-range.”

“Is it common for zebras to talk in rhyme?” Comet asked.

Zecora looked down at Comet and smiled, “I am the only one who speaks in rhyme. But it seems that I’m not the only one whose appearance is different this time.”

Comet bit his lip, knowing what Zecora was talking about. Twilight then said, “He wasn’t always like this. He was once a completely different species. He came here looking like this due to some old Equestrian artifact that can transport some creature’s soul from where they are into another creature, either by voodoo pregnancy or just teleport them to the Castle of the Two Sisters.”

“I know what you are talking about, Twilight,” said Zecora. “You refer to the cursed diamond, the Crystal Eye of Nightmare, powered by the magic of the mare of the moonlight.”

“You know about that?!” Twilight asked, shocked.

“I’ve studied all artifacts and things attracted,” Zecora said. “But the diamond’s curse cannot be extracted.”

While comforting her colt, Twilight looked at the zebra, “Zecora? Would you be kind enough to mix up another batch of the herbal bath?”

Zecora looked up at the group and smiled, “Mix it up I certainly will. Yet I am missing an herb from Ponyville.”

“But whenever Zecora comes to town, all the shops are mysteriously closed,” Apple Bloom said.

“Oh, well... I think we can help you with that,” Twilight said, thinking of an idea.

After convincing the ponies of Ponyville about Zecora, The Mane 6 were in the Jacuzzi at the spa, finally cured of the Poison Joke. Well, at least five of them were.

”Dear Princess Celestia,
My friends and I all learned an important lesson this week: Never judge a book by its cover. Someone may look unusual, or funny, or scary. But you have to look past that and learn who they are inside. Real friends don’t care what your “cover” is; it’s the “contents” of a pony that count. And a good friend, like a good book, is something that will last forever.

Your faithful student,
Twilight Sparkle”

One of the spa ponies was astounded by the mix that Zecora had made.

“Miss Zecora, I would love to get the recipe for this bath,” one of the spa ponies, Lotus Blossom, said. “It’s simply luxurious!”

Zecora smiled. Standing next to her were Apple Bloom and Comet. Apple Bloom then looked around and asked, “Applejack! Hey, where’s Applejack?!”

Twilight, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie looked all over the Jacuzzi they were in, hoping that they weren’t sitting on Applejack.

“Ah’m right here, little sis,” came Applejack’s voice. They all looked towards the voice and saw Applejack back in her normal size, with her butt stuck in a small tub. “Ah ain’t tiny no more!”

“Oh! I have never felt so lovely in all my life!” Rarity said, feeling relieved that she was back to normal.

“Oh, my gosh!” Pinkie Pie said, and continued ranting, very quickly. “I never realized how horrible it is not to be able to talk. I mean, I love talking so much, and when I couldn’t talk anymore, my tongue was all ‘ehhhh’! It was the worst! Don’t you agree, Fluttershy?” Rainbow Dash was annoyed hearing Pinkie’s speech, trying to cover her ears.

“Yes,” Fluttershy said in her normal voice. Then the group laughed, and are happy that everything was going to be fine for the rest of the day.

“Alright, Comet,” Twilight said. “Time for bed.” Twilight escorted Comet to his bedroom by carrying him on her back. Twilight then levitated him into his bed and pulled the covers over her son. “Comet? I’m actually very proud of you, sweetheart.”

“You are?” Comet asked.

“You helped the ponies get to know Zecora and see her for who she really is,” Twilight said. “Just like when we got the town of Ponyville to meet you and get to know you.”

Comet smiled, which didn’t last long.

“What’s wrong, sweetie?” Twilight asked, stroking his mane.

“I was hoping that Zecora would know of a way, that if I can ever be in my normal body again for once,” Comet said. He then sighed. “Guess she couldn’t even find anything.”

“Oh, sweetie, I know,” Twilight said, nuzzling the colt’s left cheek as she brought him over for a hug against her chest. “We’re just gonna have to be patient. Now, you get some sleep, and I’ll see you in the morning, okay?”

“Okay,” Comet said. He then yawned, and snuggled into his pillows and blankets, before he finally fell asleep. Twilight then kissed her son on the forehead, before she looked out the window while stroking her son’s mane.

“Comet sure is a special foal.” Twilight thought. She then gave her son one more kiss on the cheek, left his bedroom with the door closed, and got into her bed, until she fell asleep.

Chapter 11: A Dog For Comet

The next morning, Twilight, Spike and Comet were eating breakfast together. Today was the day that Twilight was going to get Comet a dog. But for her to do it right, she has to get Comet situated with one of her friends. Twilight looked over at Comet, who was finishing his pancakes. Just then, there was a knock on the front door. Twilight got up from her seat and headed towards the front door. When she opened it, outside was Pinkie Pie.

“Hey, Twilight!” Pinkie Pie said. “Is everything ready?”

“Yep,” Twilight said. She then turned towards the kitchen door. “Hey, Comet! Can you come to the front door?” Comet then came out of the kitchen and walked up to the two mares.

“What is it, Mommy?” Comet asked.

Twilight then started explaining, “Comet, I’ve asked Pinkie Pie and the Cakes to look after you while Spike and I do a little something, but I’m not gonna spoil it. After all, you’ve been doing so much with your magic and your hooves, I think it’s time for you to get to know some other residents of Ponyville, so maybe you and Pinkie could do some baking together for example.”

“Are you sure?” Comet asked, a little nervous.

“It’ll be fun!” Pinkie Pie said, ruffling Comet’s mane. “After all, the Cakes like you, remember? Plus, I’m sure they’ll love having you bake with me! And maybe we’ll have some super yummy in the tummy treats for you to take home!”

Comet then looked up at Twilight, a little nervous. Twilight motioned her head, telling Comet to go with Pinkie Pie, and then Comet sighed. Pinkie suddenly put Comet on her back.

“Don’t worry your little heads about nothing! Mr and Mrs. Cake and I will take care of the little cutie and have him back in time for dinner! Pinkie Promise!” Pinkie Pie said. Twilight nodded in confirmation, and then Pinkie Pie trotted off with Comet on her back. As the two were out of sight, Spike came up to Twilight, with a backpack on his back.

“Okay,” said Spike. “Got everything we need.”

Twilight then looked towards a bush and asked, “You ready to go?”

From the bush, Fluttershy peeked her head out, smiled and said, “Yes.” She then came out of the bush, and then the three of them headed away from the Golden Oaks Library after Spike locked the door.

Twilight, Spike and Fluttershy walked into the animal shelter in Canterlot. They headed into the area where they kept all the dogs, and the three of them were looking at all of them in their cages.

“According to Princess Celestia, this section is where the dogs are kept under the best care this shelter has,” Spike said.

“Wow… This place has so many dogs,” Twilight said. “How are we going to find the right one for Comet?”

“There are so many dogs to choose from,” Fluttershy said. She then walked towards one cage and saw one dog starring at all of them.

Fluttershy smiled warmly, and then she looked towards Twilight and asked, “What about this one?”

Twilight and Spike took a look at the dog. Twilight then smiled warmly at the dog, “Aww… well, aren’t you just a sweet big boy?”

Spike then said, “I just hope that this dog is easily trained.”

Then one pony in the shelter walked up to them and said, “Oh, he’s very well behaved, and is good with foals of any age.” She then got a good look at the two mares. “Say, aren’t you two the ones with the Elements of Harmony?”

“Yes we are,” Twilight said. “I’m Twilight Sparkle, and this is Fluttershy.”

“Oh, I heard of you and your friends, Miss Sparkle, because we all know you’re Princess Celestia’s faithful student,” said the Shelter Pony. “I also heard that you adopted a colt that looks like you, but conjured by a spell from Nightmare Moon that made you pregnant. Is it true that he only looks like you and isn’t really an evil clone or a demon made by that wicked mare?”

“He’s just a foal who needed a good family, and not be treated badly,” Twilight said. “He had it worse before he came to Ponyville.”

“Well, if he only looks like you and isn’t really a clone of you conjured by that evil mare, I hope that nothing bad will happen because of her,” said the Shelter Pony. “And since you’re somehow interested in this dog, I’ll have this dog out, get you the papers, and collar, food bowls, and a leash for this dog. I’m sure that your little colt is going to love him.”

“Yeah,” Twilight said. “My son really deserves something that would be there for him when he’s feeling down.”

“Yes, dogs are known for that,” the Shelter Pony said before walking away. Later, she came back with the paperwork, a leash, two clean food bowls, and a collar for the dog. Since the Shelter Pony was a unicorn, she levitated the papers and a quill for Twilight to sign. Twilight took the quill in her magic and signed the paper work, officially adopting the dog. The Shelter Pony then let the dog out, and the dog speed-walked right towards Twilight, licking her face.

“Hey!” Twilight said, giggling and laughing as the dog lovingly licked her cheek. “Easy, boy!” Twilight then petted the dog and smiled. “Well, let’s get you to Ponyville so you can meet my foal.” Twilight then used her magic to hook the collar onto the dog’s neck, and then hooked the leash to it. Then she handed the leash to Spike, as he rode on her back. “Alright. Let’s head on home to Ponyville.” Then Twilight, Spike, Fluttershy and the dog headed on out of there.

As soon as they left the animal shelter, Twilight heard a voice very familiar to her.

“Twilight?”

Twilight, Spike and Fluttershy looked towards the left and saw Twilight Velvet and Night Light walking towards them. They both had smiles on their faces, seeing Twilight again.

“Mom?” Twilight asked. “What are you and Dad doing here in this part of town?”

“We just wanted to get some fresh air, so your father and I decided to take a little stroll,” Velvet said. Then she and Night Light noticed the dog, and thought how sweet their daughter was being for her son. “Let me guess, you’re getting a dog for little Comet?”

“Yep,” Twilight said. “We haven’t named him yet.”

“We’re thinking of letting Comet name the dog,” Spike added.

“That’s a good idea,” Night Light said. “Well, I hope that Comet will enjoy this dog.” Velvet said, as she patted the dog’s head. “One of these days, Night Light and I will have to come down to Ponyville to see how our favorite grandson’s doing.”

“I’m sure that Comet would enjoy having a dog,” Twilight said. “He deserves one. Even if he wasn’t originally from here.”

“I’m sure that you’re doing the right thing, Twilight,” Night Light said. “Be sure to get a lot of stuff for the dog. And make sure he has a lot of loving times.” Velvet then rubbed her hoof up and down the dog’s neck.

“I will, Mom,” Twilight said. “And I’m sure that Comet will enjoy this dog as well. We better get to Ponyville. Comet will love having a dog to play with.”

Velvet nodded and said, “Well, it’s been nice seeing you again.”

Twilight nodded, and then she, Spike, Fluttershy and the dog headed on to the train station.

Back at Sugarcube Corner, Comet was enjoying baking with Pinkie and the Cakes.

She taught him how to bake a few cupcakes and then a few cookies. Comet used his magic to bring every ingredient over.

“Don’t they look yummy?!” Pinkie Pie asked excitedly.

“Yeah, they really do look tasty,” Comet said.

Mr and Mrs. Cake then saw how well the pastries were made. They then smiled warmly at Comet as he asked, “Do you like them?”

Mrs. Cake then smiled more and brought Comet over for a hug, “Yes, sweetie. You’ve done an amazing job.”

Comet then hugged Mrs. Cake back and leaned against her chest, “Thank you.”

Mr. Cake then thought of an idea, “I think we should let Comet come over here whenever Twilight desires, and maybe have him and Pinkie Pie bake together.” They all nodded in agreement. “I think that’s a wonderful idea, honey,” Mrs. Cake said.

Just then, the sound of Comet’s stomach growled. “And I think somepony’s hungry!” Pinkie Pie said.

“Lunch sounds good right now,” Comet said.

“How about if me and my husband treat you for some lunch?” Mrs. Cake said.

“Okay,” Comet replied, as he waited for his lunch at a table, while Mr and Mrs. Cake were in the kitchen making the little colt some lunch.

After waiting for a few minutes, Mrs. Cake handed Comet a grilled cheese sandwich with a bowl of tomato soup. “My favorite!” Comet said, as he then very carefully ate his sandwich and soup.

After helping the Cakes clean up from baking, Comet arrived back at the Golden Oaks Library, and now wanting to rest. Twilight opened the kitchen door and saw Comet heading towards the stairs.

“Oh, hey, Comet,” Twilight said. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine,” Comet said. “Just a little tired.”

Twilight walked over to Comet and nuzzled him. Twilight then said, “You have been having a hard life. So, I thought something like this would cheer you up.” Twilight then looked towards the kitchen door. “Spike, bring him out!”

Then, all of a sudden, the dog that Twilight got ran out of the kitchen, slowed down while trotting before pacing, and headed towards Comet, licking his face.

“Hey!” Comet said, giggling as he was being licked. “St-stop that! That tickles!”

“Comet, I got you a dog to get your spirit rising,” Twilight said. “We haven’t named him yet.”

“Why not?” Comet asked, looking up at Twilight.

“We decided you should get to name the dog,” Twilight said, looking down at Comet. “We got him for you.”

Comet smiled and looked at the dog, face to face. Comet then said, “I remember this one movie in my world I used to watch, so I think I’ll call him… Beethoven.”

“Beethoven?” Twilight asked. Spike came in, also confused on the name.

“Is that a name from your world?” Spike asked.

Comet nodded. He then said, “It’s also the name of a music composer from the 1770’s to the 1800’s. So I’m sure that Beethoven will enjoy his name. Right, boy?” The dog then barked to reply. The dog then licked Comet’s cheek, making him giggle again.

“That's sweet,” Twilight said. “I hope you will enjoy having a friend that can be with you that knows you’re feeling a little down. But… actually… Beethoven’s probably a nice name. Let’s stick with that.”

Comet smiled, looking up at Twilight, and said, “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome, Comet,” Twilight said. She then kissed Comet’s forehead. Then Comet headed upstairs with Beethoven following him.

Twilight, Spike and Comet were having dinner in the kitchen, consisting chili, spoon bread, and a steamed carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, and Beethoven was watching them eat. Spike grabbed the pepper shaker and shook it onto his food, but Twilight grabbed it with her magic and shook some on her food.

“Twilight!” Spike said.

“Don’t waste the pepper, Spike,” Twilight said.

“Mommy, can I have more mixed vegetables?” Comet asked.

“Of course, sweetie. But just some, okay?” Twilight replied, and then scooped some vegetables out of the bowl for Comet to have.

“Do you want some more chili as well?” Twilight asked. Comet nodded, and then scooped a spoonful of chili for Comet.

“Sweetheart, when you’re done, why don’t you feed Beethoven?” Comet nodded and after he was eating, he headed for the dog bowl and dog food. Beethoven woke up and looked towards Comet, panting and wagging his tail in excitement.

“I guess Beethoven is feeling excited,” Spike said.

“That’s good,” Comet said. He filled up the dog bowl with dog food. Comet put the bowl down, and then Beethoven started eating.

“Thank you, Mommy, for getting him for me. I promise to take good care of him,” Comet said.

“You’re welcome, Comet,” Twilight said. “Now go get ready for your bath, and I’ll be up there soon.”

Comet nodded and then went upstairs to the bathroom to get the bathtub ready for a bath.

Later on, Comet was already asleep, but as Twilight came in, she saw not only Comet, but their new dog, Beethoven, sleeping with her son, making her smile warmly, and then she placed Comet’s blankets back over him and then kissed him on the forehead. She then looked at Beethoven, and then petted him by stroking his head, “Welcome to the family, Beethoven.” She then kissed the dog’s head and then left, letting the dog sleep with Comet.

Chapter 12: Swarm of the Century

Out by the field of the Everfree Forest, Fluttershy was picking out some flowers for the Princess’s arrival the next day. She had a squirrel helping her out. The squirrel was holding a dandelion.

“Thank you little squirrel, but remember: these flowers are for Princess Celestia,” Fluttershy said. “Only the prettiest ones will do.” Just then, something chirped, startling her. “Gah!” She hid behind a bucket of apples. When she peeked her head, she saw a small blue creature.

“Hello, little guy. I've never seen anything like you before,” Fluttershy said.

The small creature then sniffed an apple until Fluttershy realized what it was doing.

“Oh, are you hungry?” Fluttershy then squashed the apple into mush, and offered it to the small creature. “Here you go.”

The creature then ate all the apples as quick as a termite, as Fluttershy was suddenly shocked.

“I guess you were hungry,” Fluttershy said, as the cute creature then purred adorably and snuggled into her pink mane.

Fluttershy smiled warmly, “You’re the cutest thing ever! I can’t wait to show you to my friends.” She then trotted back over to Ponyville.

Back at Twilight’s library, Spike was cleaning up all the books so they can be restocked on the shelves. The entire town of Ponyville was decorated for the arrival of Princess Celestia.

Twilight was suddenly nervous, “Oh! Hurry up, Spike! This place isn’t gonna clean itself.”

“It also didn’t mess itself up,” Spike said.

“Princess Celestia will be here tomorrow!” Twilight said, dusting every other corner of the room.

“I thought this was just an unofficial casual visit,” Spike said.

“There’s nothing casual about a visit from royalty. I want this place to be spotless, and you’ve barely made a dent in the clutter,” Twilight said.

Spike climbed up the ladder to put the books back on the shelf, “Maybe you should, ugh, start reading them one at a time-- whoa ho! Aw.”

“Everything’s got to be perfect. No time for fooling around,” Twilight said.

“Mom! Mom!” Comet’s voice came. “Mommy! I learned a new spell!”

“You did?! What is it?!” she asked.

Comet then concentrated and with a quick flash from his horn, all the piled books were restocked back on every shelf.

Twilight and Spike were amazed.

“Comet… I don’t believe that you just casted an advanced spell nopony has ever conjured before,” she said, before bringing him over for a hug. “I’m proud of you, sweetie.”

“Thank you, Mommy,” Comet said, hugging his mother’s chest. “I thought it’d be cool to use if Spike didn’t have to hurt himself.”

“That’s very sweet of you, Comet. But you do know that Spike works hard,” Twilight said. “Plus, the reading why we’re cleaning everything up is because Princess Celestia is coming over tomorrow. And I’m sure she’ll be happy to see you.”

“SHE WILL?!” Comet asked.

“Absolutely,” Twilight said, before she thought of an idea. “Why don’t we go see how everypony else’s preparations are going?”

Comet nodded, and then Spike got a checklist ready, “I’ve got the checklist ready.” He then got onto Twilight’s back and then they left the library.

While Twilight, Spike and Comet were walking, the ponies were chattering while Ponyville was decorated for Princess Celestia’s visit.

Suddenly, they saw the banner that said “Welcome, Princess Celest” and suddenly got confused.

“What happened to the rest of her name?” Twilight asked.

“We couldn’t fit it all in,” Golden Harvest replied.

“You can’t hang a banner that says “Welcome Princess Celest”. Take it down and try again,” Twilight said.

“Sorry about that. She’s really eager to see everything perfect when she arrives,” Comet said.

Twilight turned to Bon Bon, who was watering flowers, “That looks perfect. Keep up the good work.” Bon Bon nodded and continued watering the flowers.

Twilight, Comet and Spike went over to Sugarcube Corner to check on the sweets, “Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Cake. How’s the banquet coming?”

Mrs. Cake then nervously replied, “Uh...it would be coming a little better if...”

They suddenly saw the sweets eaten by none other than Pinkie Pie.

“Pinkie! What are you doing? Those sweets are supposed to be for the princess,” Twilight exclaimed.

“I know. That's why I’m tasting them. Somepony needs to make sure that everything is tasty enough to touch the royal tongue, and I, Pinkie Pie, declare that these treats are fit for a king, or a queen, or a princess,” Pinkie Pie said, before she was stopped by Comet, who took the cake away from her. “Aww…”

At Carousel Boutique, Rarity was creating a renaissance outfit for Rainbow Dash to wear, but the pegasus mare was being too hesitant, “Stand still, Rainbow Dash.”

Rainbow Dash groaned, “Ugh, I caaan’t, I need to flyyy!” Rarity suddenly tugged her tail. “This is waaay too boring for me.”

“Do you want to look nice for Princess Celestia or not?” Rarity asked.

Twilight, Comet and Spike suddenly came in, and she said, “Wow. Rarity, those outfits are gorgeous.”

Rarity giggled, “Mmhmm. Thank you, Twilight. Nice to know somepony appreciates my talents.”

Rainbow Dash then shook the wig and took the dress off, “Ugh, sooo boooring.”

A voice suddenly came in, “Girls, you won’t believe... oh, I’m sorry. Uh, am I interrupting?”

“No, not at all. Come on in and make yourself at home,” Pinkie Pie asked. “What’s going on, Fluttershy?”

“You won’t believe what I found at the edge of the Everfree Forest,” Fluttershy said, until a chirping sound appeared.

“Huh?” Rarity asked.

“What’s that sound, Fluttershy?” Rainbow Dash asked, until Fluttershy looked down at her mane. “Come on out, little guy. It’s okay.”

The creature she found purred and popped out of her mane, until four more chirped.

Fluttershy gasped, “Five?”

“Wow, what are they?” Rainbow Dash said.

“The better question is, where did they come from?” Fluttershy asked.

“They’re amazing,” Twilight asked.

“I’m not sure. I’m also not sure where these other four came from,” Fluttershy said.

“I’ve never seen anything so... adorable. Besides, it’ll be nice to have a companion for Spike and Comet so they won’t bother me so much while I’m studying,” Twilight said, as the little creature nuzzled with her mane.

“HEY!” Spike and Comet glared in unison.

Fluttershy looked at Pinkie Pie, and asked, “Pinkie, do you want the other one?”

Pinkie Pie then said, “Ugh! A parasprite? Are you kidding?”

Fluttershy was confused, “Ugh?”

Twilight was also confused, “A para-what now?”

“How could you not like...” Fluttershy was then cut off by Pinkie, “Ugh. Now I gotta go find a trombone.”

“A what?” Twilight asked.

“A trombone, you know…” Pinkie then made a trombone imitation, before trotting off.

“Ahhh, typical Pinkie,” Twilight said, until the small creature purred, while snuggling into Twilight’s mane.

“Uh, I’ll take one,” Rainbow Dash said.

“Me too. Oh, they’re perfect,” Rarity said.

Pinkie Pie suddenly came back in, “Does anypony know where I can find an accordion?”

The others were distracted by the adorableness of the small creatures while making baby talk noises. “Girls! Hello! This is important. Durgh! Thanks a lot.”

Back at the library, Twilight checked everything that was on the list, and then sighed and said, “The decorations, the banquet, I really hope everything comes together in time for tomorrow.”

Spike and the little creature were sleeping together, while Comet was in his bedroom with Beethoven.

“Oh,” Twilight smiled warmly and then yawned, “…what’s there to worry about?”

The next morning, Twilight woke up and what suddenly shocked her was that sleeping on Spike was more of the strange creatures.

“Spike! Wake up! What happened?” Twilight asked.

“Huh? Whaaa! What’s going on?” Spike asked.

A swarm of parasprites were everywhere.

“Where did they come from?” Twilight asked.

“I don’t know. The little guy got hungry in the night, so I gave him a snack, but... I have no idea where these others came from,” Spike replied, until the parasprites started destroying everything.

“Mom! They’re everywhere!” Comet said, hiding underneath her and behind her front legs.

Twilight comforted her son, and then said, “The princess will be here in a few hours, but now we’ve got a bigger problem on our hooves!”

“What do we do?!” Comet asked.

“Spike, you and Comet help me round up these little guys,” Twilight said.

Spike was somehow having trouble with keeping everything clean and away from the parasprites, “Ugh, what does it look like I’m doing?!”

Comet used his magic to round them up, but it was no use. The girls somehow had mishaps with the other parasprites, leaving Pinkie Pie with a solution.

Twilight, Comet and Spike were on their way over to Fluttershy’s cottage, but suddenly saw Rarity with her bags full of her parasprites.

Rarity gasped, “I see we’re having the same problem.”

Rainbow Dash’s voice suddenly appeared, “Ditto!” She then shook them off.

“Fluttershy knows everything about animals, I’m sure she can tell us how to stop them from multiplying,” Twilight said, but suddenly as they got there, it was already a complete disaster as more parasprites were everywhere. “...or not.”

“Ugh, do something Fluttershy, can't you control them?” Twilight asked, as she, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, and Comet saw what was happening.

“I’ve tried everything I know. I’ve tried begging, and pleading, and beseeching, and asking politely, and...”

Rainbow Dash moaned, until Twilight had a bad vision about the parasprites pestering Princess Celestia.

“If we can’t get them under control before the princess arrives, it’ll be a total disaster.

Rarity then saw a parasprite gagging a hair ball that became another parasprite. “Ew! If you ask me, it’s already a total disaster,” Rarity said.

“She has a point, you know. Look,” Comet said pointing at Ponyville being destroyed by the swarming parasprites.

They then got back into the library to look for answers.

As they all looked for answers, Comet then headed to a section of the library and pulled out one book. He turned to one page and saw something that shocked him. “Mom! Look at this!”

Twilight and her friends came over, “What is it, sweetie?”

Comet showed her the page, until she gasped in shock, “Parasprites! Creatures who are extremely cute, but are a real pest. They eat every kind of food and multiplying in the grossest way possible. Oh, boy.”

“We better chase out them pesky varmints and keep ‘em out of Ponyville,” Applejack said, as Pinkie Pie ran off.

“It’ll be a tough road,” Twilight said. “But, at least we’ll have everything ready again before Princess Celestia comes… hopefully. We don’t want those things to keep causing a ruckus, until they swallow Ponyville whole.”

Comet then went off, until he heard Twilight’s voice call him, “Comet! Where are you going?!”

“To find Pinkie Pie!” Comet replied, before continuing to run off.

“Hope she’s okay. Come on, let’s come up with a plan!” Twilight said, as they started to come up with strategies for the parasprites.

Out in the middle of nowhere, Comet was still looking for Pinkie Pie, until he saw a wagon full of musical instruments and other equipment.

“Pinkie? What are you doing?” Comet asked.

“Oh, hey, Comet,” Pinkie Pie replied.

“Are those instruments?” he asked.

“Yep! I tried asking for their help, but they’re just too stubborn,” Pinkie replied.

“What do you mean?” Comet asked.

“I know a way to keep them from doing what they’re gonna do, which is right now!” Pinkie shouted. “They came to my family’s rock farm 10 years ago, and they got distracted by music. So, I need the instruments of a one pony band!” She then continued moving her wagon forward.

Comet then realized what she meant, until an idea popped in his head, “One pony band… ONE PONY BAND! PINKIE, YOU’RE A GENIUS!”

“I am?!” she asked.

“Come on! I’ve got an idea!” Comet replied, as Pinkie trotted along with Comet.

After failing to round up the parasprites, Ponyville was already destroyed, including Sweet Apple Acres and Rarity’s boutique, and Twilight’s library.

The ponies were screaming in terror.

Twilight was suddenly panicking, “Okay, here’s the plan. Rainbow Dash, you distract them.”

Rainbow Dash screamed.

“Good. Everyone else, we need to build an exact copy of Ponyville right over there,” Twilight said, before panicking again. “We’ve got less than a minute. Oh no, the princess’s procession is almost here. It’s all over! Oh, we’re doomed.”

“Mom!”

Twilight suddenly heard her colt’s voice from the distance, “Comet?! Where have you been?”

“Getting help, plus I know how to make it work! In fact, we know how!” Comet said.

“We?” the other mares asked.

They suddenly heard music, which sounded like a circus, but it was Pinkie Pie with a one pony band set along with some other instruments from a circus parade.

Twilight and the other mares were unamused, “Pinkie? We’re in the middle of a crisis here. This is no time for your...” Comet then cut her off, “No wait! Look!”

Twilight and the others saw some parasprites following Pinkie, “…nonsense?”

The Parasprites were enchanted by the music and followed Pinkie Pie as she was leading them all away from Ponyville.

“What do you think?” Comet asked.

“You planned this?” Twilight asked, as Comet nodded. She then put him on her back and then she and her friends followed Pinkie Pie, and then saw the Parasprites flying back to their natural habitat.

“We did it!” Comet said in exclaim.

Just then, they saw the chariot coming down.

“Here she comes, everypony!” Twilight said. The eight of them watched as the chariot landed in front of them. Princess Celestia exited the chariot and came up to the Mane 6, Comet and Spike.

“Twilight Sparkle, my prized pupil,” Princess Celestia said.

“Hello, princess,” Twilight said.

“So lovely to see you again, as well as your friends,” Princess Celestia said. She then looked down at Comet. “Hello there, Comet. Are you enjoying your time in Ponyville?”

“I am…” Comet said, before giving a sad smile.

“I know, it must be hard getting used to a new place in an unfamiliar form but in the same gender,” Princess Celestia said. “But I know that you’ll adjust. Just give it some time.”

“Not all ponies see me that way,” Comet said. “Some ponies still don’t understand me, but some still want me...” Comet got nervous and shuttered.

Princess Celestia leaned her head towards Comet and said, “I promise that that will never happen to a sweet, innocent soul like you.” She then kissed him on the forehead, and stood up straight and said, “And I will make it clear to the ponies of Canterlot at the Grand Galloping Gala. Which is why... you’ll be attending.” Princess Celestia levitated a ticket to the Grand Galloping Gala to Comet.

Comet took the ticket in his magic, unsure whether to accept or decline. “Uhhhh... Do I have to attend?”

“It would make things a whole lot more easier for both of us for you to attend the gala,” Princess Celestia said, smiling. “You’ll have no worries.”

Comet sighed, as Twilight placed her hoof onto him.

“But for now, I cannot stick around,” Princess Celestia said. “I’m afraid an emergency has come up in Fillydelphia. Apparently there’s been some sort of infestation.”

“An infestation?” Twilight asked.

“Yes, a swarm of incredibly bothersome creatures has invaded the poor town,” Princess Celestia said, getting back into her chariot. “I’m sorry Twilight, to have to put you all through so much trouble.”

“It’s... alright, Princess,” Twilight said. “We understand.”

“Before I have to go, would you care to give me your latest report on the magic of friendship in person?” Princess Celestia asked.

“My... report?” Twilight asked.

“Actually, I have,” Twilight said, looking towards Pinkie. “I’ve learned that sometimes the solution to your problems can come from where you least expect it. It’s a good idea to stop and listen to your friends’ opinions and perspectives... Even when they don’t always seem to make sense.”

“I’m so proud of you, Twilight Sparkle, and I’m very impressed with your friends as well,” Princess Celestia said. “It sounds like you’re all learning so much from each other.”

“Thank you, princess,” Twilight said. Then the chariot got lifted into the sky. Comet then looked down at the ticket he got from the Princess, and frowned. Twilight looked at Comet and asked, “What’s wrong, Comet?”

“I’m... I’m not to sure that I want to go,” Comet said.

That made Twilight’s friends look down at Comet, all gasping. Rarity then asked, “Well why not, darling? It’s a very big honor just to go to the Grand Galloping Gala.”

“It's one of the biggest parties in all of Equestria!” Pinkie shouted. “How could you not want to go?!”

“I... don’t really want to... you know...” Comet said, worried that the others wouldn’t understand.

“It would make you feel more girly like those bullies treated you back then?” Twilight asked. Comet replied nodding, and also sighing sadly. Twilight sighed as well and said, “Well, you might not like it, but you should go as well. You can’t refuse the Princess’s invitation to the Gala. She’s expecting you to go there.”

Comet bit his lip, getting nervous at what kind of trouble he was going to get into.

As nighttime arrived, and Ponyville was restored, Comet was laying in his bed with Beethoven laying next to him. He was looking out the window, which was on the other side of the room, with worry. Twilight’s ear twitched until she turned her head towards Comet’s bedroom door, and opened her eyes. She then decided to do one more check on her son, but she saw him staring out the window.

“Comet?” Twilight asked. “Are you alright?”

Comet looked towards Twilight and sighed. He then said, “Not really. I don’t really want to dress up and go to this... Gala. It seems... boring and... uncomfortable for me because of the big crowds.”

Twilight then walked towards Comet and said, “I know. You’re a little worried that you might lose your mind and start thinking about things from your past?” Comet nodded. “It’s okay. You might not enjoy it, but I’m sure that you’ll be able to go with it. I’ll be by your side all the way.”

“Really?” Comet asked.

Twilight nuzzled Comet before pulling him over for a hug as he was snuggled against her chest, and said, “Really. No matter what happens, I’ll be there with you.” Comet smiled. “At the Gala, I’ll be with you. As long as you stay with me when I’m gonna talk with the Princess.”

“Okay,” Comet said. He then sighed. “I just won’t enjoy it much.”

“I know,” Twilight said, she then placed him back on his bed. “Now, get some sleep. We’re gonna have to get ready.”

Comet yawned and said, “Okay. Good night.” Comet then fell back asleep.

Twilight kissed Comet’s forehead and said, “Good night, Comet.” She then headed for her bed and got in. Then, the two of them fell asleep in their bedrooms, hoping that the next day will be better for Comet.

Author's Note

Sorry it took so long. I just had other things to do, like housework, checking out other stories, and other stuff.

Chapter 13: Comet’s New Robes

Twilight, Comet and Applejack were on their way to the Carousel Boutique, which was Rarity’s house. Comet was still unsure about himself wanting to wear formal clothing and go to a fancy ball. As a human, he had watched how some fancy parties went on TV, and found them pretty interesting but boring most of the time. He was now invited to one, and he had a feeling that he’s gonna be bored all night, or be laughed at by other ponies.

“I’m not so sure about this,” Comet said, sticking close to his mother, Twilight.

“It’ll be fine, Comet,” Twilight said. “I’m just going to ask Rarity to fix up this dress for the Gala. And hopefully, she can get you fitted into something that you would like.”

“I’m… still not too sure about this,” Comet said.

“Ah ain’t too keen about fashion mahself,” Applejack said, “but it is for the Grand Galloping Gala. We have ta get some dresses if we’re gonna attend the Gala.”

Comet sighed and groaned at the same time, as they came into Carousel Boutique. They went in and went upstairs into Rarity’s room, before Applejack knocked. But when there was no reply, the three of them just entered the room.

“Howdy, Rarity!” Applejack said as she walked in. Rarity didn’t answer as she was creating a dress.

“Shh... can’t you see Rarity is trying to concentrate?” Twilight softly said to Applejack.

“Does she really need to have complete concentration on making dresses?” Comet asked.

“Eeyup,” Applejack said. “It’s what makes her one of the best fashion ponies here. She knows what makes a pony very fashionable. Not everypony has a huge state of fashion as Rarity.”

“You got that right, darling,” Rarity said, looking back at the two mares and Comet, who was hiding behind Twilight’s front legs, before feeling her hoof stroking him. She then turned around and said, “Now, what brings you all here?”

“Oh, I’m so sorry to trouble you right now, Rarity, but I actually need a quick favor,” Twilight said. Twilight then reached into her saddlebags and pulled out an old, worn out red dress. “Could you please fix the button for me? It’s my dress for the Grand Galloping Gala.”

Rarity gasped when she looked at the dress like it was a terrifying monster. She then said, “Oh, no, no, no! You can’t wear this... old thing. You need a glamorous new outfit for the Gala and I’ll make it for you. No problem at all. It will be my pleasure!”

“Oh, that’s really sweet of you to offer, Rarity, but I can’t let you do that,” Twilight politely protested. “It would be so much work. This dress is fine.”

“Twilight Sparkle. I insist on making you a new dress,” Rarity demanded.

“But...” Twilight said, as she tried to decline her offer, but Rarity interrupted her, while waving a hoof.

“Not another word! I won’t take no for an answer.”

“Well, in that case... thank you for your generosity, Rarity,” Twilight said, giving in on Rarity’s generosity. “Knowing your handiwork, I’m sure it will be absolutely beautiful.”

Rarity then looked over at Applejack and sarcastically said, “Let me guess, Applejack. You don’t want a new gown either.”

“Gown?” Applejack asked. “Shoot. Ah was just gonna wear my old work duds.”

“You can’t possibly be serious, Applejack!” Rarity said, feeling like she was offended by Applejack’s words. “You absolutely must wear formal attire.”

Applejack thought about that. “Hmm... nah.”

“What if I just spruce up your... duds for you a little bit?” Rarity asked nervously.

“Um... okay, sure, why not?” Applejack asked, feeling a little nervous. “Since you’re up for it and all. Just don’t make them too... frou-frou-y.”

“Deal!” Rarity said. Then she looked down at Comet. “Are you here for something as well?”

“I... still don’t like the idea,” Comet said.

“Don’t worry, Comet dear,” Rarity said. “I shall make you look very handsome.” Comet bit his lip. Just then, Rarity remembered something. “This wouldn’t happen to be because of the mud mask I put on you that night, is it? I truly am sorry about that. I was only trying to moisturize the adorable cuteness on your sweet little face.”

Comet whimpered at that and Twilight walked up to him, saying, “It’ll be fine, Comet. I promise nopony will laugh at you or do something to make you feel hurt or anything.”

Comet sighed and said, “I was gonna consider wearing a suit for the gala.”

“A suit?!” Rarity asked, shocked but excited. “As in a tuxedo?! Why that’s precisely what I had in mind!”

“I don’t know, Rarity,” Comet said, nervously. He even had his head looking away from Rarity. “I... I really don’t like... anything too fancy.”

“Don’t worry, Comet,” Rarity said, pulling Comet’s head towards her so the two were looking at each other. “I will make you look very adorable and very irresistibly handsome for the Gala, and then you’ll never have to be nervous again.”

Comet looked over at Twilight, nervous about what Rarity was saying. Twilight shrugged her shoulders, telling Comet that it was his choice. Comet sighed and said, “Alright. But nothing too fancy, please.”

Twilight walked up to Comet and said, “It’s alright, sweetie. You won’t have to worry about being nervous right after the Gala. Plus, I’ll be right beside you, okay?” Comet nodded until he received a kiss from his mother.

“Look out below!” came the voice of Rainbow Dash. Rainbow Dash then crashed through the window. She peeked her head out of the pile of the mess she was in. “Sorry. New trick. Didn’t quite work.”

Rarity then started thinking. She then gasped and said, “IDEEEEA! I’ll make you an outfit for the Gala too, Rainbow Dash.”

“Outfit for the what now?” Rainbow Dash asked confusingly.

Rarity than ranted about making more dresses for all of them for the gala altogether. Including Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy, who also came over.

The Mane 5, Comet, Spike and Beethoven were at Carousel Boutique waiting for Rarity to be done. Beethoven was looking up at Opal as she was hissing and snarlingly meowing down at him.

Beethoven made a soft growlingly moaning sound, before Opal then scratched towards the big dog, making him duck.

“Hey! Leave him alone!” Comet said to Opal, before she started scratching towards him, making him feel scared.

“I’m so sorry about that, Comet darling," Rarity said. “Opal isn’t that much into dogs as much.” She then turned towards the girls, who had their eyes closed, and said, “That’s it. Keep them closed. Don’t look. Okay, you can look now!”

The Mane 5 and Comet opened up their eyes. The girls were awestruck at the dresses she made. “These are your new outfits. What do you think of your old duds now, Applejack? Pretty swanky, are they not? And Twilight! I made this dress for you and I designed each outfit theme to perfectly reflect each pony’s unique personality. Oh, it took me forever to get the colors right on this one, Rainbow Dash, but I did it. Oh, and it turned out beautiful, don’t you think? And I know you are going to love yours, Fluttershy. It just sings spring! And Pinkie Pie, look! Pink! Your favorite! Aren’t they all amazing?”

Twilight, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie were somehow speechless. They didn’t know what to say about the dresses. Comet was however still a little nervous about what his outfit would turn out to be.

“Now, Comet,” Rarity said, walking up to Comet. “Here is your outfit for the Gala.” Rarity then showed Comet his suit. It was a night themed dress robe styled just like his mother’s. The dress robe was mainly blue with white twinkling stars and dark blue trimmings on the cuffs. There was a white pleated tuxedo shirt with French cuffs and a silver vest underneath, and a glittery bow tie. And the tail part of the robes were like the front of it. Blue with twinkling white stars and darker blue trimmings at the end. “Now, I would like for you to try it on and I would like to see how it fits you.”

“Oh... Okay,” Comet said, while feeling like he didn’t have a choice. Rarity then put the entire dress robe onto Comet, making sure that everything was in good shape. Rarity then had Comet’s hooves go into and through the sleeves. Rarity then made some small adjustments to Comet’s mane before she could do anything else.

“Alright, Comet,” Rarity said. “Go ahead and look into the mirror over there.” Rarity said, motioning her hoof towards the mirror in the room.

Comet nervously gulped, before he walked up to the mirror and looked at himself in the mirror. He was astonished by how he looked. Comet gave a slight faint smile, thinking that he looked... handsome. Just then, he felt laughter of cruelty in his head and went to a shocked look, and then shook his head before the voices went away.

He thought to himself, ’Wow… I can’t believe how handsome I look. It feels kinda… warm.’ He then cleared his head, exhaled and thought, ’I don’t know why I’m nervous and where those voices came from, but Mom said nopony would laugh at me. I hope she’s right.’

“Well, what do you think?” Rarity asked. Comet looked at Rarity, thinking she was talking to him, but Rarity was really talking to the others.

“Wow,” Twilight said. “He looks... so majestic.”

“I know, right?” Rarity asked. “He’s going to look so marvelous at the Grand Galloping Gala. And I’m pretty sure that you’re all going to look as marvelous in your own gowns.”

Beethoven barked happily.

“He has a point,” Spike said.

“You like the dress robe on Comet?” Rarity asked, very happily.

Spike walked up to Beethoven, and said, “Well, yeah. Now, c’mon. Let’s see how you all look in them.”

Spike convinced the girls that they didn’t have to change anything about the dresses that Rarity made for the others before they tried them on. Rarity then convinced a pony named Hoity Toity to come to Ponyville to check out a fashion show for the dresses that Rarity made for each of them. Rarity however gave Comet a pass on attending it.

Comet then looked at himself in the bathroom mirror at his reflection, thinking to himself, ’What was wrong with me, earlier? Did I really thought of myself as handsome, before being laughed at by other ponies? How did that happen?’

“Comet!” Twilight’s voice came from out of the bathroom. “Are you done brushing your teeth?”

“Yes, Mom!” Comet said, heading towards the bathroom door. Twilight then nuzzled Comet.

“You should get some sleep,” Twilight said. “We have a while to get ready for the Gala, and Rarity is keeping them in her boutique to keep ready for the gala.”

“Mom?” Comet asked. “I’m still not sure that I’m going to enjoy the Gala at all.”

“It’s my first year at the Grand Galloping Gala as well,” Twilight said, holding her son close to her. “Rainbow Dash wants to go to hang out with the Wonderbolts, Applejack wants to share her family sweets with the other guests, Fluttershy wants to see the animals there, Pinkie Pie wants to go party in the biggest party in Equestria, and Rarity is wanting to go there to meet Prince Blueblood.”

“Wow,” Comet said. “That’s... a lot of things they want to do.” Comet sighed and yawned. “Goodnight, Mom.”

Twilight then kissed Comet’s forehead and said, “Goodnight, Comet.” Comet then got into his bed and got under the covers. Beethoven got onto the bed and laid next to him, the two falling asleep.

Author's Note

Sorry for the long wait. I didn’t know which one to do.

Anyway, I made Comet’s dress robe resemble Twilight’s dress but maybe have it look like this:

Prologue: The Crystal Eye of Nightmare’s Ghost and A Scared Colt’s Reborn Soul

In the town of Baltimore, Maryland, there was a kid named Kyle who was living with his Aunt Paulista, Uncle Vincent, and cousin Brent while both his parents, Gerald and Ashley were working in Europe for their business work due to a conference call from a multimillion dollar insurance company they work at. Kyle’s parents said that they would be back to check on him when they get the chance.

But when they left, Kyle’s aunt and uncle, and his cousin Brent started treating him badly. They made him work around the house so that he can be treated fairly, but every time he does something that he can, poor Kyle suddenly ends up bullied by his cousin, and yelled by his aunt and uncle. Sometimes, his cousin would beat him physically, his aunt Paulista and uncle Vincent would send him to his room without any meals for the rest of the day. That has been going on for 3 months. When his sixth birthday came, his parents sent him some birthday presents, but Brent took them for his own. And all he did get for his birthday was to clean the entire house. He wasn’t really all that happy when he was living there. He even wanted to go outside and make some friends, but they wouldn’t let him. They also didn’t allow him to go to school at all, which made him more sadder.

One night, while taking out the trash, and before heading back inside, an unmarked black van pulled up near him, and a thug grabbed him and pulled him in, then they drove off, far away from his current location.

Kyle was whimpering until he found himself sitting on the lap of the woman in charge, who looked like she was in her early 30’s. She had scarlet red hair, blood red lips, and she wore a charcoal gray zip up sweatshirt over a punk black dress with zippers and grommets, showing off her chest, black fingerless gloves over linen arm sleeves, and ankle high black leather gothic styled cowgirl boots.

Hours have passed and Kyle was still upset to be far away from his home, and family, but he loved his parents more before they died, while he was sleeping on the woman’s lap. He has been taken to their hut in a swamp. Suddenly, Kyle had been brought inside and was sat down on the sofa next to the woman, Miss Victoria “Snake Eyes” Evergreen. She leaned him over to her and then made him a persuasive bargain for his freedom: her getting a baseball diamond that she stole from a museum, and suddenly lost it in that same swamp in a different corner of it. She thought volunteering someone small enough to reach it would do, which was why they kidnapped Kyle.

Kyle didn’t have a choice, so he accepted the offer.

Later on, as the sun went down, she and her men took him to the cave entrance, and then as Kyle was nervously shaken, Mrs. Evergreen looked down at him, and forcefully, but nicely said, “Alright, Kyle. You have 1 hour and 55 minutes until the tide of this part of the swamp comes in. So remember, bring me the diamond before then, and I’ll think and consider about letting you go.”

Kyle was still worried that he may not be able to go back to his neighborhood. But he was suddenly shoved in and he looked back. Victoria motioned for Kyle to go in. He got out the flashlight that was given to him, and it lit up the cave, until it suddenly showed a few bats flying out. The cave floor was cold and wet for him to get a clear view of where to find the diamond. He looked around for the diamond, but he couldn’t find it.

Suddenly, he began coughing, because he got really sick, from the amount of meals he was given by his aunt and uncle.

“Are you okay down there?!” Mrs. Evergreen asked.

“I’m feeling really sick!” Kyle replied weakly, until he began coughing again.

“Don’t hold up! I still need the diamond!” Mrs. Evergreen said.

Kyle kept looking around for any sign, but he suddenly saw a greenish blue glow from the rock wall, and it showed a stone sculpture. He then realized he found what he was looking for, so he called out, “I found it!”

“Can you pull it out?!” Mrs. Evergreen asked.

He then attempted to pull it out, but it wasn’t coming out. “It’s stuck!”

“Stuck?!” Mrs. Evergreen asked. “Are you using both hands?!”

Kyle put the flashlight down and then dug both hands into where he felt the diamond. He then started tugging on it, and then as he felt the diamond loosening, he eventually got it.

He then picked up the flashlight and said, “I got it! I got it!”

“Nice work, sweetie!” Mrs. Evergreen said. “Now, bring it out here.” As he began walking out, he continued coughing as he was still sick. Suddenly, water started coming and rocks were tumbling, as the whole place began to cave in, “Oh no!”

“Well, don’t just stand there! Run!” Mrs. Evergreen said.

Kyle held the diamond tight, and rushed towards the exit, trying to get out of the cave. As he reached towards the way out, he pulled the diamond closer to his chest with his left hand, and started coughing again, and was now getting weaker before he made it out alive and reached his hand out, which Mrs. Evergreen grabbed, and pulled him out.

“Are you okay?” Mrs. Evergreen asked, which Kyle nodded in reply, until they all heard police sirens from far away before they could escape.

It wasn’t really helping. He needed some rest if he wanted to get better. But it wasn’t enough to help.

Then some police cars with sirens came up towards the road near by and stopped. The cops came out of their cars, and pointed their guns at both Mrs. Evergreen and her men, “Freeze! Don’t move! Victoria “Snake Eyes” Evergreen, you’re under arrest. For charges of kidnapping, theft, and trespassing on public property.”

“Shoot,” Mrs. Evergreen said. Two cops came down and then put Mrs. Evergreen’s arms behind her back, handcuffed her wrists, and put her in the van with her henchmen.

While the vehicles were driving the crooks off to prison and dropped Kyle off, he could barely stand up as he started walking back into the house before realizing he still had the diamond, so he decided to find out what to do with it, but he still felt really sick.

As he was laying on the floor in the house all alone, he heard the door open, and there was Kyle’s parents. When they saw him, they were shockingly surprised at the current state he was in.

“Kyle?” his mom asked. “What has happened to you?”

“M-Mommy...?” Kyle asked, sickly.

Kyle’s parents rushed towards him, and hugged him tightly with his head on his mother’s chest. Kyle’s father then asked, “How could this have happened to you, son? Who did this?”

Kyle looked at his father and weakly said, “Aunt Paulista and Uncle Vincent... they... made me... their... slave...”

“Slave?!” Kyle’s parents angrily asked in unison.

“My own sister? Including my own brother-in-law?” Kyle’s mom asked. “How dare they do this to my son?” She then got out her cell phone, and called her sister while his dad held him still.

”Oh, hello, Ashley,” came the voice of Paulista. ”How have you been doing in Europe?”

“Oh, I’m doing fine,” said Kyle’s mom, while hiding the fact that she’s really angry. “I actually have a quick question for you and your husband. How is Kyle? Is he getting enough nutrition? Seeing his friends? Is he healthy?”

”Oh, yes,” said Paulista through the phone. ”Right now, my husband and I are watching him at the park. He’s having a lot of fun with his friends.”

“Huh. Well that’s funny," said Kyle’s mom, starting to get angry right now. “Because actually, as of right now, my husband and I are already at your house, and it looks like Kyle’s here all by himself, and he looks really sick. Care to explain that?”

”WHAT?!” Paulista exclaimed nervously through the phone. ”You’re back in the states already?! Okay, listen...”

“No, you listen!” Kyle’s mom snapped at her. “You treated our own son like a slave, and clean up your house, when he’s sick and alone without a babysitter. You said that you would take good care of him while we were away. But it would seem that you’ve all lied to the both of us.” She then looked at Kyle and asked, “Did you receive the gifts we sent you?”

“Aunt Paulista and Uncle Vincent took them and the toys I had, and gave them to Brent for him to keep forever,” said Kyle, still feeling very sick. He then started coughing harshly.

Kyle’s mom then spoke into the phone, saying, “That’s it. You two are never going to be trusted again. I’ll be alerting the police about your behaviors to my son.”

After explaining everything the police about what happened, Kyle’s dad picked Kyle up, and they headed from out of the house and into their car with Kyle in the front seat instead of the back held by his mom and wrapped in her arms and his head laid against her chest. They took Kyle to the nearest hospital and the doctors and nurses took Kyle, until he was put into a emergency hospital room.

After waiting a few minutes, the doctor came out with a full report, before they both stood up, “How is he?”

The doctor said, “It would seem that all of the medical records on Kyle were destroyed.”

“What?” Kyle’s mom asked. “Now they destroyed my son’s medical records, too?! And we didn’t even know it!”

“But, I’m afraid that it won’t be enough to save Kyle,” said the doctor. “His sickness is so severe... he would’ve been lucky to survive the night. I’m afraid that the bad news is his condition… it appears to be a… terminal illness, meaning that it’s completely fatal. You’re gonna have to go say goodbye before it’s too late, but take your time.”

That made the parents sad. Kyle’s mom had tears coming out of her eyes. Kyle’s father then said, “We should’ve taken him with us instead of leaving him with your sister and her family.”

“I agree,” said Kyle’s mom. She then leaned towards Kevin on the bed, kissed him on the forehead and said, “I am so sorry, Kyle. I wish I knew what they were doing to you sooner.”

“M-Mommy...” Kyle said, weakly.

“Don’t speak, Kyle," said Kyle’s mother. “I’ll always love you,” She then took Kyle’s hand and put it on her chest to where her heart was and said, “In here.”

Kyle was sad to know that he was dying, but he was happy knowing that he got to see his parents one last time.

Just then, his heart started beating slower and slower as he made one last breath of air. But then his heart stopped with a long, never-ending beep on the heart monitor. Kyle’s parents were sad to see that their son has officially passed away. The doctor looked at the clock, and written something on a note, “Time of death: 8:02 PM.”

When the room was empty, the diamond that he still had, which was featured like a evil eyeball, started glowing a bluish purple magical cloud, before it enveloped his entire body and it suddenly disappeared while the moon twinkled in the sky.

Meanwhile, in the land of Equestria, in the small town of Ponyville, there was a unicorn mare named Twilight Sparkle. She had pale light grayish purple fur, dark sapphire blue mane and tail with moderate purple and brilliant rose pink streaks, moderate purple eyes, and each flank had a symbol of a pink star surrounded by smaller white stars.

She was in the park gazing at the stars before heading home, and had a book of constellations for her to check out each of them shown.

Suddenly, she remembered to have forgotten something. “I must’ve left one of my books somewhere by accident,” she said, walking around the park to find her missing book. She lit up her horn to help her find it, but suddenly, she found herself near the Everfree Forest, a scary forbidden place, and where monsters and other creatures roam the forest. She remembered using the forest with her friends to find the Elements of Harmony to defeat Nightmare Moon and save Equestria.

Suddenly, Twilight eventually found the book she was looking for. Twilight then placed it into one of her saddlebags she had strapped around her, and said, “Perfect. Now to get on back home and…” Twilight was about to head out of there, but she suddenly saw a secret passage underneath a few bushes, revealing a tunnel leading to somewhere, “Huh… I wonder where this leads.”

Twilight was standing a little bit too close to the tunnel, until it had a bit of a sloping feature to it. Twilight eventually slipped and she was sliding down the hall, screaming all the way there.

”AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!“

She eventually made it towards the end and tunnel, which lead her in the middle of the Everfree Forest and next to the Castle of the Two Sisters.

“Wh-Wh-Where am I?” Twilight asked, lighting up her horn. She was worried at the moment, as she looked around for some safer way back to Ponyville, until she saw some crystals and rocks forming a small stone-hedge, and some vines covered with a bunch of baby blue and purple flowers, which started to bloom and glow in the dark underneath the light of the full moon. “Wow… it’s… it’s beautiful,” she said, as she eventually took a look at the stone-hedge in front of her and walked over to it carefully. She suddenly saw something glowing underneath the ground, until she gently dug out the light with her hoof, before finding a greenish blue orb shaped like an eyeball and glowing with a bluish purple lunar aura.

When she placed her hoof onto it, she suddenly saw it glowing again, but it released a dark gloomy fog around her, as Twilight gasped in shock and horror when she saw a ghostly and spiritual figure resembling the same villain she and her friends defeated with the Elements of Harmony: Nightmare Moon.

“NIGHTMARE MOON?!” Twilight asked in shock.

“That’s right, Twilight Sparkle!” the ghost of Nightmare Moon said. “You fell into my trap! Tonight, I shall retake Equestria… in a new body for my own!”

“You’ll never take my body, or any of my friends’ bodies,” Twilight said. “We defeated you once, and we’ll defeat you again.”

“Who says I’ll be taking over a body, my dear?” Nightmare Moon’s ghost asked, giving a mischievous smirk. Her horn then started glowing and fired a beam towards Twilight and disappeared, until the unicorn mare took the blow.

“GAAAAH!” Twilight called out, but as Nightmare Moon’s cackle kept spreading everywhere, Twilight kept looking around.

“WHAT DID YOU DO TO ME?!” Twilight shouted.

“Don’t you worry. You’ll find out soon,” Nightmare Moon’s voice said, until the cackling faded. She then heard silence all around her, glad that it was all over, and then said, “I should probably get home.” She then looked forward in any direction, looking for any possible way back to Ponyville, but as she looked straight ahead, she saw a safer exit. “That must be my way out.” Twilight then started walking on the path she followed, hoping that she would get back to the Golden Oak Library and help Spike, her dragon assistant, finish unpacking, and possibly go to bed.

As she was walking, she wasn’t paying any attention to her stomach slowly swelling up. She did, however, feel her stomach grumbling, and possibly felt hungry.

“Huh. I'm feeling really hungry,” Twilight thought to herself while walking. “Maybe I should go pick up something for me and Spike before heading home.” Then, she suddenly thought of something when going wide eyed, and slightly furrowed with confusion and her eyes upwards. “Wait a minute! Spike and I already had dinner earlier! So, why am I so hungry all of a sudden?! Maybe that’s not hunger…” She then felt both the straps on her saddlebags begin to tighten up a small squeeze around her belly. “My saddlebags are feeling a little tight. Maybe I should...” Twilight suddenly made the mistake of looking at the straps, but noticed that her stomach was now bigger, as she went wide eyed in concerning fright.

“What in Celestia’s name is happening to me?!” Twilight asked, until Nightmare Moon’s cackle came back.

“Still misunderstood, Twilight Sparkle,” her voice said. “That speed was to only help give me a body of my own. That magical blast you felt was an instant maternity spell.”

“Instant maternity spell?! What does that mean?!” Twilight asked.

“That simple little spell I performed gives the mare who it hits a little… how do you put it? Let me think? ‘Bun’ in the oven?” the evil and dark alicorn’s ghost asked cruelly with a tease.

“What?!” Twilight asked. “You made me pregnant?!”

“But sadly, when the foal is born, it’ll have my soul,” the Ghost of Nightmare Moon said. “But as soon as it’s born, I shall take over and it’ll grow up and become my new vessel, and I shall rule again!”

“But an alicorn can’t be born!” Twilight said, trying to carefully move. “That’s impossible!”

“But you better hurry, because you’ve got approximately 3 minutes to get home!” Nightmare Moon’s ghost said, as she disappeared cackling again, before it faded.

Twilight then gently and carefully walked out of the forest, but suddenly, she felt a sight of pain coming from her stomach. She had no choice but to lay down on her side and try to relax. She looked around and called out, “Help! Somepony, please help me!”

Twilight then felt another painful thump in her stomach, and she cried out in pain. She was crying in pain at how much it was hurting her stomach. She then had no choice but to take off the saddlebags and lay them beside her. Twilight then started breathing heavily, trying to ease the pain that was happening to her. Until a familiar sight appeared in her eyes.

Twilight moved her head, looked up and saw her friend, Fluttershy, the timidly caring yellow pegasus mare with the pink silky mane and tail walking over to her cottage.

“Fluttershy! Fluttershy, please help me!” Twilight called out. Fluttershy heard Twilight’s voice and then trotted over to her friend and saw how painfully and heavily swollen her belly was, until she knew what was happening.

“My goodness! Are you alright, Twilight?!” Fluttershy asked.

“I need to get back home, but my tummy’s hurting so much I can’t move,” Twilight said, but she then felt another painful nudge in her stomach. “Can you please help? I don’t have much time.”

“Absolutely! Just hold on!” Fluttershy said, as she looked down and began to ask her bunny Angel a favor. “Angel honey, gather some help so I can bring Twilight inside.”

Angel saluted his paw and bounced over to the other animals and made some motivational communication asking for their help, until they were all delighted to assist. The animals divided into a few smaller portions and helped Fluttershy carry Twilight inside without harming her unexpected cargo that magically appeared inside her now completely round and bulbous belly.

After Fluttershy’s animals finally got Twilight inside the cottage where their caretaker lived, they carefully placed her onto her bed where Fluttershy usually sleeps, and then Fluttershy put a few towels underneath her rear area, but kept the folded ones and a bowl of hot steamy water, along with her first aid kit next to her.

Until all of a sudden, Spike, Twilight’s number 1 assistant, and their friends, a rainbow maned blue pegasus named Rainbow Dash, a grayish orange western earth pony mare with a stetson hat named Applejack, a curly purple maned white unicorn mare named Rarity, and a puffy maned pink pony named Pinkie Pie arrived.

“TWILIGHT?!” they all exclaimed in concern to their inexplicably bloated friend.

“Oh my stars, darling!” Rarity said, showing worry, trying to fix Twilight's disheveled mane for her dignity’s sake.

“Are you alright, sugarcube?” Applejack asked, feeling that her experience as a farm pony as going to be very important, and very soon.

“What happened to you?” Rainbow Dash asked just weirded out of the situation, tilting her head in confusion at what she was seeing.

“How did this happen, by the way?” Fluttershy asked.

“It’s sort of a funny story,” Twilight said, until she then told Fluttershy about how it happened after getting her book back from the forest. Fluttershy suddenly felt shocked about hearing about Twilight’s encounter with Nightmare Moon’s ghost.

“Oh my! That means we’ll have to defeat the foal if that happens!” Fluttershy said sadly. “Okay, I’ll do the best I can, so just breathe and let me take it from here.”

“Let us assist, dear,” Rarity said sweetly.

Twilight nodded, until she looked down and saw Fluttershy’s hooves were all wet, meaning she was leaking from her section. “Oh no!” Twilight shouted frightfully. “My water broke! It’s coming!” Then a huge bolt of pain came from her stomach. “GAAAAAAAHHH!!”

“Oh my! Okay, just try to stay calm and I’ll get this done,” Fluttershy said.

“Okay, but hurry! I don’t think I can hold it any longer!” Twilight said, as she saw Rarity placing a blanket around her belly, so she wouldn't be able to see what was going on.

“Just let Fluttershy handle it. Pinkie, could you be on watch in case you see something?” Rarity said turning to Pinkie.

“Okie-dokie-lokie!” Pinkie Pie replied.

“Rainbow Dash, could you and Applejack support Twilight?” Fluttershy asked. The two mares nodded, and Rainbow Dash held Twilight’s hoof while Applejack placed one hoof behind her neck and one on her hoof and shoulder. “We’re right by your side, Twilight,” Applejack said, and Twilight nodded.

Twilight then started pushing to get the foal out of her. She felt the stinging cessation coming from her crotch area. She could now feel her private area stretching. “GAAAAH!!” Twilight let out one painful cry. “It hurts so much!” She then started breathing fast, but exhaled deeply without hyperventilating.

“Ooh! Here comes the head! Here comes the head!” Pinkie Pie bounced happily.

“Okay, just one more push and we’re all done,” Fluttershy said sweetly.

“Just take it easy, darling,” Rarity said.

Twilight nodded and started pushing. It was really painful for her. Fluttershy then saw the small sack coming out of Twilight’s rear, until Rarity lit up her horn with a blue magical aura and used a scalpel from Fluttershy’s first aid kit to cut it open, and out came a baby pony, but after Rarity got it all cleaned up and wrapped in a clean towel, the foal wasn’t moving, until its horn was the only thing they could see.

Suddenly, from Twilight’s saddlebags, Nightmare Moon’s ghostly aura from the Crystal Eye arose and then swarmed towards the baby.

“NOOOO!!” the Mane 6 and Spike shouted. Then, a bright light emerged from the diamond as well, and landed on the baby pony, blocking out Nightmare Moon’s spirit, preventing her from getting near the baby.

Both sprits suddenly had a argument and a fight, until a small bright speck of blue light appeared, but as Nightmare Moon could prevent it, both spirits entered the baby pony.

“What... just... happened?” Rarity asked.

“I don't know,” Spike replied.

“Look! The foal!” Fluttershy said. All seven of them started looking at the foal. The foal then started aging up to a unicorn colt aged six. They then saw his coat and mane and tail starting to gain some color. His mane and tail were very dark blue and moderate sapphire blue, but banged and ruffled like Twilight’s, and covered with a few streaks of slightly desaturated blue, dark moderate blue, very dark violet, and dark violet down the middle, and his coat turned to a very soft violet almost like Twilight’s purple fur.

“What in tarnation just happened?” Applejack asked.

“I have no idea,” Rainbow Dash said.

“Is... is the foal okay?” Twilight asked weakly.

“Don’t worry, darling. The foal is alright,” Rarity said, holding the colt on her hoof, and showed him to Twilight.

“Oh my gosh… it’s a colt, but… he looks just like me, and like somepony else I know,” Twilight said, until Rarity laid the colt beside her.

The girls then felt tired, and they decided to sleep in the cottage for the night. As the colt was still asleep, Twilight wanted to inspect the colt more, but she went under, wrapping her hooves around the sleeping colt. Fluttershy then removed the towels from under Twilight and then got everything she used, and then Rarity covered Twilight and the little colt up with the blanket, until the Mane 5 and Spike went to sleep. Hopefully, everything will make sense for Twilight in the morning.

Author's Note

Like I said, this is based off the stories I mentioned in the description for the table of contents, so that you might understand. I also made this a combination of a few.