I Love the Star in You

by Twilyx360

Chapters

Chapter 1
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Chapter 35
Chapter 36
Chapter 37
Chapter 38
Chapter 39
Chapter 40
Chapter 2
Chapter 13
Chapter 14

Chapter 1

Twice upon a time.

A unicorn had entered maretime bay.

The sun had set below the ocean. The dark of night had arrived.

And so did she…

That night Argyle was at his desk in the Lighthouse.

Until he heard a knock at the door. When he opened it, he saw the local sheriff.

“Good evening, Argyle.” Said the sheriff.

“Hello. Why are you here?” He asked.

“Argyle. We spotted a unicorn in the area. We may need your lighthouse to find the threat in the darkness.”

“A real unicorn? That’s serious. I’m on my way to light the beacon.” Said Argyle as he hurried upstairs.

“Thanks Mr. Argyle.” Said the sheriff as he left.

The beacon was on, several sheriff teams were looking around the outer areas and they had no luck. As Argyle looked outside from the top.

As the beacon twirled around though, he could’ve sworn he saw something in the distance.

At first, he thought it was nothing. But when the light turned around, he saw it again. It looked like a pony, but he knew he saw a horn on it’s head.

The light turned around again. And this time he was sure he saw a unicorn. For real.

“What is that?” He asked. He ran downstairs and outside the lighthouse and ran over to investigate the area where he saw the silhouette.

Surprisingly he had plenty of light down there. Both the lighthouse and the moon helped. But just then he saw something in the corner of his eye.

And just then he heard something go. “Oh!” He immediately turned around. And he saw it.

An actual real unicorn. Horn on it’s head and all. It had a coat of orange and a mane of light blue.

“Ah! Unicorn attack! Help!” He screamed as he ran away.

“Wait!” Shouted the unicorn as she gave chase. He looked behind him to see the unicorn running after him.

“Aaaahhhhhh!!! Please don’t fry my brains! Don’t read my mind! Please somepony help meaaahhh!” Argyle screamed as he fell off of one of the cliff tops above the ocean below.

As he fell to his doom he suddenly stopped falling.

“Oh!…” he looked down and screamed. “Aaaahhhhhh!” Then he looked up to see the face of that same unicorn that was chasing him. She grabbed his tail and was pulling him up. “Mm! Urgh!”

“Wait… what?…” said Argyle. He used his hind hooves to walk up the cliffs.

The unicorn heaved and pulled. Until she finally got him back on the ground to safety. Argyle laid on the ground and sighed in relief.

He got up and looked at the unicorn. “You saved my life? Why?” Asked Argyle in confusion.

Just suddenly the unicorn started running away. And Argyle immediately gave chase.

“Wait! I just want to talk! Stop!” Argyle shouted as she kept running until she accidentally tripped over a rock. “Ow!” She tumbled and hit the ground face first.

Argyle’s pace slowed to a walk. He walked over to the unicorn laying there in the grass.

The unicorn looked around and saw his face. “Um… hi?” Said Argyle awkwardly.

Immediately the unicorn started crying. She broke down into tears and she hid her face in her hooves.

“Please! Don’t hurt me! I don’t want to-“ she screamed before Argyle spoke.

“Calm down! I’m not going to hurt you.” He said as he laid down in front of her.

“I just want to know why you saved me.” Said Argyle.

She looked up and saw him again. She stopped crying.

“Hey… are you ok?” Asked Argyle with concern. The unicorn said nothing.

“I promise I won’t hurt you. I don’t bite… I… I want to help you. Who are you?” Asked Argyle.

“Um… I. Um. Hi! I… am, Shining Star.” She said shyly.

“Shining Star?” Asked Argyle.

“Mhm.” She said.

“Are you still hurt?” Asked Argyle.

“Mhm.” She said with a frown.

“I live in that lighthouse over there, where nopony will see you. I can look at you there.” He got up and held his hoof out to her.

She shakingly stretched her hoof out to him. But she took it. And he helped her back to the lighthouse.

Chapter 3

Morning had arrived. And Argyle had woken up for the day. Until suddenly he remembered something.

“Oh wait, the beacon.” He ran upstairs and turned the beacon off.

Then he went downstairs to check on his guest & patient. Knocking on the door of the spare room she said, “come in!”

“Hey there” said shining smiling.

“Sleep well?” Asked Argyle.

“Absolutely. It’s been a while since I’ve slept in an actual bed. Let alone one this comfortable.” Said Shining.

“Really?” Asked Argyle. And she nodded yes.

“Well, that’s great. Oh, how’s your hoof holding out?” He asked.

“Well, it’s better than yesterday but. I don’t know if I can stand on it yet.” She said.

“Oh. Ok. Well, uhhh. What kind of food you like?” Asked Argyle with an awkward grin.

“Oh well uh. Pancakes & tea mostly. I'm not that picky especially now after I literally tried eating grass for a while.” Shining said, smiling just as awkwardly.

“Oh dear. Uhhhh. Ok pancakes it is then.” And Argyle ran to the kitchen.

After he finished cooking up the pancakes he walked into the room and placed the plate of pancakes and glass of tea on the nightstand.

Before Argyle walked out. Shining quickly asked. “Hey, can you stay here?”

“Ok. I’ve got pancakes for me too, just let me get them.” Said Argyle.

“I might need your help if anything falls.” Said Shining.

“Good point.” Said Argyle walking out to get his own pancake plate before they got cold.

===

After the two ate breakfast, they sat in the room talking to each other about the events of last night, who they were and why?

“So, what brings you to maretime bay?” Argyle asked.

“Well. I didn’t exactly want to stay home. It was honestly a really lonely place. And so, I didn’t want to stay there anymore so I just traveled. Not really knowing where I would end up. But it would’ve been better than home.” Shining explained.

“So where is. Home?” Asked Argyle.

“A forest called bridlewood. It’s where unicorns like me live. But everypony there is just depressing and lifeless. They’re always sad and want to be left alone.

And they’re afraid of the word ‘Magic’ for some reason. Every time the word magic came up unicorns usually do this weird ritual dance, so they don’t get ‘jinxed’” Explained Shining holding her hooves up for the last part.

“What in the world?” Asked Argyle in confusion.

“If you think it’s weird it’s because well it is. It’s actually kind of funny.

And it’s not just magic. It’s also wing, feather and mayonnaise for some reason.” And then shining just started laughing.

And then Argyle started laughing. “Mayonnaise…? Why?” Laughing further.

“Oh no. I must not get randomly jinxed from the cursed evil MAYONNAISE!” Said Argyle laughing out loud. And that got Shining Star to laugh.

“I know.” She smiled.

“But anyway, my point is. Unicorns are always afraid of something so they’re always sad and depressed that the worst could possibly happen. And when I grew up to move out on my own. Things went well for a while but, the area I lived in didn’t have any unicorns visiting.

And well they were always afraid of earth ponies and pegasi too.” Shining Explained.

This immediately got Argyle to think of how maretime bay handled fears of Unicorns and Pegasi. But unlike bridlewood where that fear evolved into sadness.

The fear in maretime bay evolved into anger.

“Who told you earth ponies and pegasi were dangerous?” Argyle Asked.

“I forget. Unicorns aren’t really talkative, so I knew but I didn’t really take it seriously overtime.

Because it didn’t look like anypony else did.”
She said.

The two thought for a few seconds. Here they were a unicorn and an earth pony in the same house. Not a danger at all.

It only made logical sense that the Pegasi were probably innocent too.

“So, I left to make some friends. Not knowing who those friends were going to be.” Said shining.

“So, you just wandered aimlessly until you reached here?” Asked Argyle.

“For 3 days.” She said.

“Oh wow. You know that’s not exactly the best plan. Even if you are trying to escape that.” Said Argyle.

“I know. I know. I knew on day 1 this was a terrible idea. But hey, I found you, didn’t I?

And well. That’s kinda why I chased you when you saw me last night. But when I saved you I… I don’t know, my own fear from bridlewood must’ve finally caught up with me after finally seeing you were an earth pony.” Said Shining.

“I understand.” He said.

“Really? Is it worse in maretime bay?” Asked Shining.

“Actually yeah. You said the unicorns are so afraid that they barely talk about how dangerous we supposedly are right?” Asked Argyle.

“Yeah.” Said Shining with peaked curiosity.

“Well here in maretime bay. We are afraid but we’re actually angrier at Unicorns and Pegasi if anything.

And to be honest I can’t stand it. We talk about the dangers of Unicorns and Pegasi all the time. Every time. And it just doesn’t stop. It never ever stops!

Everypony screaming and shouting and yelling with no transition. We could be talking about anything else but Unicorns & Pegasi being the monsters of the world just always. ALWAYS comes up!

We literally developed weird gadgets and machines to stop them at our factory canterlogic.

Well… they failed. They made ponies angry, and they’re prepared. Now they just never ever shut up about it.” Argyle vented as he pouted.

He looked at her and sighed. “Sorry. If that was a little scary.” He said.

“No, no you needed to let that out. Just like I let out my frustration to you.” She said as she put her hoof on his back.

“Better?” Asked Shining.

“Yeah. A lot. I was just never able to say that to anypony because I was afraid if I did. Everyone would think I was more accepting of unicorns and pegasi.

And it’s amazing how I’m probably the only earth pony here that doesn’t take that threat so seriously because it makes me just as angry as everyone else.

And so, when I was old enough to move out. I moved out here in this lighthouse. Outside of town so I didn’t have to hear it anymore.” Said Argyle.

Suddenly his head collapsed onto the bed. And he sighed heavily.

“Oh Argyle. There’s that word again. Afraid.

But I get it. That’s exactly how I felt in bridlewood.” She put her hoof on his head.

“I know.

It’s just so much though.

And it hasn’t exactly been easy being alone either.” Said Argyle picking himself back up.

Shining smiled at him. “For both of us. But how about we hate fear together.”

Argyle smiled back. “You’re right. Even if somepony comes here and you need to hide. I’m not really afraid of that. Thank You for hearing me out, Shining.”

“That you too Argyle.” Shining Grinned.

And so, Argyle leaned in, wrapped his hooves around her and gave her a hug.

“Um. Argyle, what is this?” Asked Shining in confused laughter.

“Wow really? It’s called a hug. It’s just a sign of happiness. Kinda like saying thank you or I’m appreciative.” Said Argyle.

Shining couldn’t deny this felt good. She felt… great.

She felt fuzzy inside. And she started giggling.

“Oh, I see. It feels amazing.

Can I give you this? Hug though.” Asked Shining.

“Anytime. We’re friends now, aren’t we? That’s just what friends do.” Said Argyle.

Shining wrapped her hooves around Argyle and returned the hug.

“Mhm. Always friends.” Said Shining, closing her eyes.

She never felt this amazing in her life. And it was just a simple gesture that no one else really gave her.

The two hugged for quite a while.

Throughout the rest of the day. Argyle Scout and Shining Star would just enjoy each other’s company.

Laughing, hugging, playing games, Shining drew a few pictures and Argyle showed her some of his favorite books.

By the time night came. The two slept really well. Thinking about each other. It seemed something beautiful was created that day.

A beautiful forbidden friendship was born.

Chapter 4

1 week later

Argyle was in the guest bedroom helping Shining literally get back on her feet.

“You can do it. Ok, are you ready to stand on it?” Asked Argyle with his hoof around Shining’s back.

“Yes, let's try it.” Said Shining holding her hoof behind his back.

She lowered her bandaged hoof to the ground. And let go of Argyle and her forehooves fell forward.

“Well?” Asked Argyle.

Nothing was happening. Shining didn’t feel the throbbing pain from before. It was perfectly fine now.

“It feels fine.” Said Shining smiling.

Argyle got off the bed and smiled. “We did it.”

“Yes!” Shouted Shining. She immediately un-did the bandage and started dancing around the room. And then the rest of the house.

“Wait hold on, Shining!” Asked Argyle chased her around the house.

“May I have this dance?” Asked Argyle bowing.

“Sure. I never danced with another pony before.” She smiled and took his hoof, and they danced the day away.

1 month later

Both Argyle and Shining. We were watching a movie together one night when they accidentally slept on the couch together.

By that morning both of them woke up. With their heads back to each other.

“Are you awake?” Asked Shining with her eyes still closed.

“Yeah. What an odd way to sleep.” Said Argyle.

They woke up, looked at each other and giggled.

“How about some classic Argyle style pancakes and tea this morning?” Asked Shining.

“That works for me.” Said Argyle. As he immediately walked over to the stove and started cooking.

With Shining looking over his shoulder to watch and learn herself. “It doesn’t look that hard.” Said Shining.

“You want to make the second one?” Said Argyle handing over the measuring cup.

“Oh! um. Ok I guess I’ll try it.” Said Shining. “You just pour it in the pan, right?”

Argyle nodded yep.

And so, she did. She poured it in perfectly just as the tea finished brewing.

The kettle was screaming. “Oh, there’s the tea.” Said Argyle as he got off the stove and turned the burner off.

Pouring both of them a glass.

“Ok can you flip the pancakes?” Grabbing a spatula. And flipping one in the air perfectly and landing perfectly back in the pan.

“Oh, dear I don’t know.” She said with some concern.

“You don’t have to flip it in the air.” Said Argyle as he handed the spatula over.

And so, she carefully placed it under the pancake and held it with the spatula. She looked at it intently looking at the bottom for the golden brown.

Just as the timer for the pancakes went off.

*Diiiiiing*

That made Shining slightly jump. “Eep!” She ended up catapulting the pancake into the air and it’s batter side landed right on top of the ceiling.

Both of them looked up and saw the pancake above them. And they started laughing. “I can’t believe I just did that!” She said laughing.

Just then the pancake fell off the ceiling and landed perfectly in the pan. And both of them howled laughing.

“How did you even do that!?” Said Argyle.

“I don’t know. But now we need to clean the ceiling, tahhhh!” Said Shining Laughing.

After breakfast Argyle immediately got to work cleaning the batter off the ceiling.

While Shining was looking outside the window at the beautiful beach below.

She wondered how the rest of the town was. Wondering what it would really be like. Even with Argyle’s added details both positive and negative.

Furthermore, she loved having her face in the sun. Back in bridlewood she would step just outside her house just to catch the few rays from the trees.

As she was in deep thought. Argyle stepped next to her and asked. “Want to go outside again? It’s been a while.”

Shining frowned. “I know… but I know it’s not really possible.”

“Well, I wouldn’t go as far as that.” Said Argyle smiling. “It is possible if we can hide your horn. No offense.” Said Argyle.

“None taken. Honestly, I wish I didn’t have this. It’s completely useless, it causes more problems than benefits. I’m always afraid I’m going to poke you in the eye with it.

And if I go outside. It would literally stick out like a stick in the mud.” She said sadly.

Argyle frowned and looked at her. “Don’t say that. You’re perfect with your horn. I could never imagine you without it.” Said Argyle empathetically.

Shining sighed. “Thanks Argyle but. I don’t know…” she placed her hoof on the windowsill and looked outward.

Suddenly Argyle had an idea. He walked over to his office coat hanger where he saw a single beret hat. It was dark blue. And it had a button you could detach from the hem piece to make it bigger.

He took the hat and walked over to her. “We could try this.” Said Argyle detaching the button from the hem piece.

“Hmm. I guess we could try.” Said Shining.

And so, Argyle placed it on her head and her horn fit in perfectly.

“Oh wow.” Said Argyle.

“What is it?” Asked Shining.

“Look!” Said Argyle as he got a mirror and showed it to Shining.

She was impressed. “Oh wow. I like how it contrasts greatly with the light blue of my mane.”

“And it looks the same as if you wore it thin ways.” Said Argyle smiling.

“What if somepony still finds out?” Asked Shining.

“Ok I have a plan. I’ll pretend to take cover from you. And you run back to the lighthouse as fast as you can and hide there until I get back.” Said Argyle.

“Ok.” Said Shining. “Alright Argyle. Let’s do this!” Said Shining with excitement.

“The dynamic duo having a great maretime bay day!” Said Argyle excited as he opened the door and the two of them headed out.

===

The two walked along the main strip. And things were going well.

“Nopony suspects anything.” Said Argyle.

“Yes!” Shining Whispered. “So where are we headed?” Asked Shining.

“Cafe Maretime.” Said Argyle as he rounded the corner of the sheriff’s office and walked towards a dockside cafe.

The two walked inside the restaurant, waited in line and got to the counter. “May I take your order?” Asked the clerk.

“I’d like a hay burger and some extra heated hay fries. And just water for the drink.” He said.

“Alright. And you? You’re with him?” Asked the clerk.

“Yes uh…” Shining trailed off. Not exactly familiar with the food selection. So, she figured. “I’ll just have exactly what he is having.” She said.

“Alright. Here’s a buzzer” and he handed them a small device as the two walked out to a table on the dockside area.

“How do you like it?” Asked Argyle.

“This is amazing! It’s right on the seaside with the sun right in your face. With a gentle breeze. How do you even build this? Eeehehe this is perfect!” Said Shining, smiling enthusiastically.

“That’s right you’ve never been here before. This must be new for you right?” Asked Argyle.

“New and amazing! I love it Argyle I love it!” Said Shining just as the buzzer went off.

Argyle went back inside and got lunch and went back to the table.

After Lunch the two went down to the beach. “Woo! That was the best lunch ever!” Said Shining.

“Wow. You’re really coming out of your shell, aren’t you?” Asked Argyle. Shining sat down on a nearby rock on the sand.

“I guess I am. I just love feeling this much sun. It’s so warm.” She said smiling and giggling.

“It really is beautiful. I lived here my whole life. And I never really took the best days for granted.” Said Argyle sitting down next to her.

Wrapping his hoof around her back. She wrapped her hoof around his.

“This day is magnificent Argyle.” Said Shining with glee. “Can we do today again?”

“Of course, we can Shining.” Said Argyle. “You know. My life has honestly been so much better since you came along.” He said.

“Really?” She said looking at him.

“Yeah. When I first moved to the lighthouse, I was kinda like you. I was so shy and afraid to talk to everypony that I was hesitant to even talk to my own family.

But when you came along. I felt like I made something of myself. I helped you and you became my friend.

I found out all the lies I was told about Unicorns and Pegasi were just that, lies.

I broke out of my fear. I even learned things from you that I wouldn’t have even imagined, and I got your hoof back to health.

Shining you’re just so interesting, cheery and bubbly and lively. I guess that positive energy just kinda impacted me for the best.

I never had a friend like you.” Said Argyle.

Shining looked at him smiling with tears in her eyes.

“Argyle… thank you.” She leaned in and hugged him. He returned the hug.

“If it helps. You’ve made my life better. I’m not afraid of earth ponies or Pegasi anymore.

And I’m not really anxious about meeting ponies anymore either.

And today you helped me find something new and old that I love.

I don’t feel afraid to be outside anymore. And you helped me stay happy when my hoof was hurt.

You’re so caring and kind, smart, knowledgeable, funny and you just always know when to cheer me up.

Thank you so much for healing my hoof back, Argyle.

And well, I love the hat.” Said Shining snuggling into him.

“I know. And I couldn’t be happier. Knowing I mean that much to somepony.

That was beautiful Shining.” Said Argyle.

“I mean it. You’re the best pony alive Argyle.” Said Shining.

“Thank you, Shining.” And now Argyle was crying.

The two snuggled for a good few minutes until they looked at each other and got off the rock feeling better than ever.

But when shining stepped off she landed on something that made a crackling noise.

“What was that?” Asked Argyle.

Shining looked under her hoof. And she saw a piece of paper under the rock.

“What is that?” She asked.

“I don’t know but should we find out?” Asked Argyle.

“Absolutely” Shining Grinned.

And so, the two moved the rock out of the way. It took a lot of strength but eventually they were able to roll the rock on it’s side and free the piece of paper.

Before it flew off Argyle grabbed it. “What is it?” Asked Shining.

“I don’t know, let's get back to the Lighthouse.” Said Argyle and the two made their way back.

Chapter 5

Argyle put the paper on his desk and the two looked at it intently.

It had markings of a dotted line leading to an X. The map was drawn in the same way the beach’s coastline was. This was only one thing.

And the two lit up with excitement as they both said. “It’s a treasure map!”

===

The next morning the duo had a pair of shovels. And a treasure map. With only one goal. To find the real gold in an actual buried treasure in maretime bay itself.

They followed the line all the way to the X marking the spot. The location was right next to a cave.

And given that the north arrow on the map’s compass pointed away from the coastline area. Near a rugged area of rocks and caves. “This has to be it.” Said Argyle.

And he drew an X in the sand with his shovel.

The two smiled at each other when Argyle said. “Dig in.”

And the two started digging deep into the sand. As they went further down Shining Star hit something with her shovel.

“I think I got it!” She shouted.

She dug around the area, and she hit it again. Argyle and Shining quickly got to work dusting it off.

And there it was wood and iron. Curved into a chest.

After they cleared the top off. They dug around it completely to get it out of the sand.

Eventually they uncovered the whole chest.

What was odd though was that there weren’t any locks. Only two latches.

And so, they got to work lifting it out and carrying it back to the lighthouse.

===

At the lighthouse they opened the two latches and opened it together. They prepared themselves to look in the chest and saw…

Nine huge books.

“What in the world?” Asked Argyle in confusion. “Ok. Not the most unusual thing to find in a treasure chest.”

Shining looked at the book's spines in confusion. “They all say, Friendship is Magic. With a volume number. So, all Nine of these are volumes of this?” Asked Shining.

“Friendship is Magic?” Asked Argyle. He reached into the chest and picked up the first book. He flipped through the pages and read aloud what he found. “Written by… Twilight Sparkle? Look! Here are the chapter titles. And there are Twenty-six chapters?”

The two looked at each other in confusion.

“Well, I guess we gotta read it.” Said Shining.

And so, Argyle turned the page to the first chapter and read it. “Once upon a time. In the magical land of equestria…”

6 Months Later

Both Argyle and Shining almost completed the first three books. They still had one chapter to read for volume three though.

They were both hooked on these fascinating tales involving Twilight Sparkle and her friends. Every weekend when they had the time they would read as much as they could.

The most fascinating part of this was whether or not these stories were true. So many questions surrounded them.

When they first started the question was. “She was a unicorn?”

Even more baffling was the existence of Magic. The books described both the heroes and villains using actual real magic.

For years Argyle was led to believe unicorns had magic. When he met Shining Star, this was proven to be false. But the unicorns in the stories had it. So, this proved that magic did used to exist but how was it gone?

Did it just not exist anymore?

But even more baffling was that all three pony kinds all lived together in harmony.

The books had descriptions of a mixture of all three pony kinds living in the same world.

The six friends were all different pony kinds. And yet they had such powerful magic through their friendship they ended up saving the world several times over.

And then of course there were the Princesses. Described to be Alicorns.

Alicorns?

The description made it seem they were literally a mashup of all three pony kinds in one pony. And even more insane, they were basically immortal.

That couldn’t have been true right? If they were immortal, then. Where were they now?

And obviously. Why were these books written? And why were they buried?

These were all fascinating questions to answer to what an amazing series of stories was already.

Whenever they were not reading. They still were still doing well. Life was largely going well for them.

But the most notable thing that would happen little to the other’s knowledge. They would start having a growing romance for each other.

Tonight, was a holiday called Harvest and Hugs Day. It was a day of a feast. Celebrating how grateful and thankful you were to the special ponies in your life.

Because the two still only really had each other they decided to only spend it together. Shining Star quickly became a natural at cooking after she and Argyle prepared the meal.

Ding!

“The pie is done!” Shouted Shining as she opened the oven. And took out the pie.

“Woah. That’s beautiful.” She said.

“Oh absolutely.” Said Argyle. “You know. I had so much fun with you putting this together. I think you created this new efficient style of cooking.” Argyle smiled.

“I did too. You always manage to keep things fun.” Shining smiled and blushed at his sentiments.

“You did too. You already know you kept me laughing.” He said.

“Like the time we went shopping when I was sleep deprived.” Shining Chuckled.

And Argyle was laughing his head off.

“Why did you want all the shoes in the store?” Argyle Chuckled. “Some of them weren’t even your size!”

And then shining started laughing as she put the pie on the table. “Didn’t I want to ride in the grocery cart?” She asked, laughing.

“You actually went in it.” Argyle said just laughing non-stop.

===

After dinner they two hugged each other close.

They had gotten used to cuddling and hugging often and whenever they wanted. As Argyle said. “You should never be afraid to ask for a hug.”

They were snuggling and thinking about how wonderful the other was. Shining even occasionally snuggled into him like a cat.

“You want to read the last chapter of book three?” Asked Argyle.

“Not tonight. I actually wanted to do something else by the beach.” Said Shining.

“Race you to the end of the beach?” Asked Shining.

“That sounds fun. And the air is perfect tonight.” Said Argyle in confirmation and excitement.

And Shining booped Argyle’s nose. Which made him blush.

Chapter 6

At the beach. Nopony else was out there. And the streetlights above as well as the moon made everything perfectly visible.

“Ready?” Asked Shining.

“Yeah. Which one of us will be the better Rainbow Dash?” Asked Argyle ironically.

And Shining booped his nose again. “Maybe you. You know I’m more of a Twilight Argyle” she said grinning.

Argyle blushed again. And her happy grin was just irresistible to look at. It was just so adorable, and it made him feel so fuzzy on the inside.

Argyle stepped into position. And so did Shining.

And just like that the race had begun. And the two galloped away.

As the two rushed along the beach. The two couldn’t help but look at each other as they went along.

“You really think you can beat me?” Asked Argyle.

“Well Twilight won the race, right?” Shining said. A reference to one of the stories in the first book.

Argyle suddenly went faster until he suddenly disappeared. “Wait. Argyle, where did you go?” Asked Shining.

She looked up to see Argyle on the main walkway.

“Heyyy no fair” said Shining giving him a half-lidded look.

“Well, if I’m going to be a flyer. I may as well be above the track.” Argyle said, hanging his head over the walkway rail.

Until he fell over. “Agh!” Shouted Argyle. Shining immediately went under the walkway and Argyle landed on her back.

Argyle couldn’t help but laugh though. “What is it with you and saving my life?” Asked Argyle with a grin.

“Oh, you’d be fine. It will be painful but fine.” Said Shining with a chuckle. “I just saved you from falling again.”

Argyle walked over to the shoreline and Shining followed. And the two walked together in a circle around each other.

“This is not a race.” Said Shining.

Argyle walked around in front of the moon. Giving Shining the same half-lidded eye expression she was doing.

“No. But we still have to get back to the lighthouse.” Said Argyle sitting down. Shining sitting next to him.

As the waves of the water moved up towards their hooves. And the bright full moon right in front of them. Giving a beautiful glistening effect to the water.

They stared at each other. And immediately looked away blushing. The moment was just too perfect. Both of them just couldn’t deny how romantic it was even if they didn’t know.

They literally read about this exact scenario in best selling romance novels. And here it was happening right in front of them.

And so Argyle spoke up. “Have you been ok lately?” Asked Argyle.

“Yeah, why?” Asked Shining.

“Well I’ve just been kinda… dealing with something. Something that I don’t know if I should take seriously.” Said Argyle.

“Hey same!” Said Shining. Blushing again. “I mean. What do you mean?”

“It’s a bit of a blur honestly. It’s like something is telling me that I want this thing I really lov- I mean like!

Anyways. I don’t think it’s a mind over matter or a head to heart conflict situation as it is a the same thing telling me to do it and to not do it at the same time.

What about you?” Explained Argyle.

“Well you kinda took the words out of my mouth. I don’t really know if it’s normal to feel both excited and terrified at the same time.

That doesn’t mean I’m bipolar right?” Asked Shining.

“Uhh… no. Not at all. I’m actually kinda feeling that way now.” Said Argyle nervously.

Shining pulled her hat down a bit further “I mean… imagine how I feel. I can’t even show my face out here without wearing this thing.

And I’m already really anxious around other ponies.

It’s really like my mask covers my metaphorical mask.

It makes me wonder if it could work, you know? Like if I actually put myself out there they would like me even if I was a unicorn right?

And things would be correct for me to live here?” Asked Shining nervously.

“I wish…” said Argyle.

“I don’t mean to get off topic but it’s because I don’t want you to get hurt. If I get hurt somehow.

And that’s what I’m afraid of. My Heart is telling me to go for this ‘thing’ but my head shows me reality. And how dangerous that reality could be.

Or if I even really want it as much as I say I do. It’s just a simple question of is it worth it? But it doesn’t have an easy answer.

It’s well uh… you understand right?” Said Shining shaking.

“Yeah… I do.” Said Argyle sighing.

He & Shining sat up and walked back to the lighthouse. Before, walking turned into running.

“Why are we running!?” Said Shining smiling.

“I don’t know! Our race ended right?!” Said Argyle smiling back.

“Yeah well- it’s back on then!” Said Shining, galloping and cheering.

“Yeah. I DO TOO!” Shouted Argyle. “Wahoo!” Said Argyle. “I feel so free!” Said Shining.

The two ran as fast as they could back to the lighthouse before crashing into the front room door panting.

“So… *pant* is that. *pant* a tie?” Said Argyle.

“Sureee. *pant* Why not.” Said Shining walking over to the couch.

When Argyle closed the door he asked. “So. You want to read that last chapter?”

“Sure.” Said Shining as she got the book out. “Volume 3 Chapter 13: Magical Mystery Cure.”

Chapter 7

Argyle and Shining finished up book 3. And the last chapter blew their minds.

“What in the?… this has to be fictional right?” Asked Argyle.

He immediately closed the book. Each book had it’s volume title with a circle that had illustrations of the cutie marks of the six ponies in the book.

With a logo in the center that said. “My little pony: friendship is magic” and at the bottom. “Written by: Twilight Sparkle”

“So she’s a Unicorn turned Alicorn Princess now?” Asked Shining.

“Hmm.” The two wondered.

1 month later

After finishing the third book. Continued to read through book four. And they finished in less than a month. Mostly because they were so invested in it to call it their favorite. And soon they started on book five and went through half of it. Until they had to stop due to winter wishday approaching.

Both Argyle and Shining originally wanted to stay home together like last time. Maybe continue their research on the books and investigate them further. As they had been doing that while they were reading. Until a letter arrived.

“To Argyle Starshine Scout. You are invited to the maretime bay wishday gala. A festive event held at the canterlogic pavilion.

The event will include a play along with a party afterwards where ponies can promptly dance the night away.

Signed Canterlogic CEO. Happy Winter wish day.

Additional note for Argyle: your friend is also invited.”

Argyle looked over at Shining. “I know you don’t do well in crowds. I don’t either. So I’m only going if you are. Plus you would need me anyway. So you want to go?”

Shining Star was on the couch drawing a pencil sketch of Twilight Sparkle with the body stretched out. To help her and Argyle to better understand what she looked like as an Alicorn.

She looked over at Argyle, sighed and told him. “Actually. It doesn’t sound bad. And I’m tempted to see whatever this play is.

I’m sure ponies are curious about me. That letter proves it. Maybe this is how I get out there.”

“You don’t want them to get too curious though.

I know you walked along on the strip and beach just fine even with other ponies around. I was there for all of it.

And well… you kinda built my confidence for that too.” Said Argyle.

Shining put a hoof over her mouth. “Oh Argyle. Thank you.” She put the drawing down and hugged him.

“Actually, thank you.

Shining Star I honestly adore you.

And that’s why I’m worried.” Said Argyle.

Shining blushed “I know. We’ve been over this.

What do you think ponies think of me now though?

After all, we've been reading these books. Aren’t you curious about how ponykind became so divided? Maybe we could gain some insight. Not just on what everypony thinks of Unicorns and Pegasi but who these ponies are.

And could these ponies let that negativity go because of who they are?” Asked Shining.

Argyle sighed. “You’re really smart, you know that.

It’s not a guarantee but you’re onto something.

Hmm, Something tells me we’re only at the beginning of this mystery.”

Shining thought about it and laid back on the sofa. “Ok then. Yes I’ll go. And thanks for the compliment. It always makes me feel important somehow.” She smiled.

“You’re important to me either way. I just hope I can be just as important for you.” Said Argyle blushing knowing the answer.

“Of course you are!” Shining blushing. “You’re going to be my plus one for a reason. And look it’s going to be more bearable with you. I know that for a fact.” She said springing off the sofa with glee.

Argyle sprung up too. “Yeah! You’re right. I don’t know what it is but we just seem to have this thing. Where we relate to each other a lot. And through those insecurities we just let them go at the same time.

In other words.

We really are the best things that ever happened to each other!” Said Argyle tapping his hoof.

“Why are you dancing?” Asked Shining.

“Look who’s talking!” Said Argyle.

In no time at all Shining and Argyle was dancing and sliding across the room. “I really need to finish that drawing.” Said Shining chuckling.

===

That night the two went to their rooms for the night. Shining was still a little bit jumpy.

She was going to attend an actual dance and play with Argyle she jumped around squeeing “yes! yes! yes!”

“Imagine if I held his hoof… at the play.” And she squealed. “This is gonna be the night of our lives!”

Argyle was also getting ready for bed.

And he couldn’t wait to do these things with Shining tomorrow. “Well, look at you.” He said smiling in a mirror. “You’re going to a gala with… her. Oh, her, the one, the only Shining Star! The best mare in equestria ever!”

Argyle ‘dance walked’ to the bed. Excited. “Ah miss Shining Star may I have this dance?” He said, holding out his hoof as he laid into his bed. Falling asleep.

His confidence was reassured and his worries lifted.

Eventually Shining was asleep too.

Both dreamed about holding each other in their hooves on the dance floor.

The next day: winter wishday

Argyle opened the door. “Ready?” Shining was prancing out of the lighthouse. “More than ever!”

And they closed the door.

On the strip both Shining and Argyle were ‘dance walking’ towards canterlogic. Cheering as they went.

Soon they made it to the pavilion door. And after showing the invitation they went inside. And saw the crowd of ponies in their seats in front of a stage.

After finding their seats they sat patiently for the show to begin.

Then it happened. The show started.

Chapter 8

After the performance was over the party was escorted to the second auditorium. Where a variety of food and tables were set up. With a large dance floor in the middle.

As they had said. They started asking around to hear what other ponies had to say about Pegasi & Unicorns.

Among their responses.

“Well, I heard there was a big fight. And several earth ponies were injured.”

“I would like a crab to be my friend too. But that’s an unrealistic expectation.”

“Why would you bring that up now!? We’re at a party. We’re already prepared if that happens.”

“Look, I'm scared enough. I’ll only let it out if a unicorn is staring me in the face.”

“If you’re Argyle’s research assistant why shouldn’t you know?”

“Nothing good has come from a Pegasus. Period.”

“If you can tell me with definitive proof. That the unicorn that showed up here came here to NOT fry our brains. I’ll pay you 1,200 bits for it!”

“The big war told me exactly why they are both dangerous. Even if they didn’t hurt anypony.”

“Don’t you have an assistant now Argyle? You both should probably already know. If your researching the history behind our enemies.”

“Long wings, a horn on it’s head? What else could be more uncanny to look at?”

“Do you know how uncomfortable it is to have your mind read?”

“I’m allergic to regular feathers. So why would I care?”

“We are always afraid. Because if we’re afraid. We’re ready to prepare ourselves for the threat.”

“We try to not be so calm even when we have the situation under control because we don’t want our enemies to get the better of us.”

After many different responses from the crowd Argyle and Shining stepped outside to talk it over.

“Well?” Asked Argyle.

“Well you were right. These guys have no issues bringing up Unicorns and Pegasi. Except for a few.” Said Shining.

“Yeah. But even if they didn’t want to talk about it they seemed more comfortable talking about how afraid they were, if anything else.” Said Argyle with a pout.

“We’re going to need a history book.” Said Shining. “I think we should ask one pony together though.” She pointed over to a pony with a pink coat and massive blonde mane.

“No! Not her!” Said Argyle.

“Why?” Asked Shining.

“That’s Phyllis Cloverleaf. As soon as she talks about the dangers of Unicorns and Pegasi. She never ever stops!” Said Argyle.

“Ok well. How long do you think she’ll be talking?” Asked Shining.

Argyle sighed and said. “I don’t know. She complains about everything. She is just never happy! She’s so delighted in bringing ponies down she may as well be hopeless.

I have no idea how she ended up with that stallion a while back!”

Shining looked over at Argyle. “Well we should still ask.” And she walked over.

Argyle sighed in annoyance and followed her back inside.

And they struck up a conversation.

“Ah Argyle, how are you? And who’s this?” She asked.

“Hello Phyllis… this is my research assistant and lighthouse assistant. Shining Star.” Said Argyle pouting. Not that Phyllis really noticed.

“Shining Star? Well hello there. You’re almost perfectly dressed. But that hat seems really out of place for you.

I can show you a different kind of hat if you’re tired of that one.” Said Phyllis looking over and Shining’s hat as Phyllis flicked it with her hoof.

Argyle and Shining tensed up at that. And they inadvertently held each other’s hooves in concern. And they never let go for the rest of the conversation.

“Yes well uhh… nice to meet you too. So uhh well. Me and Argyle were curious. Do you know why Unicorns and Pegasi are so…bad? And threatening?” Asked Shining nervously.

“Oh please! You don’t even need to read the history books to understand that.

Unicorns have magic! Actual real magic!

They could read your mind or worse. Fry them up! They don’t even need to do that! They could burn you to a crisp, crush you from the inside, freeze you in a block of ice, bury you underground with no way to get out!

They could even make you blind or deaf. Nothing to a unicorn at all. That is just their nature.

Oh and the pegasi… ohhh boy they have wings that could take you away and drop you down in seconds!

I even heard rumors they could move clouds! Who’s to say they couldn’t move storm clouds and make them into a hurricane!” Phyllis explained her quite frankly exaggerated points. Argyle’s mind simply went blank while Shining thought internally.(It doesn’t take magic for me to read your mind genius.)

“And who exactly told you this?.. Phyllis.” Asked Argyle.

“Oh well, I mostly told that to myself. But I was mostly told by my parents. They’re motto was also this.

Be scared so you can be prepared.

And that’s exactly what I’m going to use for my slogan in the election.” Said Phyllis.

This finally perked Argyle’s attention.

“Election?” Asked Argyle.

“Yes! I’m running for president of canterlogic! And boy do I have a lot of things to show off!

If I win, Unicorns and Pegasi will never hurt maretime bay again.

Between you two and me. I think there’s something else going on with those savages. That I think maretime bay needs to know.” Said Phyllis intently.

“What is it?” Asked Shining.

“I think the Unicorns and Pegasi. Eat Earth Ponies.” Phyllis said, shaking a little.

Argyle and Shining were absolutely shocked. And said a unified. “WHAT!?”

Phyllis smiled and explained further. “Think about it. Why does a unicorn fry an Earth Ponies brains? To cook them.

Why do the Pegasi take Earth Ponies away? Never to be seen again? They’re hunting. For food!”

Argyle and Shining were taken aback.

“I mean did you hear about that unicorn sighting that happened a while back?” Asked Phyllis.

Argyle held Shining’s hoof tighter.

Argyle spoke. “Phyllis, that was eight months ago.”

“Oh maybe! But you see that! They’re laying low! They’ll come back when we least expect it!

I am honestly shocked you turned out ok since then Argyle. It was right by the lighthouse! That unicorn could’ve ate you!” Said Phyllis with concern.

Shining held Argyle’s hoof closer.

“Well Phyllis I-“ Argyle was cut off.

“It could’ve jumped right in your window and got you!” Said Phyllis.

“Phyllis.” Said Argyle now concerned.

“You could’ve been that unicorn’s dinner. It could’ve cooked you! And then it could’ve eaten you or worse!” Said Phyllis, getting more exaggerated.

“Phyllis…” said Argyle trying to get her attention.

“If I knew a unicorn would hurt anypony here! I would’ve done anything at all for that pony to get justice!” Said Phyllis.

“PHYLLIS!” Shouted Argyle. “I understand it! I already got my compensation though!” Said Argyle angrily.

“Oh you did. Ok good.” Said Phyllis relieved.

Suddenly Shining let go of Argyle’s hoof and looked at him. “I…I need to step out.” She said walking outside.

“I do too. This was… insightful Phyllis. We will take this under advisement.” Said Argyle.

“Vote for me!” Said Phyllis.

“See ya! KAREN-leaf!” Said Argyle walking away.

Phyllis didn’t even hear the insult though.

Outside Shining sat down on the hillside the canterlogic building was on.

And Argyle walked by. Shaking. As soon as he sat down next to her. The two started panting and breathing heavily.

Shining was whimpering. And Argyle screamed. “Daggghhhhhh! JEEZ THAT WAS CLOSE!” And Shining was crying.

Argyle moved over and held her close. Which made her stop crying and calmed her down. “I’m so sorry.” Said Argyle.

“I shouldn’t have talked to her!” Said Shining.

“I know but… look at it like this. We at least know why even she is afraid. Not only does it help her election results but she also thinks that’s just what you need to do to fit in Earth Pony society.” Argyle Explained nervously.

“So you agree?” Asked Shining.

“Yes! But we were so lucky she didn’t take that hat off! We were not in control of that conversation at all!” Said Argyle.

Shining slumped into his hooves, shaking and panting.

Argyle’s hooves were shaking. He picked up one of them and said “look at this Shining! Look at this!”

“At least we… learned a lot!” Said Shining.

“Yeah, maybe it’s because someone hates themself.” Said Argyle.

“Or…or! They were just raised that way right!?” Added Shining.

Argyle and Shining sighed. “We need a walk.” Said Shining

Argyle blushed and asked. “Walk away from the fear?”

“Yeah” Said Shining standing up and offering her hoof to Argyle. Who promptly took it as the two walked into the night starting to calm down with every step.

Later that night they reached the other side of the Bay and were in a vast valley with the town below.

“Now we know something, right?

You think maybe you’re calm enough to. Process it?” Said Argyle.

Shining sighed as she leaned into him. “Maybe tomorrow. Right now I just want to dance.” Said Shining.

“Here?” Asked Argyle.

“Yeah.” Shining smiled and stood up. “May I have this dance?” Said Shining holding her hoof out to Argyle.

Argyle blushed and looked into her eyes. As he took her hoof.

As the two started dancing Argyle couldn’t help but laugh. “You beat me to it. I was gonna ask you to dance.”

“Oh stop, you would’ve been too nervous. Besides, you technically already did.” Said Shining smugly.

“I did? Oh right when your leg got out of that bandage.” Said Argyle.

“Yeah. Remember what we did. Just hold me, I’ll hold you. And hold each other’s hooves together. Like this.” said Shining in a soft comforting tone.

Argyle was speechless. Shining was tying his heart in knots for months. And she wasn’t even trying. And Argyle’s nerves calmed down, blushing as he looked at her.

“Just look at me. Dance from the heart.” She said placed her hoof on his heart. “And I’ll join in.” She said, giving a look of reassurance.

Just as her excitement and joy came back, she blushed and stared into Argyle’s eyes. Her heart was beating almost as fast as his.

And she was right. Argyle held Shining close and Shining held her hoof up to his. The two were quite literally lost in each other's eyes as their amazing dance bought them closer and calmer together. Not afraid to show signs of how much the two felt for each other. Even if they didn’t know it yet.

They could’ve lived in this romantic dream forever as they then leaned in and hugged each other closing their eyes as their heads rested on each other’s shoulders. All the while the soothing steps of their dance took them to who knows where while they were literally dancing in the moonlight.

When suddenly something incredible happened.

A shooting star went across the sky over them. They stopped dancing, opened their eyes and looked with wide eyed wonder.

“What is that?” Asked Shining.

“That’s the wishing star. It passes over maretime bay every winter wishday.” Said Argyle stepping back.

“Woah, it's pretty.” Said Shining.

“And look. When it passes out into the bay beyond.” Said Argyle pointing to the star.

And in a blast of bright light. The star stopped and made a beautiful eight pointed star in the sky. With rainbows surrounding it.

“Now that. Really is a Shining Star.” Said Shining.

“Yeah. You are.” Said Argyle. Making Shining blush again.

When suddenly her hoof slipped. “Ah!” The two stepped so far back they reached the cliffside above the water.

Argyle looked over when suddenly he fell off. And Shining immediately grabbed his tail.

“Aaaahhhh!” Screamed Argyle. Shining tried to pull him back to safety this time. But it was no use.

There wasn’t anything for Argyle to grab onto. And so she lost her grip and he fell into the water.

“No!” Shouted Shining. And she immediately jumped in after him. Suddenly they fell far enough to hold each other’s hooves and hugged each other to save them from the impact.

And the two fell into the water.

Chapter 9

Argyle swam up to the main shore coughing up water while he made his way.

“Shining! Shining! Where are you!?” Argyle Shouted.

When suddenly she and her hat washed up on the shore. Passed out.

“Oh no…” Argyle ran over to her and moved her onto the sand. And opened her mouth.

“Oh dear… how many times is the world going to keep making all these moments legitimate…?” Argyle said as he placed his mouth on hers breathing into it and pressing her chest down.

It didn’t take any time at all for Shining to open her eyes and see everything. She immediately blushed and her skin felt on fire.

Until she needed to cough.

Argyle immediately saw her eyes and pulled away.

Shining started coughing up the water. “Thank you~” she said with a smile on her face. Clearly she was thankful for many reasons that night.

“Well. It’s only fair. You saved my life eight months ago. Now I’m saving yours.” He smiled as he held her back up.

“I’m surprised the water wasn’t cold.” Said Shining.

“Cold here? Sometimes I wish.” Said Argyle.

Shining wringed out her hate and put it back on. “Thank goodness nopony else was around.” She said.

“Yeah. Say now that I think about it. Aren’t you hungry? We haven’t eaten yet.” Said Argyle.

“Yeah. Let’s head back.” Said Shining.

And the two were laughing again.

===

During their walk on the main strip back to canterlogic the scene just kept getting more and more romantic as the two looked at each other immediately looking away.

While beautiful string lights combined with the moon and wishing star. Just made everything come into place.

Their hearts were just racing. And it was just too coincidental for every single awkward romantic situation to be happening so suddenly.

And for a while they thought it was constantly out of place. But not anymore. Now they just embraced all the cliché love scenes happening before them because now they realized.

They really did love each other. And you know what? They were perfectly ok with it.

It took them time to fully grasp how much they loved each other ever since that first day. But they had always been there for each other.

The two weren’t afraid to talk about things they were uncomfortable with to each other.

They weren’t afraid to hug and cuddle each other as friends or more. And everything they read together from the books only proved how ok it was to be as close as they were.

They were in love with each other. And they didn’t care what would happen. They would soon tell each other that they loved each other, for it was more than a confession.

It was the truth.

Argyle ran over to an area of the street where the trolly was parked for the night. Stepping into it pretending he was the conductor. Before stepping out and tripping onto his back. Nothing hurt but he just looked up to see the beautiful face of Shining Star. Her eyes looked right into his.

She held him back up as she ran towards a fountain in one area of the street.

He ran up to her. As she stepped onto the rim of the fountain. She fell in, of course.

She immediately sat up and awkwardly smiled at Argyle blushing. As the fountain water spilled over her hat.

Argyle couldn’t help but laugh. And then he immediately jumped in with her making a splash.

Shining immediately laughed as water poured on his head too. “Hey actually this is a good way to get all the sand out. So we won’t seem suspicious.” He said as he washed out the sand from his mane.

“Yeah.” Shining smiled as she got the sand off of her back and coat. And she chuckled. “What are we doing? We’re actually bathing in a fountain?” Shining smiled as Argyle’s beautifully handsome face looked over to her and stared directly into her eyes.

The two got out of the fountain running and jumping their way back to canterlogic.

They felt so warm and happy inside. And every time they looked at each other they couldn’t tell if there were stars or hearts in each other's eyes. They could’ve sworn it.

When they got back to the building they were relieved to see the party still going strong. They immediately got some food and sat down at one of the tables.

Which of course was lit by candlelight.

And the two dug in.

===

After dinner they were talking for a while about everything that happened tonight.

And how winter wishday was a holiday for giving gifts to ponies as well. Though unfortunately they didn’t get each other anything.

But they both already knew what they really wanted as they looked into each other’s eyes half-lidded and blushing.

“You didn’t have to get me anything for today, Argyle.” Said Shining sincerely.

“I know. No gift could ever be as important to me as you are.” Said Argyle.

And the two closed their eyes, leaned into each other and snuggled.

The two held their hooves together. As they cried tears of joy.

Even their tails were wagging.

Nopony saw them as the lights were darker by the tables. And nopony but them heard them when they both whispered. “Happy Winter Wishday.”

Chapter 10

A week passed. And the New Year was just around the corner.

That night Argyle and Shining decided to take it easy for a while. And as the evening festivities started. They couldn’t help but think about how Romantic these past eight months had been. At this point there was no point in denying it they were in love with each other. Though there were still some questions and concerns. Was it love at first sight? Was it the spur of the moments? Did they even really love each other enough? All these emotions processed through the mind. And feelings in flux.

However when they did. That night, They hugged and cuddled together on the sofa. Which was their favorite time together.

And in each other’s presence and embrace. These questions and concerns evaporated.

But they still needed a plan right? The time would soon be right to tell each other.

And luckily time would be on their side. The clock was getting close to striking midnight as Argyle excitedly got up and asked Shining.

“Come up to the lighthouse balcony. The fireworks view is amazing up there.” He asked.

Shining & Argyle walked over to the makeshift elevator and was taken up to the balcony. “We have our own firework for tonight. The beacon.” Said Argyle grinning.

“Wow.” Shining said as she saw the beacon had been filtered over to light up differently. “Actually Argyle. Can I light it up this time?” Asked Shining.

“Ok yes. First you turn this crank twice to make it spin. Then you pull this lever here to turn the light on.” Argyle directed.

And so she did just that. She started up the crank until it started spinning on it’s own. “Now wait until we reach midnight for our surprise!” Argyle said excitedly. The two were waiting in anticipation as the clock turned from 11:59 PM to 12:00 AM. The new year had arrived.

And the fireworks started going off like crazy.

“Now Shining!” Shouted Argyle.

She immediately pulled the lever and the beacon lit up. This time instead of a normal light it had a series of words lit up.

The light said “Happy New Year.”

Shining and Argyle looked over the balcony with fascination. Watching the lighthouse words in the sky. Along with the endless beauty flashing lights and colors of the fireworks show before them.

They leaned their heads into each other and watched on. Holding their hooves together again knowing that their fears and concerns either have ended or would end soon.

One month later.

After reading, finishing the second half of book five and all of book six.

They took a stroll throughout maretime bay. Reflecting together, talking together about their time together since the first meeting.

When suddenly they walked very far away from maretime bay. They walked completely straight so they guided back by walking forward again. But the rest of this open valley was unrecognizable.

“Where are we?” Asked Argyle.

“I don’t know.” Said Shining.

As they looked around they noticed something odd about the formation of the land. The grass swirled together into one single spiral in the middle.

In the middle was a single rock.

Nine trees also surrounded the spiraled land almost perfectly. And the more they looked the weirder the area looked.

“Those trees. They’re not just the same species.” Said Shining.

“You noticed it too didn’t you? They’re literally the exact same shape. Exact same branches and knots.” Argyle was bewildered.

“Yeah. All nine of them are the exact same model. All the way down to the tiniest detail.” Shining looked around confused. Then back at the rock in the middle.

She noticed a small hoof pattern on the rock. Big enough for a hoof to press into it.

“Argyle look!” Shouted Shining. Argyle approached and saw the imprint on the rock.

“Is that a coincidence?” Asked Argyle.

The two suddenly looked at each other with affirmation and pressed their hooves down into the rock.

The ground rumble beneath them. Suddenly tree roots emerged from the ground connecting themselves in a similar spiral from the rock to the trees at the end of the circle.

When the roots reached the trees. A rectangular hole opened up in the center of their trunks, Like some kind of compartment. All facing inward towards the circle.

Argyle and Shining were shocked as they saw the technical marvel literally unfold around them.

“What is this?” They both said in unison.

Then something else happened. The rock literally opened it’s top up. And a pedestal emerged. On that pedestal was a giant smooth white stone. About the size of each of their heads.

The stone glistened in the sun and it had small black swirls traveling up the rock. It was beautiful.

“I think it wants us to take it.” Said Argyle.

“Are you sure that’s wise?” Asked Shining. She looked around walked towards one of the trees now open compartments. “Hmm, Nine trees.

Nine of these compartments.

What did we find?” Asked Shining. As Argyle also looked around at the roots. The roots seemed to have some kind of visible black tube in them that went from the rock to the trees. “You saw the roots? This is bizarre.” Said Argyle. Shining looked at the roots and scratched her head.

And then they both looked back to the stone on the pedestal. Then at each other. “We’re never going to know until we take it.” Said Argyle.

“Alright let’s do it.” Said Shining. They both walked over to the pedestal and took the smooth white stone off of the pedestal and onto the ground.

Just then the pedestal sank back into the rock. The top of it closed back up. The tree roots disappeared underground again and the trees compartments also closed up.

Everything suddenly looked like it did when they first arrived.

“What?” They said in unison. They placed their hooves on the imprints and then everything came back again. For about 5 minutes before it all went back to normal again.

“We should remember this place. Something about it seems important.” Said Shining.

“You’re right. Let’s get this thing back to the lighthouse. We have a lot to study now.” Said Argyle.

They walked straight back to maretime bay. While rolling the white smooth stone on the ground, forward.

They soon made it back to the lighthouse and put the stone in the back of their research area. Which had grown significantly.

The picture of Twilight that Shining drew hung on the wall. There were sticky notes with drawings of the mane six’s cutie marks. Which were on top of a large map of equestria. Below the map frame was another illustration that Argyle drew of a diamond shaped box described in the fourth book.

The chest they found the books in was right next to the main desk opened wide with books one through six inside. Books seven through nine sat on the side of the desk.

Right behind the chest was a painting of a powerful unicorn wizard described in the books many times in the books as Star Swirled the bearded. They found it at the bottom of the chest, spread out and turned over. So they framed it. And a ton of other notebooks and papers were scattered about.

After they moved the stone in. They figured it was about time they started reading the seventh book. And so they did.

They sat down together reading the book’s first chapter.

One month later

Hearts and Hooves Day

Argyle and Shining were halfway through book seven.

At this point their love for each other was at an all time high. Researching, reading, speculating, even the simplest activities just bought so much fulfillment for both of them.

Their love once again reached an apex when they finished reading the thirteenth chapter of book seven. It was a really romantic story that made them both shed tears. The fact that they were reading it on hearts and hooves day was the icing on the cake.

Argyle dropped the book and hugged Shining. “Are you… thinking what I am…?” Said Argyle crying.

“Yeah!” Said Shining crying. “That was too much! I can’t take that in honesty!”

Argyle stood up. “You need a moment because I need a moment…” said Argyle in tears.

“Yeah” said Shining crying.

After finishing the story, they both retreated to their rooms. And took a moment.

“That was beautiful!” Argyle shouted. Suddenly he took a deep breath and paced around the room. Everything that's happening now rhymed eerily with what happened in that story.

And so, he looked in the mirror and calmed down. And determined.

“Face it Argyle. You love Shining Star. And that’s ok. Nothing at all is wrong with any of this!” Said Argyle to himself.

“And I’m going to give her the gift she deserves today. Like it or not!” He said immediately getting to work as he opened a notebook. And wrote down everything he had just heard in the story. Line for line.

Meanwhile Shining Star was facing a similar crisis all her own.

She sighed and looked down at her hooves. “How can I say it? I love you Argyle.” Just as soon as she said that. She felt good.

“I love you Argyle!” Shining said feelings happy and jumpy. “I love you Argyle!” Said Shining bouncing around the room.

“Yes! I love him! I love him! I love him! And it’s all cool.

Everything is perfectly natural. And oooooohhh! A forbidden love just like the story!” Shining was grinning when she suddenly thought about it.

A present. It was hearts and hooves day. What could she possibly give to him?

“Well…” she said looking over to her nightstand. Opened the drawer and put something in her mane. And she walked out of her room to Argyle’s.

When she got to Argyle’s room they sat on his bed, about to show their presents.

“I actually have a present for you today.” Said Argyle. “But it’s not exactly finished yet.” And so, he reached behind him and grabbed the notebook. And gave it to her.

Shining opened it and looked inside. To see the same words of the chapter in the story. “You made me a copy of the story?” Said Shining tearing up again as she put a hoof over her mouth.

“Y-yeah. I know it’s not finished yet but I will-“ Argyle was cut off as Shining threw herself into him and gave him a tight hug.

“Thank yoouuuuu!” She said. “I could tell you liked it.” Said Argyle. When the hug ended Shining announced her own present for Argyle.

“Argyle I have a present for you too. And well… you know how we have no idea if these stories are really true. And we’ve been searching for proof for so long?” Said Shining.

Argyle nodded yes.

“Well. This thing I found before I left bridlewood. Might just change everything!” She said as she reached into the back of her mane and gave Argyle…

A purple feather.

Argyle looked in complete shock. He took the feather and handled it delicately. “You don’t think… where did you find this?” Asked Argyle.

“I don’t remember. But feathers are rare in bridlewood. So, I kept it because it felt so gentle and adorable… like you.” Shining immediately blushed when she let that slip.

Argyle blushed beat red as well.

They would’ve confessed right there. They could’ve let everything out at once. They had to. Right? But not today.

Even if they did love each other and that was ok. They didn’t need to rush. And if they somehow lost each other in the process, it didn’t matter they would still be together one way or another.

And that is all they needed. They just needed to calm down for a while first. An emotional Hearts and Hooves Day? Would not be as ideal as one may think.

They had a much more casual and more calming day in mind.

“I uhh well… but it can’t be! Is this really a feather from…

Twilight Sparkle…”

Chapter 11

-Three Months Later-

Book seven was finished. Book eight was halfway finished.

The feather was put in a glass case.

And the anniversary day had begun. The day when she first wandered into maretime bay and ended up in his care.

And both knew this was it, the time was finally right to open their mouths and confess.

And so that night. The two sat down together and held each other’s hooves.

Argyle went first. “Shining Star… you are the most beautiful, talented, sweet, optimistic and amazing mare I’ve ever met.

And I cannot thank you enough for the year of adventure you’ve given me.

And that is why from the bottom of my heart… I love you.” When he finished, he was crying.

Shining’s eyes went wide. And she also started crying too. “Argyle Starshine…

I’m really happy to hear you say that. You’re the most kind, caring and loving stallion of my life.

And it fills me with great happiness to say that I love you too!” Shining was crying and leaned into Argyle.

And Argyle hugged her. “We love each other.” Said Argyle smiling.

“Mmhmm.

Hey Argyle. I hope this isn’t too much to ask but. It’s been getting lonely in the guest bedroom.

So, can I sleep in your room tonight? With you?” Said Shining.

“I know what you mean. Of course, you can.” Said Argyle as he snuggled into her.

“Thank you.

I just want to be with you. That’s all.” Shining looked up to Argyle and smiled.

And Argyle smiled back to her as they looked into each other’s eyes. “And that’s ok.

Heh. Look at us. We were taught to hate each other; we were forbidden from seeing each other. Much less love each other.

Now. Our friendship blossomed into something new. Love and care. It defeated the fear and hate we had for so long.” Argyle finished.

“Yeah. It’s a forbidden love. But that’s exactly what makes it so romantic.

But I love you. For you. No matter where we come from, no matter what we are.

I promise. As long as I'm with you. I will never hate again. You’ll always be in my heart Argyle. I’ll be there for you no matter what. If you promise to be there for me.” Whispered Shining.

“I promise. And I promise to not hate anypony either.

Shining you’ve been so kind-“Argyle was cut off when she put her hoof on his mouth.

“Shh~ I’ve been waiting for so long. All this time for you.” Shining moved her hoof out of the way.

Argyle and Shining closed their eyes. Their faces leaned in closer. And then their lips met and kissed.

Tears rolled down their eyes as their hearts were beating faster than they ever had before.

And because they were hugging so close together. They could actually feel that their hearts were both beating at the exact same time.

Everything in the world just disappeared. As all they could think about was each other. Just there together in each other’s embrace and kiss.

And then. The most unexpected thing happened.

As everything was happening. The white smooth stone they collected for research started glowing. And it was glowing bright.

The two ended the kiss. Looked at each other. And saw the glow of the stone.

“Look!” Said Shining pointing to the stone.

Argyle and Shining got off of the sofa to take a look at the stone. The glow of the stone somehow made it transparent. There was something inside of it.

Argyle punched it with his hoof and the stone shattered. The two dug in the shattered crystal-like pieces to find what was in there. And they found it.

However, what they found was still glowing. “So, this was causing the glow? What is this?” Asked Argyle. He picked up the object, it was a long prism. About the size of a medium cup. And seemed to be made out of the same material as the rest of the stone.

The sunbeam from the window hit the top of it, causing light reflecting beams of different colors to flourish around the room.

“Woah.” They both said in unison. “This is beautiful.” Said Shining. It dazzled the research area with the glow and light beams. As Argyle waved it around in the air with a smile on his face.

Shining looked around, smiling at the beams hitting every part of the room. She looked around but then she noticed something shocking.

Argyle moved the prism over the books. But when he did, writings and engravings could be seen on their backs.

“Argyle! Move the prism’s glow back to the books!” Argyle did as she asked and moved it over the back cover of book seven and he was amazed at what he saw.

There were thin white lines and words drawn into the cover. “What the!?” Shouted Argyle.

He immediately got the other books out of the chest. Turned them all on their backsides. And held the prism glow over them. And sure, enough all nine of them had different lines, words and drawings.

“Invisible ink?” Asked Shining.

“More importantly, how did this thing light up?” Asked Argyle.

The two looked over the nine books with the prism in hoof.

“It looks like a map of some kind.” Said Shining.

“Yeah. They need to be put together like a puzzle.” Said Argyle moving the books into different ways. Shining followed and moved the books over into the correct order.

Eight of the books were lined up right next to each other. And the ninth was at the very bottom. This turned out to be the right pattern as when they held the prism over the books.

Everything fit into place. It was indeed a map. Part of it was even marked. Maretime bay.

And several messages were drawn into it. Argyle started reading them aloud.

“If you found this map. You are on the first step.

The division of ponykind is happening so everyone was manipulated so they could be conquered by a greater enemy.

I was deceived and had to hide all pony magic into three crystals for each kind. The kingdom of ponies has been hidden away. For good until the time is right.

The crystals are reunited. Could bring magic back to equestria to rise up against this evil.

If this map is found this is where you will find the crystals. And the first step to reuniting ponykind has finally happened.

It is our only hope.

Friendship is Magic. -Twilight Sparkle!” Argyle and Shining looked on in shock.

There were locations in Maretime bay, bridlewood and the Pegasus kingdom of Zephyr Heights that seemed to lead to some kind of shrine to protect something.

“Who is ‘she’?” Asked Shining. “What about the rest of the books?!” Said Shining.

Shining immediately turned back the cover of book nine. And there was another message.

This time Shining was reading it. “Love is what makes Friendship and Friendship is Magic.

If you found one of the three prisms from one of the three locations. You must remember they need love to ignite. Just like the crystals of magic will.”

And she closed it back to the cover.

Argyle put the prism on the desk. And they looked at each other.

“So. Our love made this thing light up?” Asked Argyle.

“It did. And Twilight Sparkle was… real. Everything we’ve been reading are true stories!” Said Shining.

“She knows our world. It has to be.” Said Argyle. He put the prism in the chest and closed it. “It’ll be safe there whenever we need it.” Said Argyle.

“Good thinking. Now remember where we found that stone?

It’s that place. The strange spiral land circle with the trees. I’m willing to bet that is the next place we need to look!” Said Shining.

Argyle thought about it and remembered something about that land. The trees. “Wait you’re right! Remember the trees had nine open compartments on them?” Asked Argyle and Shining nodded yes.

And it dawned on them as they looked back at…” the books!” They both shouted.

“That’s what they were for! Those books are what complete the circuit!” Argyle said in excitement.

“But what is it all for? Do you think that’s the shrine for one of these… crystals?” Said Shining excitedly.

“I don’t know. But there’s only one way to find out.

I don’t want to head back there though. Do you?” Asked Argyle.

“No. And we might need a map anyway. The map we just saw.

How about we head out there one night after we finish everything in the books. And after we’ve held the prism over each page.” Said Shining.

“That’s a lot but you’re right. There’s so much more here now that we have that!

And that land. It must be that shrine it was talking about! The land was probably made to hide it and protect this crystal!” Said Argyle.

The two got really excited at the newfound discovery of… well. Everything.

Their love, the existence of magic, the true stories and what this means for the good of ponies.

They danced the night away knowing they still had a long way to go.

Chapter 12

And so as promised. Both Argyle and Shining were sleeping in the same bed that night.

And they couldn’t have been happier. Or more peaceful that night when they slept.

And then the morning came. And waking up next to each other couldn’t have been a prettier and more comforting sight than they ever thought.

And this continued long afterwards. They would never sleep alone again.

4 Months Later

The new couple had long since finished all nine books. And eventually they would revisit them to read the stories, as well as to see the other secrets that were hidden within them due to the new discovery of the prism stone.

However, they largely took a break from research and had instead focused on their own love and dating. Several date nights had occurred for the blooming love of Argyle and Shining. Love that only got stronger each day.

So that led to the question. Were they actually official?

And that is exactly what would happen as they walked back to the lighthouse after this date night.

After closing the door and walking in. They sat on the sofa and talked it over.

“So, what did you want to talk about?” Asked Argyle.

“Well… we’ve been dating for a while now. Do you think anypony suspects us?” Asked Shining.

“I don’t think so. Ever since the Winter-wish Day gala. I don’t think anyone thinks of us as anything other than research partners. Just living a life up here beyond the main strip.

But I see your point. What if somepony does? Would we have to explain to them what we are now?” Said Argyle slumped on the sofa pillow.

“Well…. Wha…” Asked Shining.

“What are we exactly?” Asked Argyle. And both ponies buried their faces in their hooves.

“Well, that is what I wanted to say. It doesn’t make it less painful to say it.” Said Shining.

Argyle moved over to Shining and put his hoof around her. And Shining looked at him. “You’re Shining Star and I’m Argyle Starshine. We are who we are.

We’re just more, Intimate now. We are a couple that just… happened.

Is that wrong?” Said Argyle.

Shining hugged him. “No. Ever since new year's I knew it wasn’t wrong.

I guess we just needed to bring ourselves to say it.” Shining said. Smiling.

“Exactly. And I couldn’t be happier. The fact that we help each other sleep at night should say enough about us.” Argyle finished smiling back.

“Actually, I wanted to ask. When did you know you liked me?” Asked Shining giggling.

“Does being the prettiest pony, I ever laid eyes on count?” Said Argyle laughing.

“Oh stoooop” said Shining blushing and smiling.

“But seriously I actually didn’t know at first. Well ok, that first night we met I definitely felt something when I first saw you. But I didn’t really think much of it at first. I was mostly just trying to help you.

But when you got out of that bandage. You just lit up. And then after what we went through on the holidays, I knew there was no point in denying what I felt. Nor did I think it was wrong. When I embraced my feelings, it felt good. Too good to be wrong. And I think it’s because for once I finally let all the underlying fears go away.

Maybe I loved how you are just so cheerful and nice and accepting. I just love that.” Finished Argyle.

And Shining was chuckling. “Love at first sight?” Asked Shining.

“I didn’t know!” Said Argyle laughing.

“Well as for me. I always knew I liked you. Ever since I saw your face, I felt like I forgot my name.

I didn’t care what you were. The way your eyes and smile looked it was just so different. But a different, that I love.

And yeah, when you first bandaged me up, I tried so hard not to blush.

And every day since then I felt it. Every time I saw you, I just felt safe and warm and happy. I didn’t say anything though because I wasn’t exactly sure what I was feeling.

I was feeling everything at once. I was stumped. Until the holidays came and went. On the night of the new year. I actually tried so hard to hold my breath.

If I didn’t, I’m sure I would’ve squealed! Like I did for some nights before.

And for me. I was drawn to your compassion, sweetness and optimism.” Shining finished.

“Oh! I was wondering what that squeaking noise was!” Said Argyle.

“Oh no.” said Shining blushing. “You actually heard my squeals?” Asked Shining.

“Yeah. You were adorable.” Said Argyle.

Shining was giggling. “Argyle. How do you make all the cliché love songs sound real?” Asked Shining.

“I don’t know. But I guess that’s all we needed to know to say we fell for each other.” Said Argyle.

“Oh yes. And well, that’s ok. So we should be ok. With us right?

Argyle. I just want you to know that. I’m not going to push for us to be anything more than just being a couple either.

I’m not going to pin you down. Or demand something you want nothing to do with.” Said Shining.

“I know. And Neither would I.” Said Argyle.

“Good. I just wanted to remind you. I don’t want to change anything about you. I just want to be with you.” Said Shining.

“Thank you. And hey, I’ll make sure to remind you about that too. I don’t want you to change, I just want to be with you. For you.” Said Argyle.

Shining briefly closed her eyes and sighed “You know. That actually means a lot more to me than you think it does.

Because well…” she pointed up to her horn.

Argyle looked on. “Is hiding your horn. Bothering you?” Asked Argyle.

Shining sighed sadly and asked. “Can we take this upstairs? With cuddle time?”

“You don’t even need to ask.” Argyle smiled.

And so the two walked upstairs to the bedroom and laid down. Hugged each other and continued.

“So. What is wrong?” Asked Argyle.

“Don’t get me wrong. I love that hat. I feel like it represents a part of who I am.

It’s the fact that my horn is basically useless. So why do I need it? I feel like I could do more good for us if it just wasn’t there.” Shining said in sadness.

“Shining. Please don’t say that… you know I don’t care what you are. I love you for who you are.” Said Argyle.

“I know… but it’s not so much I have to hide it to be accepted around here.

It's an easy way out. It just eliminates all the trouble and makes me look like… well, you.” Said Shining.

“Shining I understand. But I feel like it would only cause more trouble for you. If you somehow removed the horn it’s just something you can’t come back from.

And well, it would cause trouble for me too… The change would forever be there. It wouldn’t lead to happiness, it would lead to shame, guilt and repression. And that wouldn’t be you.

I wouldn’t want to see you feel the need to take a part of you away for my sake. It just makes you sad and upset and angry and I don’t like seeing you like that. I don’t want you to hate yourself. I love you and I want you to love yourself too, when I show that.

And I don’t want to feel bad about myself for caring about you either. I don’t want to feel bad about paying attention to you.

And yeah that begs the obvious question. What do we do if you’re accidentally exposed?” Asked Argyle.

Shining shivered and held Argyle closer. “I can’t be exposed.

I dread thinking of what would happen if I had to be… taken away from you…” She said snuggling into him.

“I’m not making you feel bad now am I?” Asked Shining.

“Of course not.

It’s only when you get too down on yourself.”

Said Argyle. “How’s about this? Whenever you get too down on yourself for that or anything else we have a cuddle time and we talk it over ok?” Asked Argyle.

“Ok… cuddle times were always my favorite times anyway.

If you promise not to get too down on yourself either. And I don’t want you to be afraid of showing who you really are.

Argyle, you are a beautiful, kind, caring, sweet and loving stallion. I know you’re comfortable showing that to me and I love you for that.

So I don’t want you to hide that away from the rest of the world.”

Said Shining.

“You have my word.” Said Argyle.

And then Shining moved over and kissed him.

Argyle sighed and held Shining close. “It’s just been so hard though Shining…

Do you know what it’s like?

When fear and anger takes hold of everyone in your life. All I wanted was for it to stop.

But I couldn’t… all it would do is just make everyone more angry. But angry at me too.

And even worse, sometimes I wondered if it was really justified. What if I really was wrong?

What else could I have done but hide who I really was? Just being afraid and scared just to live.” Argyle was tearing up.

“And when you came into my life.

Suddenly everything I ever endured was surrounded by a lie… I felt like a complete fool.

Until you showed me I wasn’t.” Argyle snuggled into her.

“I really do mean that much to you don’t I?” Asked Shining.

“Yes. Shining when I started living here by myself I was worse. I was alone and sad rather than alone and angry.

Until you came along. This past year was one of the best in my life because of you. And a lot of it is because you’re so sweet and you always made sure I was happy. Even when I didn’t ask for it.” Said Argyle.

Shining was blushing. “You’re making me blush.

I can’t believe that I mean that much to somepony. But I know you’re not wrong.

It just means so much to me. That I mean something to someone else.

I actually changed your life. Just by being who I am. I never really thought I was capable of doing that. I thought maybe I couldn’t.

But you’re right. I don’t even need proof to see it by now.” Said Shining.

“Why does it mean so much to you?” Asked Argyle.

“Ok so, remember how I said unicorns aren’t really the happiest bunch?” Said Shining.

“Yeah?” Asked Argyle.

“Well obviously that meant it was…hard to impress someone.

I tried getting along with others for years. With little success.

I wasn’t surrounded by so much fear and anger like you. But more of fear and sadness. And it seemed like that sadness was what took over.

At least I didn’t need to be ashamed of being myself. And so I thought I could do just that. I thought I could be myself without any consequences around bridlewood and nopony would do anything.

I mean I did know there were consequences. Like as I’m sure you know, I was told about the bad news of ponies outside bridlewood. And like you I didn’t know it was a lie until I found you.

So for years I did anything I wanted around bridlewood within reason.

But I felt empty. Like I was doing things without a reason. Well without a reason to remember at least.

You can only do that for so long until it feels like it means nothing. And so I tried harder and harder but nopony cared.

And when I started living on my own. I got worse too. I got angry and sad. I was so messed up that I…” Shining stopped herself.

“Well actually. Let’s just say I felt empty in more ways than one, and so I figured I could remove the problem before I decided to fix it.” Said Shining.

Argyle went wide-eyed. “Oh my… Shining…” said Argyle, understanding the severity.

Shining looked right at Argyle and told him. “Argyle. I always knew I was a smart pony. I know I like doing so many different things.

But deep inside. I’m terrified.

And so because I was ‘smart’ I rationalized myself to leave bridlewood. Then I came here and… you know the rest.” Said Shining.

Argyle started to speak up. “I never felt like I was smart. But I was all along. I could never hear who I was though over the screams and shouts. And so if I was a freak I thought maretime bay didn’t need one.

And that’s when I knew… but being intelligent comes with a price.” Said Argyle.

And they kissed each other.

“But now we don’t have to now right? We just need reassurance right?” Asked Shining.

“Yes. And Now we can use it for the better part of equestria itself.” Said Argyle.

“By the way. When are we going to that place again?” Asked Argyle.

“Maybe another month should do it. We don’t know what we’ll be doing there so we should get some supplies. And take a picture of the map.” Said Shining.

“Sounds good to me. This was a good talk. Goodnight Shining. I love you.” Said Argyle.

“I love you too.” Said Shining.

Chapter 15

Five months later

Another year just slipped by for the couple.

And after Hearts & Hooves day. They were preparing for the unthinkable. Argyle and Shining were preparing to go to bridlewood.

That night the two were about to make their move. “So how long will it take?” Asked Argyle.

“Three days.” Said Shining.

“Anything that might halt us inbetween?” Asked Argyle.

“No. Our biggest problems are going to be in bridlewood itself.

There are unicorn hunter gangs deep in the forest. They usually just try to find valuables to gain their next big score. And they will try and mug us.” Said Shining.

“Ok so what do we do then?” Asked Argyle.

“We run.” Said Shining.

“Really? Is that all we can do?” Asked Argyle.

“The only way they’ll leave us alone is if we give them enough trouble.” Said Shining.

“I see. We got everything ready?” Asked Argyle.

“It seems like it. And it’s best we leave the earth pony crystal here. Like you said nopony will suspect it.” Said Shining.

Argyle and Shining walked outside as he locked the door. “We are only going to have a month before anypony expects us to be back. Time to move out.” Said Argyle.

And Argyle and Shining ran off into the night.

===

Three days into the journey. And the two spent the night by a campfire out in the valley.

“Hey Shining. I’ve been wanting to ask. You’re not worried about going back are you?” Asked Argyle.

“Well. Sort of. I’m not really afraid to go back to that environment because now I have you with me.

I won’t be alone…” said Shining.

Argyle moved over to her and cuddled her. “Mmm~” She said, snuggling into him.

“Neither will I. We’re in this together like always. I just want to make sure you’re ok with this.” Said Argyle.

“I know. By the way I’ve been saving this.” Said Shining as she pulled out a blue colored unicorn horn made of paper.

“Oooo that looks pretty.” Said Argyle.

“Thank you.” Said Shining pulling out a cap that had a big hole in the middle. “You just put the horn here. And it won’t fall off.”

And Argyle tried it on. “Well. Do I look like a unicorn?” Asked Argyle.

“Yeah. An irresistible unicorn.” Said Shining chuckling. “You actually look cute in that Argyle.”

Argyle blushed. “Well you made it.”

The two laughed for a while and went to sleep.

===

The next morning Argyle had his unicorn disguise back on. As the two had finally arrived at the bridlewood forest entrance.

As they walked through Argyle was surprised to see that there were actually crystals everywhere, and the tree leaves were different colors.

It certainly looked very magical for a place that didn’t have any. And definitely a far cry from what Shining Star told him for months.

“You didn’t tell me about the crystals just laying around.” Said Argyle.

“Yeah. Sorry I didn’t mention that, what we’re looking for is in the shrine though.

We don’t really have anything to worry about either because we’re on the main route.

It will take us right to the forest square.” Said Shining.

The further they walked into the forest. The more unicorns they saw. It was the first time Argyle had seen other unicorns besides Shining Star.

None of them bothered to look at them though. All the unicorns they passed were silent. And looked tired.

Chapter 16

Soon. They arrived at the forest square. Tree homes, crystals, restaurants, shops and the occasional bench or rest area were present. With one massive tavern in the middle.

But more importantly were the unicorns. And it was here, where everything Argyle was told about unicorns by his marefriend finally made sense.

Every unicorn they passed looked sad, depressed and tired. None of them bothered looking at them except for a few expressionless glances and immediately looked back down.

Argyle frowned. He couldn’t help but feel bad for these ponies.

Argyle and Shining walked to the side and sat under a tree. “Well, I told you this was a gloomy place. Now that you’re finally seeing it. Do you want to say anything.” Said Shining, wrapping her hoof around his back.

“Well. I kinda feel bad for them. Did anything happen here?” Asked Argyle.

“I don’t know. It’s probably the fear, or the superstition. Maybe both. But it seems like nopony had nothing to really feel for or be proud of. So sadness took hold.

There’s no way to cheer them up…” said Shining frowning.

Argyle looked at one of the children walking slowly by with his Dad. Not even they were happy.

“Maybe they just want to feel special like you. And… I guess you were the only one who had enough confidence in yourself to try.” Said Argyle.

Shining smiled. “Yeah. I guess I did.” And she blushed. “Let’s go to my house.”

===

After arriving at her house and getting some lunch and rest, the two headed out to find the unicorn shrine.

“That was a nice place you had there. It was pretty. And hey thanks for the lunch that was fantastic.” Said Argyle cheerfully walking along.

“Well I did learn from the best.” Said Shining.

Argyle blushed. “Say, Shining can I take this off? I don’t want the paper horn to break while we do this.” Asked Argyle.

“Well I don’t see anypony around. Nopony has really come out this deep in the forest. I think you’ll be fine.” Said Shining.

And so Argyle took the hat and horn off. He placed the horn in the side pocket of his backpack and then looked around for any clues until they found it.

A massive clearing in the forest. After walking into the clearing they found a spiral piece of land with nine trees and a rock in the center.

“It’s just like the earth pony shrine.” Said Shining.

They both walked up to the rock and found the same imprints. “Let’s get to work. You got the books?” Asked Argyle.

Shining nodded yes. “You got the prism stone?” Shining asked and Argyle nodded yes.

They pressed their hooves down and the rock opened it’s top with a pedestal holding another white stone. No doubt another prism stone was inside as it was already lighting up.

The tree roots came out of the ground and the compartments opened.

Argyle and Shining rushed around placing the books in the tree compartments until they finished. The light blue glow surrounded the roots and trees.

The pedestal glowing as well. “We need to get the second prism stone out of that!” Said Shining.

“Hold my hoof! And touch the stone together.” Shouted Argyle as the land started turning.

They held hooves. Placed their other forehoof on the stone and the prism stone inside broke out and landed perfectly on the pedestal.

And it happened again. The land was rising out of the ground.

Tying a rope to a tree branch the two climbed down and into the building.

Now that they had two prism stones they could now light the way better.

Once inside they were walking their way into the central chamber. And the prism stone provided great light.

They reached the central chamber. Designed just like it was back in maretime bay. Circle of imprints and all.

“Remember the dance?” Asked Argyle.

“Oh yeah. We’ve only been practicing for a month for this.” Shining smiled.

And so the two got into position and did the dance just like before on the buttons. Once they reached their ends of the circle it happened.

A pedestal in the center of the floor came up this time revealing a blue diamond shaped crystal gem.

“There it is! The unicorn crystal!” Shining ran to the pedestal and looked at it wide eyed.

“You should take it. I took care of the earth pony crystal.” Said Argyle.

And Shining gently picked it up. And they both looked at it in fascination.

“Woah… it makes me feel…happy. It’s so beautiful.” Shining said smiling. “It is, isn't it?” Said Argyle.

Shining looked at the crystal in awe the entire time they walked out of the shrine.

“Argyle… look at us. We’re collecting the very keys to all of equestria’s happiness and harmony! Everypony will learn to live and love again!” Said Shining excitedly trotting.

“I know. I can’t believe we’re doing this either! It’s so…fulfilling.

It’s like we’re heroes of equestria and this is our origin story!

And to top it all off we are. Lovers too!” Said Argyle.

The two walked out of the shrine. Shining put the unicorn crystal and the prism stone in her backpack.

Climbing back up they took the books out of the trees and the shrine sank back into the land. It was back to normal.

However Argyle took the second prism stone with them.

And they left the clearing.

Chapter 17

Both Argyle and Shining were laughing and having a good time walking their way back.

“We just need to follow the map back out. Just remember to put the disguise back on ok.” Said Shining.

“Ok Shining.” Said Argyle cheerfully following her.

When suddenly out of nowhere he tripped over something. And a big net came out of the ground and yanked him up into the trees.

“Agh!” Screamed Argyle.

“Argyle!” Shouted Shining. “What do I do!?” Shouted Shining. “Shining toss me the rope and pull me down!” Shouted Argyle.

She immediately started fumbling in her back, got the rope out and tossed it. And Argyle caught it. But then a booming shrill voice came out of nowhere.

“Get away from our loot!” Another unicorn jumped out of the bushes and grabbed Shining.

“Go find your own prey, little lady!” Shouted another voice. Several ponies jumped out of the bushes. One of them took the rope down.

“Wooo hoooo! Live earth pony boys!” Shouted a unicorn stallion. And several unicorns came out of the bushes and one of them cut the trap down. While two more held Argyle down when he fell out.

Shining tried to break free of the pony holding her and she did. She immediately started pushing and hitting the other ponies around her until one knocked her over and held her down again.

“Now where do you think you’re going?” Asked one of the colts.

“Now what do we have here?” Asked one stallion. Presumably the leader of this gang.

“This mare tried stealing our prize sir. What should we do with her?” Said the stallion holding her.

“She seems pretty feisty.” Said the leader chuckling. He leaned down to her face and said. “Ok little missy we can either do this the hard way or the easy way.” Grinning.

Shining spit in his face and screamed. “Let the earth pony go!”

The stallion wiped his face and got angry. “The hard way it is then huh? Waste her!” Screamed the stallion.

Two stallions pulled her back as she desperately tried to run forward. “No! No! Argyle! Argyleeeeeee!” She screamed. Tears rolled down her face as she watched Argyle being dragged away from her and locked in a cage. “Shining! NO!” He immediately shook the cage until one stallion threw it into a tree and knocked him out.

“NO!” Screamed Shining until she herself was thrown into a tree and knocked her out.

…

Morning had come. And Shining woke up. She immediately panicked.

“ARGYLE!” She screamed. And she ran into the forest where she saw the hunters go.

She ran for hours screaming his name the whole way down. Until she finally couldn’t take in anymore and collapsed into a breakdown.

“Argyle!…”

She whimpered before breaking down completely.

===

Meanwhile Argyle wasn’t doing any better. He woke up and was surrounded by the same hunters from last night. He was in a wagon being taken to whoever knows where. He figured it would be better to not talk though.

His captors seemed pretty ruthless.

===

Shining simply walked along the trail for the rest of the morning. Until mid day arrived and she looked in her bag for food.

When she suddenly found one of the prism stones and the unicorn crystal in her bag.

Something about the prism crystal was off though. It wasn’t glowing anymore. Presumably from her sadness. It was ignited by love after all.

She picked it up. And closed her eyes. “Please… I love him with all my heart… don’t go…” she said putting it to her face.

===

Argyle sat alone in the cage. He was next to several other creatures in cages and treasures.

When suddenly he got an idea. He had enough space to wiggle the cage out of the wagon. And so he did.

He pushed his weight against the cage and it fell out of the wagon. “What the!?” Shouted one of the hunters.

And the cage fell off the roadside and into another clearing below. He didn’t make it that far from the hunters though as he could still hear them before passing out again.

The hunters caught up with him. And one of the annoyed colts said. “Maybe we should secure the earth pony’s cage this time.”

===

Suddenly the prism stone shining held glowed a little brighter. Her eyes went wide and she heard a faint voice in the distance.

“Maybe we should secure the earth pony’s cage this time.” She heard the voice.

“The earth pony?” She realized. “Argyle!?” She shouted. As the prism stone started going out again.

She moved closer to where the voice was in the trees. And it glowed brighter.

She gasped in realization. “The other prism stone! Our love! The stone is helping us find each other!…

I’m coming Argyle!” She started running forwards.

As she ran though something started growing in her. She reached the clearing and saw markings in the soil and foliage.

And she looked up to see where the trail was leading. “Unicorn hunters…” she frowned with her eyes growing angrily.

She immediately climbed up with no issue. And she followed the road to where the trail was leading to. “I swear when I get my hooves on them… I absolutely promise! They will be in a world of hurt!” She shouted.

It started boiling bigger and she ran faster. “Oh yeah! I’ll make them see!”

She ran faster and got angrier. “YOU HEAR ME LOW LIVES!” She screamed.

===

The hunters kept going until they heard the scream in the distance.

Argyle’s cage was now binded to the wagon. But he knew that voice. His ears perked up and he smiled.

Chapter 18

Shining stopped to catch her breath and look at the prism stone. It was glowing brighter.

“I have to be close!” She shouted.

Running further and further the crystal got brighter and brighter.

At last she found them. And the prism stone was at it’s brightest again.

“HEEEEEYY!!” Shining screamed behind the raiders in a blind rage.

Argyle looked out of his cage and he saw her. He smiled and started crying “Shining…”had never been more relieved than he ever felt in his life.

Shining Star actually came all that way to look for him. And that was all Argyle needed to make him feel like he was special too.

“Oh it’s you. Get lost!” Said one of the hunters.

“I’m not done with you!” She screamed. “Go on! Waste me like you did before!” Shining screamed.

Argyle’s smile suddenly went to disbelief. “Wait! Shining!?” Shouted Argyle.

“Shut up you animal!” Shouted one of the hunters to Argyle.

“Don’t you dare!” Screamed Shining.

The hunters said nothing.

“Stop it! Or I swear!” She screamed.

No response.

“I’ll do anything! I’ll even beat you up for him!” She screamed louder.

No response.

“HEY! Give the earth pony back!” Shining screamed. “Or I swear you’re in for a world of hurt!”

The hunters grinned as they continued. “Get your own live earth pony. This one may not even be worth much.

And what can a worthless mare like you do?” Said the leader.

Suddenly everything went red for Shining. She officially snapped.

She picked up a huge rock and threw it right in the back of one of the hunter's heads.

“Ouch!” The hunter said before passing out.

The other hunters finally turned around.

“What kind of hunter are you? What kind of attention are you looking for?!” Shouted the leader.

“I’m no hunter!” Shining screamed and she immediately charged into the leader and started punching his face.

She grabbed the rock and swung it around to the other colts faces, knocking them out.

That left just the leading stallion on the ground looking angrily at her.

“GIVE, ME, BACK, MY, COLTFRIEND!” Screamed Shining.

He immediately stood up in confusion. “The earth pony? Your coltfriend?!”

She punched him again. Harder.

“YES! NOW!” She screamed.

The stallion uneasily walked over to the back of the wagon. Untied the binder and put Argyle’s cage on the ground.

Argyle looked at Shining. He had never seen her in such an angry blind rage before.

“You got something better in exchange for this animal?” Said the stallion.

“I don’t care! I’d rather keep beating you senseless! Until you got the guts to beat me again!” Screamed Shining stomping towards him.

Argyle was shocked. He looked around and saw all the other hunters laying on the ground. Then back at Shining. He had seen everything “Shining Stop!” He shouted.

And she immediately looked over at him. “Why are you doing this!? I didn’t ask for you to be like this!” Shouted Argyle.

“Please. Don’t hurt yourself for me!” Shouted Argyle.

Shining’s expression went from angry to sad immediately. And she realized everything. She looked around and saw the other colts on the ground were just waking up.

She started panting. And she knew exactly what to do.

“Ok…” she said, reaching into her backpack. And she pulled out the unicorn crystal.

“This is an ancient artifact. Unlike anything else in bridlewood. And is the only crystal of it’s kind.

It will probably be worth so much you’ll never have to work again.” She said softly as she held out the crystal in her front hoof.

The leading stallion smiled. “You got a deal crazy gurl.” He said pushing the cage over to her and giving her the key.

And she placed the crystal in his hoof.

“Ya drive a rough bargain.” Said the stallion walking off. “Come on boys get up!” He ordered. As they all weakly got up and moved along.

And Shining moved the cage backwards.

===

Shining had released Argyle from his cage. When he went out, he immediately put his unicorn disguise back on as it was. Thankfully nothing happened to the horn.

The two simply sat there on the road. Processing what just happened.

Shining broke the silence. “I’m so sorry…Argyle I was trying to save I just don’t know what came over-“she was cut off as Argyle immediately hugged her.

Shining had a mental breakdown and started crying.

“I know you’re sorry. But seeing you in a blind rage like that is very scary.

You actually hurt those ponies. Please don’t do that again…” said Argyle crying as well.

“I promise… I promise. I just couldn’t lose you…Seeing you taken away from me was my worst nightmare come true!…” she shouted crying.

“It was mine too… and it was just scary to see you like that. We lived through it though. And we’re still together. And I still love you. Thank you so much for saving me Shining Star. I will forever love you. I promise I’ll be there for you no matter what.” Said Argyle in a soft voice.

“But the crystal…” Whimpered Shining.

“I know. We still have a month left. We’ll find it.” Argyle hugging her closer. “For now, let’s just calm down.”

Argyle and Shining held each other close as they walked back to Shining’s house.

Chapter 19

Shining groggily woke up but didn’t open her eyes. She had a headache and her throat felt sore.

She moved her hoof around and couldn’t feel Argyle. “Argyle!” Shouted Shining.

And Argyle walked in and asked “Are you awake?”

“I feel awful…” Said Shining.

“I figured. You went through a lot yesterday. So, I made some tea.” Argyle placed a teacup in her hoof. And she drank it up.

The steam and hot flavor helped a lot. And she finally opened her eyes. “That’s excellent.” She smiled.

Argyle put the kettle down on the nightstand. And Argyle hopped in the bed with her and cuddled with her.

“You have a nice house, Shining.

So, you want to stay here a little longer to find the unicorn crystal?” Asked Argyle putting his unicorn disguise back on.

“Yes” said Shining, feeling confident.

“Good. And hey, thank you again.” Said Argyle.

“I know love.” Shining said leaning into him.

===

Two weeks went by, and they had no luck.

So, one night they went to the main tavern and talked it over.

“Well. You still think we can find it?” Asked Shining.

“I don’t know Shining. I don’t even remember what they look like at this point.

If they hadn’t sold it off already.” He said.

“We asked around, followed where they took us. What else can we do?

Should we just go back now?” Asked Shining.

Argyle sighed and ultimately decided. “Yeah. It’s not like we can just wait for that crystal to get to us.”

“Ok…

I hope this place doesn’t make you uncomfortable.” Said Shining, placing her head on the table.

“I don’t Shining. I never did.

In fact, I want to come back here in the future. The crystal may be out of our hooves, but I feel our business here isn’t over.” Said Argyle smiling.

“You were right though.

Unicorns just want to matter to somepony.

Those hunters were nothing special. But they probably went the extreme route to feel something. Anything.

And well… when they didn’t see me saving you. I went extreme… Now I know why it was so bad to do that.

And why I simply left here instead of doing something worse.” Said Shining.

“Shining. You still found me.

And you matter to me. More than any other pony.

Do you still believe that?” Asked Argyle.

“Of course, I do.” She reached her hoof over to Argyle. “I promise bridlewood will be a much happier place.” Said Shining.

She walked from her table and over to an aqua colored stallion sitting alone at a table. Staring off.

“Hey are you ok?” Asked Shining.

He looked like he was about to cry. He sighed and said. “I don’t know…

You see that mare over there? Her name is Lilian, and well, I… I” he stuttered.

“You like her, don’t you?” Asked Shining.

He sighed, blushed and buried his face in his hooves. “Yeah… But I just can’t bring myself to talk to her.

What do you think would happen if I did..?”

“Maybe she’ll be delighted.” Said Shining.

Suddenly his eyes bugged out of his head. “Why me..?” He asked.

“Well, you’re sad and alone here tonight. She’s clearly sad and alone. Maybe she’d just like some company.

Do you think things might not be so bad if you tried? You could at least say you made something of yourself if you did.

I know it’s not realistic to think too positively about things. But… isn’t being too negative not realistic either?”

And he stood up. Looking at her strangely.

“Who are you?” He asked.

“I’m Shining Star.” She said.

The Stallion looked at his hooves, then back at the mare, then took a deep breath. “And I am Kyle, Kyle Moonbow.”

Suddenly the stallion walked over to the table she was sitting at. And immediately got her attention. While Shining sat back down with Argyle.

They watched as the two hit it off. The two unicorns chatted for an hour. Laughing and smiling.

Argyle smiled at Shining. He sat up and held her hoof. “I love you.” He said as he kissed her. And she smiled.

And the two walked out of the tavern. Smiling and hugging as they went back to her house to pack.

===

The very next day the two left Bridlewood to return home. Empty hoofed but still feeling accomplished.

Three days later they returned to Maretime Bay.

Chapter 20

Six months later

After taking a while to cool down. Catch up on some research and enjoying each other’s company.

It seemed their work was never done.

They realized searching the actual pages of the books with the prism stone was going to take a lot of time and patience. They figured it would be best if that was regulated to it’s own plan for a set time. However, in the meantime they decided it would be easier if they tried something else with the prism stone.

The book covers.

During their research they checked the cover pages of the nine books with the prism stone for any clues.

Searching in the front and back covers of books three and seven they discovered that the three kingdoms were linked through a transit system.

And that ponies used to travel freely between them.

So, this begged an obvious question. “So where is the maretime bay train station?” Asked Argyle.

“I don’t know. It doesn’t exactly have a map. But part of me has an idea.” Said Shining.

“Go ahead, Shining.” Said Argyle.

“When we were investigating the earth pony crystal shrine. I saw what looked like railway tracks in the distance.

When we went back home, I saw the tracks go further down into where we were headed.” Said Shining.

“Hmm when did you stop seeing them?” Asked Argyle.

“Shortly before I saw maretime bay’s skyline.” Said Shining.

And Argyle was grinning. “Are you up for another quest for the fate of all pony kind?” Asked Argyle.

“Oh yeah. Absolutely.” Said Shining laughing. “Listen to us! We’re talking about this like it’s so normal!”

“Oh, it’s nothing really. We’re just two forbidden lovers who just happened to save the world! Love really does conquer all I guess.” Said Argyle leaning into Shining.

“I love you.” Shining said holding him and kissing him.

“Oh, I know. And I love you two.” Said Argyle with a giggle.

Shining looked over and continued. “Now let’s conquer all odds and save the world with…” Shining dramatically paused. Argyle taking the hint.

“THE POWER OF LOVE!” They both said in unison.

===

They both dance trotted towards canterlogic. And they looked around the side of the building for any railway tracks. Until they went to the very back of the hill it was standing on.

And they found a tunnel with a single track headed out of it. Several of them.

They immediately went inside and got a flashlight along with the prism stone.

They walked their way through the dark tunnels until they reached a light at the end.

Suddenly they found themselves inside a massive train station. They hopped off of the track dock they were in. And saw where the light came from.

It was the main floors of the canterlogic pavilion. The light from the building above goes through the floor illuminating the station underneath.

“What the… how did Nopony see this? Is it just a one-way view through the floor?” Asked Argyle.

“It was under canterlogic this whole time?” Argyle asked again.

Both looked around and saw two massive staircases that lead up to doorways. No doubt they were stair shafts that lead you back to the main pavilion above.

“Let’s look around.” Said Shining.

They searched about and saw a train still docked at one of the stations. “Fascinating. It’s like some kind of monorail system.” Said Shining.

“Look, the stations.” Argyle pointed towards a large sign inbetween two of the docks, and it said “Br d woo “which clearly meant bridlewood.

“There’s four of them here in total. Two for each land.” Said Shining.

“One train leaves and the other returns.” Argyle said as he looked over at the other station beside him. And there was indeed another abandoned train still stationed in the area.

“Oh my…” said Argyle.

Shining immediately ran over to the other two stations. Another sign that said. “Z p r Heig “ Zephyr Heights. The land of the pegasi…

In the middle of the two docks were the staircases that were leading upward. But in front of all this was a massive shape and three other shapes.

A six-pointed star. The earth pony crystal and the unicorn crystal. The third undoubtedly being the Pegasus crystal.

“Twilight…” they both said.

Argyle thought about it for a moment. And he couldn’t help but think they could somehow use this place. For something daring.

“Hun. I’ve been thinking. Now that we went to bridlewood. Do you think maybe it’s time for us to go to Zephyr Heights as well?” Asked Argyle.

“I don’t know love. Zephyr Heights honestly sounds like a challenge. Wouldn’t we need to craft fake wings this time? What about my horn?” Asked Shining.

“You could still wear your hat. And it’s doable. Furthermore, we know by proxy the pegasi aren’t dangerous.” Said Argyle.

“Yeah. True. And I think I know how we can make these fake wings.

I could take some ropes, small bands and tie them to harnesses to make them more flexible.” Said Shining.

“Sounds incredible hun you’re a genius!” Argyle said, holding her with joy.

“Oh, wait I got an idea!” Shouted Argyle running into the Zephyr Heights abandoned train.

“Wait where are you going?” Asked Shining following him inside.

Grabbing the flashlight and prism stone they lit their way down to the back car.

And Argyle opened up the floor of the train. “What are you doing?” Asked Shining.

“These things are electronic powered. There’s a battery in here. And we can use this train to get into Zephyr Heights!

All we need to do is charge it! And the lighthouse has enough power to do just that!” Said Argyle smiling.

Shining Star grinned. “You are the smartest and best coltfriend ever!” Shining shouted.

“And think about it! A train ride all to ourselves?” Said Shining smirking.

“Oh yeah. Don’t even get me started on how romantic that will be? When do you want to leave? Sunset?” Argyle said sarcastically and laughed.

Shining rolled her eyes and chuckled. “Oh, quiet you. How about nighttime instead? It’ll make us less suspicious.” Said Shining.

“Sounds good with me love.” Argyle smiled, hugging her and kissing her.

“Now there should be a second battery in the front car. Open the floor like I did.

And when we get this out, we’ll head over to the other car and get that out.” Said Argyle as he and Shining disconnected the wires and tried pulling it out of the floor.

===

Later that evening they were back at the lighthouse.

They hooked up the two battery wires, directly into the lighthouse beacon.

“Are they ready?” Asked Shining.

“Yes! You got the lever?” Asked Argyle.

“Yes!” Said Shining.

“Ok let’s do this!” Said Argyle. Shining immediately flipped the lever and the batteries charged up.

“Yeah! Yeah!” Shouted Argyle.

And the batteries charged up completely. “Yes! We did it!” Shouted Shining.

And the two started dancing with joy.

When suddenly they heard something explode behind the lighthouse.

And they ran to the balcony and looked below to see all the streetlights were out.

Suddenly they started laughing. “Did we seriously knock out the power grid!?” Asked Argyle.

“We did! Aaaaahhhh!” Said Shining.

And the two started laughing historically. “Oh, my pony! Did we really just do that!?” Asked Shining howling.

“We did! I mean what am I supposed to say!?” Said Argyle howling alongside her.

“I guess we’ll need a stronger fuse for this place!” Said Argyle, and they started laughing uncontrollably again.

===

The next morning. They unhooked the newly charged batteries from the lighthouse beacon.

Thankfully the power was restored to the rest of the town when they woke up.

And Argyle did exactly what he said he would. He got a stronger fuse for the lighthouse power box; the power came back, and it worked perfectly after that.

Afterwards the two immediately started work on the fake wings they would need as disguises for the one and only Zephyr Heights.

Shining Star was getting close to finishing the fake pegasi wings for their disguises.

Using a more flexible material for the wing spines made the wings seem even more flexible than even a regular pegasus.

After a few days of stitching feathers and binding things together. They finally had their own wing disguises.

Of course, these wings would not fly.

Not that it would matter. They had already made the conclusion several times over in their research or otherwise that the Pegasi couldn’t fly either. Not without the magic in the three crystals.

===

One night. They snuck back into the abandoned train station under canterlogic. Carrying their disguises and backpacks of supplies for Zephyr Heights.

Argyle was carrying two big batteries for their trip to and back. After stepping inside the Zephyr Heights train. The two got into the driver's car and they plugged the battery inside the floor again.

And much to their surprise. It worked

Argyle ran up to the dashboard and pushed the lever forward and the train started moving forward. As it made It’s way to Zephyr Heights.

Chapter 21

Late into the night. Argyle and Shining’s eyes went wide with wonder as they saw a lit up thriving metropolis of a city in the distance.

“Oh my pony…” said Argyle.

“Jeez, did they have an economic surge!” Said Shining.

The train pulled in over the city. And thankfully Nopony seemed to notice. As the train pulled into the station. Just below what looked to be a royal palace.

The Zephyr Heights train station was equally in ruin.

Nevertheless. They both got out of the train, sat on a bench and admired the city from the huge window in front.

“It’s beautiful.” Said Shining.

“It is love.” Argyle snuggled into her and kissed her.

Suddenly a big screen on one of the buildings lit up to a news reporter.

“Hello Zephyr Heights. We hope you were all able to cope during these troubling times.

And due to this unfortunate circumstance. We are preparing slowly but surely for Princess Haven’s coronation.

Ever since the unfortunate betrayal of Prince Levitz Two weeks ago. He and his followers somehow avoided arrest and are currently at large so if anypony finds them anywhere please report to the authorities.

That is all on Pegas I. News.”

“That was odd.” Said Argyle. “I agree.” Said Shining.

“So this place. Is it a monarchy?” Asked Shining. “I guess so.”

“So where is the castle?” Asked Shining. “I think we just traveled into it.” Said Argyle.

“Well, isn't the shrine outside the city?” Asked Argyle. “It is but I… I don’t know Argyle. How about we sleep tonight and think about this tomorrow?” Asked Shining. Argyle nodded yes.

The two cuddled together right there as they slept for the night.

===

The next day the two decided to use a nearby elevator shaft in the station to travel to the mountain tops below the city. They put on their backpacks and disguises. And made it down.

After following the map. They had indeed found the shrine but not in the way they expected.

The Pegasus shrine was already raised out of the ground. But it was also severely damaged.

The trees on top were bent out of shape. And the structure crumbled on the left side.

“What in the world happened here!?” Asked Argyle.

They went inside and got their prism stones to looked around. Just like outside there were scratch marks and cracks. It was nothing like the other two shrines.

And when they finally got into the central chamber. They found more of the same.

However the main pedestal that held the crystal was already raised. But the most concerning part.

“It’s gone!” They both shouted.

They walked towards the pedestal. Then they started looking around for clues.

“Argyle look!”

Argyle immediately ran to where shining was. And in front of her was a feather.

“There’s another one!” Said Argyle pointing his hoof over to another feather.

Suddenly finding feathers scattered all over the place.

“The pegasi?” Said Argyle. “Maybe they just weren’t prepared for the underground.”

“Maybe… but that’s all the proof we need to know to figure out who took it.” Said Shining.

“But where? Are we just going to blend into the populace and ask around?” Asked Argyle.

“It wouldn’t be the first time. And well we have to start somewhere. And I think I know exactly where to start.” Said Shining.

===

They walked back to the elevator taking it up to the castle floors this time.

They walked out of the elevator into an empty hallway. “The elevator is connected to the castle? Maybe the whole castle was a transport hub.” Asked Shining.

“More importantly, is this going to work? Don’t we need to be guards or something? Or make fake ids you know. Something official?” Asked Argyle.

“I know love, I know.” Said Shining.

Suddenly a voice called out. “Hey you!”

The two briefly screamed and saw.

A regular looking Pegasus.

“Um. Hi?” Asked the pegasus.

“Hi.” They both said.

“How are you here? You’re not a guard right?” Asked Shining.

“Uh… no I’m just a regular citizen taking a look at the Zephyr Heights museum.

This part of the castle is a public place.”

Shining and Argyle looked at each other nervously then at their backpacks.

Then back at the Pegasus. “A Museum huh?

Say uh. Do you know where the Pegasus crystal is?” Asked Shining awkwardly.

“What?” Asked the Pegasus.

“This thing.” Argyle pulled out a picture from the backpack with his hoof shaking.

“Oh that looks like the Pegasus crown. Or part of it anyway.” Said the Pegasus.

“Ok then where’s the crown?” Asked Argyle.

“Being kept in heavy guard until the next Queen is crowned.” Said the Pegasus. “It was on display for a short time though. Until Prince Levitz made security nervous.

By the way, you might want to watch those backpacks. Make sure they don’t get confiscated.”

Shining was just about to ask. “Who’s prince Lev-“ and she was cut off.

“Actually thanks uhhh we’ll be going now.” Said Argyle

The two got to a hallway and they started panting and breathing heavily. “Oh my pony! That was so awkward!” Said Argyle.

“Yeah. I felt like I was gonna pass out. But it looks like he thinks he’s a Pegasus alright.” Said Shining leaning on the wall.

“Why didn’t you let me ask the question?” Asked Shining

“Hun. Remember that news report last night?” Asked Argyle.

“Ooooohhhhhhh.” She said in realization.

“Everypony here probably knows about this. Prince… if we asked what this is all about it would be like we were living under rocks.” Said Shining.

“Exactly. But I think we should still figure out who he is. And where the Pegasus crystal is.

There’s just so much we don’t know. And we don’t want to blow our cover right?” Said Argyle.

“Maybe we can start there.” Shining said, pointing her hoof towards another hallway.

There was a sign that said. “Zephyr Heights Queens Gallery.”

“Good eye” said Argyle as they both walked into the gallery.

Chapter 22

After taking a moment to calm down. The two walked towards the gallery.

As they walked they were talking about the information they got from that Pegasus and the broadcast from last night.

a long hallway filled with portraits of all the past Queens of Zephyr Heights.

They both looked at each picture from first to last.

Each one had one common feature. A golden crown lining with the one and only Pegasus crystal attached to it. Embedded in the middle.

“Shining? You see it?” Asked Argyle.

“Yep.” She held up the picture and compared it to the shape on the crown. “That’s the Pegasus crystal. Definitely the crystal we want.” Said Shining.

“It’s connected to the crown?” Asked Shining.

“Oh dear… how are we supposed to get this one? Are we doing a heist now?” Asked Argyle.

“Not a chance. That crystal is on the crown and it is probably being guarded night and day until the next Queen is crowned.” Said Shining.

Argyle suddenly looked up. “You’re right. It’s more dangerous if it’s guarded then if it’s on her head.

But didn’t the news say the next Queen would be crowned in a few days?”

“Love what are you getting at?” Asked Shining.

“That’s when we need to steal the crown. So we sneak into the main audience. And blow our cover putting everypony in a panic. That’s when we make our move in the chaos and snatch it.” Said Shining.

“You’re right.” Said Argyle.

“I love you.” Argyle said cheerfully, hugging her.

“I know. I love you too.” Said Shining, hugging him back.

“So when is this coronation?” Asked Argyle.

“I don’t remember. Maybe it’s time we blend into the main populace.” Said Shining.

===

Zephyr Heights had a major problem with missing ponies. Loved ones grew concerned and panic spread about.

On the top floor of the castle. Princess Haven stood in her bedroom looking outside her huge window into the city below.

Her eyes filled with worry, fear and exhaustion.

When her door opened. “Your majesty Prince Levitz is here to see you.”

“Let him in… but before you go. Captain, please investigate the lower floors.” Said Haven.

“As you wish.” As the guard left. A white pegasus with a fiery red mane walked in. One prince Levitz.

“What are you doing here?” Asked Haven. Deflating.

“Why shouldn’t I be here? I’m your king to be. I am building Zephyr Heights to a greatness it has never seen before. Trust me it’s for our own good. Give me time to do this and you’ll see.” Said the Prince.

“Now tell me. Why do you need the captain of the guard on the lower floors?” He asked.

“Like you said. It’s for our own good.” Said Haven. Annoyed.

“Fine… but next time I make the orders.” Said Levitz.

“Yes…” said Haven.

“You seem paranoid. There’s nothing to worry about. My plans are almost complete.” Said Levitz.

“I’m not. The ponies are. There are missing pony reports on every channel.” Said Haven.

“I have a plan for that too. A little editing and censorship won’t hurt anyone.

It’s not like anyone will care about a problem that doesn’t exist.” Said the Prince.

“Levitz. If we keep treating the ponies like this it will inspire an uprising. Something will hap-“ Haven was cut off.

“Why do you care about them? And I don’t know about you but if this isn’t paranoia I don’t know what is.

Listen to yourself. You have a perfect life. Your life is safe and secure all thanks to me. Both from external and internal threats.

And when everything is completed every pony who dares challenge us will forever fear us.” Levitz finished.

Haven was about to cry. But she was able to hold it together.

“If I didn’t know any better I’d say you’re ungrateful.” Said Levitz getting annoyed.

“No…” said Haven.

“Good. Now remember I have everything under control.

And Haven. I don’t ever want to hear you say anything more about the ponies below. They are not your concern. They are mine.

You should not have to talk to them. And I will make sure of that.” He said angrily walking out of the room.

Haven kept a stern look. Until she collapsed on the floor. Trying to calm herself down.

And when she did. She decided to follow him. Dawning a black cloak and hood she followed his tail until he reached the castle elevator.

Although Haven had a pretty good idea of what floor he had gone to. Sixteen. Which he had made off limits to all.

As soon as it came back. She immediately got inside and pressed sixteen.

Prince Levitz meanwhile. Was indeed on the same floor walking about the hallways to his private quarters.

For good measure the doorknob could only be opened by a code that was only known to him and him alone. After typing in the code and entering.

He closed the door and turned on the lights to reveal a room with papers and post-it notes everywhere detailing his true overall plans.

Sitting down at a desk. He looked over a map of equestria drawing a red X over bridlewood and maretime bay.

“X marks the spot indeed.” He whispered.

Then he reached into the desk and got a counter out. And then he left the room.

“Commander!” He shouted.

“Yes sir?” Said the commander.

“Have you caught anymore pegasi?”

“Yes sir. We caught forty tonight. And many more on the way.”

The prince clicked on his counter forty times.

“Congratulations. The official numbers are almost ready.”

Haven meanwhile had watched her husband punch in the code. And was able to access his quarters.

When she turned the light on. She saw everything.

The map of equestria. And most worryingly of all. An invasion plan of bridlewood and maretime bay. “No…”

She whispered as she saw the final piece she needed to explain everything.

A number of 300,000 pegasi to be kidnapped. Zephyr Heights already had 299,360 pegasi missing.

Which was almost one fourth of all pegasi in Zephyr Heights.

Haven’s eyes went into shock as her husband’s plans were officially clear to her.

And then there was trouble. “Hello my love. What did I tell you about this floor?” Said Prince Levitz stepping in.

She was scared she stepped back about to cry. “I don’t believe what I’m seeing…

This is why so many pegasi have gone missing. You’re mounting a full scale invasion!”

“For a good reason. And they’re more than willing to fight.” Said the prince.

“No. No they’re not. You’re kidnapping them!

Any military call would’ve been made by the Zephyr Heights military and security council!

For what!?” Shouted Haven.

“Don’t you see? We don’t need a council after my plans take off.

We are a monarchy afterall.

When we invade Maretime Bay & Bridlewood. I will grant my people a power beyond compare that will make any pegasi even more powerful than me.

We could overthrow the council.

And together you and I can rule all of equestria. Make things the way we want them to be.” Said Prince Levitz with a smile.

Haven’s expression quickly changed from one of sadness to that of anger and then…

Happy?

“This is perfect.” She whispered.

She walked over to the prince. “Because I know what this means.

This means…” she walked back to the desk.

“WE CAN HAVE A DIVORCE!” She screamed. And she immediately ran over to Levitz and started going to town on him.

Hammering him down on his back as a fight ensued.

And then she banged her head against his knocking him out.

After that she gathered as much evidence as she could and she immediately went back to the elevator to go back upwards towards her office.

When suddenly the elevator started speeding upwards. Haven jumped up and kicked the elevator hatch open and jumped out.

She jumped off the elevator and the elevator exploded above her when it hit the very top. Blasting the main doors open. She jumped over the edge and onto the floor.

It was on the top floor where her office was located. She immediately ran into her office where she quickly summoned the Zephyr Heights security council for an emergency meeting.

Chapter 23

Within hours. Castle guards broke into floor sixteen and arrested many prominent members of Levitz followers.

Prince Levitz himself fled the castle with a significant number of his followers.

In the training grounds and prison cells. Levitz ordered the many pegasi to be beaten and battered before they would flee as well.

However as the guards investigated the prison area and the training arenas. And they found all the missing pegasi.

The missing ponies were rescued. But they were very beaten, tired and bruised.

And as they arrested more of the prince's followers. They almost became medics in the process. And a huge medical team was called in to treat them.

A day after the incident Princess Haven announced the crisis had been solved. And that the missing pegasi were all found. And were in hospital being treated.

Many of their loved ones were relieved but horrified to see their missing friends and family but unfortunately in such a weak state.

The injured victims told their stories.

In complete secrecy Prince Levitz ordered the guards to start kidnapping innocent Pegasi and train them into becoming his own personal army against their will.

Training was long and brutal. Punishments were often barbaric.

How This had supposedly went on for months.

Prince Levitz and some of his followers however were unfortunately still at large. And about a month after it ended. Pegasi went missing again.

And now Levitz and his followers continue their original work. Of kidnapping unsuspecting ponies and training them as soldiers.

As of now no motive has really been found in his plans or otherwise. However since his betrayal it has been suspected he is planning to overthrow Princess Haven.

Princess Haven was beginning to lose hope. And so she did the only thing she thought she could do. She took on searching for him personally.

But she had to put a stop to it. As time went on she got sick for unknown reasons. And needed to stay in bed.

However she found one significant clue to them. They now dubbed themselves. “The sons of the Zephyrs.”

===

Argyle and Shining were completely shocked and overwhelmed. It took them three days to gather all this research and to process it all.

Now with this new narrative in their heads they began to ask.

Why did this whole thing happen to begin with? It was just so much to process. Argyle and Shining thought about it and had since claimed otherwise.

That night they were back in the train station debating if stealing the crown outright was really the best course of action.

“So. You still keen on actually stealing this thing?” Asked Argyle.

“I don’t know. More importantly, how do we even get the crystal off the crown?” Asked Shining awkwardly.

Argyle and Shining sat on a bench and talked it over.

“I feel bad for these ponies…” said Shining.

“I couldn’t agree more love.” Said Argyle.

Both looked at each other trying to piece everything together in their minds.

“Agh!… What is happening here!? This is just stressful!” Said Shining. Tearing up.

Argyle tried to contain himself but he was tearing up too. “Are we even safe!?” Asked Shining.

And then the two broke into tears.

“Aaaagggghhhhh! Why!? Why!?… agh…” screamed Argyle.

“Let’s calm down for a bit…” said Shining, hugging him.

The two leaned into each other and briefly closed their eyes holding their hooves together.

Then they opened their eyes looking at the pretty lights around them.

“I’ve only been here a day. And this is the life of a pegasus?” Asked Argyle.

“They’re just sad love. Sad and afraid.

I don’t know what’s happening. But I do know one thing. They’re not bad. They’re just broken, and so they can be fixed right?

Sadness is a confession of having a brighter side to yourself.” Said Shining.

Argyle smiled at that. And shed happy tears.

“That was beautiful.” Said Argyle.

“I learned from the best love.” Said Shining smiling.

“Thank you. And you’re right, they can be happy. They can be rescued.

They just need to see it. To see past the hate and fear. To see how they really feel, and when they do. They can finally change into something beautiful.

Just like you showed me.

And I always felt as beautiful as you think I am when you did.” Said Argyle.

Now Shining was shedding happy tears. “Thank you.” Said Shining as they leaned in to kiss each other.

“Maybe we’re just putting too much pressure on ourselves again… pressure to solve this mystery and save the Pegasi. And well equestria.” Said Shining, closing her eyes leaning into him.

“Yeah… we will solve it. I know we can. We just need someone to help us in all this too.” Said Argyle. Hugging her.

“I agree. We’ve learned a lot since we’ve branched out.” Said Shining.

After taking a while to calm down. The two went to sleep for the night.

Suddenly six ponies emerged into the train station window and looked around finding them both. Still wearing their disguises just in case.

“Sir! Look!” Said one.

One of them. A Pegasus with a white coat and red mane moved over to see them.

“Take them with us.” He said.

“Sir Levitz. Are you sure that’s wise?” Asked one of them.

“This abandoned train station is our best bet of infiltrating this place. It’s better nopony knows.” He said.

And so the two were hoisted out.

Chapter 24

Upon waking up. The two were shocked to see that they weren’t in the train station.

But in a dungeon of some kind. Disguises removed. And Shining Star had a tennis ball on her head for some reason.

“What!? My disguises! Shining!?” Shouted Argyle.

“I’m over here!” She shouted from the cell right next to her.

“ATTENTION!” Shouted a voice. They looked in front of their cells to see the one and only… enemy of Zephyr Heights.

“Prince Levitz!” They both said.

He was angry. “You’re not pegasi. So why are you here?” Asked the prince.

There were several cells behind him. Each filled with demoralized and depressed pegasi.

Suddenly a door opened. “My lord! We have another one!” A pony had bought in another pegasi. Wings and hooves binded. Face blindfolded and gagged.

The Prince briefly looked over at their prisoner. And looked pleased. “Nice physique. Good find.” He took the blindfold off the terrified pony as he looked up to him.

“With a look like that. You will make a fine soldier for this regiment.” Then his expression suddenly went sour again.

“But looks aren’t everything!” He said as he suddenly assaulted the poor pony. Suddenly he stopped. “Now get up!” He said, kicking him as he whimpered.

“Lock him away until he gets strong enough to begin his training.” Said the Prince.

Shining and Argyle looked around them. And looked horrified.

“Now! You two are lucky I didn’t rough you up! Because I hate! HATE! Unicorns and earth ponies!

But. I need you two to talk. Because you both know where something I want is.

And you will tell me!” Said the prince.

“What are you talking about!?” Shouted Argyle.

“The crystals! You dope!” Screamed the prince.

“Your kinds stole our crystals! And when I get them back.

All of you will pay the price. For when the three crystals are united. It will actually give the Pegasi a purpose! TO FLY!

FLY to do all of you in! None of you will be any match!” Said the prince.

Argyle and Shining were shocked.

So this is what this was all about. The missing ponies. Political manipulation.

He was kidnapped to make an army to invade the other lands. To take back to unicorn and earth pony crystal. And granting the Pegasi flight in the process.

But how did he know?

“I will not take any chances. Even if you don’t know.” Said the Prince.

“Take chances? You need us to tell you where they are. You think it’s really wise to hurt us? You have no leverage over us.” Said Argyle.

“And even if we knew we wouldn’t say. I had the unicorn crystal but I lost it to some unicorn thugs…

Never to be seen again.” Said Shining.

The prince paused for a second and said. “You’re both smarter than you let on. I must say. I’m impressed.

But not much. There’s no way I’ll be outsmarted by a unicorn and an earth pony.

That’s why I’ll give you two a choice.

How about tell me where the crystals are and in exchange you both get your freedom.”

“What would the point of that be!? You’re just going to take over our homes anyway.

And just to let you know. It won’t work! You can’t give flight back to the pegasi without giving the unicorns magic too.” Said Argyle.

“No, that's where you’re wrong. When the crystals are united. It will take the unicorns magic away.

It was a unicorn who separated them. And kept their magic. But a pegasus who will put them back together and grant the gift of flight in return. Me!” Said the prince.

Argyle was outraged. “You have a gross misunderstanding of how these artifacts work.

Nopony has magic! Including the unicorns! Including her!”

“How dare you!” Said the prince.

“It’s true!” Said Shining shaking. She banged her head against the wall causing the tennis ball to fling off. It ricocheted through the cell bars and right into the prince’s eye. “Agh!” He screamed.

“Now tell me. Why is she not attempting to open the cell bars?” Said Argyle.

“I don’t care!” Said the prince. “Guards! Cut the unicorn’s horn off!”

The guards opened her cell bars and Shining immediately charged into them. Freeing her binders in the process as she got a key ring and freed Argyle from his cell and binders.

When both ponies were freed they both gave the prince and the guards a well deserved knock-out.

Except for one. “Where is our stuff!?” Shouted Argyle.

“They’re just right around the corner…” said the guard. “Good” said Argyle as he head butted the guard and knocked him out.

“Ow…” said Argyle. “First time I ever did that.”

Before they left. They freed several of the Ponies from the cell.

“We’re here to help.” Said Argyle releasing him from his binders.

“Now listen. Break everypony out of this area as fast as you can.

And when you outnumber these guards you’ll have all the time in the world to get your strengths back.

I’m sorry we couldn’t stay. But we’re not a danger. Good luck.” Said Argyle.

And the two ran off leaving the pegasi inside afraid and confused.

And the two ran around the corner to a large central room where they saw their disguises & backpacks on.

They also saw some pegasus armor.

They immediately took their items back and took some of the armor too.

And the kept running until they found a way out.

===

Upon returning to the train station it was already night. They attempted to sneak into the castle again and alert the authorities inside of the sons of the Zephyrs' whereabouts. Given that they escaped their headquarters.

An abandoned research facility below Zephyr Heights proper.

Disguised as guards now Argyle put his on easily. Shining meanwhile struggled into she somehow punctured a hole in her helmet so her horn could fit through. And her horn hidden by the rest of the feathery part on top.

Argyle looked at her relieved. “Good idea love. I was worried about that.” Said Argyle.

Shining walked over to the stairway upward. “What did you think I was going to do? Be your prisoner?” Said Shining, giving him some lovey dovey eyes.

Argyle blushed as they entered the castle halls.

Upon arriving they saw someone in the distance. Wearing a black robe and running at the other end of the hall.

Immediately they gave chase. The figure ran throughout different halls and pathways but they soon caught up to them just before they got outside the castle doors.

Unmasking the figure revealed the face of… the princess herself?

“What the!?” Said Shining.

Suddenly Haven stood up and got defensive. “I wasn’t doing anything wrong! And as Princess… I um… I order you to leave me be!” Before she collapsed again.

Argyle and Shining were completely bewildered. “Uhhh your majesty. We weren’t going to do anything we thought there was… an intruder!” Said Argyle.

Haven struggled to stand up again. She didn’t exactly look well.

“Yeah… if you want to be left alone we’ll leave you to your business.”

Haven stood up and gave an awkward laugh. “Oh well… uhhh. Thank you guards I just need some fresh air. Nothing special.”

And then suddenly they remembered to tell her something important. “Your majesty. We got reports that we found the hideout of Prince Levitz!” Said Shining.

“What!?” Shouted Haven.

“Yes. It’s in an old abandoned research facility beneath Zephyr Heights. Right in the center of all the bridges.” Argyle got out a map of the mountains that was in the armor and showed a dotted line that led right to it.

“This is good! Let’s get this to the council right away!” Said Haven running back the other direction.

“Wait, how do you know this? How did you get this!?” Asked Haven.

“We were patrolling the area and we saw several other pegasi running out of the clouds. We followed them and one of them gave us this.” Said Argyle. It was a lie of course but she seemingly bought it.

“And they were in very bad shape. They were limping and they were fainting. They looked bruised and battered.” Said Shining.

Haven’s breathing got heavy. She looked like she was about to cry. Looking even more sick than before.

“Tell them we need some medics and call some doctors.” Said Shining.

“NO!” Screamed the princess. “I don’t need doctors!” Now she looked terrified and she stepped back.

“But your majesty we never said-“ said Argyle as she fell on her back. “Ow…” she said crying.

“Your majesty!” Shouted them both. Picking her up.

“Thank you… let’s get to the council now.” Said Haven.

Soon all three were in an elevator. And Shining was deep in thought. She looked at Argyle and he went back at her. And asked. “Your majesty? Have you ever talked to anyone about the betrayal of Levitz since it happened?”

Haven’s eyes went wide. “What do you mean?”

Argyle immediately caught onto Shining. “She means have you ever opened up about it?” He said. And Shining nodded yes.

“Well of course I have it’s all over the news.” Said Haven.

“No, no. I mean have you ever opened up to anypony close to you? Did you even say how it made you feel?” Asked Shining. She let out a hoof to her.

Suddenly Argyle frowned. And it all made sense to him. Something he could sympathize with. “Yeah it must’ve been difficult to process with all that… screaming and shouting.”

Shining Star was equally intrigued. “Did anypony even ask you? Or pay attention to you?”

They both reached out their hooves to her and she took them. As the elevator stopped and opened.

As they began to walk out she said. “No. Don’t leave! You’re right.

Nopony asked… you are both the first.” said Haven.

The three walked along. And reached the security council office. “They should all be in today.

You two. Stand guard. Just please don’t leave.” She said as she stepped inside.

===

After submitting the evidence the council immediately ordered search parties into the area. And medics just in case.

Shining and Argyle were still outside when she stepped out. Much to Haven’s relief.

“Please don’t tell this to anypony. You’re right. I need to let this out… to somepony. Anyone…

I’ll try to keep it short. I don’t want to bore you.”

And she began.

Chapter 25

Haven met Levitz during a time when she was doing her typical princess training and when he was a typical citizen.

Haven was not exactly excited to be queen. She never was let alone a princess. Big shocker… she wasn’t really allowed to be herself.

Over time she made an effort to sneak out of the castle. Using a black robe and sneaky techniques to escape and get back.

Eventually the eyes of Levitz got to her. And the two hit it off for about a week. And her productivity went up with it.

Until finally he offered to “Take her to his house.”

She excitedly accepted. When she arrived she was very fascinated at the life he lived and how smart he was.

Opening her mind to possibilities she wouldn’t have even imagined.

It was undoubtedly their most romantic night yet. Both supposedly felt safe and warm with each other that night.

It was official they were going to stay with each other that night not caring of the consequences. Which lead to their confessions of how they loved each other ending in passionate kiss which then lead to.

The next morning she hastily returned to the castle. However upon her return things weren’t good. Her mom the queen was sick and her illness reached an all time low. She stood by her side until she was gone…

It was a sad day for Zephyr Heights.

And after her mother drifted away. She just couldn’t cope. But one…

She ultimately confessed to liking Levitz. And he was hastily married into the royal family.

However when he was trained to be a prince. He took it significantly worse.

The power that was to be vested in him. Ultimately got to his head. Combine that with all the research and ideals he obtained. And suddenly he had a much different look he wanted to give Zephyr Heights.

And he grew severely impatient with his teachers. And the rest of the internal government for not crowning the couple sooner.

Then his blame shifted to his wife. Tension built between the two ever since they were married. Particularly his bitterness over her destiny to be crowned. Haven also started taking sides with more of the castle staff due to his unrelenting harsh and unstable attitude.

And then he kept attempting to do something even crazier. Fly.

It was impossible but he still tried for months until something happened. He crashed on top of one of the rocks on the mountains below Zephyr Heights.

It was a nasty fall. And his anger and ambition only increased and so did his hatred towards Haven.

He claimed to know her issues better than she herself did. Stated orders within her name without her permission and caused a political split within the monarchy.

Establishing the sons of the Zephyrs in Ernest. He basically alienated himself from the rest of the monarchy and the populace.

And Princess Haven was growing tired of it. And that’s when she made her move. And exposed his plans to Zephyr Heights.

===

Princess Haven had her head held down.

Argyle and Shining looked at each other. Now knowing what those plans entailed completely.

“Wow… that’s a depressing story.” Said Argyle.

“And scary…” said Shining. Both were slightly shaken.

The princess went into as much detail as she could have wanted to remember. And it was probably for the best.

“Well. How do you feel?” Asked Shining.

Haven sighed. “Better. I think…”

“That’s good.” Said Argyle.

Haven slightly smiled. “It may not be much. But thank you two so much uhhh… I never got your names.”

Argyle and Shining thought for a second and said. “Um… Argolez and Shivy Light.”

Shining gave a strange expression.

Haven hugged both of them and sat back down. “It felt nice to finally talk about it. But I don’t feel as fulfilled as I thought I would be.

But I cannot express how thankful I am that you convinced me to do it.”

“It’s a rough first step. And I promise you. That you were no bother.” Said Shining.

“And yes, you are the leader of your fellow ponies. But you’re still a pony yourself.” Said Argyle.

“Perhaps that’s why Zephyr Heights has been so terrible lately because I’m terrible.” Suddenly Haven smiled. Genuinely.

“That’s why they don’t have hope in me.

It’s not the betrayal or the plans. It was all me.” She said.

“The coronation is tomorrow. I promise to be a better pony. Not a queen but a pony first! And a leader second.

I should be on the level of them to lead them. And if I’m on the same level as they are I’m not alone like I thought I was.

You’re really good.” Haven finished.

Shining chuckled. “No. You are.”

“Absolutely that was all you.” Said Argyle.

“Oh wait! The coronation is tomorrow! I gotta get to sleep!” Said Haven. “Goodbye and thank you so much!” She said hastily running out.

As Shining and Argyle got back to the abandoned train station. They were slightly puzzled. It was a little too early to call it a night. But if the coronation was indeed tomorrow.

Well that clearly meant they needed sleep too. But neither really felt the confidence to steal the crown now.

What was going to happen. To everypony? Only time will tell.

===

That night. The castle guards found the hideout and rescued all the ponies there, but Levitz had fled the scene again.

Several medics thankfully accompanied them. Doing crucial work with their patients before they were brought to hospital.

By tomorrow morning all the ponies were thankfully all evacuated. And were undergoing their proper treatment.

Chapter 26

The coronation had begun. Argyle and Shining were allowed to guard the main door at the request of Princess Haven again.

Argyle and Shining now posing as full-on guards like they did yesterday.

But it wasn’t looking good. They knew as soon as she got the crown, they would have to make a jump. Like it or not. And after some miracle or accident of helping her out yesterday. They really didn’t want to. Let alone hiding the truth of what they were.

The room was full of ponies left right and center. Anyone including Levitz and his followers could get lost in the crowd.

Then it happened. Princess Haven walked into the room. Nervously up to the stand. She looked incredibly pale. Wearing the same black cloak, she was yesterday.

Soon she got up to the stand. And the priest spoke.

“May the blessings of Zephyr Heights keep you.” He opened a box. Inside was the crown.

There it was in all it’s glory. The Pegasus crystal. The princess bowed in her last few moments before her title would be changed.

“The might of your ancestors give you strength.” He continued.

Then he grabbed the crown. And before it was placed on her head. She collapsed again.

Then there was trouble. Several members of the audience got out of their seats wearing face masks. And they immediately ran up to the stand as fighting broke out between them and the guards.

The guards were beaten senseless and just as they came for Argyle and Shining. Already horrified at the scene unfolding before them.

Immediately surrendered. “Don’t hurt us! We surrender!” Said Shining.

“Good!” Said one of them.

They looked up and saw both the princess and the priest were captured.

And then suddenly the central window exploded into countless glass shards as a pony landed onto the stand.

It was none other than Prince Levitz.

“Thank you, my followers!” Shouted Levitz. “This is a glorious day for the sons of the Zephyrs!” He immediately took the crown and placed it on his own head.

“Now! all of the rest of you! Nopony moves! Nopony hurts me! And you won’t get hurt!” He screamed.

And the rest of them were terrified. Stayed in place.

“And as for you, my wife!” Levitz said, stepping up to her face.

“You have something that belongs to me! And a truth that you kept away from everyone!” Said the Prince.

Haven was tearing up. “I am not your… wife…”

“Why don’t you take off that ridiculous outfit and stop lying to everypony!” Screamed Levitz. And in a fit of rage, he grabbed her and ripped the black cloak off of her.

Everypony’s eyes went wide, and their jaws dropped.

Argyle and Shining were in complete disbelief.

What everypony noticed right away. Haven was pregnant. Now it all made sense. The missing detail from her bright future turned dark past was finally realized.

“Now tell them the truth!” Said Levitz.

Haven looked terrified but then she shut her eyes.

And remembered.

Her voice went cold. “You are correct.” And she let out everything.

===

All Haven wanted was a taste of freedom. The pressure, the fear, the anger.

The sorrow, grief and eventually loss.

And so, she snuck out of the castle in disguise for one single night. And met him.

Haven and Levitz really did love each other.

For once, somepony knew her. As herself. Not the Princess.

And that last time only became a past time as time went on for three months.

And then they confessed their love for each other. And a relationship had begun.

But after she passed.

The truth was found out…

Now that one mistake. That one mistake in trusting him.

They needed to have an arranged marriage.

A cursed marriage. That was destined to become a dark one.

She owed them.

She owed him.

It was for them.

This pain was worth it for them.

This he would get better.

It was for him.

She needed to try…

No… no it wasn’t.

===

Levitz smiled. “You see! You really want this! To be your Queen!? How irresponsible do you think she is!? To do that!?” He screamed.

“Now! I will show you a true king! Your salvation!” Levitz finished as he grabbed the crown and tried separating the Pegasus crystal.

Argyle was enraged. He looked at Shining. Shut his eyes. “No…”

And they both took their helmets off. Throwing them at their captors and knocking them out. “NO!”

Next Shining took off her chest plate and threw it at a pony running at her. And then she took her wing disguise off, throwing it at the stand.

“Oi! Look at me!” Screamed Shining.

Everypony gasped in horror. “UNICORN ATTACK!” Screamed one pony.

Shining completely stepped out of her armor and stomped towards the stand.

Haven looked on in complete shock and confusion. It can’t be.

And chaos quickly ensued.

And then Argyle completely stepped out of his sneaking behind the stand.

And the whole crowd of ponies started running all over the room.

“You…” said Levitz.

The crowd panicked and screamed.

“And me!” Said Argyle swiping the crown.

“Hey! Give it back!” Screamed Levitz.

Suddenly Haven kicked his backhoof. And he screamed letting go of her. Before she pounded once on the head and again in his chest.

“You really think they’ll accept a hypocrite!?” Screamed Haven.

Levitz looked on with abject fear.

Enraged. She looked him down straight in the eye. “Like I said. We are divorced!”

And she headbutted him right in the face causing him to collapse.

She looked over at him. “You did this to me! You are the true lair!” She picked him up and threw him across the stand.

“You will not make me!” She screamed. And she punched his head flinging him further up the stand. Hitting his head hard.

He was right in front of the broken window.

As she picked him up one more time and stared him down in the eyes again.

She screamed one more thing to his face. “FLY!” And she punched Levitz in the chest and out the window.

Chapter 27

Guards finally flooded into the room and arrested the sons of the Zephyrs on the spot.

As Shining was looking for Argyle. The guards got her and pinned her down. “Argyle! Help!”

As the chaos died down Argyle heard her. “Shining!” He immediately took off his wing disguise and ran to her.

“Stop! Earth pony!” Said a guard.

“Let her go! Don’t hurt her!” He screamed.

Suddenly two guards appeared behind him.

Haven looked behind her and witnessed this whole scene unfold. As the guards took control.

Argyle kneeled down. “I surrender! I’ll do anything! I’ll give you the crown for the unicorn just PLEASE DON’T HURT HER!”

Argyle watched as the guards were dragging Shining across the floor and muzzled her.

Argyle was suddenly enraged. “She’s not dan-“

“Guards!” Shouted Haven. “Listen to the earth pony!”

Argyle stood up and the guards let go of Shining.

Argyle held the crown out to the guards. And they took it immediately.

“Now… give her.” Said Argyle.

Shining slowly walked towards Argyle as the guards de-muzzled her.

Her walking turned to speed walking, the speed walking to running, the running to ramming.

She charged right towards, and she screamed. “RUN!”

Argyle turned around and rammed right into the guards behind him. Smashing through them like bowling pins.

The guards immediately gave chase. Argyle and Shining ran upwards towards the stand running right past Haven. “Ah!”

They kept going until they charged right towards the broken window, and they jumped out falling into the city below.

As they fell. They tried reaching their hooves out to each other as if they were swimming in mid-air.

With much struggle they did it. They held onto each other’s hooves as they continued to fall.

Down, down, down. Until they saw some scaffolding. They moved close to the castle walls, and they hugged each other closely and fell right on top of it.

“UGH!” They both said with a thud. They fell on top of a pony working there knocking him out. As they both stood up, they briefly looked at him before looking to their right.

They were right next to the elevator shaft. Full of broken glass and near floor sixteen. “Ohhh! Her story!” Said Shining.

Looks like Haven blew the elevator open more recently than originally thought.

“Hah! Look, we're actually higher than floor sixteen. And it’s coming down!” Said Argyle.

The glass hole was just large enough for them to fit in as the elevator came down.

“This is our ride.” Said Argyle.

And the elevator arrived in front of them and continued downward. Immediately they jumped on top of the elevator and started going down with it.

Soon the elevator arrived at the lower floors. Shining opened the top hatch and they both just barely escaped the elevator before the doors closed.

They immediately ran downstairs to the abandoned train station and gathered their things.

“We’re leaving.” Said Argyle. “Agreed," said Shining.”

They immediately got in their train and charged it up. The train took off and left Zephyr Heights completely.

===

The guards handed over the crown to Haven. The priest looked at her smiling as she put the crown on her own head. And she stepped up.

“Ponies of Zephyr Heights. I am Queen Haven!

And I promise… I will be more than your leader. But your mother! Have you got that?

When we start this new age. A Zephyr Heights clean of betrayal and lies.

Remember that!

I will make the core of this Queendom. A mother who cares for her children.”

She announced to a jubilant crowd who now bowed before her and cheered for her.

“Queen Haven. The ponies we rescued yesterday are making a swift recovery.

The castle medical staff says that they would like to thank you for rescuing them.” Said a messenger.

“I shall like to visit them. But it’s good to hear.

Considering they only got rescued yesterday I would imagine they might need some company.

A sign of hope to keep them going.” She said as she stepped off the stand.

“I would also like to attend a long overdue doctors visit myself.” Said Queen Haven.

“As you wish your majesty.” Said the messenger.

Chapter 28

Argyle and Shining eventually got back to maretime bay.

That night they were sound asleep together. Mentally and physically exhausted from their experience.

Now it was time to slow down.

And for once in so long. Focus on what they wanted.

Throughout the next six months Shining Star and Argyle Starshine’s lives largely returned to normal.

And their research continued.

After failing to obtain the Unicorn crystal and the Pegasus crystal to reunite equestria. They were discouraged.

Why? Could they not do it?

How? Could they have done it?

Were they even destined to save equestria? Was equestria doomed to an eternity of hatred and division? What would this mean for them?

With all these thoughts, questions and sadness. Argyle and Shining resumed their research in search of answers.

For now, they will understand what the saying of “Friendship is Magic.” Really means.

“Ugh… this is getting us nowhere.” Said Argyle.

“I have to agree. It’s not that I doubt it or anything, it's just I don’t understand it I guess.” Said Shining.

“You’re right. And I think I know what it is.” He said preparing to speak his mind about recent events.

“Look, we have more than enough proof that Twilight’s stories are true. Everywhere we went we saw the six-pointed star.

Artifacts from the six ponies and their friends.

Photographs of them. Journals written by them.

The crystals were hidden in places that they built.

And that feather over there is living proof! How much proof do you need after that?

These ponies and their stories are real. It is a fact.” He finished.

“Speaking of artifacts, look at this thing.” Shining pulled out a rock from her mane. On the bottom was a fossilized footprint of a small dragon claw.

Argyle was shocked. “Shining… where did you find that?”

“Back in Zephyr Heights. When we saw the temple, I found this on one of the rocks.” She handed it over to him.

“You don’t think this could be… Spike’s, right?” He asked.

“I don’t know. But if it was his it had to have been when he was little. He clearly grew up at the end of the books.” She explained.

Argyle put the fossil on his desk. “You’re right. It still doesn’t make this any better. I guess what I don’t understand is. Why is it all gone?” He asked.

“You mean magic?” Asked Shining.

“No, I mean everything in the books. Canterlot, Ponyville, the tree of harmony, the everfree forest, the crystal empire, the other creatures and where they live.

Surely, they left something behind, right?” Asked Argyle.

“You make a good point. So, the question you're looking for is what happened between then and now?” said Shining.

“Yes, that’s it. And well… I think I had a bit of an answer from this book right here.” Argyle moved to a shelf and got out five books all part of the same story. And handed them to Shining.

“Fallout Equestria?” Asked Shining.

“Yeah. Remember how ponies talked about a big fight? I think these books are that fight.” Said Argyle.

“You never read them?” Asked Shining.

“Not completely. It’s a very long story. It has over 660,000 words.” Said Argyle.

“Oh dear… uhh. Ok I think we’ll put these to the side then and solve those another time.” Said Shining, putting the books on the table.

“Yeah, that would be a better idea.” Said Argyle.

“Let’s talk about what we know first.

We know the books basically ended without a continuation. But there’s still so much more we don’t know. Much more questions that beg an answer.” Said Shining, preparing her own questions.

“Absolutely. Tell me and I’ll write them down.” Said Argyle getting out a small handbook.

“Thanks love.

Anyways, first of all. Who made the three crystals? And why? Why contain the world's magic within them?

Second of all. The sun and the moon. In the books it was said that the Alicorn princesses Celestia and Luna raised and lowered them accordingly. Celestia the Sun & Luna the Moon.

If only their magic could move them. Then why are they suddenly moving on their own now? Without any magic?

Third of all. The books imply that the Alicorns are basically immortal.

So where are they?

And fourth. And this is probably the most important one. Why do all three pony kinds hate each other? We know they were cut off and went to different lands thus isolating themselves between the three.

But what caused that division in the first place?

And fifth I… actually that’s about it. For the big important stuff.” Shining Finished.

Just as Argyle finished writing. “Phew! Wow those are some good points love. You are really good at rationalizing.”

Shining blushed and smiled. “Thanks love. I did learn from the best.”

“Aww does somepony want cuddles?” He asked, jumping on the sofa hugging her close.

“Hehehehe~” Shining giggled, making Argyle giggle too. Suddenly the prism stones on the desk lit up. The two looked over and saw them glowing.

“Sometimes I almost get sentimental about those things. Those things aren’t even supposed to be the main crystals.

They’re just little stones that can somehow be powered by love. And yet I feel a strong connection with them.” Said Argyle.

“Yeah, it makes me wonder what the prism stones really are? Guards of knowledge to protect the main crystals… wait a minute.

Main crystals?

Prism stones?” Shining questioned.

“What is it?” Asked Argyle.

“Love. We still have the earth pony crystal right?” Asked Shining. “Quick! Get the crystal and put it over the light of the prism stones!”

Argyle went over to the desk and got the earth pony crystal out. He put both prism stones right next to each other and put the earth pony crystal on top.

Suddenly a burst of light revealed something amazing.

On the ceiling there was a new light of a specific shape. Two pink wings around a crystal heart.

The same one described in the books from the crystal empire.

Argyle and Shining were taken aback.

“A cuite mark?” Asked Argyle.

“The books!” Said Shining. She ran and got all nine of them and held each one of their covers over the new light.

But only books four, five and six had something to show.

Surprisingly it didn’t show the same map that took them to the three shrines. But instead new writings.

Argyle and Shining put the books on the ground and used a magnifying glass to make the light shine down on the book covers. And started reading.

“Congratulations, you found the secret of the crystals.

They contain the very magic of equestria itself. I am writing this message to reveal the truth so it never gets lost to time again.

To clarify these crystals are not powered by an energy in equestria or the universe. They are not powered by love or the sun or moon.

When equestria was falling into the darkest depths of war. My aunt Twilight and her student’s daughter Luster Dawn came up with the plan to create them.

It was risky, costly. And a sacrifice…

Luster Dawn figured out the only way these crystals could possibly contain equestria’s magic. Were the power of souls.

In the end. Myself, Princess Cadence, and Twilight Sparkle had ascended. And our spirits had literally become the three crystals.

And the three crystals are us.

We are the souls and the guardians of magic. And our souls can only be brought back together again when we sense equestria is reunited. The magic of friendship indeed.

-signed Princess Flurry Heart/Spirit of the Earth pony crystal.

P.S. Message continues on books 7-9 and 1-3 from my mother and aunt. See you two later.”

Chapter 29

Suddenly everything made sense. Argyle and Shining felt they didn’t need to know the rest of the messages because it was very clear what this meant.

“Shining… the earth pony crystal. Is Princess Flurry Heart? Well… her conciseness is. That must be her cutie mark.” Said Argyle.

“Yeah. Remember how it was implied that her mom was a Pegasus before she became an Alicorn? Cadence’s spirit must be the Pegasus crystal.

And Twilight-“ Shining and Argyle quickly looked at each other.

“THE UNICORN CRYSTAL!” Realizing that Twilight was a regular unicorn before she became an Alicorn.

“Their spirits are inside these things!? How can that be?!” Said Shining.

“Well maybe that’s why. The message clearly says they can sense each other and equestria as a whole.

So they’re eternal. But still aware.” Argyle explained.

“So if they can sense equestria and each other. Then… oh my pony!” Shining was shocked.

“What is it?” Asked Argyle.

“They’re souls can only be reunited when equestria is. Do you get it?” Asked Shining.

Argyle was equally shocked.

And they both shouted. “FRIENDSHIP IS MAGIC!”

And then they went nuts jumping up and down in excitement.

“Of course! The three crystals need a spark of Friendship to activate!” Shouted Argyle.

“Just like the elements of harmony! That’s why they’re powered by their souls!” Shouted Shining.

And they kept dancing around and then threw themselves on the sofa.

“We should write these down again.” Said Shining.

“On it!” Said Argyle, getting the handbook again. As he started writing down the now answered questions right next to the previous notes Argyle wondered. “So what does that mean for Celestia & Luna?” He asked.

“Maybe one question can be solved with another.” Said Shining further elaborating. “They said they ascended right? The Alicorns are eternal creatures of conciseness alone.

And keep in mind the crystals have all the magic in equestria. So what if.”

“Where are you going with this?” Asked Argyle.

“What if Celestia & Luna ascended as well? But to literally become the Sun & the Moon?” Asked Shining.

Argyle was intrigued. “That’s not a bad possibility. By that logic their magic would still persist because the Sun & Moon are very far outside of equestria. Thus their magic would still be controlling the Sun & Moon.

And in this sense. The Alicorns really are immortal.” Said Argyle. “Shall I write this down too?”

“Actually I’ll write it down.” Said Shining. Picking up a pen and started writing.

Writing everything they talked about.

The three crystals.

The ascensions of the Alicorns.

They even wrote down their adventures in both Bridlewood and Zephyr Heights.

And of course the true importance of the Magic of Friendship.

They took turns writing in the book for hours. The hours turned into days. The days to weeks. And the writing kept going for three weeks.

They started to put photographs inside.

Post-it notes, illustrations, small artifacts, excerpts and quotes.

And of course proposed theories. They would prove some theories and would debunk others.

And most prominently they drew up a new building plan.

Compiling all their research they had done so far into one book. Whenever they’d find something new they’d add it in.

And the more they looked, the more they saw, writing and adding in more research into the book each time.

===

Argyle and Shining had just come home from investigating the earth pony crystal shrine again yesterday where they gathered more evidence.

Which had proved some of their theories including the one about Celestia & Luna literally becoming the Sun & Moon. With the new light method. Uncovering new illustrations of Celestia & Luna surrounded by the Sun & Moon ascending & leaving equestria.

They were both quite proud of themselves. Their research and relationship was looking bright.

While they may not have saved equestria. Maybe they would be a key to doing it.

“I think this book was a great idea. Don’t you?” Asked Shining.

“Yeah. You’re the one who wanted me to do it. And it’s been useful keeping track of things.

I mean it gives me a sense of comfort don’t you think?” Asked Argyle.

“I guess so.” Said Shining.

“How’s about this? If we ever doubt ourselves again. And if we think we can’t do this anymore. Take a look at the book

And let it be our sign of hope.” Argyle finished.

“It will be dear.” Shining smiled and kissed him.

They spent the rest of the night taking a break. Celebrating their research now complete.

And now a new project was in store for them.

Chapter 30

After six months had past Argyle had an interesting idea to give Shining Star for winter wishday.

He got a log out from the woods and carved it down into the shape of a pony with a horn and wings, sanding it down.

Next he got some paint and colored the figure’s body purple. And the mane a very dark blueish-purple with some streaks of darker-purple and bright pink.

Finally he wrapped it in a white package with rainbow colored ribbons.

Then, winter wishday finally arrived. Argyle opened his present a large metal sheet of the mane six ponies together.

And Shining opened hers. A wooden figure of Twilight Sparkle.

===

One more month passed and another year had come and gone for the secret couple.

Their research, officially completed.

And as the new year began. So did a new project. Given what they knew about the crystals now. They figured they could do something else for them.

A device that could contain them and protect them until equestria was reunited. Shining and Argyle were fully aware of what they were. And what would happen if they fell into the wrong hooves.

But they would never restore magic to equestria if the spark of friendship did not happen when equestria needed it the most.

They dubbed the device “the harmonic apparatus” the device could fit all three crystals together in the structure they were meant to be. And nopony could ever remove them from it unless they knew the right pattern of buttons and symbols to press. Otherwise the device would deadlock the crystals in place for a long time.

They would be safe and sound. And if equestria reunited, it would be in the device they would stay.

Drawing the device from scratch and building it up was an intimidating task.

The couple went through many blueprints and design choices in the end they were able to successfully draw up the mechanical masterpiece that would reside atop the lighthouse.

“Woah.” Said Shining looking over the blueprint they created. “So where do we get the parts for this?”

“Canterlogic.” Said Argyle. “They’re also a shop for engineers.”

“Alrighty.” Said Shining.

“Oh hey I wanted to show you something!” Shining ran to her room and brought out a wooden figure that looked like an earth pony wearing a stetson hat.

Argyle’s face lit up. “That looks amazing! Is that Applejack?” Asked Argyle.

And Shining nodded yes. “We’re going to be crafting all the six ponies.”

And she hugged him.

“I guess I did encourage this. So how do you want to do this?” Asked Argyle.

“Well you gave Twilight to me. I’m crafting Applejack.

How about you craft Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash?” Asked Shining.

“Sure. And you craft Fluttershy and Rarity?

I guess that’s fair. I mean one of them was an Alicorn. I’ll give you a warning though. The wings are going to be hard to carve,” Said Argyle.

“How about we work on Fluttershy and Rainbow’s wings together. And specifically the wings sound good?” Asked Shining.

“Sure sounds great.” Argyle smiled.

“Great! Now let’s put that project aside for now, and let’s get those parts first.” Shining said, hopping over to the door. Putting on her hat as she opened it up.

“For the apparatus? You mean right now?” Asked Argyle.

“Sure. I’m so excited to build it!” Said Shining pulling him out. And shutting the door.

“Uhhh. Ok then.” Said Argyle awkwardly, smiling.

===

“Are you sure you can really get the parts without canterlogic looking at the blueprints?” Asked Shining.

“Positive. It’s like a store but for machine parts. Why are you so excited for this?”Asked Argyle.

“Well it’s actually because I was curious if they’d allow it or not. So I just wanted to get the hard part over with.” Said Shining.

“Well not really. They won’t ask to look at your blueprints, unless you specifically ask for them to build your project.” Said Argyle.

“And we’re just building it ourselves right?” Asked Shining.

“Yes,” said Argyle.

“Ok good. I have a copy of the blueprints under my hat.” Shining showed a blue tab under her hat. “Just pull it if you need it.”

“Well done love. That way we could possibly get all the parts we need in one single trip.” Said Argyle.

“What about budget?” Asked Shining.

“We have the bits. It takes a lot to run that lighthouse. I’m sure I can get it to them the next day.” Said Argyle.

“Here we are.” Said Shining.

They walked inside the building and towards the front desk.

“What are you here for?” Asked the receptionist.

“Parts for our latest project.” Asked Argyle.

“Ok, the shopping area is over there.” His hoof pointing to a hallway nearby.

When they walked in it revealed a large space full of different machine parts. An engineer’s dream.

“Welp let’s do this.” Said Argyle.

===

It took a while but they did indeed get everything. And if not it was a good start.

Argyle would pay for everything the very next day. And work began.

Argyle and Shining were very highly motivated to keep going aside from having each other they had a feeling they were doing something great for equestria.

Like they mattered a lot to the world. Even if nopony knew it. Four weeks passed. So far so good. But then the hardest part had arrived.

The hardest part was the locking mechanism. Several gears needed to be placed in certain positions below the lock pistons.

Then they needed to react when certain buttons were pressed. Each engraving on the top had a set of pins that would connect to the pistons when pressed down.

It was a challenge. Worst case scenario they would accidentally activate the lock mechanism early.

The stress really got to them and so they temporarily stopped. And it didn’t help that the carving job they were working on didn’t get anywhere.

“Ugh… I want to work on it again. But everytime I try to do it. My anxiety peaks!” Shouted Shining recoiling into the fetal position.

“You too huh? Does it feel like something just overtakes you? And you just freak out.” Asked Argyle.

“Yes! But why!?” Asked Shining.

“I don’t know Shining. I want to work on it as much as you do.” Argyle said.

“But it’s not that hard right. We worked on this thing for weeks and we had no problem with it!” Said Shining looking at the device.

“I know, I know we worked on this thing and we loved it now we can’t stand it! It doesn’t make sense!

It just took off so well then the locking mechanism came in and we had to put this here, exchange that, place this and…” Argyle paused.

“What?” Asked Shining.

“I think I know now.

Shining very rarely does creative burnout have an answer. But I think we got one for this.

It’s the locking mechanism. It’s the hardest part when everything before came so easy to us. And now we have this part that’s harder than most.

That’s what’s keeping us from doing it now. It’s so hard and it makes us so stressed.” He finished.

“I think you make a point. So how do you propose we keep going? Do we just keep going regardless until it’s done? Then we can get back on easy street?” She asked.

“No, we shouldn't force ourselves. That’ll just make it worse.” Argyle said, looking over to the apparatus.

They both sighed and looked at each other. “Well leaving it like that doesn’t make me feel any better. I can’t stand leaving work unfinished.” Said Shining.

“I agree. You and I are both completionists. It’s just going to be a distraction if we don’t.

And yes, makes our anxiety peak.” Finished Argyle.

“What a vicious cycle.” Shining facehoofed.

“Yes…” said Argyle.

Both laid down on the sofa. Heads in hooves.

Chapter 31

At this point Argyle and Shining did take a break for about three days thinking of how to make this work.

After this Shining was able to paint her Applejack figure. She was impressed and it bought some of her motivation back.

Which got Argyle to start work on his Pinkie Pie figure and was able to make it almost perfectly. Thus bringing some of his motivation back.

Neither really wanted to work on the apparatus again though. Though it wasn’t completely unattended. They did occasionally work on it and were able to get small aspects of the work done.

Interestingly enough whenever they did work on it the anxiety they felt when they first started went away as soon as they worked on it.

It was strange. But they decided to roll with it. It wouldn’t get done if they kept procrastinating. One way or another.

Thankfully they also came up with a decent strategy if they did procrastinate.

“If you can’t stand to work on it for more than a minute then don’t do it.” Thankfully though it wasn’t entirely necessary. And if it was, it worked out nicely.

Soon they were able to think of a more efficient way of building it. A less complicated option that ultimately added a lot. And everything managed to fit into place easily. And they managed to continue in nearly half the time they expected.

And the easier it got the more motivated they got. And at last the hardest part was done.

===

Two weeks later Argyle painted his Pinkie Pie figure. And Shining had just molded her Rarity figure.

Now the couple took a quick break to mold the two Pegasi figures.

“You got it!?” Asked Argyle.

“Yes! It’s getting close!” Said Shining using a saw. “Don’t cut yourself!” Shouted Shining.

“I won’t! I almost got the second wing!” Said Argyle using his own saw.

“Keep going you almost got it!” Said Shining. “Almost there! One more cut!”

Argyle kept cutting the wings out and he did it. Two perfect pegasi wings one a Rainbow Dash looking figure. “Yes! Yes!” Shouted Shining.

“I did it!” Shouted Argyle. “You got yours!?”

“Yes! It’s already done!” Shouted Shining. She slid the small figure across the table. A small Fluttershy looking figure.

“It looks perfect!” Argyle jumped towards Shining and hugged her.

“We did it!” They both shouted.

“Now all gotta do is paint them.” Said Argyle smiling.

===

In two days the two painted the three figures. And all six of them were done.

The very next day they got back to work on the apparatus and lifted it up to the lighthouse beacon cage.

And work continued up there. Soon they were able to finish the buttons and coverings.

Each button representing a different engraving. And most importantly they finished the crystal containment area.

And of course they drew their blueprints into the handbook.

And finally after another three weeks the apparatus was completed.

Argyle and Shining were proud of themselves. They managed to build this mechanical marvel all by themselves in just two months.

All that was left now was to test it.

Using the scarps of wood from making the six pony figures. They were able to make wooden replicas of the three crystals and tested on those.

Argyle placed the earth pony crystal on top and the crystal sunk down into it. Locking in in place. The Pegasus crystal prop did the same along with the unicorn crystal prop.

Now it was time to memorize the combination of buttons to press.

They pressed six buttons down. And they were successful. The three wooden crystal props came out of the apparatus.

They immediately got the handbook and drew a diagram of the top of the device and highlighted which buttons to press.

“We did it!” Said Shining.

“You bet we did!” Said Argyle.

Both smiled and jumped with joy hugging each other dancing around.

“Woo-Hoo!” They both shouted from atop the lighthouse.

They kissed each other and they ran around the balcony shouting and dancing the night away. Celebrating their two months work.

Chapter 32

The next day Argyle and Shining were playing around with the six figures they made. With one of the books laid out in front of them. Re-creating moments from them using funny impressions.

“Then Twilight had ascended, she turned into a powerful Alicorn!” Shouted Argyle.

“And she was dubbed the Princess of Friendship!” Said Shining, placing the Twilight figure on the table while facing the other five figures. And they both laughed.

“I always wondered how Twilight felt when she became an Alicorn.” She said looking at the figures.

“I actually have too. Shining. Can I confess something weird?” He asked her.

“You know you can tell me anything.” Said Shining, placing her hoof on his back.

“I can’t explain it. But I feel this strange connection with Twilight.

I don’t know what it is. Or if it even matters but… I feel like she and the six ponies were talking to us this whole time. Leading us to each other.” Said Argyle.

“Well the books did say Twilight’s spirit is in the unicorn crystal.” Said Shining.

“I know but that doesn’t mean she’s a ghost or something like that. I know it sounds stupid.” Said Argyle.

“Actually, no. It doesn’t sound stupid at all. She was already immortal. Who's to say she didn’t become eternal too?

If anypony could do that it would be an Alicorn right?” Said Shining.

“Yeah. The Alicorns are immortal. If I’m going to be honest though, that always bothered me.” He said, picking up the figure.

“What do you mean?” Asked Shining.

“Ok, I don’t hate the decision. But if Twilight is the Princess of Friendship. And Alicorns are immortal. Wouldn’t that mean she…” Argyle paused.

Shining frowned immediately understanding the implications. “Outlived her friends?” She said flatly.

Argyle placed the figure back on the table. This time she put her beside her friends and huddled them close.

“Honestly that bothered me a lot too. I always thought that the rest of them would become Alicorns too later on.” Finished Shining.

“That’s what I thought. In fact that’s probably why there’s no official record of what happened between the nine books and now. She probably didn’t want to remember.

That would probably also explain why her spirit would inhabit the unicorn crystal. This would be a perfect way to retain her immortality to tend to the living world while also being eternal to her friends' spirits as well.” Finished Argyle.

“Yeah. That would explain why Cadence & Flurry Heart’s crystal ascension too. And Celestia & Luna’s spirits become the Sun & Moon.

This way they don’t have a concept of pain or misery… or abandonment. It would probably take magic coming back for their spirits to… manifest I guess.

Like they would probably have to for lack of a better term. Rebuild themselves at a specific time and location. Provided they can manifest at all.

But that’s just a theory.” Shining Finished.

“Woah… that’s deep.

Not a bad sounding theory, love.” Said Argyle.

“It’s amazing to me that we’re probably the only ponies in equestria who care about this.” Said Shining.

“True. I guess it means a lot if it’s just us two who care about Twilight and her friends or are even aware of it.

It kinda comforts me in a way don’t you think?” He asked.

“Yeah. It really does comfort me too. Makes me feel special. I mean it is what motivated us to make the harmonic apparatus and to make these little figures.” She said.

“Maybe that’s who we are. To be the couple that Twilight and her friends would’ve wanted us to be.

We’re almost like her ‘students of tomorrow.’

You like the idea of that?” Asked Argyle.

“Absolutely. I would love that.” Shining smiled.

They closed the book and put it back on the shelf. And grabbed the handbook.

And the two hugged.

Chapter 33

As night fell they took the six figures and put them on a shelf in their bedroom.

And for tonight they decided to read a different book. Their own. The handbook that detailed their research and adventures.

It was very fulfilling. To see all their accomplishments laid out before them. And the best part, they did it all together as a team.

They kept reading until they drifted off to sleep.

Another two months passed.

And the couple was happier than ever now. Ever since they built the apparatus they largely kept things simple.

Argyle Starshine & Shining Star had officially been together for five whole years by now. And would be six in ten more months.

And as the Summer of that year came to a close. They started working on a gift for each other in secret.

This would be the result of their lives together and staying together in the oppressive world. And the thought of it made their eyes come to tears sometimes.

But the thought was also equally overwhelming. As they weren’t exactly sure what would happen if they actually went through with this.

Shining had gotten a slab of wood and carved it into two medallions of some kind.

Next she drew a six pointed star on the wood and cut out the shape. It was Twilight’s cutie mark.

And finally she put a ribbon around the two medallions turning them into a necklace.

She smiled at her work. Now the question stood. When would she give one of these to Argyle.

And would she be able to say what she wanted to?

===

Over the next two months. The two were able to make a short return to Bridlewood and Zephyr Heights. Thankfully this time things went much better than before.

Making the same disguises as before without any trouble at all. They were both relieved and happy to know that the second time they had gone to the beautiful, towering, metropolis of Zephyr Heights and the serene, quiet, forest of Bridlewood.

And upon their return things had only gotten better and exciting for them. Shining Star even officially came out of her shell and participated in the Maretime Bay nightmare night festivities.

And after a peaceful harvest & hugs day.

The winter wishday season had arrived again. And Shining ultimately decided that this was it.

It was now or never to give the love of her life the one and only gift that mattered more than all the rest.

All of these thoughts occupied Shining’s mind ever since the Summer ended.

What would they still do this? Would it even matter in the end? And would he say yes?

“Love? Are you ok?” Asked Argyle.

“Yeah.” Said Shining.

“You sure? I don’t mean to be intrusive but you seemed moody lately. Like you’ve been keeping something in. Is it true?” Asked Argyle.

Shining sighed. And she figured out a way she could say it without giving it away. But Argyle had a point, she wasn’t really eating or sleeping like she used to.

And now it was only going to get worse as winter wishday approached.

“Hun. Let’s just say there’s a very special gift for you this year. And I really hope you like it…

And I want to keep it a surprise.” Said Shining.

“I see. I was just worried. I want to be able to help you whenever I can.” Said Argyle.

“I know dear. And you really have trust in me. I loved our trips back to Bridlewood and Zephyr Heights.

I hope my ‘moody-ness’ didn’t ruin it.” Said Shining hugging him.

“Hey I believe you. And well you planned it too Shining.

So if you didn’t enjoy the trips you wouldn’t have planned them right?” Said Argyle.

Shining smiled. “Yeah. And well. I would’ve told you. And I want to go back again someday.”

“Of course, love.” Argyle smiled back. And the two sat down and watched a movie.

Chapter 34

Winter wishday.

Shining was shaking throughout the day as they both passed their presents to each other.

She was saving the big gift for the last shortly after the Star passed over.

And that time was coming close. Shining had already put the present in the lighthouse beacon cage near the harmonic apparatus. Then she went back down for dinner and prepared for the star to arrive.

Soon after the two went up to the balcony to watch the star. And it was coming close.

Every time they saw it. It was always a romantic moment that really highlighted how they were each other’s best gift ever.

Both literally and figuratively.

When the star arrived the light washed over Shining & Argyle’s faces making them look amazing.

They both said “Happy winter wishday.” And kissed.

They leaned into each other and watched the night sky.

This was it.

“Hey. Love?” Asked Shining.

“Yeah?” Asked Argyle.

“You know how we always say that our greatest gift is each other?” Asked Shining.

“We say it every year.” Said Argyle smiling and blushing.

“Well… the big gift I planned for you this year will make it real. I just hope you can give me something just as meaningful.

And if you do, it will prove we are each other’s best gift once and for all.” Shining walked into the beacon room, got the package and came back outside.

She got into a kneeling position holding the box.

Argyle’s eyes suddenly went wide with surprise. He knew what was happening.

She ripped off the wrapping paper and took the top off. Revealing the Twilight cutie mark necklaces inside.

Argyle was about to cry. Holding a hoof on his chest.

And then it happened. She popped the question.

“Argyle Starshine. Will you marry me?”

And he cried.

“I don’t care if we have to make the whole ceremony ourselves, I don’t care if we can’t be officiated, the wedding isn’t what’s important.

The marriage is.” Whispered Shining.

Argyle kneeled before her as she looked up at him.

And now Shining was crying.

“Yes…I will marry you.

I am your husband. I will forever be honored to be your husband…” Argyle whispered as he leaned in and hugged her.

The couple looked at each other as Shining took the necklace and placed it around his neck.

And he took the other and placed it on hers.

“Twilight’s cutie mark.” Argyle whispered as he smiled. “I love it.”

And they kissed.

===

Whatever wedding it would end up being. It would be nothing like anypony expected. But maybe that really was a good thing here.

As far as they were concerned. They would wed themselves and it would be just as valid. And they felt more powerful than any other couple in equestria by now.

As they went back down to sleep that night only one word lingered in their minds as the dreamt of each other.

Engaged.

===

“If we can build a relationship, if we can build an adventure of a lifetime, if we can build anything from the complex apparatus to the simplest wooden figures.

We can certainly build our own wedding.”

Argyle and Shining both agreed this was it. This would be their motivation. And would work as the power team they always were once again.

When the next year started. They did just that and spent the next three months building their ceremony.

They knew that nopony would welcome a wedding like this. And they obviously would have no guests.

It would be held in a completely isolated area and that area would be the back of their home. The lighthouse.

It wasn’t really going to be anything fancy. They ultimately decorated the area with a few string lights and flowers. And making a small gazebo with only a few fence posts. Both ended up renting their attire which they didn’t mind at all. But the most fun they had was baking the cake and decorating it.

Shining had gained a lot of culinary experience thanks to Argyle and she felt she had reached an achievement here.

And of course. They crafted wooden figures of themselves on top.

The whole time was a blast. One way or another they somehow felt like children again.

Releasing their inner child and finally allowing that inner child to grow into an adult.

===

Finally in early spring the big day arrived.

It was held on a quiet night. On a full moon. The strings of lights made the whole scene very colorful and lively.

Argyle waited patiently at the stand. Looking absolutely magnificent.

And then Shining came out. Looking like a goddess.

And she walked up to the stand down the makeshift aisle they made.

When she made it both of them held hooves. And stared into each other’s eyes as they began their vows.

“Do I Argyle Starshine take you, Shining Star to be my lawfully wedded wife?”

“You do.

Do I Shining Star take you, Argyle Starshine, to be my lawfully wedded husband?”

“You do.” Argyle finished.

Then both of them spoke. “We now pronounce each other. Husband & Wife.

We may now kiss.” And so they did.

They kissed each other. Tears rolling down their eyes.

So, this is what true love felt like right? The most forbidden kind. Actually together in the way they wanted. Well it happened the way it did. They actually went and did it.

And they couldn’t have been more proud of each other.

Married.

Chapter 35

As they walked back inside the lighthouse. It was silent for a while until they sat down and Shining broke it.

“Are you sure you rented the cheapest tux?”

“Yeah. I could even show you the price tag.” Argyle chuckled.

“You’re wearing a cape. You look like Dr. Whooves with that thing.” Shining laughed.

And Argyle started laughing. “Which one?”

“The thrid!” Shining smiled moved closer to him.

“Do I look pretty?” She asked, blushing and giving him flirty eyes.

“Shining. You look like a goddess. It makes me wonder if you got yours for cheaper.” Said Argyle.

“Oh I did, trust me.

I was going cheap. But I was still going to look beautiful. And I finally feel as beautiful as the way you see me. And I couldn’t be any happier with it.” Shining said snuggling into him.

Argyle placed a hoof over her. “Shining please. You’re going to make me cry again.

W-was it difficult to put on?”

“No. Not at all. It fits like a glove. I can show you my price tag too.

Good idea by the way.” Shining finished.

“Great. Now that we’ve eloped. Let’s enjoy some cake and champagne.” Argyle leapt off the sofa and started chuckling again.

And so was Shining. “Yes! That’s what we did!”

Both of them were laughing as they went over to the kitchen.

“We eloped!” Shining laughed.

“We did! Does it feel good!?” Argyle laughed.

“Yes! It does! Screw You society!” She said as she sat down.

“We’re together! Deal with it!” He said getting a knife out.

He sat down next to her as the two cut the cake and each got a slice.

“Got a bottle opener?” Asked Argyle.

“Yeah. You have the bottle and glasses?” Asked Shining.

“Yes. I do.” After pouring themselves some champagne. They both grabbed their glasses and raised a toast.

“To us!” They both said clinking the glasses and drinking up.

“Now this is the best kind of reception for me.” Said Shining.

“Oh absolutely! Huge crowds are the woooorst!” Said Argyle, eating a piece of cake.

“Yessss! Just you and I. Enjoying the night of our lives.” Shining while taking another drink.

“Oh yeah! This night belongs to us.” Said Argyle taking a drink himself.

“You think we are gonna finish this cake though? We worked really hard on it.” Asked Shining.

“Oh yeah. We can still have leftovers for desert until it’s gone.” Said Argyle looking over at a box he could fit it in. “You know I was always amazed that you proposed first. It really feels like you came out of that shy shell of yours.”

“That’s what it feels like. And well I did learn from the best. That took so much to do.” Shining looked at him and grabbed their figures off the cake placing them next to each other. “What would Twilight think of us? That love is in bloom?”

===

The night got later and later. Argyle and Shining were laying on the sofa laughing their heads off.

“You remember that time I first saw you? You were a total dream boi.” Said Shining laughing.

“Me? Look who’s talking? You were so cute. How could I resist?” Argyle laughed.

Shining moved over closer to him. Hugged him and kissed him.

“You know I’ve always been less shy around you~” she whispered, grinning and giving flirty eyes again.

“I always feel like I am better when I’m with you~” Whispered Argyle, giving her the same flirty eyes and grin.

And they kissed again. Leaning off the side of the sofa and they rolled right off falling right on the floor.

-Flashback-

During their second trip to Bridlewood. Argyle and Shining met up with two familiar faces.

They were walking around the tavern when they saw that same unicorn she helped out as he walked in with another pony.

“Hey! Shining Star! Remember me? Kyle Moonbow!” He shouted.

Shining immediately remembered. “Hey I remember you.” She looked over at the other mare.

“Oh I’m Lilian. You set him up with me and now he’s my boyfriend.” She smiled.

“And we couldn’t be happier. And we have you to thank. So thank you so much, Shining Star.” Said Kyle as they both hugged her.

Argyle wearing his unicorn disguise. Looking at the scene introduced himself.

“Hello I’m Argyle starshine.” He said walking up to them.

“Wait. I think I remember you too. You were that other unicorn sitting at Shining’s table.” He smiled.

And Shining nodded yes and said. “Yep. He’s my boyfriend.”

Kyle & Lilian lit up.

“I knew it!” Shouted Kyle in excitement.

“Oh my pony you look so cute together!” Said Lilian giggling with joy.

Argyle and Shining smiled at each other. “So do you” said Argyle.

“Yeah you both definitely livened up since I last saw you two.” Said Shining.

“Yeah. Well our lives have only gotten happier since we started dating.” Said Kyle.

“We wouldn’t be with anypony else.” Lilian hugged Kyle and they kissed each other.

Both Argyle and Shining looked at the sweet couple letting out an. “Awwww.”

-End Flashback-

Chapter 36

Argyle suddenly woke up having the worst headache.

“Ugh… Shining? Wha… are you awake?” He asked.

“Yeah… but I wish I wasn’t.” She said groggily.

“Let’s get some water.” Said Argyle.

===

Both of them drank up their water and their headaches passed.

When suddenly they saw their rental outfits scattered across the floor and sofa. “Oh please don’t tell me we messed those up…” said Argyle nervously.

Shining ran over and inspected them. “No, there's nothing on them.

And I don’t see any noticeable wrinkles.”

“Oh thank goodness.” Said Argyle.

===

After a month had gone by things were largely normal again.

They had taken the decor down and they had finished pretty much everything they wanted.

Now they were back in the lighthouse having their desert after dinner. The last of their cake.

“Welp it was a good one.” Said Argyle smiling. “We should do it again sometime.” He said eating up his piece.

Shining ate up two pieces. “Yeah. This is so good. I would love to.”

“I would think so. You actually ate more pieces than me.” Argyle remarked.

“That doesn’t upset you does it?” Asked Shining.

“No. It’s delicious but it was just a cake.” Argyle smiled.

Suddenly Shining got a creepy leer in her eye.

“It wasn’t just a cake! It was bettet than that! It was my first cake I ever ate!” Shining shouted.

Argyle stared at her awkwardly.

And her expression returned to normal. “Sorry about that… I don’t know what happened there.”

“Well uhh… it was the first cake you ever had? They didn’t have that in bridlewood?” Asked Argyle.

“You were there so you would know!…

sorry sorry, sorry.

Ugh! Why the random outburst!?” Shouted Shining.

Argyle just tried to resume the conversation to normal. “Ok. I’m happy we made that cake then.”

And Shining booped his nose and smiled. “Yep. You’re right. I appreciate it a lot.”

And then they settled in for the night.

===

Two weeks went by. And Shining was getting sick.

Neither really knew what the cause of the sickness was.

But the whole situation concerned Argyle a lot. He basically became a doctor.

When suddenly Shining had a guess. “Wait…” she was starting to get an idea of what it was.

“Wait a minute!… it can’t be…” she said thinking more about it. Everything came crashing down on her.

Multiple feelings were all felt at once. Then she thought.

Another symptom.

No. It wasn’t possible, right?

But what if it was. She had to consider this possibility. And if she was right, she wasn’t going to tell Argyle until she was ready.

So she thought of a plan, and took matters into her own hooves.

===

“Yep. I’m pregnant.” Shining was sitting on the sofa with Argyle.

And he was completely bewildered.

“Uhh Argyle?” Said Shining waving a hoof in front of him.

He didn’t know how to react. Or what to say. This was a complete bombshell.

“Did I break you?” Asked Shining.

And he finally spoke. “Yes… you broke my face and you blew my mind.” And he shed a tear.

“Hun… are you ok?” Asked Shining.

“Yeah but I… I… I’m just trying to process everything.” Argyle laid down on the sofa head in hooves.

“Aren’t you proud.” Asked Shining.

“Yeah I am. But what do we do?” Asked Argyle.

“I think we’ll already have a plan for that. Trust me.” She said holding his hoof.

“I just can’t believe this… I didn’t think I would be a father.

Will I even be a good one?” Asked Argyle.

“Hun. You’re golden father material. You really are everything a pony would want in a father.” Said Shining as Argyle teared up again.

“Ok… I guess I really am.” Argyle immediately reflected upon how he really did care for other ponies. And now with this idea of stopping hatred between ponies. What would that mean for their kid?

“So… how far… are you?” Argyle struggled to speak between sobs.

“Two months. It’s been three weeks since I first found out.” Said Shining, holding him close.

And Argyle smiled. “Thanks love.”

“You’re very welcome. We will be good parents. I promise.” Said Shining snuggling into him. And she was crying as well.

===

By month three Shining decided to stay in the lighthouse. Both Argyle and Shining knew the potential consequences of what would happen if maretime bay knew how she looked now.

And if their first visit to Zephyr Heights taught them anything. It’s that wearing a cloak can only hide so much.

So by month five, Argyle largely went outside on his own. Both literally and figuratively doing the heavy lifting. And even building a crib by himself.

Next he went into the lighthouse attic and looked around for a family treasure.

After looking around for several minutes he found it. “Ah here it is! The family blanket!” He pulled it out to see it was thankfully undamaged.

And he hugged it. And dusted it out.

He was going to show Shining but not just yet. That was going to wait until the big day.

===

-Flashback-

When Argyle and Shining went to Zephyr Heights a second time.

They ultimately had to craft brand new wing disguises this time though because they lost the others. However this time it was a lot more easier and enjoyable.

Upon arriving. Both Argyle and Shining were able to do all sorts of bizarre things they couldn’t do in maretime bay. Zephyr Heights was much more restfully, relaxing. And everypony was enjoying themselves again.

Probably because the “Royalty Affair” had finally come and gone. And Queen Haven ultimately nursed Zephyr Heights back to health.

One night they were able to see a news broadcast of the Queen and it brought a smile to their faces knowing she was doing well.

And more importantly they were able to see her two daughters. Who were born not too long ago.

From a Princess to Queen to Mother. She had come a long way. And Argyle and Shining were proud that they were able to help in some way.

Just overnight it seemed she had transformed Zephyr Heights back into a prosperous utopia.

But what was going to become of her daughters though? So small yet so much potential.

And what were their names?

-End Flashback-

Chapter 37

Five Months Later…

At 5:23 in the morning Argyle was woken up only to see his wife’s terrified face. Shining barely said a few words but it didn’t take much to realize what was happening.

And in no time at all. The lighthouse was in absolute chaos. Screaming, shouting and running on Argyle’s part.

It was an absolute panic. But soon the panic died down and was replaced with happiness.

Shining was on the bed. Holding something… no someone. Argyle moved right next to her. They hugged each other close.

And were crying tears of joy to see their child.

It was an earth pony filly.

She had an orange coat just like her mother’s and a multi purple toned mane just like her father’s.

“Hello little one.” Whispered Argyle.

“Hi there.” Whispered Shining.

And she opened her eyes for the first time. Her eye color? Turquoise. She raised her hooves up at the two ponies before her and played around.

“This is your mother.” She whispered and moved her close to Argyle.

“And this is your father.” He whispered, moving his hoof closer to her. She giggled and grabbed it but quickly let go.

Shining moved her closer to her face and nuzzled her sweetly as she grabbed her muzzle.

“Hey. Noooo.” She said smiling as she let go. And she started sucking on her hoof.

The two exchanged a tearful look. As Shining broke the silence. “What should we name her?” She asked.

“Well… there was actually one name I had in mind.” Said Argyle. “Remember how I once said my last name was scout?” He said calming down.

“Yeah. I was always confused by that. Isn’t your last name starshine?” Asked Shining calming down as well.

“Well yes but it’s just that. Another last name. I always preferred scout and well… her.” Argyle was choking up again.

“Love? Are you ok?” Asked Shining.

“Yes…” he moved in closer to meet his daughter's face. “My daughter. I’m naming you Sunny. Sunny Starscout.

A Star just like your mother. Who I love every day…

Just like I love you.” He moved in and kissed her. And she giggled again.

Shining was crying again. She looked at Argyle smiling. “Sunny Starscout.

I love it.

I love you Sunny. Mommy loved her little Starscout.” And Shining kissed her too. And she giggled again.

Argyle moved off the bed and went downstairs. “Love? What are you doing?” She asked.

Argyle came back up with the crib he made. “She’s going to need a place to sleep right?” Argyle said coming back upstairs.

Shining looked down at the crib and it was perfect. “You did wonderfully love.” She leaned in and nuzzled him.

She laid Sunny down in the crib. And then Argyle showed her. The family blanket.

“What is this?” She asked.

“It’s my family blanket. It was given to me when I was a baby. It’s a legendary artifact in the family. And I made a promise that if I ever had kids I would give it to them as well.” Said Argyle enthusiastically.

Shining looked at the blanket in awe. “It’s so pretty. And so soft. It’s absolutely perfect for her.” She said.

Argyle ceremoniously wrapped the blanket around Sunny. Tucking her in.

“That blanket was passed down for nine whole generations.” Argyle said, sitting back down. Rocking the crib with his hoof.

“Woah… and now, It’s ten. I am so proud.”Shining whispered leaning into him. And placing her hoof on the crib to rock it as he did.

They stared at their baby in complete happiness more than ever before.

Three years later.

Sunny Starscout was largely kept a secret from maretime bay. She would eventually be revealed.

But the couple needed to think of a plan to not cause any suspicion.

Both Argyle and Shining Star made it a point that Shining was his assistant and nothing more.

They knew that if Sunny was somehow also Shining’s daughter. Things would only get more and more suspicious between the supposed mentor and assistant. And worst of all. Reveal the horn under her hat.

It wasn’t all good. They needed to do something to dissuade any suspicion.

However, Argyle Starshine and Shining Star’s fate were about to be changed forever.

Chapter 38

Apparently when Sunny was born. So were a lot of other fillies and colts.

A new generation of little ponies were growing up in maretime bay. And as a result the public’s safety for their children intensified.

This was made even more so when everyone’s favorite karen-leaf animal.

Phyllis Cloverleaf had a son of her own. And almost a year after he was born. She became the new mayor of maretime bay.

Phyllis was not exactly the best to fill that role as her emotional manipulation to protect the young came across as more radical than previous mayors.

And in doing so Canterlogic discontinued their old Pegasi and Unicorn traps. And started development on new terrifying ones. Going so far as outright weaponry.

In no time at all. Canterlogic was transformed into a war complex.

And this fear obviously sent shockwaves of fear down the spines of Argyle and Shining.

Things were not looking good.

===

One day. Argyle fell down the stairway while trying to start up the lighthouse beacon suffering an injury in his right hind leg.

He was in bed for two months trying to heal it up. This ultimately meant Shining had to make the shopping trips.

This made both of them incredibly uncomfortable. Everypony around them was already on edge. But this wasn’t new right?

Argyle would spend hours being a nervous wreck waiting for his wife to get home. Caring for little Sunny however he could to keep him comfort.

As he rocked her crib again. He tried rocking it with his injured hoof for a while. And it was fine. A good sign that his foot might be getting better.

===

Shining was making another grocery trip. Her hat on head kept her horn hidden as it had for years.

So far so good.

She checked her items out and stepped outside attempting to make her way back to the lighthouse.

But the wind had a way of stirring things up. It looked overcast all day. And it looked like a pretty violent storm was about to crash down.

What made things worse. Several ponies were around her.

Shining started running to beat it. But the wind started pushing harder against the grocery bags and she tripped and fell.

“Oh no miss, are you ok?” Asked one pony helping her up.

“Yes. And thank you.” Said Shining as she stood up.

When suddenly the pony dropped her hoof and looked absolutely terrified.

“What?” Asked Shining.

The pony in front of her fell back and pushed away.

“UNICORN ATTACK!” Shouted one pony.

No… her hat came off.

“UNICORN!” Screamed one pony.

“Get the children out of here!” Screamed another.

Ponies panicked and ran around. Shining was terrified she didn’t see any clear path through the chaos.

Suddenly Lightning struck the waters below with thunder that sounded like a cannon.

Just when she heard a voice.

“UNICORN INBOUND!” It was the sheriff.

Shining tried to run.

“HELP! IT’S CHASING ME!” Screamed a pony.

Suddenly the sheriff showed up from behind and grabbed her. He pinned her down, immobilizing her completely. Shining was crying in fear.

“You are under arrest!” He shouted. Placing a ring on her horn.

“Somepony please help me…” she shuddered.

The sheriff binded her hooves and knocked her out against the station door.

===

Argyle was getting worried. Shining had taken longer than usual to get back. He feared the worst as he held Sunny.

When suddenly the TV erupted with a blare of sirens.

“We interrupt this program with a state of emergency. Phyllis.

Thank you miss. A unicorn has been officially sighted in maretime bay. Armed and dangerous. It’s our worst fears come true.

Thankfully our brave sheriff has neutralized the threat but she is said to have fried the brains of at least two ponies already.

And tried hurting after many others.

She is currently locked up the sheriffs office. Where ponies have clearly shown their resolve towards her.”

Fried brains? Tried to hurt? Lies. Obvious lies.

It was sick.

But much to Argyle’s dismay she was in a jail cell. Bruised up, muzzled and had a ring on her horn.

Ponies were just outside the cage throwing…

Slime balls?

As the sheriff desperately but hopelessly tried to get the reporters and ponies out of the station.

“The unicorn was supposedly working with Argyle starshine in his lighthouse.

We have sent a task force over there now to see if he is unharmed.

And now to the victims of the attack.”

…victims. They had no injuries they were as traumatized as possible. But what could she have possibly done to them?

Argyle was enraged. And he had to move now.

He immediately got a harness and strapped Sunny onto his chest.

“Come on Sunny. Let’s save mommy!” Shouted Argyle. He immediately tried standing on his hurt hoof and he started limping.

But he had to keep going. He took the backdoor out of the lighthouse.

He stepped outside seeing the task force enter into the house.

He kept limping until he tripped and started rolling down the hill. While holding onto little Sunny for dear life keeping her as protected from the tumble as possible.

…

Argyle passed out. But when he woke up he heard Sunny crying and grabbing his muzzle. And he felt rain dropping against his face.

He looked up to thankfully see that she was perfectly ok. “Oh… thank goodness…” he said. He was still holding his hooves around Sunny and when he finally let go he saw that he had lost his leg bandage.

So he tried standing up. Sure enough he was in maretime bay proper. And thankfully he felt no pain this time.

And the station wasn’t that far now. Now with his healed limb he ran right towards the station. Which was perfectly clear of crowds now.

And was able to see inside the blinds. He saw the sheriff. But Shining wasn’t there.

This wasn’t good. He ran around different alley ways. And corners of the bay town all while ran and wind stormed throughout.

He eventually saw her. She was in a cage right in front of canterlogic. “They must’ve moved her so they would stop getting into the station.

But how am I going to get past security like this?” Argyle wondered. There were indeed security cameras. He kept thinking until he thought of something that might work. He had to try though.

Argyle got just before the path to canterlogic. And waved his hooves in the air. “Shining it’s me! Can you move the cage?” He shouted.

Instantly Shining’s ears perked up and she saw him. “Mmm! Mmm!” Shining muffled through the muzzle.

Argyle then motioned his hooves to make it look like he was shaking the cage.

And she got the idea. Maybe it could work.

She busted and banged against the cage. And was able to tip it forward.

And she flipped it again. And again. Until it fell down the entrance road.

Argyle immediately heard sirens and he needed to act fast. Shining’s cage kept spinning until it was right in front of him. He immediately grabbed it and hid in an alley just before security arrived.

“Where’s the cage?” Asked a guard.

Suddenly a bolt of lightning shot again. This time right on the road. And then a horrific sound of thunder erupted again. Making Sunny cry.

“What’s that? I hear something.” Said another guard.

Argyle immediately moved the cage as fast as he could. And he never stopped until he made it back to the lighthouse.

…

When he got back he saw the task force still there. He left Sunny by Shining’s cage in a hidden spot behind the mountain base.

And he stepped up to the ponies in front.

“Woah Argyle! You’re ok.” Asked one pony.

“Yeah. I was just jogging.” He said.

“Argyle did the unicorn ever hurt you?” Asked one of them.

“No. She must’ve escaped from here long ago… now please leave me alone. I’ve had a rough day.” Argyle said sadly.

“Ok sir.” The pony got a walkie talkie. “False alarm. Back to base.” All the ponies surrounding the lighthouse left.

And Argyle got both Sunny & Shining safely inside again.

Chapter 39

Sunny was finally asleep.

But Shining and Argyle were back on the sofa and Shining was more traumatized than she had ever been.

“A…arg…ile…” she weakly spoke as she hugged him.

“Shhh… hun please.” He whispered.

“They all know…” she sobbed.

“I know, I know.” Said Argyle nervously.

Both of them didn’t know what to do now. The facade was lifted. And they couldn’t do this again. Even more so now that poor Sunny was involved.

“Hun. I don’t have a plan anymore… but… I do have an old one.” Said Shining.

“W-what do you mean?” Asked Argyle.

“You know. The original plan… we find the three crystals.” Said Shining.

“Hun. Why are you talking about that now?” Asked Argyle.

“Love… I don’t want to do this… but. I need to leave.” Shining cried again.

“No… Shining please don’t…” Said Argyle.

“I have to… for Sunny. For you. For all pony kind.

If I can find the other crystals we can protect them like we said we would.” Said Shining.

“Love… please. She needs a mother!

And you know they can’t activate unless.” Argyle struggled to speak.

“I know. I know we can’t be that spark.

We can only protect them. Safe in the harmonic apparatus.

…

But… Sunny. It’s her. She is the spark of friendship the three crystals need.” Whispered Shining.

Argyle went wide eyed.

“Love, look at the family blanket. And closely.” Shining said moving part of it out of the crib.

Argyle looked at the blanket. Then Sunny.

And then his mind snapped…

On the edge of that blanket. He could see an orange earth pony with a purple mane. With one notable detail.

She had the wing of an Alicorn on her.

“It can’t be. It’s impossible.

All this time… all this time it was Sunny on there?!

What does this mean!?

How can this be?…” Argyle was at a loss as he went through a rollercoaster of emotions.

“We. Were always meant to be. That’s what this means for us.

Argyle. Sunny Starscout is the most important pony here right now.

We need to protect her. But she’s also the greatest thing that ever happened to us.” Said Shining.

“Absolutely. But Shining there’s got to be another way I’m not going to leave you alone searching for the crystals!” Argyle said.

“Hun. I need to protect her and you.

You can introduce her in a few years after I leave.” Shining said crying again.

“Please… no… I can’t lose you forever.” Argyle whimpered.

“No… love. You’re not. And I’m not being sentimental. I’m being literal.

I promise I will stay in bridlewood looking for the unicorn crystal until you join me again.” Shining looked him in the eye.

“Until Sunny’s old enough to take care of herself. You can make your escape and reunite with me until we become the happiest family we were always meant to be.

Promise me Argyle that you will raise her right. And that you will teach her to love all ponies no matter what.

Promise me. That you will find me in bridlewood when she’s ready to spread that love.” Asked Shining.

“I-I promise.” Said Argyle.

“Good.” Said Shining leaning in close to him.

And they kissed tears rolling down their eyes.

“I love you Argyle Starshine.” Said Shining before knocking him out.

Shining left a momento from her past and kissed her daughter goodbye.

“Goodbye my sweet Sunny Starscout. I love you so much. And I promise I will return.” She whispered to her before finally walking out and running off into the night towards bridlewood.

===

When Argyle woke up. He was alone with his daughter Sunny Starscout.

And in his hoof, he saw Shining’s hat… with her hoofwriting inside saying.

“I love you.”

And he kept it as a treasure ever since.

Chapter 40

Five years later.

Argyle didn’t want to completely erase his wife from their family history.

So he put all of her belongings in a chest in the attic. Her photographs, her research references, descriptions and most importantly the book they both wrote about their time together a literal scrapbook of the once happy couple.

All would be put in a special chest. Now a more personal treasure. He figured it would be best for Sunny to not know for now.

But he did write a note to her on the chest saying. “Do not open until you’re eighteen.”

Though this didn’t stop Sunny from questioning who Shining Star was. But Argyle kept her at just the right distance.

She didn’t know she was a unicorn or her mother. The most she knew. She was a research partner.

Argyle was still determined for her to know about her mom. Absolutely. But he knew it had to come at the right time. And he knew what that time was all too well.

The spark.

After he finished storing things in the attic he came back down to his work desk to work on his latest project.

A lantern for Sunny. A merry go round to help her sleep at night. It was a perfect little gift for her. She had proven to be a little ball of joy and wonder when she got older.

But more importantly it was a secret safeguard device for holding the one crystal they were able to keep their hooves on.

The earth pony crystal.

Sunny may not have known about the magic crystal. But she would love the light it would give off.

As he finished painting up the pony figure on the side of the lantern.

Sunny, Hitch Trailblazer and Sprout Cloverleaf came down from the lift playing with the six pony figures.

===

Eight years later.

Shortly after Sunny’s sixteenth birthday. A massive Hurricane was approaching maretime bay.

Sunny and Argyle already prepared for it several days in advance. But Argyle secretly had other plans.

Sunny was now old enough to take care of herself. And Argyle made a promise to Shining Star to find her again.

And a rough Hurricane was the perfect cover for him to escape.

One day before the Hurricane was supposed to hit Maretime bay. Argyle agreed to join Hitch Trailblazer and his storm pony troop to further fortify the bay area if the sandbags and trenches overflowed.

He would be out in the middle of the storm and sneak away as soon as he had the chance.

He was ultimately accepted and he was about to head out for the night.

Before he told Sunny goodbye and that he loved her. And that he would be back soon.

Hurricane…

Armageddon began. The storm was extremely rough and violent.

Hitch and Sprout just barely managing to keep up the bags. Argyle immediately jumped down to help them but a wave hit his face.

And he was washed up against the beach ramp.

“Mr. Starscout!” Shouted Hitch running over to him.

Argyle faked a slip on the ramp and the wind blew him upwards.

He held onto the railing before standing on the street above again.

He started running across the street towards the bay’s exit. But just then he saw a massive board being blown over to the lighthouse.

“Sunny!” He shouted running back to the lighthouse.

And he finally got there watching the board blowing it’s way towards him when suddenly everything went slower.

-Internal-

“I grew up in a life of hatred. Is this where it ends me?

Protecting my precious and sweet daughter Sunny?

For her? Is she even where I think she’ll be?

If I don’t make it out? Is this how the world remembers me?

Can Sunny even see me? What if Sunny is my legacy? Legacy?

Who is she?

She’s a spark of friendship I might never get to see. I wrote some notes of how me and Shining Star were meant to be. Equestria! You great land, you were right about everything.

You let me make a difference in a place where even an earth pony like me can…

Attention! Eyes up!

Shining Star… my love. I’m coming for you.

And…

So will Sunny Starscout…”

-End Internal thoughts-

Argyle cried as he whispered.

“Do you know you’re all my very best…”

The board approached him.

“WAIT!” He screamed before it hit him.

Argyle was in the air. Flying high above maretime bay.

He did it and he saved Sunny & the lighthouse. Instead of going right into it. The board went straight up into the air taking him with it.

Then he fell off, sky diving into the nearby forest below.

He kept going down, down and down.

Just as a bolt of lightning struck the giant board still in the air. Destroying it and unleashing a rumbling sound of thunder.

Argyle kept diving, And going, and further. Until at last he crashed right into the forest trees. Right where he wanted to be.

===

The next day the Hurricane ended.

Argyle was declared missing.

What happened to him? Nopony knew.

But wherever he was. He made a promise to his family and to equestria. One way or another he would keep it.

And Sunny Starscout? She was deeply saddened by the loss. But proud of the sacrifice.

Hitch had told her about the whole ordeal and how he saved her before the giant board crashed into the house.

And she realized the only way to honor her father was to finally finish his work. And spread the love and friendship he always knew she could spread to all of equestria.

And who knew. He could still be around? Or was he? It was a glimmer of hope that ultimately motivated and paid off for Sunny.

As she had kept her promise for her Dad.

She really was the Spark of Friendship equestria needed.

But that was a whole other story. One out of many to come.

Hoof to Heart & Friendship is Magic.

The End.

Chapter 2

Once inside he saw where she tripped. The bottom of her left backhoof was swollen red.

“I’ve got a bandage here if you need that.” Said Argyle opening a first aid kit.

“Um… Thank you. But you don’t have to do that.” She said.

“But I want to help. You’re hurt, and I’m still helping you.” He said softly as he bandaged her hoof up.

“Mmm.” Said Shining Star as the bandage wrapped around her hoof. She felt a calming sense of comfort as this earth pony helped her out.

When he was finished, he sat beside her and smiled. “I owe you for saving me. But why?” He asked.

“I don’t know. I just saw you about to fall and I just… did it. Even if you were going to hurt me. It just didn’t feel right to let you fall.” She said.

“Why did you think I was going to hurt you?” He asked.

“You’re an earth pony. I was told earth ponies were unintelligent, aggressive, brutes who mangled anypony that came their way. I was afraid.” She said.

Argyle was a little saddened by that. “But… didn’t you read my mind…? Didn’t you know I wasn’t a threat and I wanted to help?” Asked Argyle.

“Read your mind?” Asked Shining.

“With your magic. With your horn?” He asked.

“My horn? Magical? No. My horn isn’t really good for anything.” Said Shining.

Well, that explained why she couldn’t light the way because despite everything he had been told about unicorns. He knew they could still light it up. But apparently, they couldn’t.

“You can’t even levitate anything?” Asked Argyle in confusion.

“No. That sounds amazing though.” Said Shining with a smile.

Argyle was beside himself. “All my life I was told unicorns could read your mind. Or even worse they could fry your brains. And do all kinds of awful things with magic.

But how could you do that if you don’t have magic?” Asked Argyle.

“I wouldn’t do that even if I did have magic though. That sounds barbaric and well. You’re not a brute. You’re actually really gentle.

At least that’s what you showed me. Why would I want to fry such a kind pony?” She smiled at Argyle.

“Maybe an unintelligible brute who chased you around a field that you thought would hurt you?” Said Argyle smiling a goofy face.

Shining Star giggled.

“Hey thank you. So, so much for the help Mr. uh…heheh. I didn’t get your name.” Said Shining.

“Argyle. Argyle Scout.” He said with glee.

“Argyle Scout. Well, I’ll be on my way now. I’m sure we’ll see- ow! “Shining Star tried moving off the sofa, but her leg still hurt.

“You can’t leave. It needs to heal.” Said Argyle.

Shining Star thought about it. And he was right. Besides, where exactly was she going anyway?

She had just met an earth pony that she never expected at all tonight. Was she really going to stay here?

“You’re right… it’ll be a while before I can move again…Ca…uh…um…Can I stay here tonight?” Asked Shining.

“Of course!” Argyle said as his eyes lit up.

Shining smiled.

“And Hey Shining Thank you so much for saving my life. I cannot express how overwhelmingly relieved and grateful I feel.” Said Argyle smiling at her.

“Well. You already are.” Said Shining.

“Perhaps you’re right. Now let’s get you to the guest bedroom. Just holler if you need anything.” Said Argyle as he helped her on her feet as he escorted her into the spare room.

Chapter 13

After a month of preparation Shining and Argyle were finally ready to head back out to the strange land.

They had two big bags that carried the nine books. And they brought the prism stone along just in case. And a single bag on their backs that carried food and water. Ropes and flashlights hanging off the bags. They were very much eager explorers that day.

Argyle and Shining soon arrived at the same strange spiral land they found before. Only this time they had a picture of a map to guide them.

When they got to the center they unpacked the books. And set their hooves on the imprint on the rock. “Ready?” Asked Argyle.

“Yes.” Said Shining. And they pressed down. And everything activated like before. The tree roots came out of the ground spiraling and connecting themselves to the rock in the center. And the tree trunks opened up. They were the perfect size for the books.

And the rock’s lid opened with the pedestal rising back again.

“Alright hurry! Put the books inside!” Argyle ran over and put one of them in the tree compartment.

Shining did the same. And they both ran back to the center, picked up the other books and back to one of the trees.

Filling each compartment in the trees they did it. When the books were placed in. The front cover of each books glowed a light blue color and the blue color travelled down the tree roots towards the rock and pedestal.

When all nine books were placed all nine trees were glowing blue and the roots as well. The ground started spinning slowly.

“Oh woah…” the two were a little startled when the ground started turning. And the pedestal was glowing blue.

“Argyle! The prism stone!” Shouted Shining. Argyle got the crystal out and Shining put her hoof on it as they placed it on top together.

Suddenly in a woosh of light the prism stone color changed from white to the colors of their coats. “My coat color.” They said together.

The ground started rumbling. Shining looked over the edge and saw that it was… Rising?

“Argyle. Look at this!” Shouted Shining.

Argyle looked over the edge and saw the ground was rising up above the rest of the land. “What is happening!? Is it floating!?” Argyle asked.

Eventually the rising of the ground stopped. And they were three feet off the rest of the land.

“What happened?” Asked Argyle. “I don’t know. But maybe we should see.” Said Shining. She tied one of the ropes to one of the trees to help them climb back up.

When they climbed down the rope and onto the regular ground. They couldn’t believe what they saw.

They saw a cylindrical building of white bricks full of engravings that were incredibly aged by time. After walking around it they saw double wooden doors with a six pointed purple star on each one.” Twilight’s cutie mark.

“Twilight Sparkle” they both said. They silently walked up to the door and opened it up. Argyle and Shining got their flashlights up and explored.

After walking down a flight of stairs they walked into a large hallway of dimly lit glowing engravings on the wall.

“What do all of these mean?” Asked Argyle.

“I don’t know. But I would like to come back here to find out.” Said Shining.

They walked along the carpet of the hall. Spotting another door. They walked over to it and opened it and walked through. Inside was a large central chamber brightly lit with different rainbow colors. The walls had several glowing illustrations of the mane six throughout different events in their lives.

“Woah… it’s them. Everything we were reading about.” Said Argyle in disbelief.

In the center of the room was a circle of imprints like the ones on the rock outside.

When Argyle and Shining stepped into the center they pressed down on them and nothing happened.

Shining suddenly looked up. “Look!” She shouted.

Looking on the ceiling of the room was a circle of more illustrations. This time of earth ponies doing a dance each drawing a new sequence.

“Wait. Argyle spin me around. That’s a zoetrope on the ceiling. When you spin around it creates a moving image.” Said Shining.

Argyle took her by her hooves and he launched her out spinning her like a top.

And she saw everything. Each image stepped and moved in correspondence with the imprints on the floor.

She stopped spinning. And while she was a little dizzy. She memorized everything.

“Did you see anything?” Asked Argyle.

“Yeah. You wanna go?” Asked Shining, walking over to him.

“Yeah.” Said Argyle. And so this time Shining launched him out of her hooves spinning him around the center.

Argyle was amazed as he saw the once still images move around. And suddenly he understood the imprints on the ground.

When he stopped spinning he walked to one side of the imprints on the floor. “Shining that dance. I think we need to perform those exact steps on these buttons.” Said Argyle holding out his hoof. She took it and moved to the other side of the imprints.

And then they did just that. They danced their way across their sides of the circle. Taking in each step and movement with grace. Before performing the final move.

When they stepped on the final button. The floor’s center opened up and a beam of light shined down.

A large rectangular block of black stone with glowing blue writings was rising out of the floor. And on top was a red pillow with something shiny on it.

Argyle and Shining rushed over to it. And Argyle immediately started reading the writings on the stone.

On side one.

“Congratulations for passing my trials. If you have found the earth pony crystal you almost certainly have my books.

If you know the secrets within. It is imperative that you guard this crystal with your life!

It is one out of three crystals that contain all magic in equestria!”

On side two

“They are very powerful. But obviously with great power comes great responsibility.

The division and ultimate conquest of pony kind is almost as big a threat as the real enemy I am facing.

Do not under any circumstances let this crystal out of your sight! Make sure it is with you forever.”

On side three

“When the three crystals are present a spark will allow them to reunite and bring magic back to equestria.

And perhaps invent brand new magic along the way.

However, Finding the crystals is the easy part it’s finding the spirits that will be hard.

Inventing new magic depends on how the new generation of the new spirits will do.”

On side four

“You must have patience and hope. It is exactly what I had to endure. And I want ponykind to experience what I did.

Only this time. I want equestria to make that decision for itself. Not out of force or need.

I always say friendship is magic, not the other way around.

And if you found your way here. You are undoubtedly worthy. Remember that. Make the foundation of a new equestria a worthy new generation.

Bring them all back together.

Twilight Sparkle.”

Argyle and Shining looked on in wonder at what they were reading. And what lies before them. On the red pillow on top of the chiseled stone was a clear circular crystal gem.

Argyle picked it up admiring the detail. “The earth pony crystal.” Argyle whispered.

“That must mean there’s a unicorn and pegasus crystal.” Said Shining.

“Which means there are two more of these things in Bridlewood and Zephyr Heights.” Said Argyle.

“But what is this spirit that Twilight is talking about?” Asked Shining looking at the crystal.

“I don’t know. It’s probably something more than even the crystals themselves.” Said Argyle.

“We gotta get this thing out of here.” Said Argyle placing the crystal in the most secure pocket in his backpack.

“Yeah. Let’s come back with a camera later.” Said Shining.

Chapter 14

After finding their way out of the structure. They climbed back up and collected the nine books taking them out of the compartments.

The glow stopped. The trees and roots turned back to normal and the structure sank back into the ground.

And the two walked back to the lighthouse. When they arrived they paced around the main room for a while thinking of how to look after the ancient artifact.

And more importantly. What of the other two crystals?

“What are we of all ponies going to do?”Asked Argyle.

“I don’t know. This is the fate of the entire world! This is huge!” Said Shining.

“And what about this crystal? I don’t want anypony else but us to know about it!” Argyle shouted. Panicking. And then suddenly Argyle thought of an incredible idea.

“Wait! I got it!” Argyle said walking over to the research area. “What? What is it?” Asked Shining.

Argyle walked over to the desk and pulled out an old magnifying glass. And shattered the glass on it.

“Why did you do that?” Asked Shining.

“Nopony will suspect this crystal.” Said Argyle as he picked up the crystal and put it into the casing of the magnifying glass. “If it just looks like a really weird magnifying glass that sits in our desk.” He finished.

“Perfect!” Shouted Shining.

“Thanks” said Argyle, putting the crystal in the drawer. Marking it with a line just in case. “Ok, so what do we do about the other two crystals?” Asked Argyle.

“I thought about that. And well… At first I didn’t think we could really do it until. Well I have a plan.” Said Shining.

“Go ahead, Shining.” Asked Argyle.

“I think we should go to bridlewood. Not now but soon. And if I made a fake unicorn horn out of paper and put a hole in a hat. There’s no way it could fall off.

You could blend in and nopony would really suspect anything of us.” She finished.

“Hmm. Sounds like we could do it. But we will have to wait. The big three holidays are coming again. And you know how busy they get. We should hold it off until spring.” Said Argyle.

“Agreed. Furthermore I still want to just spend some time with you. In fact you know what? I would love to go back there and see what everything in that building means. But for now, put the research on hold.” Said Shining with a smile.

They both sat down on the sofa. Laying on each other back to back and closing their eyes. “Oh absolutely Shining. If I’m going to be busy I would love being busy with you.” Said Argyle.

They held each other’s hooves. “Today was fun though Argyle. I love you.” Said Shining.

“Oh yeah it was. I love you too.” Said Argyle.

And it looks like the fun will soon continue. One way or another.

The key to a new generation of equestria was found.