Balance within Harmony

Chapters

It comes to mind
Cute-Ceañera Crusaders
Conflict at Flutter Cottage
Nightly Thoughts
Afternoon at the Library
Lovely Days turn to Wonderful Weeks
Choas at the Gala (Abridged) - Part 1
Chaos at the Gala (Abridged) - part 2
Elemental Reactions
Letters between Ponyville and Canterlot
Resolution at Flutter Cottage
Temple of the Deci-Sphere of Truth
Down on the farm
Renovation at Flutter Cottage
Trip and fall
Filly Lessons
Shiveredge
All grown up and nowhere to go
Keep Calm and Crusade on
The Final Crusade...?
The final chapter of the story...
Prologue - The new bearers of the elements
Rarity's Secret
Earth-con

It comes to mind

Walking through Ponyville towards his Treehouse Library, Twilights very analytical nature meant that even a few minutes of time trotting alone gave him plenty of opportunity to think.

What a week it has been, there has been a lot to get used to. I mean, apart from the move from Canterlot to Ponyville, and becoming the element of magic, nopony else has ever had to go through what we did. And that’s according to the Princess who knows everything. Well, maybe not everything, but she has seen most things in the thousands of years she has been around. Sure is going to take a bit of time to get used to thought!

Twilight looked around and notice no-one was paying attention to him

I shouldn’t really complain so much as Jack and Dash really, should I? Nobody round here in Ponyville knew me until the day before I changed, so really they know me more as a colt than a filly. Well biologically speaking at least. But AJ and RD have friends and family who have to get used to this…

He waved absent mindedly at a group of passing fillies, who gave a wave back and a bit of a giggle.

Careful Twilight. You are very aware of the demographics of pony gender imbalance, particularly in a town like Ponyville. I mean, colts are outnumbered even in Canterlot which has the highest ratio in the kingdom. An average mare, outside the highest circles of so-called society, only has about a 20% chance of landing herself a stallion in a town like this.

His pace quicken and tail swished a bit more than usual as he thought that through.

So, you’ve basically switched from a life resigned to being a lonely old-mare, to being able to probably choose whomever you want on Hearts and Hooves Day. Although, for the moment magic and science is your mistress…even if you perhaps desire one certain unicorn.

Shaking that last thought out of his head, Twilight then realised something he had been forgetting.

But I wonder what Spike makes of all this? I mean, being a Dragon born to the youngest pony ever to hatch a Dragon egg, and then be brought up by a trio of the Ruler of Equestria, a Princess foalsitter and one of the most powerful young unicorns in the kingdom, he surely most be used to the unusual? But I’m all the family he has, who has he to talk to?

Approaching the Library, Twilight gulped as he realised he needed to actually deal with this at some point.

“Hello Spike, are you home?” Twilight called out as he entered the library and headed upstairs towards the shower.

“Hello Twilight” Spike called from the kitchen, peaking through the door “Whoa, what happened? Everypony okay?”

“Oh, I just had a game of Hoofball with some of the other colts in town. The rain yesterday certainly made the ground soft”

“Must have done, you look like a right mess. Still, all that running around must have made you hungry. I’ve got a nice soup on the boil”

“Thanks Spike, I’ll get myself cleaned up and join my number one chef for dinner in a moment” Twilight called back. Despite wanting to deal with this, a rumbling stomach made Twilight feel perhaps later tonight would be the best time.

***

Meanwhile, Rarity had made her way back to Carousel Boutique being carefully not to get any mud or rainwater over her freshly groomed mane.

Ah, what a lovely afternoon it was, I do love our sessions in the Spa. It’s so nice to see Fluttershy relax and be herself away from all the problems in real life. I enjoy our weekly spa day for the luxury but I wonder if for Fluttershy is the only time she isn’t on edge?

Unlocking the Boutique door with her magic, she called out for Opal as she pranced in and turned on the lights. Opal just lay on a pile of spare fabric and gave her owner a look that indicated she was not in a good mood. Rarity noted the implied threat and went up the stairs to her workshop.

Now, what do I have to do at the moment? A few minor alterations and a couple of dresses for Diamond Tiara’s upcoming cute-ceañera. Hmmm, that’s not much to do given how creative I feel at the moment. I don’t know, since wielding those elements I feel that there’s a change within me, and all of us, but I can’t quiet put my hoof on it.

She went over to her workdesk, grabbed a clean sheet of parchment, closed her eyes and let her horn channel her creativeness. She heard a lot of scribbling but just let the ideas flow out of her. After a while she opened her eyes to see what it had drawn.

Hmmm, just lots of doddles of stars, all in purple ink? I suppose with the return of luna the next fashion is bound to involve night colours and motifs in some way…wait…IDEA!

Rarity went running off and started wrapping purple silk over one of her mare sized mannequins, pinning the material with silver trim quickly as a wave of excitement overtook her. “Oh why yes” she said to nopony “this is exactly what I need to show off in my Autumn collection”

The piece of parchment was blown off behind the desk as a roll of thread was levitated past. If Rarity had spent a few more moments looking at the parchment she would have realised that Luna is more associated with the Moon than the stars, and what was drawn looked more like somepony else’s cutie mark…

***

Back at the Library, Twilight was lying on the sofa, reading through her next assignment and letting the delicious soup slowly digest. Spike was lying on a cushion on the floor, nibbling a small chipped gemstone Rarity gave him as a welcome present.

“It was sure nice of Rarity to give me this to eat, it’s going to be difficult to get hold of gemstones to eat around here” spike suddenly said, a dreamy look in his eyes.

Twilight looked up from her “Far from it Spike. From what I understand Rarity can find gemstones using her magic. I’m sure if you help her out she would be able to give you some of the imperfect ones to eat”

“Imperfect or not, all gems taste lovely” Spike responded, taking another gentle nibble before putting it back in a box to save the rest for later. Afterall, being a present from Rarity it was something he wanted to keep hold of “You really think she would give me some gems?”

“Well, I can’t say for sure, but she is the element of generosity” Twilight giggled, knowing that the damaged gems are worthless to Rarity.

“Yes, the elements, they sure…” Spike started and trailed off. This was an opening and Twilight knew there wouldn't be a better time to talk.

“Spike, how have to been the past few days” Twilight asked, putting down her book and moving towards Spike.

“Yeah fine, great in fact. Ponyville is so friendly and there are so many more people I can speak to than in Canterlot. I mean, I miss the Princess and all, but Pinkie is so friendly and - ” Spike looked over “- but that’s not what you were talking about, was it?”

“Kind of, its great to hear you've settled in here. I suppose that Canterlot was a little boring for you, stuck with me all day. But obviously there’s been a bit of a change. I mean, as far as I’m concerned nothing has changed between us, I still love you and you're always be my number one assistant!”

“Yeah, it’s a little strange. I mean I always considered you to be half my mother-” Twilights eye watered up a little when he heard this “- half my sister, and half my best friend”

“Oh spike, that adds up to one and a half - ”

“Of course” Spike interrupted “because you were much more than a single pony to me” Both of them seemed to be struggling to control tears at this point. “But I’ve been thinking about it and I think that I’ll consider filly Twilight to have been my mother and my Big Sister. And now with the move to Ponyville I think it’s a new start with colt Twilight as my Big Brother and my mentor”

Twilight looked at the baby dragon, who was looking down at his feet and holding his tail.

“Oh spike, you are just so mature. Apart from being my assistant, you’ll always be my BDFF – Best Dragon Friend Forever. And we don’t know if the change is permanent or what so we have to be careful not to overcomplicate anything. I mean, do you think anything has really changed?”

“Hmmmmm, nothing much Twilight. I mean, if anything it’s nice to have another male around having been brought up by princesses and you. I mean, Shining was nice to have around when training allowed, so this could just be a good thing. And you haven’t really changed, you still just a big bookworm” spike sniggered as he pointed to the large pile of books read since arrival.

“Too true, number one assistant. But now you point it out, perhaps you could tidy the place up for me tomorrow”

“Oh shucks, I dropped myself in on that one didn't I?”

“You sure did, BDFF” Twilight laughed as he rubbed Spike’s head.

***

Rarity lay down exhausted on her bed, looking across at the draft dress she had put together. It looked absolutely divine and she knew it would be the centrepiece of her new collection.

It probably has to be one of the most exquisite pieces I’ve ever put together. Whatever is giving me inspiration at the moment certainly seems to be working. She knocked her hooves together excitedly. But something else seems to be helping.. am I trying to impress someone? Well, Sweetie Belle is getting older so perhaps I’m trying to inspire her whilst she looks for her cutie mark?

As she laid down preparing to sleep somepony else popped into her mind for a few seconds. Surely it couldn’t be due to him, could it? She shock the image out of her mind as she started slipping off to sleep…

Cute-Ceañera Crusaders

Three young fillies were sat around a table at Diamond Tiaras cute-ceañera

“How about... The Cutie Mark Crusaders?” Apple Bloom said with a smile

“It's perfect!” Scootaloo added, the little flightless filly flapping her wings, delighted at her new friend’s idea.

“This is gonna be soooo great!” Sweetie Belle squeaked, excited to find some people to speak to who don’t drone on about dresses all the time “I can wait to tell my sister!”

“You have a sister? That’s great, I have a sister…well, erm ah, I mean brother, two brothers” Applebloom responded with a smile, hoping her friends didn't pick up on her confusion. The last thing I need is to explain all that to them!

“Wait, you have a sister and two brothers” Scootaloo asked “That’s unfair, I don’t even have one!”

“No, only two brothers” Applebloom gulped nervously as the two filly friends looked at her confused. She let out a big sigh and decided if she was going to Crusade with them, they needed to know the truth. “I had a sister, but she’s now my brother” Applebloom muttered looked at the floor

Sweetie belle looked a little confused, but a virtual lamp ignited above Scootaloo’s head “Oh, you mean like Rainbow Dash, the best pony ever? I've been looking up to Rainbow for years and know the whole story behind that adventure! So your brother is one of the elements too?”

“Oh, that whole element thing” Sweetie said with a roll in her eyes “My sister goes on about that all the time. Why what happened?”

Applebloom and Scootaloo filled in Sweetie with the whole story, obviously making Applejacks and Rainbows parts a lot longer and more courageous than the others, and then filled the little white filly in regarding the effect of the magic on Applejack, Rainbow Dash and Twilight. At the end Sweetie’s face was a picture to behold.

“I’m so glad my sisters still, well my sister” Sweetie gasped “No offence intended to the Apple family of course” she quickly added.

“None taken” Applebloom said with a smile “I mean, it was weird and all when ma sister turned, but she, he, is still the same pony at heart, and there is a chance they would change back in time according to Twilight. Why Scootaloo, you look a sad?”

“Yeah, I mean it’s great and all that you both have family, but I feel that you guys have a special bond already”.

Having picked up on the tone in Scootaloo’s voice when she talked about Rainbow, one of the fillies thought quickly on her hooves. “Well, Rarity is an element, and I’m her number one fan” Sweetie proudly stated winking at Applebloom.

Applebloom saw where Sweetie was heading “And Applejack is another element and I’m his greatest fan”

Sweetie and Applebloom turned to Scootaloo and together slowly said “And rainbow dash is an element and…”

“…I’m his number one fan” Scoots finished with a massive smile. She had only just met them and her new friends were already making her feel better at every opportunity, more than any non-pink pony ever had. “Awww, you guys…I mean, I don’t mean to get all mushy but you’re like the sisters I never had”

The three little fillies had a group hug, much to Scootaloo’s annoyance, and bounced off searching for Rarity.

***

Rarity was in the corner of the party having a chat with Twilight and Fluttershy. Whilst they all enjoyed a good party, being friends with Pinkie Pie gave them no choice for that, they had all been busy of late and just wanted to hang out with a cup of special herbal tea designed to reduce stress Zecora gave them. Fluttershy had made the mistake of complementing Rarity on the design of the dresses she made for Silver Spoon and Diamond Tiara, and the element of generosity had been generously boring her friends for twenty minutes with the latest trends in fashion.

As the CMC’s approached the group, Sweetie could hear a few snippets of conversation and could tell Rarity was in full swing. I’m glad we came to find my sister, because if I can read body language I can tell that colt is not interested in the topic of conversation, although he must be hanging around her for some reason.

“Hiya Sis” Sweetie Belle interrupted her sister “I would like to introduce my new friends, wait, my new CMCFF’s, to you”

“Why, hello there My Little Ponies” Twilight said with a look of absolute relief on his face. “I’m so glad you have found the magic of new friendship. But what on Equestria are C.M.C.F.F’s?”

“Cutie Mark Crusaders Friends Forever” the three of them responded in unison.

Rarity looked a little disappointed that the long chat she was giving in the latest Canterlot trends (which had developed as she predicted) was interrupted by her younger sister. However, as soon as she saw the happiness spread across the three young filly faces she realized that there would be plenty of opportunity to explain it all to her friends again. “Why Sweetie Belle, you’re practically glowing”

“Sis, you never told me about the elements of harmony making any changes to you and your friends. How were you changed?”

“No Darling, as I’ve explained before, only three of us were physically changed by the elements. Myself, Fluttershy here and Pinkie Pie were unchanged, whilst Rainbow, Applejack –“

“My brother” Applebloom interrupted

“- and Twilight Sparkle here were mysteriously changed into colts” Rarity continued, having got used to her sister interrupting her at every opportunity.

The CMC’s turned to look at Twilight, studying him very carefully. Twilight didn’t like the fact that the three young ponies seemed to be almost searching his whole body looking for any clues on his previous life. Sweetie Belle had the look on her face of someone determined to do something, althought Twilight couldn’t guess what.

At that moment Applejack came over to see what he’s little sister was up to, with Rainbow in tow.

“Hiya Fillies, and Gentlecolt” Rainbow said in a mock posh tone and a little airborne bow.

Almost immediately Fluttershy made her excuses and went over to get some punch. That’s not the first time Fluttershy has left as soon as I’ve come over to her. I really must ask her if I’ve upset her someway as she has been avoiding me for weeks Rainbow thought to herself.

“Well Howdy sis, how are you and yaw new friends liking the party?”

“Hiya Bro, we’re having the best party ever!”

With that suddenly a bright pink blur seemed to appear from nowhere and squeezed herself into in an impossibly small and inappropriate space between Applejack and Rainbow

“Did someponies say party?” Pinkie Pie declared excited “I love to throw a party. Wait, we’re at a party, why do we need another one?”

“No Sugarcube, I was talking about this here party” Applejack replied with a slight exasperation.

He/She had always liked Pinkie, as even thought Pinkie was often silly and considered by some as a frivolous, Applejack saw that no-pony exempt himself worked harder. And who was to say that making people happy was any less important than apple bucking, as afterall they could simply eat grass but ponies sometimes needed a smile. I do wish she give everypony a bit more personal space tho, especially around us colts. I mean, I know she just being Pinkie and wants to make everypony happy, but it’s like she doesn’t know how inappropriate she can act sometimes!

“Okie Dokie Loki” Pinkie smiled, and rushed off across the room to help Pip bob for apples, somehow also managing to eat a whole cake at the same time.

The adult ponies listened to the CMC go on about how much the blank flanks had in common and how they were going to find their cutie marks together. Scootaloo was delighted that Rainbow Dash was a part of the conversation, Applebloom was delighted that her two new friends were blank flanks and Sweetie Belle was delighted to be part of a conversation that didn’t involve dumb fabric. Each of the elements thought back to how they got their own cutie marks and thought My story would make a great tale to tell at some point.

***

The party was winding down and all the young ponies were all leaving. Scootaloo had been taken home earlier by Fluttershy, and Applejack had just left with Applebloom lying asleep on her back. Sweetie belle was also yawning deeply – planning a crusade to get three fillies there cutie marks was sure tiring. The remaining ponies were saying goodbye, most with a youngling in various forms of sleep.

“Can you carry me home Sis?” Sweetie asked as she slowly swayed on her hooves

“Oh Sweetie, you know I would but that would muck up my dress” Rarity replied.

“But sis…” Sweetie started a moan but was interrupted as purple glow suddenly enveloped her and she was levitated onto Twilights back.

“I’m heading that way home so I can carry you back to the Boutique”

“Why, that’s very kind of you Twilight but sweeties my sister and I…” Rarity stopped midsentence noticing that sweetie was already settled in “…but I suppose now she’s comfortable? Thank you”

Twilight and Rarity trotted out of Sugarcube Corner and towards Carousel Boutique on the other side of town. It was a lovely late summer evening and Luna’s stars were just starting to make an appearance. For a while they walked in awkward silence, with just a faint snore from Sweetie.

“Rarity, I do have a favour to ask for you”

“Oh Twilight, anything for you” was the very prompt response, shocking the listener as much as the speaker. Why are you so eager to please Twilight?

“Um, Rarity, we have the Grand Galloping Gala later in the year, and I don’t really have any clothes at the moment. Of course I brought some down from Canterlot, but obviously I don’t currently have much need for those clothes right now…”

“Oh my, that is a problem indeed for a handsome colt such as yourself”

“Ha…Handsome?”

Rarity gulped as she realised how that might of sounded “Sorry darling, I went straight into salespony mode then. Afterall, there’s no point designing great dresses if you can seal the deal with a little compliment. I haven’t done much in the way of colt clothing before, but I have some books with designs I can put together for you”

Twilight thanked Rarity and the two ponies carried on walking in a silence even more silent and awkward than before. Oh my, did I just come onto one of my best friends? Rarity thought to herself. She causally gave twilight a quick look over from the corner of her eye. I mean, he is quiet handsome colt isn’t he, and despite being a bit of a bookworm has somehow kept himself in good shape. But could it really work? I mean, he was a filly up to a few weeks ago, and I don’t go that way. But Celestia did think the change was permanent…

Twilight was having some similar thoughts Why did you offer to carry Sweetie Belle home? As a filly it would be considered neighbourly, but a colt offering to walk a beautiful single filly home might be considered coming onto her. Wait, did I call Rarity beautiful? Well, I suppose she is one of the most beautiful and graceful ponies I’ve seen. And I might have to accept that I am a colt now…

The trio of ponies reached Raritys home It’s not like we knew each other long as fillies they both thought. Rarity unlocked the door and pranced into her kingdom of fashion, followed nervously by Twilight. Rarity showed Twilight up to Sweeties weekend bedroom and carefully levitated her little sister off of the colts back, tucked her in very carefully and crept out of the room.

Twilight had already gone downstairs to the store and was looking around at some of the dresses.

“Now, if you want me to make you some clothes, I need to take your measurements” Rarity suddenly appeared with a tape-measure Play it cool Rares, you don’t want to give the wrong impression. Without waiting for a response she started measuring the foreleg, neck and head measurements writing the dimensions down with her magic.

“Oh, how about a nice hat with the motif from the Element of Magic” she muttered in a way that wasn’t expecting a response. Twilight smiled as she thought of the creative fun her friend was going to have, although was concerned how much it could end up costing given how she could easily get obsessed with jewels and gold.

Rarity suddenly stopped and gave a little cough “Ahem, I now need to measure the *cough* inseam” she spluttered with a bit of a blush.

Twilight was taken back a bit “Sure, go ahead. But you’ve done this before Rarity, I’ve seen you measure tons of ponies, why are you suddenly shy?”

Rarity and Twilight stood there looking at each other, the air full of tension. The two ponies, who were new but good friends, weren’t sure what was going on. Rarity had always been courted growing up, but had always put her career first. She hadn’t even gone on a single date in her life despite countless offers each Hearts and Hooves day, and yet she felt a connection to Twilight like no other.

Twilights mind was equally racing. Being the Royal Protégé, as well as being raised by an Alicorn, filly Twilight had always felt she owed the Princesses full commitment to her studies, and committed she was. She didn’t make time for friends, let alone dating or any of that yucky stuff that comes after dating! Her father, Spike and shining armour were the only males she actually knew before coming to Ponyville, but growing up she always felt attraction to some of the Royal Guards. But ultimately there was a choice to be made – wait to see if she ever turned back into a filly, or more on in life as a colt.

Rarity finished doing the measuring without replying “Okay then, I think that’s all I need for now. I can get some designs together” She was starting to get a little flushed having to exam the colts body and posture. “Now, you still have the same body size as the average filly. Obviously have a slighter bigger muzzle but are no more muscular than Applejack was as a filly. No offence intended of course!

“None taken. Being in the library all day would be tiring work without my horn, but no doubt good exercise! I wonder if Applejack will turn out to be as powerful as Big Mac as he grows?”

“No idea, but I’m sure you’ll be strong enough to impress all the fillies” came Rarity automatic salesperson flirty reply, fluttering her eyes and looking a bit sultry “I mean those strong powerful legs you must do a lot of galloping. And such broad shoulders, I mean no wonder you had no problem giving my sister a pony-back ride home”

Rarity suddenly realised how she was acting and visibly blushed. Oh sweet Celestia, I can’t believe I acted that way towards Twilight. I mean she will be no doubt horrified, she’ll tell everypony else, I’ll get a reputation for being a flirt…this is the worst possible thing!

“Sorry Twilight” Rarity started to mumble “It’s just an automatic sales-pony response. Not that what I said is untrue in any way of course. I mean, you’re a fine specimen of a colt and any filly would be glad to have you for a date on hearts and hooves day..."

Twilight watched as Rarity dug herself into a hole bigger than anything Spike could dig, and grew redder than any apple ever grown. He would have tried to help Rarity out but she didn’t even seem to stop talk to breath!

“Not that I think about you that way, but of course there’s no reason I shouldn't. I’m sure that you’re confused enough at the moment and probably the last thing you want is to deal with all of that. Not that I’m asking you to. Dear me, I am just yammering now aren’t I? Please Twilight, don’t be upset!”

Twilight finally had a chance to get a word in and thought it was best “No problem Rarity, nopony minds getting a compliment not matter how, erm, confusing it may be expressed. How much will I owe you?”

Rarity breathed as the unicorn colt let the blushing filly off the hook “You’ll get the friends, family and element of harmony discount” She beamed “I’ll just charge you for the materials so once I get the designs I can let you know”

“Great, well, I’ll see you in a few days so we can see what that creative brain of yours comes up with”

“It’s a date, well, not a date, I mean…”

Twilight laughed, and trotted out Carousel Boutique, leaving it’s owner to shrink with shame and think Oh Rares, you are silly sometimes. Still, hopefully Twilights nature means he’ll no doubt let it pass. Rarity pranced to the other side of the floor and started organising some samples. Anypony who was watching would no doubt notice the extra spring in her step, and in her mane.

Upstairs, Sweetie had crept out of her room and was watching the end of the conversation. I’m going to get a brother in law she thought to herself and skipped back to her room and slept with a big smile on her face…

Conflict at Flutter Cottage

Fluttershy was skipping/floating round her cottage, attending to lunch for all her animal friends. It had been a day and a half since returning from the dragon "incident" and she still couldn't believe she had managed to talk to a Dragon like that. Much nicer to be safe and sound at home with all my small animal friends

Unexpectedly there was a knock on the door. The sun was shinning, the Dragon had gone and so Fluttershy without a care in the world run over to open the door to see who had come to visit. Nothing seemed like it would bring down her spirits today, but as soon as she opened the door she sank back, hiding behind her flowing pink mane.

"Hey Fluttershy, whats up?". Rainbow was hovering at the door, a big grin on his face.

"Oh, Hey Rainbow Dash" Fluttershy replied meekly

"I just wanted to come over and say thanks again for saving all of us from that Dragon!"Rainbow scratched his head "I mean, i probably had it covered, but you really saved the day, like we all knew you could!"

"Thanks" was the soft reply.

Rainbow was picking up the same negative vibes that he had been getting from Fluttershy for weeks, but he continued none the less "And Pinkie Pie's organising a thank-you-from-the-princess party. Apparently this is completely different from a thank you party, and from a princess party, so takes a lot of organising! Pinkie can be so random, hey?"

"Errrm...yes"

"Can i come in, it's been ages since we chatted"

"Ermm, I'm kind of busy right now" Fluttershy responded with a faked forced smile

Something in Rainbow just snapped She's lying to me, that's not the flutters I know. And with that Rainbow dashed inside the cottage and hovered in the middle of the room.

"Look Flutterhsy, somethings up with you. You haven't spent any time with me for weeks and seem to be actively avoiding me. Why?" Rainbow demanded in a tone even more aggressive than usual for the brash pony.

Fluttershy just stood there trembling in the door of her own cottage.

Great, now you're just scaring her Rainbow thought to himself. "Look Fluttershy, I didn't mean to yell" he spoke unusually quiet for him, whilst drifting slowly towards her. But Fluttershy just backed away from him. "Please Fluttershy, just talk to me. We go way back, what's wrong"

Fluttershy looked up at her friend, seeing the hurt in his eyes. Element of kindness, I'm not being very kind am I?. She sighed, took a very deep breath and "I'm scared of colts!" she yelled in the whispering way that only Fluttershy could.

Rainbow Dash fell out of the air in shock, for the first time since a foal. "What??" Rainbow was just about to stutter out completely caught off guard by the meekest fillies response. He could take on dragons, fly faster then the speed of sound and be the best flyer around, but he couldn't compute what he just heard!

"I'm, I'm sorry Rainbow" Fluttershy apologised "You knew this growing up, How I always ran off when colts asked me out"

You ran away from everything, how was I supposed to know it was because they were colts? I thought you just hated anypony new! rainbow thought "But, but, we've known each other since Flight school. We've been through so much together, are you just going to stop being friends"

"I'm..I'm...sorry" Fluttershy was close to tears "I just can't be near any of you on a one-to-one basis since you've changed. Especially you given how close we were growing up"

Rainbow looked towards his previous best friend, both of them nearly in tears as various memories floated in and out of thoughts. Rainbow racked his brain on what to do next. I can't give up on her, we have way too much history. But she can't stand to look at me any more, and acts like a scared little rabbit. Wait a minute Rainbow remember one of the earth pony magic tricks Pinkie had taught him, namely pulling a rabbit out of a hat. Surely it won't work on Fluttershy as she isn't actually a Rabbit. But perhaps treating her like a small animal is the only way to do this?

"Fluttershy, I you trust me for just a minute. If you still want me to go after then, I promise to go and never make you uncomfortable again" Rainbow pleaded

Fluttershy slowly looked at the colt addressing her. Rainbow was her best friend, neigh, her only friend growing up. And he may be big and scary colt now, but he was one of the Element bearers. And loyalty at that - surely he is one pony you can trust has my interests at heart? "Okay" she softly mumbled.

Rainbow asked Fluttershy to sit on the sofa, and whilst she sat down he flew over to Fluttershy's saddle-stand and picked up a scarf. Slowly approaching Fluttershy he gently blindfolded Fluttershy whilst quietly whispering "Trust me". Fluttershy gave some gentle whimpers but sat still and allowed it to happen. Rainbow stood in silence and gave Fluttershy some time to calm down.

"Fluttershy, listen to my voice. It is me, Rainbow Dash. We grew up in Cloudsdale together, and were best friends."

He watched as the yellow pegasus visibly calmed down, as he had hoped. "I'm Rainbow Dash, the same pony who shared a house with you as we both grew up without our parents around. I'm the same Rainbow Dash that stood up to those bullies for you. And I'm the same Rainbow Dash who you helped heal time and time again when I crashed doing stupid stunts" he laughed at the end.

Fluttershy gave a gentle giggle in response. "Oh, Rainbow Dash, I'm sorry for ignoring you for these past few weeks" she said, almost breaking out in tears.

Surprised by his accurate use of science for once, Rainbow put a hoof on Fluttershy's shoulder and the filly didn't flinch away. This is great, I have Flutters back!

He was about to speak but he realised he had a choice to make. If I continue down this route I will become Fluttershy's friend again, but then I will never be able to be her colt-friend...Wait, do i want to be her colt-friend, where did that come from? I mean, she is beautiful and always got the colts interest over me - i would be lucky to get a filly like her if I never change back. But surely there is too much history for anything to happen?

Is that also why they fact she was ignoring me bothered me so much, are we now meant to be together? But how can one of the fastest and greatest flyers in Equestria be in a relationship with a pegasus that can barely fly? I mean, if I was to date an earth pony or unicorn it would be acceptable, but surely Fluttershy could never fit in with the crowd that I would have to hang with?

Thinking hard, Rainbow Dash gulped and continued. "Look Fluttershy. I may physically be a colt now, but I'm still your friend and always will be. Nothing will change between us, I promise" Rainbow slowly took off the blindfold and looked into Fluttershy's big beautiful eyes which were very watery.

"Oh Rainbow Dash, I'm so sorry" and the filly gave her best friend a long overdue hug.

"So, shall we go and find the others. I'm sure Pinkie needs some help organising this party"

"Lets go, that is, if you want to" Fluttershy giggled and the two friends trotted out of the cottage side by side, chatting about the weather like the good old days. What a silly filly I have been. I mean, it's not like Rainbow is going to be all over you just because she is now a colt. Besides, I'm sue as a future Wonderbolt he wouldn't want to choose a earth-bound filly like me, no matter how much I want him. Wait...

Nightly Thoughts

Fluttershy was walking round her cottage, tending to some of her night-time animal friends. It was late, dark, and she was getting ready for bed with the Princess Party Tomorrow.

Or that had been the plan she should have been following, but the days events had her head in a spin I can't believe I hugged a colt she thought to herself, blushing a little I know it was only little old Dashie, but still thats huge! Before you know it I may have grown enough to have even kissed a colt He wings flapped with girlish glee.

"So who should I start dating?" She absent mindedly asked an owl as she filled up it's feed bowl

"Who?" Owlowiscious replied

"Yes, who indded" Flutters responded

I've had enough of this, I must find someone who actually listens to me! the owl thought to himself. I mean if anypony Fluttershy should understand me rather then just make cheap puns on my hoots!

Fluttershy's mind flew back to the argument earlier today Oh, I'm so glad me and Dashie are friends again As she walked up the stairs to bed there was clearly a visible bounce in her step and a twingy feeling just below tummy she had never felt before. Oh my, I have a funny feeling, gulp, down-there. I haven't got to first base with anypony yet, you can calm right down missy!

Applejack collapsed after a hard days work. Him and Big Mac were making repairs to Sweet Apple Acres post apple bucking season with the apple cider profits, and whilst he was a stronger then last year it was still taking a long time.

As he settled down on his rustic bed, he looked down at his body covered in bumps and bruises. He still hadn't quiet got used to the more angler body colts seemed to have. Gee Wizz, it just blows your mind to think what happened. I'm still not getting used to all the silly fillies trying to impress me all the time, especially when they are in heat. At least that's slowing down now winters coming he thought as he looked over his orchard.

Applejack thought back to earlier in the summer, and how she used to hate being in heat during the busy spells. It was a distraction that he enjoyed the prospect of never getting in the way again. Of course it is still a little distracting now all the fillies want to hang around me as a colt, but at least Fluttershy, Pinkie and Rarity know how behave. Applejack smiled as he thought that's the only time he's ever considered Pinkie behaviour positively in the years he had known her!

All the hard work and the cold showers that him and Big Mac took (due to Applebloom always using the hot water) meant that the colt hadn't yet felt the urges that the colts have, he just assumed that was a filly problem...

Twilight lay in bed reading a book about spells. He had a problem but it was one that could be solved...with science (what non-unicorns would actually call magic).

He/she had been aware of the problem growing up as the princesses protege, but as a filly it hadn't affected her. However, given the amount of time she had spent with the princess she had noticed that unicorn colts and stallions had trouble around the Princess, even the most loyal of royal guards (although most were pegasi). When Twilight was old enough, Celestia had explained that a side effect of being linked to a celestial body meant her mane constantly flowed with energy. And this in turn spread her pheromones wherever she went...

Now, Twilight had noticed this problem the same day she turned into a colt. When he and the two Princesses had been searching the Ponyville library for a cure, a small Treehouse for the two larger alicorns, he had noticed Celestia like never before. He had focused on her body more then her face (when she wasn't looking of course) and shamefully felt the same towards Luna as well. Of course he remembered afterwards his/her lesson as a younger student so didn't feel too guilty, it wasn't his fault.

However, the Princesses were due to visit tomorrow, so he needed to use a spell he knew had been devolped. He had luckily been able to get hold of the book "Secrets and Suppression Spells" and found he had a choice. The spell, which lasted a few months, could either block all urges towards females or just prevent attraction to the Royal Alicorns. I could block all urges, but where would be the fun in that? Besides, using the heat minimising spell too much is frowned upon even in Canterlot, as it's interfering with the creators design. So I guess a male bocking all urges would be the same? I wish a had somepony to ask, but can't really get in touch with Celestia over this one!

So Twilight cast a Alicorn Attraction Avoidance spell and went to sleep hoping it had worked for the party and the Princesses tomorrow. If not it was going to be a long day...

Rainbow was relaxing in his easy-cloud recliner. He had made up with Fluttershy, and was feeling good. Well, he felt a little awkward as well. He had noticed that he was getting a little more excited then usual by his adoring fans, especially the fillies. I mean, a certain young orange foal was his number one fan, and his number one student in waiting, but outside of the foals he found himself attracted to the fillies and mares that threw themselves at him. Groupies are magic

But he had been thinking that there was only one pegasus for him, although he wasn't sure what to do about it. He had made the choice to be her friend, rather then colt-friend. Given her problems, she needed him as a friend.

And he wanted to be, neigh was going to be, a Wonderbolt! He would be travelling around Equestria meeting lots of ponies. Fluttershy would hate that. And he would have to live at the Wonderbolt Academy whilst Fluttershy would not be able to fly up and down to look after her animals and be with him. No, him being with an a earth pony in all but wings would never work. But then he thought about that smile, that flowing mane and that thin delicate filly...

He felt a twinge in his body that he was used to growing up when she used to look at some of the Wonderbolts. Rainbow Dash moaned in frustration, in more ways then one! I need to get laid, soon! he thought as he drifted off to sleep.

Rarity prepared to get into bed. Of course apart from the hour of pre-sleep-beauty routine to get through, getting into bed like a lady also took a good couple of minutes. As she delicate slipped between the sheets, making sure not crinkle them or her nightdress in any way, she had plenty of time to think.

I get to see the Princesses against tomorrow she squeed internally. I have the perfect outfit and hopefully they will like me and invite me to Canterlot where I can become the sort of pony every pony should know! Of course I would miss my weekends with Sweetie Belle, but she could come up to Canterlot and get into High Society. Now, I like those friends of hers, but an orphaned pegasus and an apple farmer won't give her a wide range of experiences.

Little did Rarity know the long list of wide ranging plans the CMC's had already made to find their cutie marks, which would be plenty of experiences. Out of them all Cutie Mark Crusaders Cyclists would make her worry as they had decided to shave off their manes for aerodynamics...

As she settled down to sleep, her thoughts turned to the next day And of course I get to see my friends tomorrow, Pinkie, Fluttershy, Rainbow, Applejack and Twilight. Especially Twilight. He must know a lot about Canterlot society and I can pump him for information. Rarity started drifting off to sleep, where unknown to her her non-dress dreams, which the only ones she remember, were filled with Twilight and pumping...

Pinkie lay in bed, tossing, turning and murmuring in her sleep.

...so sweet and tasty, Cupcakes Cupcakes Cupcakes!

Afternoon at the Library

It was Friday afternoon and Twilight was tired already. Whilst Ponyville's Treehouse Library was his personal home, it was obviously used by the other Ponies in town, and Fridays the library open to the public all day. Now, the citizens didn't care for about half the books which were high level magic, but there were also sections on History, Science, Art and of course fiction. And a fair amount of books for the foals at Cheerilee's Schoolhouse.

There were a couple of ponies browsing around, picking up books and returning them not quiet in the same place, and Twilight was just starting to let off little puffs of steam from the top of his mane. Before he had a chance to explode, the Cutie Mark Crusaders had come running into the Library straight after school - Twilight could practically set his watch by them.

"My Little Ponies" He called out a little too cheery to the three foals, to break his frustration "How are you this fine day"

"We're great Twilight" Applebloom boomed "Just getting a head start on our homework so we can spend all weekend trying to get our Cutie Marks"

"I have this great plan for Cutie Mark Crusaders Spelunkers" Scootaloo called out looking over the extreme sports section (which given the library had been restocked by Twilight wasn't very big). "Do you have anything for that?"

A purple glow surrounded one of the books and Twilight passed a book to Scootaloo "Here you go Scoots, a book about rambling and low level mountaineering. It has some local maps and routes in it."

"Rambling and Climbing, isn't that a bit boring Mr Sparkle" Scootaloo responded, a hint of sarcasm and disapointment in her voice as she spread her wings to carry the book.

"Well, if you can master that I'll show you some more of the extreme climbing and caving maps. But I want to ensure you can handle them first" Scootaloo's body language picked up a little at the thought of more adventures to come

"That's a great safe idea" Sweetie nodded in agreement and rubbed a bruise on her flank "It's not like we've had much success at heights"

"Hey Twilight, we have to do a book report on some local history, any ideas?" Applebloom interrupted.

"Hmmmm" Twilight thought for a moment, and then grabbed two books from the history section, one older and one very new looking "How about the story of Nightmare Moon? Afterall, given that two of you have sisters who are bearers at the end of the story..."

"And one number one fan!" Sweetie Squeaked, smiling at Scootaloo

"...and a number one fan of the Bearer of Loyalty" Twilight added with a big smile "I think that it'll make a good report" That Sweetie Belle is sure, well sweet. Just like her wonderful sister.

"Thanks" Applebloom beamed back at the unicorn, balancing the two books on her back

"And for you?" Twilight turned to Sweetie Belle "Some fiction to read?"

"No thanks Twilight, could you show me where transformation spells are?"

Applebloom and Scootaloo were so surprised they dropped the books they had balanced, and Twilight couldn't but show a hint of surprise on his face.

"What?" Sweetie squeaked loudly "Why can't I read a magic book, I AM a unicorn?"

Twilight gulped and felt a little like how Rainbow must feel around Scootaloo, and even how he felt around the rest of the unicorns in town "Yes, of course you are. But isn't that a little advanced for you?"

"Of course! But I don't want to cast them, I just want to know more about them. You know, because you've been looking at what the elements did to you. I would like to know more about it in general" Sweetie beamed with a smile that would melt even the most hardened heart.

Twilight thought about it, and gestured towards the other side of the Library. It's not up to me to decide what Sweetie learns, and there's no way a filly as young as her could cast anything too dangerous... he thought back to when he got his Cutie Mark. Well, I did, but that's a different story!

The CMC's followed him to the magical side of the ground floor, and look around in excitement. This side of the Library was not normally visited by the rest of town, and Spike was busying himself sorting out a large pile of books on the floor.

"Twilights reading yesterday" Spike shrugged towards the foals as he climbed the ladder again Why are the books always on the top shelf?

Twilight levitated three newish looking books, and an old but thinner one, and placed them on three sides of a small round table which had some parchment and quills on it.

"Well, Cutie Mark Crusaders. These three books are beginners guides to Transformation magic, and I've also got you a book about the Elements of Harmony. Feel free to make any notes you want, but I'm afraid I can't check out magic books. It's a policy that the Princess enforces on all the magical tombs in all of Equestria's Libraries and bookshops"

The three fillies sat down and started opening the books. Applebloom and Scootaloo didn't care much for magic, but given that one of the Crusaders was trying something, they all threw themselves into it. And to Applebloom's relief this time it didn't actually mean throwing themselves into something!

***

About an hour later, after helping some of the other students find books for their reports, Twilight came back over to see how they were getting on. Scootaloo had obviously got bored and had doodled a picture of her and Rainbow Dash as Wonderbolts on her parchment. Applebloom had been reading, but had a look of pure amazment on her face.

"Hey Twilight, how old were you when you could cast stuff like this?" the earth pony asked in amazement.

Twilight thought about lying, but he felt it was wrong to lie to the Bearer of Truth's sister "Well, actually a couple of years younger then you"

The two non unicorns stared at Twilight in amazement, making Twilight a little uncomfortable I don't want to boast like that annoying Trixie filly I ended up chasing out of town!

Sweetie Belle looked up and started rolling away her parchments. She tried to levitate them into her bag, but could only muster a couple of sparks from her horn "Nevermind" she chirped and then put them in her bag with her mouth. Scoots had done the same with her picture whilst Applebloom just stared some more at Twilight.

"Find anything useful" Twilight asked, eager to see if the Unicorn had found her first visit to magic side of the Library interesting.

"Oh yes, it's given me a lot to think about" Sweetie beamed back, and then put on a serious thinking pose. Of course Sweetie Belle didn't want Twilight to change as she wanted a brother-in-law. She just needed to know if there was any chance of Twilight and the others changing back. And besides, if she did manage to find a way she would lose the brother she always wanted, but was bound to get the Cutie Mark she desired so greatly.

"Can I come back tomorrow?"

"Sorry Sweetie Belle, but the Library is closed tomorrow as I'm busy. How about Sunday?"

"Great!"

"Thanks for the books Twilight" the three foals yelled together as they started skipping out of the library"

Twilight had not seen what Sweetie Belle had written, and most of it was very basic. But there was one question on there that Twilight hadn't thought about asking, and it simply read "Alicorns: How?"

***

A little later Fluttershy came into the Library, with a worried look on her face. She went straight over to the medical section.

"Hey Fluttershy, what's up?" The library's assistant called out as approached "Anything I can help you with?"

"Hello Spike. I could do with some help...that is, if it's not too much trouble!"

"Nothings too much trouble for my friends" Spike beamed back "Something wrong?"

"Yes, I mean no, I mean a little. Rainbow Dash pulled a muscle trying to do a new trick, and I thought there may be something I can do to help him"

"Hmmm, there's a book somewhere for that" and with that Spike started looking over the bookcase.

"Oh, thank you Spike. Dash always gets into trouble and I'm used to helping out, but he's really pushing himself over this flying competition"

"Huh, yeah, he really wants to ... Pegasi Pain Problems, no that's not it...spend the day with the Wonderbolts."

"Yes, I've never seen him try so hard. I worry that he'll really hurt himself"

"Rainbow is a tough cookie, and besides he has you to look after him!"

Fluttershy started thinking to herself Yeah, for now. But everyone sees how he acts round the other fillies, showing off and everything. And yet round me he acts a lot different, so obviously he doesn't feel for me in the same way he does for the others. But when he gets injured, he always seeks me out...like I'm some kind of nurse of something! Still, I can't say no to Rainbow Dash Little did Fluttershy realise that she was the only pony Rainbow had ever felt comfortable being vulnerable around.

"Here we go, Wonderful Wing Wemedies *cough* I mean Remedies" spike suddenly pulled a book from a shelf and passed it to Fluttershy "This should help you with Dashes issues"

"Thank you spike, you are a wonderful Dragon" Fluttershy gave a gentle hug, and floated slowly away out of the Library.

"What did Fluttershy want?" Twilight asked spike as he returned to the centre desk to update the lent book list.

"Oh, the Bearer of Kindness was being Kind and Loyal to the Bearer of Loyalty - those two go well together don't you think?"

"What Fluttershy and Rainbow, or Kindness and Loyalty?"

"Both" spike replied, before running off to help Berry Dreams looking at the fiction section.

***

Later that evening, once Library hours were over, Twilight sat down to dinner with Spike. Twilight felt a bit guilty for the date he had the next day, and wanted to speak to Spike over it. However, he and Rarity had agreed to keep it all a secret for now. Caught in a duality of what to do, he was more silent then usual which put spike at a bit of unease.

"It was a busy day today, wasn't it?" Spike had resorted to standard conversational starters just to fill the silence.

"Its good to see so many ponies are reading more, I guess I'm having a positive impact in town"

"Yeah, I would never have guessed that Sweetie and her friends would have spent time sat reading Magic books before!"

"That was a bit of a shock, I guess I might need to follow up with Rarity to make sure either her or her parents have explained the dangers of magic to her"

As soon a Twilight had mentioned Rarity, Spike got a bit of a dreamy look in his eye. Whilst when they first arrived it made Twilight happy, now he was worried about going behind Spikes back.

"Spike, can I talk to you about something...something personal. As your guardian I need to make sure I help you grow up and there is something I've been meaning to talk to you about for a while, even before we moved to Ponyville"

"Sounds serious, what is it?"

Twilight took a small nibble of daisy sandwich before starting "Well, I can't help but notice that you have a bit of an attraction...to Rarity"

Spike gulped in response.

"Now, it's not up to me to tell you how to live your life, and I think I've explained the biological and mating side of things"

"Yes, you covered that very well with me!" Spike chuckled, turning red "Good job you did as well as I couldn't work out what was going on with some of the mares in Canterlot getting fat!"

"But obviously that was Pony reproduction. But you're a dragon, which means it's all different...eggs for starters. I don't know if you realise this, but there would be no way for you to have offspring with a pony"

"Offspring, I'm a little young for that right now"

"Maybe, but don't also forget that you will also live a lot longer than anyone in Ponyville. I know the Princess has prepared you for that as well"

Spikes eyes started watering up at the thought of life after Twilight "Yes, I will probably return to Dragonkind at that point." he sobbed "The Princess said I would be welcome to stay with her, but I think it'll be too hard..."

Twilight has started get tears in his eyes during this response, and levitated Spike over to give him a big motherly and brotherly hug. "Oh Spike, I didn't know" They cuddled for a while. Eventually Twilight broke the hug to have sip of water.

"Okay, so this is my point. If you were to be in a relationship with a pony, not only would you never have foals...or eggs, but you would have to watch as they died and then you would still be a young dragon in terms of your lifespan"

"Yeah, I had thought about that. I mean, its hard to even know who I should be having as friends. I hang around with you and the other bearers, but you are more like a parent to me. I suppose in terms of age and size I am more similar to Applebloom and friends?"

"Yes, but in terms of mental maturity you are in the same group as me and my friends. Maybe not got the years of experience, but you emotional and reasoning is very mature."

"Thanks Twilight, I had the best mother er sister, or whatever, growing up. And Cadence was always a good Dragon sitter as well!"

"Yes, it's something I've been worried about so wanted to make sure you were aware of it from an early age. You will have to spend your whole life in Equestria having to juggle a completely different physical and mental age compared to the ponies around you"

"So...do you think I shouldn't date Rarity"

"Oh Spike, I can't tell you that and wouldn't want to. Rarity...is a very beautiful pony but just make sure you don't let love blind you from the truth regarding any relationship you may have." Twilight felt a little guilty, but then he was doing the Dragon a favour.

Spike thought for a while "I guess you're right, I shouldn't really expect a pony to love me" he said glumly

"I love you, as do the princesses and anyone else who's ever met you"

"Oh, I know that Bro, I meant love in the other way. I know Rarity has already said that she wants to have foals when she's fully grown up, so it wouldn't be fair, would it? Besides, I know that she only has eyes for you."

Twilight started at his assistant in shock "You..you knew this?"

"Yeah, and it makes sense to me. I know you have a thing for her as well"

Twilights mouth opened but Spike put a claw up to keep him quiet

"It's okay Twilight, I know what you have said is the truth and is not done for any other reason to protect me. It's true I won't be able to give Rarity everything she needs, it's why I didn't actually ask her out"

The two old friends gave each other another long hug

"Spike, don't ever give up on love. You have a long life to lead and I'm sure that you'll find a Dragoness to fall in love with. And who knows, perhaps you will find a special somepony of your own."

"Thanks for talking to me Twilight, I hope that you and Rarity have a good date tomorrow"

"How do you know about that? It's supposed to be a secret!"

"Oh, you speak in your sleep sometimes, mostly about magic but last night you were practising some lines! Don't worry, I won't tell anypony else. Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye!"

Twilight went to the fridge and got out two big tubs of ice-cream "I think we've done enough today to deserve this" he laughed as he levitated a spoon and a whole tub over to spike.

Lovely Days turn to Wonderful Weeks

Saturday lunchtime couldn't have come soon enough for the two unicorns going on their first date, although both had been too busy since asking each other to really have time to sit around and think. However, Saturday morning dragged for the lavender bookworm as he paced around the library, whilst the white fashionista was trying to decide exactly what to wear Nothing too formal, it's supposed to be casual, but equally Rarity darling you want it to be special!

Twilight arrived at the cafe early, where he had booked the best table by the window. He asked the waiter for a bottle of water for the table, and waited for Rarity to arrive. Just before noon he saw his date walking towards the cafe in a stylish hat, her immaculate mane and tail swinging almost suggestively as she trotted happily towards the cafe. Twilight had never seen anything so beautiful that didn't involve magic. Rarity gracefully entered, came over to her date and gave a small peck on the muzzle quickly so no-one noticed Wow, here we go they both thought with a gulp.

The date started as a lunchtime date, but being great friends it naturally went on for hours. They started by ordering some salads along with some of Rarity's favourite tea blend, and a jug of Apple-acre's Premium Applejuice. They spent the whole day chatting, ordering afternoon tea and cakes and loads of extra tea as chatting was thirsty work. Occasionally somepony they knew popped in, and the pair asked each of their friends to join them for a while. Afterall, they currently wanted to keep their blossoming relationship casual and secret.

Twilight and Rarity discussed their pasts and the difficulties they had growing up. Twilight told Rarity all about his family back in Canterlot, including his brother in the royal guard, but thought it best not to mention how he/she was foal-sat by a Princess Afterall, you already are the rulers protege, the last thing you need is to seem even more of a show off Rarity meanwhile told of her frustration of growing up in a small town in Ponyville whilst she craved the society of a city like Manehattan or Canterlot. But she also explained how she loved her family and especially her sister who she hoped would follow her to the big city someday. Until then she was determined to make Ponyville as stylish as possible.

Of course the friends they invited over always asked why the two were spending some time alone together - Ponyville run more on gossip than any governance from Mayor Mare , and a colt and filly spending all day together was enough to raise gossip. But they simply said that they had both decided to get away from everything for the day after a hard week of report preparing and autumn line dress making. And given how close the six friends were, everypony just accepted that as the truth, much to the young couples relief.

***

In the mid afternoon, three fillies were slowly trudging through the centre of town covered with mud and brambles.

"Well, I guess we're not cut out to be explorers" Sweetie Belle sadly spoke, removing yet more mud from her ear and wiping it on the ground.

"How was I supposed to know that the short-cut went through Marshes" Scootaloo replied, dragging a branch that had get tangled up in her tail.

"You're supposed to look at the map" Applebloom laughed. She didn't mind being messy as she always seemed to end up that way after working on the farm "Lets get back to Sweet Apple Acre's and get cleaned up"

"Yes, can you imagine how much Rarity would freak if she saw you like that Sweetie Belle" Scootaloo teased imitating the unicorns squeak and they all started laughing.

At that moment they passed the cafe and Sweetie Belle saw her sister and her date in the window, sharing a laugh. Way to go sis, you look wonderful as always! I don't see how Twilight will be able to resist you.

"Oh, I think she has more important things on her mind" Sweetie laughed, and a new spring was added to her step as the three crusaders headed out of town.

***

As the sun started to set, the young sweethearts decided it was time to head home. Twilight settled the bill insisting that it was the gentle-colt thing to do for a lady, which caused Rarity to blush for the first time that day. They strolled back to Rarity's shop enjoying stretching their legs after sitting down all afternoon. The market was slowly winding down as the pair strolled together, so close that their flanks were nearly touching.

Reaching the Boutique, Rarity stood in the doorway and gave Twilight a quick rub of the muzzle, before blushing again "I had a wonderful time Twi"

"As did I Rares. So, shall we do this again soon?"

"I would love to, but I think we should take it slow. I mean, we're still young and only just met. We should take the time to get to know each other...and get to know yourself Twi"

Twi looked down at his hooves, a little rough around the edges and not painted like how she used to have them, or hooficured like Rarity's "Yeah, I guess that makes sense. After-all I have years of studying left yet and then I don't know what I'll do. Perhaps stay in Ponyville, but might have to return to Canterlot"

"Exactly, and I'm still making a name for myself. I hope to get my big break someday and then the world will be my oyster...our oyster!" Rarity gave Twilight another quick nuzzle and a little wink "We have the rest of our lives exploring the magic of this friendship" before shutting the door, leaving Twilight to almost float home like a Pegasus his spirits were so high.

***

The next afternoon Twilight was busy studying some old magic tomb, catching up on the studying he skipped the day before. Spike was off in town spending time with Pinkie and Applejack as the three best young chefs in Ponyville were comparing notes. Suddenly there was a knock on the door and opening it Twilight saw that Sweetie Belle stood there with a big smile on her face.

"Hello Twilight, it's Sunday" the small filly beamed "I'm back as you said"

"Hello Sweetie Belle, back to read more magic books?"

"Actually, I just want to write a letter, if that is okay with you?"

"Of course." Twilight smiled and walked back into the Library with the white filly following her. He levitated a quill, paper and and an ink-pot to a side table, and sat down at the main table to carry on working "You can write quietly over there and if you need anything please ask - I don't want books everywhere or spilled ink". He didn't mind Sweetie visiting, especially being the sister of his secret filly-friend, but wanted to ensure that if she was going to visit out of public hours that she understood it was on his terms.

Sweetie nodded quietly and went over to the table. She took the quill very gently in her mouth and slowly started scribing. Not being able to use magic, or having the details of a claw, meant it took a lot of time and effort to write neatly. Spike came back from Sugarcube Corner and was surprised to see two unicorns so engrossed in their work that neither paid much attention as he started his chores. After a long time, Sweetie put down the quill, rolled up the parchment and walked over to Twilight.

"Ah Twilight, I have a favour to ask you?"

"Anything Sweetie Belle, what is it?"

"Well, I was wondering if Spike could send this letter to the Princess for me?"

"Oh, what is it about, something wonderful you've learnt about the friendship with Scootaloo and Applebloom?"

"No Twilight, this is about Magic"

Twilight looked at the little filly and put on a bit of a stern face "Sorry Sweetie, I can't just send anypony's letters directly to the Princess"

"Awwww, but before you say no, again, let me read you the opening" Sweetie opened up the parchment, cleared her throat and started reading

Dear Princess CelestiaMy name is Sweetie Belle, and I am the sister of Rarity. I asked Twilight to send you this message and I hope it is not too much of an inconvenience. I apologise if it is and will take full responsibility as I have written this myself. If you don't respond I will never write to you again, but I have a question that I want to ask you.

"What is the rest of the letter about?" Twilight asked

"Well, it's something I want to discuss with the Princess only, so please don't read it"

Twilight looked at the innocent young filly and thought deeply. I'm not sure if I should bother the Princess, but I guess one letter can't hurt and Celestia never has turned down anypony's request yet. Besides, one day we may be family and so I don't exactly want to disappoint her "Spike, would you send this letter for Sweetie"

"Really?" the unicorn squeaked

Twilight nodded and Sweetie looked on in delight as he dragon consumed the parchment in the magical green sending fire he could produce. Sweetie thanked them both, giving Spike a quick hug and trotted out of the Library back towards her parents home.

A few hours later Twilight was relaxing with a novel when Spike burped up two quills in quick succession, one addressed to Twilight and the other to Sweetie Belle. Twilight opened the first letter from the Princess, which explained that she had replied to Sweetie's letter and that it was to be read by Sweetie only. It thanked Twilight for taking a chance in forwarding the mail. It went on to say the Princess would allow Sweetie Belle to write again, on top of any friendship reports which could be sent at any time.

Twilight smiled and gave the scroll addressed to Sweetie back to Spike and asked him to deliver it. Spike was happy to get out of the Library for a while and went for a walk to Sweetie's Parents house at the edge of town. However, on the way he bumped into the crusaders who were hanging out in the middle of town. He gave Sweetie the scroll and the filly put it in her bag, thanking Spike.

When her two friends asked her what it was, she just said it was extra homework she had done. She didn't like lying to her friends, but until she had read it she didn't want to let on it was from the Princess. And although she couldn't wait to get home and read it, planning for the next weeks adventures was more important to the other Crusaders, and so more important to her.

***

The following few weeks led to a lot of adventures for the Bearers, as well as the Cutie Mark Crusaders. There always seemed to be something happening, just enough new lessons learnt to send regular weekly friendship reports to the Princess.

Rainbow Dash won the young fliers competition with a Sonic Rainboom - Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash had spent the days before bonding over cheer-leading, with Rainbow forcing Fluttershy to learn the elements of a good cheer. Rainbow was later delighted to find out that Fluttershy had lost it with joy when he had performed the Rainboom, which was completely out of her normal reserved behaviour. He had never felt so attracted to her, and she had never felt so proud of the cyan rainbow pony she considered her best friend.

Also Rainbow had saved Rarity's life in the process of winning, much to everypony's especially Twilights relief. Rarity felt so guilty afterwards that she had allowed her vanity to get the best of her, especially as Twilight had to work hard to get the powerful spell cast in the first place. Of course all that Twilight had cared about is that Rarity was safe and as soon as they back on the ground, and alone at the Boutique, he gave her the most tender hug he had given anypony. They talked all evening and spent the whole time holding each other.

The annual Ponyville Running of the Leaves also took place, which to everypony's surprise was won by Twilight. Applejack and Rainbow Dash had spent the whole time battling each other, meaning they came joint last. Twilight had run with the main pack and had been able to mount a last minute sprint finish, no doubt helped by Rarity waiting and cheering at the finish line. What the two colts, and the rest of the runners, had not realised is that Twilight had been doing a lot of running to release some of the "stress" he had felt since first noticing, as a colt, Rarity.

The friendship of the bearers was growing stronger every passing week, and the attraction between Magic and Generosity was growing stronger with each semi-date and shared adventure. The two corresponding elements were glowing brighter back in vault in Canterlot castle and much to the Princesses delight, the elements of Kindness and Loyalty had also started developing a soft glow.

Choas at the Gala (Abridged) - Part 1

It was the night before the Grand Galloping Gala, the last celebration of the year before winter sets in and the Hearth Warming season starts, which seems to get longer and more commercial each year. The Manehattan to Canterlot, via Ponyville, sleeper service was winding it's way through the countryside. Six ponies, and their dragon friend, had boarded at Ponyville and were settling down for the night in their private eight pony sleeper carriage - six bunks for the ponies, one for Spike and one to carry all their language (80% of which was Rarity's).

They had decided to travel up the night before so they could make the most of the trip, staying in Canterlot Castle overnight. It was the suggestion of Luna who had yet to thank them for saying her from Nightmare Moon, and it suited a young pairing plans perfectly...

***

A week before the Gala Rarity had insisted that her five friends came over for final adjustments to their outfits. They were due to meet at three in the afternoon, but Twilight had arrived a little earlier so they could talk. He arrived with a smile on his face although also a little sadness in his eyes.

Twilight explained to Rarity that as the Princess's Personal Protege, he would be expected to spend all night with the Princesses. Of course he loved spending time with Celestia and couldn't wait to catch up with his favourite teacher, but wasn't happy that he wasn't going to be able to enjoy the Gala with Rarity. But duty called and Twilight took his duties as seriously as his brother in the Royal Guard, or as seriously as Rarity took her outfits.

"That's Okay" Rarity cooed back "I completely understand darling"

"But there is some great news which I received today" Twilight demeanor picked up "I asked the Princesses if the six of us could travel up the day before and spend the day before and after the gala staying in Canterlot Castle..."

"Canterlot Castle?" Rarity interrupted with a dreamy look.

"...and they agreed!" Twilight continued, already familiar with the interruptions whenever he talked about Canterlot, Princesses or pretty much anything outside Ponyville "So we can spend some time together before and after the gala"

Rarity started shaking a little "You mean, I get to spend some time in Canterlot?"

"Yes, with your personal travel-guide...me!"

"Oh, the best pony to spend in the best place!" Rarity gave her colt-friend a hug. "But...what should I do at the gala? Can't I spend at least some of the time with you?"

Twilight thought deeply "Well, perhaps if we had been together longer I could ask the Princess, but I don't think it's appropriate this year?"

"And I suppose the others would either be jealous, or realise that we were more then friends?"

"What would you have done if we weren't together?" Twilight asked innocently "I doubt you would have been selling food! Well, I hope not, do you know how hard it was to get Applejack that permit?"

Rarity thought hard "Well, either schmooze some of the fashionable ponies, or..." she paused and look a little sheepish "...probably try to flirt with Royalty"

"Well, that's perfect" Twilight seemed delighted, until he saw the shocked look on Rarity's face "I mean, spending time with Royalty would be a great introduction to Canterlot High-society for when..." he paused a second "I mean IF, we ever move back there...together" he finished looking down at his hoofs.

Rarity seemed a little shocked "Oh my, Twi, you think about that sort of thing?" she asked with flourish of eyelash flutters.

Twilight thought about the long check-list for the relationship he had prepared, covering the next decade "Well, I always plan ahead..." he started, rubbing the back of his head nervously.

Before the conversation could get more awkward for the for forward thinking colt, the shop bell rung as Fluttershy had turned up for her fitting, shortly followed by their three other friends. Phew, dodged that one Twilight thought to himself.

During the long Dress and Tuxedo tailoring session, they discussed the upcoming Gala and the visit to Canterlot. Twilight promised each of them a personal tour of whichever part of the city they wanted, as it was the only way he could guarantee time alone with Rarity. Luckily the others were happy to pool their time together to visit the main sights, leaving Rarity to ask for a personal tour of the fashion centre, something she knew none of the other friends were interested in.

The conversation then turned to the Gala. Twilight explained his royal duties and also confirmed to a delighted Applejack that he had the pitch permit. Fluttershy softly but excitedly declared that she would be aiming to meet all the night critters, whilst Rainbow Dash was going to hang with the Wonderbolts, having been invited after saving them at the Young Fliers Competition. The attention then turned to the seamstress busy putting the final touches to Fluttershy's dress.

"Oh me? Well, I'm going to track down Prince Blueblood. I'm sure when he sees me, in my dress, he's bound to fall hopelessly in love with me!" Rarity was putting on her best fake smile hoping for a distraction.

"And I'm going to tear up the dancefloor, wooo" the pink party pony announced, moonwalking past her friends. Rarity could swear she had seen a hidden crowbar in Pinkie's cotton-candy mane but decided it was best not to ask, being grateful for the diversion.

***

As Luna's night fell on the train, Rarity and Twilight both lay in their separate bunk beds, regretting that they hadn't yet made their relationship public so they could have spent more time together in Canterlot. They could have cuddled each other this night but on the coldness of the carriage that night the cuddle would have been for warmth rather than tenderness.

Applejack had just about finished warming up the bed and blankets and was close to sleep, when suddenly he found Pinkie snuggled in bed next to him Sweet Celestia, how did she get in here through the sheets?

"Erm, Hey Pinkie, this ain't you're bunk" he whispered to the filly suddenly intertwined with his body, a tad nervously.

"It's too cold over there, you're nice and warm" was the softly spoken reply from the yawning earth filly

"In that case Sugarcube, couldn't you share with one of the others?"

Pinkie shifted slightly on the bed "Have YOU tried sleeping with a Pegasus - its super awkward because of the wings just get in the way. Twilight might just accidently teleport me off the train or something in his sleep being so powerful, and Rarirty...well, can you image somepony else being allowed to touch her sheets?"

Applejack looked over Pinkie to the bottom bunk opposite where Rarity was somehow lying in a bed without a single noticeable bump or crinkle in the sheets or pillow.

"Well, that certainly is the honest truth" Applejack laughed

"So that leaves you silly. Besides, don't you want to sleep with me?" Pinkie asked with the most innocent inflection in her voice.

"But, you know, a colt and a filly..." Applejack paused, looked over the peaceful pony lying in his hoofs and sighed "That's okay Pinkie, I don't mind sharing warmth with you! Goodnight"

Pinkie just snuggled further into Applejack's body, almost as thank you, and the two Earth ponies spent a peaceful night sleeping in each others arms.

***

The next morning Applejack woke up by the announcement that they were ten minutes outside of Canterlot Station. Applejack yawned and opened his eyes to find four pairs of Pegasus and Unicorn eyes staring at him. Suddenly the night before came flashing back to mind, but he then noticed that his friends were trying to stifle laughter.

"So AJ" Rainbow asked with a smirk "Do you always snuggle up to a pillow like that?"

Applejack looked down and found a pillow hugged close to his body where Pinkie had been, before noticing Pinkie stretching out on her bunk. "Absolutely not, I was cold dat's all" I must have dreamt last night, that's a relief

"Oh really?" Fluttershy laughed with a softness in her eyes "Are you sure you don't want my teddy bear next time?"

Pinkie suddenly chirped up "Leave Applejack alone! Us earth ponies don't have your pegasus wings to keep warm, or your freaky horn magic to warm up. We have to make do with what we can." she declared sitting down, crossing her front hooves almost aggressively.

The others took this at face value, apologised, and started getting their stuff ready to disembark. Applejack went over to Pinkie who was packing up in rapid movements "Thanks for bailing me out back there!"

"No problem, snuggle buddy!" came the response from Pinkie, somehow appearing in two places at once.

Realising that last night did in fact happen, Applejack's cheeks went as red as his cutie mark and he quickly adjusted his Stetson to cover his face.

Arriving at Canterlot Station, they got off the train to note a contingent of Royal Guards trotting towards them. They introduced themselves to Twilight Sparkle and Spike who they reconsigned, and explained the Princesses had sent them to escort them to the Castle, along with any language. This had seen like an easy assignment, until they noticed the amount of luggage next to one of the unicorns.

As the dozen ponies, one with a dragon riding on his back, made there way through Canterlot, Twilight and Spike gave a audio tour of the places they passed - Twilight focusing on the history, Spike the best places to get snacks. The five friends oohed and ahh'd a little, but that was nothing from the gasp elicited from when the Royal Palace came into sight, nor when the outer doors were opened allowing them in.

They were led up towards one of the towers and had to climb many steps to the top much to the strain of the guards carrying luggage. At the top was a large room with seven beds set up, each distinctive decorated for each pony and a smaller one for Spike next to Twilights. Books lined many shelves, and the ceiling was painted like the night sky.

"Ahhh, my old room" Twilight sighed, happy at being back in his old digs.

"This is perfect" Rarity coed almost fainting at the thought of staying in the Royal Castle, much to Twilights delight When, I mean if, we move back here, I get to live here? was a delightful thought in the back of Rarity's mind.

Pinkie had already dived onto her pink bed and was jumping up and down when she turned towards the door "Oh, Hi Princess!"

As the other ponies turned round, Celestia landed in the doorway, causing them all to curtsey or salute as appropriate except pinkie who did a salute whilst backflipping, a significant hmour in Pinkie's mind. Celestia dismissed the guards, welcomed the Bearers and explained that she was too busy to spend much time with them today as she was preparing the Gala. But her and Luna would be happy to have a brunch with them tomorrow. Twilight thanked the Princess and Celestia flew off to sort out the catering.

***

It was an hour before the Gala and the seven guests were all getting ready. The morning and early afternoon had been spent as a group touring Canterlot, before they had returned for an afternoon nap.

The colts and Spike were ready - They were wearing special Tuxedo's, and despite not being fashionista s had to admit Rarity had outdone herself to make them unique to each of them. Twilights had subtle star charts in the weave, Rainbows was as outlandish as his mane, whilst Applejacks looked like a professional sales-pony, albeit one with an apple shaped bow-tie. The fillies were doing each others manes and make-up, with Fluttershy's taking the longest due to the subtleness required to make the most of her delicate features.

After what seemed like an eternity to the waiting males, the seven made their way down the tower to find themselves right at the beginning of the walkway into the Gala. The bouncers gave them a nod and they started their grand entrance. Spike led the way, in-between Twilight and Rarity who's outfits were matching regal styling. They were followed came Applejack and Fluttershy, in similar natural/earth themed outfits, with Rainbow and Pinkie at the rear, both in a more garish outfits. They were all so happy they started to hum a tune...

After an impromptu group song with associated flash-mob of hundreds of ponies singing and dancing in time, they entered the Gala and all went there own ways, Twilight and Rarity with a heavy heart.

***

The next morning they all woke up, and started their morning exercise/beauty regimes. They were all thinking back to last night, and were a little nervous over what was going to happen at brunch.

Twilight had found Princess Celestia greeting ponies, and after a quick welcoming wing hug, Twilight had started shaking hooves alongside the Princess. However, he quickly realised he had forgotten that it had been a few month since he had cast the Alicorn Attraction Avoidance spell and it had worn off. Spending a few minutes next to Celestia was bad enough, but all night was going to be murder. Sensing his discomfort, Celestia had no choice but ask Luna telepathically to join them, just to make his discomfort twice as large. Despite the allure of two Alicorns, Twilight had somehow managed not to burst into flames during the evening. But having forgotten to cast the spell, which he probably would have been expected to use, he was worried what his mentors would make of his attraction to them.

Surprisingly, Fluttershy had started the real chaos of the evening. Having not been able to use her special gift to attract the Canterlot animals to her, she had came over with Flutterage and scared all the animals, causing them to stampede into the main hall. The hall was already disrupted from Pinkie trying to get everypony dancing The Pony Pokey, but of course Canterlot's elite weren't looking to have that sort of fun.

Now, that wouldn't have been so bad if not at exactly the same time Applejack was wheeling in a massive and tall apple-cake. The animals knocked over the cake and Rainbow had tried to stop it falling onto the other ponies, in order to impress the Wonderbolts. However, being a cake rather then a solid object he usually caught, Rainbow accidently flew into the cake, causing it to explode outwards over everypony in the room. With the guest anger raising, the four Ponyville residents beat a hasty retreat out of the hall, looking for Twilight and Rarity.

Rarity had had the worse night though - she had approached Prince Blueblood to get to know a member of Royalty. However, Blueblood was a bit of a mares colt, and was used to taking advantage of the young fillies who courted him. Finding Rarity the most attractive filly at the Gala, he had flirted with her all night, acting like a spoilt and over-confident idiot. Of course Rarity couldn't turn him down, but when he had felt inside Rarity's dress with his magic, she had slapped him and called him out in-front of the Canterlot elite.

Celestia had seen Rarity run towards them from one side, and four ponies covered in cake being chased by animals the other side. "Run" Celestia had suggested to Twilight, and grabbing Spike in his telekinesis, the seven of them had run as quick as possible back to the tower, leaving the chaos of a ruined Gala and a embarrassed cousin behind for the Princesses to sort out. They had locked the door and not even looked outside all night, worried over ruining the Gala.

***

The clock tower rung a quarter to eleven and the bearer six (and Spike who didn't know what all the fuss was about) knew they had to go and meet the Princesses for brunch. Very sheepishly they headed outside and slowly across to the Royal Breakfast rooms. Nopony seemed to be paying any attention to them, which they couldn't work out if that was a good thing or a bad sign. Reaching the Royal Chambers, they entered the room to find a tired looking Celestia and Luna already drinking tea.

"Good Morning, My Little Ponies" Luna pronounced a little too cheerfully for the ponies liking.

"Good Morning Princesses. I would like to begin by apologising in full for last.." Twilight stopped mid sentence as Celestia had raised a hoof.

"No need to apologise, it was one of the best Gala's we ever had" the ruler said with a massive smile, with Luna nodded in agreement.

"Indeed, they were never this fun a thousand years ago" the night princess added, munching on some toast.

The six ponies breathed a huge sigh of relief and joined Spike in helping themselves to some brunch. The conversation was full of fun and the Princesses teased them all about the relevant chaos they had caused, except Twilight of course. About halfway through brunch, a Royal guard came bursting into the room, startling them all. Before Celestia had a chance to ask what warranted the interruption to the Royal Brunch, the Guard exclaimed some words that caused a look of shock on the Princesses faces.

"Discord, he has escaped!"

***

They all quickly run across the castle to the main throne room, Celestia and Luna explaining the situation on the way. Twilight, nor any of the other Bearers, had seen the Princesses look worried before. The Princesses explained that the lack of their connection to Elements of Harmony would have caused Discords prison to weaken, and the chaos the night before had set free the Master of Chaos. The young ponies had felt like it was their fault but Luna explained much like Nightmare's return, it was foretold to have happened at some point.

Arriving in only a few minutes, Celestia and Luna went over to a wall safe, and entered their horns to unlock it. Inside was supposed to be a chest containing the Elements of Harmony, but all it contained was a note. Celestia read out the letter from Discord who had hidden the elements and given them a riddle to solve, along with some rules. The main rule was that if Celestia or Luna left the castle building, Discord would use his power to push the sun and moon away from Equestria, permanently. The second was that flying or magic was forbidden to recover the elements. The third was Dragons weren't allowed to take part, and suddenly Spike was teleported all the way back to Ponyville.

The ponies considered the riddle, and decided the elements must be hidden inside the Royal Hedge-maze. They run quickly to the maze, but the moment they stepped in they were magically transported away from each other. They shouted out that they should all meet in the middle, and the six ponies all cheered that together as friends they were unstoppable!

Twilight had managed to find his way to the centre of the maze first, where he found Discord waiting for him. Discord tried to tempt Twilight to turn with the Dark-side by sharing his chaos magic powers with the colt, but Twilight was having any of it!

"Together, we can rule Equestria!" the Draconequus declared to the Lavender pony, who was struggling to resisting using his magic on the enemy taunting him.

"No way Discord, good will always overcome evil!"

"The others have given up, why won't you? You're an impossibly stubborn pony"

"I don't trust a word you say"

"Oh. Well, you may not trust me, but you you're not prepared for what awaits you"

With that he disappeared, and the five other bearers entered the centre clearing from five different tunnels. Twilight gasped as he saw them, as each had lost most of the colour in their bodies and manes, and were all acting crazy! Fluttershy was acting mean towards the others, Pinkie had straight hair and was grumpy, Rainbow kept looking at the clouds, Applejack was lying about everything and his beloved Rarity was rolling a dirty big rock claiming it was a diamond.

Suddenly, Rainbow declared he had had enough and needed to save Cloudsdale. Before they could stop him he flew off, breaking Discords second rule. No sooner had this happened then the ponies were magically Teleported back to what was left of Ponyville, where Discord explained they had lost. Discord had turned the town upside down, sometimes literally, which gave Twilight an idea of where the elements were Discord managed to move them, but not actually know where they are!. He run back to his Library and found the elements of harmony in his diary, the real answer to the riddle.

Twilight had gathered the four remaining Bearers and persuade them to try activating the Elements. But without Rainbow Dash they couldn't, and as soon as they failed the other four ponies left, leaving a disheartened Twilight alone with Discord.

With his friends and his lover abandoning him, Discords discouraging words started having an effect and as Twilight trudged back to his Treehouse Library the colour started to drain from his mane "I guess there is nothing left for me here..."

Chaos at the Gala (Abridged) - part 2

Twilight entered the library having not being able to defeat Discord and saw Spike laying in the middle of a bunch of scrolls. "What are these?" he asked looking at the ill looking Dragon.

Discord suddenly popped up from amongst the scrolls, reading one. "Oh, that silly Celestia was sending back your friendship reports. I guess she doesn't want to have you as her protege any more now you have failed her"

Twilights colours grew even darker and Discord danced with delight. He turned to Spike "Ah, hello dear friend, burnt any good books recently?" he quipped. He picked up the exhausted Dragon, aimed him towards the scrolls and squeezed him. This caused the dragon to emit his green fire, sending all of the scrolls back to Canterlot in one fair swoop!

Discord had never felt happier, he had won! He knew that as long as the Bearers of the Elements were disbanded, he was safe to rule Equestria. The other bearers could not resist his hypnotic powers, only Alicorns and for some reason this particular unicorn were safe from that. Although he could still remove anypony their powers and even Alicorns were susceptible to being brought down by chaos and sadness.

Twilight had started packing up some bags to leave town and Discord felt so happy he decided to rub it in.

"I could turn you back to a filly if you really want me to, to help you make a fresh start away from your ex-friends. Won't that be great, not seeing those pathetic ponies ever again"

Twilight sighed as he thought "Yeah, some friends they are. Applejack is just a big liar, Fluttershy is a big meanie, Rainbow is a jerk that doesn't care for anyone but himself and Pinkie is no fun anymore. And Rarity..." his train of thought stopped as his mind filled with the image of the Indigo maned unicorn.

"...and Rarity..." He thought back to when they first met, their first date and all the quiet moments they have shared since

"and Rares, who I LOVE, I could never leave!"

Instantly Twilights body and mane filled with his original colour. Whilst Discord was in a state of confusion over what had happened, Twilights horn glowed and Discord disappeared.

"That'll keep him busy for a while! It's time to get my friends back..." and with that Twilight grabbed a small box from a shelf and ran out of Golden Oaks Library, leaving Spike in bed to recover from his exertions.

Twilight made a beeline towards Carousel Boutique and went running in. Rarity turned, scowled at the intruder and placed herself between the colt and her new 'diamond'

"GET AWAY FROM TOM, HE's MINE" she yelled

"Rares, I'm not hear to take your diamond, I'm here to give you something"

"Oh, really?" The selfish unicorn asked in delight

"Yeah, I hadn't planned on giving you this for a while, but this seems like the time to do it" Twilight levitated the box and opened it, revealing a diamond ring. "Rarity Gemstone Belle, will you make me the happiest colt alive by agreeing to be my wife?"

Rarity was ignoring the words, and just looked at the ring. The diamond was small compared to the large gem she had found but still it was object that if she owned no-one else would. "IT'S MINE" she yelled and tried to levitate it towards her. However, it was already in Twilights aura and he placed it over her horn, fitting perfectly. The two unicorns eyes met and he leaned into her and gave the filly a kiss. As soon as their lips met, Rarity's mane colour instantly returned.

"Twilight? What's happened, where are we?"

Twilight explained what Discord had done to each of them, and how he had freed her from the curse by being generous towards her.

"Lets go...but before we do, why is there a ring...on my horn..and fitting perfectly?" Rarity asked, looking up at the ring.

Twilight scuffed the ground a little "Well, my act of generosity was to give you a ring I inherited. I hadn't planned to give it to you for quiet a while yet, and in very different circumstances. But it was an emergency"

"It's a horn ring...they are only for one thing?" she gasped "So...you wanted to marry...we're engaged?"

"Well, you didn't exactly say yes" Twilight laughed a little nervously "I just had to distract you enough to get you to notice me."

Rarity took Twilights face in her hoofs "Yes, my darling, yes I'll marry you!" and gave her fiancée another kiss. She then let go of the face and danced on her hooves "Ohhhhhhh, I'm engaged, I can't wait to tell my parents, and Sweetie Belle!"

Twilight looked at the happiness of his fiancée, but then snapped back to reality. "Rare's, the time to celebrate, and discuss the future, is later. We have to find the others and save Equestria!"

Rarity nodded in agreement, and grabbing a scarf, the pair left the boutique. Twilight headed towards Sugarcube corner "I think I know how to get our Pinkie Pie back"

Quickly reaching the bakery on the other side of the market, Twilight burst in followed by Rarity. Pinkie was in the kitchen like she normally would be, but rather then baking something sweet she was just cleaning the cooker.

"Hello Pinkie Pie" Twilight and Rarity chirped together

"Oh great, what do you want?" The usually happy pony replied

"Well, we have some news that I think will make you happy, so happy that you'll no doubt you'll sing" Twilight responded, ignoring the unnatural hostility.

"Happy? I don't think so! And singing, Is that all you think I do?

"I asked Rarity to marry me..."

"...and I said yes!" Rarity finished with a flourish, flashing the ring in the light.

Pinkie looked at the happy couple, and very quickly her various shades of pink infused her body and mane, and she started bouncing around singing

"To a very special couple, Who make a perfect pair

This news brings me happiness, In the future you will share

It wasn't long ago you met, but you've shared much love and laughter

May your Engagement make you, Happy Ever After"

She ended with a big laugh and equally big hug round the pair of unicorns "Oh you guys, what happened? Last thing I remember we were lost in Canterlot's maze"

"No time to lose, follow us to Fluttershy's cottage and we'll explain on the way" Twilight said, already heading out of the door

***

Discord found himself back in Canterlot Castle, in an epic battle with Celestia and Luna. Actually, it wasn't a battle at all as the Princesses were powerless to stop him. They were on one side of the throne room throwing magic blasts at him which he simply dodged and threw custard pies back at them, most of them hitting them. He found the two prior rulers of the kingdom, and former captors, covered in pie very amusing causing him to completely forget where he had been and how he had arrived.

The two princesses knew the battle was pointless without the Elements of Harmony under their control. But Discords sudden appearance in the castle had Twilight's Aura round him, rather then his more audible pop, which made them think their student had sent Discord there to get some time. And despite being splattered by lots of pies, they knew if they could keep him distracted long enough it may just be enough...

***

It took about fifteen minutes for the trio to reach Flutter-cottage at the edge of town, where they found Fluttershy wandering around pushing animals into the mud, shaking them out of trees and generally being mean towards the critters she usually cared for.

"Oh Fluttershy, I'm so glad we found you" Pinkie shouted and ran towards her friend for a hug.

Fluttershy saw the earth pony approaching and side stepped at the last minute, tripping Pinkie over into a chocolate milk puddle.

"Awww, that was just mean" Rarity gasped "But we have exciting news"

"Oh, boo hoo. You think I care about your news?

"Maybe not, but I thought you would like to know that me and Twilight have decided to get married"

"So what" Fluttershy spat, whilst throwing a mud clot towards Rarity.

Twilight stopped the mud from hitting Rarity who looked towards her friend and said "Well, I would love for you to be my mare of honour"

Fluttershy stopped as she was about to push Pinkie over again, and turned towards Rarity in a state of shock

"I know you don't have any brothers or sisters which you could be a mare of honour or best mare for, so I thought you could be mine. Sweeties too young..."

Rarity stopped halfway through her sentence seeing a tear form in Fluttershy's eye "That's so...kind!" the pegasus blubbered out as her yellow body and pink mane slowly infused. The four of them ended up in a group hug, and quickly started galloping towards Sweet Apple Acres, explaining everything to Fluttershy on the way...

***

Discord had grown bored of the pie fight, and instead decided to get some revenge on the sisters. He had taken away the alicorns wings and horns, as without the elements they were as helpless as all the other ponies. He was riding Luna around the throne room like the ponies had to suffer in the dark times. Luna had tried to buck him off, but without magic she had quickly tired and Discord magically kept Celestia's hoofs out of reach.

Discord took great delight mocking Celestia that she wasn't able to protect her little sister, and relishing the tears coming from the pair of royal eyes. I'll get you for this Celestia vowed with a sense of hatred in her eyes that Luna had not seen for a long time, not even in the moment before her banishment to the moon...

***

Applejack was sat at the farm eating apples and saw the four ponies approaching who slowed to a trot and waved.

"Hi Applejack, it's great to see you" Fluttershy called out

"I can't see you" Applejack responded with shifty eyes

"Well, we just come over to tell you something...well, show you something really" Twilight laughed

"Yeah, notice anything different about me" Rarity asked, making the ring glisten in the starlight (the days were currently lasting about 10 minutes thanks to Discords control)

"I don't notice anything different about you Rarity" Applejack lied, but his eyes stayed transfixed on the ring

"Really?" Fluttershy giggled

"Nope" Applejack lied, but his eyes stayed focused on the ring.

"Are you suuurrreeee" Pinkie purred, seeing a battle taking place between the lying curse and the farmers eyes

"Heck no...wait there sure is something different. If ma eyes don't deceive me, I could swear that is a horn ring"

"It is" Twilight laughed and pulled rarity into a shoulder hug "We're engaged. Sorry that we hadn't told everypony about our special friendship, but we were frightened by what would happen. But we shouldn't be scared of the truth!"

The colour came flooding back to the earth pony's body as she came running over and shock Twilights hoof, followed by a quick hug of the bride to be "That's great news u'all, lying gets nopony nowhere. Wait, where are we?"

Twilight explained what happened for the fourth time that day, as the five of them sat down and started planning how to track down Rainbow Dash.

***

Back at the castle, Discord had grown bored of riding the royal sisters and instead had started confusing the royal guard by disguising himself as Celestia or Luna and giving them orders trying to get Celestia's Dayguard and Luna's Nightguard fighting. The royal sisters, still stripped of their powers, allowed him to continue just hoping he would remain distracted for long enough Hurry up Twilight Sparkle, you're our only hope!

***

The five friends plan to capture Rainbow Dash had not exactly gone to plan. Fluttershy was pulling the Hot-Air Balloon with Applejack and Twilight as fast as she could. But despite pulling Rarity and Pinkie along by a hoof, Rainbow was escaping. Twilight Sparkle saw Rainbow moving away faster and yelled to Fluttershy "If you can't catch him, Discord wins!"

Fluttershy was running out of energy and she was started to tear up from the effort "I just can't do it" she yelped.

Twilight had to think fast, and seeing his new finance in peril spurred him on. Doing any magic to slow down Dash would be too dangerous, lest all three ponies fell, but he was running out of ideas and time. I'm sorry my love, I don't know what to do he thought sadly with his eyes shut.

Twilight, is that you?

Rares, you can hear me?

Yes, and you me? Is this a telepathy spell?

No, not deliberately. Anyway, I think I have a plan to slow down Rainbow Dash... and Twilight told Rarity his plan.

Opening his eyes, Twilight took a deep breath for he didn't like what he was about to say "Well Fluttershy, I guess your best isn't good enough" causing Fluttershy to start crying heavily, causing her to slow down further.

Rarity, who had closed her eyes out of fear, looked up at Rainbow Dash "Oh Dashie Darling, you do release that you're hurting one of your fellow Pegasi, don't you?"

Rainbow didn't look down "What do you mean, unicorn?"

Rarity smiled "Well, look at the Pegasus filly behind you"

Rainbow took a quick glance back and saw the yellow pegasus chasing him had slowed down. He turned round and flew back. He noticed the fellow Pegasus was flying in a depressed manner, and he could hear sobbing. He slowed down and flew next to Fluttershy. "Why are you sad, Pegasus. I saved Cloudsdale, see!" he boasted pointing to the small cloud he was carrying.

Fluttershy looked up at Rainbow, meeting his gaze and meekly said "Maybe, but you've lost your friendships!"

"A Wonderbolt needs no friends!' The colt boasted, effortlessly flying whilst striking a pose"

Fluttershy put her best puppy dog eyes on "Not even a friendship as old as ours?"

Rainbow looked at the feeble flyer in-front of him Why do I need a poor flyer like her as a friend...she would hold me back from being a Wonderbolt...she would hold me back from training...she would hold me, no *did hold me, when I was sad and injured*

All the colours of the Rainbow came flooding back to the colt, and he shook his head "Dear Fluttershy, why are you crying? What are you other guys doing here? Wait, what am I doing here, weren't we in Canterlot?"

Fluttershy and Rainbow helped land the balloon whilst the situation was explained this time by Rarity, Twilight busy apologising to Fluttershy for being mean and it was only to get Dash's attention. Rarity also couldn't help but show off her engagement ring to Rainbow, leading to a congratulatory hug as well as a hoof-bumps between Twilight and his colt friends.

***

Landing back on the ground, Twilight teleported the Elements from where they had been discarded earlier back to their rightful owners. "Here you go friends, here are your necklaces of the Elements, and my big crown thingy"

"Its a tiara darling, no point denying it" Rarity teased.

"Oh, what do you know" Twilight laughed, the six ponies spirits back to their usual selves.

"When it comes to any item of pony-wear, trust me when I say I know more then you or your books ever will" she giggled back.

As soon as the friends had started putting on their necklaces or tiara (not noticing that some of them were glowing already), Discord back in the Canterlot castle sensed the power building back in Ponyville. He teleported himself back to see what was going on and as soon as he materialised he released that the elements were already being powered. He tried to stop them, but Twilight had generated a forcefield to protect the bearers.

"Oh, you think that your Friendship is going to overpower the Master of Chaos" Discord laughed evilly "Try your best!"

Twilight glared at the Draconequus "All right, ladies and gentlecolts, let's show him what friendship - " with a turn towards Rarity " - and love can do!"

The elements glowed brighter and brighter then ever, before shooting a rainbow arch towards the foe. Discord was quickly overcome by the power and slowly started turning to stone. Powerless to stop them, he just put on a dramatic pose "All good things must come to an end". As soon as Discord had been completely turned to stone, the rainbow turned into a ball of power that exploded outwards like a sonic Rainbow.

As the power of the Elements subsided, the bearers noticed that Ponyville had turned back to how it was before. Almost instantly Celestia and Luna appeared, returned to their Alicorn status. Before the six friends had a chance to bow, the Princesses bowed to the savers of their kingdom "Twilight Sparkle, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Fluttershy and Applejack - your friendship has saved Equestria yet again!"

Celestia and Luna looked over the fallen statue of their foe and tormentor, the anger still in their eyes, and nodded to each other "He must not be allowed to escape again" Celestia declared

"How can you stop that, Princess?" Twilight asked

"The combined power of Applejack and the rest of us should be able to see to that"

Applejack was a little startled "Ma Power? What, telling the truth? Or apple bucking...oh, I see"

Celestia nodded very seriously and the eight ponies surrounded the statue, stretching their hind legs. On a count of three, they all gave a powerful buck resulting in a large cracking sound. Turning round, Celestia looked over the shattered remains of the statute with a satisfying smirk and turned back to the Bearers "We must go and check in with all the Major cities, but we will have to honour you again as soon as possible"

"Farewell dear saviours, may you have pleasant dreams" Luna added with a smile, and the Royal sisters flew off towards Manehattan together, sharing a smile at noticing Rarity's new horn ring More of the prophecy has come true

As soon as the Princesses disappeared, Twilight laughed and he nuzzled Rarity muzzle publicly infront of their friends for the first time "So love saved the whole of Equestria? I bet that never happens again!"

Elemental Reactions

The six bearers of the elements had a good nights sleep after a tiring day of defeating discord, and they had all planned to meet up at the cafe for lunch the next day. Afterall, with the gala, discord and engagement there was a lot to talk about.

Of course Twilight and Rarity could barely sleep given what was going through their minds. Luckily for Twilight he could stay up with Owlicious for company whilst reading, whilst Rarity was 'lucky' to have Opal, who didn't like to be disturbed at all. But her inspiration room provided a sanctuary had allowed her to stay designing Fluttershy's mare of honours dress.

***

Twilight and Spike, as always, was first to arrive anywhere followed by Fluttershy also arrived early. Conversation was a little awkward as Fluttershy still didn't like to be one-on-one with any of the colts, although she still loved to talk to the baby dragon and Spike would chat to anypony if the conversation was anything but books. Applejack then arrived along with the three Cutie Mark Crusaders, explaining that he had to look after them, and sent them off to their own table for their usual milkshakes.

Pinkie Pie was next to arrive, popping out from underneath the table, holding a pair cupcakes. "These are you're special engagement cupcakes" Pinkie exclaimed before anypony asked.

Twilight looked at the cupcakes, one decorated in each of the his and Rariy's mane and body colours, each with a wafer horn although 'Rarity' had a little golden ring on hers. "Wow Pinkie, they are great!" Twilight gasped "I've never heard of engagement cupcakes before, they must have taken ages to decorate"

"Don't be silly, they never existed before, but if any two ponies deserve a new tradition its you! And engagement cupcakes is easier to say than the-pairing-whos-love-cured-their-friends-and-saved-the-whole-of-Equestria-again cupcakes.

This caused them all to giggle a little as Rainbow walked in followed moments by Rarity. The other five watched as Rarity took up the one empty seat at the opposite side of the round table from Twilight. The all looked at Rarity, turned to Twilight in unison and back to Rarity.

Rarity rolled her eyes at her friends behaviours "Look guys, I know this has come as a bit of a shock...to all seven of us...but nothings really changed. I don't have to be next to Twilight every second of Celestia's day or Luna's night!"

"Except you should as you two are going to cuddle, kiss, snuggle, move in together, get married, have foals and everything!"

They all looked over at surprise towards Fluttershy and her uncharacteristic outburst. She blushed then added "That is...if you want that"

Pinkie was first to laugh "Oh Fluttershy, I didn't know you were such a romantic" and put her hoof over Fluttershy's shoulder as her face grow as pink as Pinkie's.

"It's just, I see that happen to my animal friends move so quickly I guess I got carried away"

"I guess the animals do do all that, especially the apple stealing vermin...except the marriage part of course" Applejack added, the farmer knowing how quickly animals reproduced.

"Oh, I always marry the new couples each Spring, it wouldn't be right not to" Fluttershy blushed

At this all the others burst into laughing, and this completely broke all the tension that everyone at the table had felt. Twilight and Rarity apologised for keeping their relationship a secret, but the others understood that they were trying to work through a difficult time in their lives and relationship. They discussed everything that had gone on in Canterlot and how the Princesses seemed to invite them to the gala just to cause trouble Are we that reckless? Applejack thought, whilst the princesses had just got 20% cooler in Rainbow's eyes.

***

Meanwhile on the CMC table, Sweetie Belle was the happiest filly in all of Equestria.

"I'm going to have a brother-in-hoof" Sweetie beamed to the others

"That's great" Scootaloo added "Twilight is such a wonderful pony and I think they really suit each other"

"Yeah, that ring is so pretty" Applebloom added "Although of course Rarity is always so pretty"

"Perhaps we can get our Cutie Marks in wedding dress making?" Scootaloo added, always the first to be thinking of how to turn any situation into an adventure.

"I think my sis is going to design her own dress!" Sweetie laughed "But somepony needs to help with the rest - Cutie Mark Crusaders Wedding Planners"

"What would a wedding planning cutie-mark even look like...probably a checklist!" Applebloom asked?

"If anypony would have that it should be Twilight" Scootaloo laughed, followed by her two friends.

"I wonder if my brother...either of them...will find that special somepony?" Applebloom mused

"Well, we can give it a go for the next hearts and hooves day!" Sweetie beamed "Everypony needs to get together!"

***

After a delightful lunch, they all had various work to catch up on, so decided to get busy in the afternoon. The meal was comped by the cafe owner, in thanks for saving the Ponyville...again.

The three young filly headed off towards their Treehouse, eager to start work on their cutie marks in Wedding organising, despite not knowing when the wedding would be. Rarity and Twilight, with Spike on his back, starting walking towards the boutique, levitating the special cupcakes in-front of them.

Three of the older ponies had the same thought flash through their minds as they all walked home "I wish I had what they have" whilst the fourth just kept thinking about harvesting apples...

Letters between Ponyville and Canterlot

The Cutie Mark Crusaders were having their Saturday morning weekly planning session, when Sweetie Belle brought the floors attention to her

"Scootaloo, Apple Bloom - I have news! A few months ago I wrote to Princess Celestia..."

"Princess Celestia?" the two friends responded in union

"...and after this Discord thing, I think it's time to write again!"

And with a flourish of the hoof as extravagant as her older sister would make, Sweetie laid out the letters for her friends to read.

Dear Princess Celestia

My name is Sweetie Belle, and I am the sister of Rarity. I asked Twilight to send you this message and I hope it is not too much of an inconvenience. I apologise if it is and will take full responsibility as I have written this myself. If you don't respond I will never write to you again, but I have a question that I want to ask you.

I have been thinking a lot over what happened to my sisters friends when they used the Elements of Harmony, and I know everypony have been looking into it. Whilst I don't have the magic powers of others, I had a thought that nopony seems to be able to answer.

I know where foals come from (Midwife Fluttershy told all the fillies/colts at School about it), but where do Alicorns comes from? Given that you and Princess Luna, the only two Alicorns in existence, were the previous bearers I can only think that perhaps it is related.

Your faithful subject, Sweetie Belle.

Dear Sweetie Belle

Thank you for your letter. Whilst I understand your apprehension in contacting me, I am always open to helping teach ponies and helping them grow. Whilst not many of them have a direct line to a Princess, as your sister helped return my sister to me, I feel that this would be an appropriate reward for her.

Your motives for contacting me seem pure, but I must warn you not to tell many ponies that you are in contact with a Princess. There are many ponies who would want to take that opportunity for personal gain, so be careful young filly.

Back to the matter at hoof: At this time I cannot reveal exactly where Alicorns come from. It is part of larger story, which may or not be related to changes to the bearers of the elements. At some point in the future there will be a threat to Equestria that will be linked to the Elements in some way. Once this has been resolved, I imagine you may have a further question which I look forward to hearing from you, as this will start the next part of the story.

With warmest regards,

Princess Celestia

"So" Sweetie started after her friends had finished reading "I'm thinking this whole Chaos thing with Discord has to be event she refers to"

"But, what's the question?" Scootaloo asked

"Well, I plan to ask where Discord came from! Given that he seemed to be as powerful as an Alicorn in that only the elements could beat him, that has to be it!"

"Exactly!" Applebloom excitedly bounced "That can't be a co-incidence"

And with that the two fillies watched as Sweetie slowly wrote an elegantly scribed letter to the Princess asking, although Scootaloo couldn't wait for the afternoons planned quest - Cutie Mark Crusaders White Water Rafters

***

Meanwhile, the elder Belle and her fiancée were also exchanging letters with Canterlot:

Dear Princess Celestia and Princess Luna

You sent me to Ponyville to find out about the Magic of Friendship. In that time I have learnt a lot both about life in general outside of libraries. But especially learnt so much regarding friendship and the importance of family.

But one friendship became much stronger then any of the others. Rarity, the element of Generosity, and I started seeing more then friendship in each other. We kept our budding relationship hidden from the others, as we wanted to take things slowly and didn't want to endanger the existing and new Friendships we were all developing here in Ponyville.

Obviously you know what happened with Discord from our report. However, we did keep some facts out of the official reports, and the stories passed to the media. Discords power of persuasion did manage to eventually take effect on all of us, I'm afraid to say even me, but something snapped me out of it. And that something was for me to realise how much I loved Rarity.

And the action to snap Rarity and the others out of Discords evil power was to propose to Rarity.

And I said yes!

Although the engagement was much earlier then either of us would ever have planned, we are not foalish enough to rush further. I fully plan to commit myself as I always have to my studies and your mentorship, whilst I will continue to build up my fashion business. But we do hope to plan to grow our relationship further over time, with your blessing of course.

We both wish to thank you for sending me to Ponyville, and allowing me to stay, as without that we would never have found each other, and I would still be searching for that special somepony

Your Faithful Student, Twilight Sparkle

and his loving fiancée and loyal subject, Rarity

P.S. I thank you for managing to distract Discord for long enough for the plan to take effect. On the basis on your anger when you arrived in Ponyville, I only presume he had done something terrible. I am sorry for any harm that was caused by me sending him back to you, but it was necessary. I hope this doesn't impact my annual report-card negatively.

Dear Twilight Sparkle and Rarity Belle

Both Luna and I are delighted to hear of your engagement, and it comes to no surprise to us that your combined love was greater than the power of chaos. It brings us joy whenever any of the ponies of Equestria find happiness, but having watched you Twilight grow from a young foal who didn't have time for friends into the happy couple you have now become make us proud beyond belief.

And Rarity, we have heard you're name mentioned at a number of Canterlot events. For a pony as young as you, to have made such an impact in Canterlot society, must have taken a lot of work and persistence.

Of course we will have to honour your latest saving of our kingdom, and your engagement, next time all our schedules allow us to meet in Canterlot. Or if we can find the appropriate time we would love to come and celebrate in Ponyville. I guess either way as it doesn't really need much planning as Pinkie seems to carry that confetti canon with her everywhere anyway!

However, as your rulers and your mentors, we do have one strict condition on your new relationship and this engagement. When you do finally decide to perform the marriage celebration, I'm afraid we must insist that we are the ones to marry you in the Royal Hall of Canterlot Castle, on a day of national celebration.

After-all, we cannot think of any other ponies who have done more for this land than the bearers.

Your happy mentors (and future mentors in law), Celestia and Luna

Dear Mother and Father

I would have preferred to have given you this news in person, but given my study schedule prevented another trip to Canterlot and with your soon planned trip to Manehattan, I wanted to give you some exciting news as soon as possible.

As you must already been aware, being in all the newspapers, my friends and I have saved Equestria again. We managed to defeat the cause of all the chaos, the god of chaos Discord, thanks to our friendship and the elements of harmony. However, there was a lot of information kept out of the newspapers and has been held back for privacy.

A part of Discords plan was to use his magic to try to turn us against each other, but he failed to take one thing into account. That two of the elements of harmony have fallen in love with each other, and this power of love was strong enough to counteract Discords control over them all. But to do so involved one of the couple proposing to the other.

I am happy to say that I was the one to do the proposing, and Rarity who I love deeply said yes! We know we are a little young to get engaged, and we have no plans to rush into the marriage. We have already discussed it with Princess Celestia and we won't do anything to disrupt my studies, or Rarity's budding career in fashion.

I can't wait for you to meet her, I know you will love her as much as I do! As soon as my studies and Rarity's business allow it, and as long as we don't have save the world again, we will come to Canterlot.

I hope you have a safe trip to Manhattan.

Your Loving Son, Twilight

"Well, that's half the parents told" Rarity cooed as Spike sent off the last letter

"Yes, but now I have to...meet you're parents" Twilight gulped "I mean, i never asked you're dad for permission or anything, what if he objects, what if they want me banished for failing to follow unicorn protocol..."

Rarity saw her finance starting to go into one of his usual rants/meltdowns, so just leaned in and gave him a nuzzle causing him to instantly calm down.

"Wow Rarity, you need to be at my beck and call every-time Twilight has a breakdown" Spike called out, causing both the unicorns to blush.

***

In Canterlot the two royal sisters were in deep discussion.

"Sister, things are moving a lot quicker then we originally thought" Luna cooed worriedly.

"Yes, I did not expect that your return and Discords awakening would have happened so close to each other. This, coupled with the recent developments with the bearers..."

"Indeed, I didn't expect that letter from Twilight for many years!"

"Well, we have four more bearers to worry about for now..."

Resolution at Flutter Cottage

Who's the number one, greatest, perfectest pet

In the world for me

May the games Begin

And may the best pet win!

As the music that seemed to come from nowhere reached it's crescendo, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy stood next to each other, with front hooves over each others shoulders, sweating slightly from the spontaneous energetic song and dance routine.

Fluttershy looked over to her friend she was half hugging, and suddenly froze up. She went dashing off towards her house at her top sped. Not this again! Rainbow thought as quickly as his surname suggests.

Fluttershy ran into her cottage, and shut the door quickly. However, Rainbow had already flown through the door before she had got there and was standing in the middle of the living room, legs spread aggressively, head down, fuming angry.

"What on Equestria was that about?" Rainbow dash demanded "I thought we got over all of this...this...this silliness!"

Fluttershy hid behind her mane, then seeing her friend angry with her she had no choice run to hide under a nearby table, cowering underneath the tablecloth. Great Dash, you've just gone and scared her again! Rainbow listened softly and all he could hear was Fluttershy gently weeping.

"Look Fluttershy, I'm sorry I shouted at you"

There was no response, at least one that registered on Dash's hearing, and Fluttershy continued to cry. Angel bunny ran past, giving Dash an evil glare, and a couple of squirrels quickly followed him under the table. Fluttershy crying slowed a little, no doubt because of her animal friends comforting her.

Dash rubbed the back of his head, trying to decide whether to leave Fluttershy alone to recover with her pets or to try to apologise. He knelt down on the floor, and slowly edged towards the table.

"Look Fluttershy, I'm sorry. It's just when you act this way towards me I get a little...frustrated...that my best friend runs away from me"

"Go away, that is, please go away, if you don't mind"

"Oh Fluttershy, we used to be so close"

"I can't look at you right now"

"Oh Fluttershy, you know how much you mean to me!"

"Please, just go...it's so difficult talking to you"

"Fluttershy, please come out here and talk to me"

A yellow head covered hiding as much as possible behind a pink mane slowly appeared from under the table, looking down shyly at the ground. She slowly lifted her head, looked slowly up at the colt, and then gently leaned forwards and planted the most delicate of kisses on the tip of Dash's nose. Dash knelt there speechless as the filly blushed and retreated back underneath the tablecloth.

Dash slowly stood up, moving the slowest he ever had. What? Just? Happened? Despite being the quickest flyer in Equestria, his mind simply couldn't process his feelings fast enough Fluttershy...likes me? Or was it just a way of trying to apologise? She's afraid of colts, and I am one, so it must have been some form of friendship kiss? But then she blushed?

Meanwhile, underneath the table the squirrels where tidying Fluttershy's hair whilst Angel rubbed her hoof. She was clearly upset, but there was some other feeling they were getting from their filly friend they couldn't quiet place Oh my! Did I just do that? Oh silly Fluttershy, you've only just gone and had you're first kiss! And with Rainbow Dash no less! You can't stay under the table, you need to speak to him

Rainbow watched as Fluttershy slowly crept out from under the table, gently ushering her animal friends away. She stood up, slightly looking down at the ground, and blushed again. "I'm...I'm sorry for kissing you Rainbow"

"Thats...okay. I mean...I shouldn't have shouted at you" Rainbow Dash started blushing, not quiet sure what to make of the filly infront of him.

"Oh Dashie...it's all my fault. I shouldn't have run away from you again" Fluttershy pawed the ground gently "It's just...I like you"

"Fluttershy, I like you too, I have liked you since we were in Cloudsdale together" Rainbow smiled back.

"No, I like like you" Fluttershy looked coyly at the colt in front of her

Rainbow sighed deeply "I...I like like you too" and he slowly leant forwards and gentle kissed the end of Fluttershy's nose. The two ponies looked at each other a laughed nervously What now? they both felt.

After a few moments of awkward silence, Rainbow decided he would have to go and break the ice "Well, why don't you prepare your pets...friends...for the contest, and I'll meet you at noon in the park with the others. We can have a think...about all of this...and talk later"

Reminding Fluttershy of her friends helped her to focus "Oh yes, I can't wait to find you the bestest pet in the world. But Dashie, do you mind not telling the others...yet"

"Of course, Flutters" Fluttershy giggled at the nickname "Afterall, your little Dashie won't want to embarrass you. Besides Twilight and Rarity kept their little secret for a while"

Rainbow flew out of the cottage trying to work out exactly what had happened So Fluttershy likes me - Is that why she was always so nervous round me? And we kissed! But then, we haven't really said anything. I guess this whole pet thing is going to mean we spend some time together

Meanwhile, back at the cottage Fluttershy was briefing all her animals on the contests she had planned. But the animals were a little distracted because they could sense that their pony caretaker friend was the happiest she had been since the moment she had decided to stay with them on the ground.

***

At the finish line after the race, after Rainbow had been carried across eventually by Tank, nurse Fluttershy looked carefully at the damaged wing.

"Oh Rainbow Dash, you won't be able to fly on that for a few days at least, possibly a week!"

"What? How bad can it be"

Twilight let go of Rarity's hoof, and his horn gently flared casting a purple aura over Rainbow's wing "Fluttershy's right, there is a lot of bruising that needs to heal before you can put any load through it"

"So...I can't go home... there's no way to get up to my house? Where will I stay?"

"You can come and stay with me" Applejack offered quickly "Afterall, you've spent the occasional storm at the farm and I'm sure Applebloom would love to hear more of your wild stories"

"That's okay, AJ. I know you are busy with the farm chores, I wouldn't want to slow you down"

"Perhaps you could stay with me and spike..." Twilight started "Afterall, there is loads of room and it's nice and quiet..."

Fluttershy interrupted "He should stay with me"

Everypony, dragon, bird and turtle/tortoise turned and looked at Fluttershy, who none of them would have imagined interrupting anyone else, let alone being so bold.

"I mean, he needs to be shown how to look after his pet, and as a pegasus I do know how to look after a wing" she finished with a flutter of her wings, although her voice had got slowly softer as she noticed all the ponies and animals looking at her

'Well, yeah sugarcube, that does sort of make sense" Applejack broke the silence "But is there any room at the cottage with all your ..erm.. other friends"

Fluttershy nodded softly, starting to regret being so forceful for once "Oh yes, some of the birds can also assist with healing wings"

"So its agreed, but if you guys need any help me, Sweetie Belle or Twilight would be happy to help out" Rarity added

"Thank you" Fluttershy softly added "I might need some supplies and I might have to miss our next spa date, but let's see how it goes"

"And when Dash is all better we can have a brand-new-pet-and-your-wing-is-all-better party" Pinkie bounced "Except we need to have like three other parties before then..oh my"

All the ponies left, with Rarity and Twilight walking back towards town with Pinkie, whilst Applejack went off towards Sweet Apple Acres. None of them had suspected Fluttershy's real passion for helping dash, and each of them presumed she was simply excited over the pets. But back at the castle the two elements of Loyalty and Kindness started glowing slighter stronger then before.

***

Rainbow and Fluttershy had enjoyed the slow walk back in silence to the cottage, Tank travelling on Fluttershy's back whilst most of the animals had flown off ahead. Walking for so long was unusual for Dash, but walking next to Fluttershy seemed to be a nice way of spending time. And Fluttershy found it nice to spend time slowly with Dash for a change, rather then having to chase after him, usually in the process of saving the day somehow.

Reaching her cottage, Dash made himself comfortable on the couch while Fluttershy went off to prepare dinner for her guest, and all the animals. As soon as she had gone into the kitchen, Angel came over and sat on the table infront of Dash, giving the pegasus his most unamused face.

"Look bunny" Dash gave the rabbit a smile "I know I made Fluttershy cry earlier, but everything's good now."

But of course Angel wasn't upset because of that, but because he could sense that Fluttershy was having feelings for this new pony which seemed to be stronger then for her animals. He continued to give Rainbow a stare, before eventually turning away slowly, and then hoping off to have his dinner.

The filly returned with her first meal for her colt-friend, a simple salad for her but much more elaborate than the hard training colt usually ate. Rainbow and Fluttershy sat across a table munching in silence, when Rainbow realised that except for a few a few sentences when reaching the cottage, they hadn't spoken to each other much for hours.

"So...crazy weather we've been having" Rainbow blurted to fill the silence.

The yellow pegasus looked over to the head of the local weather team, then started giggling "Really, you talk about the weather?"

"Sorry, it was a bit lame wasn't it? I was just trying to fill the silence...what should we talk about?"

"Oh, but why fill the silence. Sometimes in the silence you can hear things that otherwise you can't"

Rainbow and Fluttershy returned to eating in silence. What am I supposed to be hearing? Rainbow thought to himself before noticing Fluttershy opposite She is a beautiful filly isn't she and his mind started wandering thinking about all the times they had spent together, and some of the more intimate thoughts he had regarding her since turning into a colt.

It then suddenly became clear to him in a way it never had before So this is what she meant by filling the silence! I'm always so busy doing things I never stop to think...

***

Fluttershy was putting out the last meal of the day before her bedtime, breakfast for the nocturnal animals. Rainbow watched his new special somepony caring for all the animals And I thought I worked hard at my Wonderbolt training! I mean if everypony knew how much Fluttershy did for her animals everyday, they wouldn't treat her as so meek and feeble. And all that moving around carrying stuff does sure keep he fit and slim...and sexy

As Rainbow settled down on the sofa to sleep, Fluttershy came over and gave him a deep nuzzle

"Goodnight Dashie...I can't wait to spend the next few days with you"

"Flutters...Are you sure this is what you want?"

"You're my best friend, why wouldn't this be what I want? Wait, is it not what you want?" she finished with her trademark panic.

Rainbow took Fluttershys hoof in his "More then anything else in Equestria"

"Even more than being a Wonderbolt?"

"Okay, the second thing" Rainbow teased, giving Fluttershy a gentle bump on the shoulder, knocking the filly over. Fluttershy got up with a big blush, and quickly floated herself upstairs...

Temple of the Deci-Sphere of Truth

It had been two long weeks for Pinkie Pie since Rainbow had got his pet and slowly healed from his injuries, causing a long wait before she could start throwing her parties. But it had allowed her plenty of time to plan them to the finest detail, and work out exactly how much gunpowder was too much for the party cannon - the explosions had entertained the Cake foals. She decided to leave the engagement party for later, until the Princesses could attend. Besides she had already still done a song and dance routine for the new couple, about the importance of sharing and caring, and from her friends faces she was sure they enjoyed it.

So today was a party to celebrate the defeat of Discord. All the guests had just arrived and the party was getting into full swing. Everypony had noticed that Rainbow and Fluttershy had been spending a lot of time together since his injury, even after his wing had healed. And during the party it looked like the were often deliberately avoiding spending time together, thought often looked over to see what the other was doing.

Twilight and Rarity was sat at the back of the room, watching all of this “Looks just like us when we started to date” Rarity giggled

“By celestia, did we look that bad?” Twilight responded rubbing his fiancées hoof

“Well, you did, I looked absolutely fabulous as always of course!”

As the party was drawing to a close, suddenly Spike found himself “delivering” a letter from the princess. He went over to Twilight and presented him the letter.

“Do you have to read it now?” Rarity asked

“You know it could be important” Twilight laughed, and started reading the letter. During the letter his face started to get more serious, and Rarity started gathering the rest of the bearers suspecting something important was brewing.

Twilight put down the letter, shocked to find his friends gathered round staring at him.

“So?” Rainbow asked

“We leave tomorrow morning” Twilight simply said

“What shall we pack?” Rarirty asked

“Jungle wear, for us, Spike…and for…the Cutie Mark Crusaders!”

“My sister?” Applejack and Rarity echoed out in union.

"Your Sisters?" Fluttershy, Rainbow and Pinkie joined them.

“Us?” The three fillies who were eavesdropping called out

***

The nine ponies and dragon were let off of Friendship Express at the edge of the large forest next to the Hayseed Swamp, a special drop off between cities arranged by Celestia. The group headed into the forest, worried about what lay ahead. Celestia’s letter had sent them on a quest to find an ancient artefact and insisted that all ten of them had to go. This was obviously a little unnerving for the six older ponies, fearing for caring for the younger fillies, and what this quest would involve.

Scootaloo and Applebloom were excited to be going on a real adventure, whilst Sweetie Belle didn’t think it was the safest idea, but knew her sister and future brother in law would look after them all.

Celestia had said that they were to go into the forest to track down an artefact in the Temple of the Deci-Sphere of Truth, with it’s estimated location highlighted on a old map of the forest. Rainbow had wanted to fly ahead, but had been persuaded it was safest that the whole group stayed together. After spending an uneventful night camped out in a cave, the adventurers headed back out early the next morning and eventually reached the temple, which was covered in moss, vines and generally looked very foreboding.

“It looks just like something out of Daring Do!” Fluttershy purred happily

“Daring what?”

“It’s a book, Rainbow. I’ll lend it to you sometime” Fluttershy responded to the colt

Yeah, we may be together but me…read a book…don’t make me laugh

“We have to go in there” Sweetie squeaked

“It’s nothing worse then the ancient ruined castle of the royal pony Sisters” Rarity soothed her sister

“Yeah, except we never went there” Scootaloo responded “And last time you guys did you didn’t exactly leave the same way!”

Twilight was standing in front of the temple, building up a powerful spell “I’m sure nothing like that will happen…twice” he lied, and released a spell of immense power which slowly opened the door at the base.

The ponies slowly ventured inside, Twilight casting a light spell at the front, Rarity doing the same at the back, with Rainbow and Fluttershy walking side by side, whilst Spike and the Crusaders huddled together in the middle.

The passageway soon opened up into a big room, and in the middle there was a giant pit, too wide for even Applejack to jump across, separating the side they were on from the other side where the passageway seemed to continue.

“Hardly difficult, we can fly everypony across” Rainbow boasted, and tried to take off. However, he found that he couldn’t leave the ground “What’s happened to my wings?”

Twilight flared his horn a little “There’s an anti-flying field in place!”

“So how do we get across?” Applejack asked.

Twilight flared his horn again and with a pop teleported himself from the front of the group to the back, and then to the front again. “Teleporting seems to work…wait here I’m going to try going to the other side”

“Don’t” cried out Rarity “What if there is some magic that stops you halfway?"

Applejack took his lasso in hoof and wrapped it around Twilight “Then we aughta pull him back…quickly” and gave Twilight a nod.

Twilight disappeared and thankfully found himself to the other side “Nothing seems to be wrong he yelled”. Twilight horn began to glow, and suddenly the rest of the group found themselves joining him.

“So, this was just a simple magic test?” Rainbow asked

“I guess it means that there has to be a fairly powerful unicorn in the group to continue” Rarity responded “Like my…I mean our…Twilight here. Not just anypony can teleport others you know”

“I’m sure there will be more tests to come” Applejack mused.

As they continued along the corridor it slowly wound upwards until the entered a second chamber and they looked around the room. This time there was nothing unusual about the room, except the next door was at the top of the wall opposite, which was a shear cliff with no hoofholds to climb.

“Let me check” Rarity announced, trying to flare her horn a little “Nope, can’t cast any magic in here”

“So, this has an anti-magic field?” Applebloom asked “So how do we get up there?”

Without replying, Rainbow grabbed the earth foal in his arms and flew her up to the door “Good old fashioned Pegasus power!” he boasted, and between him and Fluttershy (for the two other foals and Spike) they carried their friends up to the door.

As they entered the a third chamber, a room in which the only door was the one that they entered. They had a look around to spot what the next test could be, or indeed the exit. Rarity again tested her magic and declared that there was an anti-magic field again “Who is powerful enough to cast such things as anti flying and anti magic rooms?” Fluttershy asked

“The Princesses can enchant such things, and we know Discord could, it’s not difficult just takes a very long time” Twilight explained, as they searched the room.

Pinkie suddenly had her hoofs do a funny dance, and she placed them against a uninteresting bit of wall “Hey guys, I think this is the exit, according to my pinkie sense.” and she tried pushing the wall, with no luck.

All the ponies gathered round and started pushing but as soon as the others touched it the wall started glowing red and didn't move. However, four circles in the wall didn’t glow, at about flank height.

“I think I know what this is” Applejack laughed “Pinkie, a little help?” And with that the two earth ponies turned, put their rear hoofs where the four circles were, and pushed with all their earth-pony strength. The wall started glowing green, and the wall moved back revealing a staircase up.

“Had to be Earth ponies turn I guess” Applejack gloated, wiping his brow as Pinkie lay exhausted on the floor.

“Well, not just Earth ponies, somepony as strong as you I think” Pinkie quipped suddenly leaning over from the stairs above.

As they went up the staircase, everypony had the same thought First Unicorn, then Pegasus, then Earth. I wonder what the next test will be? Not before long found themselves in a fourth chamber, with flames licking from the walls. As soon as they stepped further into the chamber, the flames intensified, although as soon as they backed off they died down again. The exit was clearly visible at the end of the room.

Twilight horn flared, but nothing happened “There’s an anti-teleport spell in place. How exactly are we supposed to cross this without getting burnt?” Twilight pondered aloud

“Can’t you put up a force field or something, egghead” Rainbow teased.

“I can’t block a flame that intense for long enough, it would take a much more powerful unicorn to do so!”

“So, we’re at a deadend? We can go home?” Fluttershy asked, a little too gleefully for an adventurer.

“Leave it to me” Spike interrupted, and went running off into the room. The flames intensified again and the nine ponies yelled out after him in union.

“Don’t panic, you guys” Spikes voice carried from within the flames “They’re not real, it’s an allusion”

Pinkie slowly edged forwards towards the source of the heat, but poking a hoof and withdrawing it, she found Spike was right. “Hey guys, it feels hot but it’s not”

The nine ponies took a deep breath, and all charged as quickly as they could across the room. It felt like they were being roasted alive, but as soon as they reached the other side they found no actual injuries, it was all just an allusion.

“Spikey Wikey, that was a very silly thing to do!” Rarity tried to scold the dragon, who was looking smug.

“I’m a dragon, remember? A little flame can’t harm me, not even Lava can!”

Sweetie Belle and the other Crusaders’ gave Spike a big hoof bump as they continued

“So what was that a test of?” Pinkie asked

“A test of faith I guess, or perhaps a test of courage?” Twilight was guessing, trying to find a link and guessing what was to come.

“Or if you have any awesome and cool, death defying Dragons with you?” Spike added, causing them all to laugh as they continued.

After another short journey, they entered into a chamber which looked very different from the previous. This time there were lots of small holes in the walls, floor and ceiling.

“This looks like a trap” Fluttershy yelped. Applejack found a lose stone on the floor and kicked into into the chamber. As soon as the stone had passed into the chamber, arrows and spikes started shooting out of the holes, smashing against the rock and each other, before magically resetting.

Twilight and Rainbow dash both tried to use their respective magic and flying powers, but found that they were useless.

“How are we supposed to cross?” Pinkie Pie wondered allowed

“There's four small passageways on the side here, I think we can just a about squeeze in” Scootaloo bounced, looking forwards to be helpful for once.

Above each of the passageways was a small symbol – a series of horizontal squiggles; three spirals, a cone and flame. The Cruscaders and spike nodded at each other, and all dived into one of the passageways before anypony could stop them.

“Come out here right now missy” Rarity called out

Sweetie, who had gone into the hole with the cone, ignored her sister and found herself in a chamber with a small hole in it. She carefully put her horn into the hole, and it started glowing. Scootaloo had gone into the hole with the spirals, finding herself in a chamber with a small windmill in it. She fluttered her wings causing the mill to spin and start glowing. Spike had taken the hole with the flame, and soon found a small chamber with a small pillar. Spike breathed his fire over the pillar, which started to glow. Lastly, Applebloom had dived into the hole with the squiggles, finding herself in a chamber with a large lever in it. She placed her whole body under the lever and with all her rustic strength managed to slowly lift the lever, causing it to glow.

Once Applebloom had finished, a magical tunnel appeared in the main chamber creating a path throught the trap. The other ponies called out to the Crusaders’ and Spike, and the group ran full speed through the tunnel before it disappeared. At the other end the bearers looked over the four proud youngsters and despite wanting to scold them, had to admit they couldn'y have proceeded without them.

After what turned out to be a final climb they entered a very elaborately decorated chamber and could see a glowing sphere on a podium at the far end of the room, surrounded by a very strong force field.

“The Sphere!” they all called out at the same time.

Twilight felt out carefully with his magic Aura. “Well, this force field is more powerful then any single pony could muster, or destroy. It’s the most powerful protection spell I’ve yet to come across!”

On the ground in front of the nine ponies and dragon was a pyramid shape, clearly made out of ten circles with one at the point closest to the sphere, and four at the base. Within each circle there were four hoof-sized circles.

“It looks like we need to stand in the pyramid” Pinkie bounced

“So Celestia knew there would need to be ten of us?” Sweetie Belle chipped in, a little nervously.

“It is called the Temple of the Deci-Sphere after all, that may have been a clue” Rarity gave her sister a small hug “ but I know Celestia wouldn't put you in any real harm” Except of course thouse spikes back there?

Twilight took the front position, ready to defend the others from any unknown threat. The others put the Cutie Mark Crusaders in the third row, with Rainbow and Fluttershy taking the two behind Twilight, and the others at the back.

As soon as Spike took up the last position, a force field appeared separately around each of the separate circles, cutting them off from each other. The force field in-front of the Sphere then slowly changed colours, revealing a series of words.

Twilight slowly read them out “In order to release yourself, and get the treasure you seek, the truth of the thing you fear the most is what you must speak”

“So, we have to reveal our deepest darkest fears?” Spike gulped “What sort of trick is that?”

Twilight flared his horn testing the force fields. “It’s no trick, I would guess if you were trying to steal the treasure the magic would know this and stop you or something. Anyway, I’ll go first…”

Twilight took a deep breath “I fear that one day I will let down the Princess and fail her as a student” Twilight admitted, and with a poof the force field around him disappeared. Without moving he sighed “Sorry Rarity, I know it should really be losing you…”

“It’s alright my dear” Rarity called out from the back of the triangle “Afterall we’ve just met, and you’ve been the Royal Protégé for much of your life! I…I understand” she cooed

Twilight sniffed a little “Okay guys, gals and dragons. Nopony move out of your circles until we’re all done.”

“I fear that I will never be good enough for the Canterlot elite…which I will be spending a lot more time around now I'm with my dear Twilight” Rarity gushed, releasing her force field “Sweetie, you go next”

“I fear…well nothing” the small unicorn blurted “I mean, I have fears of the small things, but I have a wonderful family, wonderful friends and really fear nothing!” she squeaked at the end, and whilst Sweetie was looking at her sister then her fellow Crusaders, her force field lifted.

“Hue-wee, that’s the unicorns out of the way, time for us Earth ponies I reckon.” Applejack looked at his sister in front of him, and with a slight quiver in his voice he started “I fear never being able to provide the upbringing Applebloom needs…since our parents died …to make her the awesome big pony I know she will grow up to be”

Applebloom couldn’t see her brother, but could hear the sadness in his voice “I fear losing the rest of my family, ‘specially ma brother Applejack given how often he is called away to save the day” Applebloom sadly spoke. She wanted to run over to her brother, as they both had been released, but both stopped themselves.

“I fear that my parents will never accept my decadent party lifestyle and I will never see them again” Pinkie admitted quickly with a slight straightening of her hair, releasing her force field along with a little tear from her eyes. The other ponies looked at each other, surprised that the party pony, who made everypony happy, had hidden such sad feelings inside.

There was a lot of tension and passion building in the room. Spike then looked towards Twilight “I fear losing Twilight” he yelped, but the force field didn’t release. He sighed a little and added “…because I’ve already lost her as a mother..” but the force field still didn’t release

Twilight looked over his shoulder with a small tear in his eye “Go on” he gently urged.

Spike gave a big gulp “…and-he-will-have-a-family-with-Rarity-and-I-will-have-no-one-as-I-don’t-have-any-other-family” he yammered quickly, releasing the force field

“Oh Spike, I will never leave you” Twilight cried, desperately fighting the urge to run over to his dragon friend.

“And you are part of my family as well now, Spikey Wikey” Rarity added with tears forming at the edges of the fake eyelashes she wore even on a potentially dangerous adventure.

A silence feel over the room, as many of them were now holding back tears and nopony wanted to break the silence

“So“ Rainbow gulped “It’s us mighty Pegasi left. My fear is simply failing, not from not being good enough, but from not trying hard enough. And this applies as much to the Wonderbolt, as it does being the perfect special somepony…er...someday”

As the forcefield disappeared from around the colt, the ponies all looked at each other, not so much in surprise at the news they all half expected, but the honesty in the usually reserved brash colt. Rainbow looked over to Fluttershy, whose whole face was in a deep blush.

“I fear never being able to fly like Rainbow Dash” Scootaloo confidently shouted out, but not releasing her force field. The two pegasi infront of her turned to look, as did her friends on either side, worried why their friend wasn’t realised. “Okay…okay…I fear never feeling the love of a caring family, like what Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle have” the orphan whimpered as the force field disappeared.

“We love you” her two fellow crusaders shouted out in unison, both giving their Pegasus friend the biggest smiles they could muster Gee whizz, there’s going to be a lot of tears when we’re all done Applejack thought to himself, covering his watering eyes a little with his hat.

This just left Fluttershy to go, and all the ponies wondered what the most nervous and fearful of ponies would say.

Fluttershy took a deep breath “I fear Rainbow, my true love, leaving me” she yelled as loud as a mouse. The force field didn't change. “But, that is what I fear the most?” Fluttershy stammered helplessly.

The other ponies looked at each other, surprised that wasn't the truth. Twilight rubbed his hoof against his chin “Fluttershy, I think you need to expand why”

Fluttershy looked nervously over to Rainbow “but…I can’t. Not yet, not in front of everypony else”

Rainbow gave Fluttershy the most loving look he could muster “Look Flutters, whatever it is we can handle it…together”

Fluttershy started welling up, but realised that the only way to release herself would be to tell the truth “Oh, okay…I fear Rainbow leaving me…when he finds out…that I can bare…” she sobbed a little before continuing “…any foals” she finished, releasing her force field and that around the sphere.

But no pony noticed that straight away as Rainbow and Fluttershy feel into a big hug, as did the earth ponies, whilst Sweetie went over to comfort Scootaloo, followed closely by Rarity and Spike. This left Twilight standing at the head, with piles of ponies behind him. He was tempted to go and console his friends, but equally was preparing for any last minute tricks or traps.

After a few minutes, Twilight cleared his throat to get everypony’s attention. “Look friends, I know we all want to be there for each other, but we need to get a move on.” The ponies prepared themselves as Twilight slowly walked towards the sphere, and gently lifted it by magic.

As soon as he did, all the ponies (and dragon) were magically transported out of the pyramid, which then magically disappeared into the ether in front of their eyes. “Wow, that was unexpected” Pinkie voiced everyone’s thoughts “Let get this Sphere of Truth" She air-quoted "back to Canterlot”

But before they left Twilight headed straight for Spike and gave him one of the biggest hugs he had done since Spike was a very young baby dragon “Oh Spike, I will always be there for you” he wept as the others stood next to their various loved ones comforting them in some way.

***

After another day of travelling back through the forest, they reached the railway tracks where they waited for the next train to pass. They managed to flag down the next express (thanks to Rainbow flying ahead to slow it down) and as soon as they were onboard, all but two of them feel fast asleep. Twilight stayed up to guard the treasure, whilst Pinkie decided to stay up with him.

“Are you okay”? Pinkie asked, after about an hour had passed without any movement from the colt

“Oh, I’m sorry Pinkie, I’ve got a lot on my mind…I’m fine, are you okay?”

“I’m okay, dokey, loki!” Pinkie responded, but it was obvious the usually bouncy pony was lying

“Pinkie, are you sure? I mean…not wanting to pry…but I never knew you felt that way about your family”

“Oh, that” Pinkie sighed “Well, my family is very traditional, as much so as the Apples, so I do sometimes feel like I’ve let them down. But then I see the happiness I can bring to all my friends, and all the foals in town…”

“Especially Pound and Pumpkin” Twilight added, trying to bring a smile to his friends face.

“…yes, especially them, although still don’t get me started on their taste in stand-up material! So I know I made the right choice…I just miss them”

“Don’t you ever go and visit them?”

“Not since I’ve left…it’s a bit like you are your parents I guess. Once you leave home, no matter how young we are, we never seem to find time!”

“I know what you mean. I haven’t seen my parents in years, and then today…” Twilight broke off and took a sip of drink “I mean, I never really thought about how Applejack and Apple Bloom must miss their parents, as of course Fluttershy and Rainbow do, and they don’t have any siblings either”

“Yes, it’s so sad” pinkie agreed, the smile wiped off her face “Although they clearly now have each other, as does AJ and Bloomy”

“But, it must be worse for Scootaloo. I mean, she’s never known any of her family…I know it’s hard on Spike but he has had me and the Princess to grow up with, as well as my brother Shiny and Cadence our foal sitter. Scootaloo on the other hoof…”

“I know, but at least she now has Sweetie and Apple Bloom”

Both ponies returned to silence, thinking about all the hardships in their friends life’s that they never talk about. Sometimes it’s so easy to bury the truth that it hardly ever comes to the surface Twilight thought to himself.

***

Later that evening the ten adventurers slowly, and very tiredly, entered the main chamber of Canterlot Castle where Luna and Celestia were waiting for them. Twilight levitated the Sphere over to the Princesses, who took it from his aura and placed it in the vault behind the throne along with the elements of harmony, with both Princesses sealing it.

“Thank you My Little Ponies, for recovering the Sphere of Truth”

“It was no problem ya highness” Applejack responded with a bow, even taking his Stetson off.

“Princess, how did you know it would require all ten of us to retrieve it? Did you know what the tests were?” Twilight asked, eager to take his usual role as student.

“It is true that we were involved in the setting of some of the tests in the pyramid” Luna answered

“The first three tests were designed to ensure only a group of mixed ponies, or indeed combined powers of a much more powerful being such as Alicorns or Draconequus could pass. It also means only a group that trust and look out for each other can continue”

“The final test was set by Celestia and myself” Luna continued “It was a test of character. By telling out loud your greatest fear you allowed the spell to find out all it needed to about who spoke. Only if all ten in the pyramid had good intentions for the treasure, would the Spheres force field be lifted.”

“Other groups have failed one or more of these tests - don't worry it was impossible to be harmed, it just transported them out of the temple and blocked their re-entry. But we had no doubt that the bearers of the elements, the loyal Cutie Mark Crusaders, and Spike the most talented baby dragon in all of the land, would be able to overcome all obstacles”

“So, Princess, what is the Deci-sphere of Truth?” Twilight asked “And why couldn't you recover it yourself?”

Celestia took up her most regal stance “It is part of a larger object, one that can only be used very sparingly. The name is based on the fact that it has ten parts, none of which can be recovered by any single creature.”

“Not after the last time” Luna added, before receiving a stare from Celestia

“Last time? What happened last time?” Applebloom asked, forgetting she was in front of Royalty.

“That is a story for another day...” Celestia started "For now, you must return to Ponyville whilst Luna and I find out where the remaining parts are.”

Sister, can we not tell them yet? Luna asked telepathically Surely they have earned our trust

It is not a matter of trust dear Luna, they must come to the conclusions themselves rather then being forced into anything. Besides, whilst we have the elements of harmony and the truth sphere, some of the items remain to be found...

Down on the farm

The six ponies were due to have their weekly Sunday afternoon pet play-date, but Applejack arrived late and without Winona.

“I’m sorry guys, but I aint going to be able to make today’s date, nor much else for a few weeks.”

“Why not?” Rarity asked, keeping away from Opals delightful scratching of everything within claw-reach.

“Big Macs had to go and help out in Appleloosa in an emergency, leaving me to look after the farm. Granny’s gone with him so I don’t have to look after her at least, but there’s still a lot to do. Of course Applebloom can help out a little, when not in school, but its going to be tough!”

Twilight thought back to the first lesson he had learnt having moved to Ponyville “We’ll all help out, you can’t do all this on your own”

“That’ll be mighty kind of ya, and I’ll take what help you can give, but I know you all have your own cares. I mean, it’s not just a single harvest, it’ll be weeks of farm work, market days, looking after ma sis…”

“Well, I’ll help as often as I can” Fluttershy started “especially looking after the animals”

“And, I’m sure I can fit some time with the heavy stuff and still do all my training” Rainbow boasted

Pinkie then proudly stood up in the middle of everypony, attracting all the attention “It’s simple really, I’ll come and stay with you for a while. I can work hard and be just as dependable as anypony!”

“Ya can’t do that Pinkie” Applejacked slightly panicked “I mean I’m sure the cakes need you…”

Pinkie was quiet adamant “No problem AJ. I mean, us Earth ponies have to stick together you know. I might have to babysit a little, but the Cakes have ponies lining up to help out at Sugarcube corner.”

Applejack looked over to Twilight, who was frantically nodded his head I think Pinkie needs this as much as you Applejack the unicorn was thinking to himself.

“Alright then Pinkie, I’ll be grateful for any help you can give”

Pinkie was delighted, and she went bouncing off tell the cakes, saying she'll meet Applejack back at the farm. Applejack waved goodbye to his friends so he could get back to work, his concerns not entirely gone.

“Pinkie, working at Sweet Apple Acres? Now this I have to see” Rainbow laughed as soon as they had both left.

“Now Now, Dashie, be nice” Fluttershy half scolded, and almost as if on cue Tank whizzed past Rainbow, causing him to duck.

“Dashie?” Twilight mocked slightly, looking at the colt

“Yep, that’s what my Flutters calls me” he grinned back

“Oh my Twilight, I don’t have a pet name for you. You call me Rares afterall, but I just call you Twilight”

“Egghead” Rainbow took the opportunity to tease back

“Twiley?” Fluttershy helpfully suggested

“My brother calls me that, now that would be weird” Twilight answered

“Sparky might sound too much like Spikey” Rarity mused “Now this will take a lot of creative thinking…”

***

About an hour after returning to the farm, Applejack and Applebloom saw Pinkie came bouncing down the main path at Sweet Apple Acres, carrying just a small bag “A few essentials” Pinkie called out as she hopped past and into the barn. She soon returned to where the brother and sister were apple bucking, and started helping out.

Applebloom was still too small to buck properly, so Pinkie spent some time bucking the trees, and some time helping the foal carry all the Apples around. With an extra set of hooves of the job, plus Pinkies amazing ability to sometimes move very quickly between places, the three earth ponies kept up a good pace during the afternoon, and were ahead of schedule.

Applejack was surprised how little Pinkie was talking, expecting the frivolous pony to quickly grow bored and start yammering on about Cherries or something. He suspected that she was in fact getting bored already, and wondered how long she would remain helping out at the farm. Not that he expected her to give up all her time, but he needed to plan each day properly if he was going to keep the farm ticking over.

***

Meanwhile, across town, the pet playdate had gone off without a hitch. It was Rainbows first time with Tank, and all the ponies had found it very amusing to watch Tank fly around with Opal in his legs being chased by Owlowiscious carrying Gummy, who Fluttershy was going to watch for Pinkie. Angel just started blankly at everypet and pony, wondering if he was the only sane one left.

After the date, Rainbow followed Fluttershy back to their cottage. He hadn’t stayed there since the Temple adventure, and they hadn't actually spent much time alone together, but he knew it was about time they talked.

Rainbow helped Fluttershy take care of the evening meals for her animal friends, and insisted on preparing dinner. Fluttershy tried to say no as apart from anything else, Rainbow wasn’t known for being the best of cooks. But the colt seemed eager to please so Fluttershy accidently left out a few cookbooks.

A short while later Rainbow emerged with a prepared meal of vegetable pie, mashed potatoes and extra veg. Rainbow blew out half of the lights in the cottage, and the pair shared a romantically lit meal. They chatted about random stuff for a while, before the subject matter turned to the adventure the week before.

“It was some crazy stuff at the end, hey?” Rainbow started to steer the conversation after a while.

“Yeah…” Fluttershy muttered, sinking into her chair

“I mean, I never knew we had so much in common with Applejack, Applebloom and Scootaloo”

“Rainbow…what happened to your parents? I'm sorry to ask, but all I know is you came to the orphanage after I was there, but you never said why”

“My parents? I never knew I hadn’t told you" Rainbow looked at his friend lovingly "They were part of the weather team for Manehattan. One day a large hurricane was brewing, and all the pegasi tried to disperse it before it destroyed the whole city. It was a losing battle, but some of most loyal ponies kept trying. The eventually weakened it enough to save the city, and tens of thousand of lifes were saved…but twenty seven brave pegasi lost their lives.”

“Oh my!” Fluttershy was welling up

“Yep, both my parents died… as heroes. They and the other were honoured by the city and there is a statue to them at the city square. I guess that’s why I try so hard to be a hero around here, to make them proud”

Fluttershy had tears pouring from her eyes “Oh Dashie, I never knew. That’s soo sad. Loyal Pegasi indeed, no wonder you are the element of Loyalty!"

Dashie gave his special somepony a big hug “They were heroes, and whilst it was hard on me, I know they saved hundreds of lifes. Its not as sad as you. I can’t believe you were just abandoned by your parents!”

Fluttershy wiped away a tear “I know, just like Scootaloo was. I mean it seems that poor flyers are just abandoned by some parents!”

“I just can’t see how any-pony-parent could do that”

Fluttershy then looked at the colt, sadness filling her eyes “I guess well never know” she gently whispered, trying to separate herself but Rainbow wouldn’t let the filly go

“Fluttershy, what you said back in the temple…I don’t care, honest. I love you, I always have, I always will”

“But, are you certain you don’t want foals someday?”

Rainbow looked awkwardly at his hoofs, before returning his gaze to the filly “Well, all I know is I would want to be with you no matter what that means”

Fluttershy and Rainbow fell into a deeper hug, along with lots of nuzzling and butterfly kisses. Rainbow then made some tea, and upon returning he started explaining a plan he had to Fluttershy, who’s face slowly lit up from sadness to joy as the colt continued.

”Oh my, that sounds perfect” she gushed “Who knew you were such a big softy that wants to please everypony?”

Dashie looked shyly at the filly and then flew over, scooped up the filly before flying them both upstairs to Fluttershy’s bedroom “It’s not just Pinkie who knows how to make ponies happy”

***

As Luna’s evening started drawing in over the orchard, Pinkie suddenly disappeared leaving Applejack and Applebloom in the diminishing light So much for being reliable and helping out kinda pony Applejack thought to himself Saying that she did do a lot of work today so I can’t be too disappointed, and I do have a lot of Apples to sell at market tomorrow.

About an hour later, when it was too dark to carry on, Applejack and his sister walked back towards the barn, when they noticed that the lights were on and there was cooking smells emanating from within. The two ponies sped up a little at the thought of warmth and light, and upon entering home Applejack couldn’t believe his eyes

Pinkie was dashing around the kitchen, in a frilly Apron, putting the final touches to a nearly prepared dinner, and as Applejack later found out had already cleaned Applebloom’s room and fed the animals. Applebloom didn’t really pay too much attention and went to wash her hoofs before sitting down to the table.

Pinkie served up dinner, having to push Applejack to the table as the colt stood stunned in the doorway, and watched gleeful as the pair tucked into the delicious food in front of them. Given how hard they had worked they would have eaten anything, but they enjoyed Pinkies wonderful cooking all the same.

As soon as Applebloom had finished her dinner, Pinkie trotted over to the ribbon headed filly and gave her a rub on the head “Now little Applebloom, have you finished all your homework for school tomorrow?” she said with the most serious voice she could muster.

“Oh no, I haven’t” the tired looking filly responded

Before Applejack had a chance to respond saying he would make sure Cheerlie excused her, pinkie responded “That’s okay, lets go and make a start on it now...together”

The two fillies left the room and headed upstairs, and Applejack listened in carefully as Pinkie helped Applebloom with the math homework. He closed his eyes a little and just listened in as Pinkie played the perfect big sister, or perhaps even mother?

A short while later Applebloom returned downstairs finding her brother sitting in the main room “Well, time for me to hit the hay middle brother”

“Thanks for ya help today sis, couldn’t have done it without you” Applejack smiled “Want me to read you a bedtime story?”

“That’s okay, Pinkie said she would do it so you could rest up” and with that the little filly gave her brother a big hug and slowly crept back up the stairs.

A short while later Pinkie came down the stairs, a big grin on her face “Sound asleep” she nodded to Applejack. Pinkie then noticed a couple of glasses of special reserve cider were laid out on the table.

“I think we deserve this” Applejack raised his glass, and clinked it against Pinkies”

The two earth ponies sat in silence for a while, just looking at the nights sky out of the large window.

“Sooooo…” Pinkie started “What’s the plan for tomorrow?”

“Tomorrow is the main market day so I’ll be busy in town the whole day”

“What do you want me to do?”

“Ya plan on being here again tomorrow?

“Of course, silly. I said I would help out and I’ll stay until Big Mac and Granny returns. If nothing else I can help Applebloom not seem to miss them so much”

Applejack started to well up a little. “Oh ma, pinkie I had ya all wrong. I thought that you had abandoned us earlier but here you were all along, working hard. I’m sorry that I’m so surprised”

“Well dur, I do have a farming background remember. And responsibility is my middle name, Pinkamena Diane Responsibility Pie. Besides, I would never abandon you and Applebloom like I abandoned…”

“Ya family?” Applejack asked, looking at the happy pony who had frozen mid sentence.

Pinkie took a big long look at the colt “Yeah, my family...AJ, can I ask…what happened to your parents. I mean, you never talk about them…” Pinkie grew softer as she spoke

Applejack looked out of a window just as two shooting stars whizzed past, something that he always noticed at times like this It’s time to start the healing, you have to someday He turned back to his friend who seemed to be looking the most genuinely concerned of any pony he had ever seen.

“It all happened during Appleblooms birth, so I’m too young to know much of the detail. They were travelling back from town when mother went into labour early. Some of the other ponies came from town to help out, as the birth was being difficult. The countryside was a lot tougher back then, and Timberwolves took that opportunity to attack the group that had gathered”

Applejack paused for a few moments, took a gulp of cider and cleared his throat. Pinkie took Applejacks hoof and led him outside, and they sat on the porch swing together, looking at the stars. Pinkie knew enough about Applejack that this would be relaxing to the farmer.

Applejack looked at the night’s sky and sighed “Mother was in no state to be moved, so they all had to stay in the open and without weapons. They fought off the wolves, but papa and another couple of ponies took some serious injuries. Applebloom was born in the middle of all this, but mother sadly passed away. Papa then died a few hours later from a rather vicious bite, having just held Applebloom for a few moments. The ponies brought ma new sister to me and Big Mac back at the farm, but explained that ma parents…”

Applejack had burst into tears, and Pinkie was giving him a bug hug “Oh, Applejack, let it all out”

Applejack hugged pinkie deeply “After that, all the townsfolk banded together and hunted the Timberwolves to near extinction – it was the last straw for all the families in town. Granny raised Big Mac, me and Applebloom and we all took over as we grew up. And the whole incident bound all the ponies in the town together like nothing else ever had, helping it make it into the town it is today”

Applejack extracted himself from Pinkies hug, and finished his cider before pouring himself another glass. “Now, I don’t remember much of ma parents, but I know they would be proud of how Applebloom is turning out…”

Pinkie put a hoof up to silence the colt “Now Applejack, they would be much more than that. I can’t imagine any parents being prouder of what you and Big Mac have done. You’ve made the farm one of the most successful in Equestria, you’ve raised yourselves and Applebloom into mighty respectable ponies, and hay, you’ve not only helped everypony in town, you’ve saved the whole world…twice!”

Applejack took pinkies hoof in his and gave it a rub “Oh Pinkie, you are smarter than anypony gives you credit for”

“I know, I’m awesome” Pinkie joked, always quick to lighten the mood.

After a few moments of reflection looking at the stars, Applejack looked over at Pinkie “So, what happened with your parents?”

“Well, I think you know the story that I told Applebloom and her friends. That is basically the truth, except that whilst Inkie and Blinkie enjoyed the party, my parents did not approve. We had a massive argument…and I’ve not been welcomed back since. The mining community has pretty much disowned me”

Pinkie had kept a smile on her face whilst talking, and Applejack gave her hoof a rub “That’s a awful story Pinkie, but you must know that we wouldn’t have you any other way. You are perfect!”

The two earth pony finished their ciders in silence, and with the evening setting in the two ponies made their way to their respective bedrooms, both having plenty to think about.

***

Over at Golden Oaks Library, two unicorns and a dragon were out on the balcony watching the stars. Rarity enjoyed the night sky for it’s beauty, and whilst Twilight could do the same he did enjoy the science of mapping Luna’s changes each night. And Spike just enjoyed snuggling up to either Twilight or Rarity. Spike let out a big sigh.

“Whats up Spike” Rarity asked, as both unicorns turned their attention to the dragon nestled between the pair.

“I just feel so silly about last week”

“There’s nothing to feel silly about” Twilight gave the dragon a playful rub on his head “Change can often be unsettling, and perhaps I’ve not been as affectionate to you as I used to be. But you’re growing up Spike, I thought you didn’t want to be treated the same”

“I guess that’s true” the Dragon mulled “Afterall you don’t need to bathe me or anything anymore”

“Twilight, you used to bathe little baby spikey wikey, that must have been so cute!” Rarity gushed, whilst Spike blushed.

“Yeah, I used to really mother him, but he’s grown up so fast”

“I know what you mean” Rarity added “It’s the same with Sweetie Belle, I probably should spend more time with her then I do, but she’s growing up as well and it’s hard to know how much to let them go”

Twilight noticed the same look appear on Spikes face when Sweetie Belle was mentioned as he used to get whenever Rarity was mentioned Way to get back on the cart Spike! Twilight thought to himself.

“Now Spike, you must know whatever happens you will always be welcome with me and Rarity. So…how do you feel about the three of us moving in together?”

“Really?” Spike looked at both of the unicorns

“Yes, there is plenty of rooms at Carousel Boutique for the three of us to stay, which give more privacy then the open library”

Spike put an arm around both the ponies with a big smile on his face, and then shrank back a little “Actually, I think it’s great if you guys move in together…and I can have the library all to myself!”

“Really?” Twilight asked

“Well, yeah” spike started looking at his oldest friend “You two need a little privacy, and I mean, I would love to spend some nights with you, so perhaps me spending time in both is best for all of us. Besides, somebody has to keep this place in order!”

“Oh, you are so grown up sometimes Spike. We did discuss something like that, so perhaps we’ll just take one step at a time?”

With that Spike let out a long yawn “Well, time for me to hit the hay. Don’t worry you guys, I’ll take my crib down to he kitchen for tonight” he gave a wink as he left

“What did he mean by that?” Rarity asked, giving her fiancé a sultry look before slowly getting up and walking in with an extra swish of her tail.

I really must give Spike extra gems tomorrow Twilight thought.

***

It was midday on Monday market, and Applejack was busy selling the apples bucked from the day before. He had left Pinkie back a Sweet Apple Acres to continue with the harvest for a big shipment due to Canterlot.

Rainbow dash came sweeping from the sky, looking around the market “Hey AJ, seen Twilight?”

“Nope” The farmer responded whilst serving a customer “But he or Spike usual pop past around now”

“Good, I need to speak to you as well, do you mind if I wait here?”

“Not at all Partner, if you don’t mind rearranging some of these bushels around for me?”

Rainbow helped reorganise the stall, and the colts chatted generally whilst they waiting. After a few minutes, Twilight trotted towards the stall, carrying empty saddle bags. As Twilight brought his apples for the week, Rainbow dash started explaining his plan to his friends.

“So, Twilight, do you think you could help with this?”

“I don’t see why not, but I might have to check with the Princess first, I don’t want to abuse my position”

“That’s fair” Rainbow nodded “And what about the actual building work?”

“No problem…I’ll need some time to prepare, and of course the materials need to be provided”

“I’ve got ya covered for wood partner, me and Pinkie can help you there”

“Thanks Applejack, that’ll mean so much to Flutters and me…wait, you and Pinkie?”

Rainbow eyed the earth colt mischievously, and Twilight joined in.

“Na, not like that. She’s been great around the farm, and she’s really bonded quickly with Applebloom”

“I knew she would” Twilight smiled “She is from a hardworking family, and I guessed she needed to get a bit back to her roots a ibit”

The colts then turned their attention to the plan, and quickly organised everything they need.

Rainbow gave his friends a hoof-bump “Okay, it’s all set then. I’ll wait to hear from you Twilight, but here's hoping it’ll all work out. But keep it from the foals for now…”

***

That evening, Spike took down a letter from Twilight to the Princess, asking if she could help Rainbow as he wanted. Twilight had expected a quick reply, but none came for a few days. This surprised the colt, and on the verge of panicking that he had overstep his royal privilege, Spike finally burped up a response. Twilight read through the letter, and started prancing round library singing "Yes yes yes yes..."

"What is it Twi?" Rarity asked, peering down from the bedroom she was having a afternoon nap in

"Twi? Sorry Rares, that doesn't work for me, particulalry with all the 'whos' around here!"

"Regardless darling, I take it was good news?"

"Indeed...Princess Celestia thought it would be inappropriate for me to try to use my connections to overcome the bureaucracy"

"That doesn't sound very good news" Rarity eyed her lover.

"Except Celestia and Luna thought it would be such a good idea, that they personally contacted the authorities, and everything is sorted! I can't wait to tell Rainbow and Fluttershy!"

"I'm coming with you, I can wait to see their faces..."

Renovation at Flutter Cottage

It had been a busy few days for all the bearers, especially for Fluttershy and Rainbow dash. Doing any building work was stressful, but when you have hundreds of animals to look after, it becomes a royalguard-precision operation. In order to prevent disruption to the animals, Twilight had agreed to do all the final work by magic, but that meant that all the animals had to be removed for one day. And all the preparation work would have to be done the Earth pony way, by hoof first.

Rainbow and Twilight spent days working away with the wood provided by Applejack, and other materials Rainbow brought with his saved-up bits. Pinkie and Applejack had to look after the farm, but also helped out when they could. Rarity spent her time back at her boutique, juggling keeping on top of her orders and preparing all the furnishings for the new cottage. Fluttershy had to manage some very sensitive (awkward) animals during this time, and also provided the hard working colts and filly with refreshments - she wasn't suited to the big building work but more for the smaller details like Rarity.

Rainbow also had to go and arrange giving up his free cloud home, which he got for being the local weather team leader, and instead arranged for a small pay increase, the extra income he now needed. Besides, he had no intention of backing out now and so wouldn't need his own place anymore.

Everything was prepared in time for the weekend as planned. Twilight spent the day channelling very powerful magic in order to bring everything together as quick as possible, finishing mid afternoon much to everypony's delight. Fluttershy and Rainbow started moving all the furniture back in, and as night started to fall, the animals returned and Fluttershy could tell that they approved.

"Oh, Twilight, Rainbow, Rarity, Pinkie and Applejack...it's perfect" The yellow filly cried as she looked around the new cottage.

"And it's about to get about to get 120% cooler from tomorrow!" Rainbow excitedly hugged his filly-friend.

***

A collection of ponies walked out of Ponyville, towards Fluttershy's cottage. Applebloom was flanked by Applejack and Pinkie, with the pink pony seeming pretty much a permanent part of the Apple family now. Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo were being brought along by Rarity and Twilight, Scootaloo happy that the other families were willing to include her with their plans.

"So, are you looking forwards to today" Applejack asked

"I don't even know what we doing!" Sweetie replied

"We're off to see Fluttershy's new cottage. She is having a bit of a get together to say thanks for the help we all put in" Rarity explained to her sister

"So it's a party?" Applebloom asked?

Pinkies ears pricked up at this, but then quickly regained her composure "Not a full part-tay per-say, that would scare all her animals. I even had to leave my party cannon at home!"

"It's just a simple get together of close friends with some food and drink" Applejack explained

"Sounds like a Party to me" Scootaloo joked, causing Pinkie to nearly burst holding back her excitement.

A short while later the reached the edge of Flutter estate, and they walked up the path well worn with various animal prints from the night before. Flutter cottage looked the same from a distance, but getting closer it was obvious it was now bigger. There was an extra story but the whole cottage had increased in size keeping it's overall appearance the same rustic charm.

Fluttershy and Rainbow were standing in the open door of the new cottage, holding hoofs like the perfect couple, waiting for their friends to arrive. Fluttershy gave everypony a hug as they entered the flat, whilst Rainbow gave the older ponies hoof-bumps, and the foals a playful rub of the head.

The first thing the Crusaders noticed was the living room was set out for many ponies, rather then animal focused as before, with a couple of sofas in different style and a few other chairs, including Rainbow's old easy-cloud recliner. There was also Angel's special fluffy basket, and a combined basket/landing strip for Tank, depending what mode he was in.

This room led through to a proper separate dinning room, with a decent family sized table, and a kitchen which was twice the size of the old one. The two pegasi continued the tour, telling everypony that they had designed it together, having planned to move in together properly. This made Sweetie squeak in delight, Applebloom look over to her brother and Pinkie with a gleam in her eye, whilst Scootaloo looked a little sad. Rainbow and Fluttershy saw this, knowing the thought of more happy families must be hard on the lonely foal.

The tour continued on the first floor and the new second floor, showing off a mixture of rooms for animals, a study and a couple of bedrooms per floor. The whole house had a very unusual range of decoration - delicate shades that Fluttershy and the animals liked were mixed with more brash colours, and Wonderbolt inspired art, of Rainbows taste. The Crusaders did notice that one of the rooms did seem to be decorated a little different from the rest, almost like it was a little more foalish than any of the others.

Returning downstairs, it was a lovely day so Fluttershy took them all for a quick tour around her animal friends homes, some of which had also been upgraded during the week. She took great delight in showing off the chickens had a lovely new coup, the rabbits had a special new underground hutch built, and a new sty for the Pigs. This was a little boring for most of the other ponies, but turning the final corner of the tour Sweetie Belle, Applebloom and Scootaloo couldn't believe their eyes.

Out back there was a new outdoor patio area, with a outdoor oven and a picnic table. But that didn't surprise them, it was the cloud floating just 30 feet in the air.

"And this is cloud patio Twilight kindly made for us" Rainbow boasted, giving a thankful look to the unicorn "Well, I gathered the cloud but Twilight used his freaky magic to keep it here. There's some steps as well so both Flutters, and anypony else can join me up there!"

"Cool!" Scootaloo bounced "I've never been on a cloud, can I go up?"

Fluttershy nodded, and there was a blur of orange as Scootaloo jumped up the first first steps, and then turned around to notice her friends not following

"Hey girls, don't you want to come?"

"I would love to Scoots" Applebloom looked up "I've never been on a cloud either. But we're not Pegasi" and for effect jumped straight through the first step. Scootaloo looked down at her two friends, caught between the excitement of wanting to carry on, but not leaving her friends behind "Well, I guess if the three of us can't go, then won't go!"

That's exactly what everypony wanted to hear. Twilights horn glowed and the hoofs of Sweetie Belle and Applebloom glowed a soft purple. "Here you go girls, a temporary cloud walking spell" The three foals yelled in delight their thanks to Twilight and the two crusaders started jumping up the steps after their friend, quickly reaching the top. It was the first time any of them had stood on clouds, and they all loved it, bouncing up and down and making cloud angels. Fluttershy also walked up to supervise them, liking the feel of being on a cloud without any of the scary flying stuff required to get to it.

Rainbow looked at his friends "This is perfect you guys. This cottage is going to be a very loving place" the colt started to tear up a little, but quickly composed himself "Whilst you all worked hard, I have to tip my mane to you Twilight - without this cloud patio idea I'm not sure I could cope with being so...grounded"

The earth and unicorns looked at the colt with a bit of a fake glare, and they all burst out laughing, although the laughter was being drowned out by that from ontop of the cloud. After a while, Fluttershy managed to persuade the Crusaders to follow her down so they could all eat, promising that they would go up again later.

***

After a whole afternoon of playing, the three foals were starting to slow down a little, so Rarity decided it was time for Sweetie to go home, as did Applejack for Applebloom. Twilight said he and Pinkie would follow soon, and would ensure Scootaloo got home first. The three Crusaders said their goodbyes, looking forwards to seeing each other at school the next day.

As soon as her two friends left, Scootaloo felt a bit lonely with just four adult ponies, and many animals, around. The four adults took seats on two of the sofa's, and Fluttershy indicated to Scootaloo to sit between herself and Rainbow.

"So, what do you think of mine..I mean our...new home?" Fluttershy asked the nervous looking foal.

"It's awesome Fluttershy" she beamed back "It's is a wonderful place...for the two of you"

"So...how do you fancy sleeping here?" Rainbow asked

"What, like having another Crucasder's sleepover?" The foal asked, shocked they would ever be invited back after last time.

"Yeah...like that…except maybe just you" Rainbow said softly

"And instead of a sleepover...more...staying here with us?" Fluttershy added

Scootaloo looked around confused "What do you mean?"

"Well, we were thinking...if you want...and don't feel pressured or anything...that you may want us to adopt you?" Fluttershy eventually finished her sentence, tears started to form at the edges of her beautiful big eyes

"Wait, you mean, for real?” The young orphan stuttered “What about Mr and Mrs Whistle?”

Rainbow took this one "I know that the Whistles are wonderful Foal-Fosterer's, but they have a lot of foals that they help and...well, perhaps you would like to stay with us?" the colt explained, struggling to keep from crying.

Scootaloo looked at the two tearful ponies to her sides, and then over to Pinkie and Twilight in confusion. Twilight thought it was best to explain a little more to the confused foal "Scootaloo, I'm sure you love the Whistles and they care for you. But as you grow up you need your own family, and I can't think of two ponies better than Fluttershy and Rainbow to look after you. And the Princesses agreed..."

"The Princesses?" Scootaloo looked in awe, getting even more confused

"Why yes" Fluttershy put a wing around Scootaloo, who was starting to shake "We are a little young to normally adopt, but we got royal permission to do so!"

"Afterall, who would make better parents than the ponies that represent the very notional of kindness and Loyalty" Pinkie joined in, enjoying the growing joy filling everypony's hearts.

Scootaloo looked at Fluttershy my new mum and Rainbow Dash my new dad and simply started crying with joy. The two parents gave their new family member a hug. The two non Flutter-dash (Or would that be Rainbow-shy?) family members looked at the heart-warming scene, with the three ponies of the whole of town who least like hugging in a warm family embrace.

Twilight coughed a little to get everypony's attention "Now, sorry to go all official, but i have to tell you Scootaloo that its up to you if you want to be adopted, and you can try it out for a while first. The Whistle’s are ready for you to either go back to them tonight, or not..."

Scootaloo looked at Fluttershy, weeping "Of course I want to stay here!” as the family started hugging again. Rainbow asked Twilight to let the foster family know, and that he would be round to pick up Scootaloo's stuff tomorrow.

Twilight and Pinkie made their excuses and left the three family members together. As the two proud adoptive parents carried a tired and emotional Scootaloo up to bed for the first time, they didn't notice the cross bunny looking at them Great, more things to get in the way of the yellow one's salad making!

***

Twilight walked, and Pinkie bounced, towards town in silence for a while.

“So, do you and Rarity think you’ll have foals someday” Pinkie suddenly blurted.

Twilight blushed “Oh Pinkie, we haven’t thought that far ahead yet. Why, do you think about that sort of thing?”

“All the time!” Pinkie proudly laughed “Why, having foals of my own would mean I would always have ponies round me to make happy. And the parties...oh my the parties...”

Twilight looked over at Pinkie with a big grin “And is there any special somepony you want to have these foals, and parties, with”

Pinkie saddened a little “Nope, not yet…not yet. But currently I at least have Applebloomto look after. Now AJ’s a colt, I think Bloomy was missing a mare around the house…well, a young mare. We’re getting on better then cherries in a cherry-chinga”

Twilight thought about pushing what Pinkie felt about Applejack, noticing a small change in Pinkie’s voice when the filly mentioned the colt, but decided not to press it. Twilight went off to go speak to Scootaloo’s old foster parents, and Pinkie went to stay with the cakes for the night, secretly hoping pound and pumpkin would wake up early tomorrow so she could play with them before going back to the farm.

***

The next morning Sweetie Belle and Applebloom were waiting in the schoolyard for Scootaloo.

“Where is she” Applebloom lamented “School starts in a few minutes and she’s not here?”

Suddenly they saw Fluttershy, Rainbow and Scootaloo arrive together at the edge of the playground. The two crusaders’ watched in stunned silence as Scootaloo gave her two new parents a massive hug before skipping into the schoolyard, yelling “I’ll be home right after school, Mum and Dad”

Scootaloo approached her two friends who were just sat their confused and staring at their happy friend “Aren’t my new parents swell?” Scootaloo smiled at her fellow blank-flanks, and was greated by the biggest hug ever. The schoolbell rang and the three friends skipped happily into Cheerilees classroom, all delighted that Scootaloo finally had a family of her own…

Trip and fall

The eleven young fillies and colts of Cheerliee’s schoolclass were all excited and being generally noisy at the best of times, the added excitement of a school trip caused them to go into overload. The class had to get to school early for the trip, but they hadn’t been told where they were off to, despite nagging their teacher all week. But the two large hot air balloons tethered out in-front of the schoolhouse indicated that wherever they are going, they wouldn't be walking there!

The class was getting more and more excited, and Cheerilee would have told them off but she was equally excited about todays trip, to a place that she had never been to before. When the final student turned up, she managed to eventually get the classes attention.

“So…what shall we do today?” she asked pretending to act all innocently

“CLASS TRIP” eleven excited voices yelled back.

“Okay then” Cheerlie fake rolled her eyes back “So, do you all have your sealed permission slips?”

Ten hooves went up in the air, but the solitary pegasus in the class that day looked round in confusion “Permission slip?”

Cheerilee went round and collected the ten slips from the ponies “Yes, for today’s trip I needed the parents permissions” She opened and check all the slips whilst the class went quiet.

“So, why don’t I have a permission slip?” Scootaloo cried “Does that mean I can’t go?”

Applebloom and Sweetie Belle were as distraught as their fellow blank flank “Well, if Scootaloo can’t go, we won’t go!”

“Okay everypony, lets all head outside”

The class rushed outside, with the three sad crusaders bringing up the year, almost being pushed out by Cheerilee. Outside, the two Balloons were being checked over by Twilight, who apart from being the local librarian, royal protégé and the Element of Magic, also found time somehow to be one of the best hot air balloonists in Equestria.

He nodded to Cheerilee, who was trying to keep some sense of calm amongst eight excited, and three depressed, foals “Scootaloo, please go and stand by Twilight”

As the filly started the lone walk over, she was grabbed by her two friends. “No! If she’s not going, then we aren’t either!” Sweetie declared

“Now Sweetie Belle, Applebloom. Do as your teacher tells you.” Twilight scolded his soon to be sister in law. The two fillies knew better than misbehave around any of their siblings friends, so slowly backed off and left Scootaloo to walk and stand next to Twilight. As she reached the colt, the filly a noticed a deliberate wink from the unicorn, much to Scootaloo’s confusion.

Cheerilee then told her ten remaining students to line up in two rows of five, and she stood behind them. Twilight then began a brief balloon safety lecture to the eleven, before asking them if they were ready for the trip. A chorus of yes was the response, although two fillies did not join in, still sulking.

“Except, you’re not quiet ready” Twilight mused, and his horn started to glow. He enveloped the eleven ponies with a magic field, much to their of the surprise. The feeling caused most of them to gasp and giggle, except for two of the fillies which recognised the feeling from having been in Twilights aura more than once before.

Once the spell was finished, Cheerilee went back to the front of the class. “Now, can anypony guess where we are off to today?”

They all shrugged their shoulders, except for two who were moping “Don’t care, it won’t be fun without Scootaloo” Applebloom whispered.

Twilight led Scootaloo back over to the others “Applebloom, Sweetie Belle. Your loyalty to your friend is wonderful and endearing. But your fears are misplaced”

“But she doesn't have a permission slip?” Applebloom continued to mope

“Yes, but the slip wasn't for the trip, but for the spell” Cheerilee explained to her class “So if Scootaloo didn’t need a spell that the rest of us needed, that should tell you where we are off to?”

Scootaloo started jumping around saying “I know, I know” whilst the rest of the class still seemed a little confused.

“Okay Scootaloo, where are we off to?”

Scootaloo took position to the front of the class and cleared her throat, milking the moment “I guess today we’re going to learn about the weather…we’re off to Clousdale? Where thanks to these babies” she flapped her wings “I don’t need a cloud-walking spell”

Cheerilee confirmed Scootaloo was right casuing the class to cry out a cheer, especially the orange pagasus’s two best friends who run over and gave their friend a hoofbump “We’re so glad you’re coming” Sweetie hugged

The eleven foals went running over to the balloons, and jumped in, with Cheerilee thanking Twilight for the spell and getting into the balloon with less students. Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy then landed in the Schoolyard, Rainbow landing with a massive thump to grab everyponys attention, whilst Fluttershy landed as delicately as a feather.

“Mum, Dad? what are you doing here?”

“Well Scoots, somepony needs to give you a guided tour, and help get the balloons up there” Fluttershy responded

Fluttershy tied the lead ropes from one of the balloons to her, whilst Rainbow took the ropes from the heavier balloon to him. Twilight undid the guide ropes holding the balloons down, and the two pegasi took up the slack pulling the balloons up and forwards towards Clousdale, to the chorus of gasps from the ponies onboard.

***

The trip to clousdale doesn’t take long for most pegasi, even less for Rainbow, but safely towing a balloon full of non flying ponies meant he couldn’t go as quick as he usually flew. And he didn’t want his Fluttershy to overexert herself trying to keep up. But the passengers didn’t mind as they enjoyed the view, with most of them never being airborne before, and none of them higher than Scootaloo's cloud patio.

Upon arrival, they landed the balloons in the middle of a large empty cloud, where a couple of ponies helped take the ropes from Rainbow and Fluttershy and secure the balloons to the ‘ground’. The twelve ponies looked out from inside the balloons with trepidation. Afterall, as either Earth or Unicorn ponies their natural instincts were hard to ignore.

A stallion in a white coat came over with a clipboard “Hello. I’m Sunshine Glisten, the factory forepony. It’s time to start the tour”

Most of the foals, and their teacher, looked at each other nervously, none of them wanting to be the first to move. Suddenly three of them just jumped out of the balloons onto the cloud

The forepony came over to them “Wow, you’re three brave fillies, normally it takes a lot more coaxing out than that”

Scootaloo flapped her wings a little awkwardly as if to say I’ve got no excuse, and Applebloom spoke up “It’s not our first time, Sir!”

Seeing three of her students be brave, Cheerilee gingerly got out of the balloon, followed by the three colts Pipsqueak, Snips and Snails annoyed that the Crusaders had shown them up, again! The six younglings started pulling at the cloud with their hooves, five of them had barely touched the stuff before. Eventually, only Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon remained in the balloons, despite the best efforts of the pegasi to coax them out.

“Wait, I have an idea” Sweetie Belle declared, and bounced over to the balloons, and called out loudly “I guess a cutie mark doesn’t make you daring, that’ll have to be left to us braver blank flanks”

The uptight fillies glared at the smug unicorn in front of them, and slowly got out of the balloon, giving Sweetie a dirty look. The unicorn filly bounced back to her friends, giving the forepony a wink along the way, causing him and Cheerilee to laugh

“Go on then, time to study up on, you know, clouds and stuff” Rainbow declared "We'll catch up with you later"

***

The morning had been spent going around the weather factory, and the school trip had broken for lunch. The eleven foals were sat on a cloud eating a lunch provided for them, whilst Cheerilee was chatting to the handsome forepony.

Rainbow and Fluttershy had left the class to themselves during the morning, not wanting to embarrass their daughter. They wondered if any of the ponies would be as foolish as Pinkie in tasting the rainbow pool, they expected not but couldn’t wait to find out – they bet on Applebloom out of them all. However, they were going to join in the afternoon tour of Clousdale itself, as they could put their own personal views and stories into the sights, especially given Rainbow was the reigning young flyer champion.

Cheerilee was busy flirting and was about to ask the forepony if he ever visited the ground, when suddenly the sound of screaming filled the air, and quickly started getting softer. All the workers looked around to see what was wrong, and at first nobody spotted the issue, but Cheerilee then screamed out “Where are the foals?”

The cloud that the eleven students was on had suddenly broke up, causing all of them to fall towards to the ground. A cloud break up is such a rare event that everypony just froze up in shock, and it took a few seconds before somepony raised the alarm. But by the time anypony had really reacted, the students were already falling fast.

Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash were just on the way back to the group when they heard the screams followed by the alarm. They sped off towards the sound and upon arrival had seen everypony pointing down. Fearing that one of the group had fallen off, Rainbow started charging down towards the ground without waiting.

As he picked up speed, he could just make out a group of ponies falling in front of him. They had been falling for a while and were at terminal velocity, as well as having a headstart on him. Oh no, not this again he thought to himself, but then he was the fastest pony around so if anybody had a chance of saving them, it was him.

As he dived down, he saw that it was the entire class falling, a huge weight of ponies to try to save. However, he noticed something else to cause him feel sick with fear. Scootaloo had flapped her wings instinctively when falling and despite not slowing her fall it had slowly pushed her away from where the others were falling.

Rainbow realised he had the worse decision in his life to make, as there was no way to reach both the main group and the filly. So he had to choose between saving ten foals, including the sisters of his closest friends, or save one filly he had loved since they had adopted her – that was the worst possible choice for anypony to be faced with.

He took a large gulp and made the hardest decision he would ever make - all he knew that despite the feelings for the pegasus, he had to save as many ponies as he could.

It was just then he noticed a yellow and pink blur right behind him. Fluttershy? he thought in confusion How on equestria is she keeping up with me?. But he didn’t have time to dwell on it as he continued to speed up.

Fluttershy was scared on how fast she was travelling down towards the ground. There would be no way the poor flying filly could normally move that fast through the air, but using the slipstream from behind rainbow she was able to keep up. And no doubt knowing her beloved daughter was in trouble had it’s part to play in it.

“Fluttershy” Rainbow yelled “You have to save Scootaloo”

“What, me?” she yelled back

“Yes, you couldn’t carry the ten foals together, so I’ll have to. That leaves our daughter down to you”

“I can’t!” Fluttershy yelled back

“You have to. I believe in you, I always have. Now you have to believe in you…”

Rainbow couldn’t talk anymore as he poured all of his effort into his speed. As the ground approached the pair grew faster and faster, causing a familiar cone to form around Rainbows front hooves You can do it Rainbow…you have to!. Fluttershy was still somehow keeping up in the slipstream and noticed that a faint pink mist was forming around her hooves.

Rainbow suddenly broke the sound barrier causing a Sonic Rainboom visible to all the ponies watching in horror from the clouds above. He dove off to the left to grab the ten foals just in time, moments before they had hit the ground.

At rainbow had turned off, Fluttershy saw Scootaloo falling for the first time. Seeing the daughter she cared for so much in mortal danger inspired her in a way only a parent can be. Despite the sudden loss of slipstream, she willed her whole body on and unbeknown to the filly she also broke through the sound barrier…

Scootaloo had been facing upwards as she had been falling, and had seen Rainbow heading down, but to her horror turn off towards her friends. She then saw her mother racing towards her and suddenly the sky lit up with a pink flash. The flightless foal felt a familiar pair of hoofs grab her and carry her just above the ground before slowly starting to curve upwards back towards the sky.

The gathered ponies looking down in dread saw two trails forming - One of the trails was the familiar rainbow coloured trail that everypony had seen at the Young Flyers Competition and other events since. But the other was new, a pink and yellow trail with blue Butterflys mixed it. And this trail started out from a pink growing shockwave, not round but bent inwards in places to form a Butterfly shape. And the two trails separating, curving and flying back to Clousdale caused a perfect inverted heart shape.

When they saw that everypony was safe, they started celebrating the daring rescue and could finally enjoy the spectacular sight of the heart symbol made from a combined Sonic Rainboom and the instantly dubbed the Sonic Butterfly…

***

As soon as Rainbow and Fluttershy had reached Cloudsdale, they dropped their respective cargos onto the closest cloud and collapsed on it themselves. Breaking the sound barrier was easy enough for Rainbow, but carrying ten foals at supersonic speeds would tire out even the strongest of the Wonderbolts. Fluttershy like most pegasi was of course not built to go that fast, and she struggled to catch her breath.

A large group of pegasi came flying over, some of them carrying Cheerliee to her students, and started checking over both the heroes and the eleven scared foals. The foals were fine and were slowly getting over their shock, but as the adrenaline rush started to wear off they had some very confused emotions. And as they processed just how close to death they had come, some were sick.

Fluttershy and Rainbow lay on the cloud panting, surrounded by concerned ponies. One of them was a doctor, who having quickly checked over the pair declared both were basically fine, although Fluttershy had damaged her wings and had to rest them for a few days. The pair lay there and just looked at each other eyes, and the colt just mouthed the word “I knew you could do it” to his lover.

It was then that somepony told them about the Sonic Butterfly, and nopony who knew Fluttershy, herself included, could believe it. She had become the second fastest pony of all time, even if slipstream and gravity assisted, despite being the only pegasi ever to fail basic flight camp.

As the filly was trying to process this, an orange Pegasus jumped onto the tired hero “Mother, you saved me” and the pair had a massive mother/daughter hug. They had bonded from the start of the adoption, but having now gone through something like this, both knew the bond would now be unbreakable.

The Cloudsdale mayor had arrived, and asked the pegasi to carry their guests to the main part of town. A pair of royal guards took each of the earth and unicorn ponies over, whilst Rainbow and Fluttershy were lifted up and carried by a group of ponies, who started cheering the heros. “Rainbow Dash, he’s out colt, he flies faster than a lightning bolt", allowing the colt to soak up the attention he loved, whilst others were cheering out “Fluttershy, Fluttershy, Fluttershy can really fly” causing the more bashful filly to hide behind her mane.

***

Arriving in the main square, as soon as they were all put down Scootaloo was mobbed by her classmates, even Silver Spoon and Diamond Tiara, thanking the filly for her family saving them. This was too much for the young pegasus to take in, and she went over and just held onto her father. Rainbow scooped the filly onto her back, using his wings to help hide his daughter from the overwhelming crowds.

Having been challenged by the pumped up colt what happened to cause the accident, a science pony had worked out that the cloud had suffered from TCC, or Total Cloud Collapse. It is such a rare event that it’s only happened twice in the past three hundred years, and obviously wasn't normally an issue for the city as the residents could fly.

Just then a bright flash appeared above them all, and looking up they saw the two Princesses appear above them, gliding gently down to the ground. Everypony bowed down to them, except for Rainbow and Fluttershy who having met the Princesses enough times by now had forgotten about royal protocol. Besides, they suspected the princesses were here for them and were so tired that if they bowed they wouldn't be able to get up.

“Princess Celestia, and Princess Luna, what brings your esteemed presence to Clousdale” the mayor broke the silence.

“Dear Mayor Maire, we are hear for the two heros” Luna replied, her older sister allowing the younger to take the lead when dealing with ponies, in order to ingratiate herself more with the modern ponies. This lead to a massive cheer for the two heros, and the two Princess, from their gathered subjects.

“Come Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash, we need to speak to you. Scootaloo, Applebloom and Sweetie, you are welcome to join us” Celestia added

As soon as they entered a private room, the Princesses sealed the door. Luna trotted over to Fluttershy and gave her a big hug, much to the yellow fillys shock “Oh dear friend Fluttershy, one cannot believe that you have performed such a feat today”

“I knew she could do it” Rainbow boasted.

“Us too” the three fillies joined in.

Celestia smiled at the colt and the trio of crusaders “Yes, you did didn’t you. And if you asked me I would have agreed with you.” Celestia than turned to the filly, who was already blushing from Luna’s hug “But I’m not sure that before now Fluttershy would have agreed with you."

Fluttershy could only stammer a whisper in response, all the events of the day being added to her natural instinct to shy away from the Princess.

“Fluttershy, I felt you should be the first to see and hold this” Celestia’s horn started to glow, and suddenly a sphere appeared infront of fluttershy, landing softly in the cloud infront of her. She picked it up with her hooves and looked at it gingerly.

Celestia smiled at the cowering filly “Fluttershy, you just had to believe in yourself. You have reached a speed that only one other Pegasus in the whole of history has ever reached” and she turned and winked to Rainbow Dash “It doesn’t matter if you had help, it doesn’t matter if it was a one off, the important thing is you had the belief in yourself to save you’re daughter. Out of all the elements, you have struggled to believe in youself, since an early age. But your actions today has led to the finding of the orb of belief"

***

After an afternoon to recover, the schoolfoals and Cheerlee were back in the two balloons, this time joined by Fluttershy who still needed to rest and heal. Rainbow attached the first balloons lead rope to his body, and started attaching the second. Probably pulling two balloons wasn’t the best idea after the rescue, but he wasn't prepared to entrust anypony else with his precious cargo.

Suddenly the ropes were magically realised from around his body, and he looked over to see Celestia and Luna's auras around the ropes. Celestia soared over and hovered next to him “Brave Rainbow Dash, you shouldn't overdo it by pulling these Balloons back to the ground. Let somepony else do it”

“Princess Celestia, you are of course right” the colt bowed, as despite not necessarily agreeing, he wasn’t going to argue with the Princesses. He flew over to the same basket as fluttershy, whilst one of the foals went to the other basket to even up the weight.

After getting in, Rainbow looked back and noted that the Princeses were attaching the ropes to themselves. “Wait, I thought you meant some of the Clousdale Royal guards or something” he yelled out as he dashed back over to the Princesses.

“Do you think you and Fluttershy are not worthy of our respect?” Celestia asked

“No! Well, maybe my Fluttershy yes, but not me!” Rainbow replied

“You mean you are too good for a Royal Escort, and we are not worthy of carrying the wondrous Rainbow Dash?” Luna smirked back

“But…But But But…But that’s why you have guards, I can’t allow you to carry me!”

“Did you hear that dear sister, Princess of the Day, King Rainbow Dash doesn’t allow us!” Luna laughed

“Oh dear, that will never do will it Princess of the Night?” Celestia joined in the trolling.

Rainbow blushed deeply, realising he was going to start an unwinnable argument and bowed again “Princess Luna, Princess Celestia…I apologise. I shall take the honour as you intended it” and he flew back to the balloon where he was comforted by Fluttershy, who couldn’t help but laugh at her brave and bold colt who always found a fight. He would probably be the only pony to be able to fight his way into a paper bag...or cardboard box.

The Princesses took up the slack and lifted the balloons up off the cloud and started pulling them towards Ponyville. The foals and Cheerliee enjoyed the honour of being led by the Royal Alicorns, having not met them before. Fluttershy and Rainbow just sat at the back to allow the foals the better view, and just held each other and nuzzled, letting it finally sinking in what happened that day – they had saved the foals, become heros again, and more importantly had bonded closer as a family then had ever been thought possible.

And to seal the deal Rainbow and Fluttershy agreed to wed, swapping a feather each as was the pegasus tradition...

Filly Lessons

The next day after the Cloudsdale trip, the bearer six and Spike had met up to hear all about the adventure. Some of the ground ponies had seen the dual sonic booms, and everypony wanted to hear how it had happened. Of course Fluttershy was too bashful to boast all about it, but Rainbow had that covered.

"And when it came to flying home the Princesses insisted that they honoured me and Fluttershy by flying the balloons home..." Rainbow boasted "...which was great situation for me to finally propose..."

"Propose?" five synchronized voices replied, whilst Fluttershy nearly died of embarassment

"Oops" Rainbow faced-hoofed "We were going to keep it quiet for a little while, but yeah, we swapped feathers!" Rarity and Pinkie Pie both started crying at the news. Twilight comforted his emotional other half, knowing her sensitive nature that the tears of happiness would last until the point she realised she had a new dress to make

But Pinkie tearing up at happy news surprised everypony, normally only crying at really sad things "You okay sugarcube" Applejack asked putting arm round her.

Pinkie sniffed a bit "Thats just another two parties to organise...and i have so many other parties to organise! I've forgotten exactly how many, and if i leave anypony out that would be horrible!". Typical of our Pinkie to focus on the irrelevant party Rainbow Dash thought to himself But thats why we all love her!

"WAIT...that means you need a dress...IDEA!" an excited voice then shouted out...

***

At the next Saturday brunch, Twilight and his main five pony friends met up as normally, although had decided to meet without their sisters or daughter. Once everypony had eaten, Twilight addressed the group.

“You know how Sweetie has been pestering Rarity and I about teaching her magic?” The colt was met with five nods "Well, since the fall she has been pestering more so next time she could try to save herself"

“And Scootaloo has always been pushing you two to teach her to fly” he continued and pointed to the pair of pegaus lovers, who nodded at each other. "I guess that since the fall she has been pestering you more?

"Little scoots has been asking every day" Fluttershy confirmed

Twilight then turned to Applejack and Pinkie, who being the only non-pairing were now sat next to each other by default “Whilst Applebloom pushes you two, and everypony else, to teach her more about farming and such, just so to get her cutie mark”

Twilight was met with a chorus of agreements and nodding with every line. “Well, I think it’s about time they got some lessons!”

“Really?” Rainbow asked "Aren't they still a little young, and don't they need to find their calling by themselves, like we all did?"

"Thanks to yours truly" Rainbow reminded them

“Yes, but I'm not talking quite the lessons, or in the way, they probably expect” Twilight smiled, and explained his plan to his friends….

***

It was early on the next Saturday morning, and instead of the usual brunch the nine ponies had instead met at Flutter-Dash cottage. The crusaders were a little confused, as they sensed something was up and they were nervous but excited.

After a quick breakfast of tea and muffins, the three fillies were sat down. Applejack started “Twilight’s had an idea, that we’ve all decided that as usual it was a good one”

“Yes darlings” Rarity continued “We have decided that we should give each of you a bit of a lesson today, to help you along your way.”

Twilight continued “Afterall, everypony needs some help with their magic…”

“…and all Pegasi need somepony to help they fly better…” Rainbow continued

“…and sometimes a little help in finding their path to their cutie marks” Pinkie concluded

The three fillies looked at each other with excitement, and started bouncing up and down a little.

Fluttershy turned to the crusaders “So Scootaloo darling, please go with Twilight and Rarity, Sweetie Belle go with Applejack and Pinkie, and Applebloom come with me and Rainbow Dash”

“What??” The three fillies responded in astonishment

***

Twilight escorted Scootaloo outside where Rarity was already looking up at the beautiful sky “What a lovely day to be outside, one could practically want to make the few clouds change into a pretty pattern!”

“Yes, ma’am” Scottaloo nervously responded.

“No need to be so formal Scoots” Twilight responded “Save that for proper school during the week”

“So, you going to teach me to fly with magic or something?”

Rarity responded “Nope, first we want you to climb up to the cloud”

Scootaloo looked at the unicorns in confusion, but started the familiar jumps up the cloud patio steps. When she got to the top, the small filly looked down at Rarity and Twilight holding a big sheet

“What's that for?”

“Nevermind that…now stretch out your wings to their fullest” Twilight commanded. The orange pegasus did what the powerful colt asked, as everypony always did what Twilight asked. It wouldn't surprise her if he was ruling Equestria someday!

“Now jump off, and don’t flap your wings”

“What?”

“We’ll catch you in this sheet”

Scootaloo gulped nervously, but after a few seconds jumped. As soon as the filly was in the air and started fall, she instinctively flapped her wings to no effect. The filly dropped like a stone, which brought up memories of the fall from Clousdale. But no sooner had the fall started, she landed in the stretched soft sheet.

The unicorn pair put her down, and Rarity gave the scared filly a big hug “There there, it’s okay see?”

After a few moments, Scootaloo broke the hug not being a fan off all the smooshy stuff. Twilight than put a hoof on the fillies should “Okay, up you go to try again, but this time don’t flap your wings”

Twilight teleported Scootaloo back up to the cloud, causing her to squeak. “Don’t be afraid, just spread your wings like before”.

Scootaloo looked down at the two unicorns, and slowly spread her wings again “Good” Rarity cooed “Now this time, hold your wings wide as possible and hold them out as you fall. And don’t move them!”

“But I’ll just fall” the filly whined.

“Do you trust us?” Rarity called back.

“Yes” the voice of the filly was filled with nerves

“Then do it!”

Scootaloo took a deep breath and jumped. She fought her instincts and did not move her wings, which instead of collapsing caught the air. The young filly started to glide a little, but without any control she soon stalled and started falling away from Twilight and Rarity. Before the pegasus hit the ground, she was caught in both Rarity and Twilights aura, who levitated the foal over to them, before leaving her to fall the final few inches into the sheet.

Scootaloo jumped up and started to give Rarity a massive hug “I did it, I did it, I flew!”

“You sure did Scoots!”

Twilight teleported her back up to the cloud “”Good good, lets keep going now you've started. This time aim to keep yourself pointing slightly downwards so you keep moving”

Hours went past, as the pair of unicorns taught the Peagsus on how to glide. Slowly the glides got longer and longer, and whilst aiming took a while to get used to, the unicorns used their magic to always keep the little flyer from hitting the ground. After more than fifty jumps, eventually Scootaloo could glide all the way down before landing safely on her hoofs.

It had reached lunchtime so Twilight decided to call it a day.

“So, when do I start flying?” the excited young glider asked

“Oh, not today” Rarity put her hoof on the filly “Not even possibly for months. You need to grow a little more first!”

“Then why teach me this…it just seems cruel. Can’t you use your magic to make me stronger” Scootaloo moped, giving the best puppy dog eyes she could to Twilight.

Twilight laughed at the sight, reminding him of how Sweetie Belle acted “Gliding will act as an important safety net when both learning to fly, and even when you can. It will keep you safe. Today is an important step along the path to flying, but like many pegasi, including your mother, you will need to work hard before you can fly. Theres only one Rainbow Dash afterall. But for now remember that the ground has so much wonder…”

“Like having a smart unicorn aunt and uncle to teach you things?” the little filly responded with a sigh, realising that sometimes lessons have to be learnt the slow way. She was never going to be a Wonderbolt, but if a weak flyer like her mother can save the day, and go supersonic, then perhaps one day she may be able to do the same…

***

Fluttershy, Rainbow and Applebloom walked out of the front of the cottage, and went to sit by the river. The adult pair had a bit more of a harder time than the others, as afterall Applebloom was already a good earth pony. She was strong and fast from the farm work she does, and there wasn’t much to teach her physically. However, they knew emotionally there was a lot to for the small filly to learn.

“Isn’t it a lovely day” Fluttershy sighed as they enjoyed the lovely morning sun.

“Being an earth pony sucks” Applebloom moped

“Applebloom Apple! Such language!” Fluttershy responded in shock

Rainbow stifled a laugh “Relax Flutters, sucks isn't the worse word in the world. But why do you say that Applebloom?”

“Well, I bet my friends are doing epic things, whilst we just sit here. Sweetie Belle is going to eventually going to be able to do Magic. Scootaloo will eventually learn to fly. And they will both also get their special talent on top whenever we all get our Cutie Marks. But me…I’m going to have a cutie mark, but no extra special ability like my friends”

Rainbow dash looked at the sad small earth filly, worried that he wasn’t the best pony to talk to about the ordinariness of Earth ponies. Afterall, he was as strong and fast as Applejack, without the use of his wings. With them, he was the fastest pony in all of known history! He looked over to his weaker lover for some help, but she shock her head as if to say I’m not letting you out of this one!

Rainbow Dash took an inhale, and then an idea came to him. “What about me?”

“Well, you are awesome fast flyer, you can do Sonic Rainbooms!” Applebloom responded.

“So, except for being a flyer, what are my special skills?”

Applebloom seemed a little speechless, so Rainbow Dash carried on “Fluttershy can fly and speak to animals, so she has two skills, one more than me. Rarity can use magic and be a wonderful designer. Pinkie, an Earth pony, is a master partier and can tell the future. And then take Derpy - she can barely fly and I'm not sure what bubbles represent, but that hasn't stopped her from being happy, finding her special somepony, a lovely earth colt, and having a family”

“Shucks, I’m not thinking about that sort of stuff yet” Applebloom blushed

“Maybe not, but I’m just saying that there’s more in life then our tribes and cutie marks. If you are a rounded good pony you will find your life full of fun and adventure.”

“And you never know what you’re special talent will be” Fluttershy stepped in, impressed by her loves response “After all, nopony would have guessed a pegasus would have my ability for ground animals. Until you find out what yours is, there’s nothing to worry about!”

“So what are we going to do today?” Applebloom asked

“What do you want to do…what do you like to do?” Fluttershy asked.

Applebloom pondered for a second “I’m not sure…I guess I never sit down and think about it”

“Welcome take your time young filly” Fluttershy put a wing round her “There’s no rush”

A few minutes passed with Applebloom just sitting thinking. Firstly a whole bunch of crazy schemes passed through her mind, but she realised that wasn’t what she liked to do, it’s just what she enjoyed doing with her friends.

“Actually, can we make something, I like working with my hoofs?” the ribbon headed filly suddenly broke the silence.

“Of course” Fluttershy smiled “I like arts and crafts myself, I’ve got loads of supplies. Or I have loads of wood and nails…”

“Well, can we make a go-cart?” she filly excited interrupted.

“Oh, bit of a speed demon are we?” Rainbow laughed. The trio got up and went out to the back of the cottages vast estate, where all the supplies from animal feed to repair equipment was stored. They quickly got to work making a simple cart, the pegasi pair surprised at how quickly Applebloom could work with tools. This was clearly going to be part of the filly’s future in some way as usually only Unicorns could manipulate tools that well, if only she would realise it.

Within two hours the cart was finished, the paint drying slowly in the sun. It looked an impressive machine, with a simple design well put together. They agreed that the filly could take it home with her and try it out on some of the smaller hills on Sweet Apples Acres.

Applebloom looked at her creation with pride “Thank you Fluttershy, thank you Rainbow Dash. It was great just to do something I love without having to worry about trying to find my destiny in life”

“Really, you think that was todays purpose?” Fluttershy asked in surprise

“Yep, wasn’t it?”

The two pegasi looked at each other and laughed.

***

Applejack and Pinkie sat in the main living room of Flutter-Dash cottage, with the curtains drawn and some candles providing a little illumination instead. Sweetie entered the room, and sat between the two ponies as the indicated. Applejack had removed his hat and both ponies were sat almost looking like they were in meditation.

“Are you ready young unicorn” Pinkie asked in her Madam Pinkie voice.

“I guess” Sweetie replied a little confused.

“Pick up the pebble” Applejack commanded trying to sound mystic rather than earthy as usual. As anypony would have guessed, he failed and just sounded as country as ever.

“How, I don’t know any magic!” Sweetie squeaked back annoyed.

“Not with your magic, with your hooves” the colt calmly responded

Sweetie cast a look of scepticism at Applejack, but picked up the pebble “Done”

“Now, what are you holding” Applejack asked.

“A pebble”

“Just a pebble?”

“Yeah”

“It’s not just a pebble, it’s a round piece of smooth sedimentary rock with streaks of Quartz and other minerals causing a multicolored effect” Pinkie replied

“Yeah, I guess? What does that have to do about anything?” the youngster replied

“Well, if you just see a pebble, you’re not seeing what it really is. You’re just seeing the surface, you’re not looking beyond what your eyes are telling you” Pinkie replied in a mysterious manner.

Sweetie looked back down at the small meaningless pebble What on earth are these crazy ponies going on about

“Now, put the pebble back down and close your eyes” Applejack spoke as plainly as possible. Sweetie put down the rock, and closed her eyes.

“Take some deep breaths, and picture the pebble in your mind” Pinkie softly spoke, putting a hoof on the fillies shoulder.

“Okay” Sweetie responded

“Now, what do you see”

“A pebble”

“Just a pebble”

“No…I see a smooth sedentary rock with streaks of courts and other miners, causing a multicoloured effort”

“Close enough” Pinkie laughed “Is it the pebble in the room with us?”

“I don’t know, it was when I closed my eyes”

“Okay, now rather than just imagining the pebble, seek out the real pebble in your mind”

“What?”

“You are a unicorn, and therefore to interact with any object you need to see it with mind, not your eyes”

“But I don’t know how” the filly whined back

“Actually partner, you do” Applejack responded “You just need to take your time and not rush into it like you usually do”

Sweetie sat there for a long time, breathing in and out. Suddenly, she squeaked a“Whats that?”

“What?” Pinkie responded, having opened her eyes to keep an eye on the filly

Sweetie kept her eyes closed but pointed with a hoof “Over…over there”

Pinkie looked over and laughed “That’s just one of Fluttershy’s Pets…I mean roommates, scurrying across the floor”

“Hmmm, I could feel something different about it” and without further encouragement Sweetie went back to concentrating. Every so often she would point to an object and either Applejack and Pinkie would say what she was pointing to. It was clear that the young unicorn was for the first time just being calm enough to allow her innate unicorn sense just to flow over the room.

After a couple of hours, it was time to end the ‘lesson’, with something Applejack planned. He softly and without any noise moved the pebble from just in front of the filly to one of the tables. “Now Sweetie Belle, where is the pebble?”

Sweetie pointed to where the pebble was when she had closed her eyes “There!”

All the other ponies were watching this unfold just out of sight, being told to keep quiet by Twilight.

“Are you sure?” Applejack enquired

“Yeah…no…wait” Sweeties face filled with confusion “No…it’s over…there” she correctly pointed with her hoof “Somepony moved it?” she asked in surprise, opening her eyes.

“How did you know the pebble had been moved with your eyes closed?” Pinkie asked

“Well, I sensed it over there…wait, I sensed it?”

“Exactly” Rarity entered the room and beamed a smile at her sister

“Exactly what?” The younger belle replied “It’s not like I moved the pebble” she squeaked

“No, not today. That wasn’t the point, but you did something you hadn't done before. You used your magic to sense things in the room. And you didn’t need a unicorn to teach you that, you just needed to keep calm and concentrate.” Applejack responded.

“Sensing things…hardly the stuff of my sister” Sweetie Belle pouted

“Now, in comparison I and nearly everypony else in Equestria feel that way about Twilight” Rarity responded, causing her fiance to blush “Sweetie Belle, everything in life takes hard work, not just ‘earth pony stuff’” she motioned the quote symbol with her hooves “but everything. Twilight only got as good as he did through years of dedicated studying. Eventually, you will find your magic but it won’t come overnight, you need to work hard. And anypony can teach you that lesson”

“So, today wasn’t about really teaching us what we wanted to know?” Scootaloo asked

Fluttershy put a wing around her daughter and Applebloom next to her “Not exactly teaching you what you wanted to know, we taught you something you need to know before you grow and get your cutie marks”

“Whats that, how to fail?” the brash peagsus responded, before casting a sorry look to her adopted mother.

“No, that finding your Cutie Marks won’t be the end of the story, it’ll just be the start. Any everypony from us to Cheerilee will be able to teach you about all sorts of things.”

Twilight turned to the foals “Take Rares…I mean Rarity, for example. Her special talent is gem finding, but she is a dress maker. Rainbow’s special talent is fast flying, but he’s just as committed to being Ponyvilles Weather Team Leader. Applejack is an apple farmer, but also one of the fastest runners around.”

“But our cutie marks…” Sweetie Belle started to whine.

“Will only be a part of what you are. It may signify one of your most special talents, but there’s so much more to each pony than that!” Pinkie laughed “Afterall, it’s not like all I care about it parties and fun!”

Everypony else just looked at each other, not sure how to respond.

“Kidding, afterall I’m the exception that proves the rule!” Pinkie fell over laughing being joined in by the rest of her friends.

The three cutie mark crusaders looked at the six ponies in a group hug, and decided to leave them to it. They started talking about what they learned, and decided to go watch Scootaloo glide, before having a go on the go-cart and finally testing Sweeties new sensing ability…

Shiveredge

The seven closest friends in Ponyville, perhaps all of Equestria, were galloping at full speed through the countryside. Well four of the ponies were galloping, two pegasi were flying and a certain baby dragon riding on Applejacks back. The letter from Celestia had told Twilight that there was a state of national emergency, and that there was no time to waste.

Twilight was carrying a box containing the Elements of Harmony on his back and despite the extra weight, the short sharp tone of his mentors letter desperately asking for help spurred him on. And the others knew if it meant a lot to Twilight, it was likely to end up important to everypony in the kingdom.

During the long journey they had already covered, they had passed squadrons of earth and unicorn royal guards also running in the same direction, as well as seeing fleets of pegasi guards flying overhead. When asked, none of them had any idea what was going on either, except that every guard in the land had been summoned like them and that the fate of the kingdom was at stake. Some of the guards recognised who the ponies were, and knowing the Bearer of the Elements were being summoned made them feel both more nervous and somehow safer at the same time.

Almost a day after leaving the safety of their homes, they reached the top of a huge ridge, and looked down across miles of countryside. In the distance was a huge creature moving very, very slowly across the land. The creature was a huge turtle looking beast, at least the size of Ponyville, perhaps even a bigger city. It propelled itself by walking on thousands of tendrils, seeming to leave a trail of smoke behind it.

Just the other side of the ridge, a short trot away they saw the two Royal Princesses surrounded by the guards that had already arrived. As the seven cantered down towards the large group, Celestia and Luna saw their faithful friends and flew over to meet them halfway. There was no time for chat, so after the quickest bow allowed in royal protocol, Twilight cut to the chase.

“What is it?” Twilight pointed to the creature.

Luna spoke first “It’s name is Shiveredge, a giant beast that roamed the land many millennia ago. Since then, it has lived in the seas where it causes no damage, but for some reason it has returned to land and is cutting a path of destruction across Equestria”

“We have not been able to communicate with it, and even our power alone cannot stop it” Celestia continued “It moves slowly, but in its current course it will eventually destroy Canterlot, Las Pegasus…but first Ponyville. A number of small villages have already been destroyed.”

Luna ignored the gasps of the ponies and continued “And the land that it touches is destroyed forever, no crops can ever grow again. The last time it happened it destroyed all the lands around the border between us and our southerly neighbours – no pony lives there or ever goes there now, but I understand the reasons why have been lost through the ages”

“If you can’t reason with it, what are we going to do?” Fluttershy asked nervously, hoping they weren’t expecting her to try to reason with it like with the Dragon

“Why isn’t is obvious?” Rainbow turned to his fillyfriend “The guards are going to fight it”

Twilight looked at his mentor nodding “And I guess you wanted us to use the Elements against it?” Twilight levitated open the chest containing the elements.

Celestia looked at the bearers “I don’t think the elements will help here – the creature is not evil, it’s just walking along doing what it does. For whatever reason it has returned to land, and sadly we are going to have to try to fight it to try to encourage it to turn around.”

“Then Princess, why did you ask us here?” Pinkie asked.

“We need Twilights help in fighting this thing…Twilight is an expert shield caster, he will prove useful” Celestia replied “Sorry, I didn't expect him to bring you, his friends, along.”

“Nevermind that, I’m here to help fight as I’m sure we all are!” Rainbow replied with pride “We are some of the strongest, smartest, fastest ponies in the kingdom, with or without the Elements. We have to make a stand here! No point waiting for the creature to reach Ponyville before helping out”

“For once I have to agree with Rainbow Dash” Rarity surprised everypony “Equestria will be destroyed unless we stop this thing…together”.

The Princesses had to agree that any help would be welcome, and left to start organising the vast number of guards starting to arrive. Hours later, after all the battalions had arrived, the great beast had moved closer to the group of thousands of ponies reading to attack it. On Celestia’s command, everypony charged forwards into the chaos of battle…

***

The epic pony battle, on this fateful Tuesday, had not gone well. The massive beast’s skin was too thick for any of the guard’s weapons to penetrate, and the creatures innate magic repelled any pony trying to land on it. Pony magic seemed to have some effect, but given the size of the beast the average unicorns power barely made any impact. Meanwhile, the creatures tendrils moved quickly around and through the air, swatting Pegasus around like flies, and knocking earth ponies huge distances across the ground.

The six bearers, two Princesses and Spike were working together to attack the monsters head, but the creature was naturally too well protected. Applejack and Pinkie had got good kicks in, the unicorns, alicorns and dragon had all got good blasts of magic or fire, and Rainbow and Fluttershy moved around quick enough to distract it. But eventually everypony got tired and finding their efforts fruitless, fell back.

However, the monster was outraged at the pain this small group of creatures in front of it had caused, and focused its attention on them. Not wanting to flee and leave the guards to fight alone, the Princesses stood their ground and the bearers stood by their rulers sides. The monster pounded relentlessly on the shields being cast by Twilight and the two Princesses, it’s largest enchanted tendril causing huge magical feedback which weakened the three casters greatly with every impact. After a while the Princesses powers started to falter, and Twilight took the magical lead, the unicorn outperforming the immortals, protecting his Rarity no matter how much it hurt.

Eventually, and without warning, an extra powerful swing broke through the shield landing in the middle of the nine fighters. The force of the impact threw them all back through the air, smashing them into a cliff face. The six mortal ponies lay with various broken limbs and injuries, whilst Spike and the two Princesses were completely spent from the fight to do anything but lay and watch.

The monster slowly approached them, a venom of anger in it’s narrow eyes. The ponies were all too injured to try to escape, and they each suspected the injuries already inflicted from the impact were fatal without immediate help. And there was nopony around in a state able to help them.

Rainbow saw Fluttershy slowly crawling on two hooves over to him, and they slowly crawled on the ground to each other. Eventually the managed to reach in the middle, and they just held each other, no words being required. They hadn’t been a family for too long, even shorter engaged, but they had enjoyed growing up together and were sure there was no-pony they would rather been spending their final moments with.

Pinkie and Applejack had landed ontop of each other “ Couldn't think of anypony I would rather be with at the end of the party” Pinkie half smiled at the colt and they held each others hooves

“Me too partner, just wish we had found each other sooner”

"We've known each other for ages, silly" the pink pony boinked Applejack on the nose.

"You know what I mean. Heck, even your father senced it straight away" Seeing Pinkie confused, he explained that her father had approved a union without being asked.

“Applejack, I think it’s time you asked me then” Pinkie replied “No point in not”

Applejack laughed through his pain “Pinkie…will you marry me?”

“Of course silly, but I get to organise the party. Oh, I’ve planned this one for years” she coughed at the end, gently closed her eyes and sighed "I wonder if they have parties where we are going..."

Twilight had taken the worst of the impact, having positioned himself infront of all his friends and the Princesses to cast his spells. He looked over to where Rarity lay, and despite being unable to move a single part of his physical body, he teleported himself next to his fiancée “Rares, I’m so sorry” he wept as his head lay against his lovers flank. He wished he could also have spent his final moments with Spike, but felt too weak to bring the Dragon over to the pair.

All the ponies waited for the inevitable, when suddenly they heard a familiar trio of voices “Stop, evil thing!” Those that could looked up and saw three fillies stood between the giant beast and their fallen families. Scootaloo was hovering about a foot off the ground, Sweetie Belle horn was producing small sparks and Applebloom was limbering up her rear hoofs.

“They must have followed us here” Applejack gasped through his pain.

“Sweetie Belle, get you and your friends out of here! Save yourself!” Rarity cried out, and saw the monsters tendril swing down towards the fillies. Despite being near depleted and injured, hearing his future sister in law about to be killed spurred Twilight on. He used the last of his energy to form a shield round the crusaders, just in time and with enough power to deflect the tendril to the side. The magical feedback flashed back to the injured unicorn, causing the colt untold internal damage and Twilights head fell against his lovers flank as he took his final breath.

Fluttershy looked at her new daughter “Scootaloo, leave us, run and find somewhere new to live…it’s too late for us, but not for you to run!” she cried

The three foals ignored the pleas for them to run, all they knew is they had to try to protect their families. The beasts’ tendril came swinging down towards the three brave foals for what was bound to be the second yet final time. All five living ponies as well as both royal princesses closed their eyes helplessly, not being able to stand to watch. But no sounds of pain or impact were heard, and after a few moments they dared to open their eyes.

Everything around them seemed to be frozen in time, including the three fillies looking scared and cowering inches away from the beast. But, they hadn't run.

“Whats going on?” Fluttershy broke the silence.

“My my my dear Fluttershy, how come shy old you is always so brave around me?” the ponies heard a familiar voice

“Is that whom I think it is” Luna enquired, gasping from her injuries.

Slowly, out of the surrounding mist, a translucent form started to take shape

“Discord!” The five ponies and one confused dragon cried out, in various volumes, whilst the royal sisters looked at each other.

“The one and only!” the faint form replied.

“But how?” Applejack cried at Celestia confused, thankful his sister was still alive, but sad at his friend lying dead next to a grieving Rarity.

“We didn’t kill Discord” Celestia explained “He is immortal like us afterall. We just broke his physical form so there was no chance of future escape from stone.”

“Yes, that was really cruel for you Celestia, I didn't know you had it in you” Discord laughed and teleported next to her“ Now that’s the sort of Pony Princess I could get on with!” he stroked her face with his claw. He clicked his fingers, and suddenly all the ponies’ and princesses injuries were healed. Twilight took in a deep breath and opened his eyes, much to Rarity's delight.

“Discord, are you responsible for Shiveredge's return and the destruction it’s causing?” Celestia demanded, not flinching away from the villains touch but standing strong.

The six ponies got up to their feet, amazed at how great they suddenly felt.

“Me, not at all. In fact, up to a few moments ago I didn’t seem to be able to interact with the world at all. Beats being stuck in stone mind, as at least I get to watch you lot”

Discord disappeared and appeared next to Twilight, the Draconequus just a faint outline of himself “Your freakouts are as funny as anything I can come up with” Discord laughed before switching places with Fluttershy “Although I think you two would have made a better couple!”

Fluttershy blushed and galloped back next to Rainbow dash, who comforted his embarrassed filly-friend “Really, why do I not believe this has nothing to do with you” the colt scowled comforting his blushing lover.

“Believe me or not, I am telling the truth…Applejack should be able to sense that with his 'freaky powers'” Discord air quoted

“Stop lying about my precious AJ, you…you…cloud!” Pinkie stormed

Applejack cleared his throat “Actually, I can tell when ponies are lying to me!”

Everypony turned and looked at him “What, given how everypony else has epic powers of magic, future sense, speaking animal languages or sonic rainbooms…you think one of the elements was just a strong pony?”

“Why didn’t you tell us…tell me?” Pinkie asked

“Well, it’s never really been required up to now! Beside, you guys and girls never lie to me!”

“Awwww, what a lovely sentiment” Discord poked his tongue out

“So, this has nothing to do with you at all?” Twilight asked, finally regaining his senses and logic, trying to work out exactly what had happened to him.

“No, scouts honour” Discord replied, changing into a scouts uniform.

Princess Celestia approached the faint outline of the villain, and to everypony and his surprise bowed down on her front hooves “Discord, we…I, am powerless to prevent the fall of Canterlot, and perhaps the whole Equestria. What I did to you was wrong, but I beg you to save the kingdom.”

Luna stepped next to her sister, and bowed down as well “Discord, I join my sister in begging for the fate of our kingdom”

The god of chaos looked down at the two immortals infront of him. A long time ago, and for many years, they had battled before eventually the Princesses had found how to use the Elements to cast him to stone. And in that time, and during his previous escapes and escapades, they had never spoken to him with anything but contempt and anger. He wanted to laugh, to mock the once great rulers, but something stopped him.

“Princesses, rise. Us immortals should not bow down to each other in fear” he spoke with an unusual seriousness in his voice.

The two alicorns remained bowed and the younger princess spoke up “Discord, we do not bow to you in fear like the ponies of the past did. We bow to you in respect and reverence to the potential saviour, the only potential saviour, of Equestria”

The six ponies and dragon present also bowed down “We bow down in forgiveness, in hope!” Rarity grandly announced with her best sounding voice.

Discord looked down at all the ponies in front of him still covered in dust and blood from the injuries he had cured, at the killed royal guards lying around, and the three fillies’ moments away from death. He enjoyed chaos, but this seemed a step too far. Oh well, might as well be helpful this once he thought to himself

Discord gave an almighty laugh, and clicked his fingers. His cloudy form disappeared, as well as the giant beast and time seemed to return as usual. The three crusaders flinched away from the expected impact, and finding the beast had suddenly disappeared looked around in confusion. Seeing their families suddenly cured from their injuries, they ran over to the respective pairings and gave them a big cuddle whilst Applejack told the fillies what had happened.

After a few tender moments, the ponies broke their hugs and looked around in sadness at the death and destruction. However, where they expected to see the bodies of the fallen, they had all arisen like Twilight and seemed to be confused at what had gone on. The trail of destruction remained as a scar on the landscape, but everypony seemed to have been restored

“Discord saved them all?” Fluttershy gasped

“He has great power over time and reality…if only he could use it for good” Celestia was caught between the joy of her subjects surviving, and sadness from what she remembered her subjects had just gone through.

Suddenly, Sweetie Belles horn started to glow and a magic spell started to form “Hey, what’s going on?” The young filly exclaimed in a little panic

“You’re doing a spell!” Rarity clapped her hooves in delight “What are you trying to do?”

“Nothing, it’s happening by itself…I’m scared”

Twilight ran over to the unicorn filly “Okay, keep calm. It’s a spontaneous spell, no doubt from everything that’s happened today. Just let it flow, okay sis”

Sweetie Belle horn continued to glow, and Celestia joined next to Twilight. Together, they both started to probe Sweetie’s aura, trying to work out what was going on.

“Whatever it is, it’s powerful” Twilight whispered to the Princess

“Is that bad?” Rarity asked

“I don’t think so” Celestia mused “But it’s not Sweetie’s Magic, it’s something else being channelled via her horn”

“I’m scared” Sweetie squeaked

“Is it Discord? Is there time to transfer it to one of us?” Twilight asked his magical mentor

“I don’t think so” Luna replied “We better give her some space”

Everypony backed off a little as Sweetie strained, Spike and the crusaders almost having to be dragged away from their friend in trouble. Suddenly the spell discharged and something appeared, hovering midair in front of the filly. With the spell discharged, Sweetie lost her magic and the object fell to the earth with a dull thud.

Everypony crept up to the object “It’s another orb?” Applebloom squeaked excited, Sweetie being too tired to squeak for herself.

“Our best friend summonded an orb?” Scootaloo flapped her wings in delight

Celestia looked over at her sister, who looked equally as surprised at the treasures appearance. The ruler of the day then crouched down and put her wing around the three fillies and levitated the orb in her aura “Yes, this is another orb, one that the three of you today have summoned” The three fillies eyes beamed with pride towards their respective carers.

“For you see whilst you may not have had Discords power, you showed great bravery at trying to stop the beast. You tried your best to protect your love ones from harm, despite having limited chance of doing so. You were willing to do anything to protect them. And I think your actions showed him up a little, forcing him to act! If it wasn’t for you...”

The three fillies beamed big smiles at each other “You mean…” Applebloom started

“Yes, dearest Crusaders’, you three saved Equestria!” Luna smiled at the excited fillies “and in doing so have shown great character and have summoned the Orb of Sacrifice”

The eleven ponies present looked at the shimmering orb being levitated in the Princesses field. Celestia closed her eyes and reached out. Twilight, can you hear me?

Yes Princess, why are you using telepathy?

Because I don't want these fillies to hear. You used the last of your power to try to save them, despite surely knowing it would kill you. You could have teleported yourself to safety, but you didn't

I couldn't Princess, I just....couldn't leave them, leave Rarity...leave you Twilights inner voice was filled with sadness

I know my faithful student. I suspect that this Orbs appearance has just as much to do with you as them, I wanted you to know that. But lets give this one to the fillies hey?

Agreed, Princess

Twilight opened his eyes, realising that little time had passed during the mental conversation “So, that’s the third orb found now?”

Luna and Celestia both nodded, trying not to let Applejack pick up on the small distruth they were telling.

***

The ponies made their way slowly back to Ponyville. The guards were looking over the countryside to see what work needed to be done to restore the damaged towns, farms, and hamlets. It wasn’t unusual for the Princesses to go off alone, often escaping their guards to visit Ponyville, but the guards still needed persuading. Of course the Princesses had protection in the form of the six bearers, and the three crusaders who had just helped save the entire kingdom.

On the long journey back, Twilight was carrying the case containing the elements on his back, whilst Spike travelled on his future mother/sister/pony in-law's back. Applejack was carrying a sleeping Sweetie, whilst Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie carried the other sleeping foals.

As the ponies returned to Ponyville, Twilight asked all of his friends and the Princesses to join him in the main square, but wouldn't explain why. The square was empty as they arrived, as everypony was waiting for them for a secret celebration in the Town Hall. The three carriers put down the sleeping foals gently, in order not to wake them.

Twilight levitated the elements out of the case on his back, placing them around his friend’s necks, forming them into a circle. Having placed the element of magic on his head last, he turned to the others “Do you all trust me?”

“Of course” they all responded.

Twilight closed his eyes and all the elements started to glow, each releasing a ribbon of rainbow magic that started to entwine in the middle, forming a large rainbow bubble. The bubble shimmered for a while, and then exploded with a big flash. Everypony shielded their eyes, and when they looked back a familiar form stood in the middle of them.

“Discord?” everybody from Spike to the Princesses called out in surprise.

“What? Where am I? I’m back?” Discord stretched out his real limbs whilst expressing his surprise

“Yes Discord, using the elements of Harmony we have returned you back to physical form” Twilight confirmed

Discord looked around, trying to decide where to start causing chaos first “Why does everypony looked so shocked?” Discord asked confused

Rarity scowled at her groom-to-be “Because my beloved Twilight didn't tell any of us what he was doing”

“Yeah Twilight, what on Equestria are ya up to partner?” Applejack exclaimed

“What, you’re going to tear yourselves apart without me even trying, that is too rich!” Discord clapped in delight.

Twilight removed his tiara “Discord, you saved us all, even bringing me back to life. You used your powers to do good, rather than evil”

Discord chuckled “Evil is such a vague concept. I mean, if I had let that creature destroy all of you, where would be the fun in that?”

“Indeed, which is why I am giving you this chance. I’m not sure if you have changed, but today you demonstrated you do have a good side.” the unicorn slowly approached the Draconequus.

“Awww, you’re making me blush” Discord’s body turned red, before bursting into flames and lots of laughter.

“Maybe, but surely being here, now, back in flesh and bone beats being cast in stone or floating around waiting for the next weird event that might free you?” Twilight retorted.

Discord wasn’t paying full attention and instead was snapping his fingers, changing Rarity’s mane colour without her noticing. He then noticed the colt scowling at him “Sorry, I thought your fiancée could do with a restyle”

“What has he done to me?” Rarity shrieked in panic

“You’re mane looks awesome, like mine!” Rainbow giggled. Rarity pulled her hair forwards to see it bright rainbow colours, and broke down in tears “Hey, I like the rainbow colour” Fluttershy quipped at her friend, finding the situation funny. Afterall, it could easily be dyed back.

Princess Celestia looked at her student “Twilight, are you sure about this?”

Everypony, Dragon and even the Draconequus looked at the colt in sync, “Whether or not Discord has reformed, or he relapses, is up to him. We can always use the Elements to cast him in stone, if he really forces us” Twilight finished with a determined lecture look.

Discord eyed up the colt and snapped his fingers to return Rarity’s mane to normal “You really think I can change?" he scowled "I’m am the god of chaos, what do you expect me to do? Plant flowers and make pretty bouquets for all the ponies?”

Pinkie stepped forwards “Discord, have you never heard of practical jokes? Parties? Having fun without causing everypony else to be miserable? Hey, even changing manes can be funny when it’s someone as uptight as Rarity, as long as you change it back”

Applejack put his hoof around his lover “Pinkie, I think he was being sarcastic”

“You think you can teach me about fun” Discord laughed in the party ponies face “I practically invented it!”

“Maybe Mr Clicky Clickison, but I am Ms Laughter, element of, so I know a fair bit about it myself. Okay, I'll shortly be Mrs Laughter-Apple. Well, i won't be that, I'll be Mrs Pinkamena Diane Responsibility Apple Pie. Or perhaps Pie-Apple. What, that sounds too much like Pineapple, although i do love pineapples. They are spiky and.."

"Okay Sweetie, get to the point" Applejack interrupted

"but regardless" Pinkie blushed "I mean, have you ever have fun with anyone else?”

Discord seemed to freeze in mid thought and Luna chuckled “Yes Discord, Twilight and her friends introduced this concept of joining in others for fun to me. And it’s not all sweet and silly, even scaring foals can be fun if they are expecting it.”

Celestia then approached the Draconequus and took one of his claws in her hoof, the first act of kindness she had ever shown him “Discord, there is so much in this world to enjoy, but with the powers we have there is also a lot of responsibility. If you can find the right balance, then I hope we can become good friends for a long time”

Discord looked at the royal pony “Friends? I’ve never had a friend before”

“Well, she won’t be your first” Fluttershy suddenly spoke up, and approaching Discord she gave him the biggest hug she could. “You saved my daughter Scootaloo, and my little Dashie, as well as everypony else. That makes you my friend, whether you want it or not!” She was quickly joined by the three crusaders, and then her other friends.

Discord looked down at the nine ponies and even a baby dragon, cuddling him, having never had any creature show him such affection for a long time. Eventually, the ten pairs of hooves and claws were slowly removed from the former enemy, and Discord had a small tear in his eye, the first time in a long time he had had a genuine emotion. “Why does this friendship seem to be so important to me now? What sort of magic is this?”

“You said that you have been floating around watching us in Ponyville. Perhaps, just perhaps, seeing us..” Twilight motioned at the ponies present “…be friends, love, learn, try crazy schemes to get cutie marks..”

“Hey, Cutie Mark Crusader’s wing powered go-cart racers wasn’t that crazy!” Scootaloo shouted

“We crashed…a lot” Sweetie Belle laughed back with Applebloom.

Twilight laughed at the filly triple-act “…so perhaps you’ve seen something here that you want to have in your own life” Twilight continued “Perhaps by watching us little ponies, you’ve been able to find that something special you wasn’t expecting?”

Discord wanted to mock the colts sappy speech, but something about it rang true Why has watching these ponies changed me so much“So what do I do now?”

Pinkie grabbed his hand with her hoof and dragged him towards sugarcube corner “First thing, eat some cupcakes and I’ll introduce you to the two most powerful forces of chaos...pound and pumpkin cake!

“I don’t need to eat cupcakes, or anything to eat” Discord reminded the pink pony

“Just wait till you spend some time with the foals, you’ll soon start…” Pinkie laughed, as the other ponies followed Pink pony dragging the large god of chaos towards the bakery, all wondering how Discord would take to foal-sitting…

All grown up and nowhere to go

Everypony was looking forwards to today, for today was the day of the party. Okay, lots of days had parties in Ponyville, but pinkie had promised this one was to be extra special. She had worked tireless for days on this huge party to try to get on top of the backlog that had started to drive her mad…well madder. She had somehow managed to persuade the mayor to give her the town hall as a venue.

During the week Pinkie had kept all the details of the plan to herself, and allowed nopony else to help, or enter the hall. As midday struck, Pinkie opened the door from within the large building for her five guests of honour, their sisters and Spike. Having feared the worst of what Pinkie’s mind could come up with given a week alone, they were pleasantly surprised. Even Rarity gasped at the beauty as she entered, for having expected something a little brash and…well…Pinkie-ish

One third of the round room was decorated very stylishly with a lavender and white theme. There were fancy decorations with fake gems and stars, and even the balloons were stylish colours. For the youngsters there was a dress up box full of clothes and accessory, as well as books to read, whilst for the adult ponies there was lots of chairs and more books to read. For the unicorn couple, it was the perfect society-pony party.

The second third of the room had lots of blue and yellow decorations, as well as cotton candy clouds, and a big bowl filled with rainbow coloured punch. How the clouds were floating, and the punch not mixing together, without magic was just put down to being part of Pinkie’s madness. There were perches where Fluttershy bird choir was singing, and on the ceiling a fabric based creation depicting a combined sonic rainboom and butterflyboom twisted together in a heart shape, with an abstract orange and purple headed pony in the middle. The Pegasus family couldn’t imagine anything at all that Pinkie had missed.

The final third of the room was a little different from the others. For a start, it had some music playing in the background, and a number of party-games were dotted around. It was also the third with most of the food; cakes and sweet things made by Sugarcube’s Corner adopted “daughter”, and more substantial healthy food direct from sweet apple acres. It was also the covered in balloons and streamers. Pinkie had managed to combine the best of her party style and the Apple family’s hoedowns together perfectly.

And in the middle of the room was ‘the cake’ – it was a six layer cake with each layer decorated in the body and mane colours her and her fellow engaged friends. And on the top six pony figures wearing little marzipan necklaces or tiara’s symbolising the elements of harmony – and of course three smaller ponies and a marzipan baby dragon were included.

Nopony could imagine how Pinkie was going to pull off a combined three way engagement party for the whole town, but she had outdone herself this time. As all of her friends congratulated her on what she had achieved, the rest of the town started to arrive, all equally amazed. As everypony wandered around taking in all the sights and sounds, a silence fell, the birds stopped chirping and a record scratch was heard as somepony stopped the music.

The three pairs of engaged ponies turned and saw that Princesses Celestia and Luna had walked into the town hall, along with Discord and a couple of guards. Rarity noticed out of the corner of her eye her fiancé cast a quick spell over himself How odd she thought. Twilight then went trotting over to his two mentors and gave them both a hug, and gave Discord a more appropriate claw/hoof shake, before remembering this was a public event and bowing down. “Princesses, Sir Discord, what brings you to our humble town?”

Celestia spoke first “Twilight, Bearers, Residents of Ponyville, rise. We are here today to honour the six bearers of the elements on their day of official engagement party. The honours should be going to them, not us”

A little cheer went up from the ponies gathered.

“And being my first engagement party for over a thousand years, I’m here to Par-tay!” luna laughed trotting over to Pinkie’s corner, eager to play some of the games she had experienced on Nightmare Night.

“Oh my, the Princesses have been doubled!” Rarity practically swooned “Royalty, at my engagement party? It’s all I ever dreamed of as a filly!”

Fluttershy looked over at Scootaloo playing with the CMC’s and Rainbow Dash “My daughter having fun with friends? It’s all I ever dreamed of as a filly!” she practically cried and was comforted by Applejack.

“A party with all my friends? It’s all I ever dream of…all the time!” Pinkie bounced past randomly.

Whilst the two Princesses were either playing games or enjoying one of Pinkie’s legendary cupcakes in Ponyville, Canterlot’s guards were taking advantage of the lower security level with some downtime. This in turn allowed a certain queen to sneak into the city, unnoticed…

***

It was late in the evening, and the final guests were leaving. The party had been a complete success, and the three pairs couldn’t have imagined a better party – all their best friends (including a pair of Alicorns for one unicorn colt) and families celebrating love together.

Discord had even on his best behaviour the whole time, but it wasn’t that surprising. He may have been the god of chaos, but ruining the engagement party of the six ponies that could cast him to stone, send him to the moon or Faust knows whatever they wanted, he knew it probably wasn’t the best idea.

The six ponies had waved off everypony and were sat around in the seating area, eating the last bits of cake.

“Twilight dear” Rarity cooed as they were all relaxing “What was that spell you cast when the Princesses arrived?”

“Oh, you know, just recasting the Alicorn Attraction Avoidance spell” the colt responded

“The what?” Rarity asked, and Twilight went on to explain the issues regarding unicorn males and Alicorn pheromones.

“I…I never knew. So, you’re attracted to Celestia?” Rarity pouted, but for a change she wasn’t being over dramatic but the filly was really hurt.

“No! It’s Alicorn magic, it’s not like I have a choice. You are the only pony I’ve ever loved. Why do you think I cast the spell if not to stop it! You have no idea what it was like at the Gala when the spell wore off…it was torture!”

“So wait, at the Grand Galloping Gala, when you encouraged me to spend time with horrid Prince Blueblood, you just did that so you could spend some time alone lusting after the Princesses!”

“Not at all! Besides, I asked you to marry me the next day” Twilight responded exasperated.

“Out of guilt?” Rarity snapped “Or because you’re precious Princess's land was threatened”

The other four ponies stuck listening felt awkward – they were on Twilights side on this one. It wasn’t his fault, they had all felt the urges of heat as fillies. But they didn’t want to feel the wrath of Rarity but arguing his case.”

“It’s not surprising” Rarity continued “Afterall, she gave you the chance of joining her magic, she took you under her wing, are in constant contact with your little letters…”

Twilight started fuming and interrupted “You know what? Although it is frowned upon in general, I always had both the power and the knowledge to control my heat. As a royal protégé I was expected to always be on best behaviour by the snobby society ponies. And so I had to cast a lot of spells on myself. Do you have any idea what it is to grow up like that, your body’s natural instincts being suppressed throughout puberty?” The colt was crying by this point.

Rarity had slumped to a sitting position during this rant, seeing her lover pouring out what must have been an awful situation for a young filly to be in.

“And then when I first turned I had a choice. I could continue to surpress everything as I had always done before, or just the attraction to the Princesses now I was a colt. And I choose to start being normal which surprised my body no end – you have no idea of the withdrawal symptoms I had! And you know why?” Twilight was almost shouting by the end

Rarity knew she knew why and her eyes starting tearing up. Twilight took his lovers hoofs in his and looked into her eyes “Because of you” he calmly almost whispered “Because of your beauty and grace I changed my very nature…”

Rarity interrupted her fiancé by planting a deep kiss on his lips, and eventually pulled away “Oh Twilight, I should never have doubted you. It’s not your fault, but I never knew how much you had changed just for little old me. I just feel that I’m not worth it!”

Twilight kissed Rarity “You are worth more than all the gems you ever find put together…even ‘Tom’”

“I thought we all agreed never to mention that again” Rarity giggled and playful bopped her colt on the muzzle

Two pairs of ponies who had watched this argument unfold, and then come to an abrupt end, let out a big awwww. The fact that Rarity was so upset in the first place showed just how much she loved the colt, but knowing what Twilight had gone through for a mare he had just met showed it really was love at first…well…transformation. It just proved that neither Discord, nor Alicorn magic, would ever tear them apart.

*** A few weeks later ***

The six bearers had not long just waved off the Cutie Mark Crusaders and Spike for the trip to Canterlot the dragon has arranged for a few days, giving the lovers some quality time alone – This was no such a problem for the unicorn couple as Sweetie split her living between her sister and her parents, but for the Earth and in particular the Pegasi couple, it was a different matter.

***

The Pegasus pair sat in their family cottage, watching the animals play around. It appeared that their pet rabbit and tortoise had really started getting along. Angel still didn’t like the fact he had to share his yellow pony with this new blue one, let alone the tortoise that had gone from one of the general gang to second favourite. However, he knew he couldn’t compete with the other pony, and being smarter than most of the animals and ponies in the land, knew he had to stay on the blue ones good side.

Without their daughter and her friends either destroying something, or needing help getting tree sap out of their manes, the pair actually found themselves with nothing to do. After a brief discussion, they decided to go out for a fly. Whilst the pairing often did things the other had less interest in, with Scootaloo still not flying properly they never went out for family flights. Of course Fluttershy didn’t really like flying too high above the ground but she also knew Rainbow didn’t really enjoy the bi-monthly mass bunny bath he always helped with.

The pair were flying a few thousand feet above the ground, enjoying the glorious weather. They had passed over Applejack and Pinkie Pie wandering around the fields, and whilst Rainbow wanted to prank them, he was persuaded to leave them along by his gentle partner, as the earth pair did appear to be really enjoying their alone time.

After a long winding flight, they landed on a cloud and rainbow pulled out a pair of drinks bottles he had carried on him. To his surprise, he looked over to see Fluttershy panting and practically ready to fall over. He opened one of the bottles, and passed it to his partner.

“Sorry Flutters, I didn’t realise you were struggling”

Fluttershy drunk some of the drinks “It’s not the speed, but I don’t usually stay airborn for so long. Even pulling the balloons was easy compared to this!”

Rainbow came over and put his wing around her “I’m sorry, you should have said something. I sometimes forget you don’t fly as well as me” The colt then gulped “Which I don’t mean is because…”

Fluttershy interrupted Rainbo “Don’t worry” she smiled “I know what you mean. You are afterall the faster flyer in the land and I doubt if any of the pegasi in Ponyville could fly as long as you do as well. What chance does your little Flutters have?”

“Don’t forget you are the second faster flyer ever!" the colt responded strongly "I haven’t told you this…but the wonderbolts got in touch with me after the Clousdale incident and asked if they could train to attempt a boom. Before you did one, they thought it was only possible that I could do one."

“Really, they asked your permission?”

“Well, it is considered my personal trick, and therefore I get exclusive rights to it for a while. But of course I said they could do it if they wanted.” A big smile then crossed his face “However, no matter how much they tried, nopony couldn't do it. And they have not been able to do it even as a group using slipstream etc”

Fluttershy smiled at the colt who looked so proud “So you are the only one who can lead a rainboom. I’m sure the wonderbolts will want you to join soon!”

“Well, you know I went off to see them a few days ago? Well, we attempted for them to follow me into a boom much like you did. And they did manage to keep up in my slipstream. But as soon as I went supersonic and the slipstream stopped, none of them could keep the speed up."

Rainbow grabbed Fluttershy is a big hug, catching her out in surprise “Fluttershy, no matter how hard the faster or strongest flyers tried, no matter how hard I helped, they couldn't replicate what you did. To me I see that as a sign… a sign that we’re meant to be together, a sign that it’s us against the world. So even if the Wonderbolts want me to join, there is no way I’m leaving you!”

Fluttershy started crying “I can’t let you do that! You’ve wanted to be a Wonderbolt since I met you” she sobbed

Rainbow wiped away “I’m not saying I’m never going to be a Wonderbolt, or that I won’t do my Sonic Rainboom’s for events and displays. But I won’t leave you or Scootaloo to do so – they know this, and know that I don’t need to train with them. So I should be able to be a member all in due course, without leaving you”

The pair finished their drinks and looked out at the land spread in front of them. Ponyville was just a short glide away, but from their cloud they could see Canterlot glistening in the distance. After giving Fluttershy enough time to recover, the pair made their way back to their cottage as it was evening feed time.

Once the chores of the day were finished, the pair were snuggled up on a sofa, with Tank and Angel nestled amongst them. Normally their daughter would be somewhere in the mass of bodies as well, and the pair missed their daughter.

“It feels strange not having Scoots here with us, although it does give us a little opportunity for tonight” Rainbow broke the silence.

“What do you mean?”

“You do realise what our friends are probably up to with their sisters away, don’t you“ the colt looked suggestively. Fluttershy giggled, and put her hooves over Angel’s ears

“And at least we can have some fun without worrying about Scoots” the colt continued

“Wait, you have been worried about that? I had the talk with Scootaloo not long after she arrived.”

“What?”

“Well, I sort of had to with the number of animals around here, not all of them understand about appropriate behaviour around foals! I explained all about the birds and the bees, and also how it applies to pony relationships. Of course I left out the details, but I didn’t want her to worry if she heard us”

“But, why didn’t you tell me? I’ve been so worried about making too much noise, it’s been stifling any…well…creativity!”

“I didn’t think you were worried about that” the yellow mares cheeks turned as pink as her mane “We seemed to be happy with what was happening, although I had thought things had gone downhill recently. I just felt you had lost interested in me that way, not that I would blame you.”

“Oh Fluttershy – I think we have both been holding back for completely the wrong reasons”

The animal caretaker gently placed Angel and Tank on the ground, and scooped up Rainbow in her hooves. She started up the stairs showing a strange amount of strength for her usual self “Well well well then, Mr Wonderbolt. Lets just see how good you really are”

“Fluttershy” Rainbow gasped “Where has this side of you been?”

“Oh, when it comes to you darling, you’ll be surprised how I feel!”

***

Rarity came rushing into Sugarcube corner, where she finally found Twilight. She had been searching for her colt for a while, and she arrived out of breath, with her mane all over the place.

“Rarity what’s wrong?” Twilight asked looking at the distressed unicorn with concern. Rarity just pointed at herself, then Twilight, before motioning outside.

“What is it? Pinkie asked “Oh, is it a game? Charades?”

“I think she needs us to follow her” Twilight expressed with concern “Seems she can’t speak. It may be poison joke or something”

Twilight, followed by his earth pony friends, started heading out of the door, but Rarity stopped them. She motioned to Pinkie and Applejack not to follow, and practically pulled Twilight out the door after her. They galloped as quickly as possible in silence to Carousal Boutique, and as soon as they entered Rarity locked the door with her hooves.

Looking around, Twilight noticed that Rarity had a number of fancy designs out on her poniquins and some had the matching bridles out. Rarity approached one of the designs, and just pointed at it in silence like a young foal asking what something is.

Twilight cast his aura over the bridle, sensing the magic that Rarity had started layering into it, a smile forming across his face “So, you have been making a bridle that has a siliencing, sleep deprival, magic surprising and heat inducing spells on it? I feel sorry for the poor mare who will be wearing this!”

Rarity looked a little sheepish to the colt and pointing to herself. Twilight cast his aura over his lover, and then started laughing. He then studied the fancy object carefully.

“Ahh, here is you’re problem Rarity. Whilst you have used enough gems by carrot to carry that much, erm, enhancements” Twilight giggled “you have used small stones for decorative purposes and they couldn't hold the power of the spells”

Twilight then turned back to his fiancé and slowly started circling around her “And that’s why it’s fedback onto you” he smiled as Rarity face blushed even worse than before. She gave her lover the biggest pleading eyes she could.

“Oh, you want me to fix it?” the colt asked all innocently, to be met with frantic nodding. Twilight than turned his back on Rarity and headed over to her gem box, where after a few moments he levitated out a reasonably sized Saphire which he felt would match the design. He then proceeded to attach this to the bridle, with a fair amount of skill he had picked up watching, before casting a spell over the finished piece.

“There, the spell has been fixed and is now ready for shipping to some rich couple who will no doubt enjoy this piece very much” Twilight smiled at Rarity. He was met with a bit of a blank expression, as if to say Is that all?

“What else do you want; I’ve done your job for you?” the colt teased. Rarity turned to one of her couches, but being unable to fling a pillow with her magic she went over, grabbed it in her mouth and chucked it at Twilight who just let it hit him in the face. He laughed, but proceeded to cast a spell over Rarity “Okay, you can speak now” the colt confirmed “but if you start whining I’ll put the full spell back and let you figure out how to fix it yourself”

Rarity delicately cleared her throat “I do not whine, I complain like a lady”

“Oh, and does a lady raise her tail outside of the bedroom?” Twilight raised an eyebrow as he spoke. Rarity turned and noticed that her body was betraying her usual refined self and despite her best efforts she could not control it.

Rarity rolled her eyes and sighed deeply “You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?”

“Can you blame any red-blooded colt for not enjoying the fact his fiancé is on heat, and helpless to stop it?” Twilight giggled some more.

Rarity really started blushing at the word helpless, her body and magic responding to the idea “Look, I have a lot of work I planned to get done over this break from Sweetie Belle. Can you pleaseeeee remove the spell?”

“Awww, where’s the fun in that?” Twilight did his best to pout. Rarity was about to respond when Twilight raised his hoof to silience her. His horn started to glow, and Rarity felt all the enhancements fade. As soon as they had finished, she quickly cast a spell to at quickly straighten out her mane and tail, and then and went and gave her fiancé a nuzzle

“Thank you Twilight” she purred “I will make it up to you, I promise!”

“No need for that Rare-rare, we have enough fun as it is” Twilight winked “But be careful in the future – imagine I was up in Canterlot or something, you would be stuck like that until my return or you found another powerful unicorn!”

“I know, I know” she sighed “And I really want to apologise for my reaction to your Alicorn problem. Obviously we all know what it’s like being on heat, but magically induced attraction is something else, isn’t it?”

“Yes it is, and apology accepted even if yours was worse” Twilight smirked at the confusion on his lovers face “I mean, I was at least only attracted to two immortal beings. But from what I remember about being on heat, if you were stuck like that for too long you would be ready to pounce on anypony in sight”

“Don’t remind me of it!” Rarity tried not to blush “Why don’t you go and tell our friends theres no problem, and then come back and help me out with a few things?”

Twilight left the boutique and took his time walking to Sugarcube corner but on arrival was told by the Cakes that the pair had left for a walk. Knowing it wasn’t urgent to catch up, Twilight purchased a half dozen buns and walked back to the boutique. On arrival he noticed that the door was magically sealed, in a spell that they had developed together to help protect Sweetie Belle. It allowed either of them to pass through, but no other pony or sound to escape.

Walking through the door, Twilight dropped the cupcakes in surprise having found Rarity laying seductively on a large pillow on the floor, the bridle loosly around her head. The filly levitated a letter over to the stunned looking colt, who slowly ready it.

Dear Twilight

You were right that where was the fun in removing the spell. It wasn’t very kind of me, as all the generosity was in you not taking fair advantage of my silly mistake. I love you and you already control my heart, but consider for the rest of the weekend that I’m yours in every way.

Please be gentle, yours forever, Rairty”

A big smile appeared on the colts face as he finished the letter, and he gently buckled the bridle causing the magic to take affect. As soon as it was done, Rarity used her mouth to pull a second letter from under her, and tossed it towards Twilight. Catching it in the aura, a even bigger smile crossed the colts face as had read the second letter, along with noticing the suggestive wink from his lover

But not too gentle***

When Twilight had left Sugarcube corner, the earth pair decided to go out for a walk. If it was an emergency Twilight would simply throw up a magical flare and they would come galloping – why they hadn’t thought of this before as a way of responding to any emergency was anypony’s guess.

The pair enjoyed a wonderful afternoon exploring the countryside. Applejack of course was interested in noticing the plants growing, and which soil was good for farming should they want to expand Sweet Apple Acres. Pinkie just smelt the nice flowers, and rolled down hills. Two more distinct ponies their wasn’t in the whole of the kingdom, but they brought the best out of each other.

After a while they came across Applejacks old clubhouse, now headquarters of the Cutie Mark Crusaders. They went inside and were surprised how good a job had been done in fixing it up. But what really made them smile were the three hoofdrawn pictures taking pride of place on one of the walls. One was depicting the whole Apple, Pie and Cake families, along with two shooting stars overhead. The second one showed Twilight and the four members of the Belle family smiling, with the two princesses looking on from the side, and the last showing the three pegasi in full flight, each with a Sonic boom behind them.

“Awww, the girls are soo cute aren’t they” Pinkie awww’ed.

Applejack had a hoof on the earth family picture, looking at the two shooting stars intently “How did she know?” the colt remarked sadly.

Pinkie put a hoof round applejacks shoulder “Whats wrong?”

“The shooting stars. I always seem to see two of them whenever I think about my parents. I just thought it was me being silly. But I’ve never told Applebloom so why did she draw them. She must see them as well!”

The two earth ponies just sat they looking at the picture for a while. Whilst this was a little boring for Pinkie, she knew Applejack was obviously having an emotional moment so she was just their for him. After a while, the pair left and went to the farm to pick up a couple of drinks.

They then made their way back to Sugarcube Corner, to find the cakes were packing up for a quick visit to family. The bakery was due to be closed for the next two days, but the Cakes said that it was up to Pinkie if she wanted to open up or not, nopony expected her to do anything.

After the cakes left, Applejack and Pinkie sat in the living room, and finding themselves with a rare time alone without either the Cakes or Apples around, they soon started making out.

After a while, things were getting hot and heavy but at the usual point the pairing stopped. “That was fun Sugarcube” Applejack panted a little “But we’d better stop here”

“Awwww” Pinkie moaned “Oh Oh Oh, wait here” she gasped, and went running off upstairs before returning excitedly and bouncing round the room.

“What have ya got their partner?” Applejack asked, loving seeing his mare so happy.

“Twilight made me these – he’s such a good friend isn’t he?” Pinkie bounced around the room, a small bottle of pills in her mouth.

“What are they?”

“Well, on the basis that he and Rarity are unicorns and can…you know…party in the special way that they don’t party with anypony else with, not even me. And that despite Fluttershys condition being sad, it allows for our pegasi friends to do the same…”

Applejack blushed a little, off-putting it was to think of their friends in this way.

“Well, you and I said we didn’t want to take the next step at creating a foal at this stage…Expect, I like to party everyway possible so I was feeling sad. Not sad like when you’ve eaten the last cupcake sad, sad like you’ve never eaten a cupcake sad. You know, never got to even lick the frosting let alone put one inside you mouth and let it’s deliciousness slowly fill you up.”

Applejack blushed a little more at the imagery being brought up in his mind “Wh..What of it?”

“Well, I bothered Twilight for like sixteen hours straight and to get me to leave him alone, he used his science to create me these pills. As long as I take one every day, we can’t accidently get a cupcake in the oven.”

A smile started to appear on the farmers face, finally working out exactly what Pinkie was so happy about

Pinkie saw the smile, boosting her sprits even more “And I’ve been taking them for a few weeks now, which is how long Twilight said. And with sugarcube corner to ourselves I’m sure I can find whole new ways to make you smile…and I love to make my friends smile”

Pinkie then tried to make the most seductive face she could, but with her perma-smile it just came across rather creepy, although Applejack didn’t care as he followed the filly up the stairs towards her bedroom…

The next morning two ponies awoke, their hooves and manes entangled much like that night together on the Friendship Express. Except this time Pinkie had no need to try to hide herself away from how she felt. She shuffled a bit and laid her head on her colt’s chest.

“Last night was wonderful AJ” Pinkie sighed happily “I don’t think I’ve never felt more like a mare…or ever as happy…or ever in love”

Applejack looked around the very brightly decorated room. Costumes, and various comedy props, were spread around the floor of the bedroom, as Pinkie had taken the play part of ‘Foreplay’ a little too literally. However, if it made his lover happy, he was happy…and boy after last night were both of them happy.

“Me too partner…me too. But what should we do today?”

“Well, I’m going to open the store, make a whole bunch of bits for the Cakes, and then this evening pick up where we left off. I mean, I never did quiet work out where the pirates had hidden that treasure, did I?”

“No, Ms Daring Pie, but you better watch out for Long John Applebeard!” They both started to giggle and shared a deep kiss. However, both had an extra thought in the back of their minds I really must thank Twilight!

***

Rarity lay in bed deep asleep having already slept ten hours straight. Twilight, or more importantly the spell Rarity had created, had kept the helpless filly awake for nearly two days straight and as requested he wasn’t always too kind towards his precious gem of a lover. But it was a weekend that neither of them would ever forget - even the annoying things like being forced to clean up her inspiration room by hoof, in a fancy maids outfit, was all part of the memories.

The train back from Canterlot was due back in about an hour, and Twilight knew Rarity wanted to be there to greet her sister. She definitely needed time to make herself presentable, but equally the colt wanted to give Rarity more time to recover. Twilight run and bath and gently levitated his sleeper lover from the bed into it.

Surprisingly, she still didn’t awaken and he gently washed her with the best soap and shampoo Rarity had, before drying off and then styling the indigo mane. As a filly Twilight had never been bothered about mane styling, but having watched the detailed work that Rarity put in every morning, Twilight could now do a decent job. He gently laid Rarity on a couch and allowed her a few more minutes to sleep.

When they could wait no longer, he roused his sleeping beauty and levitated her a large sweet tea and a cupcake. Rarity ate them hungrily, and the pair just sat in silence with a big smile on their as the remembered all that had transpired in the boutique that weekend. Twilight has tided up the boutique before Sweeties return, and Rarity seemed pleased with the job that had been done.

With only minutes to spare, the pair left their former love nest and trotted over to the station. Upon arrival, the unicorn pair were greeted by their other friends, all of which looked about as happy as they had ever seen them. Twilight of course knew why perhaps the Earth ponies were happy, and guessed the same for the Pegasus pairing.

The six ponies didn’t know quiet what to talk about, all a bit embarrassed in case somepony asked how their weekend was. Before the silence became too deafening, the train arrived and the four travellers disembarked...

Keep Calm and Crusade on

It seemed like such a good idea to the baby dragon at the time – taking the Cutie Mark Crusaders to Canterlot to spend time at the palace. This would allow him to have some quality time with both his new friends, and the Princesses, who were more than agreeable to the idea. Princess Luna wanted to spend more time round the young ponies as this was very useful in getting used to some of the changes in modern society. And Celestia always enjoyed time round anypony if it gave her an excuse to indulge herself in treats and cake.

Spike reminded himself to ensure he learnt the lesson – such a good idea at the time. It had all started as soon as they boarded the train and the sisters were out of sight. What had started as a simple disagreement on where to sit had eventually erupted into a full blown argument between the three best friends. Had it not been the fact that they were on a train and surrounded by strangers, Spike was sure they would have come to blows before now…and only Applebloom was going to win that one.

Luckily Spike was used to the three young fillies so knew it would eventually blow over. Usually when one of them had a hair brained idea on how to try to get their cutie marks.

“Hey girls” Spike tried to calm the situation “I don’t think this is the way to go about things!”

“Well you’re just a chicken…” Applebloom was shouting at one of her friends “Spike, what are you going on about?”

“How to get your cutie marks of course” the dragon replied as innocently as possible.

“Well, if dictionary here didn’t keep falling off it would have worked…What do you mean our cutie marks?" Scootaloo responded between insults.

“Why did I think I asked you to the palace, if not to perhaps find your cutie marks?”

The three of them stopped still and went completely silent, which Spike knew meant that they were very interested in what he was saying.

“What kind of cutie marks?” Sweetie Belle asked

“Who knows, but there are lots of high society ponies with all sorts of cutie marks from showing decorum, involving fancy clothing etc. Just look at Silver Spoon and Diamond Tiara. Perhaps impressing the Princesses will help you find your marks?”

The three fillies looked at each other “CUTIE MARK CRUSCADERS SOCIETY PONIES, YAY!”

Spike coughed, and apologised to the rest of the carriage for any burst eardrums on behalf of the three ponies now busy discussing how they were going to behave. Sweetie Belle had been taught loads of this by her sister, and now regretted not paying more attention.

***

Upon arrival in Canterlot, Spike departed the train first, followed by three fillies that nopony from Ponyville would have recognised. Rather than bundling out of the train in a blur of hooves and manes, he was followed by three smartly dressed fillies giving way to each other and everypony else. Rarity had designed outfits for their visit without them knowing, and much to the girls delight each had an outfit which combined elements of both their sisters/brother and their fiancés dresses from the gala.

Despite being excited at being back in Canterlot, having only visited a few times, they decided to try to keep calm and crusade on. Being calm, controlled and impressing everypony was perhaps the path to what they really seeked. Afterall, this was about the only thing they had yet to try and so logically this must be the solution. And it seemed to be working, as everypony was smiling and being courteous to them, rather than frowning or laughing as usual.

The four youngsters, with Spike carrying the entire luggage, made their way through the crowds toward the castle. Spike had been offered a royal escort to the castle, but had rejected it hoping to keep a bit of a low profile so the fillies wouldn’t be overawed. He did notice a couple of guards seemed to be following them, and made a mental note to tell the Princesses off when he arrived. Afterall, he may be a baby dragon, but he and the crusaders had proven themselves more than capable of protecting themselves.

As they approached Canterlot castle, the group was greeted by a fancy looking pony trotting over to them “Why hello Spike, long time no see!”

“Hello Fancy Pants” Spike put down the luggage and shock Fancy Pants hoof with his claw “It had been too long. Let me introduce you to my friends. This here is Applebloom” leading to Applebloom to curtsey to the pony, “Scootaloo” who gave the pony a nervous wave, "and Sweetie Belle” causing the filly just to squeak and put out a hoof.

Fancy pants gently took the fillies hoof and kissed it in a very old fashioned way, causing the filly to blush “Ahh, young Ms Bell, sister of Ms Rarity Belle I presume?”

“You know my sister, sir?” Sweetie beamed back a smile

“Of course, she is one of the raising stars of the fashion world. And I can see she has outdone herself again with these three lovely outfits”

At this point all three fillies were blushing, and Spike was struggling to hold back a giggle on how, well, girlie they were being. Wow, getting these Cutie Marks really does mean the world to them

After Spike and Fancy Pants exchanged a few more pleasantries, and arranged to meet up properly on the dragons’ next trip to Canterlot, they continued on there way towards the Castle. The girls had slowly started to regain their composure, and were delighted on how there first interaction of the trip had gone.

“If we keep this up, we’re bound to leave here with our Cutie Marks” Applebloom cheered

***

The four guests were waiting patiently in one of the many rooms of Canterlot castle for Celestia to finish the day's business. It was still too early for Luna to rise, although she would be waking up earlier than normal for the next few days to ensure she could enjoy the girls visit.

The room was filled with all sorts of ponies, and although they had all been told that Celestia was finishing day court early, they had waited around just in case they had a chance to see the Princess. The room was very fancy, with all sorts of fragile and valuable decorations and even had a pony playing a piano in the corner.

This was a little boring for Spikes tastes, and he couldn’t imagine how bored the Cruscaders were. Still, they had been behaving themselves up to now, and not a single priceless treasure had been broken and Sweetie Belle hadn’t started singing. Suddenly, Scootaoo got up and walked over to a family waiting who had a unicorn filly, perhaps a year younger than the CMC’s, with them.

“Hello there, my name is Scootaoo, may I ask you your name?” the Pegasus asked politely.

The young filly looked at her parents who nodded “Hello, my name is Azure Aurora” she timidly responded

“It’s a pleasure to meet you Azure. If your parents don’t mind, would you like to come and talk to me and my friends for a while?”

The filly looked at her parents again, who nodded with a smile on their faces. Azure and Scootaoo returned to the other two crusaders, who all introduced themselves and the four fillies started chatting away in a very restrained volume.

Spike listened in as Azure explained that yesterday she received her Cuite Mark, greeted with congratulations from the three blank flanks. She then went on to explain that it was a family tradition to see the Princess the day afterwards, for a blessing. Of course not every family member saw the Princess, but it was a tradition none the less.

After a while, an official announcement was made that no more visitors would be seen today, due to personal guests of the Princesses. Azure’s parents came over and told the filly that they had to go, but not to worry as neither of them had got to see the Princesses either, or had in fact ever met her in person “She’s a very important pony afterall” the mother comforted her daughter.

Azure looked sad, and suddenly the three fillies felt a bit guilty that the session had been cut short for their visit. Afterall, they considered themselves just three silly blankflanks and yet they had met the Princesses many times already.

“Wait here” Scootaoo suddenly blurted and started trotted over to the door. After what was a very civilised argument between the guard and the brash filly, Scootaoo pushed him over and walked camly through the door into the main room. Afterall, she was the guest so as far as she was concerned she was going in. But, at a gait befitting a lady of course!

After a short while, a young head popped round the door and motioned to the six of them to come. Spike and her two friends went straight over whilst the three strangers followed with a degree of trepidation. The room they entered was one of the halls Celestia or Luna met most ponies – it wasn’t as grand as the main hall, but it was still an impressive room. Stained Glass windows lined one of the sides, and a smile lit up on Appleblooms face as she noticed that her sister and her friends were on one of them.

Down at the far end of the room, Celestia sat on her throne, flanked by two guards. Spike went running up to the Princess, who greeted him with a hug with her wings

“Why hello Spike, I have missed you” Celestia cooed to her baby dragon friend

“Good afternoon Princess, I’ve missed being up here in Canterlot, it’s been far too long since we met outside of a disaster”

“Indeed it has been, I’m looking forwards to catching up with you, but first lets just finish up with some business." The Princess got up and walked over to the three filly visitors with three other visitors behind them, and addressed the familiar pegasus “Scootaoo, who is this that you wanted me to see?”

The three first time visitors just stared in disbelief at the Princess addressing them, before Scootaoo nudged Azure to snap her back to reality “Ahhh, Hello Princess Celestia. My..my name is Azure Aurora and these are my parents” the filly responded with some squeaks.

“I believe you have come here today to see me?” Celestia gently replied

“Oh, yes Princess!”

The princess smiled. She either had to coax every word out of some of her visitors, whilst others wouldn’t shut up. The former were always more worthy of her time, so she softened herself a little more and continued

“And why did you want to see me today, Azure?”

Azure then went on to explain the tradition regarding her families cutie marks, and how so got hers yesterday. Celestia asked to see it, and the princess and the foal discussed it for a brief moment. It was a familiar situation to the long ruling princess, but to the youngster it was a moment in time that will never exist again!

Celestia than turned to her parents. “Mr and Mrs Aurora. I am sorry that I missed the chance to see you when you were young. I hope you weren’t too disappointed. However, I don’t think it made any difference to you as you have obviously been excellent ponies to raise such a wonderful daughter”

The parents just sort of mumbled a response, too overcome at being honoured by the princess to properly respond. Celestia sat back down on her throne, as a sign that the visit was over.

The three members of the Aurora family started walking out of the hall, the young pony braking down in tears of happiness as she left, joined in with her mother and everypony expected her father was feeling the same. The crusaders felt so glad to help out somepony else that they didn’t even bother checking if they had earned their cutie marks. Of course they hadn’t, but they had impressed the Princess and Spike on just how grown up they had become.

***

The rest of the first day of the trip continued in a very civilised manner. It was a warm, dry day and so the group went outside to enjoy one of the castles many gardens. Celestia regaled the three fillies with some of the stories from her reign, and although Spike had heard them all before as Celestia was such a good story teller he was just as enthralled.

As afternoon passed into early evening, the group retired inside before the temperature dropped. Luna woke up early and the six of them played some games. The two princesses hadn’t had much of the way of downtime together for a thousand years – Celestia had been ruling the country alone for a long time, and Luna spending a lot of time catching up since the Nightmare Moon incident. Celestia was a little disappointed that her favourite unicorn wasn’t there with them, but then Twilight always won the games so it made it more fun not knowing who would win.

Rather than having a big formal meal, the group decided to carry on playing games over sandwiches. The Crusaders didn’t really notice that the chance of acting as society ponies was missed; they were having too much fun to really worry about such things.

At the appropriate time, Celestia excused herself and went over to the window. Her horn glowed and slowly the sun was set. Not many ponies ever saw the sun being set, and whilst it wasn’t spectacular in the same way as her sunrise, the four ponies and the dragon gasped as the various colours of the setting sun flooded over Celestia’s royal frame, painting her white fur in beautiful shades.

A little while later Luna then raised the moons and the stars, to the equal amazement of the four visitors. Celestia always joined her sister as she painted the evening sky, but was glad to see Luna had a big smile on her face hearing the gasps and squeals of delight from their four guests Perhaps if Luna was a bit more public when raising her night, she would realise just how much our subjects enjoy it, despite needing to sleep Celestia thought to herself.

The six of them carried on talking and playing games until the three young fillies were struggling to stifle their yawns. Celestia told her young guests it was time to sleep, and that the fun could continue tomorrow. The four Ponyville residents bid the day ruler goodnight, whilst Luna decided to escort their guests in order to spend a little more time with them.

The group of five made their way to Sparkle Tower, as it was currently known. Twilight had told Spike to use their old castle residence to stay in, as it had the best view of any of the guest quarters, being the third highest tower behind each of the rulers. The three fillies were too tired to misbehave during their evening rituals – they undressed carefully in order to protect their clothes, brushed their teeth and each others manes, and quietly went to bed.

With the three fillies safely asleep, Spike and Luna spent some time stargazing. Spike was brought up looking at the stars, and the night Princess took great delight as Spike pointed out every beautiful change that had made since Celestia’s time with the stars. Celestia hadn’t the artistic skills of her younger sister, and Spike knew Luna loved to hear anypony, or dragon, notice the details she added.

***

The next morning the three fillies woke up early, and soon woke up Spike with their excited exploring of the tower. Of course there weren’t too many fun things in Twilights old residence, just lots of books about magic and history. They did find a hidden stash of books which the fillies presumed were just “biology” texts, although seemed to have a lot of pictures of stallions in them. Of course if the girls were a little older, they would have realised what they have found, but that is the beauty of innocence.

Spike soon got the girls to start getting ready for breakfast – it was to be a royal breakfast with a large number of guests. The girls got themselves ready and dressed in their lovely outfits, whilst Spike put on the bow-tie Rarity had given him. Exactly on time, the guests left and made their way to the banquet hall.

Thanks to Spike’s intimate knowledge of the castle, they used some back routes and arrived early. They were directed to the top table, where the Princesses had yet to arrive. They had some tea poured for them whilst the food was being prepared, and other ponies started to arrive. When the majority of the guests had arrived, there was a trumpet blast and everypony stood up.

The two Princesses entered and all the gathered guests bowed or curtsied, except for Spike who was impressed that his three charges had remembered to do so. After a brief speech, Celestia raised the morning sun and the waiters brought in the small breakfast.

The guests all chatted, and the whole event went off without any disruptions. The three fillies blended in excellently with the other ponies, whilst Spike was always treated a little different if not solely because his was a dragon but also ate a specially aged gem probably worth more than any of the jewels in the room.

***

After a days organised exploration of Canterlot’s best snack emporiums, dotted with the occasional museum and art gallery visit, Spike and the girls had returned to the castle. Upon arrival, the second in command of the guard came trotting over and gave them a salute. The three fillies were so in awe at the stature of this unicorn that they instinctively saluted back.

Spike had to laugh at the three fancy dressed fillies saluting the guard, and even he almost broke into a smile. “Spike, the Princesses gave me a letter to give to you upon your return” The guard announced, trying to hold back a smirk, as he levitated over a Scroll. “Shining Amour would have liked to have been here himself but he is currently dealing with a personal matter”

Spike took the scroll in his claws, thanked the guard, and started reading the scroll out loud.

Dearest Applebloom, Scootaloo, Spike and Sweetie Belle

Unfortunately an urgent matter has arisen in Manehattan, and both of us are required immediately. We therefore have to sadly cancel this evenings plans.

We have arranged for four tickets to a new musical opening tonight, and we would be honoured if you could attend as the royal representation. This is an important task we ask of you, but should you not feel like it please arrange for some other ponies to attend in your place.

We deeply apologise, but I hope you understand.

Fondest regards, Celestia and Luna

When Spike finished reading, he was ready to comfort what was suspected were bound to be three sad fillies, but to his surprise they didn’t have sad faces. The three fillies just turned to each other, and, for the first time ever they didn’t shout but calmly spoke “Cutie Mark Crusaders’ Royal Musical Critics!” with Scootaloo adding a “Most excellent” to the end.

***

Three spa ponies had come up to the tower, and had specially made up the three fillies manes with gems and ribbon. Scootaloo had a fairly plain manedo as she took after Rainbow in not liking the fru-fru stuff. Sweetie Belle had the most awesome manedo ever, channelling her sister’s designs to her stylist, whilst Applebloom probably had a good mix of fancy without being over the top.

A carriage took the four guests from the base of the tower through the castle grounds and the streets of Canterlot. The fillies looked out as everypony paid attention to the royal carriage, and despite having been involved in saving the whole kingdom they never felt so special as that night “This is going to be the best night ever!” the fillies giggled.

Upon arrival at the theatre, the four were shown up to the royal box, where a number of drinks and snacks were waiting for them. Two royal guards stood at the entrance of the box, making them feel like VIP’s (Very Important Ponies). They had a look around the very fancy auditorium, noticing that lots of ponies were looking at the guests in the royal box. They remembered that they were there on official, well semi-official, business and so started waving regally to the ponies.

The lights dimmed and the show started, and luckily for the four youngsters, it was a family musical and they enjoyed the first half very much. When the break arrived, the four of them decided to get up and stretch their legs. As they exited the box, the two guards followed them and the group grabbed some snacks and drinks and returned to their seats.

The second half of the musical was even better than the first, and all too quickly it was over. After a very long standing ovation, the group left the royal box and started mingling in the lobby.

“Wasn’t that the best play ever…except for our sisters and brothers doing the hearth warming play of course!” Applebloom declared

“Totally. Much better than our talent show song!” Scootaloo laughed

“Agreed” Applebloom laughed back, noticing Sweetie being rather quiet “What did you think Sweetie Belle?”

Sweetie Belle turned to Applebloom with a massive smile on her face, and just started singing one of the main songs from the play. Being in a public place she used her best singing voice rather then the full volume awesome voice used when camping or at school talent shows. All the surrounding ponies stopped talking, and a group started forming round the filly.

Hearing the brilliant singing, a gray earth mare with a bow tie grabbed her cello and started playing the tune for the song. Hearing this, the unicorn filly suddenly realised the rather large crowd that had gathered round her, and she stopped singing, putting her hooves over her mouth

The cellist stopped playing, and looked at the unicorn. She then started playing from a few bars before the filly had stopped becoking her to continue. Sweetie would normally shy away from the attention her singing drew, but given how much attention they had already received on this trip, she picked up the tune and carried on with her song.

Applebloom and Scootaloo looked on in amazement as over hundred ponies were intently listening to their friend singing. They knew Sweetie had an awesome voice, but the filly finally having the confidence to sing properly they realised just how good she was.

As soon as she reached the crescendo of the song, everypony round her started clapping on the ground in appreciation of the song. Sweetie started blushing feeling her checks grow very warm. But it felt good to have these ponies appreciating her singing, and the applause and attention felt infectious. She then felt an unusual twinge in her body, and peering under her dress she noticed something different.

“I’ve got my cutie mark!” Sweetie gasped.

Even for the Canterlot elite, the finding of a cutie mark for anypony was something to be celebrated, and a big cheer went up from the crowd. Her two crusader friends came over and gave her the biggest hug ever. Spike stood there quietly, proud at his part in the whole thing and Sweetie suddenly broke from her friends and pounced on the dragon in a massive body hug.

“Thank you Spike” the filly sobbed “If it wasn’t for you I don’t know when I would have found my cutie mark”

"Yeah, Spike is the best Cutie Mark Crusader!" Applebloom cheered.

***

The next day it was time to return to Ponyville. Unfortunately the Princesses had yet to return so Sweetie couldn’t show off her cutie mark to them. Spike had offered to write to them, but the fill decided not to take up the offer until she had shown her family.

The four travellers were travelling weary through the streets, as they had not slept much the previous night. For the remainder of the evening, and throughout the night, the three fillies had all been discussing Sweeties new cuite mark and trying to decide what would be required to get the remaining two. Spike had now regretted declining the offer of a carriage ride, but he wanted to get the girls back to normality.

They eventually got to the train station and had about an hour to wait before the next train to Ponyville. There was a small gift shop just outside the station, full of the usual tourists browsing merchandise. Spike took the girls in and they started browsing around.

Spike pulled out one of the gems he had saved, and checked with the salespony if he would accept it. Fortunately the price of gems in Canterlot was slightly higher than in Ponyville, thanks to the lack of local unicorns with gem finding spells, and the small gem was enough for a few gifts each. “Okay girls, you can each pick out a few mementos to remember this trip by” he explained to the fillies, who then started looking around.

Applebloom found a small replica of the canterlot castle stained glass window of the bearers of the elements of harmony and knew that all their families would love it. Scootaloo found a wonderful book containing paintings of the animals of canterlot palace gardens she knew her mother would adore. Sweetie Belle found a book regarding this years Canterlot fashion week for her sister. They had also picked up three snowglobes of canterlot castle which were very detailed in that it even had the tower where they had stayed.

They took the six items up to the cashier and the pony looked over the gifts “Sorry Spike, but the gems not worth all of this”

Sweetie went up to the salespony “What about if we only have two snowglobes?”

“It’s a deal!” the pony agreed, quickly taking the gem from Spikes claw. Sweetie put back her snowglobe, and the four of them left with their gifts.

As they walked back towards the platform, Applebloom turned to the unicorn “Sweetie Belle, I feel bad, you’ll have nothing to remember this trip by!”

Sweetie looked down at the music symbols her flank “You’re wrong, I’ll have something to remember this trip for the rest of my life!” she smiled “Besides, I can always come and see yours, CMCBFFs!”

***

As the train pulled into Ponyville, the four travelers woke up a little refreshed from the train nap. Sweetie Belle asked her friends to quickly put on their dresses, so she could hide her cutie mark until she was ready to show it off. The four friends disembarked the train, with the three fillies carrying their gifts in their mouths, whilst Spike struggled getting all the luggage off. However, as soon as Twilight saw the struggling dragon, he levitated all the packages off of him and gave his son/brother a big hug.

The Crusaders gave their families their gifts right away, if anything so they didn't have to carry them themselves. All the ponies loved their gifts, especially Fluttershy for her book after missing out on spending time with the animals at the gala. Scootaloo and Applebloom also showed off the snowglobes they got themselves, whilst Rarity promised Spike to repay him for the gem he had spent.

"And what about you Sweetie Belle" Fluttershy asked "Didn't you buy anything for yourself?"

"No, we didn't have enough gem for six items"

"Oh, how sad" Rarity cooed "And you chose to get gifts for everypony else but yourself. Why, how generous and grown up!"

"It doesn't matter" Sweetie replied "I got to bring something else back with me". She looked over to her three friends, who like her were struggling to contain themselves.

"Oh, what was it?" her sister asked

"Guess" Sweetie responded "But you'll never get it, none of you will!" the little filly beamed. Twilight had a big grin on his face. "And you can't help them...you're too smart I bet you've already worked out why" Sweetie pointed to the colt

"Guilty as charged!" Twilight laughed giving the filly a hoof-bump.

"So...is it because you had a lovely time" Applejack asked

"No, but it was a lovely trip!" Applebloom responded

The ten friends made there way back into town, five of the adults trying to guess what Sweetie had, ranging from a feather from a princess, a famous ponies autograph and loads of other things. As they reached the certain of town, Sweetie noticed Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon sitting on a bench, and stopped within earshot of them.

"Nope, it was none of them" Sweetie asked, speaking loudly so "It wasn't spending time with the Princesses, it wasn't helping a little filly have the moment of a lifetime at the castle..." Diamond Tiara and Silverspoon ears pricked up at this Canterlot talk "...it was this!" She lifted her dress to show off her cutie mark, causing his sister to squee with excitement, Twilight to set off some magical fireworks (for he had guessed correctly) and the four other ponies to join in the three other youngsters in cheering, along with a few other townsponies who just joined in, like for the random pinkie pie led flashmobs.

She then went on to explain how she got it in front of all the society ponies when representing Royalty at an exclusive Canterlot event, causing her sister to squee some more. This was the second happiest moment of Sweeties young life, showing the sister she looked up to so much her cutie mark - the fact she got to rub the two stuck up foals from her class that she had an awesome story to go along with her calling, found beside some of the best friends in the world, made it even better!

The Final Crusade...?

It was a lovely day – the sun was out, the sky was clear and it was a school holiday. The three Cutie Mark Crusaders were just playing around on the equipment in Ponyville park playground, having decided to just take a day off from adventuring and relax. Now that one of them had found their cutie marks, the other two thought they couldn't be too far away.

They were of course a little disappointed that they didn't all find their cutie marks at exactly the same time, as the bearers had done. However, given what that meant in terms of destinies, quests and everything their families had been through, perhaps that wasn't a bad thing. Afterall, it’s nice being a special pony, but there’s also something nice to be said for going a month without risking your life or having to come up with a new flashmob every couple of weeks.

As things were fairly normal, Sweetie was moaning about Rarity, so everything was being very normal. Business was in a mid season slowdown, so Rarity had started on her friends wedding dresses, even though no date had yet been set for the weddings. Sweetie therefore had to listen to Rarity continuously talking about it, and even the mental prowess of Twilight were straining not to break at the tiniest details being repeatedly debated outloud by the fashionista.

The friends then started talking about the weddings, and how it was nice that all six bearers had found love in each other. Sweetie Belle found it adorable, whilst Applebloom went into full analyst mode and thought it was efficient as there were only three couples to find in an emergency, rather then six individuals.

Scootaloo, despite loving her mother and father, was a little less caught up in the idea. “So, all six of them ended up engaged to each other? Isn’t that kind of weird?”

“Not at all” Applebloom replied “If you spend enough time around people, love is bound to flow. Plus my brothers awesome and what pony could resist him?”

“And my sisters the most beautiful pony in the whole kingdom, Twilight never stood a chance!”

Applebloom had a bit of a wicked idea “So, what about us? If you had to marry one of the other crusaders, which would it be?”

“What a thing to ask! How could I ever pick between you two!” Sweetie replied

“Applebloom” Scootaloo blurted out almost instantly

“What?” the unicorn squeaked, the noise barely in the audible range.

“Well, she’s a little more active…”

“You mean reckless like you!” Sweetie shouted a little defensively

“What-ever! I mean, I love you and you’re a great friend. But you’re a bit of a dictionary! And having Rarity as a sister and Twilight as a brother, you’re becoming even more of an egghead”

“What a thing to say!” Applebloom suddenly jumped in to defend her friend.

“Okay then Applebloom, who would you marry?” Scootaloo challenged the earth filly with a point of a hoof.

Sweetie Belle looked longingly towards Applebloom

“Well, to be honest…which I kind of have to be as it runs in the family…I would pick Scootaloo” the earth pony sadly admitted

Sweetie Belle instantly ran out of the park crying. The two crusaders started running after her, but the smallest of the group could be surprisingly quick when pushed. The others soon lost her trail, and then started arguing over whose fault it was.

“You started the conversation” Scootaloo reminded the earth filly

“Yeah, but you didn’t have to be so quick to answer…or so mean!”

***

Sweetie Belle found herself wondering alone round the market, all depressed by the rejection from her two friends. Suddenly, three of her classmates come running over to her.

“Hey Sweetie Belle” three young colts greeted her

“Hey Snips, Snails, Pipsqueak” the filly replied despondently.

“Oh, what’s up, you sound very sad” pipsqueak asked

“Nothing…me and the crusaders had a bit of a fight, that’s all”

“So whats new about that?” Snails asked innocently

Sweetie could help but laugh in response “Nothing really I guess!”

“Want to hang out with us for a while? We were off to go exploring round the outskirts of the Everfree Forest” Snips boasted, much to the surprised to his two friends as they were all off to sugarcube corner to eat cupcakes.

“No thanks guys, I just want to be alone for a while” the filly sighed in response “Thanks for the offer though” she added as she walked off, her shoulders slumped. She just wandered around town until she found herself infront of Golden Oaks Library. Ah, my brother will know what to do Sweetie thought to herself, having got used to thinking about Twilight as one of the family.

She entered the library and called out for Twilight. Spike popped his head over one of the piles of books “He’s not here today, but if you want a book…Oh Sweetie Belle, it’s you”

“Hello Spike” Sweetie sighed

“Sweetie, you don’t seem yourself, something wrong?” Spike asked. After a bit of coaxing, he managed to get the unicorn to sit down and she went through the argument they had earlier that morning.

“That’s it?” Spike asked “You’ve had much worse fights than that before! In fact, pretty much every day you'll argue worse than that!”

“This is different, more serious. It’s like everypony else is getting together, and I’m going to be alone”

“Sweetie Belle, I don’t think Scootaloo and Applebloom are actually going to start dating each other ….not that there’s anything wrong with that of course, although they would be a little young. And even if they did, I’m sure you three would still be inseparable."

“I’m not so sure Spike. Now I have my cutie mark, I wonder if my friends don’t like me anymore. Afterall, Apple Bloom barely spoke to twist once she got hers, and they were BFF’s for years” Sweetie Belle started sobbing.

Spike went and got the filly a drink of water and sat next to her. He felt a bit awkward, not just because he wasn't sure what to say, but he was getting feelings for the filly. However, with no one else around to help, he had to do something. He put an arm and claw round the filly and took a deep breath.

“Look Sweetie. I imagine that the girls are just as upset at you. It must be hard for you three to adjust to having cutie marks start to appear; afterall it pretty much defined how you found each other. However, I’ve seen you together and how you lot have changed.”

Sweetie was looking across to him with her beautiful eyes, and the dragon had a struggle to contain himself.

“Just…just look at the three of you at Canterlot recently. For the whole trip you fillies just had fun with each other, nothing to do with being Crusaders’! I’m sure that your friendship goes beyond the time you spent together, much like Twilight and co's relationships. Seeing you three together, I'm sure there's something special there”

“I’m not so sure we’ll ever go back to how we were…” Sweetie sobbed back

***

A few days later, Sweetie still hadn’t spoken to her two former friends and had just been moping around Carousel Boutique with her sister. Of course Rarity found this delightful and had taught her younger sister on the proper way to wallow in pity and to be melodramatic .The younger unicorn had taken to it like a Pegasus to air, well, most pegasi. Spike spent some time trying to cheer up the filly, and Rarity found it amusing to find the dragon hanging around the boutique like during his days of having a crush on her.

But today was going to a bit harder for the filly to avoid her friends, as school term had restarted. Sweetie arrived at school as late as possible to avoid having to speak to her friends, and went into the classroom right away to get a different desk away from her friends. However, Cheerilee didn’t want any arguments from the other students being forced to move around the fillies move, so she was told to sit in her usual seat.

During the morning lessons, Sweetie deliberately never looked over towards her former friends, who equally seemed to be ignoring their previous CMCBFF So this is my life now Sweetie sadly thought as she instead paid attention to Cheerilee talking about complicated math problems At least Twilight would approve of me paying attention in school!

Sweetie sat alone during the break, just looking up at the sky whilst the two crusaders’ were at the other end of the playground. Diamond Tiara had noticed that one of her the three former enemies seemed to have been cast from the herd Sweetie is a unicorn, and got her Cutie Mark in Canterlot…I want her in my gang the snob thought to herself And with her sisters connections to the fashion world, and Twilights connections to Royalty, she is a much more important pony to have a friend than Silver Spoon!

“Hello Sweetie Belle” Diamond Tiara sang in her friendliest possible voice as she and Silver Spoon stalked their new pray “How are things?”

“Not great, but what do you care?”

“Well, you are looking sad and lonely, and special ponies should never be lonely” the pink filly responded

“Special pony, what do you mean?”

“Well, you have an awesome cutie mark, and clearly like us you are bound for greatness!” Silver Spoon replied

“I don’t know about that” Sweetie replied

“I do. I mean, nopony around here knows much about culture or anything, so your life’s bound to involve somewhere better than this dump of a town” Diamond Tiara continued “Afterall, your sister is also set for greatness in one of the big fashion cities, and no doubt you’ll go with her and shine across all of Equestria!”

Sweetie Belle thought about this. True, it was unlikely that Rarity and Twilight were going to stay in Ponyville forever. The Princess would eventually want Twilight back in Canterlot, and Rarity was sure to follow. Sweetie hadn't thought about if she would go with them, or stay here with her parents, but looking down at her cutie mark she knew that Ponyville was unlikely ever need her singing talents.

“Ponies like us have to stick together don’t you know. We’ll make it out of this town when we’re old enough, and then everypony will know about Sweetie, Diamond and Silver!” Silver Spoon continued. The pair could see Sweetie start to smile and thought they were getting through to her

“I mean, no wonder it took you so long to find your cutie mark when you’re in a farming town like this one! Most ponies wouldn't know culture if it bit them. Especially the rough and tumble friends you used to hang out with, stupid blank-flanks” Diamond Tiara laughed at the end.

“Yeah, stupid blank flanks…whatever did they do for me!” Sweetie agreed

Applebloom and Scootaloo had seen the two ponies approach their former friend, and had got closer to ensure that she was okay and not being picked on. When they heard their former friend agreeing to that final mark, their little hearts broke and they started to slink away.

But of course Sweetie Belle had seen the two crusaders coming over, and being smarter than anypony else in the class, was ready to spring her trap. Reaching down to the bottom of her lungs in order to project her voice as loud as possible (something she picked up from the singing and acting books Twilight had made her read), she continued.

“Yeah, I mean it’s not like one of them lent me their brother and their entry into the sisterhoofs social, so I could make up with my sister” she spoke loudly enough so all the class was listening “It’s not like one of them in a single act of kindness brought more joy to a Canterlot family than both of you have brought joy to anypony else in your entire lives! It’s not like we have been friends for years and despite failing so many times in our attempts always having fun doing so. It’s not like we have been on adventures together and were willing to stand and die together to protect our families, and the whole kingdom”

By now almost everypony in the class had gathered round, and much like the two crusaders some were close to tears

“And it’s not like they were there for me when I finally did find my calling in life, which I would never had done if it wasn’t for the friendship we had”

Diamond Tiara was desperately trying to think up a smart response to all of this, but was flummoxed

Sweetie continued, almost in tears “Oh wait, they were there for me, and they did all those things. Because unlike you they aren’t friends with ponies just for what is in it for them…”

Before the unicorn filly could continue she was bowled over by a blur of orange and yellow and found herself in a friend sandwich “Oh Sweetie Belle, we’ve missed you so much!” Scootaloo wept, and the three of them fell into a big hug. Everypony cheered and started running over to the pile of best friends to join them, except the two ponies who found themselves with no response to the power of friendship everypony else seemed to have...

***

Once her students had returned to class after break, Cheerilee was glad to see that the Crusader trio seemed to be friends again. Although what that means for peace and quiet for the town as another issue.

The afternoon was planned to be a sort of show and tell, and each of the students were tasked over the weeks holiday to prepare something on the subject of "Favourite thing from the past year"- either an essay, a picture, or a talk on a object. Cheerilee started at the front of the class and one by one the students presneted.

First up out of the crusaders was Scootaloo, and with a drawing she had done of her, Rairty and Twilight she told the story to the class on how the unicorn taught her how to use her wings, helping her overcome her fears. As she was the only pegasus in the class, anything about flying grabbed everyponys attention.

There were a few other students and then it was Sweetie Belle's turn. She brought in her train tickets and told the class of the Crusaders trip to Canterlot, including the details of the Azure's meeting the Princess, and the city tour but leaving out most of the details regarding the Princesses, or how she got her cutie mark. At the end, Apple Bloom raised her hoof "Sweetie Belle, why did you leave out about your cutie mark?"

"Easy, because this story is about our favourite thing, and the moments spent with you and Scootaloo are by far the best thing in the world!"

This led to the whole class including Cheerilee, except two bitter Earth fillies, letting out a collective awwwwww. It was then Apple Blooms turn for her homework "Well, Ms Cheerilee, I had something planned but I've just thought of something else"

"Oh, what did you have in mind?" the teacher asked "Is it a drawing, I noticed you brought something in with you this morning"

The earth filly went to the back of the class and stood infront of a fairly large box. "Well, I was going to tell my story on the first time I made Zap Apple Jam, and this was going to be a gift for Sweetie Belle. But, if she's willing, I want to show it to the whole class first"

"Oh of course Apple Bloom" Sweetie replied.

The earth filly carried it to the front of the class, and addressed her fellow youngsters. "Well, I made this" she said as she opened up the box and folded down the side, to reveal a wooden carved scene. Not only were there many little carved pony figures, and one dragon, but the 'room' set also had lots of carving and engravings on the dioramas three walls. "Its a scene depicting one of my best friends singing in Canterlot music hall!"

"You carved this all yourself?" Cheerilee asked, amazed at the quality of the craftponyship.

"You betcha - a couple of days ago when I thought I had lost Sweetie as a friend, I just had to make this for her!"

"Wait, two days?...Thats...thats just...amazing" the teacher stammered.

"Really?"

"Yeah!" Pipseak pipped up "Its absolutely beautiful" and this was followed by the rest of the class agreeing. The filly started to blush as she looked over the gift she had mad It is pretty isn't it. Mare, I am good with my hooves! she suddenly realised.

"Wow, this is the best gift ever!" Sweetie gushed as she rushed over and gave her friend into a hug. Suddenly, Apple Bloom felt an unusual twinge on her flank and heard new gasps from the ponies in the room, before a massive cheer went up. The filly guessed what had happened, but still didn't want to let her friend out of the hug

"Apple Bloom, you have to look down...like now" her unicorn friend gasped

"Not until we have finished our hug!" the earth filly responded

"But you've been waiting ages for this!"

"Sweetie Belle, it's not as important as you...but if you want describe it to me"

Sweetie Belle hugged her friend even closer, and was joined in by their pegasus friend "It's a chisel and a hammer...it's totally awesome" Scootaloo squeaked in response.

***

The nine ponies, their dragon friend and seven pets were all having a lovely lunch playdate, when suddenly Spike burped up a scroll

“Do beg my pardon, Ladies” Spike laughed as Rarity gave him a playful scowl, and Twilight grabbed the letter in his Aura. Of course he couldn’t help his postal burps, but doing it in front of a lady just seems wrong. Twilight read the letter, then did something that none of the ponies had seen him do before.

“YesYesYesYesYesYesYesYes” Twilight sang as he bounced around his friends like a little filly, or a Pinkie Pie, much to the amusement of the ponies gathered and causing half the pets to start chasing him like it was a game.

“My my darling, what is it?” Rarity could barely talk over the laughter she was holding back. She he seen Twilight happy before, and of course had made each other 'very happy', but she never seen him quite like this.

“My Brother…Shining Armour, is getting married! And not only that, but to Princess Cadence, my old foalsitter!”

Sweetie Belle and Rarity looked at each other, both having the same thought Wait a minute, we’re marrying into a family not only with the Princess Personal Protégé, and the captain of the Royal guards, but also will have a Princess in the extended family? Both of them then proceeded to faint onto two appropriately sized chaises pulled out of hanmerspace.

"Belles hey?" Scootaloo rolled her eyes towards her parents causing them both to laugh.

The final chapter of the story...

Twilight had just finished singing at his brothers royal wedding to his/her old foalsitter, Princess Cadence. The colt had been Shining “best mare” despite not fitting the usual profile, but the brother had promised back when Twilight was a filly that she could be, and promises between BBBFF’s were not to be broken lightly. And despite the change in voice from the song planned as a young filly, he had luckily still been able to make it work and there wasn't a dry eye in the castle.

A few months had passed since the Shiveredge incident, and love certainly had been blooming since the near death experience. Twilight and Rarity were now spending every night together at the Boutique, Twilight using the Library solely for his studies.

Spike had got used to living on his own, maintaining the library in an impeccable state without being badgered by Twilight. The dragon had also finally asked Sweetie Belle out, and the young unicorn had eagerly agreed. Twilight and Rarity had to have a certain talk with the more mature dragon, but finding his heart pure, and with his physical maturity behind that of the filly, there was nothing to worry about.

Raimbow, Fluttershy and Scootaloo had formed the perfect family unit. Scootaloo could now finally fly around same level of her mother’s ability (when nopony or animal was threatened). The three of them complimented each other perfectly, and Celestia had to admit to herself that interfering in the usual adoption laws was the most sensible decision she had ever made.

Pinkie and Applejack had really got into a fine double act. Despite being completely in love, they argued over everything that could be argued over and some that could not, just to make up in the 'Earth Pony' manner. Granny Smith and Big Mac were grateful for all the help Pinkie gave, especially to Applebloom, as well as making their Applejack happy. Pinkie had moved back to live with the cakes, helping them run the business and look after the foals. How she managed to help out so much confused everypony, it was like she had a clone. “Nah, we’re not on season 3 yet” was the cryptic response she gave whenever she heard the rumour.

The wedding had gone off without a single hitch thanks to the efforts of Twilight and his friends, except for the attempted Changeling invasion. How a Princesses, even the more of the minor one of Love, had been replaced without anypony else noticing was a bit of a mystery. Shining afterall was under a spell, but the Royal Guard were expecting a bit of an inquest over this - although the Princesses themselves should have noticed something given her magic aura had changed colour.

Of course, the Queen had failed to take into account the smartest unicorn in the land, let alone factor in that family members may notice their relations acting strangely. Twilight had soon seen that something was up, as neither her brother or her old foalsitter seemed that interested in his visit, and something that just didn't add up. Nobody seemed to want to believe the colt - perhaps Cadence just felt that the ladybug dance wasn't appropriate for a fully grown Princess mare and colt to perform compared to when he was a foal?

However, Twilight knew his beloved foalsitter too well - she wouldn't mock Pinkie's party, she would be the first to dance. Twilight begged his friends to believe him, and Rarity had backed her colt despite the general scepticism and together they had won the others over. A short rescue of the Princess trapped in the crystal caves by Discord was followed by an even shorter battle by Twilight before the wedding.

The fight couldn't even really be called a battle - Rarity and the other swere at Twilights side when he confronted the fake Princesses, and the Chryslsis had thrown everything at the unicorn. But he simply blocked and counter every spell without breaking a sweat, let along using any of his entourage - he may have been calm on the surface but deep down he was furious at what had happened to the Princess he loved (completely plantonically he pointed out to Rarity) and that drove his magic on.

The queen had anticipated trouble with Celestia and Luna during the takeover, but was devastated when she couldn’t even beat one unicorn colt. With her plans defeated, the changeling queen was sent on her way uninjured, with the promise that if she ever returned without wanting peace that she would not be treated so fairly. She had returned for the actual wedding, in her natural form, and personally apologised to the couple. The long run skirmishes between Equestria and the Changling empire were over - love and friendship had won once again.

With Rarity catching the bouquet, and all disasters averted (Discord had nearly grabbed the bouquet himself but decided against it when seeing Twilight growling in the corner of his eye), attention had turned to her and Twilights wedding. This was still not planned until Twilight was much further down his studies and Rarity’s business had taken hold. Whilst the other bearers were equally prepared to wait, as they had all agreed to get married together, pressure was starting to fall onto the colts shoulders to perhaps ask Celestia to bring the wedding a little forward.

***

After everypony was asleep from a hard evenings partying, Celestia and Luna were sat in the royal gardens, thinking.

Twilight had been promised a royal officiating at her wedding when she was taken under Celestia’s tutorage. This had been upgraded to a national holiday when he and Rarity got engaged. Now that all six bearers of the elements were going to marry at the same time, this was an event to outshine even Princesses Cadences wedding earlier that day. In fact, only if Celestia actually married Luna could a bigger event be planned. And that would just be weird, though would be a good excuse to give their subjects more eclipses in the future.

But the two royal princesses knew there was a major hitch in allowing the wedding to happen, as all of the ancient prophecy's signs had come to pass. They managed to get Discord to sit still for long enough to discuss the matter with him, and after careful pondering he had to agree that they shouldn’t wait any longer.

“How do you think they will all take it?” Celestia asked

“Dearest Sister, I know you worry about thy friends feelings, but this wasn’t your fault. It would have been wrong to interfere, but from what we have learnt it sounds like the prophecy can only turn out one way.”

“Yes and even I, who love chaos, wouldn’t want to put Twilight and Rarity through that. It would just be mean and not really that funny - unless we dressed them as bunnies” Discord mused

“Then it’s agreed, we do it tomorrow?” Celestia summarised, sighed, and looked at Luna’s moon. “So much has happened since your return sister, I feel awful for tomorrow. In fact, I wish I didn't have to raise the sun”

“But you must. For we cannot change the course of time, and we cannot prevent the flow of the prophecies." the younger sister mused

The elder then continued "For we are simply part of them, and they part of us. Besides, whilst there may be heartbreak for some of our subjects, surely it is better to have loved and lost, than never to have loved at all”

"Whatever did happen with you and that Stallion you had eyes for?" Discord asked thoughtfully, also causing Luna to look towards the eldest sistr

Celestia sighed "The same thing that happens to all our subjects - they get to move on whilst we stay here eternal...he married a lovely mare and had three foals..." and the princess started explaining the story of generations of these descendants, who she had followed for a thousand years...

***

The following morning the bearers were having breakfast with the Crusaders and Spike, when suddenly the dragon burped up a scroll from Celestia. Twilight took this in his aura with surprise, expecting Celestia just to come and find them within the castle if she wanted to talk. But after he had read the scroll, he realised why – the ten of them had been summoned to the ancient castle of the Royal Pony Sisters. Royal guards were already waiting outside to take them there.

Being flown in the royal chariots pulled by the strongest of the royal guard, the ten of them arrived quickly arrived at the edge of the Everfree Forest. The group of them restarted the journey that had brought them all into each others lives in the first place. Having grown up in maturity, power and confidence since the last time, and the fact Nightmare Moon wasn't trying to stop them, the journey was mostly uneventful. They even got to say hello again to Steven Magnet again.

Upon re-entering the ancient throne room, they were glad to see Princesses Celestia, Luna and Cadence waiting for them, along with Discord and Queen Chrysalis. Seeing the five known immortals together, but not Shining Armor who had only married the one of them the night before, made everypony a little on edge as clearly something important was about to happen.

Twilight went over to give a hug to Celestia and Luna, performed the Ladybug dance with Cadence (who would never let down any of her former charges) and then hoof bumped Discord in the most coltish way possible.. After the nine other mortals had bowed and paid their respect to the Pony Princesses, Changeling Queen and King of Choas, they looked around nervously before taking a seat on the cushions infront of them. Each one was coloured to match their bodies, mane and where appropriate their cutie marks. Of course only Rarity really appreciated the subtle style hints and the magical stitching that had put together these special cushions.

“Princess Celestia, we came as you ordered” Twilight began

Celestia came over and lay next to the colt “Dearest Twilight. I have requested the presence of your friends here today, for I have something very important to tell you. For you see, before we allow you to continue with your studies in Friendship, and love…”

Celstia paused to allow Twilight and Rarity to look over to each other, then continued “…we must now show where your studies have been leading you”

“Where they have been leading me? Twilight replied confused, whilst Rarity looked on in slight fear.

“As you are aware, although will not have ever seen, there are many ancient prophesies. Some of these have already come to pass over the many thousands of years since Equestria was founded.” Luna spoke

“Yes, I am aware of them, and how nopony is allowed to view them” Twilight looked at the Princess of the Night, wondering if she ever had a choice in the Nightmare Moon matter.

“Well, dearest student” Celestia resumed “one of the prophecies is about a powerful unicorn filly. One that has the most raw natural ability of nearly anypony before her. That one…is about you!”

Twilight was speechless, so Rarity spoke “Our beloved Twilight? Are you sure?”

“Yes Ms Belle” Cadence spoke “It was recognised early in her life that Twilight Sparkle was a special pony. This is why I was sent to watch over her as her foalsitter, to ensure that nopony tried to hurt her”

“The prophecy is quite detailed in what would happen – a filly would bring together two ancient enemies, which her and you her friends did when you returned my sister to me” Celestia looked over emotionally to her sister.

“She and her companions would save Equestria on four Occasions” Luna continued “Which has been done with Nightmare Moon, Discords first return, Shiveredge and lately the Changeling invasion. Without you Twilight none of these would have come to pass”

“So what does this prophecy have in store?” Rainbow spoke up, being impatient even in situations like this. Fluttershy shot him a quick look of the glare, and Rainbow knew he had crossed a bit of the line.

“Well, we cannot tell Twilight the whole truth at this stage. Knowing anything about the future at the wrong stage can destroy a mortal ponys life” Discord chipped in “It is a sacred duty that not even I betrayed during my first release. It could destroy the whole of Equestria!”

“I know that firsthoof from my time travel incident” Twilight laughed nervously “So I understand completely...as does Spike if it involves ice-cream”

“But, today we will have to let you reach the next stage of the prophecy. The signs have all been in place, and your battle with Chrysais has shown you are ready” Celestia continued “For you see, you Twilight Sparkle, are about to be given a very special gift.”

Twilight looked around at his friends “Well, last time I was here I was given the gift of Friendship, and then the gift of love. I doubt any gift can compare to that!”

The three Princesses looked around awkwardly at each other, and Luna spoke first “There are ten ancient orbs that when put together give a special power for the pony that is responsible for recovering them ”

“Well, as you know you have recently recovered three of the ten orbs, Truth, Belief and Sacrifice” Celestia levitated each orb to the centre of the group as she announced them, and then paused.

“Doesn’t that mean theres seven more to find?” Applejack asked.

Discord responded “There are indeed seven more, but six of them have already been found”

Gasps rung out from the six ponies “Who found them, and when?” Pinkie excited asked, practically bouncing with excitement.

Celestia smiled a little, not wanting to give the game away too quickly despite the seriousness of what was about to come. Afterall, having waited more than a decade, a few more minutes wouldn't hurt. “Well, six of them were recovered at the same time…by a unicorn filly”

“Princess, who was this great unicorn” Twilight asked, praying secretly it wasn't Trixie. He would hate to have that annoying filly involved in what was supposed to be his prophecy.

“Oh, just the best unicorn in the land” Luna quipped

“Impossible!” Rainbow shouted “Twilight is the best unicorn in the land”

“Yes, I am” Discord taking the unicorn colts form interrupted, before getting a glare from Rarity.

“Is it not obvious to my faithful student?” Celestia approached Twilight

“No, it is not. If we found three of them, but somepony else found the rest, why aren’t you talking to them?”

“Perhaps if I list the spheres it will become obvious: Honesty, Kindness, Generosity, Laughter, Loyalty and Magic” Celestia pointed to each of the bearers in turn.

“You mean the elements of Harmony?” they all gasped

“Yes, do you not remember how they were when you found them?”

“Spheres!” Twilight called out, as Luna opened the chest holding the elements, which had now returned to the form when they were first found by the ponies. Between the three Princesses they levitated the six spheres into the centre of the group.

Twilight looked confused at the nine orbs infront of him “So we all found them, not just me?”

“No Twilight, nopony would have gone to the Ancient Castle if not for you. Your friends helped you, and control the elements of harmony's power, but you own the power of the spheres themselves.”

Celestia then directed the colts attention to the centre of the floor, where a triangle of six indents was visible. She explained that the ten spheres would make up a pyramid shape, and that the colt should start building it now.

Twilight took the spheres of the elements and placed them by hoof as the bottom triangle of six spheres as the base. He then placed the sphere of truth, Fluttershy her sphere of Belief, and Sweetie Belle placed the sphere of Sacrifice. The nine Spheres made two layers of a pyramid, and started glowing softly in the colours of Twilights coat and mane.

“That just leaves one more to find…” Twilight mused “to top off this pyramid”

“It’s been here all along” Celestia took off her crown, which turned into an orb as soon as she let it go. “It is the orb of Hope – after Luna’s banishment I keep it by me at all times, awaiting her return, as a reminder never to give up on her” Luna came over to her sister, and they shared a tender nuzzle and a cry. The other ponies in the room started to well up with emotion, Spike started to cry and even Discord had to hold back emotion.

“So, you knew what was happening all along?” Twilight asked his mentor

“Twilight, when I saw you as a small filly hatch Spike from a dead hundred year old dragon egg, I knew you had to be the correct pony for the prophecy. These final few years, watching you grow up, made me happy as I knew it would bring my sister back to me. But I also cared for you which made me want you to make friends and be happy”

Celestia put a wing over her former charge “I had no idea that you and your friends would form the group to weld the elements and in doing so become so much more than friends. I just wanted you to be happy. Of course in retrospect it seems so obvious now, but at the time I only had your best interests in mind. And that’s how these prophecies work – we don’t always know why we make the choices we do, but I’m so glad that it worked out the way it did”.

Celestia seemed to be struggling to hold back tears, so Cadence took over “Twilight, please place the final orb on-top of the pyramid”

Twilight paused for a moment. “What will happen” Applejack asked, voicing everyponys fear.

Cadence smiled at the earth pony “Nothing will happen until Twilight is ready, I would never let her...him come to harm”

Twilight looked around at everybody of all species looking at him. He picked up the final sphere in his aura, and gently placed it at the top. No sooner had he done so, the pyramid started to glow even brighter, and a magic field grew round the objects.

“Ohhhhh, pretty! So…what now?” Pinkie broke the silience.

“Well, the fact the spell activated proves you were right, Twilight is the next choosen one” Chrysalis spoke to Celestia “Suddenly I don’t feel so bad at being beaten by him” she joked

“Twilight Sparkle, you have activated the ten orbs, signalling that you are indeed ready” Celestia spoke grandly “You now have the ability to cast a single spell of near infinite power. This can only happen once, but grants you nearly any wish you want, even if there is no natural spell to accomplish it!”

Twilights friends gasped and looked at the colt, who seemed to be struggling with the idea. “What sort of spells?”

“Well, only six ponies have been able to do this before you. The first time was myself, where I choose to become an Alicorn and take the responsibility to raise the sun and the moon” Celestia started

“Then, six hundred years later, I joined Celestia in becoming an immortal Alicorn and took over the responsibility for the night. You see, we are not natural sisters, but being together for so much time you grow attached in a way normally only a family can. We ruled together as two immortals for around twelve hundred years…”

“Until I came along” Queen Chrysalis spoke up “I was given the spell but did not want to rule alongside Celestia and Luna. So I turned myself into a Changeling so I could grow a kingdom of my own. We started off as peaceful neighbours, but over time I grew lonely and jealous, and we battled ever since.”

“Yawn” Discord interrupted “They argued a little, but it was nothing compared to me. About a thousand and seven hundred years later, I activated the spell and turned myself into this grand creature infront of you. By choosing to ignore the limitations of being a pony..."This made four Alicorns glare at him "...I gained more power than the others. For a while we ruled together, and well, you know the rest”

“I was the most recent recipient of the spell, and I choice to become a Alicorn. But seeing what had happened with Chrysalis and Discord, I choose to focus on something other than power, love!” Cadence chipped in

"So thats why you couldn't tell me where Alicorns and Discord came from" Sweetie suddenly blurted out

"Why, yes little one. You clearly had a good instinct on how everything was linked together, but we could advise on what was to come"

“Wait, that’s only five stories, what was the sixth?” Sweetie Belle asked, getting too caught up in her own thoughts to notice the monumental moment she was interrupting.

Cadence walked over to the foal, her natural foalsitter coming out “Well, little one, a great pony was given the gift of a spell, but I suppose wasn't as selfish as us as he didn’t choose to use the spells on himself. The stallion named Starswirl the Bearded was the fourth to get the spell gift, but having seen what had happened to Chrysalis, he knew that as Luna and I had spent so much time ruling together there was no place for him”

“But it was more than that” Luna continued “For he was a wise pony and decided instead to change magic as we know it. He is known now for inventing many spells, but what has been left out of the history books was before him every unicorn could only perform a few very basic spells. He didn’t just invent spells, but used his gift to unlock magic in all unicorns, turning it into the wondrous variety of spells that every unicorn can now enjoy!”

“Wow, that was most generous” Rarity sighed “More than I could ever be!”

Hearing his loves voice helped to focus Twilights mind “And now it’s my turn? I can do anything?”

“Well, nearly anything. You can turn yourself into a Princess and live forever with us….” Luna started

“Wait, Princess?” Twilight question

“Unfortunately yes. As you were born a natural filly, and the elements turned you into a colt, you will revert to being a mare should you decide to become immortal. Well, thats our best understanding, we may be wrong”

“Why did the elements do that to me, to us?” Twilight gestured to Rainbow and Applejack

“We cannot say, as Applejack and Rainbow will continue to be colts if you change, and we cannot give away the future…spoilers” Celestia replied cryptically.

“But of course you could use your spell to turn the three of you back if you want” Luna replied thoughtfully.

Twilight looked at Rainbow standing next to his family, and Applejack next to Applebloom and Pinkie “I don’t need to ask them if that’s what they would want” he replied

“Sure as sugar your right” Applejack nodded and gave Pinkie a hug

“You do that to me, and the two of us would have words!” Rainbow half threatened as Fluttershy looked proudly at her fiancé.

Twilight then turned to look at Rarity and Sweetie Belle

“And, to cut off the next question, a spell to grant immortally can only be cast on one pony” Celestia asked, looking sadly at Rarity “So if you choose to become an Alicorn…” she trailed off.

Everypony’s face started to sag, as the reality of the situation started to hit home.

“Does the prophecy actually say what I do?” Twilight asked

“No…from what I can tell you the prophecy is quite specific up to this point, but like them all it splits at a key stage and has a number of outcomes. Of course we cannot tell you what these are, or how each impacts on you and possibly your friends and family” Luna explained

“My family, like my brother?”

Cadence looked at her favourite foal in history “In case it is crossing your mind, you cannot make your brother immortal. That can only be cast on the pony which brought the orbs together.”

“How did you know I was thinking that?” Twilight asked

“I know you very well Twilight, and perhaps had a part to play in making you the balanced pony you are today” Cadence replied “Your brother and I discussed the, erm, immortally issue early in our relationship, and we just plan to love the moments we have together”

Twilight and Cadence threw themselves into a big hug, and Rarity looked on with pride That’s my Twilight, always thinking of others

“You can cast powerful spells on other ponies to do what no other magic ever could. You could turn a number of ponies into Pegasis or Unicorns or cure a really sick pony. But immortally is a special gift that can only be granted to a few” Luna sighed, as if remembering the choice she made was the wrong one.

“I have lots of power, but can only change things that have only just happened, like the death and destruction from Shiveredge” Discord added “I could not change anything that happened yesterday already, and I could not prevent the deaths of my loved ones. That probably explained why I ended up doing what I did!”

“You have your whole life to decide – now the pyramid has been activated you can come back anytime you want to cast the spell. My sisters and I, along with Discord and even Chrysalis if she’s willing, will help you make your decision and help discuss where possible any impact” Celestia summarised

Twilight closed his eyes, and reached out to Rarity with his mind Rares, can you hear me

Yes my darling Rarity responded, having seen her colt close his eyes being the signal for their telepathic chats, usually for gossip or adult conversations around Sweetie.

This is the hardest decision of my life, yet somehow the easiest

I think I know that, I know you too well my love. We knew this day could always come.

But what about you?

Me, I wouldn’t be happier for you whatever you decide

You do realise what I’ve chosen, don’t you

Oh of course Twilight, I don’t see how you could live with yourself if you didn’t do this. Your whole life has been building to this moment.

I love you Rarity, I always will

I love you Twilight and I will until the day I die

With that Twilight opened his eyes, little tears forming. “Okay everypony, I’ve decided what to do, lets do this!” he said determinedly.

“Already?” Celestia asked in confusion “there is no rush on this massive decision, you can take as long as you like.”

Twilight looked over to his fiancé and then his friends in turn “The choice is obvious really; my destiny has been mapped out for a while now. No point delaying the inevitable”

Celestia looked a little guilty. Before anypony else had a chance to change his mind, Twilights horn began to glow and light began to fill the room. The aura grew and grew until there was a big ball of energy dancing above everypony. The non unicorns gasped, having never seen pure magic before like in the unicorn or alicorn mind.

Suddenly the energy came rushing down, and everypony strained to see through the light. As the spell took effect, the target filled with energy and the wings spread out majestically.

As the light faded, four of the spheres had disappeared, and the six elements had returned to the jewellery form, not that anypony noticed this for a while…

*** Ten years later ***

Twilight Sparkle and Rarity were trotting through the streets of Canterlot, on the way to the castle for a long overdue friend get together. Of course Twilight knew the palace and the route very well - the Royal Highness Archmage had chosen not to live in the castle and meant the path was travelled everyday. Rarity had moved her boutique into Canterlot and it had become one of the biggest shops in the city. Of course, having the contract for all the Royal dresses “did help with ones reputation” Rarity would be the first to admit.

Along the way, they met up with Sweetie Belle and Spike. She had become one of the most famous singers in all the land, but had chosen to go into the musical scene so she didn't have to travel around and could stay near her beloved sister. Spike worked in the castle as Twilights assistant, as old habits die hard, and whilst he had grown he was still no bigger than Celestia.

They greeted their extended family and made their way through the streets. Normally Sweetie and Rarity would both be bothered by fans but nopony ever disturbed them when the legendary Twilight Sparkle was around, or when the dragon known as Spike was guarding them. However, Sweetie saw a small filly with a blank flank point her out to her mother, so went over to give the foal an autograph, and remind the filly that she would find her cutie mark someday, everypony does.

After reaching the castle and approaching the throne room, they heard the voices of some familiar friends. They broke into a full gallop and Twilight opened the doors to reveal the Apple-Pie family already there, having caught an early train . As Pinkie and Applejack came running and bouncing over to their old friends, two young foals jumped off of Rarity’s back.

“Rose! Topaz!” the two unicorn foals went running over to an earth colt and filly playing in the room

“Golden! Scarlet!” the two earth ponies stopped chasing Applebloom and ran to meet their first friends, allowing Sweetie Belle and Applebloom to do the same, despite being a little too old to join in. Applebloom still lived in Ponyville with the Apple-Pie family, although was too busy as a carpenter around town to help out on the farm. She didn't get to see Sweetie much, both being too busy, but the memories of their times together more than made up for it.

After the older four ponies had also greeted each other, Rarity turned to the thrones. “My apologies Princess Luna, Princess Celestia for both myself and my foals not greeting you first!”

“Dearest Rarity, if anypony deserves to dispense with the formalities it is you – how often we see you and spend time in your boutique?” Luna laughed and addressed all the ponies present “It is so great to see you all again, this is not a formal event, so please drop the Princess. Or otherwise I will have to insist you all address Twilight as ‘Royal Highness’”

“Rarity, please don’t make them order me go get my crown and cape” Twilight teased “It’s a weekend; it’s nice to take the heavy things off!”

“I’m surprised it still fits your big head” Celestia teased back "Exactly how many impossible spells have you solved now?"

The group of adult ponies and princesses started having a chat and poured some tea, whilst the four foals played by themselves in the big room. After a while the sound of laughter was heard echoing down the passageway leading to the throne room. Fluttershy came bursting into the room at a fair flying pace and right behind her came two pegasi foals, followed by Scootaloo and lastly Rainbow Dash in his Wonderbolts Uniform.

“Oh drat, I lost a race again” Rainbow laughed, winking at his wife.

Seeing Twilight already there, Fluttershy came rushing over to the unicorn stallion, and gave him the usual biggest bone crushing hug in the world “Oh Twilight, thank you thank you thank you”

“Fluttershy, you don’t have to say this every time we meet you know, it’s been ten years” he gasped

“Oh, but I do” She responded, whilst still hugging “I mean, you choose to use your one unlimited power spell to give me the ability to have foals” Fluttershy started crying “I mean…me and Rainbow would have been happy regardless, thanks to you helping us adopt Scoots…but that was before you gave us Shimmer and Misty”

Rainbow came over to comfort his wife, and help peel her off Twilight. Rarity came over to her husband and gave him a loving nuzzle “That was the second best choice I ever made” Twilight laughed

“The first being me?” Rarity fluttered her eyes to her love

“Nah, choosing to support the Canterlot Colts against the Clousdale Wingers in this years final - we beat you again Rainbow!" the stallion joked, getting a playful poke from his wife. “So, how are things?” Rarity asked the arriving peagsi

“Awesome, as always” Rainbow replied “Fluttershy is now the manager of Manehatten zoo, and I can base myself in the city most of the year. And Scootaloo became second in command of the cities western weather team, so we’re doing great!”

The two foals joined the four others in playing around, whilst the adult ponies and dragon caught up. It was nice for Celestia and Luna to have mortal friends again - they had spent too long alone always worried about the future, but having had many adventures with this group allowed them to get close and just appreciate the moment.

***

After lunch in the royal dinning room, rather letting the foals run off into the garden, Celestia asked them and everypony else to follow her back to the throne room. On arrival, Luna was already there and beckoned for the six foals to line up in front of the thrones, whilst the parents, aunts and Spike stood behind them silently.

Luna and Celestia stood infront of the six young colts and fillies, and the ruler of the day opened up a chest next to her “Who know what these are?”

She was met with silence from the six nervous foals, who despite being around the Princesses before still found knowing the kingdoms rulers a little overwhelming at their age,

“The elements of harmony, Princess” finally Golden Sparkle spoke up

“That’s right” the Princess of the night spoke softly and warmly “and I’m sure you know all about them from your parents” Luna then gestured to six of the windows in turn, each showing a different time the bearers had used them to save the day, three times since the foals had been born, and retold the stories briefly.

“Have any of you ever touched one?” Celestia asked at the end of the stories.

“No Princess” came the synchronised response from the six ponies who had relaxed a little after the stories of their parents.

“Well, I want you each to come and take one, whichever one you want. Golden Sparkle, as you spoke up first, come and pick one"

The small unicorn colt approached the elements carefully, and everypony looking on expected him to pick up the element of magic. Afterall, that is his fathers element, and the crown Twilight wears as the Archmage is a copy of the original tiara. His hoof hovered over that element, but then he picked up one of the necklaces.

“I like this blue balloon one” the colt announced and celestia used her magic to put the oversized necklace around the colt. “Now, Scarlet Belle, which one do you want” Luna beckoned to the small unicorn filly.

Rarity and Twilights daughter approached the elements, and almost picked up her mothers diamond shaped necklace, before picking up the Tiara of Magic. Luna laughed as she placed it on Scarlet’s head, the large crown covering the head more like a headband.

The other four foals looked on in excitement, patiently waiting their turns. Celestia then asked Rose Apple, Pinkie’s and Applejacks daughter, to pick one and she picked up her fathers Apple necklace, followed by the earths family son Topaz Pie who picked up the Necklace lightning bolt of loyalty.

This just left the two pegasus foals to go, and Luna invited up the colt Misty Shy, who slowly approached and picked up the element of Generosity, leaving his sister Shimmer Dash their mothers element of Kindness.

Once all the foals had their necklaces or tiara, they all stood looking at the Princesses, excited at the thought of playing with the elements. Suddenly, the elements started to glow and emitted a strange light around the foals, and also the six parents. After a few moments the aura disappeared, and when the six foals turned round, their parents let out a collective gasp.

“What, how?” Spike tried to vocalise everypony's thoughts, but could only point at the foals. The six young ponies looked down (or in one case up) at their element, which had magically resized to fit them. But more surprisingly, the symbols on the elements had changed to match their own cutie marks.

Celestia flared out her wings to grab everypony’s attention, and they all looked at her “Dearest friends, I am sure you are all surprised, but let us explain. Ten years ago, Twilight had to make a choice which I’m sure you are all aware of”

Luna continued “As we explained at the time, there were multiple paths to be made in the prophecy, one that myself or Luna couldn't reveal to Twilight as it centred on his choice. But it wasn’t just his fate, but that of the elements of harmony themselves were involved.”

“You see, if Twilight had chosen to become an Alicorn like us, the elements of harmony would have been assigned to her, myself and Celestia for the rest of eternity. If Twilight had chosen to ignore the wishes of the elements, and changed himself, Rainbow and Applejack back to fillies, they would have permanently lost their power.”

Celestia then smiled at her faithful student “However, he choose a different path, one that we didn’t expect from how Twilight grew up. You see, when the elements changed the three of you, it seemed to indicate what they wanted. However, when we heard about Fluttershy’s condition, we suspected this path would be impossible. But what we hadn't factored in was that Twilight had learnt so much about Friendship, and loved Rarity greatly”

Twilight cleared his throat “So, if I can guess what happened, was that the elements wanted us to give birth to the next six bearers, and that’s why they changed us. And then, we fell in love...” he turned and smiled at his wife “So if I had chosen to become an Alicorn, me and Rarity would never have had foals and so that path would be blocked?”

“Yes, but you are one of the most loving and generous ponies in the land and couldn't take the selfish route of being without your friends” Celestia beamed with pride “and you used your gift to give Fluttershy and Rainbow something they wanted, even if they didn’t really know it themselves. Without that, I’m not sure what would have happened!”

“So, this has been prophesied thousands of years ago? That we would be standing here, all of us, to pass over the power?” Applejack asked.

The princess beamed as bright as the sun she controlled “Yes, today the power of the elements have been passed on from one generation, to the next. Each of the foals deep down represents all the elements, but like their parents each also has a slight inclination towards one of the aspects”

“My son is certainly very loyal” Pinkie laughed “Whilst Golden Sparkle is a bit of a joker!”

“Yes, so from today these six ponies are part of the future of this great nation. The first born foal from each of them will now form the next generation, and on a day much like today the power will pass on. And as far as we know this is now a permanent part of Equestria's future, that the Elements of Harmony will forever be controlled by the ponies, not the Princesses” Luna summarised.

The six foals looked very excited at the future they were now a part of, but Luna continued “Little ponies, I know you are excited, but you should realise what this means. From now on you will be an important part of the safety off this great land, so will need to build a friendship much like your parents. And you will need to be together in order to use your elements. Therefore, after today, you will all need to live in Ponyville, and we are arranging the relevant accommodation already.”

The six new bearers looked at their parents with pride, but also a little sadness. For whilst they loved the idea of all being together, having felt a special bond from an early age, four of them realsised that they would no longer be living with their parents. They seemed a little young for doing so, but then so were of their parents when they all moved out.

But having heard all about their parent’s stories about their adventures together in Ponyville, they couldn't wait to get there and start their own adventures.

The old story had come to an end, but a new story was about to begin…

Prologue - The new bearers of the elements

Princess Celestia stood over her old foe “It has been a thousand years since I have seen you like this. Time to put our differences behind us. We were meant to rule together, little sister. Will you accept my friendship?”

“I'm so sorry! I missed you so much, big sister!”

The bearers of the elements were in shock, looking at each other and looking at themselves. Clearly everything had changed in so many ways, not least they were still glowing from wielding the most powerful magic artefacts in the whole of the kingdom. And the ruler of the kingdom Princess Celestia and her nemesis Nightmare Moon being sisters? This was simply too much to take in and they stood in the formation of the elements, dumbfounded.

Celestia herself was even distracted from her sister reappearance and family reunion. Despite waiting a thousand lonely years to see her sister again, to see these young mortals impacted as they were tore at her caring nature. It was unfair for them to have to be involved in such matters, especially given how she thought most of them have led very normal lives up to now. (The source of all those Rainbooms had yet to be found, as had the new major supplier of gemstones threatening to destroy the whole economy)

“Sister Celestia” Luna enquired “Based on everyone’s reactions, I am not certain that the elements did what you meant for them to do?” Her face dropped as she wondered if being saved wasn't the aim and further banishment was her sisters intentions. Or perhaps even worse...

The bearers of the elements heard this and despite the personal turmoil they found themselves in, their natural instincts took over:

“Nufing for you to be concerned about ya Highness” Applejack insisted whilst replacing her Stetson, which in the current circumstances was the honest truth. What the hay?

“Your we-we-wellbeing is our gr-greatest concern” kindly stammered Fluttershy hiding behind her hair. Oh my, how has this happened?

“Bringing the Royal Princesses back together is a privilege” the element of loyalty added, floating a few feet above the floor in a very guarding like pose. I’ve never felt this powerful before, it seems to suit me!

“Are you okay, do you need anything?” Rarity asked as she looked in her saddlebags for a drink to give to the princess. Just don’t stare, it’s not Ladylike

“Don’t be sad” giggled Pinkie “We should be celebrating your return, among other things” and winked at an empty wall.

Rarity found two bottles of fresh apple juice, and levitated them towards the two princesses. A yellow glow encased the both as Celestia brought them over to herself and her sister.

After gulping down her first drink in a thousand years, Luna looked at her confused sister sipping her juice, and then towards these younglings milling around. They looked so young to be the bearers of such power, but there was something else. Being transformed back into flesh and blood left her unable to use any magic to work out what was wrong and her alarm was still clear for all to see.

“Princess Luna” Twilight Sparkle softly spoke as she approached the pair of princesses “As Princess Celestia’s personal protégée I can say that I haven’t used this level of magic before, let alone any of my new friends.. We are a little overwhelmed by the use of the elements, and their side effects. But we wish you Princesses focus on your reunion rather than our minor issues”

“Twilight Sparkle is right” Celestia hummed “Let’s get out of this ruined castle and back to Ponyville where we can sort everything out”

The two princess, and three fillies trotted out of the old Canterlot castle, followed slowly by three colts; a Cyan Pegasus with Rainbow mane, a Purple unicorn and Orange earth pony with Stepson .

***

A few days later Fluttershy and Rarity were relaxing on their weekly spa session, having not missed one for over two years. They were enjoying relaxing a mud bath when suddenly

“CANNONBALL” screamed Pinkie as she plunged into the mud.

Fluttershy winced as a massive wave of mud approached her but Rarity had already cast a spell to control the mudsplash in order not to ruin the spa, or her friend delicately applied facial mask.

“Oh Pinkie, can you not act as a lady sometimes” Rarity said with her usual sigh.

Pinkie swam about doing backstroke in the mud “Don’t be silly, of course I can but I thought the idea was to enjoy yourself!”

“Oh yes” whispered Fluttershy gently “I do enjoy our weekly spa session after caring for the animals throughout the week. I’m so glad that nothing happened to prevent us from enjoying our session together”

Picking up on the hint Rarity responded “Oh, well, that’s not really true as there are treatments available for Gentlecolts as well us as Fillies you know”

“Yes” said pinkie as she dived in and out of the mud like a seal “But when did you last see a colt in here. Colts just don’t like the same thing as us fillies...silly”

“Well, except possibly three of course” Fluttershy quipped

The three fillies stopped and looked at each other.

“Rarity, did we even invite them to the spa today?”

“No, I don’t think we did. That’s not very… generous is it?”

“Or kind”

“You didn’t invite me!” pinkie snorted as she squirted mud out of her nose.

“We didn’t need to darling” Rarity cooed as she passed a towel to pinkie “You just know when to pop up” especially where its physically impossible

“Well, it doesn’t matter too anyway. Twilight told me that they were meeting up for a catch up today” Pinkie told her friends as they made their way towards to massage rooms “It also sounded fun but I think they needed to sort some things out so I wasn’t too disappointed”

***

The same afternoon Twilight, Rainbow Dash and Applejack met up in Ponyville Park.

Hey guys twilight said as she approached the pair. “So glad you could met me for a chat”

“No problem” Dash yelled as she whipped past “I needed to get out and stretch my wings a little”

“Apple Buckings ahead of schedule and I could do with somepony to chat about what happened back in them ruins”

“Yeah, I mean it’s not like you have a brother and sister, and one of the oldest and wisest ponies in town to speak to or anything is it” Rainbow responded gruffly.

“Its not the same Dash. I have Spike and the Princess to speak to, but this is different. This is powerful magic that no-pony had ever been subjected to before”

“Yeah, and it’s not like Mac is the most talkative of Brothers, Apple Bloom has her own problems to overcome at school being a blank flank and Granny is…well just Granny “

“Even so, at least your best friend isn't avoiding you because of what happened” Rainbow mumbled

“Well, imagine how I feel. I’ve turned up and within a day the whole country is now aware of our powers and that we reunited the Princesses. But not only that I turned two innocent ponies into Colts”

“That’s amazing sugar-cube…errr. We absolutely loved being able to help the princess. It shows dem city folks that us country bumpkins can just be as special as anypony else.”

“Yes, but you two must hate me. I come into town and turned your whole life upside down. I ruin everything wherever I go, that’s why I have no friends…”

“You stupid egghead” Rainbow laughed as she interrupted and rubbed the unicorns head roughly “You have five of the closest friends in the world here in Ponyville, let alone accounting for two Princesses and a dragon who care for you deeply”

They were interrupted as a hoofball (or soccer ball as a small part of the kingdom called it) came crashing down between them. The looked over towards the direction it came from and saw 19 colts warming up before a match.

“Hey you three” Called over one of the players “we need a three more players to have a proper game. And if you’re not too busy saving the world again or something perhaps you could show us what you’re made off? Unless you like wearing necklaces and tiaras instead!"

The three friends looked at each other, and laughed.

“Being invited to different sort of events, we better get used to that I guess” quipped Twilight as the three colts run off to join in on the game. I can't see Rarity playing such games of course!

***

As the three fillies left the day spa, looking relaxed, rejuvenated and practically sparkling, they ran into Rainbow, Applejack and Twilight returning from the match, covered in mud but looking victorious.

“Oh my, what happened?” Fluttershy gasp as she saw her three colt friends, backing away slightly.

“We gave them a good ol’ pounding” Applejack shouted, bucking into the air

“We totally kicked their butts” Rainbow added doing a back flip.

“Hoofball” Twilight explained, looking at herself in a puddle. “But I guess we should get home and clean ourselves up a bit”

“We looked like that an hour ago” Laughed pinkie “But you didn't have to pay for it”

After planning to meet up in Sugarcube corner in a few days. the six friends trotted, or flew, off towards their homes, all picturing how specifically one of the others had looked…

***

The Princesses were relaxing at the royal castle after a busy couple of days of touring some of the major cities. Celestia wanted to make sure the whole country could see that her sister has returned back as the Princess once loved by all their subjects.

Luna was still recovering from the assault of the senses being struck by the elements of harmony, but was making a recovery. Her magical sense was slowly returning and she suddenly felt her sisters emotions, an immense sorrow. She looked over and saw Celestia was looking at a picture of her faithful student.

“Celestia, is there really nothing we can do for them?”

“Dearest Sister, I know you blame yourself but we knew so little about the elements when we used them ourselves against Discord.”

“Or when you used them against me?” Luna whispered

“Not you Lu-Lu, Nightmare moon” Celestia corrected as she wrapped a wing around her little sister “But we have no idea who the original six owners are. Now that each element has bound itself to an individual obviously they have seen it fit to alter the bearers to suit their powers."

“So, do you think that the elements of Loyalty, Honesty and Magic were created by three stallions, and Laughter, Generosity and Kindness by mares. Of course, if they were made by pony folk at all?”

“I don’t know, it may be to do with the sense of balance. It surely cannot be a co-incidence that each the pairs of Earth, Pegasus and Unicorn ponies each now have a mare and a colt? All I do know is that the elements are too powerful to be overcome by our magic or anything anypony could cast. The only pony who has a chance will be Twilight as the element of Magic, but we can’t tell her…not yet”. Celestia of course knew more than this, but didn't want to overwhelm her sister too much already.

Rarity's Secret

The next day, at the hastily arranged party that Princess Celestia wanted to personally thank the Bearer Six (as they had named themselves)

Twilight was spending a fair amount of the party with Celestia and Luna, discussing any progress towards the reversal of the elements impact on him(her?), Rainbow and Applejack. But the Princess's research was at a dead end.

"There are just so many ancient scrolls to check, but most are written in codes that have long been forgotten" Celestia apologised to her student "But you and your friends are welcome to come and visit Canterlot Library any-time to investigate yourself, there will always be a room for you at the castle"

Twilight gave the princesses a salute (He wasn't in the Royal Guard but it felt more appropriate then the curtsey she used to do) and walked away to give Mayor Mare a chance to speak to the Royals. Looking around the room to decided where he would go next, Rarity suddenly pounced in-front of him

"An invitation to Canterlot, how wonderful. Sorry to overhear you, but I've always wanted to visit Canterlot, for the fashion, glamour..."

"And libraries" Twilight joked, enjoying the look of absolute delight on Rarity's face

"Well, not really the Ancient library and powerful spell type. But I would love to visit someday, especially the shopping malls"

"Well, my little pony, you are welcome to stay any-time." Luna said strolling past, looking for some of those delicious cupcakes the pink pony had made I had nothing this tasty on the moon for a thousand years, and I NEED them...to regain my strength of course "Obviously you will be visiting for the Grand Galloping Gala at the end of the year?"

"Oh why yes. And Twilight, that reminds me that I've finished some designs for you outfit, perhaps you could pop over tomorrow and we can sort out an outfit"

"Thanks, Rarity, sounds ideal"

Meanwhile across the room a yellow pegasus watched intently, but with a heavy heart, as Rainbow Dash talked to a group of fillies regarding the latest trick he was trying to learn.

***

The next day twilight cantered round Ponyville for some exercise, as his spirits and energy levels were high. The party and the royal visit had gone off without a problem. Obviously the element of laughter had been a nightmare around the two princesses, treating everypony as if it was a six year foals birthday party, but the princesses seemed to love ponies having fun. And he was off to see Rarity in a few moments which put some extra bounce in his step.

The sign on the door of Carousel Boutique said open, so Twilight went in looking forwards to seeing the designs for some colt-wear. Rarity was busy putting the final touches to the outfits and Twilight gave an audible gasp.

"Rar.. Rarity, they look wonderful" Twilight stammered as he looked over the hoof-full of designs Rarity had pinned together. There were some party outfits, and a couple of more formal outfits. There were mostly simple designs which was his/her previous taste, yet had some interesting details and patterns based on his cutie mark and the Element Tiara. "I love them"

Rarity blushed as she saw how the Lavender Unicorn looked so happy. "I've also designed something for Rainbow Dash and Applejack for the Galloping Gala, so they won't be left out"

"Generously, thy name is Lady Rarity" Twilight giggled.

They then needed to go through the steps trying on the outfits and making minor adjustments. The two unicorns started off very nervous around each other and both seemed a little uneasy as they spent a lot of time close to each other. Measuring around the flank and tail just felt awkward and they kept meeting each others eyes. It took Rarity twice as long as usual to get the job done and the tension was building. Just as the job was being done, Twilight started to get a little nervous and Rarity noticed he was thinking about something.

"Ummm, Rarity, there's something I've been meaning to ask you"

"Yes Twilight?" she replied with a flash of her eyelids, exaggerating her fake lashes

"I've noticed that you have, erm, bridles on some of the ponyequins" Twilight said reservedly, sweeping his hoof round the room. "Now, I've noticed you don't have them out when Sweetie Belle comes over, which is good, but why are you making such things?" he gulped.

Rarity looked a little surprised, and blushed a little "Well, they are for my customers of course" and said with a business like tone.

"I appreciate its not my place to ask, and understand why you might make saddles. Afterall I have one for spike and I guess you would have used one when Sweetie was a foal. But bridles haven't been used for thousands of year, since the dark ages of equine slavery. And these don't look like simple ones, they are very ornate?"

Rarity continued to blush whilst she looked at the colt who was looking uncomfortably down at his hoofs "Now Twilight, you can't be that naive? These are for some rich Canterlot and Manehattan clients, and match some wonderful outfits I design. You must be aware of how some ponies like some of the more unusual things in their love-life" Particularly one Princess and her new Colt-friend allegedly she thought to herself based on the gossip she had heard.

"You work for those sort of customers?"

"Oh why yes. I may be a Lady, but business is business. All sorts of ponies like that sort of thing and at least I make them look nice and matches the rest of their outfits. And these aren't ordinary ones, they are magical. This is why they are out so often, as I have to layer the magic slowly each day and it reminds me to do. Afterall, I'm not an expert caster such as yourself"

"Magical, how exactly?"

Rarity gave a giggle "Now Twilight, surely if you didn't know this sort of thing you should be able to easily detect the magic in the gems. I mean, I've hidden this from the other ponies in town, but I thought if anypony you would know all about it from both the big city view, and the magical."

Twilight looked at Rarity who seemed to be enjoying the conversation I guess this is a bit of a relief to have somebody talk to. But not everypony in the big city's like that sort of thing. Wait, is that why she wanted to go? Shaking the last thought out of his head, his horn started to glow and reached out to feel the enchantments.

"This one is designed to stop a Pegasus from being able to fly? This is an anti-magic charm..." Twilight suddenly stopped and looked over to Rarity "...and this one? Really?"

Rarity blushed as Twilights magic glowed over a special enchantment "I guess there was more to me that meets the eye" she stammered.

"I would like to get to know you more" Twilight responded distractedly, and suddenly blushed as he released what he just said.

"Twilight, do you mean that how I think you mean that...how I hope you do" Rarity said coyly.

"No, I just meant that I've just found the magic of friendship and want to get to know you all..." twilight stopped jabbering mid sentence. The two unicorns looked at each other, there eyes transfixed. There was something in the air, and unbeknown to the two ponies the elements of Magic and Generosity started glowing in Canterlot Castle.

Twilight gulped, but then stood up tall "Yes Rarity, it does. I mean, I've felt this way for a couple of weeks every since the change! I wasn't sure what to do about it in case we were to change back..."

"But now you're thinking you're not?"

"It seems unlikely, the Princesses have got nowhere. And I don't want to wait my whole life, when i could be spending it living with friends...with you!"

Rarity jiggled a little on her hooves "Twilight, are you asking me out"

"Yes Rarity, I am! Would you join me for lunch on Saturday?"

"Oh yes, and I have the perfect outfit for a late summer date" Rarity's eyes sparkled at the thought of her date outfit

"Does that have a matching Bridle?" teased the colt

"What sort of lady do you think I am?" she fake scowled back with a smiled

"Not sure, but I can't wait to find out" Twilight teased but then suddenly looked a little sad "What are we going to tell the others?"

"Oh, I don't think we need to tell them straight away. Lets just take it slow and see how things go!"

"But what about spike...you know he has a bit of a crush on you"

"FOREVER" Pinkie suddenly popped out from behind a ponyequin

Shaking off the random interuption "Yes I know, from the minute he saw me!" As soon as Pinkie heard that a promise hadn't been broken, she slowly retreating behind a curtain back into nothing. Pinkie is so random they both thought.

"Oh dear, I'm not sure how Spikey-Wikey is going to handle this. He's only a baby dragon, he'll be heartbroken"

"I'll guess I'll have to handle this Colt to Dragon...and that's a phrase not many filly foals ever suspect they will say!"

Earth-con

My little pony...

Previously on My Little Pony - Balance in Harmony

Twilight: "What, I'm a colt now?"

Rainbow and Applejack: "Us to?"

Rairty: "Twilight and I are getting married"

Pinkie Pie: "Party!"

Fluttershy: "Rainbow, I love you" *kiss*

Celestia: "Thats one of the orbs found"

Scootaloo: "Yay, Rainbow and Fluttershy adopted me"

Derpy: "Muffins!"

and now the adventure continues

..friends!

A few uneventful weeks had passed since the new pegasus family had moved in together. Everything in Ponyville had seemed to settle down for a while and whilst the group was always learning new lessons, it seemed to be things had reached a bit of a lull between the seasons.

The six friends had arranged to have a Saturday brunch every week, which allowed them all to catch up before their sisters and daughter went off crusading, whilst Spike usually had a lie in to himself at the Library with Twilight and Rarity spending all weekend together.

“So, where are you off to again?” Rarity asked as she delicately nibbled on a breakfast muffin, casting her sister and fiancée a dirty look as they messily munched through a big pile of syrupy pancakes.

Noticing his loves face, Twilight licked his lips and laughed “What?” he exclaimed as he winked at Sweetie Belle “We don’t moan at how you eat” he finished with a playful smile. Twilight loved Rarity of course, but he also loved working with Sweetie Belle to tease her prissy side. Afterall, growing up in the royal palace Twilight knew perfectly well how to behave, but he also enjoyed pretending to forget just so Rarity could have a rant at his manners.

Applejack rolled his eyes, used to the double acts his friends had started to form after becoming couples. “It’s an annual convention of Earth pony land workers”

“You mean Earth-con” Rainbow Dash looked up from his porridge, breakfast of champions. Scootaloo had the same breakfast and since being taken under Rainbow and Fluttershy’s wings she emulated them all the time…especially Rainbows recklessness which the foal already had mastered, and probably could teach the colt a thing or two.

“Well, that’s a bit of an insulting name, but basically yeah. The Apple family always send some representatives along to the annual Farming, Mining and Construction Guild Meeting, and now Big Mac is back it’s been decided that I could do with the break.”

“Sounds very nice” Fluttershy whispered as she wiped Scootaloo’s chin

“Yeah, this year the focus will be on new technology and the impact on all aspects, including farming. But there is a special focus on non gem mining, so it’s taking place in Gravelford”

“Non gems? How dull! Wait…Pinkie, isn’t Gravelford where you grew up?” Rarity asked, and looked over to her friend. Everypony was shocked to see that the usual happy pony mane had lost a little of its bounce and colour. Rainbow instinctively thought about dashing of hiding all of Pinkie’s ex tea-party buddies, especially the turnips.

“Yeah, which is why I’m not going” she responded with a sigh.

“Come on now silly, this would be a great time to catch up with them!” Rainbow exclaimed, slightly less then delicately. Afterall, he was the only one to have dealt directly with sad Pinkie and wanted to prevent that from ever reoccurring...ever…EVER!

Twilight shot a look at his colt friend, and went over and put a hoof round Pinkie “Look, I know you have some family issues, but perhaps this could be a good way of finally seeing them again, without having to make it a special trip and a big deal?”

“And besides, I want to show off my best worker at the convention!” Applejack cooed softly.

As the crusaders left the table to go off and find the supplies they needed for today’s harebrained adventure, the rest of the ponies discussed Pinkie’s problems with her. Eventually they managed to persuade her to join Applejack on the trip, as the worse that could happen would be that she just came home again. Besides, she always liked train journeys and there would be hundreds of ponies to make new friends with.

***

A few days later, two Ponyville residents got off the train at Gravelford station. It was very busy with ponies from all over Equestria arriving for the conference starting tomorrow, and Applejack recognised some of his extended family dotted around the crowd, as well as some friends from previous gatherings.

All the ponies started heading towards the accommodation - being basically an earth pony conference, it wasn't at a hoity-toity conference centre in Manehattan or the like, but just a series of tents in fields. Applejack was looking forwards to camping, whilst Pinkie had liked the rumours of all night parties and hoedowns that she had heard happen at previous meets – she had an opportunity to spread her reputation around the whole of Equestria!

A few hours later, after a very slow walk through thousands of ponies, Pinkie and Applejack had settled into their assigned two pony tent. To their delight was right in the middle of the tent city, meaning that they would be able to keep ontop of all the social events, both of them looking forwards to blowing off some steam.

There were no planned activities for the arrival day, and so like most of the ponies the pair decided just to have a look around the town. There wasn't much to see, as it was a mining town that worked hard and didn't do much else. There was a lot of bits to be made in mining, but the sort of ponies who mine didn't go for the fancy things, preferring a simple life.

Walking around together, Pinkie recognised most of the places as it had not changed in the decade or so she had been gone, and despite being full of ponies for the conference it the main streets still had an air of quiet about it Well, this is just as about anti-Pinkie as it could be Pinkie thought to herself I would need a party orbital cannon to make this place over!

Applejack had run into a number of old farmer friends, and a few long-distance Apple family members, whilst Pinkie had been looking around, fearing bumping into her family. But as the pair continued to walk the filly didn’t see her family or anypony she knew. However, being distracted from hiding in places no other pony could fit in, Pinkie Pie hadn’t noticed where Applejack was leading her as they walked down a well worn, but quiet, dirt track.

As they approached a group of buildings, suddenly Pinkie realised where she was “Wait, this is the Pie family home? Why are we here?”

“Look Pinkie, it’s time to at least see your family. You are lucky enough to have one unlike Rainbow, Fluttershy, Bloomy and I, so you need to see them!”

Having one of her best friends resorting early to the absent parent blackmail, Pinkie decided it was best not to argue with Applejack. Afterall, how bad could it really be?

As the approached the front door, it opened before they had a chance to knock to find a kindly looking mare smiling at the pair “Oh Pinkie, it’s so good to see you again”. Pinkie went running up to her mother, and gave her a big hug. A stallion and mare then appeared at the door and joined the pair in the hug.

Applejack stood there rubbing his hooves and looking at the four ponies hugging, feeling a bit alkward at observing this touching family moment. Eventually the four managed to break themselves away from each other, and the older mare then turned to Applejack.

“Pinkie, why don’t you introduce your handsome friend to us”

“Oh, of course mama. Mum, Inkie, Blinkie, this is Applejack. He’s one of my best friends from Ponyville”

“Applejack, one of the other five holders of the elements?”

“You know all about that?” Pinkie turned to her mother in shock

“Oh, of course darling! Everypony, even in backwards town like ours, knows the story of Luna’s return Ms Element of Laughter, and that Discord fella too! Just to think, My Daughter the national hero and honoured by Royalty”

Pinkie fell back into another hug with her Mother, and the five ponies entered the house. On the couch sat an older stallion who looked unimpressed as the quintet entered the room.

Mr Pie slowly got up, came over and shook Applejacks hoof “You must be Applejack – I’m looking forwards in hearing from you and the Apple clan. We may not be exactly the same sort of industry, but I'm sure as dedicated workers of the land, above or below, have a lot in common”

Applejack noticed that the father had not yet looked at, let alone spoken to his daughter. Mr Pie turned his back on the others and walked out of the room and upstairs. Applejack looked over at Pinkie, who didn’t show any signs of caring as she chatted like the madpony she was to her sister and brother. He turned to Mrs Pie, who just shrugged her shoulders and went to the kitchen to get her guests a drink.

Applejack was torn at galloping after Pinkies dad and confronting him, but didn’t really feel it was right to make a scene in somepony else’s home. Besides, there were a couple of days of the conference and Applejack decided he would seek Mr Pie out at some stage.

Mrs Pie returned from the kitchen with some hay and water, simple food but obviously that was the taste of the town. Applejack sat mostly in silence as the Pie family caught up with everything that had happened since Pinkie left them only a few weeks after getting her Cutie Mark.

Of course not much had happened to the miner family, they led productive but boring lives, but they were simply amazed at some of Pinkie’s stories – apart from the Elements of Harmony, there was walking on clouds, confronting dragons, going to the grand galloping gala…The family almost didn’t believe their youngest daughter, and if it wasn't for Applejack nodding along and confirming the details, they probably wouldn’t.

***

Later that evening and back in the tent, Applejack and Pinkie were lying down to sleep. It was a nice evening, warm enough to keep the flap open and to lie there without any sheets.

They had missed the opening night party as they had spent the time with Pinkie’s family, except her dad of course who had stayed upstairs the whole time. Pinkie was delighted to have caught up with her family, whilst Applejack hadn’t really minded missing the parties seeing how much he made his friend happy Huh, imagine me making Pinkie happy for once whilst she dealt with family issues, what a turnaround from usual! he smiled to himself.

Pinkie lay looking at the night sky, which had been painted specially by Luna for the convention, a message of welcome written in the stars. The Princesses knew how important their Earth ponies were to the kingdom, despite the lack of attention they tended to receive compared to the flashy Pegasi or powerful Unicorns.

“Applejack…you have a big family, right?”

“You could say that Pinkie” Applejack laughed at the sudden question “Depending on how far you want to spread the family tree, there’s thousands of us”

“So, do you ever think about, you know, having foals and extending that family tree a little more? I know you like trees to grow” Pinkie laughed at her own bad pun

Applejack mused for a moment “I guess…I mean, I always felt I would do when Applebloom had grown up so she could help out on the farm whilst I was pregnant…”

“Well, you don’t have to worry about that anymore” Pinkie dug an elbow into the colts side

“True” Applejack mused back “I must say, that with myself and Big Mac working so hard, I wonder if we’ll ever find our special someponies” Or in big macs case, if he’ll ever admit to Cheerilee how he really feels the colt thought to himself. “Besides, I’m not sure anypony would want to be with me”

“Oh Applejack, you are an amazing catch. Your hard working, dependable, have your own business, handsome…” Pinkie suddenly stopped and put her hoofs over her mouth

Applejack sat up and looked at Pinkie “Ha..Handsome?”

Pinkie looked at the colt “Okay, Applejack you have to Pinkie Promise not to tell anypony what I’m about to tell you”

Applejack did the movements without a word, actually being a bit speechless.

Pinkie blushed a bit “Look, I always liked you growing up, you were so different from me it was great how we had nothing in common and yet were always best friends. And then, when you turned into a colt, I didn’t think anything would change. But then…”

Pinkie blush deepened “…with Twilight & Rarity and now Rainbow & Fluttershy together, I just feel it’s fate somehow that we should be together”

Applejack was a bit lost for words. He admired Pinkie, but he had no idea Pinkie felt the same. Afterall, she had continued to act exactly the same inappropriate ways towards him as she always had to everypony.

“Look Pinkie, you don’t have to feel like we have to be together or anything…” Applejack started

“I know that silly” Pinkie interrupted boinking the farmer on the nose “It’s just, I want to but I’m scared”

“Scared, of what?”

“Scared that whilst we are good friends, we’re not meant to be lovers or anything. Scared that once we cross that line, if things don’t work out I’ll lose you”

“Look Pinkie, I’m sure the others felt the same. Hay, I don’t even exactly know what I feel. But didn’t you have save Equestria by singing about not being scared?”

Pinkie started humming the ghostie song much to Applejacks amusement at first, and then fear that she would start singing. Suddenly she jumped up, put her front hooves around Applejacks neck and planted a big kiss on the colt before he had a chance to react.

Drawing away after a few seconds, Pinkie had a big smile on her face “Well, that’s done! Goodnight Applejack” and she lay back down to sleep.

Dazed, Applejack lay down What on Equestria do I do now? I mean, Pinkie’s great, she works hard, great around the farm, is great with Applebloom… Don’t be silly, you can’t think like that, what do you think about her as a pony, not a worker The colt stopped and looked at the filly By Celestia, she is pretty isn’t she. And she is fun, great to be around, friendly, loving…”

Eventually, the colt finally feel asleep, joining the carefree filly who had nodded off seconds after her head had reached the pillow.

***

Despite a certain amount of awkwardness the next morning, neither of them mentioning the night before, Pinkie and Applejack were enjoying themselves. The next day’s conference had started well - there were talks on the latest developments in steam engines, discussions over the general economic situation, as well as discussions over the next years requests for weather to the Pegasi. It was the standard argument that the farmers wanted more rain, whilst construction workers wanted more dry weather, so a delicate balance had to be reached.

Of course most Earth ponies thought that the Pegasi seemed to ignore their wishes, but some like those from Ponyville knew the weather teams better than that, and that it was harder work then other ponies thought it was. Applejack and Pinkie were especially vocal about that, being the only ponies there who had been to Cloudsdale and seen the Pegasi at work.

In the afternoon a particularly lively debate had started about new machines fuelled by unicorn magic, in which Applejack could contribute a lot given the run in with the Flim Flam brothers. And despite the lack of sleep, Applejack excelled at talking about Earth pony stuff and was the centre of the whole thing. Just as the debate was heating up, a pony came bursting into the large arena and blew a loud whistle.

“Come quick, there’s been a cave-in!” the pony gasped through ragged breath

***

All the ponies had ran out of the conference, and over to where ponies were gathering outside a mine entrance. Pinkie and Applejack were some of the first to arrive, the youngsters being speedier than the average pony. Applejack could never work out how Pinkie kept up with him or Rainbow dash, but there wasn’t time to dwell on that now.

The miners were still leaving the dust bellowing entrance, and there was general chaos and panic in the surrounding areas. Nopony seemed to be paying any attention to anypony else. Applejack jumped up to the top of a pile of rocks, and clearing his voice, reached deep inside.

“EVERYPONY, CALM DOWN!” he shouted in his best Royal Canterlot Voice.

All the ponies seemed to stop and turned to the colt “NOW LOOK, WE NEED TO ORGANISE AND WORK OUT IF ANYPONY’S MISSING. LISTEN TO YOUR SUPERVISORS AND STAY CALM” With this, everypony seemed to remember their training and the situation quickly became less chaotic. Pinkie looked at Applejack and despite everything else going on, had to admire the colts leadership abilities.

Mr Pie arrived, surprised at finding the ponies in a very organised state so quickly. Being the town’s emergency controller he usually had to start the process of damage control, and was surprised to learn the young colt Applejack had managed to calm everypony down. All the ponies had already started gathering into their work teams whilst some of the conference attendees and other towns-ponies started treating the injured.

“Where’s my brother and sister?” Pinkie suddenly blurted out

One of the foreponies looked around “They were in team six – we haven’t seen any of them”

“Blinkie and Inkie are still down there? We have to get them out” Pinkie shouted at Applejack. They both started running towards the entrance of the cave.

“Hold on there. You can’t go in there, it could continue to collapse!” Mr Pie shouted

Pinkie looked over at Applejack “I don’t sense it, we’re good to go!”

Applejack looked at one of his oldest friends and smiled I may not understand her odd feelings, but it would be foalish to ignore them! the colt thought to himself, and without a second thought went running into the mine, followed closely by Pinkie.

Mr Pie cursed his daughter impulses, and that of her friend that he had thought he could get round to liking. He quickly started organising a rescue team, gathered supplies and maps, and after checking that only one team was missing, the rescuers slowly ventured into the cave.

***

The rescue team weren't sure where the trapped miners were, but followed the sound of talking and rocks being moved. After a while they came across a tunnel with Applejack and Pinkie in it, the pair had already started digging through a cave-in.

Pinkie had taken Applejack straight to where the trapped ponies where, navigating by her sense alone despite the pitch blackness,. They had heard tapping from the other side, so knew somepony was alive down there, but they couldn’t make verbal contact. They had been digging a while before they noticed the laterns and noise of the approaching team, led by Pinkie’s dad.

Mr Pie was surprised to find the two ponies safe. He trotted right past his daughter, and asked Applejack what they were thinking running into the cave, and how they knew they were digging in the right place. Applejack explained that Pinkie has a sense for these things, and when they arrived they heard sounds from the other side. Mr Pie seemed more than a little sceptical until one of the other team members pointed out that this was the most likely location Team 6 would have been in during the collapse.

Pinkie withdrew from the front of the tunnel, and the stronger mining ponies joined Applejack in starting to clear the rocks. Mr Pie stood there watching, and just ignored his daughter standing right next to him. Pinkie was too worried about her siblings to really care about her father's attitude right now. It was taking a while, but good progress was being made.

“Twichy Twichy Twichy Twich!” Pinkie suddenly yelled out, as she vibrated uncontrollably across the ground, causing Mr Pie to look at distain at the randomness of his daughter.

“Okay Everypony, get out of here, now!” Applejack shouted, and grabbing Pinkie by the mane raced out of the area they were digging in. Confused, the others ponies including Mr Pie instinctively followed. Moments after the final pony had raced out of the tunnel they were in, it collapsed in on itself sending a cloud of dust over the rescue team.

Everypony was coughing, and Applejack went over to Pinkie. “Thank god for your Pinkie Sense™! But what are we going to do now?”

“Hold on, I’ll find another route” and with that Pinkie seemed to disappear, the air being so dusty that any quick movements were hidden.

Pinkie’s dad looked stunned and continued to stare where Pinkie had been a moment ago “So, she can really sense the future and stuff?” he said slowly as if trying to comprehend what happened.

“You bettch partner” Applejack laughed back, internally acknowledging that the father had mentioned his daughter for the first time “Not like super far into the future, but the next few minutes. It’s saved some ponies lives on many occasions, it’s a miracle. And it’s helped the prissy ponies avoid the occasional rainstorm” Applejack always had to have a dig at Rarity, even if Twilight would make him pay for it anytime he heard.

The dad coughed a little more “And she is one of the bearers of the elements…” he slowly continued

“Yep! She’s saved us all from our fears to lead us to the elements! And she even managed to help us defeat that varmint Discord…despite the two of them bonding over chocolate!”

“And you and her…” the dad trailed off as most dads do when the conversation leads that way.

Applejack coughed “No sir-ree, not like that. I’ve known Pinkie since she moved to Ponyville, we were BFF’s for ages, were in the filly scouts together…”

“Filly scouts?” the dad interrupted surprised

Applejack explained what had happened with the elements and everything since, including up to when Pinkie started helping around the farm.

“So, she isn’t just a big kid who just wants to have fun all the time?” the dad whistled, the thought probably acting as a good distraction from the fact two of his children were missing.

“With all due respect towards ya daughter sir, she is probably one of the most frivolous party ponies in the whole of Equestria! And that seems to be one of her special powers. But that doesn't mean she doesn’t know how to work hard and take responsibility when she has to. In fact, no-pony works harder than Pinkie, even if she isn’t as fast and strong as other Earth ponies.”

“Sounds like you’re mightily impressed with my gal!”

Applejack blushed a little, but before he had a chance to respond to the father, Pinkie suddenly appeared in the middle of the rescue team, taking them all by surprise.

“I’ve found another route through, follow me”

***

The ponies followed Pinkie through the mine, now completely trusting the filly’s instincts despite the fact she had never being in the mine before. She took them round all the various tunnels that had caved in until the reached the other side of the area the trapped team were suspected to be in. The rescuers, lead by Applejack and Pinkie’s father, started digging out the caved in tunnel, whilst Pinkie helped where she could. But this was strong Earth pony stuff, and she was out of her depth here.

Back on the surface, everypony from the community and the conference was gathered outside waiting for the news. Pinkie’s mother was right at the front, awaiting news of the whole of her family underground. She cursed he foalish daughter in running in to save her beloved other children, and cursed her husband for leading the rescue team.

Hours had passed since the last cave-in had been heard and Luna’s moon was rising up to replace Celestia’s sun. Suddenly, everypony noticed some lights and sounds coming from the entrance. Slowly, some of the ponies from the rescue team and trapped team emerged, before Mrs Pie saw the five ponies she most wanted to see. Applejack was carrying Blinkie, Mr Pie had Inkie on his back, whilst Pinkie took up the rear.

Over all the emotions of seeing her family again, the mother didn’t notice that the father and youngest daughter were in deep conversation…

***

A few days later the whole Pie family was at the train station, waiting for the next departure to Manehattan via Ponyville. Pinkie was saying goodbye to her family for the thousandth time, promising to come back regularly and extending yet another open invitation to come and visit her in Ponyville.

Mr Pie gave a look to Applejack, indicting he wanted to have a quiet word. They went to one side and the father gave the colt a warming smile “Thank you for your help down in the caves young man. My family and I owe you so much.”

“Sucks Sir, it was nothing really”

“I know it’s a bit old fashioned, but I suspect you Apples are as old fashioned as us Pies…most of us anyway” he laughed as he noticed his daughter had somehow pulled a candle covered goodbye cake out of seemly thin air.

“We sure are Sir” the colt laughed

“Well, in that case I just want to say, in advance...” the father started to well-up a little “…that you can take my daughters hoof in marriage”

“What, I…” Applejack started to blurt but was interrupted by Mr Pie raising a hoof

“Now, I’m now saying you even want to, or right away anyway. But I just want you to know I would be proud to have a colt-in-law such as yourself!”

“That’s a mighty big honour Sir” and Applejack turned to look at Pinkie bouncing around her family and a smile formed on his “Thank you…I suspect that perhaps one day I might just need that”

“If you do so, make it soon young colt. Gals like my daughter don’t come along everyday!”

“That sir, we can all agree on. I think even Celestia herself hasn’t seen a pony like her in all her years”

“It’s just a shame that I had to send her away and miss her growing up”

“With all due respect sir, I don’t think that would have been fair on her. This town isn’t right for Pinkie, in the same way Ponyville isn’t right for you. And if she had stayed here, nothing that has happened would have happened, and where would Equestria be then. Still under Nightmare Moons control or destroyed by Discord!”

“And there would certainly be a lot less laughter in the world” the dad summarised, almost breaking into a rare smile and the pair rejoined the family just as the train arrived…