Eric Sparkle and the Mysterious Filly

One relaxing day, Twilight and Storm were sitting in their throne room looking at the Cutie Map, until they heard steps coming their way. “Mommy!” Eric said.

“We’re glowing!” The Crusaders said in unison.

Twilight giggled as she walked over to the young ones, “That’s what happens when you’re summoned by the Map.”

“Somepony needs our help?” Sweetie Belle asked excitedly.

“We’re being called by the Map?” Apple Bloom asked excitedly.

“Did I mention we’re glowing?!” Scootaloo exclaimed excitedly.

“You did, Scootaloo. Even my bandana is glowing,” Eric replied, “That’s the second time this happened.” Twilight giggled again.

“So where exactly in Equestria are we needed?” Scootaloo asked.

“Actually, where you’re going isn’t even in Equestria,” Twilight said.

“Then where is it?” Eric asked, until Twilight pointed to a projection of the land beyond Equestria.

“Wow! That’s almost... off the table!” Sweetie Belle said.

“But what’s way out there?” Apple Bloom asked, until Twilight showed them the projection of Mount Aris.

“Mount Aris, the home of the Hippogriffs! And that’s where you’re headed!” Twilight said. “Whoa...!” the young ones said in unison as they gazed at their cutie marks on the map.

At the train station, where the ponies were chatting with each other, Twilight and Storm, with Eric carrying his travel bag as he was sitting on her back, and the Crusaders were waiting for their train to Mount Aris.

“You really don’t need to come with us, Twilight and Storm. We can take care of this mission just fine on our own,” Sweetie Belle said.

“Mm-hmm,” Apple Bloom added.

“Yeah!” Scootaloo said, riding her scooter and then came to a complete stop.

“I know that. But I’m not so sure the ponies who care about you want you going off so far on your own,” Twilight said. “Besides, there’s some school business Storm and I need to take care of on Mount Aris. This permission slip is for Silverstream. It’s very important that her mother and father sign it, or else no field trips.” She showed them Silverstream’s permission slip.

“Sounds like somepony just wants a vacation,” Scootaloo whispered to Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle, as they giggled together, leaving Twilight and Storm unamused with a sly smirk.

“Okay, yes, we have been wanting to visit Mount Aris ever since the Hippogriffs moved back. But it’s purely research,” Twilight said, “So, when we get there, Silverstream’s brother is going to meet us there and take us to both of their houses.”

“Wow! They have more than one house?” Apple Bloom asked.

“I guess so. The social structure of the Hippogriffs and seaponies is a bit of a mystery,” Twilight said, until the conductor called out.

“All aboard! Last stop, the new Mount Aris Station!” Twilight and the kids got onto the train as the last remaining passengers got off or on the train before it began making its trek to Mount Aris.

During the ride, Eric sat on Twilight’s lap for comfort and read one of his books.

“I don’t know if I’d like being a Hippogriff. Part bird, part pony...” Sweetie Belle said.

“I’m happy with just my pony parts, thanks,” Scootaloo replied.

“I think hippogriffs are pretty neat,” Apple Bloom said, “I learned all about them from Applejack. The hippogriffs all once lived happily on Mount Aris. But when the Storm King invaded, they used a magic pearl to turn into seaponies and escape to the underwater safety of Seaquestria. Then, in the Battle of Canterlot, when Applejack defeated the Storm King—”

“Wait, what? She told you she defeated him? By herself?” Twilight asked cutting her off.

“Uh, maybe she didn’t say that exactly. But it makes for a better story,” Apple Bloom replied.

“Hey, Eric? What was your first experience there?” Sweetie Belle asked.

“Well... it was pretty gloomy while they lived underwater during the Storm King’s reign of terror, but the seaponies were kind enough to give us shelter, but we needed their help,” Eric said.

“I know. You were scared about losing everything you love,” Scootaloo said.

Eric nodded, before Twilight placed her hoof onto him, “But Tempest Shadow helped him before the Storm King was defeated, and we’re still grateful. He was also brave for holding him off for us.”

“Really? You fought the Storm King by yourself?” Apple Bloom asked.

Eric nodded, “Yeah. I did.”

“Thanks to you, we’ve got help from the hippogriffs,” Twilight said.

“Thanks to you three, along with Eric’s other friends, we also had help from the changelings and the dragons,” Storm added.

Eric and the other CMC nodded, until Twilight saw how uncomfortable he felt, so she kissed him on the top of his head, and then let him sleep against her underside so that he can stay comfy for the rest of the train ride.

Later on, the Crusaders fell asleep as well, and Eric was still snuggled with Twilight’s fur as she kept her hoof and wings wrapped around him to keep him warm and snug, leaving her amused with a soft giggle about how cute Eric was sleeping. Suddenly, she heard the train whistle blowing, “Final stop, Mount Aris Station!”

Scootaloo gasped excitedly as the other two looked out the window with her, and saw Mount Aris as it was now fully restored and as the train came to a complete stop, the passengers got off as some were hippogriffs, and then the last ones were Twilight, Storm, Eric, the other Crusaders as he was riding on Twilight’s back so he wouldn’t have to walk too much.

“All right. So what kind of cutie mark-related friendship problem do you think we’re supposed to solve?” Sweetie Belle asked.

“I don’t know. But hippogriffs don’t have cutie marks. So it might not have anything to do with that at all,” Twilight said.

Apple Bloom then took a closer look at the hippogriff’s flanks revealing no cutie marks, “Huh. Still, the map called us, so it must be a kind of problem that only we can solve.”

“Go, Crusaders!” The fillies gave each other a high hoof.

“But how do we know exactly who we’re supposed to help?” Sweetie Belle asked.

“I don’t know, but I’m sure we’ll find out soon enough,” Eric replied.

“Ahem. Attention, please! Anygriff here have a problem?” Scootaloo said, all the hippogriffs just looked at her curiously and shook their heads, “Eh. That’s all I got.”

“Maybe if the Map could be a little more specific about our mission, like maybe... an address?” Apple Bloom asked.

“The Map doesn’t really work like that. But I’m sure you and whoever needs help will find each other,” Twilight said.

Suddenly, they heard water splashing, and they saw a seapony, “Excuse me! Mrs. Sparkle? Mister Storm Blade? Over here! Sorry I’m late. I’m Silverstream’s brother, Terramar,” he said.

“A hippogriff can have a seapony for a brother? How does that work exactly?” Apple Bloom asked.

“Shhh! It’s rude to ask a question like that!” Sweetie Belle said, until Terramar turned into a hippogriff and landed near them. He had apple greenish white fur and feathers with pale apple greenish light gray beak tip, talons and hind hooves, a moderate cyan and pale turquoise feather mane and tail, and moderate cyan eyes.

“Whoa!” Scootaloo said.

“Can I ask now?” Apple Bloom asked.

Terramar chuckled, “It is kind of strange. See, after the Storm King was defeated, the seaponies didn’t have to hide anymore. So some of them changed back to Hippogriffs and went home to Mount Aris.”

“But others got used to living under the water and stayed in Seaquestria,” Twilight said.

“And me? Well, I kind of go back and forth with this. It’s a tiny piece of the magic pearl. It was split up among our kingdoms,” Terramar said, pointing to his necklace.

Apple Bloom and Eric said, “Whoa!” as Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo both said, “Cool!”

“Good to meet you, Terramar. I’m-” Eric tried to say.

“Prince Eric Sparkle. My aunt Novo and cousin, Skystar told all of us about you,” Terramar said, cutting him off.

“Well, I’m pretty eager to see the hippogriff village. You know, to... get this form signed. And... research! So...” Twilight said, showing the permission slip. Storm went with her.

“Hey, Terramar? Does anygriff you know up there have a problem they need help with?” Apple Bloom asked.

Terramar chuckled, “On Mount Aris? No. Everygriff is pretty happy up there.” He then sighed, “It’s a great place to live.”

“Can you take us there?” Eric asked.

“Sure. Follow me,” Terramar said, leading the five to the top of Mount Aris, where the city was.

As they reached the city, the young ones saw so many hippogriffs enjoying themselves, including the little ones.

“Whoa! This looks amazing! Last time we were here, it was a ghost town!” Twilight said.

“It was rather gloomy,” Storm remarked.

“Yeah. Queen Novo thought it was important to return our village to its former glory, after the Storm King was defeated,” Terramar said, before they heard a fanfare of trumpets.

“And now, I officially open the “Glad to Be a Hippogriff” Festival!” Sky Beak said.

The hippogriffs then enjoyed the party and made a few laughs with each other. “Wow! We picked a good day to show up!” Scootaloo said.

“Not really. We do this every weekend. Hippogriffs really like being hippogriffs,” Terramar said, as the hippogriffs kept cheering.

“It’s hard for you, Huh?” Eric asked.

“Yeah, looks like it, but I still love my family,” Terramar said.

Sky Beak chuckled as he saw his son, “There’s my boy!”

“Hi, Dad!” Terramar said, hugging his father.

“Haven’t seen you in days, son. Wish you’d come around more often,” Sky Beak said.

“Oh! Dad, these are some of Silverstream’s friends from Equestria. They came up to see us!” Terramar said. Sky Beak gasped, “Princess Twilight Sparkle! Prince Storm Blade!” He then screeched like an eagle, and then the hippogriffs listened to his announcement. “Attention, everygriff! Princess Twilight Sparkle and Prince Storm Blade are here! They’re Silverstream’s teachers!”

The hippogriffs greeted her, gasping and exclaiming excitedly. “Here to take in the marvel that is Mount Aris, your Highnesses?” Sky Beak asked.

“Absolutely! And to have you sign a form for Silverstream,” Twilight said, showing him the slip. “Glad to! But first, let’s show the prince and princess some real Mount Aris hospitality!” Sky Beak asked.

“I guess... But we have someone for you to meet,” Storm replied.

“Certainly,” Sky Beak said.

Twilight then magically levitated Eric off her back and showed him to Sky Beak. “Let me guess, your son, Prince Eric Sparkle?” Sky Beak asked.

“Yes,” Twilight said.

“To the refreshment tent for a stein of salmon juice to go around!” Sky Beak said.

“Eh. Research. See you later! And good luck! I know you’ll find your mission!” Twilight said while she and Storm joined the hippogriffs with fun activities. “Oh, and take Eric with you.”

“Well, your dad’s certainly... outgoing, isn’t he?” Sweetie Belle asked, as Eric stood next to her.

“He’s a great guy. All my relatives are nice That’s kind of the problem—” Terramar said.

“Wait, stop,” Sweetie Belle said, as she heard the sound of a giant pan flute with whimsical wind blowing, and he saw a huge stream with stepping stones and a huge shaped cliff, and lots of trees.

“What’s that wonderful sound?” Sweetie Belle asked.

“Those are the Harmonizing Heights. Legend says that—” Terramar said.

“Woo-hoo! Yeah! Awesome! I love this!” Sweetie Belle exclaimed.

“Uh, is she okay?” Terramar asked.

“She’s sometimes like this. Sweetie Belle is cute when she’s like this, that’s what I love about her,” Eric replied.

“This is absolutely the best place ever! You are so lucky!” Sweetie Belle said.

“And you get to swim in the ocean! You have two great places to live!” Scootaloo added.

“How do you make up your mind which one to stay in?” Apple Bloom asked.

“I can’t. That’s the problem,” Terramar said.

“Did you say... “problem”?” Apple Bloom asked.

“You have a problem?!” Sweetie Belle asked.

“Yes!” Scootaloo said.

“They’re sometimes like this,” Eric said to Terramar as he made a surprisingly amused face.

“Woo-hoo! We discovered our mission!” Sweetie Belle said.

“All right!” Scootaloo added.

“We did it!” Apple Bloom said.

“Woo-hoo-hoo-hoo!” they cheered, before Sweetie Belle chuckled nervously.

Scootaloo cleared her throat, “Sorry. You were talking about your problem?”

“Right. Like I said, Mount Aris is one great place to live. That’s why Silverstream and my dad and some of my cousins came back here. But Seaquestria is another great place to live. That’s where my mom is,” Terramar said.

“Ohhhh. I-I didn’t know that,” Sweetie Belle said.

“Neither did I,” Eric added.

“So no matter where I am, I feel like I’m letting someone down,” Terramar said.

“No wonder you’re having such a hard time deciding,” Apple Bloom said.

“And I have to choose soon. Every other griff my age already knows where they belong. I’m still not sure,” Terramar replied.

“Maybe we can help!” Eric said.

“Yep! When in doubt, chart it out!” Scootaloo said, holding a paper chart they made.

“Now, we put down everything great about each place and everything not so great. Compare them, and... your decision is made for you!” Scootaloo said.

“Well, it’s obvious, isn’t it? Mount Aris is the best of all possible worlds. Pro: it’s beautiful. Con: too far from Equestria. I think that pretty much sums it up,” Sweetie Belle said.

“But you haven’t been to Seaquestria yet. How can you even compare them?” Terramar asked.

“Terramar’s right, Sweetie Belle. It’d be fair if we visited both places before we decide,” Apple Bloom said.

“Apple Bloom’s got a point,” Eric added.

Just then, Twilight zoomed over to them, “Hey, everypony! This festival is fantastic! Look what I won at the ring toss booth!” she said, showing them her trophy from the ring toss. “Ahem. But of course, Storm and I are really here on business. Sky Beak’s already signed the form. Now I just need your mom’s signature. Is she around?”

“Um... she’s a seapony. In Seaquestria,” Apple Bloom replied.

“That’s what Silverstream meant by “houses”!” Twilight said.

“Mm-hmm. If you’d like to meet my mom, we’re just heading down there now,” Terramar said.

“And how exactly are we gonna visit underwater?” Apple Bloom asked.

Soon enough, Terramar took them to the beach after Eric got onto Twilight’s back, but held onto her neck as they all got into the water. He was also wearing a light green swim suit with a rash guard shirt, that he had in his bag. Everyone joined claws and hooves, then Terramar lit up his pearl necklace, and transformed themselves, including Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo, into seaponies. They then went underwater.

“Whoa!” Scootaloo giggled.

“Woo-hoo! Yeah!” She giggled again, “Whoa! This must be just like flying! Woo-hoo!” She swam through seaweed as fast as Rainbow Dash.

“Where’s your mom’s house, Terramar?” Apple Bloom asked.

“Come on. It’s this way,” Terramar replied, leading the group to Seaquestria.

“This is awesome!” Scootaloo said.

“Eric? You can ride on my back if you want. In case you get lost,” Twilight said sweetly, and then Eric climbed onto her back and held onto her neck as they began swimming to Seaquestria, and he was a merman boy again while his swim suit kept him safe and warm.

As they arrived and entered the dome underneath the water and swam by a few schools of fish, they saw a few houses in Seaquestria, but one belonged to Terramar’s mother as she was setting up a dinner table and serving a few guests. She had pale light grayish olive yellow scales, pale light grayish orchid and moderate magenta mane and fins, a moderate cerulean and pale turquoise fur neck scarf, along with a blue beaded and black leather chain necklace and a seaweed neck choker around her neck, and light purple eyes. Her name was Ocean Flow.

“Hey, Mom,” Terramar said. Ocean Flow turned around and saw her son, and then they hugged each other.

“Terramar! Welcome home, baby! No excuses. This time, you’re staying for dinner,” she said.

Terramar chuckled, “Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom, Eric, this is my mom Ocean Flow. And this is—”

Ocean Flow gasped, “Princess Twilight Sparkle and Prince Storm Blade! What an honor! You know, Silverstream just raves about you two.”

“Well, she is one of our most hardworking students. In fact, I brought this form for you to sign so that she can have permission to go on field trips,” Twilight said, showing Ocean Flow her daughter’s permission slip.

“Both my children are so smart. Would you like to see their baby pictures?” Ocean Flow asked.

“Mom!” Terramar exclaimed embarrassingly.

“That sounds adorable! I’d love to! And you know, to find out about aquatic pony early development and, uh...” Twilight said, as the Crusaders giggled, “Research.”

Ocean Flow giggled with Twilight and Storm, until she saw Eric with the other Crusaders. “I’m pretty sure you know who I am,” Eric said.

“You’re Prince Eric Sparkle! My sister and niece told me about you,” she replied, gently holding him underneath his armpits and between his sides with her finned hooves. Ocean Flow then smiled warmly, then brought him over for a hug, until Eric hugged her neck and buried himself underneath both her neck and her chest.

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

Ocean Flow smiled warmly and rested her head on top of his.

Eric then looked up at Ocean Flow’s necklaces while she was still holding him, “I like your necklaces. Are they real beads and natural seaweed you’re wearing?”

“Why, thank you, sweetheart. And yes, they are,” Ocean Flow said, gently stroking his hair.

“We’ll, I think he’s just the sweetest little thing,” Ocean Flow said, leaning down to give him a kiss on the forehead, and then gave him one more hug, and then she let him swim freely after breaking the hug. “Oh, well, maybe your friends would like a snack while we’re gone? Some kelp chips? Fish oil tea?”

“No thanks, Mom. I’m gonna go show them around,” Terramar said, as he and the other young ones swam with him.

“Look out!” Scootaloo said, giggling while swimming through a school of fish. “Can’t catch me!”

Sweetie Belle was not amused while Apple Bloom, Eric, and Terramar were watching, “Huh. Not much sunlight down here, is there?”

“We are inside of a sea cave, and it’s as dark as any cave on land,” Eric replied, “Terramar, how far deep can a sea pony go?”

“I reckon about a mile deep,” Terramar replied.

Scootaloo giggled, before seaponies playing bongo seashell drums, and then she danced to the rhythm, “Boom-ba-da-boom-ba-da-boom-ba-da-boom-ba-da-boom-ba-da-boom-ba-da-boom!”

Sweetie Belle was still not amused about the underwater lands, “No grass to run in and no hooves to run on it with.” She looked at her seapony tail, before seeing a big fish swimming by her, “And excuse me, but how do you keep from getting all pruney?” She then sighed as it passed by.

Scootaloo laughed while riding a sea turtle, before picking up a seashell shaped as a horn and blew in it, making bubbly sounds, “Everything sounds funny down here!”

“Okay. I’ve seen everything I need to. So, uh, why don’t we find Twilight Sparkle and Storm Blade, finish the chart, and, uh, head back up the mountain? I have some serious field twirling to do,” Sweetie Belle said, as they began swimming back to Twilight.

“Where’s she going? I want to stay and swim some more!” Scootaloo said, as she sighed disappointingly.

The group then went back to the beach, and Twilight was now holding Eric on her hoof and then dried him off with a towel inside his bag after taking off his swimsuit.

Sky Beak screeched, “Princess Twilight, you’re back! And just in time for the screeching competition.”

“Why not? Could be another trophy in my future! Be back soon!” Twilight replied.

“All right! Let’s add some positives to the Seaquestria side!” Scootaloo said.

“Uh-huh!” Apple Bloom added, drawing some notes on the chart.

“Swimming is like flying, multi-color fish, and did I mention the flying thing?!” Scootaloo said.

“You forgot the cons. Dark, wet, sea monsters...” Sweetie Belle replied with an unamused tone.

“I don’t remember any sea monsters. Apple Bloom, looks like it’s up to you,” Scootaloo said.

“Me? Well... Both places have a lot of good things about them. I can understand why it’s hard for you to decide,” Apple Bloom said to Terramar.

“I like both places too, and your parents were so nice to me,” Eric added, while putting his clothes back on after drying himself off from the sand and water, “Maybe you’re not thinking straight, but you have to be true to your heart.”

Apple Bloom (sings):
Your heart is in two places, you can only live in one
You’re torn between the hilltops and the tide

Sweetie Belle (sings):
Thank goodness that the Cutie Mark Crusaders have begun
To give you hope and help you to decide

These hills, they call to you, they say “Harmonizing Heights”
This is your home, simple and serene
The sun-dappled leaves or a mountain terrace
You can see twenty-three different shades of green

To dare to compare anywhere to there
Is unfair and just plain wrong
Colt or mare or you wear feathers, fins, or hair
This is where you belong

“Well, on the other hoof, I can think of a place that’s way more exciting and cool, not to mention more you! Come on, you know exactly where I mean!” Scootaloo said.

Scootaloo (sings):
Seaquestria’s the most, you’re supposed to be there
Underneath the sea where you can feel at home
Swimmin’ with your friends, you can spend all day here
Playin’ in the bay here, splashin’ in the foam

Sailin’ through the wavy blue
You’ll view a slew of tortoises
Forget the rest, the sea’s the best
For all intents and “porpoises”

Sweetie Belle (sings):
Build your nest here on Harmonizing Heights

Scootaloo (sings):
Live it up here in Seaquestria

Sweetie Belle (sings):
Nothing compares to Harmonizing Heights
The eagles are regal

Scootaloo (sings):
But the schools are cooler

Sweetie Belle (sings):
Their claws are so awesome

Scootaloo (sings):
With their sweet maneuvers

Sweetie Belle (sings):
Star wishes every night

Scootaloo (sings):
Starfish by eel light

Sweetie Belle (sings):
Better

Scootaloo (sings):
Wetter

Sweetie Belle (sings):
Shinier

Scootaloo (sings):
Brinier
Seaquestria!

Sweetie Belle (sings):
Harmonizing Heights!

Scootaloo (sings):
Seaquestria!

Sweetie Belle (sings):
Harmonizing Heights!

“Girls! Break it up!” Eric said.

Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo (sing):
That’s it! This is the end!
Don’t ever talk to me again!

Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo looked away from each other with their forelegs crossed and with angry faces. Apple Bloom and Eric looked and saw Terramar walking away. “Terramar, where’re you goin’?” Apple Bloom asked.

“Ugh! If you all can’t even agree amongst yourselves, how am I supposed to make up my mind?! It’s hopeless!” Terramar then flew away.

“Terramar, wait! We didn’t meant to...!” Eric said as the hippogriff flew away.

“Hmph!” Scootaloo huffed.

“Sweetie Belle said to tell you it’s your fault that Terramar ran off,” Apple Bloom said.

“Well, you tell Sweetie Belle that if it weren’t for her, our mission would’ve been over by now! And a success!” Scootaloo replied angrily.

“Scootaloo says this whole thing is your fault,” Apple Bloom said.

“Well, tell her that I’m not the one who dashed all of Terramar’s hopes and made him give up on the world! Both worlds!” Sweetie Belle replied angrily.

“Sweetie Belle says it’s your fault that Terramar ran— Oh. Wait. I already told you that, didn’t I?” Apple Bloom said.

“Uh, what’s going on?” Twilight asked with a confused look.

“Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo were arguing!” Eric said.

“So, where’s Terramar?” Storm asked.

“Uh, well... he... he kinda left. He wanted to be by himself,” Apple Bloom said.

“Which was not my fault!” Scootaloo replied.

“Mine, either!” Sweetie Belle retorted.

“Well, of course not. But why would you think that?” Twilight asked.

“Because it was our fault,” Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle said in unison. Twilight and Storm made a sad brow.

“All we had to do was help him choose which world to live in,” Scootaloo added.

“And we let him down,” Sweetie Belle finished.

“Whoever said that he had to choose?” Twilight asked.

“Well, he did,” Apple Bloom replied.

“Hmm... Maybe Terramar’s making it harder than it has to be,” Twilight said.

“Yoo-hoo! Prince and Princess! We’re having a seashell-crafting circle. Care to join us?” Ocean Flow said, emerging from the water with other seaponies.

“There you are! The flag-folding ceremony’s about to begin!” Sky Beak said.

“Thank you, really. I’ve had a great time in both places, but...” Twilight said, then whispered to the CMC, “Wow. This must be how Terramar feels all the time.”

Sky Beak and Ocean Flow saw each other eye to eye.

“Oh! Hello, Sky Beak!” Ocean Flow said.

“Ocean Flow! You’re looking well,” Sky Beak replied, as they hugged each other.

“Captain Sky Beak, Princess Ocean Flow, I’ve got bad news... about Terramar,” Eric said.

“Terramar?” Ocean Flow asked.

“What about him?” Sky Beak asked.

“Well, he’s having a hard time choosing between both worlds to live in, and well, we let him down because Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo were caught up about pros and cons about which place is better, before arguing over each other about which they liked better instead of trying to help Terramar find his place in Mount Aris,” Eric replied. “We’re really sorry.”

Eric suddenly saw the hippogriffs and the seaponies talking with each other, and it made him smile softly. “Hmm. This gives me an idea,” Sweetie Belle said.

The CMC kept looking for Terramar by using the cliffy rocks by the shoreline.

“Huh. I thought for sure he came this way,”

They immediately noticed Terramar sitting on a tree branch. Sweetie Belle gasped, “He did.”

“And I’m staying here, too! That way, I don’t have to be on land or in the water!” Terramar said.

“You just weren’t thinking straight,” Eric replied.

“He has a point,” Scootaloo said, as Eric saw her and the other two walking over. “We’re sorry. We were supposed to help you, and...”

“...we just ended up confusing you more. It’s all our fault,” Sweetie Belle finished.

“Oh, great! You’re sorry, and I’m still confused! I’m staying in my tree,” Terramar said.

“We might have somethin’ worth comin’ down for,” Apple Bloom replied.

“And we’d like to show it to you,” Eric added.

It wasn’t long before they came back to the beach, and the four friends showed Terramar what they had in mind, “We thought we’d get every creature together for a picnic on the beach,” Sweetie Belle said, and Eric nodded.

“And we mean every creature!” Scootaloo added. They all saw the seaponies and the hippogriffs having a picnic on the beach together.

“Son! There you are! Your friends told us how you’ve been feeling,” Sky Beak said.

“And we’re sorry if we ever made you think you had to choose between worlds. That wasn’t our intention, honey,” Ocean Flow added.

“Your hippogriff heritage is something to be proud of, certainly,” Sky Beak said.

“But you’re more than just where you’re from or who you live with. We love you because you’re you, no matter where you choose to be,” Ocean Flow added.

“You don’t have to decide. You can keep doing what you’ve been doing, going back and forth,” Sky Beak continued.

“And enjoying both places,” Ocean Flow finished.

Terramar laughed while hugging his parents. “Something we forgot to add that both places have, family and friends who love you,” Scootaloo said, as Apple Bloom wrote it down on the chart.

“Eric, girls? Could you come here please?” Ocean Flow asked, and then they walked over to her and the other two. “We just want to say thank you for helping our son learn to trust his instincts.”

“We just felt like that if he needed something to listen to, like your heart, it’ll be there to guide you, or ask for help from someone you trust,” Eric said.

“And that’s something we’ll never forget,” Sky Beak replied.

“Thanks for everything,” Terramar said, until he heard something weird. “Hey. Uh, are you glowing?” The Crusaders looked at their shimmering cutie marks. “Yes! We did it!” they shouted in unison.

“Congratulations! Your first map mission is a success!” Twilight replied.

“Guess that means we’re officially done here. I hope you come visit your sister in Equestria,” Sweetie Belle said.

“Yeah, come see us! You’ll love it!” Apple Bloom added.

“Who knows? You might even want to live there!” Scootaloo added, “Yeah, that was a joke.”

Eric nodded, and then he looked at Twilight and Storm.

“We’re proud of you coming along, Eric,” Storm said.

“We’re also proud that you have good intentions for others,” Twilight added.

Eric nodded and then hugged them, before he felt his mom and dad hugging him as well.