Chapter 7: Birthday?

After Joseph gave Twilight the book as a thank you gift for everything she did for him, they woke Spike up from his dream which he wasn't happy about for some reason.

The three walked down the hallways to the chariot that waited for their departure of Canterlot.

Joseph looked down seeing Twilight reading the book he gave her, he smiled "Do you like it?"

Twilight glanced up to him "I love it, sure brings back memories, Thank you Joe"

Spike suddenly hopped of Twilight's back and climbed up to Joe's shoulder "Hey Joe, are you and Twilight...y'know?" he whispered.

Joe made a confused face at his question "Me and Twilight what?"

Twilight's ears perked up, she gave them a suspicious glare "What're you two talking about?"

Spike and Joe jumped "Nothing!" they yelled.

The trio got outside the Palace and proceeded to the Chariot, the ponies of Canterlot eyed him from a distance or some following them. Just like yesterday.

"They're not going to do anything are they Twilight?" Joe asked her worried if they might attack him for what he is.

"Absolutely not, a lot of them are kind as the Ponies of Ponyville, if so...I won't let them hurt my friend. Not you, not anypony".

The chariot was in their line of sight, two gold armoured colt guards standing strongly and stiff in front of the chariot. Twilight, Joseph and Spike went inside the chariots sitting where they sat yesterday. The guards galloped forward then they slowly lifted into the air heading to Ponyville.

The two princesses watched them leave from their outside window stand "Tia?" Luna said.

Princess Celestia smiled warmly "Yes Luna?"

Luna shifted uncomfortably "What if...Joe doesn't want to leave?"

Celestia didn't look at her, only looking at the chariot that drifted away to Ponyville "It's all up to him Luna, I will allow him to make a choice if he wants to stay or not but for now we have to figure out how to get him home" she said, pulling Luna in for a hug.

Luna snuggled to her older sister "You know what, he's really nice, I can't bear to see him leave".

Princess Celestia's warm smile slowly turned into a smirk "So Luna...about that marriage with Joseph..." she teased.

Princess Luna groaned, she is never going to forget the moment after all "Please don't bring that up again Tia".

---

After a short trip in the air, Ponyville came into the trios sight. Joe analysed the town from a birds eye view, bigger then he expected, he never did explore Ponyville fully. He made a mental note to himself 'explore the rest of Ponyville'.

Suddenly a pegasi flew past the chariot leaving behind a trail of Rainbow, Joe turned his head seeing the Rainbow besides them, only one Pony he knew could do that "Rainbow Dash" he said happily.

Rainbow Dash flew quickly besides the chariot for a better conversation with the trio "Hey guys! How's the Princesses?" she asked loudly in her tomboyish accent.

Twilight nodded "It went better then I expected..." she said in a tone that hinted the gift from Joe.

"Yeah, Princess Luna is very kind and she...loves her people...a lot" Joseph said, remembering the incident with her.

Rainbow Dash raised her brow at them "Uh...okay?"

The guards circled around Ponyville to find a clear landing, they slowly came closer to the ground landing smoothly and softly just like last time. The chariot came to a stop, Joe stood up opening the door for Spike and Twilight. Joseph closed the door, the guards nodded and they flew off back to Canterlot.

Rainbow Dash landed next to them "Welcome back, what are you guys gonna do now?"

Twilight looked at the air, her hoof on the chin in thought "Well...not really sure, I guess we'll go back to the library"

Rainbow Dash gawked "You're going to go back to the library? You guys need to stay in shape more! Especially you Joe!" she shouted whilst pointing her hoof at him.

"Huh?" he replied dumbly.

"Haven't seen you work out, starting from tomorrow we're gonna put you into shape! I'll take you down in 10 seconds flat!" Rainbow Dash said in a cocky voice

"Huh? What? I...What?" Joe literally screamed confused for the entire thing.

Twilight couldn't help but sigh "Okay Rainbow Dash that's enough for today" she calm her friend down.

A bouncy springy sound is heard from a distance which gradually got nearer and nearer to them, Pinkie Pie appeared from the corner of a house. Pinkie Pie noticed Joe, she smiled ever so brightly, more then usual from Spike, Rainbow Dash and Twilight has seen.

"HIYA JOE! HIYA GUYS!" she shouted loudly.

Twilight lowered her head "One of too many cupcakes I presume?"

"Silly! You can never have one too many cupcakes! That's insane!" Pinkie Pie shouted "Oh Joe! I forgot to ask you something yesterday! When is your birthday?"

This caught everyponies attention, all eyes on the human, Joseph scratched behind his head "Well, I-I was born on the 19th of September 1993, I'll be 17"

Pinkie Pie went dead silent looking at him with her eyes, blank face that couldn't be read. Joseph heard gasps around him, he looked at them dumbfounded at them.

"Did I say something wrong?" he asked them.

Pinkie Pie jumped in the air and flew off somehow to Celestia knows where. Joe clearly not knowing what's going on, Twilight and Rainbow Dash looked at him uneasily.

"Uh...Joe, I've got to go back to collect some books, why not go back to the library if you don't have anything to do. I'll see you later" she galloped off not looking back at him with Spike still on her back.

Rainbow Dash glanced at Joe, she smirked lightly "Weeeeell...I guess I'll be seeing you tomorrow, hope you can handle it" she nudged him playfully. She spread out her wings, flying off into the air at incredible speeds.

'What was that all about?' The boy thought 'Well I guess I should do at least something...oh yeah! Twilight said Applejack is looking for some help so I'll go there'.

Joe turned his heel proceeding to Sweet Apple acres, it's been awhile since he last went to the barn. He thought it would be a better opptunity to know a little more about Big Mac, Granny smith and Apple bloom.

"C'mon you guys! We've gotta find our cutie marks!" a loud but a young voice he heard from his lefty side, the voice almost imitated Rainbow Dashes voice.

Curious, Joe turned his head to the left seeing a young little and a two other fillies, he remembered one of them. Focusing his sight on the one with a large bow...it was 'Apple bloom?'

The loud filly didn't see where she was going causing her to bump into Joe's leg, she bounced back from the impact. The little filly is sprawled out on the ground, she got up and glared at Joe "Urgh...watch where you're!...You're..." she looked gob smacked when she fully looked at Joe.

Joseph walked up to her kneeling down to the group "I'm terribly sorry, are you alright?"

The loud filly's eye gleamed "WOW! So you're the human thing everyponies been talking about! You look way cooler then I thought!"

Joe chuckled "Thank you...um?"

"Name's Scootaloo! I wanna be as awesome as Rainbow Dash!" she shouted with pride. Her coat is Orange and her mane is a Dark Pink, her eye colour is a Grayish Purple. She had wings but she didn't have a cutie mark.

Joe nodded then looked at the one next to Apple Bloom "I think I know you...are you Rarity's sister Twilight told me about?"

She smiled in delight following a nod "Yup! I'm Sweetie Belle!" her coat is white and her mane has two colours, a Grayish Rose and a Grayish Purple. Her eye colour is Sap green, she has a horn on her head but no cutie mark.

Joe now curious about their cutie marks he decided he wanted to know more about them "So tell me, why don't you guys have cutie marks yet?" he knew it's a stupid question, he knows you have to discover a talent or wait for it to show up. He just wanted to know them better.

The subject didn't turn out as well as he thought it would have done, the three fillies looked down at the ground embarrassed, Apple Bloom managed to speak out for them "Well we are the only ones in our class who ain't got no cutie marks yet. So we're trying everything we know on how to get them!"

Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo grinned at the speech, they huddeld together placing their hooves on top of each others then threw them in the air "We're the Cutie Mark Crusaders!" they cheered.

Joseph couldn't help but giggle at them 'That's so cute, being a kid must be fun...'

Scootaloo looked at him circling around him in search of his cutie mark "Huh? Where's your cutie mark?"

Joe raised his eye brow "Well, I'm a human and we don't get cutie marks in our world" he said to them hoping it wouldn't disturb them.

They puzzled looks "How do you know what your talents are then?" Sweetie Belle chimed in.

Joe made a deep sigh, choosing his words carefully before explaining "Well, technically we're the same you guys and I, expect for the human and pony thing if that's what you thought. Humans have to discover their own talents by doing what they do best, some may know what they are gifted at and will extend that talent for their personal uses. Some may not even know what their talent is or they just can't see it, some may not want the talent they wanted. From what you guy's told me is more or less the same way as us, you we're not so different if you think about it. Funny isn't it?"

The cutie mark crusaders looked at each other unable to comprehend what he told them, however he didn't stop his speech there.

"What this all means is that you cannot force the hidden talent out with crazy tricks that could end up hurting you or getting into some trouble. The only way you can find your cutie marks is to be yourself and believe in yourself, don't let the cutie marks distract you from what you do best. In my opinion cutie marks are a symbol of plain achievement, your heart is far more worth then a cutie mark as well as friends and family".

His speech made them silent, the crusaders are in total awe, they never heard such an amazing speech before. They awkwardly shifted their heads to see one another's reaction, all the same. Joe saw their looks, he dropped his head down in shame.

'Well done Joseph you fool, making them lose hopes in their dreams. I can't believe I said all that when I'm still trying to be accustomed to the whole cutie mark thing and here I go blabbering about what's better then a cutie marks. I maybe sent to Celestia's dungeons for this' he thought thinking of all the things that Celestia would do to him for disrespecting the cutie marks.

To his biggest surprise, the cutie mark crusaders jumped on him "That was awesome!" Scootaloo yelled.

"Mister Brooklyn, I'll always remember what y'all said to me" Apple Bloom said.

"Maybe we'll use this for our homework!" Sweetie Belle suggested.

Joe didn't really know what to make of this, he brought his arms around them to hug them gently, the three fillies happily returned that to him.

"Ur...Thank you girls but I'm off to see Applejack now" he said.

The cutie crusaders got off of him "Sure thing, My sis is buckin apple trees right now" Apple Bloom said.

Joseph got up from the ground shaking off the dirt "Thank you, I'll be of now, try not to get into trouble. Bye!" he shouted as he left them to do whatever they intended to do.

As he made his way to the barn, he heard some grunts and trees being bucked, he could only imagine his friend Applejack bucking the trees.

"Hey Applejack! How are you doing?" He called drawing her attention.

Applejack snapped her head towards him her face full of shock "Uh...Joe...W-What can I do ya for?" she said calmly in her.

Joseph noticed her reaction, he discarded it thinking she was just working too hard "Twilight told me you're looking for some help here at the barn?".

Applejack looked somewhat uncomfortable "Sure am, but right now I'm pretty hook up with things. Come on back tomorrow and I'll get y'all a job here".

"Thank you Applejack, do you need help with these apples?" he asked.

Applejack shook her head sideways "That's mighty kind of ya but I'm just finishing up, thank's for asking though".

Joseph felt a little bit sad when she said that "Well...okay then, I'll see you tomorrow" he said as he walked away from the barn.

---

Joe has been walking around Ponyville for nearly an hour trying to do something, he tried to see Rarity but her sign said closed. He then went to see Fluttershy but for some reason she wasn't there, he asked Angel, the rabbit shrugged his shoulders. Joseph asked around the town to see if they knew where Rainbow Dash went, all they said was 'We don't know, sorry'.

Joe felt scared, he hasn't seen or heard them for quite awhile, he ran around Ponyville desperately trying to find at least one of his friends.

'Oh no, did something happen to them? Did I do something?' he thought as he ran around carelessly in the town.

Joe gave up, dropping on the ground "What's going on?" he moaned to himself "Where are they?"

Spike's head pop in his sight, the little dragon looked down at him, concern written into his eyes "Joe? What're you doing on the ground?"

Joe lifted himself up "Oh Spike, it's great to see you"

Spike had no idea why Joe suddenly felt so glad to see him, not that he didn't appreciate it, not a lot of Ponies besides Twilight actually want to see him. Joe's voice sound to him if like he was lost and confused. He placed his little claw on the humans arm.

"Dude, you okay? What's wrong?" Spike asked.

"I don't know Spike, I haven't seen Twilight, Rainbow Dash or the others besides Applejack for at least an hour. I've looked everywhere to find them, no luck. Nopony seen them, where is Twilight anyway?" Joe said.

Spike scratched his head "Now you've got me thinking, Twilight dropped me off at home saying that'd she be gone for a bit. I did some chores but I got a bit bored on my own so I decided to take a walk. Now that you've mentioned it, I haven't seen them for awhile either".

"Maybe...Maybe they're avoiding me? I must have done something wrong" Joe said sadly.

Spike's expression turn from confused to anger, Spike suddenly went in front on Joe "What do you mean 'They're avoiding you? You've done something wrong?'." he yelled causing a few ponies to look at them.

Spike tried pulling him up but struggled with his friends weight "C'mon! We're going home and see if Twilight is back and get some answers!"

Joe didn't bother questioning Spike, he lifted himself up off the ground, Spike grabbed his finger pulling him to Twilight.

"Spike, your claws are digging in my finger"

---

The sun is setting down on the horizon, one side still showing light, the other side showing ever spreading night. Spike and Joe finally got to their home, Spike rested on Joe's shoulder tired from pulling him and Joe feeling pain in his finger.

"Ow...my finger" Joseph said listing his finger to Spike.

Spike gently push his finger away "Oh c'mon Joe, it's not that bad. Let's go in".

Joe opened the door then went inside, the room was pitch black "Spike? Did you turn the lights off?"

"I'm sure I left them on when I went out" Spike said.

The light suddenly turned on revealing a crowd of ponies yelling "SURPRISE!" causing Spike to fall off Joe's shoulder.

Joe managed to catch Spike, the two stared at the colourful crowd of Ponies, the room was filled with balloons, party food with drinks. A banner saying 'Happy 17th birthday Joseph Brooklyn'.

Pinkie Pie emerged from the crowd happily bouncing over to Joe "HIYA JOE! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" she yelled.

He looked at her in the eyes then once more around the room "W-What is all this?" he asked.

Pinkie Pie held a massive grin on her face "This is your birthday party silly! Remember when I asked you when your birthday was?".

"So...today is the 19th of September?" he said curiously.

Pinkie Pie nodded madly "Yup! Do you like it? Huh? Huh?" she immediately went silent when she saw tears coming down from his face.

"I...I need a minute" he pardoned himself, putting Spike down then wiped away the tears as he went outside.

All the ponies inside Twilight's house talked among themselves wondering why he suddenly went out. Pinkie Pie felt very sad to see him cry and walk out, she trotted to the front door he left open seeing him sat on the grass holding his head in his hands.

She went up to him slowly by his side "Joe? You okay?" she said full of concern.

"This is the first real birthday party in years" Joe said removing his hand from his face "A real birthday party that doesn't make everyone back home bully me or my mother and sister not celebrating. The only who ever cared and celebrated even if he's across seas is my father."

Pinkie Pie felt a surge of pain going down her body, the feeling of being bullied and ignored on a your birthday is one of the most painful things possible.

Joseph turned his head to Pinkie Pie giving her a smile "But you...you gave me a real birthday party...I'm just so happy" he said sobbing at the end.

Pinkie Pie hugged Joseph, her cheek against his cheek "Let's go back inside! Time to open your presents!" she said excitedly.

Joe also feeling excited, he lifted himself off the ground and went back inside Twilight's house, the mane six trotted up to Joe.

"Joseph Darling, are you alright?" Rarity said.

Joe nodded "Yes...I understand now, you've all been organising my birthday party, I was looking for you guy's all over the place but I couldn't find you. At first I thought you were all just busy but then I started to get worried, thinking I might have done something to upset you guy's".

Rainbow Dash hovered next to him "Joe, you gotta stop worrying all the time, we'd never get angry at you!" she giggled then lightly pushed his arm.

Pinkie Pie jumped in the air "Enough! Let's give him the presents!" she shouted with glee.

Joseph received six presents from his friends, Twilight gave him a few books that she thought he would be interested in. Rarity gave him a black suit with a tie along with polished shoes she made for him. Applejack gave him cowboy hat that fitted him. Fluttershy gave him a teddy bear to which brought some awing and some laughter but Joe loved it. Rainbow Dash gave him a pair of shoes that is blue, the laces coloured like the rainbow with her cutie mark on the side of each shoe. With the help of Rarity of course. Pinkie Pie gave him chocolate that she made herself for him. Spike having very short notice ran upstairs and brought back one of his diamonds he loves to eat for Joe.

The now seventeen year old held all his presents from his friends, they looked at him with care in their eyes.

"You guy's...I could not have asked for better friends in my life. Especially you Pinkie Pie, thank you so much for making this birthday party for me. Thank you all for the presents" he said to them, embracing Pinkie Pie

"Of course silly! I make the best Parties ever!" Pinkie Pie blushed as he hugged her.

He let her go from his embrace, both stared into each others eyes. Sharing a moment of true friendship. Spike on the other hand smirked at them, lifted his had to his mouth about to shout out to the ponies. Joseph caught him just before he shouted, pointing his finger at Spike.

"Don't you dare Spike" Joe jokingly warned him.

Spike grinned madly at him "HEY EVERYPONY! JOE'S..." he yelled to them all but got cut off by Joe who literally charged forward at Spike attempting to tackle him.

"AAAAAAAHHH!" Joe screamed for motivation and Spike screaming at the charging human.

Everypony in the room laughed at the sight of Joe nudging his head, Joseph laughed also at what just happened.

'Maybe I don't want to leave' he thought.

To be continued

---

So, Not to happy with this chapter, I'm sorry if it wasn't worth the wait and my grammar is off. Please R&R for positive reviews or constructive criticism.

A few shout outs, One for my best friend and fellow brony Gh0st's buddy who was once Ponylover74 for his amazing stories The New comer and My little warfare: Power is Magic. Check him out!

And to Brony14, I really appreciate your support but please don't make a review just to ask when will the story be updated. If you want to ask me when please make an account if not, please review the chapter. Thank you.

That's it for now, I'll try and make a better chapter. Until next time. FOR THE BRONIES! FOR SPIKE!