As I continue the game, once again my character wakes up to pounding on his door. But, this time, it's accompanied by the voice of Vinyl Scratch moaning, “Please, you've gotta do something about Rarity! She's been keeping Octy and me up all night with her incessant bawling!”

Isn't it interesting what we can find to respect about a character? For instance, who would've thought Rarity would have the energy to bawl for an entire night? Most children, that I've heard of anyway, cry for a few hours before exhausting themselves and going to sleep. I'm wondering if Rarity's mourning over the fashion show last night, which I honestly think didn't go anywhere near that badly. I did get some constructive criticism out of Hoity Toity before he left and returned to Ponyville, after all, and I'm sure Rarity and her friends could find something to work with from that.

I have my character get out of his bed and walk to and open his bedroom door, in time to see Pinkie Pie tackle the white, blue-haired unicorn. My character steps halfway out into the hallway to show me the pink, white, and blue wheel roll to a stop just before the kitchen.

Vinyl Scratch, looking up at the pink earth pony on top of her, says, “Uh, thanks, Pinks. But, I could've gotten out of the way without your help.”

Pinkie Pie says, “Well, you're safe now,” then bounces over the musical unicorn and into the kitchen.

Vinyl Scratch rolls onto her hooves again, then turns to my character, and says, “Now, about Rarity.”

I say, “Yeah, I'm sorry about that. Honestly, I couldn't hear her from my room. She's been crying all night?” Something I don't say out loud is that I honestly do think Rarity's overreacting. And, seeing Vinyl, it's clearly taken a toll on at least one of the other ponies living here.

The white, blue-haired unicorn answers, “All night. Octy and I tried sleeping in the kitchen. As quiet as it is in there, it's not comfy.”

I understand. Sleeping on a hard linoleum floor can't be very comfortable. And, having been driven there by a guest's overreacting to the criticism of her fashion show isn't fair to Vinyl Scratch and Octavia. I'm going to have to do something about it, and the sooner, the better. I tell Vinyl, “I'm gonna go deal with Rarity right now. Then, you and Octavia should be able to return to your room.” After that, I have my character walk past the evidently unstable unicorn and into the kitchen. And, then I get a look, through my character's eyes, at Octavia.

I must admit, I'm not surprised that her fur isn't that much of a mess. Typically, equine body fur is generally short, and not that easy to mess up. It's the hair on the tail and the head and neck that's longer and more difficult to take care of. And, Octavia's mane and tail are the most tangled and messy I've seen on an equine. As she slowly turns to look at my character, I dare say she almost looks possessed, or at least how I'd imagine a possessed Equestrian pony would look. As uncomfortable as a linoleum floor can be, somehow I have trouble believing it could treat a pony, or any equine for that matter, that badly. Of course, then again, there's also the table and chairs that could've been obstacles to Octavia and Vinyl getting a good night's sleep.

Before she can say anything, I have my character raise a hand to her, palm facing toward her, as I say, “It's alright, Octavia. Like I said to Vinyl, I'm gonna deal with Rarity now. You and Vinyl can get back to sleeping in your own room, in your own beds, as soon as possible.” I then have my character open the door to the kitchen, walk through it, then close the door behind him, then make his way to the room where I remember Rarity decided to stay. Once there, I have my character knock on the door as I say, “Alright, Rarity, we need to talk!”

As my character approached her room, I could hear her moaning getting louder and louder. Now, in response to my statement, I hear her howl, “Oh, just leave me alone! Can't you see I just wanna be left alone?”

I answer, “Well, if that's what you want, then you've come to the wrong place! And, you've been keeping my other guests up all night! Now, either you open this door right now, or I'll open it!”

I hear Rarity wail, “Oh, but you can't! I'm not descent!”

I call out, “You're not a human, either! Now, are you gonna open this door, or am I?”

I hear Rarity moan, “Ah, what do you care? You're just a human!”

Taking that as an invitation, I have my character turn the doorknob and open the door. As my character enters the room, I see Rarity stretched out on her back on the bed, her back half aimed at the door.

She rolls over on her front, then turns to my character and says, “Well, I hope you're happy now. Because of you, … “

Before she can continue her rant, I interrupt and say, “Because of me, you and your friends got some constructive criticism from that hoity toity fashion expert. Now, he's waiting for you back in Ponyville. And, you're gonna get yourself fixed up and ready to go back to your boutique. That, or you can whimper and whine your way through the Everfree forest on your own without any preparation. Either way, I have some guests that need their sleep.”

At this point, Rarity rises and turns to face my character, then sits canine-style, then says, “B-b-but, … “

I have my character back out of the doorway and stand to the side so Rarity has an easy path through the hallway as I say, “Either the bathroom first, or straight through the forest. But, you have to choose now!”

For a moment I see, through my character's eyes, fear flash in her humanized equine face, then she rises again and steps forward and drops off the bed, then trots toward and past my character, as she says, “Oh, alright.” The good news is at least she isn't bawling anymore.

As she trots past my character, I have him kneel on one knee as I say, “I'm sorry I have to treat you this way. But, I do have other guests to think about. And, I do believe you've been overreacting to this whole thing with the fashion show.” I guess I have suggested, the way I used his name, my belief that Hoity Toity was appropriately named.

In the mean time, as Rarity makes her way past my character, she says, “I … I'm … heading to the bathroom.”

I have my character rise again as I say, “Good. When you're ready to come out, we'll have some fruits and vegetables ready to eat for breakfast. And, when that's done, you and me and Pinkie Pie and Lyra and Weed Whacker are heading back to Ponyville through the Everfree forest together. When we get back there, you can head to your boutique, where you can do whatever you want. But, as I remember, you did tell Hoity Toity that you could do better than the dresses your friends wanted you to make for them. I'm thinking that's a good place to start.” I have no more to say to Rarity, which is just as well since she's reached and entered the bathroom now.

I order my character to return to the kitchen, where the first thing I see is a horrified Lyra staring at Octavia, who still looks possessed, sitting at the table. I have my character turn from her to Pinkie Pie, as I say, “Well, Pinkie, seeing that neither fruits nor vegetables have been gathered yet, I suggest you and Lyra join me outside so we can gather some food for breakfast.” Of course, that's when I notice Vinyl Scratch on the opposite side of the table from Octavia.

Vinyl turns to my character and asks, “Uh, by the way, Mormon—“

Before she can finish asking her question, I say, “You want to know about Rarity?” I don't wait for Vinyl to answer, but I still notice her nod as I continue, “She's in the bathroom next to my work room right now, either taking a bath or a shower. After breakfast, she'll be joining me, Pinkie Pie, Lyra, and Weed Whacker on our way back to Ponyville.”

I'm guessing, from Vinyl's sigh of relief, that she thought I might've done something cruel to Rarity, maybe attacked her in some way. Whatever her thoughts were on the matter, she looks up at my character again and asks, “And, that means, … ?”

I conclude, “It means that once breakfast is over, you and Octavia can get some sleep in your own room.”

Now, again Octavia slowly turns to my character, but this time she asks, “May I go and get some sleep now?”

I answer, allowing my character to focus on her, “If you want, then sure, go right ahead.” As I have my character move aside and allow the gray earth mare to amble past him and to her and Vinyl's room, what I don't say, what I feel I don't need to say, is that she likely won't hear anymore of Rarity's bawling.

In the mean time, Vinyl turns to my character, yawns, and says, “I think I'd better hit the hay too. Me and Octy'll have breakfast later.” And, with that, like Octavia, she falls out of her chair, then ambles past my character, through the front room, and to her and Octavia's bedroom, following her friend.

I watch the two mares as they wander to their bedroom, then I have my character turn to Pinkie Pie and Lyra again; and I say, “Well, I guess that means it'll just be the four, uh, five of us, including Rarity, that'll be having breakfast before heading back to Ponyville.” I then have my character focus on Lyra as I say, “So, shall we go out and get some fruits and vegetables?”

When the pale-green unicorn doesn't immediately respond, I have my character take a step or two toward her and reach out and set a hand on her back as I ask, “Lyra?”

As it turns out, my saying her name and my character touching her happen at the same time, resulting in Lyra rearing up on her hind legs and whinnying in alarm. When she drops onto all fours again, she looks up at my character and says, “Oh, Mormon, you scared me.”

I can't help laughing as I say, “That's alright. When you didn't answer me at first, you had me scared, too.”

Lyra says, “Sorry about that. I just never saw an earth pony look the way Octavia did.”

I state, “I know what you mean. Let's go outside and get some food gathered, and we'll come back inside and get it ready. Vinyl and Octavia are sleeping in their room. So, it'll just be you, Weed Whacker, Pinkie Pie, Rarity and me who'll be having breakfast, after which we'll be heading for Ponyville.”

Lyra nods in agreement; Pinkie Pie manages to bounce from her chair, on the opposite side of the table from my character, to him without getting hurt or hurting him or Lyra, and the group of three head out to harvest fruits and vegetables for breakfast for seven creatures.

Pinkie Pie bounces into the orchard, and Lyra heads to the vegetable garden, leaving my character to head to the vineyard to gather fruits from there.

As my character reaches out to grab a ripe-looking kiwi fruit from the vine, I hear Weed Whacker's voice say, “No need to worry. I've already got some of those.” As my character turns and focuses on the herbivorous dinosaur, she continues, “If you want to help, you can get some grapes from the vine over there,” and points to the nearby grape vine.

I have my character nod while I ask, “How long have you been out here?”

Weed Whacker answers, “Oh, long enough to get enough of those furry fruits for the seven of us.” She then asks, “So, how's Rarity?”

As my character examines a cluster of grapes, I answer, “I'm sure she'll be fine. When Lyra, Pinkie Pie and I left the house, she was in the bathroom across from Octavia and Vinyl's bedroom, taking a bath or a shower. Oh, and Octavia and Vinyl are back in their room getting some sleep. It seems that Rarity was bawling all night, keeping them awake.”

Weed Whacker sighs, then says, “I didn't think she'd take the problems at the fashion show like that. After all, that Hoity Toity earth pony liked the dress she made for Rainbow Dash, and the one she made for Fluttershy. The one he really didn't like was Applejack's … dress?”

I can't help chuckling over how Weed Whacker paused before saying “dress” that last time. And, she didn't seem sure about what it was that Applejack had worn, either. Personally, if I'd had to guess, Applejack might not have known how to take the coming event at Canterlot Castle seriously. Not surprising, considering this will be her first time attending an event like the Grand Galloping Gala.

In the mean time, while I'm lost in such thoughts, my character harvests maybe two or three clusters of grapes, after which he and Weed Whacker, along with Pinkie Pie, who for the harvesting has evidently been controlled by Diane, and Lyra, head back to the house.

By the time the four get back to the house, Pinkamena has taken control of Pinkie Pie again.

Once back in the kitchen, the four join forces to prepare the harvest for breakfast. And, they're finished with their preparations just in time for Rarity to join them in the kitchen.

Considering there are five having breakfast, the group moves into the front room so all can have comfortable seating while they eat. And, it's agreed, during the breakfast, that some should be left, best in the fridge, for Octavia and Vinyl when they get up and are ready to eat. And, it's Rarity who writes the letter for the two of them, and leaves it on the table in the kitchen.

After that, and the cleanup, Rarity decides she wants to take the dresses she'd made for Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie back with the group, since Pinkie Pie had only shot her dress with her party cannon with no permanent damage caused, and Hoity Toity seemed to like Rainbow Dash's and Fluttershy's dresses the best. If Twilight Sparkle and Applejack want to retrieve their wardrobes after the evening's reading, they're welcome to do so.

The trip back to Ponyville takes a half hour, then it's a minute or two of further travel before the group arrives at Carousel Boutique.

But, the group doesn't arrive before overhearing a conversation between Carrot Top and Berry Punch, in reference to the fashion show my character had hosted at his house.

Berry Punch talks about how she liked the dresses Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy wore, then makes a negative comment about Applejack's wardrobe.

Carrot Top responds by saying something about how Applejack was never interested in fashion, at which the two ponies laugh.

Then, the two make rude comments about Twilight Sparkle's dress, echoing Hoity Toity's remarks about Applejack's wardrobe.

I'm unable to ignore the effect the comments are clearly having on the white unicorn mare I've guided back to her boutique.

But, before I can respond to the comments, to my surprise, it's Pinkie Pie who I hear say, “Hey! Those are my friends you're talking about!”

My character turns to Pinkie Pie to show me, through his eyes, the pink earth pony digging at the ground with a front hoof, watching two evidently regretful other earth ponies, one orange, the other a purple-red color.

I see Berry Punch say, “We're sorry, Pinkie. We didn't know you could hear us.”

In response, Pinkie Pie gallops a few paces towards the two as she screams, “Just go, go, go, go, go!”

The two earth mares don't say anything more, just turn and gallop away from the evidently furious Pinkie Pie.

The pink party pony then turns to the white unicorn next to my character and asks, “Are you alright, Rarity?” And, I can see genuine concern in Pinkie Pie's face.

As my character turns to Rarity, I can see her eyes are tightly closed, and evidently have been for the time of the exchange between her pink friend and the other two earth ponies. Finally, she opens her eyes again and says, “Y-yes. Thanks, P-pinkie.” Then, she turns to my character and asks, “M-mormon, could you please h-help me with the d-door?”

I say nothing as my character pushes the door open for Rarity, allowing the three ponies, the human, and the dinosaur to enter.

Once the five are inside and the double doors close behind them, Rarity manages to put the box she was carrying next to the stair case in front of one of the equine mannequins. She doesn't turn to look at the rest of the four as she stammers, “W-w-will y-you … j-just p-p-put … I-I-I … “ Presently she runs up the stairs, along the hallway, then pauses long enough to use her magic to open the door at the end of the hallway, then gallops inside, then closes the door behind her. At that point, we hear Rarity once again start bawling.

Just then, the double doors open behind us; and the rest of the element bearers and Spike enter.

Twilight asks, “Is Rarity alright? We just saw Pinkie Pie chase off two other ponies, and we came to see what happened.”

I answer, “She just ran upstairs to her room. All of us overheard what Berry Punch and Carrot Top said, and Rarity's taking it pretty hard.” I then have my character put the box he's holding, which, as I remember, holds Fluttershy's dress, on top of the box Rarity was holding with her magic all the way here, as I say, “Pinkie Pie and I just have to put these boxes down.” I then have my character take the box from Pinkie Pie back and put it on top of the stack of boxes.

Then, while Twilight delays long enough to use her magic to take the two boxes stacked on the box Rarity'd placed and places them side-by-side, Pinkie Pie runs past her up the stairs and to the door Rarity'd entered.

The rest of the assembled group follows Pinkie Pie, led by Twilight, until all are at the door.

At this point, Pinkie Pie knocks and asks, “Rarity, are you okay in there? You haven't come out for days.”

Whether this is actually true in the cannon of the animated series or not, it's clearly an extreme exaggeration in this game.

At any rate, Rarity answers, “I'm never coming out! I can't show my face in Ponyville ever again! I used to be somepony. I used to be respected. I made dresses, beautiful, beautiful dresses. But now, everypony is laughing at me. I'm nothing but a laughing stock!”

As the white unicorn lets out a melodramatic wail, Twilight Sparkle says, “You're not a laughing stock, Rarity.”

Then, Rainbow Dash says, “She kind of is.”

After shushing her rainbow-haired pegasa friend, Twilight Sparkle pleads, “Come on out and talk to us.”

In response, we hear Rarity wail, “Leave me alo-ho-ho-ho-ho-hone! I want to be alone! I want to wallow in … whatever it is a pony's supposed to wallow in!” For a moment she pauses her crying to think aloud, “Are we supposed to wallow in pity?” before continuing, “Oh, listen to me! I don't even know what I'm supposed to wallow in! I'm just pathe-heh-heh-heh-heh-heh-etic!”

Twilight waits for a second before she asks, “Now what do we do?”

Fluttershy asks, “Panic?”

Rainbow Dash turns to her fellow pegasa and says, “That's your answer for everything!”

At this point, I say, “Well, the good news is she's bawling in her own home. This way, she won't be keeping my guests up all night.”

I then hear Pinkie Pie growl under her breath, “Mormon.”

My character turns to her, and I answer, “You're right, Pinkie, I'm not helping. I'm sorry.”

Now, Applejack says, “Well, we can't just leave Rarity like this.”

Pinkie Pie says, “She—“ then pauses and puts a front hoof over her mouth. Evidently she remembers the brief exchange she and I had the night before. After a second, she puts the hoof down again and, turning to her fellow earth pony, says, “You're right, Applejack. There must be something we can do.”

At this point, Twilight turns and walks past my character to Rarity's work room and looks into the keyhole. After a second or two, she hums with curiosity and says, “You know what, Pinkie, I think you're right. Maybe there is something we can do.”

Then, I can't help but laugh when Pinkie Pie bounces a few times as she says, “Yes, I'm right, I'm right, I'm right,” then stops bouncing and puts a hoof to her chin, the same one she used to cover her mouth before, and quietly asks, “Wait, what am I right about?”

Not bothering to answer Pinkie Pie's question, Twilight opens the door to Rarity's work room, takes a step or two inside, then comes back out carrying a dressed-up equine mannequin with her magic. She then closes the door behind her with more of her magic, turns to her friends, and says, “Let's get going. We have a surprise to prepare.”

As five ponies and two dragons follow the purple unicorn down the hall and down the stairs, I notice something she seems to have missed. I have my character start to follow Twilight as well, and I say, “I think you may be missing something.”

Twilight Sparkle pauses to turn and look at my character before she asks, “What's that, Mormon?”

I answer, “Didn't Rarity have something of a blueprint in her work room?”

Twilight grunts in confusion, then Applejack says, “Ah wonder if Mormon's a'thinkin' 'bout that picture Rarity had on her wall.”

Then, Rainbow Dash says, “That's right! I got a good look at it when I crashed through the roof in her work room.” Immediately, she flies down to the front door and exits through it, but not before turning to the rest of the group and saying, “I'll be right back.” Then, a moment later, she appears at the front door again holding in her mouth the pencil-drawn picture of an equine mannequin wearing a complete, flashy dress.

I have my character nod, and I say, “That's what I was talking about.”

Now, Fluttershy flies over to Rainbow Dash to have a better look at the picture the blue pegasa's holding. After looking at it for a few seconds, then turning to the dress on the mannequin still possessed by Twilight's magic, she nods and smiles as she says, “Rarity's already done most of the work. It shouldn't take long for us to finish putting it together.”

At Fluttershy's announcement, Twilight Sparkle says, “Excellent.” She then turns to my character and says, “If you and Lyra will stay here and keep an eye on Rarity, we'll see about getting the surprise ready.”

As Twilight, Spike, Pinkie Pie and Applejack make their way down the stairs and, joined by Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash, make their way outside, Weed Whacker lingers behind and says, “Well, if you and Lyra are staying here to take care of Rarity, I'd better stay here too.”

At this point, I decide to see if I can do something to encourage Rarity to leave her room. I have my character approach the door. Then, when he's there, I say, “It seems to me you're blowing this way out of proportion. You can't let the opinion of two earth ponies out on the street get you down like this.”

I hear Rarity's voice retort, “Those 'earth ponies out on the street' are friends of yours, are they not?”

I answer, “Well, that is true.”

Rarity continues, “They've been attending your readings ever since the parasprite incident. So, their opinion should matter as much to you as anypony else. And, you may not think so, but everypony in town listens to those two.” She then lets out another melodramatic wail before she says, “Oh, my career is ruined! Ruined, I tell you! Ruined!”

I have my character turn to Lyra and Weed Whacker as I say, “Well, it was worth a shot. Do the opinions of Carrot Top and Berry Punch really mean that much in this town?”

Lyra and Weed Whacker shrug, leaving us with nothing more to say for the next few minutes. So, the ponies and human just settle in silence at that door, in front of the room Rarity's hiding in.

Then, I hear Rarity say, “Exile. I guess technically I'd have to move away to be in exile. Where would I go, and what would I pack? Oh, it'd take me forever to do all of that packing. What are you supposed to pack when you go into exile? Are you supposed to pack warm?”

At this point, I know that Rarity's cat, Opalescence, having been stranded in a tree by Rainbow Dash, is starting to cry right now, even if I can't hear it in my character's present position. Even if Lyra and Weed Whacker can't hear it, I know that's what's happening when I hear Rarity ask, “Opal, is that you?”

Knowing what's going to happen, I have my character stand up and take a step or two away from the door, as I say to my unicorn and dinosaur friends, “You'd better get out of the way. Rarity's gonna come bursting out that door—“

And, right on cue, Rarity comes bursting out of the door, past the three of us, along the hallway, down the stairs, and to and out the front door, in a mad dash to rescue her cat.

Fortunately, Lyra and Weed Whacker jumped out of the way of the moving door, thus managing to escape being trampled by the rampaging unicorn.

Even my character managed to escape without being harmed.

As I look at my two friends, I say, “Let's follow her outside. Something tells me her surprise is ready for her.”

The three make it outside and to Rarity's position just in time to catch her surprised expression when the other five of the element bearers reveal the completed dress to her.

As the three approach, I hear Rarity fumble her words, then conclude with a grunt of mixed surprise and confusion.

Pinkie Pie says, pointing to the dress, “We all finished your dress for you!”

Applejack adds, “Thanks to Fluttershy's freaky knowledge of sewin'.”

Then, Fluttershy asks, “Do you like it?”

I know what Rarity's answer is going to be, but I still find it fun to watch her answer, and to watch her friends respond to her answer.

Since I, through my character's eyes, can't see her face from his present angle, I can only say for certain that I hear her say, “Like it?” Then, when she circles around behind the mannequin and the dress, I do get a look at her face the second time she says, “Like it?” But, I can't honestly say that I'm able to read her thoughts in her expression.

A concerned Fluttershy says, “Uh-oh, she doesn't like it.”

At this point, I know the white unicorn is just feigning disappointment when she, with closed eyes, says, “No, I don't like it.” Then, after her friends groan sadly, she turns around and, with excitement in her voice, says, “I love it!”

Now, her friends cheer in, I'm sure, equal parts excitement and relief.

Rarity continues, “You ponies did an amazing job. It's exactly the way I imagined it.”

Fluttershy states, “We just followed your brilliant design.”

Twilight adds, “Like we should've let you do for our dresses. Those first dresses you designed were perfect.”

I hear the sincerity in Pinkie Pie's voice as she says, “We're so super sorry.”

Then, Rainbow Dash, carrying Rarity's cat down from the tree, says, “You worked really hard to make our dresses exactly the way we wanted. And, we all saw the way that turned out.”

At this point, I decide to speak up and say, “Now, as I remember, not all the dresses were failures. Hoity Toity seemed to like Rainbow Dash's dress. And, the only thing he found wrong with Fluttershy's dress was that bird's-nest hat. He also said that Pinkie Pie's dress just needed some cleanin' up.”

I then watch, through my character's eyes, as Applejack looks down regretfully and draws circles in the ground as she says, “Yeah, then there was my dress.” She stops drawing the circles and looks up at Rarity and says, “Like Twilight said, we should've just gone with your first dresses.”

Now, Rainbow Dash, still focused on Rarity, speaks up again and says, “Yeah, I don't know. You did manage to make my dress about twenty percent cooler.”

Rarity responds, “Yes, but only after Mormon got the information I needed out of you. In fact, it was Mormon's idea that I keep the original designs for the dresses.”

Now, Twilight says, “I do seem to remember Mormon saying something about that before he left your work room.”

I state, “I'm glad I could help.”

Then, Rarity complains, “But, my whole career is still ruined!”

I open my mouth to say something, but Applejack beats me to it as she says, “Oh, right, that.”

I then notice Twilight turn to the boutique before she says, “Maybe not.”

My character follows Twilight's gaze to Hoity Toity, standing at the front doors, as he says, “Oh, alright. But, you'd better have something for me this time, Rarity. I haven't got all day.”

An excited squeal from Rarity draws my character's attention to her. I then watch, through his eyes, as she says, “I still have the original dresses. Come. Let's get dressed and ready for another fashion show.” Her choice of words and her tone of voice clearly demonstrate a pony charged with excitement.

As the element bearers disappear into the boutique, I hear Rainbow Dash say something about wanting to keep her dress the way it is, and Pinkie Pie saying something about letting Rarity clean up her dress.

I have my character turn to Hoity Toity, and I say, “I'm sure you'll be more than satisfied with what you see this time.” I then plot a course for my character back into the boutique, then have him gesture for Hoity Toity to follow him.

As my character follows the course, and the gray earth stallion nods and follows my character, he, that is Hoity Toity, says, “Let's hope so. I'd rather not have a repeat of last night's disaster.”

I find myself inclined to agree with Hoity Toity, but I know what's going to happen. As I've mentioned before, this day, as well as the previous day, are based on the episode “Suited for Success,” and I know the episode ends with Rarity and her friends displaying the dresses Rarity had originally made for her friends, as well as the dress Rarity's friends have just completed for her. In this case, though, there will be some slight changes. Rainbow Dash, this time, will be coming out in her modified dress; and Fluttershy will be coming out in just her dress, minus the birds nest. Also, it's evident that it doesn't take long for Rarity to clean the confetti and streamers off of Pinkie Pie's dress.

Then, while Rarity's friends are putting on the dresses Rarity had made for them: the originals for Twilight and Applejack, Fluttershy and her French old couture without the hat, Rainbow Dash and her twenty-percent-cooler dress, and Pinkie Pie and her cleaned-up original; Rarity comes out and uses her magic to take out materials and build the stage, as well as the catwalk, for her friends. Then, after that, she disappears under the stage; and I hear a door open and close behind it.

I seem to remember, after following the Mane Six into the boutique, watching them enter a room on the main floor, the central door next to the mannequin that'd evidently been moved aside hastily. I'm guessing they'll be heading on up the stage from the room connected to that door.

In the mean time, a few minutes later, as Hoity Toity, Lyra, Weed Whacker and my character see Rarity reappear, this time on the stage, Hoity Toity says, “Take two.”

The room darkens as Spike closes the curtains in front of the windows.

Then, with all the windows closed, the room brightens again, this time due to the magical aura and sparks coming from Rarity's horn.

It seems that Rarity's flare for the dramatic is good for more than just melodrama as she puts on a light show of five-cornered stars that introduces Twilight as she appears in the dress Rarity had first made for her. And, just like in the episode, its a display of falling stars in a nighttime sky that hides Twilight's coming out on the stage, and stars appear to catch on her dress as her audience finally notices her.

In the episode, Hoity Toity was convinced he was seeing the works of a different artist. In this game, at least in this playthrough, I know why he said, “Hello. Oh, this can't be the same designer.” For all intents and purposes, it isn't.

Next, we see the orchards of Sweet Apple Acres, while a lasso from seemingly nowhere grabs an apple and pulls it off a tree. This is clearly and effectively a distraction for Twilight to leave the stage, and for Applejack to enter; and, when her audience finally does notice her, she rears up on her hind legs and kicks her front legs excitedly.

As she lands and takes a pose of confidence, Hoity Toity says, “Simply magnificent! And, I suddenly have a fierce craving for some Dutch apple pie, candied apples on a stick, … “ He names a few other apple-related treats as another light display begins.

This time clouds appear, ranging in differing shades of purple up to white, as various candies fall from them. Yet another distraction for Applejack to leave the stage, and for Pinkie Pie to take her place. Candy corns and small lollypops fall onto her dress, then she sticks out her tongue to grab a gum drop, which she eats as she smiles happily.

In response, Hoity Toity says, “Brilliant!”

But, before he can say more, he's surprised by a flash of multi-colored light, and another transition allows Pinkie Pie to leave the stage and Rainbow Dash to take her place. This time, white cirrus clouds are shown quickly covering a blue sky and the sun, then six openings in the clouds allow beams of red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple light, in that order, to escape. They then connect to the base of the rainbow-haired pegasa, who hovers for a second or two, although she appears to fly, then lands on the stage in a confident pose, not unlike that of Applejack.

Hoity Toity responds to the display by squealing, “Oh, spectacular!”

Then, it seems to be a case of the vine intervention which keeps the gray earth stallion from saying anything more. The vines then end in buds that flower. Each flower then releases its petals in an explosion, another effective distraction while Rainbow Dash leaves the stage and is replaced by Fluttershy, who appears in a garden of flowers and hanging vines, which subsequently disappear.

Again Hoity Toity squeals, this time saying, “Now, this is a fashion show!” His voice then lowers an octave as he says, “Oh, these dresses are absolutely amazing. Who is responsible? Step forward, show yourself!”

And, with one more display from Rarity's horn, she appears on the catwalk of the stage, showing off a disco-style light show, as the curtains behind her open to reveal her five friends in their dresses.

Then, as Rarity marches toward Hoity Toity, he cheers, “Oh, bravo, bravo! Magnifico! Encore!”

And, for once, I find myself gaining respect for him as I watch him applaud like a human. I just have to wonder, how does he keep himself balanced on his backside while he's doing that?

In the mean time, Rarity says, “Oh, thank you! Thank you! Oh, thank you so much!”

As Spike opens the curtains again, allowing light to enter the boutique once more, Hoity Toity turns to my character and says, “Your name is Mormon, is it not?”

I answer, “That's correct.”

Hoity Toity continues, “Mormon, I'd be honored to come to one more of your readings, if you'll allow me.”

I answer, “You are quite welcome to come to any future readings that you want. There's always a place for you.”

As I watch the element bearers leave the stage from behind, and Rarity dismantle the stage and put it in storage again, I can't help remembering the lessons that seem to have been learned from this experience. Rarity's lesson seems to have been that in the process of pleasing everyone sometimes no one ends up pleased, not even the one trying to please everyone. Twilight's lesson, as she will record to Princess Celestia, is not to look a gift horse in the mouth. Good lessons to learn, although I question the circumstances in which they were taught.

Personally, when I consider the lesson Rarity apparently learned from this experience, it seems to me it could've been better taught in a political arena, as opposed to making clothes for friends. In Rarity's case, when she modified or completely remodeled the dresses, then finally revealed them, her friends, in so many words, said they were pleased with what they saw. But, it was the original dresses, at least those of Twilight, Applejack, and Pinkie Pie, that pleased Rarity, and later Hoity Toity. And, come to think of it, they were rather demanding of what they wanted to see in their dresses. But, Rarity was more than willing to comply with their demands.

Perhaps Twilight's lesson was appropriately learned after all. Over all, if this were a real experience and not just an event from an animated series or a video game, if I had been in Rarity's place, I'm sure I would've come out of it with a better understanding of my friends, and they might've come out of it understanding me better. All in all, if this were real, I'd imagine Rarity and her friends must've come out of it closer than they were before.

In the mean time, with the pathway clear, Hoity Toity makes his way to the central door; and my character and two friends follow him as they enter the dressing room behind the door.

Twilight Sparkle is dictating her letter to Princess Celestia, while Spike writes it down, and Pinkie Pie is talking to Fluttershy, while Applejack and Rainbow Dash also talk.

When the letter is complete, and Spike sends it off; Hoity Toity turns and canters to Rarity and asks if he can put her best dress designs (that or her dung, perhaps?) on display in his boutique in Canterlot. Then, when she agrees to that, he requests ten copies of each dress so he can sell them.

At that invitation, the nervous tic in Rarity's eye makes a comeback; and I have to wonder if she's about to lose consiousness. But, she snaps out of it in time to agree; but only if he'll allow extra time for her to complete the order. Honestly, I'm not surprised when she explains that she would rather not have the dresses displayed until after the Grand Galloping Gala, where she plans on having the dresses revealed.

I am surprised, though, when Hoity Toity agrees to the request. But, on the other hand, I'm guessing he only wants the highest-quality clothing in his boutique, at the very least in appearance.

Then, with that out of the way, the ponies, dragon, and human watch the gray earth stallion make his way out of the dressing room.

Afterwards, while Rarity proceeds to help Pinkie Pie out of her dress, Applejack approaches me and says, “Rarity, Fluttershy and Ah like to take our pets out to the park in town and play with 'em. We've noticed you have a pet, Mormon, and we were a'wonderin' if you'd like to join us. Once we've taken these dresses off, we'll get our pets and head out to the park. So, you wanna come with?” She ends her invitation with something of a weak smile.

I must admit, I'm concerned about how a timber wolf and a dog would interact, even if they are in a fictional environment. I'm fully aware that Applejack's pet is Winona the dog, Rarity's is Opalescence the cat, and Fluttershy's is Angel the rabbit. Pinkie Pie also has her pet alligator, who she named Gummy. Later on, Twilight Sparkle will get a pet owl, who she'll call Owlowiscious. And, last of all, Rainbow Dash will get a tortoise who she'll call Tank. Even Spike will get a pet phoenix, who he'll name Peewee. But, right now I have to concern myself with the present pets.

I decide to say, “Sounds interesting. I might just decide to bring Scout with me.” Then, as I see, through my character's eyes, the orange earth mare smile, I add, “Oh, by the way, Pinkie Pie also has a pet. Have you invited her yet?”

Applejack answers, “Well, as a matter of fact, Ah already have. She suggested Ah invite you to join us.”

I seem to surprise Applejack when I have my character kneel on one knee in front of her and say, “There's one thing that concerns me, though. What game do you usually play with your pet?”

In fact, it seems the entire room quiets down before Applejack answers, “Well, Ah usually play fetch with Winona.”

Choosing my tone carefully so that I don't sound like I'm accusing Applejack of anything, I continue, “And, how do you play fetch?”

As careful as I am with my words and tone, I notice Applejack still seems apprehensive as she answers, “Well, Ah grab a stick, and … Ah … “ Her voice trails off, and after a few seconds she just says, “Oh.”

I then hear Pinkie Pie's voice approaching as she says, with concern, “That's right.” My character's attention is drawn to her as she continues, “Scout is a timber wolf, and is made of sticks.”

At this point, Applejack takes a step back, then looks down as she says, “Ah'm sorry, Mormon. Ah should'a realized.”

I have my character turn back to her, and I reply, “Now, it's alright, you haven't offended me. I appreciate the invitation. I just wonder, have you ever played fetch using anything other than sticks?”

Applejack looks up at my character again and asks, “Like what, Mormon?”

I ask, “Have you ever thrown a disc or something like that?”

Now, Applejack tilts her head and asks, “What, you mean like a plate?” Before I can answer, she straightens her head again and laughs a little before saying, “Ah really don't think that's such a good idea. If'n Ah threw one of our plates, and Winona did catch it, Ah'm afraid it'd be too heavy for her. It could hurt her.”

I ask, “What if I were to bring a couple of light-weight discs with me? Would you be willing to use one of those to play fetch with Winona?”

At this, Applejack sits down canine-style and hums with interest for a moment, looking away from my character, then looks at him again and says, “You know, it might be worth givin' it a try.”

I have my character stand up again as I say, “Alright, then. Pinkie Pie, Lyra, Weed Whacker and I will head back to my house, and we'll get our pets, and I'll get a couple discs, and we'll meet in the park. I'll even show you how we humans use the disc. Is that alright?”

At my question, Applejack nods and, smiling, says, “Well, sure. Just as long as Winona's willin', and it don't hurt her.”

At this point, I don't see any reason to say more than “Alright,” then to turn to my friends and call out, “Lyra, Weed Whacker, Pinkie Pie, let's get going!” before having my character, leading the two ponies and one dinosaur, head out of the dressing room, then the boutique altogether, and head through and out of Ponyville, then back through the forest and to his house to gather the pets and discs. The one problem is my character has no such discs in his house or inventory. I'm going to have to model and copy a disc, then place the two in my character's work room for him to put in his inventory. And, I'll have to make the discs different colors to keep from confusing Scout and Winona.

After half an hour, give or take a few minutes, my character and his three friends arrive at his house, where he opens the gate for them to enter, then closes it behind them and himself, then does the same to the front door to the house.

After that, Pinkie Pie follows my character into his work room, then closes the door behind them before turning to him and saying, “I'm gonna go out and leave you alone while you exit and save your game, then make the discs for you and Applejack. We'll be waiting for you in the front room when you get back.” And with that, like she said, she opens the door again, then walks out of it, then closes the door behind her.

I don't know any more if it surprises me that Pinkie Pie knows exactly what I plan to do. But, it doesn't matter to me right now. I have my character focus on the table where I plan to have the discs when I come back to the game, then I close and save it.

The discs didn't take that long to make. All that was required was taking a cylinder, making it wide and thin, then maybe an extrusion or two to shape it like a Frisbee, except without edges that might snag on a herbivore's teeth too much. After giving it a simple spin animation, then exporting it in .X format from the modeling program, I place it in the proper “objects” folder, then place two copies of the disc on the work table in front of my character, a red one for Applejack and Winona, and a blue one for my character and Scout; after which I resume the game.

As soon as I have control of my character, I have him place the discs in his inventory, then leave the work room and meet up again with Pinkie Pie, Lyra, and Weed Whacker in the front room. Seeing the three there, I say, “I'm thinking it may be a good idea to have a bit of a practice session with Scout before the six of us go back to Ponyville.”

Just then, I hear a door open behind my character, at which point he turns to show me, through his eyes, Vinyl Scratch coming out, somewhat unstable on her feet, yawning before she asks, “The six of us?”

I answer, “Lyra, Weed Whacker, Pinkie Pie and Gummy, and me and Scout. Applejack invited us to go to the park for a pet play date with her, Rarity and Fluttershy.”

Hearing my answer, Vinyl says, “Oh, that's what you meant.” She then turns around again and says, “In that case, I'll go back to bed then.” And, with that, she disappears through the door which, possessed by her magic, closes behind her.

In the mean time, it seems that Pinkie Pie has gone to her room to get her alligator friend Gummy. It doesn't take her long to come back with the green reptilian attached to the curl in her forehead, reminding me of a fish on a hook.

With Pinkie Pie's pet thus in tow, the group makes its way out onto the front porch, where I have my character turn to my timber wolf friend while I say, “Scout, we've been invited to go to a place in Ponyville to play for a while.”

At my announcement, Scout rises to all fours and barks once, smiling and wagging his tail.

I continue, “Before we go, though, I think we should do at least one practice run of a game I think you'll enjoy playing, called 'fetch.'” I then have my character retrieve the blue disc from his inventory and show it to Scout.

The timber wolf sniffs the blue disc, then looks up at my character and whimpers in such a changing tone that it sounds to me like he's saying, “Huh?” Could he be saying that?

I then say, “I'm going to throw this disc, and I want you to go catch it, then bring it back to me.”

Scout seems uncertain about what I mean, that is until I have my character throw the disc from his position on the porch.

The disc seems to sail in a nearly straight course from my character's position until it lands just in front of the gate.

If I didn't know better, I'd say Scout shrugs before he jumps off the porch, then runs to the disc, picks it up, then runs back to me with the disc in his mouth. Positioned over the steps, he offers the disc to me.

At this point, I have my character stroke the back of Scout's neck and accept the disc from him as I congratulate him. Afterwards, I have my character put the disc back in his inventory; then I say to Scout, “We'll play more of that game when we get to the park in Ponyville. In the mean time, we'll be heading back through the forest before we get there.”

My timber wolf friend turns and looks at the front gate while I talk, then turns to my character again. This time, as he wags his tail, he doesn't open his mouth even to smile, making me wonder if he's uncertain about traveling through the forest.

Then, I have my character make his way to the front gate and open it, allowing Pinkie Pie, Lyra, and Weed Whacker to exit, at which point Scout follows behind them. After that, I have my character follow the timber wolf out, then close the gate behind the group. After that, it's another half hour of walking before we get to Ponyville again, and then another few minutes before we reach the park in the middle of the town.

I'm not surprised that even the other three ponies are apprehensive around Scout, my timber wolf friend. But, I still introduce him, and explain his role in the parasprite incident, and how he became my pet. Still, it is rather strange that they'd react that way, after having invited me, and after having seen Scout on my front porch at the readings.

Then, Pinkie Pie introduces Gummy, her pet alligator, and explains how he became her pet.

After that, I have my character take the red disc out of his inventory and offer it to Applejack, who takes it with a few words of gratitude. I then have him take the blue disc out of his inventory and toss it away from the group, as a demonstration of how the game of fetch works with the discs.

This time, as soon as the disc leaves my character's hand, Scout runs ahead, in fact far enough ahead of the disc that he jumps and perfectly catches it in his mouth. After that, he brings it back to my character.

I find it most interesting to see how Applejack throws the red disc I gave her to give it the spin my character gave the blue one. Actually, it isn't that surprising to me that she jumps straight up and spins a complete three hundred sixty degrees in the air before releasing the disc, rapidly enough that it gives the disc a spin that keeps it in the air for several seconds.

In fact, I'm sure the red disc would've stayed longer in the air if Winona hadn't run ahead of it, as Scout had done with the blue disc, and caught it in midair.

In the mean time, Scout has brought the blue disc back to my character, who is now stroking the back of his neck.

As I see Applejack's dog come back with the red disc, I say, “Excellent!”

Applejack turns to my character and says, “It comes from lassoin' critters on the farm. Yer disc is shaped about the same as the lassos we use.”

The games continue on that way: Winona and Scout catch the discs Applejack and my character throw, while Rarity and Opalescence seem to play a game of rolling catch with a ball of yarn, Gummy grabs various areas of Pinkie Pie's hair and limbs, and Fluttershy and Angel throw pieces of fruits and vegetables at each other, which the other catches and eats. Even Lyra and Weed Whacker have some fun, as Lyra gives Weed Whacker rides on her back around the park. These games last until Twilight Sparkle arrives on the scene with her copy of the Book of Mormon on her back, just as I've had my character throw the blue disc for Scout to once again catch and bring back.

The purple unicorn says, “It's about time for us to go—whoa!” It seems she didn't get very far into her statement before Scout buzzed her, carrying the disc I threw for him to catch.

Either Pinkie Pie doesn't understand, or she's just having fun with the idea. Either way, she turns to her purple unicorn friend and says, “I've never gone whoa before. How do you do that, Twily?”

In the mean time, I can't help but laugh, as much at Twilight being interrupted by Scout and her reaction to it as by what Pinkie Pie said about it.

As Twilight and I try to regain our composure, Applejack says, “Ah think Twilight meant to say it's time for us to go to the readin' at Mormon's house.” Turning to the purple unicorn, she says, “Is that right, Twilight?”

Twilight Sparkle shakes herself out, dropping her copy of the Book of Mormon on the ground, then says, “That's right, Applejack,” before lowering her head to pick the book up again.

As I begin to control my laughter, I say, “Alright then. Let's call it a night for now.” As my character turns to Applejack, Rarity, and Fluttershy, I add, “This has been a lot of fun. We should do this again some time.”

Applejack answers, “Well, if'n you wanna join us again, we always meet here every Sunday for a pony-pet play date. Yer always welcome to bring Scout with you and join us. Uh, by the way, can Ah keep this disc?”

I answer, “You're quite welcome to. That's why I brought it with, so you could play with Winona with it.”

Applejack nods and says, “Well, Thank you kindly, Mormon. Ah'm sure the rest of the family'll wanna try it too.”

In the mean time, it seems that Rarity and Fluttershy have already departed with their pets to their own homes to get their own copies of the Book of Mormon.

As I have my character put the blue disc back into his inventory, I hear Twilight Sparkle say, “That was very generous of you.”

I have my character turn to her as I answer, “I can always make more of them.”

Now, Twilight starts walking in the direction of the Everfree forest as she says, “Let's get going now. I think we'll wait in front of Fluttershy's house for Applejack and Rarity to come with their books.”

I answer, “I suppose that'll be alright.” I then have my character turn to Pinkie Pie, Lyra and Weed Whacker as I call for them and say, “It's time for us to be heading back now!”

I'm not surprised that Pinkie Pie's already next to me, leaving Lyra and Weed Whacker to come. Once they've arrived, Twilight, who leads the group next to my character, says, “We'll just walk to Fluttershy's house until Rarity and Applejack catch up with us. Then we'll be heading to Mormon's house.”

Lyra and Weed Whacker vocalize their agreement, and the group heads off toward the Everfree forest.

It's actually on the way out of town that the group is joined by Rarity, and then, while entering the Everfree forest when the group is joined by Applejack. Then, Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash join the group at the intersection to the trail to Fluttershy's house. With the united element bearers in the group, Twilight and my character lead the way into the forest to my character's house.

Half an hour later we've arrived at my character's house, where we see, or at least I see, through my character's eyes, Vinyl in the orchard harvesting apples.

As she sees my character open the gate to allow the others in, she waves and calls out, “Hey, Mormon! We thought, since you gave us a chance to sleep in after last night, we'd get the snacks ready for the guests for the reading!”

Scout runs up to and takes his position on the front porch.

Pinkie Pie with Gummy still attached to her mane, and Lyra still carrying Weed Whacker on her back, make their way to and into the house.

Rarity, in the mean time, walks up to the orchard and says, “Yes, about that, DJ Pon3. It was selfish of me to cry and keep you and Octavia up all night. I should have been more polite, and not done that. Can you forgive me?”

Vinyl picks one more apple from a tree, then turns and walks to Rarity as she says, “DJ Pon3 is just my stage name. I'm not performing on a stage right now, so you can call me Vinyl Scratch, or Vinyl if you prefer.”

Rarity answers, “Well, then, thanks, Vinyl. But, I really feel like I must ask for your forgiveness on this matter.”

Vinyl responds, “Hey, it's alright. It ain't easy gettin' criticism after havin' had a bad day.”

I guess what Rarity went through yesterday, at least the game's yesterday, could qualify as much for a bad day as anything I could imagine; although, considering the expression on Rarity's face, she doesn't seem to want to agree with it. Still, it's evident that Vinyl Scratch has accepted Rarity's request for forgiveness; and has, in fact, forgiven her.

Then, Vinyl asks, “Oh, by the way, could you take these fruits for a moment while I get over this fence?”

In the mean time, the fruits floating around her, possessed by her magic, float over to Rarity.

The white, purple-haired unicorn nods, and the aura around the fruits changes from a slightly blue white to a slightly purple white.

After that, Vinyl thanks Rarity, then backs up a few steps, then runs and leaps over the fence, easily clearing it.

At this point, the aura surrounding the fruits again changes color, this time back to the slightly blue white; and the fruits float back over to Vinyl Scratch as she makes her way back to the house.

In the mean time, Octavia comes from, I'm assuming, the vegetable garden, carrying a variety of vegetables in a bag on her back. As she approaches Rarity, the earth pony and the unicorn exchange polite greetings.

At this point, I decide to have my character walk to the door and open it for Vinyl and Octavia and any of the others who want to go inside for the present time, which, as it turns out, are just Vinyl and Octavia.

I have my character follow the two ponies into the house, then lead them to the kitchen where he opens the door for them again. He then follows them inside and helps them prepare the fruits and vegetables for snacks for the guests that'll be attending tonight's reading.

Then, Pinkie Pie comes from the hallway and, before exiting through the door, says she's going out to greet guests as they come.

My character continues to help Vinyl and Octavia with the preparation of the snacks until they're all ready, first getting out a serving tray, then cleaning the fruits and vegetables in the sink before handing them to Octavia and Vinyl to cut up and place them on the tray. By the time the process is over, the tray looks like the slices of fruit and vegetables were just thrown on top. From the tray up, it's taken on the shape of a short, wide-based cone.

Weed Whacker and Lyra show up just in time to help carry the tray of snacks out to the guests, which they eagerly volunteer to do.

At this point, I have my character hold the kitchen door open for them to go through, then move around his couches to the front door to open that for them. After they've gone out, I have my character close the front door behind them, then go to the kitchen and close that door.

Then, as my character turns around, Pinkie Pie enters through the front door and says, sighing with relief, “That's all the guests. I'm guessing Rarity's parents must've left and took Sweetie Belle with them. I didn't see them this time. And, you're going to need to get another copy of the Book of Mormon. There's another foal with Cheerilee.”

I watch, through my character's eyes, Pinkie Pie disappear from the front door, closing it behind her, then I have my character go to the closet and retrieve a copy of the book from there, after which I have him head out the front door to greet his guests and hand the book to the newcomer.

Actually, my character only descends the steps from the front porch before he's met by Cheerilee who says, “Hi. I brought another of my students to the reading.” She then turns her neck a hundred eighty degrees to look behind her to her right as she says, “Come on out, Namby Pamby.”

I have my character look around Cheerilee to see who she's talking to, to see a male foal with a build similar to that of Snails, except his neck is, I'd say, the typical length for a foal. His coat is white, with spots of black and red in something very close to a polka-dot pattern. His mane is similar in color, but seems to magnify the color of his coat, mostly white, though also black or red depending on what spots it runs through. And his tail is a solid white color. He also has a black spot over his right eye, and a red one over his left. Also, he has a cutie mark of a newspaper on the hip I can see through my character's eyes.

As the little colt slowly approaches my character, I say, “It's nice to meet you, Namby Pamby. How are you?”

Namby Pamby responds by running behind Cheerilee where I, through my character's eyes, can't see him.

As my character looks up at Cheerilee again, I say, “I guess that means you should be the one to give him this book.”

As my character hands the book to Cheerilee, and before she takes it, she says, “Thank you.”

At this point, the other ponies and creatures are forming the familiar circle on the lawn, getting ready for the reading.

I have my character join the circle between Weed Whacker and Lyra, and watch as the other ponies and the dragon take their places. Then, as soon as I can see everyone ready to read, I have my character turn to Berry Ground; and I ask him to give a brief description of what's been going on in the story up to this point.

Berry Ground nods in agreement, then describes events from the First Book of Nephi, concluding with Lehi talking to his sons in the first three chapters of the Second Book of Nephi.

After that, I have my character turn to Cheerilee, who has just handed the book to the little spotted colt, and I ask, “Do you think Namby Pamby'd be willing to read the first verse of chapter four?”

Before the school teacher pony can answer, Twist, between the two of them, says, “I'll help him.” She then nuzzles Namby Pamby, helping him to open the book and turn to the right page.

As Twist whispers into his ear, he says, “And now, I, Nephi, speak concerning the prophecies of which my father hath spoken, concerning Joseph, who was carried into Egypt.”

I'm guessing, based on the evident fact that he needed Twist's help, that Namby Pamby isn't just new to this reading, but new to reading altogether. That, or he's so nervous that he's forgotten how to read. Either way, I say to him, “Nicely done, Namby Pamby.”

At my words of encouragement, Namby Pamby looks up at me and, smiling, says, “Thank you.”

Next, Twist reads, “For behold, he truly prophesied concerning all his seed. And the prophecies which he wrote, there are not many greater. And he prophesied concerning us, and our future generations; and they are written upon the plates of brass.”

It seems to be then that I notice Scootaloo between Twist and Cheerilee, as she, that is Scootaloo, reads, “Wherefore, after my father had made an end of speaking concerning the prophesies of Joseph, he called the children of Laman, his sons, and his daughters, and said unto them, Behold, my sons, and my daughters, who are the sons and the daughters of my firstborn, I would that ye should give ear unto my words.”

Cheerilee then reads, “For the Lord God hath said that: Inasmuch as ye shall keep my commandments ye shall prosper in the land; and inasmuch as ye will not keep my commandments ye shall be cut off from my presence.”

Diamond Tiara reads, “But behold, my sons and my daughters, I cannot go down to my grave save I should leave a blessing upon you; for behold, I know that if ye are brought up in the way ye should go ye will not depart from it.”

Silver Spoon reads, “Wherefore, if ye are cursed, behold, I leave my blessing upon you, that the cursing may be taken from you and be answered upon the heads of your parents.”

Mrs. Cake reads, “Wherefore, because of my blessing the Lord God will not suffer that ye shall perish; wherefore, he will be merciful unto you and unto your seed forever.”

Mr. Cake reads, “And it came to pass that after my father had made an end of speaking to the sons and daughters of Laman, he caused the sons and daughters of Lemuel to be brought before him.”

Berry Ground reads, “And he spake unto them, saying: Behold, my sons and my daughters, who are the sons and the daughters of my second son; behold I leave unto you the same blessing which I left unto the sons and daughters of Laman; wherefore, thou shalt not utterly be destroyed; but in the end thy seed shall be blessed.”

Emerald Hill reads, “And it came to pass that when my father had made an end of speaking unto them, behold, he spake unto the sons of Ishmael, yea, even all his household.”

Stunts reads, “And after he had made an end of speaking unto them, he spake unto Sam, saying: Blessed art thou, and thy seed; for thou shalt inherit the land like unto thy brother Nephi. And thy seed shall be numbered with his seed; and thou shalt be even like unto thy brother, and thy seed like unto his seed, and thou shalt be blessed in all thy days.”

Cold Hands reads, “And it came to pass after my father, Lehi, had spoken unto all his household, according to the feelings of his heart and the Spirit of the Lord which was in him, he waxed old. And it came to pass that he died, and was buried.”

Snips reads, “And it came to pass that not many days after his death, Laman and Lemuel and the sons of Ishmael were angry with me because of the admonitions of the Lord.”

Snails reads, “For I, Nephi, was commanded to speak unto them, according to his word; for I had spoken many things unto them, and also my father, before his death; many of which sayings are written upon mine other plates; for a more history part are written upon mine other plates.”

Warm Heart reads, “And upon these I write the things of my soul, and many of the scriptures which are engraven upon the plates of brass. For my soul delighteth in the scriptures, and my heart pondereth them, and writeth them for the learning and the profit of my children.”

Weed Whacker reads, “Behold, my soul delighteth in the things of the Lord; and my heart pondereth continually upon the things which I have seen and heard.”

I read, “Nevertheless, notwithstanding the great goodness of the Lord, in showing me his great and marvelous works, my heart exclaimeth: O wretched man that I am! Yea, my heart sorroweth because of my flesh; my soul grieveth because of mine iniquities.”

Lyra reads, “I am encompassed about, because of the temptations and the sins which do so easily beset me.”

Bon-Bon reads, “And when I desire to rejoice, my heart groaneth because of my sins; nevertheless, I know in whom I have trusted.”

Hoity Toity's servant reads, “My God hath been my support; he hath led me through mine afflictions in the wilderness; and he hath preserved me upon the waters of the great deep.”

Hoity Toity reads, “He hath filled me with his love, even unto the consuming of my flesh.”

Granny Smith reads, “Behold, he hath heard my cry by day, and he hath given me knowledge by visions in the night-time.”

Applebloom reads, “And by day have I waxed bold in mighty prayer before him; yea, my voice have I sent up on high; and angels came down and ministered unto me.”

Applejack reads, “And upon the wings of his Spirit hath my body been carried away upon exceedingly high mountains. And mine eyes have beheld great things, yea, even too great for man; therefore I was forbidden that I should not write them.”

Pinkie Pie reads, “O then, if I have seen so great things, if the Lord in his condescension unto the children of men hath visited men in so much mercy, why should my heart weep and my soul linger in the valley of sorrow; and my flesh waste away, and my strength slacken, because of mine afflictions?”

Rainbow Dash reads, “And why should I yield to sin, because of my flesh? Yea, why should I give way to temptations, and the evil one have place in my heart to destroy my peace and afflict my soul? Why am I angry because of mine enemy?”

Twilight Sparkle reads, “Awake, my soul! No longer droop in sin. Rejoice, O my heart, and give place no more for the enemy of my soul.”

Spike reads, “Do not anger again because of mine enemies. Do not slacken my strength because of mine afflictions.”

Rarity reads, “Rejoice, O my heart, and cry unto the Lord, and say: O Lord, I will praise thee forever; yea, my soul will rejoice in thee, my God, and the rock of my salvation.”

Fluttershy reads, “O Lord, wilt thou redeem my soul? Wilt thou deliver me out of the hands of mine enemies? Wilt thou make me that I may shake at the appearance of sin?”

Mayor Mare reads, “May the gates of hell be shut continually before me, because that my heart is broken and my spirit is contrite! O Lord, wilt thou not shut the gates of thy righteousness before me, that I may walk in the path of the low valley, that I may be strict in the plain road!”

Zecora reads, “O Lord, wilt thou encircle me around in the robe of thy righteousness! O Lord, wilt thou make a way for mine escape before mine enemies! Wilt thou make my path straight before me! Wilt thou not place a stumbling block in my way—but that thou wouldst clear my way before me, and hedge not up my way, but the ways of mine enemy.”

Princess Celestia reads, “O Lord, I have trusted in thee, and I will trust in thee forever. I will not put my trust in the arm of flesh, for I know that cursed is he that putteth his trust in the arm of flesh. Yeah, cursed is he that putteth his trust in man or maketh flesh his arm.”

Princess Luna reads, “Yea, I know that God will give liberally to him that asketh. Yea, my God will give me, if I ask not amiss; therefore I will lift up my voice unto thee; yea, I will cry unto thee, my God, the rock of my righteousness. Behold, my voice shall forever ascend up unto thee, my rock and mine everlasting God. Amen.”

Seeing that not everyone in the circle has had a chance to read, I open my mouth to propose that the reading continue.

But, it seems that Carrot Top is one step ahead of me. She says, “I'll read the first verse of chapter five.” Then, as my character turns to her, and I decide to close my mouth, she looks down into her book and reads, “Behold, it came to pass that I, Nephi, did cry much unto the Lord my God, because of the anger of my brethren.”

Berry Punch then reads, “But behold, their anger did increase against me, insomuch that they did seek to take away my life.”

Vinyl Scratch reads, “Yea, they did murmur against me, saying: Our younger brother thinks to rule over us; and we have had much trial because of him; wherefore, now let us slay him, that we may not be afflicted more because of his words. For behold, we will not have him to be our ruler; for it belongs unto us, who are the elder brethren, to rule over this people.”

Octavia reads, “Now I do not write upon these plates all the words which they murmured against me. But it sufficeth me to say, that they did seek to take away my life.”

Colgate reads, “And it came to pass that the Lord did warn me, that I, Nephi, should depart from them and flee into the wilderness, and all those who would go with me.”

it seems that Namby Pamby's problem was, in fact, that he was just nervous. He shows evidence of being able to read after all, as he looks into his book and reads, “Wherefore, it came to pass that I, Nephi, did take my family, and also Zoram and his family, and Sam, mine elder brother and his family, and Jacob and Joseph, my younger brethren, and also my sisters, and all those who would go with me. And all those who would go with me were those who believed in the warnings and the revelations of God; wherefore, they did hearken unto my words.”

As my character focuses on the spotted foal, I say, “That was quite a long verse you had to read, and you did a good job with it.”

Again he smiles, but this time he doesn't say anything.

Twist reads, “And we did take our tents and whatsoever things were possible for us, and did journey in the wilderness for the space of many days. And after we had journeyed for the space of many days we did pitch our tents.”

Scootaloo reads, “And my people would that we should call the name of the place Nephi; wherefore, we did call it Nephi.”

Cheerilee reads, “And all those who were with me did take upon them to call themselves the people of Nephi.”

Diamond Tiara reads, “And we did observe to keep the judgments, and the statutes, and the commandments of the Lord in all things, according to the law of Moses.”

Silver Spoon reads, “And the Lord was with us; and we did prosper exceedingly; for we did sow seed, and we did reap again in abundance. And we began to raise flocks, and herds, and animals of every kind.”

Mrs. Cake reads, “And I, Nephi, had also brought the records which were engraven upon the plates of brass; and also the ball, or compass, which was prepared for my father by the hand of the Lord, according to that which is written.”

Mr. Cake reads, “And it came to pass that we began to prosper exceedingly, and to multiply in the land.”

Berry Ground reads, “And I, Nephi, did take the sword of Laban, and after the manner of it did make many swords, lest by any means the people who were now called Lamanites should come upon us and destroy us; for I knew their hatred towards me and my people and those who were called my people.”

Emerald Hill reads, “And I did teach my people to build buildings, and to work all manner of wood, and of iron, and of copper, and of brass, and of steel, and of gold, and of silver, and of precious ores, which were in great abundance.”

Stunts reads, “And I, Nephi, did build a temple; and I did construct it after the manner of the temple of Solomon save it were not built of so many precious things; for they were not to be found upon the land, wherefore, it could not be built like unto Solomon's temple. But the manner of the construction was like unto the temple of Solomon; and the workmanship thereof was exceedingly fine.”

Cold Hands reads, “And it came to pass that I, Nephi, did cause my people to be industrious, and to labor with their hands.”

Snips reads, “And it came to pass that they would that I should be their king. But I, Nephi, was desirous that they should have no king; nevertheless, I did for them according to that which was in my power.”

Snails reads, “And behold, the words of the Lord had been fulfilled unto my brethren, which he spake concerning them, that I should be their ruler and their teacher. Wherefore, I had been their ruler and their teacher, according to the commandments of the Lord, until the time they sought to take away my life.”

Warm Heart reads, “Wherefore, the word of the Lord was fulfilled which he spake unto me, saying that: Inasmuch as they will not hearken unto my words they shall be cut off from the presence of the Lord. And behold, they were cut off from his presence.”

Weed Whacker reads, “And he had caused the cursing to come upon them, yea, even a sore cursing, because of their iniquity. For behold, they had hardened their hearts against him, that they had become like unto a flint; wherefore, as they were white, exceedingly fair and delightsome, that they might not be enticing unto my people the Lord God did cause a skin of blackness to come upon them.”

I read, “And thus saith the Lord God: I will cause that they shall be loathsome unto my people, save they shall repent of their iniquities.”

Lyra reads, “And cursed shall be the seed of him that mixeth with their seed; for they shall be cursed even with the same cursing. And the Lord spake it, and it was done.”

Bon-Bon reads, “And because of their cursing which was upon them they did become an idle people, full of mischief and subtlety, and did seek in the wilderness for beasts of prey.”

Hoity Toity's servant reads, “And the Lord God said unto me: They shall be a scourge unto thy seed, to stir them up in remembrance of me; and inasmuch as they will not remember me, and hearken unto my words, they shall scourge them even unto destruction.”

Hoity Toity reads, “And it came to pass that I, Nephi, did consecrate Jacob and Joseph, that they should be priests and teachers over the land of my people.”

Granny Smith reads, “And it came to pass that we lived after the manner of happiness.”

Big MacIntosh reads, “And thirty years had passed away from the time we left Jerusalem.”

Applebloom reads, “And I, Nephi, had kept the records upon my plates, which I had made, of my people thus far.”

Applejack reads, “And it came to pass that the Lord God said unto me: Make other plates; and thou shalt engraven many things upon them which are good in my sight, for the profit of thy people.”

Pinkie Pie reads, “Wherefore, I, Nephi, to be obedient to the commandments of the Lord, went and made these plates upon which I have engraven these things.”

Rainbow Dash reads, “And I engraved that which is pleasing unto God. And if my people are pleased with the things of God they will be pleased with mine engravings which are upon these plates.”

Twilight Sparkle reads, “And if my people desire to know the more particular part of the history of my people they must search mine other plates.”

Spike reads, “And it sufficeth me to say that forty years had passed away, and we had already had wars and contentions with our brethren.” He then looks up, toward my character, and asks, “Shouldn't we give Rarity a chance to read one more verse?”

Twilight growls his name, but Rarity rubs his head with her closest front hoof and says, “Aw, Spike, you're so sweet.”

I have to wonder if Rarity reciprocates Spike's amorous feelings toward her. But, the little purple dragon has brought up a question which deserves an answer. So, I have my character look around at the ponies and dragons in the circle, and I ask, “So, what do you say? Shall we read one more chapter?”

Around the circle there seem to be remarks of agreement.

Finally, Princess Celestia says, “Very well, then. Let's read one more chapter.”

Rarity smiles and nods, then looks down and reads, “The words of Jacob, the brother of Nephi, which he spake unto the people of Nephi.”

Fluttershy reads, “Behld, my beloved brethren, I, Jacob, having been called of God, and ordained after the manner of his holy order, and having been consecrated by my brother Nephi, unto whom ye look as a king or a protector, and on whom ye depend for safety, behold ye know that I have spoken unto you exceedingly many things.”

Mayor Mare reads, “Nevertheless, I speak unto you again; for I am desirous for the welfare of your souls. Yea, mine anxiety is great for you; and ye yourselves know that it ever has been. For I have exhorted you with all diligence; and I have taught you the words of my father; and I have spoken unto you concerning all things which are written, from the creation of the world.”

Zecora reads, “And now, behold, I would speak unto you concerning things which are, and which are to come; wherefore, I will read you the words of Isaiah. And they are the words which my brother has desired that I should speak unto you. And I speak unto you for your sakes, that ye may learn and glorify the name of your God.”

Princess Celestia reads, “And now, the words which I shall read are they which Isaiah spake concerning all the house of Israel; wherefore, they may be likened unto you, for ye are of the house of Israel. And there are many things which have been spoken by Isaiah which may be likened unto you, because ye are of the house of Israel.”

Princess Luna reads, “And now, these are the words: Thus saith the Lord God: Behold, I will lift up mine hand to the Gentiles, and set up my standard to the people; and they shall bring my sons in their arms, and thy daughters shall be carried upon their shoulders.”

Carrot Top reads, “And kings shall be thy nursing fathers, and their queens thy nursing mothers; they shall bow down to thee with their faces towards the earth, and lick up the dust of thy feet; and thou shalt know that I am the Lord; for they shall not be ashamed that wait for thee.”

Berry Punch reads, “And now I, Jacob, would speak somewhat concerning these words. For behold, the Lord has shown me that those who were at Jerusalem, from whence we came, have been slain and carried away captive.”

Vinyl Scratch reads, “Nevertheless, the Lord has shown unto me that they should return again. And he also has shown unto me that the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, should manifest himself unto them in the flesh; and after he should manifest himself they should scourge him and crucify him, according to the words of the angel who spake it unto me.”

Octavia reads, “And after they have hardened their hearts and stiffened their necks against the Holy One of Israel, behold, the judgments of the Holy One of Israel shall come upon them. And the day cometh that they shall be smitten and afflicted.”

Colgate reads, “Wherefore, after they are driven to and fro, for thus saith the angel, many shall be afflicted in the flesh, and shall not be suffered to perish, because of the prayers of the faithful; they shall be scattered, and smitten, and hated; nevertheless, the Lord will be merciful unto them, that when they shall come to the knowledge of their Redeemer, they shall be gathered together again to the lands of their inheritance.”

Namby Pamby reads, “And blessed are the Gentiles, they of whom the prophet has written; for behold, if it so be that they shall repent and fight not against Zion, and do not unite themselves to that great and abominable church, they shall be saved; for the Lord God will fulfill his covenants which he has made unto his children, and for this cause the prophet has written these things.”

Twist reads, “Wherefore, they that fight against Zion and the covenant people of the Lord shall lick up the dust of their feet; and the people of the Lord shall not be ashamed. For the people of the Lord are they who wait for him; for they still wait for the coming of the Messiah.”

Scootaloo reads, “And behold, according to the words of the prophet, the Messiah will set himself again the second time to recover them; wherefore, he will manifest himself unto them in power and great glory, unto the destruction of their enemies, when that day cometh when they shall believe in him; and none will he destroy that believe in him.”

Cheerilee reads, “And they that believe not in him shall be destroyed, both by fire, and by tempest, and by earthquakes, and by bloodsheds, and by pestilence, and by famine. And they shall know that the Lord is God, the Holy One of Israel.”

Diamond Tiara reads, “For shall the prey be taken from the mighty, or the lawful captive delivered?”

Silver Spoon reads, “But thus saith the Lord: Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered; for the Mighty God shall deliver his covenant people. For thus saith the Lord: I will contend with them that contendeth with thee—“

Mrs. Cake reads, “And I will feed them that oppress thee, with their own flesh; and they shall be drunken with their own blood as with sweet wine; and all flesh shall know that I the Lord am thy Savior and thy Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob.”

At this point I have my character close his book and put it in his inventory, then stand up, while I say, “And, on that appetizing note, let's call an end to the reading tonight. Tomorrow, we'll be reading from at least one chapter where we get into quotes from the Book of Isaiah again.”

I hear a lot of groans as ponies start rising to their hooves, and once again converse amongst themselves.

Mrs. Cake approaches my character and says, “I wouldn't consider that last verse I read appetizing.”

I then hear Pinkie Pie's voice from my character's left, where I can't see her, say, “I agree.” As my character turns to the pink earth mare, she continues, “I understand you were trying to be funny. But, these are herbivores, and they won't understand or appreciate your sense of humor about that. Just remember who your audience is from now on, alright?”

I answer, “I guess you're right about that.” I then have my character turn to the other ponies as I say, “I'm sorry about what I said before calling an end to the reading. Evidently my attempt at humor didn't work very well.”

I notice Lyra walks to the front gate and opens it with her magic, allowing the ponies and dragon, other than those that stay with my character, to make their way out of the yard.

In the mean time, Vinyl Scratch, Octavia, and Weed Whacker take the now empty tray into the house.

Pinkie Pie leads my character, and follows Vinyl, Octavia, and Weed Whacker into the house.

As far as I can tell, today has been quite productive. I managed to get Rarity out of my character's house and back to her own, where her friends completed her dress and helped her find the courage to keep going after her failure at last night's fashion show. Which reminds me.

I notice the orange earth pony and the purple unicorn in the line waiting to leave through the gate; so I call out to them, “Applejack, Twilight Sparkle, your dresses are still in my living room if you want to get them now!”

As Applejack turns to my character, I notice she grimaces, as though she's been disgraced.

On the other hand, Twilight Sparkle, after turning to hear what I have to say to her, closes her eyes and, as far as I can see, punches herself between them as she says, “Oh, that's right.” After that, she puts the hoof down again, opens her eyes, and follows Applejack up the stairs to my character's front porch.

My character opens the door for the two so they can enter.

Then, once they're inside, Applejack noses open one box while Twilight opens the other box with her magic, both checking to see if they've chosen the right box. And, they seem to be satisfied with their choices when they close the boxes again.

At that point, a purple aura possesses both boxes; and Twilight says, “Thanks for keeping our dresses here. I think Hoity Toity's right. My dress would make a better tapestry.”

Sheepishly Applejack says, “Yeah,” before adding, “Well, Mormon, if you really don't want my dress, Ah'll take it home with me. It was just some spiffied-up overalls anyhow. Ah can just take off the frills and use 'em fer work clothes.” Turning to the purple unicorn, she concludes, “You were right, Twilight. The dresses Rarity made for us first were perfect.”

As the two ponies head for and out the door, I hear Twilight say, “Well, once we get through the Everfree forest, should I walk your dress home with you, or do you want to take it by yourself?”

I think Applejack decides to take her dress back with her by herself. I don't get her full answer before my character closes the door behind them.

You know what, considering how things turned out, I'm not altogether sure that first fashion show was such a failure after all. It seems to me that it would've been a failure if Rarity had given up and moved out, gone somewhere else, decided to do something completely different. But, instead, with the help of her friends, she decided to try again, and this time she succeeded. I guess in a way that's not unlike me playing this game, although my failure in the first playthrough was deliberate. And, my success in this playthrough will be just as deliberate.

When all the guests have left, save for Pinkie Pie, Vinyl Scratch, Octavia, Lyra and Weed Whacker, the group goes out and gathers fruits and vegetables for dinner, after which they bring them in and prepare and eat them. After that, they retire to their rooms.

My letter to the princesses is along the lines of what I've already written in my notes, save for my remarks relating to the first and present playthroughs. Then, after delivering the letter to Weed Whacker, and after she sends them off, I have my character return to his room and go to bed.

My thoughts that I've written are enough for me for now. This playthrough has proven quite enjoyable so far, quite engaging, definitely worth the effort. So, until the game's tomorrow.

Author's Notes:

The next chapter will be based on the episode, "Feeling Pinkie Keen." In that chapter, while Pinkie Pie's sense warns her about various happenings, Mormon, for the most part, works to keep Twilight Sparkle safe from them. This and more in the next chapter, "Twilight, Pinkie's ... Student?"

The reading at the end of the chapter will be chapters seven, eight, and nine of the Second Book of Nephi.