The Jedi Prince III: The Spark of Hope

It was another beautiful day in Ponyville. For the most part, the citizens of the town seemed to have gotten adjusted to having a giant crystal castle just outside the town area. Inside the castle, Harmony Squad entered the main room where all the thrones were located. It had been roughly three days since their recent adventure on Lothal. Inside, Spike was just snoring peacefully on his throne. Pinkie wasted no time bouncing over to her throne and taking a seat on it. She or any other pony hadn’t even realized that the cutie mark on it began to start glowing as soon as she sat down it. Rainbow had just hovered over to her throne when Twilight, Cody, and Sunset approached.

“Let’s go through this one more time,” Twilight asked.

“Not again,” Cody groaned and even Rainbow face-palmed herself.

“We’ve been over it like a million times, Twilight!” Rainbow retorted annoyingly, “We found all seven keys, found all seven power hearts, defeated Tirek, and got this sweet castle! End of story!”

“Yes, but why?” Twilight asked.

“I mean, we know Tirek blew up our home and we needed a new one and such, but...well...even my wife would agree that a castle is a bit much for a replacement.” Cody said. Twilight and Sunset nodded in agreement.

“I dunno, sugarcubes,” Applejack replied as she took a seat in her own throne, “Maybe it’s just your new house and there ain’t nothin’ more to it than that.”

“Easy for you to say,” Cody muttered to Twilight, “We could never call this castle our home.”

“Shh!” Twilight shushed, not wanting anypony to hear about their feelings of having a castle just yet.

“I must say, speaking strictly on aesthetics, there really doesn’t need to be more to it. It’s all simply divine!” said Rarity as she took a seat in her own throne. Cody, Sunset, and Twilight just discreetly looked at each other and rolled their eyes.

“I agree with Twilight and Sunset,” Fluttershy replied as she took a seat in her own throne, “And Rarity. And Applejack. And Rainbow Dash. And Pinkie Pie. Oh, and probably Spike, Sal, Bucky, and R5.” Spike just snored in reply.

“As prince and princesses, we’ve been chosen to spread the magic of friendship across Equestria,” Twilight said, “So why would the Tree of Harmony want us to sit in a castle in Ponyville? It doesn’t make any sense.”

“I don’t think we’re supposed to just sit in a castle all day, honey,” Cody replied as he took a seat on his throne, “I think the thrones are meant to provide us a place to discuss friendship problems when they occur, like a council of some sort.”

Everypony then noticed the cutie marks on their thrones were glowing as well. Then the cutie marks on each of their thrones shot out a beam of colored light that met at the center of the room. It was then fissures of crystal rock rose from the ground and all the fissures met at the center of the floor. Then the crystal constructed itself into what appeared to be... after a brilliant flash of light... a table with a map had appeared. Spike was woken up by the bright light and blinked at what he saw. The others just stared at the table map in awe.

“Is that new?” Spike asked curiously, “I like it.” No one replied.

“This is incredible!” Spike remarked as he walked across the table, “It’s got all of Equestria and a whole bunch more!” Pinkie then stared at the map and noticed a familiar farm.

“Hi, Mom and Dad!” said Pinkie when Spike stomped his foot over the image, making Pinkie nearly cry.

Just then, Cody heard a familiar sound.

“I know that humming,” said Cody to himself and turned to his wife, “Honey, open your wings!” Twilight gave Cody a funny look before opening her wings and saw that her cutie mark was glowing. Pinkie saw her was glowing as well, followed by Fluttershy. As the rest noticed their own glowing cutie marks, images of all six cutie marks floated into the air above the table. The other five ponies’ cutie marks were rotating around Twilight’s. The six cutie marks floated across the map before they hovered over a particular area. It was then Twilight used her magic to pull Spike off the table map so she could get a better look.

“But if this is Ponyville, why are our cutie marks over there?” said Fluttershy as she pointed at the correct area of the map.

“I don’t know, but it seems like the map wants us to find out. The tree, the chest, the castle, and now the map,” Twilight replied, “How can we not follow it? Right honey?” Cody pondered for a second before nodding in agreement.

“Indeed, looks like we’re off to another journey across Equestria!” Cody said.

“Y’know what? There’s a ton of room for dangerous adventure along that route. Count me in!” Rainbow replied as she hovered above the location.

“Aw, shoot, I reckon you’re right,” Applejack added.

“Well, I was planning on organizing my baking sheets, but okay!” Pinkie pondered.

“Very well,” said Rarity in agreement as she sighed to herself.

Pinkie and Rarity stared at Fluttershy with smiles on her faces. Fluttershy tried to look away but turned to see Rainbow hovering and starting at her in the same manner. She was beginning to wish she had told Sal and Bucky to come with them.

“Um, maybe I’ll just stay here with Spike,” said Fluttershy firmly, “Besides, I don’t want to be away from my boyfriend right now. I’m gonna miss him too much.” Rainbow glared at her, but Fluttershy took no notice.

“Awesome!” said Spike, wearing a sports jersey, beverage hat, and a number one sports glove, “Me, Big Mac, Sal, Bucky, Flash, and R5 have a huge weekend ahead of us talkin’ hoofball, and...and trading hoofball cards, and arguing about hoofball states and watching pod races on the HoloNet...” Fluttershy winced.

She didn’t even know if Sal and Bucky were into hoofball and had hoofball trading cards. Although, Sal and Bucky never said anything about meeting with Spike and Big Mac either.

“O-o-on second thought, m-m-maybe I’d better go with them. In case they need me. Just let me say goodbye to Bucky before we go okay?” said Fluttershy sheepishly.

“Looks like it’s time for a road trip,” Twilight remarked as she stood next to her husband and the seven of them made their way out of the castle.

“Well, suit yourself,” said Spike as he walked forward a bit to watch the group leave, “But Big Mac’s got a Hock Fetlock rookie card I plan to sweet-talk right into these hot little claws. And I hear Sal and Bucky got shiny cards...and they will soon be my shiny cards...” Nopony was listening anymore.

Soon enough, Cody and the Mane Six boarded the train and took a long ride to the end of the line. They then made their way off the train as Twilight used her magic to examine the map with Cody standing right beside her. The two conferred with each other before they led the rest of the Mane seven on their way. They crossed a rope bridge and soon reached the top of a hill. Down below them was a small village containing a single street surrounded by identical houses and a single house as the right end of the street.

“That’s it! That’s the place on the map!” Twilight said.

“Indeed it is,” Cody replied in agreement.

“Right. Let’s get down there and find the spa,” said Rarity as she marched ahead. Twilight quickly teleported in front of her.

“Wait, we don’t know why the map sent us here,” Twilight replied, “We shouldn’t just walk right in. It could be dangerous.”

“Yes!” said Rainbow with a fist pump.

Just then, Pinkie got in front of Twilight, Applejack, and Cody with her arms spread out.

“Stay behind me, everypony!” said Pinkie sternly, “I’m on it!”

“Careful, Pinkie!” said Applejack.

Pinkie had determined look as she rolled down the hill. She then leaned their back against a rock. Pinkie quickly scoped the area before giving a wave of her arm for the others to come. Pinkie the zoomed under a small rock and then ducked under another small rock, she then appeared from underneath a large rock. The rest of the group just watched from a short distance away as Pinkie waved at them to come.

Pinkie had survived with some damage. Despite the large rock on top of her, she was able to move about with the rock on top of her as the others walked up to the pink pony as she peeked out from behind the giant rock. Cody, Twilight, and Applejack peeked out behind the rock beside Pinkie.

“This is where the map sent us?” Rainbow retorted as she saw two ponies conversing with each other, “It looks like the most boring place in Equestria.”

“You know what they say, Rainbow,” Cody said, “Nothing is always as it seems.”

“It’s just an ordinary village full of ordinary pony folk,” Applejack replied as she saw an adult with a little filly walking side by side of each other.

“It could certainly use a few more architectural flourishes, or any architectural flourishes,” Rarity remarked.

“I think it’s lovely,” said Fluttershy.

“I don’t like it,” said Pinkie sternly as she narrowed her eyes and saw two more ponies talking to each other, “I don’t like it one bit. I know smiles. And those smiles? They’re just not right.”

“I see your point. They look a little...too happy... Something’s not right here,” Cody replied.

“Forget the smiles. Look at the cutie marks,” Twilight said. The group noticed that all the ponies of the town had equal signs for cutie marks.

“Okay, that’s weird,” Rainbow replied.

“You can say that again,” Cody remarked as the rest of the group had worried looks on their faces before they quickly ducked behind their rock.

“An entire village with the same cutie mark? How can that be?” Twilight asked.

“It’s quite a mystery, honey,” Cody replied, “A mystery we just might need to solve.”

“I bet there’s some sort of horrific monster behind it,” said Rainbow.

“What makes you say that?” Twilight asked.

“’Cause fighting a horrific monster would be super-awesome!” Rainbow replied.

“Will you get your head out of the clouds?” Cody said, “We’ve got a real situation here!”

“Cody’s right. I reckon we just ought to head into town and talk to some locals, find out what’s going on,” Applejack added.

“Great idea, AJ,” said Rainbow, “Let’s go!” The three ponies headed toward the town before Twilight and the others followed, except for Pinkie, who was still glaring at the ponies.

“Those smiles are bad news,” said Pinkie before she sank behind the rock and joined the group. The seven of them casually walked into the town. The ponies then turned to give them rather large and very ominous smiles.

“Welcome,” said a pony named Sunny Song.

“Welcome!” said a random Pegasus mare.

“Welcome!” said a random unicorn stallion.

“Welcome!” said a pony named Bacon Braids.

“Welcome!” said a second unicorn stallion.

“Welcome!” said a pony named Offbeat.

“Welcome,” a group of fillies said all together. Despite all the warm greetings, the group had mostly weary looked on their faces except for Pinkie and Fluttershy. The former kept glaring while the latter was enjoying all the hospitality. Cody couldn’t help but walk very close to his wife. All those smiles were making him feel very uneasy.

“This must be the most pleasant place in Equestria!” Fluttershy said from above.

“Welcome!” said a pony named Night Glider who hovered in front of the yellow Pegasus. Fluttershy giggled happily.

“Ugh, thanks a lot, map,” Rainbow grumbled. It was then a stallion with a pale blue coat with a cerulean mane and tail appeared before them.

“Welcome!” said the pale blue stallion as he looked at Twilight, “Pardon my forwardness, but are you an alicorn?” Twilight smiled sheepishly.

“That there’s the Princess of Friendship!” said Applejack.

“Well, you’ve certainly come to the right place for friendship,” said the pale blue stallion.

“You don’t say...” Cody replied skeptically.

“What brings you to town?” asked an all white stallion standing beside the pale blue one.

“We’re not entirely sure,” Twilight answered.

“I see, Well, all are welcome here in our little village,” said the white stallion, “My name is Double Diamond, and this is Party Favor.”

“Howdy, Double Diamond,” Applejack replied, “And this here’s Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Twilight Sparkle, and Cody Ando.”

“And you all have your own unique cutie marks,” said Double Diamond as he looked closer at Twilight and Pinkie’s cutie marks. The latter took offense and covered it.

“O-kay...” Cody replied slowly, feeling a little uneasy about Double Diamond’s interest in their cutie marks. He resisted the urge to clobber him for sticking his face onto his wife’s shoulders.

“If you don’t mind, has there been any sort of...trouble here, lately?” Twilight asked.

“Trouble?” Double Diamond replied, “Why, I don’t think we’ve ever had trouble in our little village.”

“It’s true. You’ll see. Hm,” Party Favor said in agreement. Cody looked at the two skeptically. There was no such thing as a village that was always 100% problem free. Unless they had something to hide...

“Hmm, very interesting,” Cody replied plainly.

“Perhaps you’d care to speak to our founder, Starlight Glimmer,” said Double Diamond.

“After you,” Cody replied as the two stallions lead the group to their founder’s home.

“I wish everypony in Equestria was as friendly as these ponies are,” said Fluttershy happily.

“I’ve got my eye on them,” Pinkie replied, “Something’s rotten in...whatever the name of this village is that we’re in right now.” The fact some of the smiling ponies were following them.

“I’m with Pinkie,” Cody added, “Those smiles doesn’t feel friendly. They give me the creeps.”

“The only creep I see right now is you,” Fluttershy remarked with a teasing smirk.

“Be quiet!” Cody retorted sternly. It was then the two stallions appeared before the cottage that was placed between the two rows of houses and knocked on the door twice.

“Starlight, we have some new visitors,” said Double Diamond before the door opened and the two stallions walked inside and the Mane seven followed them.

“Be ready to fight, we don’t know what’s gonna come through that door,” said Rainbow to Applejack. It was then the door opened and there before them was a pale lilac unicorn with a purple mane and tail that had sky blue highlights on it. She also had her bangs trimmed in a fashion similar to Twilight’s bangs and wore a teal gray minidress.

“Welcome!” said Starlight, “I’m so pleased to have you here.” Rainbow just groaned to herself as Cody gave the blue Pegasus a discreet death glare.

“This is Applejack, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Twilight Sparkle, and Cody Ando,” said Double Diamond. Twilight smiled sheepishly while Cody squinted his eyes. Starlight looked at them curiously before stepping forward.

“Forgive my bluntness, but I’m assuming it’s Princess Twilight Sparkle and Prince Cody Ando? We don’t get many alicorns or his kind around here,” said Starlight.

“Yes, but ‘Twilight’ is fine, and you can just call my husband ‘Cody’.” the purple alicorn replied.

“So, how did you two hear of our little village?” Starlight asked.

“It’s kind of a long story,” said Twilight, “Let’s just say we found it on a map.”

“Technically, it’s a Tree-power heart-chest-castle-map!” Pinkie added as she got in front of Twilight and Cody before sinking off screen, giving Starlight the stink eye. Cody just gave the pink pony a stink eye of his own.

“Well, however you found us, we’re happy to have you!” Starlight replied, “We’re happy to have anypony who wants to experience true friendship for the first time.” Applejack gave the lilac unicorn a skeptical look.

“Say what?” Applejack asked.

“Oh, indeed,” said Starlight Glimmer as she walked over to a crooked picture that had an equal sign on it and straightened the frame, “That’s what’s so unique about our village, you see. Around here, we don’t flaunt our special talents because we don’t have any special talents to flaunt.” Cody took noticed that Starlight made a face before it quickly disappeared into a smile.

“Is that why you all have those cutie marks?” Twilight asked, pointing at Starlight’s equal sign.

“Perhaps it would be easier to understand if I gave you a tour of the village!” Starlight suggested.

“Uh oh,” Cody whispered to the group, “I sense a song coming up!”

It was then some marching drums could be heard.

“Heads high, ponies!” Starlight announced as she marched out of her cottage and several smiling ponies gathered around her, “Marching proud!” It was then some whistling was heard.

“All together now!” Starlight instructed as some ponies exited their home and followed her, “Every one of you! No pony left behind!”

Starlight lead the march of the ponies, showing off a smile and then scoping the area before turning around.

Starlight (sings):
Life is so grand in Our Town
We’re always filled with cheer
We never have to look around
To know that we’re all here

The townsponies began to march around the Mane seven, who looked rather uneasy at being surrounded as Pinkie and Cody looked at them skeptically. Starlight just had a smirk on her face and moved her head up and down as the other ponies sang.

The townsponies (sing):
In Our town, In Our Town
We don’t have to wait
To find out that our destiny
Is just to emulate

“Let’s see those big, happy smiles!” said Starlight as she marched before some ponies, making them give even bigger smiles. As she sang, two smiles appeared side by side as they molded into an equal sign. Then four ponies with the equal cutie marks marched in sync and then smiled boldly.

Starlight (sings):
Life is a smile in Our Town
Our cutie mark’s the same
Because we do not separate
Ourselves by more than name

Two Pegasi got next to Rainbow as they sang, making the blue Pegasus feel uneasy. Then they brought Rainbow to the ground and walked away, leaving the blue Pegasus baffled and stunned.

Townsponies (sing):
In Our Town, in Our Town
We dare not compete
Winning only breeds the worst
Ego-filled conceit

“You see?” said Starlight, startling Rainbow, “Now everypony wins!” Rainbow looked very frazzled before she rushed over to Cody and held him for dear life. Cody held her protectively while looking at Starlight with a glare on his face.

Starlight marched before some smiling ponies. Starlight then stood beside a smiling unicorn mare, braiding her mane with her magic, and then walked away.

Starlight (sings):
Life is a joy in Our Town
We’re all equal here
No one is superior
And no one shakes in fear

The Mane seven watched as ponies marched past them heading to the left in sets of four. Twilight and Rarity looked at them uneasily. Pinkie and Cody glared at them. Pinkie then continued to give them the stink eye while Fluttershy was just smiling and watching the performance.

Townsponies (sing):
In Our Town, in Our Town
We work as a team
You can’t have a nightmare
If you never dream

Starlight walked up to Fluttershy, then walked backward as she appeared between Pinkie and Fluttershy. She then smirked as she stood between Cody and Twilight and then looked into Twilight’s eyes for a moment and held her chin. Cody rolled his eyes at Starlight. Then four mares started dancing but one pony was off routine. Then Starlight appeared and the mare corrected herself began to dance in sync with the others. Starlight then threw her head back.

Starlight (sings):
Other ponies argue
Do you ever wonder why?
When you think your talent’s special
You don’t see eye-to-eye

There’s just too many difference
That lead to disarray
But when you learn to act as one
It’s like a holiday

As the ponies sang, the Mane seven stepped forward. Pinkie and Cody kept glaring. Twilight looked worriedly to Applejack and Rarity. Rainbow, now recovered, still looked a little disturbed. Fluttershy smiled and watched the performance. She was soon swaying her head and smiling cutely until Pinkie got in her face, giving the yellow Pegasus a death glare and shook her head. Fluttershy cowered down with large eyes until Pinkie looked away and Fluttershy backed up a bit as the others watched the performance. The villager ponies then circled around them again but they were separated in a special way so when they straightened out they looked like an equal sign from above. Starlight then stood between the two lines as the ponies stood in profile position to show off their equal signs. The view then zoomed out as several Pegasi hovered into the air, two Pegasi held a banner with the equal sign on it as the flew toward the foreground.

Townsponies (sing):
In Our Town, in Our Town
We don’t complicate
When you learn to simplify
Life is oh, so great

Join in our utopia
Come out of the dark
Banded by equality
By our cutie mark!

The song had barely finished when Rainbow burst out laughing.

“You’re kidding, right?” Rainbow chuckled as she showed off her cutie mark, “Give up our cutie marks? No way!”

“Rainbow Dash! Don’t be so rude. I don’t think we should judge them. They all seem perfectly happy with their choice,” Fluttershy scolded in her soft voice.

“Don’t believe their smiles, Fluttershy,” said Pinkie sternly as she got into the yellow Pegasus’s face.

“Need I repeat myself when I say those smiles are kind of creepy,” said Mario as Fluttershy gave him a glare.

“I’m sorry,” said Twilight as she walked forward with Cody standing beside her, “I guess we’re just a little confused by all of this.”

“We can understand the desire to want peace and tranquility amongst our fellow ponies and such,” Cody added, “But is getting rid of your cutie mark really the best solution? I mean all the power to you if it has, but...” Cody was at a loss for words. Unlike Pinkie, he knew saying anything offensive could cause trouble. He feared what might happen if he told Starlight that he found the villager smiles creepy.

“We have no judgments here in our village,” said Starlight as three ponies smiled and nodded in agreement, “Each of us was confused once as well, blinded by the false promise of our cutie marks.”

“Whoa, whoa, whoa. Is she for real?” Rainbow asked as she got a glare from both Twilight and Cody.

“When we were sent to this village,” said Twilight as she and Cody walked away from Rainbow, “we assumed it was to help in some way. But, well, it doesn’t seem like you need any help.”

“At least it appears that way from the surface,” Cody muttered quietly to himself.

“Have you considered perhaps that you that you might have been sent here so we could help you?” asked Starlight as she walked up to the royal couple, making them looked a little stunned.

“After all, nopony has ever come to our village and wanted to leave,” Starlight added smugly as she walked away a bit, leaving all but Cody with stunned looks on their faces.

“Interesting,” said Cody suspiciously, sensing a hidden message behind the context of that statement.

“Why should you be any different?” Starlight continued as the group exchanged looks with each other, “But that is entirely your choice.” Starlight then walked past them.

“Please enjoy our little corner of Equestria,” said Starlight with a smirk on her face, “We’re all quite fond of it. No doubt you will be as well. Double Diamond, please help our guests with whatever they might need.”

“Of course,” said the white stallion as he stood before them with a large smile on his face.

“Thank for your hospitality, Starlight,” Cody said politely. The lilac unicorn smiled then walked away.

“Well, this will certainly provide a boost to our little community,” said Starlight to herself as she walked away, “When the rest of Equestria sees that a princess and prince gave up their cutie marks to joins us, they’ll finally understand what we’re trying to accomplish.” A devious smile appeared on Starlight’s face. Cody was the only one who noticed this, as he was still suspicious of Starlight.

Meanwhile, the Mane seven continued to walk about the town. Yet their visit was still awkward since no matter where they went, they were bombarded with ponies giving over the top smiles at them.

“Welcome,” said a third unicorn stallion.

“Welcome!” said a pony named Ivy Vine.

“Welcome!” said a pony named Sunny Song.

“A cutie mark is a representation of a pony’s unique talents and skills,” said Twilight to her husband.

“Indeed, I’ve worked far too hard on all my talents and skills to throw them all away like these ponies have,” Cody added.

“The biggest question is,” said Twilight, “How is it possible to-” Their train of thought was interrupted when Rarity gasped dramatically.

“What in the name of Equestria is that?!” Rarity exclaimed as she pointed at a collection of some ragged looking cloaks hanging on a rolling coat rack.

“Welcome!” said a stallion named Burlap, “Care to sample some local fashion? We’ve got cloaks this month!” He then flicked the side of his cloak and smiled widely.

“You call that fashion?” Cody remarked quietly to avoid being heard. Rarity looked like she was going to be sick but quickly recomposed herself.

“Wha-Ooh, er, perhaps another time, good sir, thank you,” said Rarity as she squatted low and walked away from the racks backward. Twilight and Cody smiled sheepishly as they walked away. Rarity didn’t stop walking backward until she, Twilight, and Cody rejoined the rest of the group at a nearby table.

“No wonder nopony’s wearing anything!” Rarity whispered to Applejack.

“Really, girls!” said Fluttershy sternly in a hushed tone, “They may do things a bit differently then we’re used to, but there’s no reason to be rude.”

“No, the reason to be rude is that they all keep staring at us,” said Rainbow as several ponies kept looking at them with their over the top smiles.

“I sense a disturbance in the Force,” Cody replied, “I’ve got a bad feeling about all this equality stuff and giving up your cutie marks. Something tells me the dark side of the Force surrounds Starlight Glimmer.”

“Need something?” Double Diamond called out from a table on the other side of the street.

“Uh, no! We’re good!” said Twilight with a nervous smile on her face before speaking to the others in a hushed tone, “Fluttershy’s right. If we’re going to get the bottom of why the map sent us here, we’ll need the help of these ponies.” As Twilight was speaking, a pale skinned unicorn mare with grayish purple mane tied up in a bun appeared at the table with an over the top smile and wearing one of the ragged cloaks around her neck.

“Oh, um, girls...” Cody tried to say to let the others know of the mare’s presence.

“I think we ran off to the end of Equestria before we even knew what that map was!” Applejack retorted and tapped her hand on the table.

“If we were sitting at the end of Equestria,” said Pinkie, “We’d be sitting on a big “A”. Get it?” Pinkie giggled to herself.

“Oh, please, Miss Pie! This is hardly the time for jokes! We’ve come all this way and for what?” Rarity replied indignantly. The mare looked a little uncomfortable and walked away. Cody watched her walk away and stood between Applejack and Fluttershy.

“Maybe you’re right,” said Twilight in a quiet tone, “But we’re here now, and it sure feels like something’s wrong.”

“That and two bits’ll get you a cup of cider,” Applejack replied.

“Is this a bad time?” the mare finally asked.

“We shouldn’t be bickering like this in front of our new friends,” said Fluttershy sternly, leaving the mare unheard, “Really, Applejack, you’re almost as bad as Rainbow Dash!”

“Don’t drag me into this!” Rainbow snapped as she got into the yellow Pegasus’s face, making Fluttershy wince and lean away. The other ponies were now staring at the group. Fluttershy was wishing once again that she had asked Sal and Bucky to come with them. At least Bucky could keep Rainbow out of her face.

“Is your friendship ending?” asked the mare as she stood beside Rarity.

“Are you crazy?!” said Pinkie as she got into the mare’s and Rarity’s face, making them both wince and lean away, “We’d never let a disagreement get in the way of food!”

“Don’t you mean our friendship?” Cody pointed out.

“Same thing,” said Pinkie, making Cody roll his eyes.

“O-kay, well, my name is Sugar Belle,” said the mare as she used her magic to hold up an order pad, “What can I bring you? We have...muffins...”

The others waited but it seemed as if muffins was the only thing being offered on the menu. Applejack and Rarity share looks with each other, followed by Fluttershy and Rainbow, then Twilight and Cody exchanged their own awkward looks with each other.

“Then I guess we’ll take seven muffins!” said Twilight.

“Make that twelve!” Pinkie shouted as Sugar Belle walked away, earning a glare from the royal couple, “What? I’m hungry!”

“Come on guys,” said Twilight quietly as Pinkie leaned forward on the table, “We’ve got to stick together. It doesn’t matter what happened before, we’re here now.”

“I think we can all agree that our work here in this town ain’t finished yet,” Cody replied in the same tone.

“I guess you’re both right,” Applejack conceded, “And the sooner we figure out why, the sooner we can go home.”

“I hear ya,” Cody replied in agreement. As they shared a fist-bump, a plate of plain looking muffins appeared on the table.

“Forgive me for overhearing, but just a moment ago you were disagreeing, and now it seems like you’re...agreeing,” said Sugar Belle.

“How...observant...” Cody replied slowly as the others, minus Fluttershy, gave Sugar Belle skeptical looks.

“Uh-huh...” said Applejack with her arms crossed.

“Well, you had such differing opinions…and cutie marks,” Sugar Belle replied.

“Again with the cutie marks...” Cody muttered to himself.

“We have differing opinions all the time, darling,” Rarity replied.

“But you look like you’re friends,” Sugar Belle pointed out.

“We are friends,” said Twilight, “Well, Cody and I are married of course, but that is just another type of friendship.” Cody nodded in agreement, “A simple disagreement wouldn’t change that. I mean married couples have disagreements all the time and our love for each other comes out stronger than ever.”

Twilight was unaware that Double Diamond, despite appearing to be reading, was listening to the conversation attentively. He and Sugar Belle exchanged glances with each other.

“I’m sorry, I’m just having a hard time understanding,” said Sugar Belle sheepishly before saying bluntly, “Different talents lead to different opinions, which lead to bitterness and misery.” The rest of the group just looked at her blankly as Pinkie tried eating a muffin.

“So...why aren’t you bitter and...” Sugar Belle was then interrupted and looked back before noticing that Pinkie had choked on a muffin.

“Bleh!” said Pinkie before getting glares from everypony else, “Mmmm...good...”

“It’s all right,” said Sugar Belle kindly, “I know I’m not a very good baker. At least, I know I’m not any better than anypony else in the village.” Sugar Belle nervously bit her lip and noticed that Double Diamond was giving her a dirty look. Cody took notice of the exchange between the two ponies.

“Well, I... hope you enjoy our little village!” Sugar Belle stuttered. She then quickly headed inside as Pinkie spluttered and wiped off the crumbs of the bad muffin from her tongue. Sugar Belle then reappeared and rushed between Twilight and Pinkie.

“Come inside before you go!” said Sugar Belle, “Meet me downstairs!” Sugar Belle than gave Double Diamond a huge smile before she zoomed back inside. Cody hummed as he rubbed his chin.

“Okay, that was weird,” said Rainbow.

“Let’s all sit here and eat these muffins and act normal,” said Twilight as she and Cody each picked up a muffin with, “I think we’re being watched.” Twilight and Cody discreetly turned to see several villagers were giving them over the top smiles.

“You think?” said Rainbow.

“No, not like that,” Twilight quietly, “I mean somepony here doesn’t want us talking to Sugar Belle.” She tilted her head to the side where Double Diamond was just eating a muffin.

“It’s clear as day that conversations with us might be limited out here,” said Cody, “Especially if they think we’re a threat to their way of life.” Applejack pondered as the others remained silent for a moment.

“I got an idea, but you gotta eat all of them muffins, Pinkie Pie,” said Applejack.

“Me?!” Pinkie exclaimed as she pulled on her mane, “Why me?!”

“You got a stronger stomach than any of us, and that filly in there might be our best chance at findin’ out what the hay is goin’ on round here,” said Applejack. Pinkie looked at the pile of muffins dreadfully.

“What can’t Cody do it?” Pinkie whined, pointing a fore-hoof at the alicorn stallion.

“Here,” said Cody as he grabbed a muffin, “Let me see how bad these are.” Cody only took one bite before his eyes budged out and whimpered loudly before he turned to the side and spat the bite out.

“Sorry, but there is no way I can eat all those muffins,” said Cody wearily. Pinkie cringed before she got to work. By the time she had finished, she wasn’t looking too well as she forced down the last muffin and cleaned the plate.

“I can’t believe you ate all our muffins, Pinkie Pie,” said Applejack with an over the top voice as the others minus Pinkie had over the top grins on their faces, “We’d best go inside and get some more!” The Mane seven quickly got up from their table and made their way inside Sugar Belle’s house.

“Nice work, Pinkie,” Twilight told the pink pony as they made their way downstairs. Pinkie, her stomach now having visible bulge, honked and thumped as she bounced down the stairs behind the rest of the group.

“I’ve accidentally eaten cardboard tastier than that...” Pinkie groaned.

“Hello? Sugar Belle?” Twilight called out as the rest of the Mane seven looked about the room.

“I think this could be a trap,” said Cody nervously.

“Thank for you coming!” Sugar Belle said as she appeared with an over the top smile on her face.

“So nopony could see what’s about to happen,” said Sugar Belle with a smirk that was borderline devious. The Mane seven flinched when they saw Party Favor and Night Glider appeared with creepy looking smiles approached them with Sugar Belle.

“I knew it!” Cody exclaimed fearfully as he stood near his wife, “It’s a trap!” The Mane seven took a few steps back when Twilight ready her horn on defense.

“Are you and Cody really the Princess and Prince of friendship?” Party Favor asked getting into Twilight’s face.

“Do you both know Princess Celestia?” Night Glider asked as she stuck her face into Cody’s. Both of them looked a little uneasy.

“I love your cutie mark,” said Sugar Belle as she grabbed Pinkie on the arms, startling the pink pony.

“How can you be friends with different cutie marks?” Night Glider asked as she hovered before Rarity and Fluttershy before landing, “Don’t you end up hating each other?”

“What is it with cutie marks being a bad thing for friendship?” Cody asked but nopony answered him.

“Oh, look at this one!” said Sugar Belle as she looked as Fluttershy’s cutie mark, startling the yellow Pegasus, “This one is great too! I’d love to have my special talent back for even just for a day! Make something besides those disgusting muffins...”

“So what’s stopping you?” Rainbow asked, “Go get your cutie marks back.”

“Daydreaming is one thing,” said Party Favor, “but you mean actually having it put back on?” He, along with Night Glider and Sugar Belle, winced, “That seems extreme.” Rainbow was most annoyed.

“I’m not sure Starlight would like that,” said Sugar Belle, “She wants us all be happy in our sameness.”

“So...Starlight doesn’t like it when ponies miss or want their cutie marks again?” Cody asked, “That’s...an interesting fact to know.”

“How do you take somepony’s cutie mark anyway?” Twilight asked.

“Oh! Good question honey,” said Cody.

“The cutie unmarking is a beautiful experience!” Night Glider explained, “Starlight uses the Staff of Sameness to magically take them away and replace them with these.” She, Party Favor, and Sugar Belle turned to their side to show their equal signs.

“Staff of Sameness huh?” said Cody to himself quietly, “Never heard of such a spell. Nevertheless...the fact someone could uncover such a spell is...frightening...” Cody winced.

“But nopony should keep you from your cutie marks,” said Twilight, “It represents such an essential part of who you are.” Cody nodded in agreement.

“Oh, we’re not kept from them,” Night Glider replied, “They’re in the vault up in the caves. We can visit them anytime we like to remind us of the heartache of a life with special talents.”

Twilight and Cody narrowed their eyes as they exchange looks with each other. They could both agree that something about this cutie mark removal didn’t sound right at all. Nor did the idea that a life with your special talents meant living in misery.

“Can we visit the cave?” Twilight asked with a smirk on her face. It wasn’t long before they got their answer. Later that day, Starlight was leading the Mane seven toward the cave.

“I’m delighted you’re interested in our cutie mark vault,” said Starlight to the others, “We hope someday everypony in Equestria will make a pilgrimage here to our little village to have their cutie marks removed too, and our message of perfectly equal friendship can finally be spread across the land.” While the Mane seven listened, Cody and Pinkie were inwardly rolling her eyes.

“This must be the reason we’re here,” Twilight whispered to the others while Starlight continued talking.

“”Pilgrimaging”?” Pinkie asked innocently.

“No, helping those ponies get their cutie marks back,” said Twilight firmly.

“Agreed,” Cody added.

“Oh, are you sure, Twilight and Cody?” Fluttershy asked, “Maybe they missed them a little, but even they didn’t seem all that unhappy.”

“Open your eyes, girls. The smiles on those ponies aren’t genuine, they look forced,” Cody replied, “Plus I can’t accept the idea that any pony would be willing to give up their cutie mark by their own decision.”

“You have no proof it was against their will,” Fluttershy protested.

“Maybe they might not have been forced, but there is another way to convince a pony do your bidding,” Cody replied, “That is trough trickery and deception. And that Starlight seems like a prime suspect.”

“Are you suggesting that maybe Starlight tricked them into giving up their cutie marks?” Applejack suggested.

“From what we’ve heard, Starlight is looking like the guilty party,” Cody replied, “Just the way she talks and interacts with other ponies is very suspicious. Besides, she doesn’t have that questionable smile on her face like the others do.”

“Cody does have a point,” said Twilight as she looked at the overly happy Double Diamond and then at Starlight, “Why did they want to meet us in secret? And why did they ask us not to tell Starlight who told us about the vault? Something’s not right.”

“Just going to this cave doesn’t feel right,” Cody added. It was then the group approached the entrance to a large cave.

“Just through here!” Starlight announced as she walked inside the cave. Cody glared at the cave suspiciously.

“This has got trap written all over it,” said Cody.

“Well, lucky for us, we’re super good at springing out of them,” Rainbow bragged as the rest of the group followed Starlight inside.

“You’re recklessness continues to amaze me, Rainbow,” said Cody.

“Behold!” said Starlight proudly, “Our cutie mark vault.” Twilight and Cody’s jaws sprang open as they looked what appeared to be just that. A tall, glowing locker filled with cutie marks from top to bottom. Though Cody took notice that some spaces were empty.

“I’ve never seen anything like it!” said Twilight.

“Who knew cutie marks could be stored away like this?” Cody remarked, feeling more and more uneasy, “It’s like the bank of cutie marks or something.”

“And here is the Staff of Sameness,” said Starlight as she walked over to a stone like staff that looked like a two-pronged fork and showed it to the Mane seven, “It was one of the great Mage Meadowbrook’s nine enchanted items.” Twilight and Cody exchanged stern looks at each other as the rest of the Mane seven started at the artifact in awe.

“We are incredibly fortunate to have it here,” Starlight continued, “This is the tool that allows us to free ourselves from our marks!” She then paused for dramatic effect. “I’m curious, how did the subject of the vault come up?” Twilight and Cody glared at her sternly. They could tell Starlight’s tone was anything but innocent.

“Oh, some ponies were telling us how much they missed their cutie marks, and-”

“Pinkie!” Twilight and Cody said sternly.

“Oops... " said Pinkie, covering her mouth and backing away once she realized her mistake. Starlight gasped.

“Were they?” said Starlight as she twirled the staff and had a rather devious smirk on her face, “Well, it seems you inspire all sorts of free thinking, don’t you?” She gave them all a glare, leaving Rarity and Fluttershy baffled. Twilight and Cody continued to stare her down.

“I didn’t know missing your cutie mark was a crime,” Cody remarked, “In fact, as I recall, all your villagers did chose to have them removed by choice. Didn’t they?” Starlight glared and said nothing. Rarity could feel the tension in the air and chuckled nervously.

“Well, w-we certainly didn’t intend to cause an disruptions to your charming little-” Rarity tried to explain, but was cut off when Starlight got into her face.

“Good,” Starlight replied sinisterly, “Let’s just make sure of that, shall we?” Rarity backed away nervously until she bumped into Double Diamond. Just then, several more townsponies surrounded the Mane seven.

“It’s a trap!” Twilight shouted.

“I knew it!” said Cody before trying a diplomatic approach, “Listen Starlight. We don’t mean to cause you or your village any trouble. Just let us go and we’ll leave your village in peace!”

“I’m afraid that’s no longer an option,” Starlight replied.

Having enough, Cody tackled Starlight to the ground and pinned her.

“Hey! Get off me! What is the meaning of this?!” Starlight asked.

“I could ask you the same thing!” Cody said, noticing a smudged equal sign on her shoulder. He wiped it off, revealing her cutie mark, “This equal sign is a fake! The Staff of Sameness is a fake too, I presume?!” Cody asked, getting into Starlight’s face. The others were shocked to know what was going on.

Starlight then looked to see that the entire village could see her true cutie mark and winced as she covered it up.

“Wha...what are you looking at?!” Starlight asked nervously, “They’re the problem, not me!” Twilight glared as the rest of the Mane seven stood by her. She gave them all a smirk.

“The jig is up Starlight Glimmer,” Cody said as he walked up to her, “We found out about your fake equality cutie mark and now everypony else can see that you lied them! Time for you to tell everypony the truth.”

“How could you?” Party Favor asked, looking hurt and betrayed.

“You said cutie marks were evil!” Double Diamond added, “You said special talents led to pain and heartache!”

“They do!” Starlight protested, “Don’t you see?! Look at them!” Unfortunately, none of the villagers did.

“Then why?” Sugar Belle asked as she walked up to the unicorn, “Why did you take ours and not give up your own?”

“I...I had to, you fools!” said Starlight, no longer showing any remorse about getting caught, “How could I collect your cutie marks without magic?”

“But the staff has all the magic we need!” Night Glider protested.

“The staff is a piece of wood I found in the desert!” Starlight admitted as she got into the Pegasus’s face, “It’s my magic that makes all this possible! You’d all still be living your miserable lives thinking you’re better than everypony else if it weren’t for my magical abilities! I brought you friendship! I brought you equality! I created harmony!” Starlight didn’t resist getting into the face of a pony or two before shouting at the villagers.

“You lied to us!” Double Diamond said.

“So what? E-Everything else I said is true! The only way to be happy is if we’re all equal!” Starlight replied.

“Except for you,” Party Favor pointed out. Starlight snarled in rage once more and lit up her horn, ready to charge up a new magic blast.

“Everypony has unique talents and gifts, and when we share them with each other, that’s how rea-” Twilight tried to say.

“QUIET!” Starlight shouted.

“You can’t have a cutie mark, Starlight! Either we’re all equal, or none of us are!” Sugar Belle said.

Starlight was most indignant, but was soon overwhelmed as the villagers and Cody glared at her and then surrounded her. Starlight tried to back away, but she ended up backing into the rest of the Mane seven.

“Come on!” said Double Diamond, “Let’s get our cutie marks back!”

“Yeah!” the rest of the villagers shouted in agreement.

The villagers were banging and pounding on the cases to try and break the cutie marks free, but it was no good.

“Stand back everypony!” said Double Diamond as he grabbed the so called Staff of Sameness and tossed it at the vault as hard as he could.

The staff hit the wall, causing it to crack a bit, which caused a chain reaction as the cracks expanded. Then the seal shattered, and released all the cutie marks contained inside each cubby. Double Diamond’s cutie mark landed back on his flank, rising him into the air and brightening his coloring and even his mane style was altered a bit so it was more relaxed and bushy. The other villagers had the same effects and alterations. They all smiled excitedly at getting their cutie marks back. A few more cutie marks flew out of the cave and restored the ponies who stayed at the village as those inside the cave ran out.

“No! My cutie mark vault!” Starlight shouted.

“Hold it right there, Starlight!” Cody said.

“Get out of my way! I’ll get you for this!” Starlight replied.

“You let the dark side of the Force consume you, Starlight. You don’t have to be like this,” Cody said.

“I have no idea what you’re talking about! You don’t know me at all!” Starlight retorted.

“The Force resides within all life forms and it holds our galaxy together. Our planet of Equestria has a very strong and unique connection to the Force, it’s especially what gives earth ponies their strength, along with unicorns and pegasi with their magical and flight abilities,” Cody explained.

“Maybe we can help you with your problems if you tell us reason you’re acting the way you are,” Twilight said.

“C’mon, Starlight. You can be honest with us,” Applejack added.

“I don’t feel like discussing this, but here goes. I did all this because I lost touch with my best friend, Sunburst. After he got his cutie mark and left our hometown of Sire’s Hollow for Canterlot to get into magic school, I was devastated and believed that cutie marks could make one lose a friend and that special talents and differences are nothing but trouble. That’s why I came to this region, then started this town and took everypony’s cutie marks,” Starlight explained.

“Even though we may be different outside, true equality comes from within. You can be better than this, Starlight,” Twilight replied.

“We’ll give you time to think things over, and you have a lot to think about. That’ll be the first step to embracing the light side,” Cody added, “Maybe you should also try to make amends with your family back in Sire’s Hollow, I’m sure they miss you. Besides I know Sunburst, he’s my second wife, Sunset’s younger brother, I’m sure he’ll be glad to see you when the time comes.”

Starlight then left the area with a sigh, “I’ll do my best,” she said.

Back in the village, banners were now set up as the villagers were celebrating and chatting with each other. Party Favor was tossing a beach ball with another pony. Sugar Belle was serving various, and now high quality, baked goods to the other ponies to eat. Double Diamond was chatting with two cute mares when the beach ball bounced off his head. Just outside the village, the Mane seven were smiling and watching everypony having a good time.

“Now those are real smiles,” said Pinkie happily.

“Indeed they are,” Cody replied. It was then Applejack heard a humming sound and looked to see that her cutie mark was glowing. In fact, all of the Mane seven found that their cutie marks were glowing.

“I’ll never get used to that,” said Applejack wearily.

“I think it’s divine,” said Rarity as she admired her glowing cutie mark.

“Does this mean that the map is calling us somewhere else?” Fluttershy asked Twilight.

“I have a feeling it means our work here is done,” Twilight replied.

“Looks like you were right, Twilight and Cody,” said Applejack, “The map did have a reason for bringing us here. We brought real friendship to these here ponies. Guess that’s why you two are the Princess and Prince of Friendship.”

“But the map didn’t send me or just my husband or even just the two of us,” Twilight pointed out, “You’re all a part of us, all of you. And there’s no doubt you’re a part of our mission to spread friendship too.” Everypony laughed as they shared a group hug.

“This feels like an ending!” Pinkie remarked as she pulled away worriedly, “It doesn’t have to be an ending yet, right? ‘Cause that Sugar Belle can bake!”

“Maybe we can stay a little while longer,” said Twilight, “Come on!”

“Lead the way, honey,” Cody replied eagerly as the rest of the Mane seven followed their Prince and Princess into the main area of the village.

It might have been just a small village, but they all could agree that this had turned out to be quite the epic adventure.