My Little Pony : More To The Magic

Chapters

More To The Magic (Part One)
Unfriended
Potion Problem
The Transformation
The Great Pony Bake Off
Relay Riddle
More To The Magic (Part Two)

More To The Magic (Part One)

Her hooves clacked against the crystal cobblestones as she raced to keep up with her mother. Cadence often kept a brisk pace when on her way through the empire, but this time it was different. Flurry Heart's gown hung over her shoulders, meanwhile the blue graduation cap hung clumsily out of her mouth.

"Flurry, please keep up, it's unlike us to be late." Her father said with a slight annoyance to his voice.

"And late to your own graduation..." her mother reminded her. Her golden horseshoes clinked up the steps of the train platform as they were guided towards the private car, of the crystal empire express, protected by the royal guards.

"Sorry..." Flurry Heart mumbled, fumbling to get the hat onto her head. "There's just a lot of pressure is all-"

Shining Armor adjusted the hat on his daughter's head, straightening it and moving the tassel. "You'll do fine." He watched his daughter's smile fall from her face. He pushed her chin up encouragingly "Why the long face?"

"It's just, I don't feel like I've gained much knowledge at the School for Gifted Unicorns." She mumbled, the train pulled up almost entirely silently.

"Your magic is outstanding." Cadence reminded her. "You have had amazing power since you were born-"

Flurry's face was riddled with worry and a sense of unknowing. They trudged onto the train swiftly, protected by the guards. As the train doors close, they took their seats. The inside of the train was private. The decor was elegant, and server ponies walked the isle offering refreshments to the royal family.

Shining Armor took a small glass of water while his daughter scanned the train car. The only travelers in this car were the royal family, but it was nowhere near empty. Guards and servers took many seats, it seemed that Flurry never really felt alone. She also really never felt privacy, though.

The stage was bare, very few unicorns graduating this semester... Only one alicorn, there, of course. The school's student-base had dwindled in recent years. Despite Twilight Sparkle's better efforts to promote magic strength, many opted to send their students to the Friendship School in Ponyville. Despite her aunt's legacy, Flurry Heart had an exceptional lack of actual friends. Ironic, considering her aunt was the 'Princess of Friendship'.

Chairs sat before the stage; there was a line behind them on either side. Cadence reached around her daughter, pulling her in for a hug. Her silent smile said it all, the look that held all of the love in the world. Flurry's heart swelled.

"We're so proud of you, kiddo." Shining Armor said, bursting with joy for his daughter. He took his turn to pull her in for a hug.

Flurry Heart galloped to reach her spot in line. Heads turned as she pushed into her spot, their looks were those of discomfort and annoyance. She was very clearly the only alicorn in the class. The fact being, she was the only known alicorn besides the four princesses. Tucking in her wings, she squeezed into her seat.

She walked the stage easily without incident, but it felt empty to her. Time seemed to freeze as she took her diploma from head-mare Twilight with her magic. She looked out into the audience of graduating students, but none of them stood out, not one companion there cheering for her. She looked into the audience of parents, where hers stood entirely separate from the others, surrounded by guards. Her parents, Grandparents, and former Crystaller were the only ones standing to clap for her achievement. Her face smiled, while her eyes showed signs of uncertainty. She turned quickly and finished her walk across the stage as tears welled in her eyes.

Back at the crystal empire, the family surrounded the table for a celebratory dinner. The Princesses and Spike joined the family to congratulate Flurry Heart on all of her accomplishments thus far. Servers magically placed plates in front of everypony as they discussed what the future may hold for Flurry Heart.

Starlight Glimmer joined the table a bit later than everypony else. No one seemed to notice her intrusion, but Flurry Heart's eyes did not leave her. She embraced Sunburst as she took her designated seat beside him. "My apologies, Flurry, for my lateness. I was conducting the graduation ceremony at the school of friendship. You know how the early graduates can be... thoroughly excitable." Starlight's tone was that of annoyance. The princesses shot her a glare of disapproval, as Flurry Heart, too, was an early graduate.

"That's okay!" Flurry said politely.

Twilight hummed to herself, deciding to change the subject. "We are all delighted to see the bright future Flurry Heart is undoubtedly destined to have."

Flurry said nothing, taking the plate of food in front of her.

"Ah yes, truly." Luna replied. "What is next for the young princess?"

Eyes met the mare of honor as she stuffed her face full of food... Flurry felt her cheeks burning red. "I-" She swallowed the lump of food, but also her insecurity. "I'm not really sure..."

"Your magic and knowledge have delighted me during your time at the school, Flurry Heart!" Twilight insisted. "You were so unbelievably popular as well."

Flurry's mind reeled- Despite her seemed popularity, she never felt she was liked. Students accused her of nepotism. And those who approached her with supposed friendship, turned out to be more interested in being associated with a princess. "That's true..." Flurry Heart lied reluctantly.

"You really did prove you can have exemplary studies while maintaining meaningful friendships."

Shining Armor watched his daughters face, the discomfort spread through him. "Is that true, Flurry?"

"Popular in a 'princess' way." Flurry Heart added, trying to withhold her emotion.

Starlight grumbled again "Why don't you attend the Friendship School?"

"She's already finished school." Twilight and Cadence said in perfect, defensive unison.

Starlight laughed awkwardly. "I just mean-" she stammered. "And Twilight, you know this better than anyone, there's always something new to learn..."

"I think that would be a wonderful opportunity." Celestia added, comforting both Starlight and Flurry Heart.

"You do?" Twilight asked, feeling almost inadequate.

"I really don't need to learn much more about friendship..." Flurry Heart insisted.

Shining Armor's mind reeled through the memories of all friend Flurry had brought home... He could hardly remember one... and there were hardly any ponies her age in the Crystal Empire... He stared at his daughter as he realized how brave a face she had put on all this time. "It's something to consider." He replied. "There really is always something new you could learn..."

Flurry Heart closed the door of her bedroom very softly as it grew later into the night. Her family was still chatting and enjoying each other's company, but she had finally gotten up the nerve to sneak off for a moment of alone time.

"What did you tell them?" Asked the small, yet sentient plush rabbit on her bed, Truffle. Years prior, she had used her magic to give the toy sentience to make up for her lack of friends.

"Nothing." She answered simply. Though, to be fair she never lacked potential-friends. She had had so many bad experiences in friendship, she took a strong stance on who to trust, leaving her rather friendless with plenty of friendly (and not-so-friendly) acquaintances.

Her first year at the School for Gifted Unicorns, when she was very young, she was instantly popular. Her magic was ahead of everyone in the class, she was well known as a princess, everyone wanted to be her friend. But the facts were: those friends, only wanted to be friends with her to gain popularity for themselves. They appreciated the perks that came with a 'friendship' with the most powerful and popular pony in school. She learned this through many instances of rumors spread about her. Or maybe, the constant asks for something to be conjured up with her magic. These 'friends' were taking advantage of her. That was where her popularity fell off. She became distant and distrustful.

"If you don't want to go to the friendship school you should just tell your family." Truffle said simply as he sat up from his position on the bed. "It's not that serious."

"I just don't want to disappoint anyone." Flurry said, tossing herself down onto the bed. She reasoned "And it is so prestigious, especially when you are admitted to the elder-pony program."

"Elder-Pony" Truffle laughed. "You're nothing but a filly".

"I am not!" Flurry Heart argued defensively.

"Well, only fillies are too afraid to stand up for themselves." Truffle said with a bit of snark to his voice.

Flurry Heart pushed over her plush, playfully. Truffle fell onto his side, then pushed himself back up, lying beside Flurry Heart comfortingly.

A knock at the door came soon after. Flurry Heart bounded off the bed to the door. "Who is it?" She asked, pressing her ear up to the door.

"It's Twilight..." Her aunt said from the other side of the door.

Using her magic, Flurry Heart opened the door. "Yes?"

"I noticed some reservations earlier today... I just wanted to know if you'd like to talk about them... before I head home?" Twilight smiled as she used her magic to gently shut the door behind her.

"No reservations." Flurry fibbed, feeling a shooting glance from Truffle across the room.

Twilight gave her a sympathetic look as she took a seat in Flurry's desk chair. "You know, I wasn't sure about all of my lessons in school either."

"What do you mean?" Flurry asked as she sat beside her aunt, but on the floor.

"Well, I didn't always understand the lessons I was given." She responded as she looked down at her attentive niece. "When Celestia sent me to Ponyville for the Summer Sun Celebration, all those years ago... I thought it was just a, well, meaningless task." She said her eyes gleaming with the joyful memory. "But it was fate."

Flurry Heart gave a careless roll of her eyes. "Yeah, I know." She said "I don't really understand why you're telling me this again..."

"What I mean to say is, there is so much more for you to learn." Twilight got down on the floor beside her niece. "You have great grades, and you'll do so well scholarly, but there's going to be more to your life than that."

"Friendship?" Flurry asked sarcastically. "Magic?"

"More than that. There's really so much you've yet to see in your life." Twilight smiled. "Surely, you should make friends, but what I mean to tell you is that you have so much more to learn and accomplish." She sighed "So if you feel like the School of Friendship isn't your calling... don't go, but if you aren't sure... take the chance." She finished, placing one hoof on Flurry's shoulder as they both stood. She pulled her niece into a hug.

The classroom resembled more of a lecture hall, it wasn't exactly what Flurry Heart was expecting, but she had decided to give the School of Friendship a chance. Trixie was the lecturer for this course, so the seats were packed from wall to wall. Flurry made her way up the steps, deciding to take a seat in the back. The other ponies watched in awe as she walked past them. Their amazement forced discomfort onto her. She didn't exactly want to be treated differently from anypony else.

Upon taking her seat, Trixie made her grand entrance through the office door. All eyes snapped to the front of the class to acknowledge the disastrous cloud of smoke at the front of the class. "Good Morning class." Trixie said enthusiastically. "Look around this hall. Young ponies of all ages have traveled from across Equestria to join your ranks! Welcome!" A slight murmur of ponies greeting one-another filled the room momentarily. Flurry looked on either side of her politely greeting her peers.

"Howdy, Howdy, Hi!" Said one particularly energetic younger earth pony. "Pound Cake, and you are Flurry Heart, so pleased to meet you."

Flurry Heart gave a grimace, but tried to be polite. The slightly older pony snatched Flurry's hoof and shook it forcefully and happily. Flurry Heart stared wide-eyed, trying to resist the urge to smile at this pony's sheer excitement.

"You have all come so far, from different walks of life." Trixie said with a smile, looking up from the scroll of text. "You all have such amazing talents to share with the world, I hope that this school will invite you to grow and develop not only your magic, but all talents that have brought you to us, here."

Flurry Heart looked at the pony beside her, wondering what his special talent may be, and wow did he look familiar.

As Trixie's introductory lecture concluded, Flurry Heart made a great effort to catch up with the younger pony she had met in lecture. "Pound Cake?!" She called out through the slimming crowd.

The beige pony turned on his heels as his brown mane bounced wildly. "Yes!" He said with a beaming smile.

"I feel like we know each other from somewhere... " Flurry started.

"I mean, I enrolled here to better understand the history of chaos magic, it's remarkable really." He explained, turning back as they walked together down the school's hall. "It's astonishing that we never really spoke. Considering..."

"Pinkie Pie!" Flurry Heart's realization smacked her in her face "You are the cake boy... the twin, God I've heard so much about you-"

Something clicked behind his eyes, as if Flurry had struck a nerve. It took a moment for him to respond. "I am! Pinkie Pie is my aunt, in a sort-of-kind-of way!" Cheesecake said happily. "I'm in the second elder's class, So, what are you doing for lunch?"

"Oh... I'm not really sure..."

"Well, why don't you join me?"

Flurry happily scoffed in surprise, as if... maybe she had just made a potential friend...

Upon exiting the hall, ponies bustled in the courtyard. Continuing to follow Pound Cake, Flurry stepped onto the grass between the two concrete walkways. Underneath a tall willow tree sat a small picnic blanket and three ponies of varying ages. One of each kind.

"Good morning!" Pound said in his ever-chipper tone.

"'morning." Said the plum-colored earth pony. "See ya brought a new pal?" she added cheerfully. She scooted a bit over creating enough space for the pair to join them on the rather tiny blanket.

"This is Flurry Heart. Princess, if you will." Pound explained rather playfully, he gave Flurry a friendly nudge, which put a shy smile on her face.

"We know that" The yellow-orange pegasus said snarkily. "Nice to meet you, Princess" he added with a smirk and an eyeroll. He held out one hoof to Flurry, who took it accepting the hoof-shake.

"Did you just join us this semester?" The third pony, a pale-green unicorn, finally chimed in.

"Yes, I actually did. I finished my time at the School for Gifted Unicorns..." Flurry began.

"-In Canterlot?" The unicorn interrupted.

"Yes..."

"Aren't you from the Crystal Empire?" The pegasus asked, pulling a muffin out of his bag.

"I am-"

"Then why were you attending school in Canterlot?" the earth pony butted-in once more, not letting Flurry get a word in.

"Well-"

"Her aunt is the Head Mare of the school now." Pound Cake answered for her. All eyes turned to him. "You know, Twilight is something of an aunt to me too... we're practically cousins you know!"

Flurry felt a bit overwhelmed, but something inside her told her to give it a chance. Follow through. "I guess that is sort of true..."

"Anywho, let's get our introductions out of the way." The pegasus commanded. "I'm Sunbeam. Born and raised in Canterlot." He said proudly, fluttering a bit up from his seat. "I'm sure you've seen my flying record; they don't just let anyone into the Wondercolt Reserves at my age."

The plum-colored pony rolled her eyes "I'm Berry Patch... Ignore Sunbeam, he thinks he's a god." She laughed at her own joke. Sunbeam settled back down on the blanket with a slight blush creeping across his cheeks.

Flurry Heart turned her eyes to the unicorn. She was met with a comforting smile "I'm Daffodil Dazzle, but everypony just calls me Daffodil." She explained, shifting in her seat a bit. "I'm from Ponyville too.".

"It's nice to meet all of you..." Flurry Heart said, and she meant that.

"Flurry Heart!" An enthusiastic and familiar voice called from behind. Upon looking, her aunt stood on the concrete path not far from them. Beside her stood a younger unicorn, probably about Flurry's age, maybe older. "Please join us, I would like to introduce you to a pupil of mine..."

Flurry respectfully excused herself from the group, met with understanding and encouraging smiles and gestures. She trotted to meet the princess, bowing slightly as she approached.

"This is Darling Lightfoot." Twilight proclaimed. Darling bowed slightly with respect toward the princess she was faced with. "I suspect you two will be doing a lot of studying together this year, so I wanted to be the first to introduce you." The two younger ponies rose to their full standing height. Despite Flurry being an Alicorn, Darling was still slightly taller. "Please walk with us." Twilight invited.

Flurry and the pair made their way across the courtyard and up to the library of the School of Friendship. A familiar location to Flurry, though she wasn't sure she had ever been there before. "I don't understand how we will be studying together, if Darling attends the Unicorn school..." Flurry's brows furrowed. "Also, how have we never met?"

"It is important that all of our exemplary pupils have the opportunities to challenge one another." Twilight explained, "I believe you will find your magical prowess will grow as you learn from your peers..." She followed. Taking a deep breath Twilight slightly laughed. "Darling has had an expedited course of study. She joined the elder program several years ahead of her peers. She graduated early, just like you, Flurry."

Flurry felt slightly intimidated by her aunt's student. Her ambition had set her apart from even the first alicorn student in the history of the school... It almost made Flurry feel as if no matter her power, her skill was lacking.

"Well, while we're up here... I do need a copy of the Local Modern Age History of Equestria..."

Darling spared no time moving towards the history section, Flurry tried to keep up, but her speed was lacking. "Don't bother." Darling muttered once they were out of ear-shot of Twilight.

"W-What?" Flurry stammered, just trying to follow Darling as Twilight had implied.

"Don't bother following me." Darling reiterated. "I've studied for this opportunity my entire life..." She scoffed for a moment as she pulled a book off the top shelf with her magic. "The second you step foot into the elder program you're already a star pupil, what a joke". She cracked open the book to show an image of the main six ponies during the summer sun solstice so many years ago. "I get that your aunt is the princess of friendship..." She said, pointing to the art of Twilight in the book, "But don't let it go to your head." She grumbled, slamming the book shut. "I've worked too hard to be overshadowed now." Darling plastered on a sweet smile as she trotted back to Twilight, book in hand.

Later that day, Flurry trudged up to her dorm in the school hall. She noticed that she had been given a private dorm, much to her dismay. She huffed as she opened the door.

Upon entry she was shocked to be covered in confetti and met with cheers of "Surprise!"

Pound Cake smiled a goofy grin as she noticed the three ponies from earlier that day, as well as one other. "We wanted to throw you a little welcome party".

"Nice digs you got here!" Sunbeam exclaimed, looking around at the large private dorm room Flurry had been given.

Flurry tried to remain upset by what Darling had said to her, but it was no use... she couldn't help but crack a smile.

Unfriended

Flurry Heart trotted behind Starlight Glimmer as they made their way through the halls of the school of friendship.

"You know, I didn't really expect Twilight to be so okay with you coming here-" Starlight stammered, never missing a step as she knew these halls better than anypony else. "And you are my first, you know, actual magic pupil... But I think it will be fine..." Flurry nodded as they finally stopped at the door of the laboratory building. "I know I invited you here to prioritize friendship, but this is the place where we will practice your spells and lessons."

Flurry Heart looked around the wide open room. "I didn't know I was your first one-on-one pupil, Starlight."

Starlight blushed. "It's difficult to allocate time to every creature in the school, but I had to promise Twilight your education would be just as good coming from me, as it was coming from her." Starlight trotted back to the exit door.

"Aren't you going to... give me a lesson of some sort?" Flurry started.

"Your lessons will have to begin tomorrow, I have to visit Twilight's school today..." She seemed worried for a moment, but quickly wiped the frown off of her face. "I will see you at noon tomorrow."

Inside Daffodil and Berry Patch's dorm room, a small pallet of blankets formed a third, rinky-dink bed in the middle of the room. Daffodil used her magic to levitate scissors as she cut shapes out of paper. With her hooves, Berry pressed the shapes onto a large card with paste.

Flurry Heart entered the room, and their attention turned to her. "Your lesson was quick." Berry noted.

"It wasn't really a lesson, she just showed me our meeting space, it's in the laboratory building." she looked at the girls, preparing what seemed to be a 'get well' card. "What's the occasion?" she asked.

The two turned their attention to her once more, "You don't know?" Daffodil asked, quietly and almost inaudibly.

"Know what?" Flurry asked.

Berry and Daffodil exchanged a solemn glance. "Flurry, Darling Lightfoot is sick."

"Why? What happened to her?" Flurry asked.

"They aren't certain... I was sure Starlight would have told you-"

"Can we visit her?" Flurry asked, urgently. Despite the disdain Darling seemed to hold for Flurry Heart, it only seemed right to at least visit her and attempt to comfort her.

"We were planning to..." Daffodil began "you could come along with us if you'd like."

Once in Canterlot, the three girls stepped into the school of magic. There, Twilight met them. "I've never seen such an ailment..." she could be heard saying, as Starlight trailed behind shaking her head. "I've sent for Celestia... If only Starswirl were still around-"

Flurry Heart listened, and her heart sunk with every word.

Berry, Flurry, and Daffodil entered Darling Lightfoot's dorm room. It was large... a room lined with books and music discs. She had lived at the school of magic for quite some time, she had devoted all her life to studying, surely making friends, but her priority was the magic... "Everyone has come to visit me today." She said, finally, after a long period of silence. "They said... Maybe I will never be able to use my magic again..."

The three gasped, despite not being entirely close to Darling, anyone who had ever met her knew her devotion, and her power. "What happened?" Flurry Heart asked...

Darling starred off at the wall, not looking at Flurry Heart or her friends. "I overexerted my power." She said simply. "During a battle, in which an alicorn princess was meant to assist Dusk and I in turning somepony into stone... But she didn't, and I pay the price."

Everyone turned to watch Flurry's face for some sort of reaction, but only stunned confusion graced her regal face.

"Thank you for your visit, but I'd prefer to be alone." Darling said finally, still not looking their way. Her voice was troubled, monotone, and calculated all at once.

Flurry Heart raced the halls in tears, tearing toward the exit when she was stopped by long white limbs blocking her path. Looking up, she saw a familiar face. Princess Celestia. "Flurry Heart?" Are you alright.

Flurry Heart stammered through her tears and guilt, trying to explain the situation to Celestia. "Darling has lost her magic... and well... it's all my fault!"

Celestia put her hoof up to silence the rambling pony before her. Her features were softer, aged now, but they had a sense of regality to them still. They say alicorns are immortal but having given up her magic to Twilight all those moons ago, Celestia had begun to age as an Equestrian pony would. "Come with me, I shall assess Darling's condition soon enough, but there is something I must show you, too."

Celestia stepped into her old office, which had since become Twilight's. Behind the desk she pulled out a large book with two gold alicorn symbols pressed into it. "Ah, just where I had left it... I left this here, on the off-chance Twilight would need it, but I think it will benefit you..."

Flurry took the book in her hooves. "What is it?"

"It is an autobiography of sorts... from when Luna and I came to found Equestria..."

"Really?" Flurry Heart asked.

Celestia nodded. "I think some of these excerpts might help you, and I'm sure Twilight won't miss it much."

That night, underneath the covers on her make-shift bed, Flurry Heart used her magic to create a small glow. Opening Celestia's book to the first page.

LIFE IN SKYROS.

Celestia

Excerpt Fifteen.

"Many Miles away from where Canterlot now stands... beyond the clouds and waterfalls, is a land called Skyros.

As foals, Luna and I lived there. Born to contain and create the elements and use our special talents to better the world, each alicorn had a special talent, much like all ponies do, only with more obligation. Our mother was the keeper of the sun and moon before us. It was traditional that she'd pass down her magic to us...

Luna and I's talents were unique to us, passed down from generation to generation within our maternal line. Talents that only the two of us possessed. Often times, it is quite difficult to fathom how isolating being unique can be. Though everyone in Skyros seemed to know of us, at times it felt as though only Luna really knew me...

As foals, Luna and I were well-liked. Though, being well-liked always comes at a cost.

There was once an alicorn, a remarkably talented alicorn in her elemental power. From memory, I do recall her being a fire alicorn. Though, truthfully, fire alicorns are a dime-a-dozen. She was particularly good at her craft, but her obsession with being unique limited her."

The lights flicked on as Daffodil rose, Berry Patch still snoring, undisturbed. "Flurry? Shouldn't you get to sleep?" She said, noticing the glow of the alicorn's horn under the covers. Flurry scrambled out of her covers suddenly, shaken from the place in her book. "What are you reading anyway?"

Flurry held the book up with her magic. "It's a book Celestia gave me... It's a journal of sorts... I'm sort of reading it to maybe help me unwind from... everything."

Daffodil sighed in understanding. "You know, it wasn't your fault what happened. We've all told you as much."

"I could've done more-"

"Sometimes, ponies just need someone to blame... Darling is just hurt, don't take it so personally."

Daffodil disappeared into the bathroom, and with a deep sigh, Flurry returned to the book.

Excerpt One-Hundred and Seventeen

Luna

"I know the thorns of jealousy. They can be so crippling. Starswirl came to us, my sister and I, to ask us to rule as a pair in the land we would soon call 'Equestria'. Though the village of Skyros was sad to see us go, one poor soul was particularly devastated. Perhaps, not for she might miss us, but rather, for the fact that she was not the one invited. She was taken to the holdings, perhaps they will leave her in Tartarus.

It is such a shame, she had so much potential to be greater... If only she could control that temper."

Excerpt Three-Hundred and Forty-Five.

Celestia

"I have often wondered what became of Skyros after Luna and I's departure. I know now, from the reports of the explorers, that Skyros disbanded. This is not the first nation to disband, or rather disappear, in my lifetime. The Crystal Empire has been gone for a near millennium... Though Skyros was not a place I had counted on ever going the way of Sombra.

Secretly, I had always wished that perhaps, when I felt my duties in my found home of Equestria were through, when I found my successor and knew all my followers were in good hooves, I would return home...

Alicorns are a rare breed now, they say... A horrible fire had destroyed the city... and those who remained... had given up their immortality.

I wonder: Perhaps we will all have to find somepony else to do what the alicorns once did."

Flurry awoke with the book draped over her face. She scurried up, looking out the window, and realizing she was already late for her first lesson with Starlight.

Once in the laboratory classroom Starlight had specifically set aside, she found her instructor pacing. "Flurry! You're late!" She shouted, in an awkward attempt not to show her disappointment.

"I-" Flurry caught her breath, disappointed in having disappointed somepony else... "I'm sorry, I just couldn't get to sleep."

Starlight sighed, knowingly. "I heard what Darling said to you... and I know she is your aunt's pupil, but sometimes two ponies just can't be friends." Flurry starred on, for some reason this had just never occurred to her. "Darling is hurt now... And if she lets that hurt fester within... She may never reach her full potential. Trust me I know from personal experience... Don't let that happen to yourself... Flurry Heart."

Flurry looked on in a daze, "I have to do something." She said, suddenly disappearing out of the classroom.

"I always say the wrong thing-" Starlight muttered, putting her hoof to her head.

Upon arriving to the school of magic, Flurry Heart buckled the satchel onto her back. She trotted up the hall back toward Darling's room.

Once there the door creaked open, as it had been left ajar. In a reflection, Darling noted Flurry's presence.

"What don't you understand, Flurry Heart?!" She shouted, jumping up onto her hooves. "I don't want to be your friend! I don't want to hear how sorry you are or anything!"

"I didn't come here to apologize." Flurry said seriously.

Darling narrowed her eyes. Awkwardly taking a seat. "Fine then, what do you want?"

"I want you to have this." Flurry said, unraveling the satchel to reveal Celestia and Luna's journal. "I'm going to want it back... once you've healed."

Darling took the book in her hooves. "This is an artifact..."

"I don't need to be your friend, Darling." Flurry said, sternly, "But, I also won't let you go through this alone."

Darling grazed the cover of the book with her hoof. "You can go."

Potion Problem

Family Day

Twilight and Starlight trotted together down the cobbled bridge, exiting the school of friendship. "It's a shame that Darling hasn't been in her lessons. She's really fallen into the books." Twilight lamented.

"It will pass, you of all people know what it's like to be stuck in a book-" They shared a laugh.

"Perhaps... if her magic isn't to return... she should transfer here..." Twilight suggested.

"I think we should not make any decisions in haste-" Starlight replied, defensively. Neither knowing the state of Darling's condition.

"Ah- Flurry!" Twilight said, watching as her niece trotted past with Sunbeam by her side. "Will your parents be here for family night? Starlight has been going on and on about the fantastic progress you've been making!"

Flurry smiled and nodded. "They've never missed a thing!" She answered, rolling her eyes playfully.

"And Sunbeam?" Starlight replied, inviting the colt to join in on the conversation.

"My father..." Sunbeam said, almost in a whisper.

"Oh it has been such a long time since I've seen your mother and father!" Twilight laughed to herself, Starlight and herself sharing a knowing glance.

"Yeah..." Sunbeam laughed awkwardly.

As Flurry and Sunbeam trotted away, Flurry asked a burning question. "Are your parent's traveling often?"

"It's just that, they are always working and Canterlot is such a bustling place." Sunbeam said with a dismissive smile. "My mom is also one of Princess Twilight's advisors, so you know how that can be."

"Really, perhaps I know her!" Flurry said enthusiastically.

"I'm certain that you do!" Sunbeam laughed. The younger pony's wing's began beating anxiously. "I actually have reserve practice soon, Flurry, I'll catch you later!"

As the sun set, the families of every creature in the school of friendship had begun arriving. Cadence and Shining armor embraced their daughter happily as they reunited. Families across the yard all shared reunification moments just the same.

"Flurry!" Shining said, "Introduce us to your friends!" her parents insisted in unison.

Flurry looked about the courtyard. There she could see Berry Patch, her mother, and younger brother. Daffodil, Dusk, and their father. Pound Cake, and Mrs. Cake. Lastly, she noticed Sunbeam sitting alone on the bench. "Well..." Flurry sighed. Gesturing toward Sunbeam "I think my friend is a little... lonely... can I please be excused?"

Her parents shared a proud glance and turned to give her a nod.

Trotting up to her friend, she took note of his patient and excited demeaner. "Is your father late?"

"Oh, Flurry! No! He's right there!" Turning around to take note of where her friend was pointing, Flurry noticed a unicorn with nearly the same coloring as her friend.

Sunbeam flittered up on his wings "Dad!" He said waving him over. The unicorn trotted over. He was in formal guard gear, just like Flurry's own father... She recognized him as captain of the Canterlot Royal Guard.

Joining the three of them, Her parents joined them. Shining Armor shook hooves with Sunbeam's father. "Flash Century! I has been such a long time." Shining exclaimed.

"Shining Armor! Your little filly goes here too?"

Looking over at their children, they took note that their respective children most certainly weren't little anymore. "Looks like your colt ain't much of a colt any more!" Cadence chimed in.

"You know each other?" Flurry and Sunbeam asked in unison.

"The captains of Equestria's royal guards have got to keep in touch!" Flash Century insisted.

"Where's the wife?" Cadence asked.

Flash rubbed his hoof over his hair smiling sheepishly. "She's actually-"

Interrupting her husband, appeared an orange pony with a red and yellow mane. Covered in a magenta cloak, she was hardly familiar to Flurry Heart, but something told her that this was somepony she should know.

Immediately, it became extremely evident that both Sunbeam's parents were... unicorns.

Flurry Heart's mind began to race, how could this be possible? It all began to make sense, Sunbeam must be adopted, that's why he was so stand-offish about his parents!

Berry Patch and Flurry Heart sat at the table together, chewing scones. "I never knew that Sunbeam was adopted?" Berry asked... "I mean... My brother and I were, it's really nothing for him to be ashamed of!" She sipped her drink. "My family is just that, my family, and I'm darn proud of it!"

Flurry nodded in agreement. "I just don't know what to say about it, I feel so sorry for pushing him for something that was really none of my business."

"Maybe it's best you don't say a word." Berry Patch shrugged.

Sunbeam worked out in the weight room just along the outside of the gym. Flurry Heart trotted in awkwardly. "Oh hey, Flurry." Sunbeam said nonchalantly.

"Hey!" Flurry said happily. "I just wanted to apologize for pressuring you about your parents the other day... I had no idea you were adopted and I talked to Berry Patch, because I knew she had personal experience-"

Sunbeam jolted up, laughing. "Whoa, whoa? I'm not adopted-" He chuckled. "Not that that would even be a bad thing, I just am not."

"But- Your parents... They're both unicorns and you're... not?"

Sunbeam groaned, half laughing. "Come with me." He said, pulling a sigh as he flew quickly out the door to the weight room.

Flurry trotted quickly before taking off to fly alongside him.

"It's not good to make assumptions about ponies, Flurry." Sunbeam insisted. "I know you mean well, but sometimes you just... have leaps in your logic..." He sighed as she spun, flying backwards as he spoke. "you wonder how I got my wings? Why I don't talk much about my parents?"

Flurry felt embarrassed. "I didn't mean to pry."

"If you really want to know... You are my friend, and I trust you." Sunbeam said, stopping suddenly before diving out of the sky.

Flurry halted abruptly, trying to follow him swiftly.

They stopped outside a large home, nearly castle like, a few miles outside the Canterlot city limits. "You live here?" Flurry asked. Admiring the fine home. "It's so beautiful..."

"Have you ever thought about how taxing it was on Celestia to raise both the sun and the moon for a thousand years, while Luna was banished to the moon?" Sunbeam asked, seriously.

Flurry heart shook her head in confusion. "She was the most powerful Alicorn of all time."

"It was horribly taxing on her, magically, emotionally..." Sunbeam replied to his own question, entirely ignoring Flurry Heart's answer.

"What a silly thing to say!" the alicorn insisted.

"Twilight knew this... That she could not be her best if she was meant to control both the sun and the moon everyday." Sunbeam laughed. "When Celestia and Luna gave their talent to her... she knew that Equestria needed more rulers..."

Walking through the home they entered a study where the same orange pony with the red and yellow mane trotted about. It was suddenly incredibly evident that Sunbeam's mother was an alicorn...

"Oh Sunbeam!" She shouted suddenly. "You can't just bring over guests- Hello, Flurry Heart."

Flurry bowed strangely. "Hello."

"I guess the cat is out of the bag now!" She shouted, glaring daggers into her son. "You mustn't remember me... My name is Sunset Shimmer..."

"Y-you're an a-alicorn?" Flurry asked, stunned. "I thought there were only five alicorns in Equestria?"

Sunset Shimmer chuckled awkwardly. "Five KNOWN." She heavily emphasized the second word. "It's so complicated really....

It was quite some time ago. Years before Sunbeam was born, when I returned from the human world. It was a slight readjustment, but Equestria was a place I always knew I'd return to.

...Twilight approached me, when I returned from the human world... she asked me if I would raise the sun each day... it was the least I could do for her. She said, I had proven myself in the human world, and that Celestia would want us to share in the power..."

"Why do you keep it a secret?" Flurry Heart interjected.

"I once thought..." Sunset sighed. "I once thought all I wanted in this world was the power... to be a princess, like you, like Twilight... But I learned that there are more important things than attention and power." Sunbeam smiled as his mother embraced him, in an attempt to give an example. "Twilight approached me, when I returned from the human world... she asked me if I would raise the sun each day... it was the least I could do for her."

"I just don't understand why you hide away?" Flurry reiterated.

"You've never wished you could be just like everypony else?" Sunset asked.

Flurry nodded, knowingly... understandingly... "But, isn't it lonely?"

"I have my friends and family-" Sunset insisted. "I just don't want everypony to hate me after all I have done... betraying them when Celestia was my teacher." she shuttered from the memory as tears welled in her eyes.

Flurry sat and held Sunbeam and Sunset's hooves each in one of hers. "I think it's time you forgive yourself, and let everybody see the princess you can be... the one you are inside and out."

Twilight placed the crown of Sunset's head. "Are you sure you're ready for this?" Twilight asked. "You do not need to feel any obligation, but everypony has forgiven any trespasses you've committed. That was another life, my friend."

Sunset walked out onto the balcony and confidently raised the sun behind her. "

"Equestria, Behold the Keeper of the Sun. Princess, Sunset Shimmer."

Sunbeam rushed over to his mother and father who embraced him quickly... "I will never miss another family day, conference, game, race... anything... I'm going to be there for you." Sunset promised "I'm sorry that I let fear rule me..."

The Transformation

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The Great Pony Bake Off

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Relay Riddle

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More To The Magic (Part Two)

Flurry Heart happily joined the party in her spacious dorm room. "You guys really didn't have to do all of this for me..." She said humbly. The place was decorated with streamers, balloons, and all of the works. Including an intricately decorated cake with a cartoonish doodle of Flurry labeled 'welcome'. "And on such short notice? We've only really just met..."

Pound Cake couldn't wipe the goofy grin off of his face "Hey, it's a family thing, you have to have a party ready at all times." The ponies all shared a laugh at this.

"Well, I appreciate it nonetheless." Flurry added as she magicked her door closed.

"So, how was your meeting with Darling Lightfoot?" Sunbeam asked, holding a small cup of punch between his hooves as he floated above the others.

Flurry sighed a bit at the reminder of how off-putting Twilight's star pupil had been to her. "She wasn't exactly... Kind? I can't really form an opinion." Flurry half-confessed.

"Sunbeam is in love with her." Berry Patch blurted out. Everypony immediately began chuckling at this.

"I most certainly am not!" Sunbeam assured everyone. Balancing his drink in one hoof, he returned to the floor with the other ponies. "Just because she's gorgeous and the best magic student in all of Equestria... well, maybe besides you, Flurry... Respectfully..."

"Oh the dramatics!" Berry giggled, leaning against Flurry with one hoof held up to her head like a damsel in distress. "Just say you're in love..."

"I'd never say such a thing!" Sunbeam chuckled out. "I'm no Heartthrob."

"Heartthrob is a really nice pony..." Daffodil chimed in.

"Oh Here we go-" Berry Patch insisted.

"If you love her so much you should just talk to her..." Flurry added, rolling her eyes.

"You literally just said she 'wasn't kind'..." The others all chuckled again.

"She just basically told me to stay out of her way-"

Suddenly, there was a loud bang above the five ponies, seemingly coming from the roof of the dorm building. Trotting sounds could be heard before the steps were silent. The steps had stopped just above Flurry Heart. The five ponies surrounded her as they stared up at the ceiling. "What was that?" Pound asked scanning the room for any ideas.

"Maybe they are cleaning off the roof today?" Daffodil reasoned.

"Well, they're doing it extremely loudly if they are..." Berry Patch added.

Without another word they could see a reddish laser of magic shoot through the roof and ceiling. The blade sliced a circular shape into the room. Falling through the newly made opening was a pale pink pegasus with a light blue mane. Her mane and fur were ruffled and she seemed to be scratched up from some altercation. Around her neck, hung a red colored amulet that seemed to glow the same color of the magic they had seen.

The five ponies had managed to dodge the falling ceiling with just inches to spare. They stood for a moment staring at the burglar. Without a word, the trespassing pony aimed a magical laser blast right for Flurry Heart. Narrowly dodging, Flurry Heart rolled over her bed. She scooped Truffle up in her mouth "Run!" She mutter-screamed through her teeth.

The five ponies took off down the dorm hall and down the stairs. The pink pony followed them on wing, but she seemed to doddle behind. Daffodil quickly used her magic to blockade the unknown pony, but it was no use, the amulet's power outweighed her own.

"Who is that?!" Berry Patch shouted as they galloped through the schools' halls, other students dodging them as they did.

"I have no idea!" Flurry answered. Her and Sunbeam beating their wings, fleeing over the crowd.

In Twilight Sparkle's chamber, the door was urgently burst open. The Princess, Darling, and a third pony sat silently reading until being disturbed by the five ponies' sudden entry. "Flurry Heart... What is wrong?" Twilight asked, concerned. Darling rose from her seat.

Without word, Flurry and Daffodil held the chamber doors shut with their magic. "I repeat... what is the issue?"

"Your majesty..." Pound Cake began. "We were having a small gathering up in Flurry Heart's dorm, when all of the sudden-"

A bang against the door silenced the room, it sounded as if somepony was using their entire body to smack against the door. Daffodil and Flurry shared a concerned glance as they both pressed harder to keep the door shut.

"Well, a strange pony with a magical necklace on burst through the ceiling." Pound Cake continued.

Twilight shared a glance with the two pupils she had been meeting with. "Please describe this pony to us..." she commanded.

"Well she was a little older than us, pale pink fur and blue mane." Pound Cake responded.

"Oh and don't forget the crazy look in her eyes as she tried to blast us to smithereens!" Sunbeam chimed in.

"We must call the others to use the elements of harmony... we have no idea what type of magic she could have discovered..." Twilight began.

"Yes, Yes..." the unknown pony started, "But how did she escape her stone prison..."

"Who is this pony?!" Berry Patch shouted in terror.

"Cozy Glow... she was once a school filly, just like you all are..." Twilight began. "She was obsessed with power, and it corrupted her... She aligned herself with Equestria's enemies, and well, somehow she seems to have escaped her subsequent imprisonment."

The door burst open to reveal Cozy Glow, her eyes now glowing red with rage and the magic radiating from her amulet. She swirled a great tornado of magic from the stone around her neck and shot it out at the princess. Her wings fluttered her above the others as she turned Twilight Sparkle to stone. Darling and the second pupil scattered, joining the six ponies on the steps, watching in terror.

"Let's see how YOU all like it!" Cozy Glow shouted, turning her attention to the other ponies in the room. "And YOU!" She grumbled, pointing one hoof towards Flurry Heart. "You have something that belongs to me..." She finished, with an evil grimace.

"I have nothing for you!" Flurry shouted back, opening her wings, hiding her new friends behind them. "I don't even know you."

"The only alicorn to ever be born in Equestria?" Cozy Glow snickered nastily. "You have just the right amount magic I require to rule all Equestria."

"You'll never take her magic!" Sunbeam shouted as he shot up into the air. His flight speed was exceptional, he flew directly at cozy glow, evading all the blasts she threw at him. He tried to grab the amulet from around her neck, noting it as the source of her power, but once he touched it his hooves began to sting. Spinning out pain, he came crashing to the ground.

"You fools, you must know nothing... Any moron with an ounce of knowledge on Equestria's history would know that this amulet can't be removed by anypony other than the pony wearing it."

Darling jumped over Flurry Heart's wings and threw an unbreakable pastel pink force field around the seven ponies. "Dusk, teleport us out of here. Now" She commanded. The dark-blue unicorn immediately did that, teleporting all of them out into the courtyard.

"We need to come up with a plan." Dusk said as his magic settled down. Daffodil took to this unicorn's side immediately. "This is my brother, Dusk Dazzle." Dusk nodded in approval.

"He's right." Darling said, staring daggers into an already injured Sunbeam.

Cheeks burning with embarrassment, Sunbeam retorted "Look, I didn't see anyone else trying anything."

"Because we have to think before me act!" Darling shouted back.

"Alright everypony just calm down!" Berry Patch said, sticking one hoof between the bickering ponies. "There's no way we can stop Cozy Glow if we're fighting with each other."

"Why don't we ask the Alicorn what to do?" Dusk suggested.

"I think we should let Twilight's friends or maybe the defenders..." Flurry Heart began.

"No way." Darling said, "Twilight is already stone... and the defenders are in their own nations... They could never get here in time."

"I think she's right..." Daffodil added.

All eyes turned to Flurry once more. Her discomfort only grew as her mind raced with possibilities. Still, she knew she had to do something. "Fine... Here's what I think we can do..."

Cozy Glow flew over the entire school, a small red beam scanned every inch of the campus, searching for Flurry Heart.

The sun began to set, but Flurry didn't move from her planned spot. She sat in the middle of the courtyard grass, alone. It wasn't long before Cozy Glow had spotted her from the sky. She moved swiftly and aggressively, flying full speed at Flurry. At just the last moment, Flurry teleported herself a few feet to the left, leaving Cozy Glow to smash into the dirt, creating a large divot. She was obviously infuriated by this, rising to her feet she shot another magic blast at Flurry.

Quickly Flurry Flew out of way from the blast, just at the same time, Sunbeam shot out of the dark crashing into Cozy Glow. The pair barreled up into the air, followed by Flurry Heart.

Cozy Glow struggled against sunbeam's strength and speed as they suddenly turned back to the ground. She looked down realizing he was pushing her with much more force, enough force to seriously injure her if she were to hit the ground. She gave him a horrified glance before using the magical amulet to teleport herself back into the sky and away from him.

He groaned in annoyance, changing course just before smashing into the ground himself.

Darling and Flurry both shot a magic beam at Cozy Glow, Followed by the same from Daffodil and Dusk.

Cozy conjured a circular ball of magic, before blasting it against the entire courtyard. The blast singed off all the grass and left the old willow tree toppled. The seven ponies crawled to regroup. Losing the battle...

Cozy Glow fluttered down to the ground with the others, triumphantly. "Please, None of you have the magic nor the training to win this fight."

Flurry Heart heard her words and seemed to realize that she was right. She trudged weakly to the front of the pack. She opened her wings once more, blocking the others from Cozy Glow. "Let's just talk about this..." Flurry Heart mumbled.

"No talking!" Berry Patch shouted from behind, jumping up to see over the taller ponies. "Send her back to stone where she belongs!"

Cozy Glow slowly approached the group with an inquisitive look on her face. "What do you really think there is to 'talk' about?" She giggled a bit at the absurdity.

"Why do you feel like you need to do this?" Flurry asked "What did the other enemies ever do for you?"

"More than anypony else ever did!" Cozy Glow screeched defensively.

"There's another way... You don't need the power to be liked..." Flurry reasoned. Pound, , Berry Patch, Sunbeam, and Daffodil all joined her in a line.

"Oh don't start with all of the 'Friendship is Magic' malarkey." Cozy Glow scoffed. She immediately shot another ray of magic at them. They seemed unharmed, though. A few more blasts, though, drove them apart physically. "You haven't the capacity to control the magic you aim to use..."

Noticing her friends weakening, Flurry charged Cozy. They pressed their hooves against one another, flying up into the air. The magic lasers created a light show in the sky. "You're nothing!" Cozy Glow shouted. "You're an alicorn and you can't even defeat me!" She laughed. "Your aunt is the most powerful pony in all history, yet here you are... weak".

Her words cut deep. Flurry's insecurities bubbling to the surface. All of the ways she was inadequate brought to the forefront of her mind. In one fowl blast Flurry was hit and sent cascading out of the sky.

Watching from below, Dusk used his magic to grab Flurry Heart and safely lower her to the ground. She lay still, injured, but still breathing. All of this was enough. Cozy Glow returned to the ground one final time, sure she had finished the fight.

To her surprise, she could no longer move. Surrounded by the light pink magic aura, Cozy Glow struggled against it's grip. Darling stood behind her, using all her might to freeze Cozy in her tracks. She grunted in exhaustion as she struggled to overpower the amulet-wearing pony. "You will remove the amulet!"

"I will not!" Cozy Screamed in defiance.

"You Will!" Darling Cried back, squeezing the mare tighter in her magic's grasp. Dusk blasted the magical grip assisting his peer.

A sense of dread washed over Cozy Glow as the other ponies stared in shock at the power before them. She did as she was told, throwing the amulet down on the dirt before them.

Daffodil quickly used her magic to retrieve the amulet, handing it to Berry Patch. Berry quickly stomped the amulet into many small pieces, rendering it useless.

Darling and Dusk released Cozy Glow from their grasp, both exasperated and exhausted. Having used next to all their might to hold her. Darling and Dusk quickly zapped Cozy Glow immediately returning her to stone.

Back in the princess's chamber, Dusk leaned over in order to place the weakened Flurry Heart on the throne room floor. Upon the destruction of the Alicorn Amulet, Twilight had been freed. The seven younger ponies bowed before the princess. "She has been returned to stone, your majesty." Berry Patch said.

"We must find a secure place to keep her, in case she is ever to escape again" Twilight sighed, returning to her feet. "It was fortunate that we had you all here to protect Equestria." she said.

Flurry reluctantly approached Darling once the fuss had begun to settle. "How did you freeze her like that?" She asked curiously.

"level twenty spell, it's still out of my wheelhouse, but I did it." She said simply.

"We all make a good team..." Flurry Heart tried, in a friendly manner.

"You failed, Flurry Heart." Darling said in a bitter tone. "If it were left up to you and your little friends, we'd all be gone."

"That's not true... We beat her!?"

"No, You... and that cake kid... hardly helped at all." Darling reminded. "You really do have a lot to learn here." She scoffed "We aren't friends Flurry Heart. Don't think that we are... or that we might be, because we won't."

"Why are you being so cruel to me!?"

"I'm not being cruel! I'm giving you the reality of the situation. You and your friends failed to use the 'magic of friendship' or whatever your plan was. Dusk and I could've gotten seriously hurt using magic like that... I don't mean to blame you, I just-" Darling rolled her eyes in annoyance. "You have to take magic seriously, I'm sure you will be great and be able to use the magic of friendship one day, but it's not something that you can just do one day out of the blue..."

"I'm trying my best!" Flurry Shouted, but it was on deaf ears as Darling turned away from her and started out of the chamber all together.

Flurry Heart trudged up the empty steps of the throne room, where she had left Truffle prior to the fight. With Flurry in his midst he was able to take sentience once more. "Oh Kid! I was so worried about you!" He shouted wrapping his small plush arms around one of her legs. She sat on the rug between the two thrones, Truffle in her lap, "Oh Truffle... I feel like this whole friendship thing is going to be even more complicated here..."