The Ordinary Ponies

Chapter 10 Journey to Canterlot-Part 1

After processing all the orders on hoof, Rarity finally had free time to write a diary.

This was a habit she had always developed, but as her business was getting better and she was becoming busier, and the frequency of writing decreased. Until now, it was more like a weekly journal than a "diary", which meant she would make up many pages once in rare free time.

“Dear diary,” she wrote. “A lot of things have changed since Sweetie Belle entered the school. She has more and more opportunities to interact with me at home, which also reminds me of the days when sisters used to get along. But this kind of ‘sisters’ time is also very noisy sometimes. For example, Sweetie Belle always wants me to stop working instead play with her, so I can only repeat how important my work is again and again.

“For example, a few days ago, I had an order from Trottingham to handle - twenty long robes, all of which needed to be lined with golden silk. Sweetie Belle wasted a large piece of it, and I had to put in a lot of effort to hold back my anger...I know she wants to help me, but I don't think she can handle such delicate work.

“So the plan for CMC to sleepover at my house that day was forced to be cancelled. To be honest, in a sense, I could take a break. If I had to choose between work and taking care of them, I might actually choose work. Fluttershy suggested that I could take care of them on her behalf, and I thought she couldn't handle it, but in the end, they were taken care of obediently by her! It's really amazing, how did she do it?

“In short, with her sharing the pressure for me and Mr. Miracle's help, I finally completed this order. In my spare time, I talked with him about Sweetie Belle. I thought I was the most patient and best sister in the world, and he would sympathize after hearing my words. On the contrary, he told me: ‘Sisters are not only tolerant, but the most important is communication and teaching.’ At the beginning, I sniffed, and said to myself: ‘What does he know? Sweetie Belle is too noisy, and if he had been with her, he would know...’ Then I suddenly realized that maybe he was qualified to say this, because he does often talk and spend time with these three little rascals.

“He told me that blindly giving in will only deepen the rift between the two sides, because the true problem has not been solved. In his opinion, Sweetie Belle is a smart, energetic, and sensible child. Sensible? This is definitely not Sweetie Belle! But he said that compared to many children he had seen, the reason why Sweetie Belle gets into trouble is mostly because she genuinely wants to help, and even because she is good at doing most of the housework. For a child, this is already a rare trait; the only thing she needs is guidance, telling her what to touch, what not to do, praising which she does well, and admonishing which she doesn't. She needs guidance, and I just tolerate without a word. He said that not losing my temper will make her not know how to correct it.

“Okay, maybe it makes sense...When it comes to Sweetie Belle, we have to mention her other two good friends - Apple Bloom and Scootaloo. They are also restless, but strangely, Mr. Miracle always sings the opposite tune to me, thinking that they are all good children. No matter how mischievous I describe them truthfully, he only says, ‘Is that so called mischievous? You haven't seen the children in my homeland. In contrast, what they do can only be called ‘kind nature’. His ability of acceptance is so high that I can't help but wonder, are the children in his homeland really that 'scary'?

“I suspect that he has also been 'assimilated' by them to some extent. Since Applejack gave them her previous activity room, their frequency of causing troubles in town has skyrocketed, and most of the time, Mr. Miracle accompanies them to 'get crazy'! He is an adult, why is he so immature? In order to prepare for the talent show at the school, Sweetie Belle wanted to take my fabrics, so I asked Mr. Miracle to judge, but he accommodating them and voluntarily paid to buy them from me. Well, he did teach Sweetie Belle some truths afterwards...but I don't really like this way.

“In the end, their performance, um, how should I describe? As a lady, I definitely can't speak something bad of the children, but even in reality, the performance effect is ‘indescribable’. Fortunately, they managed to win the comedy award in the end, otherwise Sweetie Belle would have caused more trouble in the second night. Mr. Miracle isn’t student of school, so he can't go on stage, but he has been rehearsing with them all along, and even dressed similarly comically on the day of the performance...Has he really been ‘assimilated’ by them?

“The most peculiar thing is his ability to foresee the future. The name 'Mr. Miracle' is not wrong at all. A long time ago, I thought it would be wonderful to have a friend who knows everything; but when I actually met him, I started to be afraid again. No pony knows what he knows. Does he know the privacy of other ponies? Does he know the secrets deep inside every pony? Can he keep it a secret? No one dares to be angry with such pony, because no one knows if he will say something earth shattering.

“And for an ordinary pony, the future that is both mysterious and uncertain is like predetermined in his view. How can this not scare me? For example in fashion, In my view, the future trend is uncertain and vague, which is why there is the motivation to innovate and keep up with the times. But if the future trend is certain and won’t change, what’s the meaning of the fashion I am focusing on now? When I mentioned this to him, he actually said a lot of words that I couldn't understand – ‘dialectics’,' contradictions', 'spiral upward'...In the end, he only concluded that 'this is very complex' - it is indeed very complex!

“But sometimes, I can't help but ask him about the future. For example, can I find my ‘Prince Charming’? Can I become a princess? I guess I don't have the courage to know the answer, because if the answer is negative, it's almost like my future is shattered; but if, if, if, maybe, just maybe, the answer is affirmative? I often think about this question. I think my other friends also think the same way. For example, Twilight may want to know if she can become a great wizard; Rainbow Dash must want to know if she can join the Wonderbolts; Applejack must want to know if Sweet Apple Acres can grow stronger; As for Pinkie and Fluttershy...I don't quite know what their ideal future looks like, but they always have expectations, don't they?

“For this matter, he only told me: ‘Living in the present is the most important, and the answer to the future is not important because it is always determined by now.’ His words always sound reasonable, but it's hard to say whether they really make sense.

“For example, when the time I was jealous of Fluttershy ‘stealing’ my limelight, I really didn't want to be jealous of my good friend Fluttershy, after all, she had the talent to be a model, and she deserved everything. But I couldn't contain those thoughts, and even hoped that she would embarrass herself. Whenever I had such terrible thoughts, I felt ashamed of myself. Can a lady be jealous? Mr. Miracle told me, 'Everyone has jealousy, the important thing is to face and admit it, so that we can use reason to suppress it and do the right thing.' I asked him who said this, and he said it was his own idea, but the inspiration was - 'me'! It's really strange – He taught me by using truths that I had taught him in the future? Absurd!

“However, he was right about it again. Although I was jealous of Fluttershy and hoped she would make a fool of herself, when she really made a fool of herself, my mind was filled with shock and worry, and I didn't hesitate to help her smooth things out. In the end, her popularity was even more prosperous than before, and I was a little disappointed, but more proud - I did what a friend should do, and I did the right thing. That's when I realized he was right. I was indeed jealous of Fluttershy, but my feelings for her were enough to suppress this terrible jealousy and truly benefit her. I'm glad that this issue was finally resolved perfectly, and my friendship with Fluttershy is even stronger than before. I couldn't help but wonder, was this result also within his expectations?

“There are many things I can't ask, but today I can't wait to ask the most important question - because tonight is the Grand Galloping Gala! This is my first time participating in such a big event...Can I meet Princess Celestia’s nephew? Can I marry into the royal family? Can I reach the pinnacle of pony life? I really want to know the answer, even if Mr. Miracle doesn't want to say it, I still have to ask, I must!”

At this point, Rarity couldn't help but jump in place. She and her friends had been preparing for tonight for a long time, and when she was making the dresses for them, she was tortured enough; But as long as they could achieve the goals tonight, then all the costs were worth it.

After finishing writing, she put away her diary and locked it in the locker. Turning around, she saw Sweetie Belle peeking out at her outside the door.

“Sweetie Belle, what are you looking at?” Asked Rarity with widened eyes. “Did you...see that?”

“Don't be nervous, sister,” Sweetie Belle said with a mischievous smile. “I won't tell other ponies about your jumping in place.”

Rarity blushed for a moment, then arrogantly turned her head and snorted. “Considering the Grand Galloping Gala, I won't argue with you today.” Then she took a small step out.

Actually, Sweetie Belle also wants to go to Canterlot to see something new - which pony wouldn't want to? That's the capital of Equestria, the city where Princess Celestia was living in. It was said that it was so luxurious, beautiful, and upscale.

Unfortunately, Rarity had to attend the grand event at the Royal Palace and couldn't take care of her; And she didn't have a ticket and couldn’t enter, so she could only play with friends in Ponyville. At first, she kept pestering Rarity to follow her, but surprisingly, Sweetie Belle only pestered for a few rounds before giving up.

Perhaps Mr. Miracle was right about this. Sweetie Belle was indeed more sensible than she imagined, although just might be a little bit more.

She walked out of Carousel Boutique and saw Pinkie jumping wildly on the trampoline outside.

“Pinkie, please stop jumping,” said Rarity as she walked over. “If you're sweating profusely from jumping, I won't be able to dress you in new clothes.”

Pinkie reluctantly stopped in the air and then slid to the ground. Rarity was about to ask why the other ponies hadn't arrived yet. Twilight had read everything she needed, and closed the book with magic, confidently preaching. “Let's do it.”

Upon hearing this, Spike brought an apple and placed it on the ground. “Twilight, please start to perform.”

“Apple? Do you want to make apple pie?” Pinkie blurted out, while Spike silenced her and asked her to watch carefully.

Twilight's horn burst with purple light, and a beam of light shot towards the apple on the ground. The apple suddenly swelled until it turned into a luxurious apple carriage.

“Oh my goddess! That's amazing!” Exclaimed the ponies.

“It's not over yet!” Twilight turned to Fluttershy and said. “Please ask your little friends to come out.”

“Is everything going to be okay?” Fluttershy said as she lowered her head, and four little white mice jumped out of her mane.

“Don't worry, they will be back to their original shapes by midnight,” Twilight said as she cast a spell on them, transforming the four mice into four tall horses - beautiful if their big front teeth and ears were ignored. “They can take us to Canterlot.”

At this moment, Rarity’s pet, cat Opal, jumped out of the bushes, obviously these four "horses" were still mice in her view. Fluttershy exclaimed at the sight and saw that it was about to scare away the four "rat horses", but Opal was caught in the air by a pony and could only wave her paws irritably.

The visitor was none other than Mr. Miracle, standing on his hind hooves with his front hooves gripping onto Opal. Behind him are Apple Bloom and Scootaloo.

The ponies breathed a sigh of relief. Thanked to Mr. Miracle, otherwise they would have had to walk over to Canterlot.

When Rarity saw him coming, her eyes lit up and she asked, “What brings you here?”

“You all have activities tonight, and naturally we have too.” Mr. Miracle said as he put Opal back on the ground. As soon as Opal reached the ground, she flew back into house like a bird.

“What activities?” Asked Rarity and Applejack, caring their sisters.

“We're also going to Canterlot!” A childish cheer came from behind them, and it was Sweetie Belle who rushed out of Carousel Boutique and shouted.

Then the three jumped up, clapped with Mr. Miracle, and shouted in unison, “‘CMCs’ Night Tour in Canterlot Operation’, yeah!”

“Are you going too?” Asked Rarity and Applejack in surprise.

As if he knew their concerns, Mr. Miracle explained once, “Don't worry, they'll come with me. I'll take good care of them, tighter than a rope.” After speaking, he really put yokes on himself and the three, and a tough rope stretched out from it to hang on his own yoke - This was not just a metaphor.”

“We still feel that –”

“It's okay, I've already sought the permissions of Granny Smith and Big Mac, and Scootaloo’s aunts, Holiday and Lofty, and Rarity and Sweetie Belles’ parents.” Mr. Miracle said confidently. “This can also be considered as a lesson I teach to these girls - being responsible.”

“Alright then,” Applejack took a step forward. “So what are you planning to play in Canterlot?”

“Well, I haven't figured it out yet. I'll probably go see the crown jewels, the golden apple tree, and the donut shop first.”

“Hey, these are where I plan to lead them to!” Interrupted Spike. “Did you also anticipate this?”

Mr. Miracle said calmly, “Just ignore these small details. I want to know if all these places are in the palace?”

“It's hard to say whether they're here or not. Although they're very close to the palace, the residents of Canterlot can still go to these places without the hassle of entering the palace.” Spike replied.

“Understood.” Then Mr. Miracle said to the three tied up, “After we've visited these places, if we still have time, we'll continue to take a stroll around Canterlot. But we have to come back at 11 o'clock, understand?”

The three immediately stood on their hind hooves and saluted with their right hooves, saying, “Understood!”

Rarity saw his various actions and guessed that he had probably foreseen what would happen tonight. She couldn't wait to ask the question that was related to her lifelong happiness, but she didn't dare to ask it in public.

But he spoke up voluntarily. “I know you don't like me being able to predict everything, but about tonight, the Grand Galloping Gala –”

“What?” The ponies asked together.

Rarity turned her head and saw that everyone was trying their best to hide their expected expressions. Well, she wasn’t the only one who wanted to know if her wish can come true tonight.

Mr. Miracle glanced back and forth and said, “Are you sure you want me to say it?”

“Speak up! No, still can't...” “Speak up! No...but, I still want to...” “Please say...no…” Obviously, they couldn't make up their minds at all, just like Rarity was worried about, wanting to get a definite result, but also afraid that the result might not be as expected.

“It’s okay, I'll just say a simple sentence to each pony. I won't say anything else.”

Twilight, Rarity, Pinkie, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and Fluttershy looked at each other and finally nodded.

“Alright, then I'll say it.” Mr. Miracle pondered for a moment before beginning to speak one by one.

“Twilight, it's best for you to study magic that can be used for two purposes at once, or spells on telepathy.”

“Why?” Twilight immediately asked.

“Mmm!” Mr. Miracle shook his head, raised his hoof and pulled it around his mouth, as if he had zipped it up, indicating that he was only saying this to her.

Next was Rarity. “Rarity, your 'he'...may seem a bit 'unreasonable'.” he said as gently as possible.

Rarity wanted to know exactly what kind of "unreasonable" he was, but then realized: Wasn’t this telling her that she would meet her prince charming?

“Great! I mean...it's okay, after all, he's some kind of high societies in Canterlot. It's normal to be a little more dignified and serious, haha...” said Rarity, laughing in silliness.

Mr. Miracle wanted to persuade her, but he eventually stopped. Just one sentence, just one sentence, otherwise who knew if something unexpected will happen?

“Pinkie, you know there are many styles of parties, right?”

“Of course I know, why do you ask that?” Pinkie asked in confusion.

“You can think carefully about my words...” Mr. Miracle stopped and walked up to the next.

“Applejack, I just want to tell you: the tastes of the residents of Canterlot are quite different from that of Ponyville.”

Applejack was lost in thought. Didn't like apples? Was there any pony in this world who didn't like apples?

“Rainbow Dash, the purpose of your trip is to make friends, not to showcase yourself. You have to remember this.”

“Will this conflict?” Rainbow Dash asked in confusion. She wanted to make friends with Wonderbolts, wasn't showcasing herself the best way?

“Fluttershy, the animals in the Royal Palace are not like those in Ponyville, they are easily frightened.”

“Don't worry, I've always been gentle.” Fluttershy blinked her beautiful big eyes and said, but Mr. Miracle just had an expression of "you'll find out later".

Finally, he walked up to Spike. Spike looked left and then left again, only to find that there were no other ponies nearby. He pointed to himself in surprise and asked. “Do I also have a share?”

Mr. Miracle nodded and said, “Perhaps you can help fulfill their wishes.”

“What does 'fulfill their wishes' mean? They don't want my help.”

Mr. Miracle didn't reply, he just said to the ponies. “That's all I can say. You can go prepare quickly.”

So they entered Carousel Boutique with doubts, were ready to dress up well before going to Canterlot. Spike also wanted to follow, but Mr. Miracle pulled him aside.

“What's wrong?” Asked Spike.

“There are many things I can't tell them, but it's okay to tell you.” Then he said everything he knew - of course, due to time constraints, he just gave a brief summary.

Spike was so surprised that he couldn't close his mouth.

“Are you saying: Princess Celestia doesn't have time to chat with Twilight because she needs to receive guests; the prince charming that Rarity wants to meet is actually that terrible pony, Prince Blueblood; the big carnival that Pinkie is looking forward to won't happen at all, because gatherings in Canterlot are very peaceful; Applejack's pastries can't be sold because those ponies want to eat high-end food; Rainbow Dash can't make friends with Wonderbolts, and the reasons are similar to Twilight; Fluttershy will scare away animals because she's too excited...” Spike counted them one by one with his claws. “Wow, the amount of information is really huge!”

“And you will also have to sit alone at the donut shop drinking hot cocoa because they have to act separately.” Mr. Miracle added.

“Ah? Well...then why don't I go and neither do you? Let's go to the library and play 'Ogres & Oubliettes' together.” said Spike gloomily. “At least a hundred times more fun than sitting and drinking drinks.”

“Now you understand why I don't want to tell them the whole story, right?”

“Understood,” Spike nodded. “So we're playing 'Ogres & Oubliettes' tonight?”

“Of course not.” Mr. Miracle shook his head decisively. “Once promised, then have to do it no matter what. Besides, the three little girls really want to go to Canterlot.”

“That's right!” Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo nodded together.

“Why are you telling me this?”

“Because you have the opportunity to change everything!” Said Mr. Miracle, taking out six sachets. “I have written down the detailed information of each of them inside, and you need to help them 'unconsciously' according to the instructions above to achieve the most wonderful night.”

“Why didn't you tell them?”

“They are not as easily accepting of reality as you are. If I tell them directly that all their expectations will fall through, they will definitely not want to believe, or force themselves not to believe.”

“It seems that my wonderful night is about to be ruined.” sighed Spike.

“Who said that? Actually, I know you just want to spend the night with them and have fun. In a sense, helping them is also helping you; on the other hoof, the earlier they achieve their goals, the earlier they can gather together to exchange gains, and you can spend the rest of your time with them.”

Spike raised his eyebrows and thought for a moment, feeling that this was indeed the truth. He sighed and said, “It seems that nothing can escape your plan.”

“I just want to help them.” Mr. Miracle finally added. “Alright, CMC have to take action. We need to set off as soon as possible so that we can play for a while longer.”

After speaking, he temporarily untied the rope on his yoke and let Scootaloo pull the scooter with him. Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle sat in the scooter. Due to her young age and lack of physical strength compared to Mr. Miracle, the other two had to switch shifts with her.

Spike watched as they drifted away, shrugged helplessly, and then began to wonder: how should he hide these six sachets?