As I resume the game, again my character awakens to knocking on his door, and again it's Pinkie Pie asking if she can come in.

I have my character rise from his bed, walk to his door, and open it; and I invite the pink earth pony in.

My character holds the door open, allowing Pinkie Pie to enter. After she ambles far enough into his room, my character closes the door behind her.

She stops, turns to him, and asks, “If there's a way I can defend you without violence, could you tell me?”

I had wanted to bring the matter up, and I guess now's as good a time as any to talk about it. I have my character lead Pinkie Pie to his bed, then pick her up and put her on the covers; then I say, “I'm glad you came to me about it. Yes, there are ways you can defend me without violence, ways that'd be good for making friends.”

I wait for the pink earth pony to say something, but her only response is to smile, while her eyes vibrate.

I continue, “If you want to defend me, the best way to do so is to talk to someone else, not with hostility, but calmly. Think about how you'd want to be treated, and treat the other creature that way. If the other creature is only going to react with violence, then, unless he or she insists, just walk away. If the other creature insists on violence, then just fight enough to escape. Your sister Diane is your closest and best friend. You should listen to her. If anyone knows what kind of a situation you're gonna run into, she will. And, in the mean time, while you see me under direct attack, watch what I do, and learn from my example. You may learn from me how to act in a situation, but you may also learn how not to act.”

Pinkie Pie giggles at my last statement, then says, “Thanks for the advice, Mormon. I hope I can put it to good use.”

I answer, “I'm sure you will.” Then, as I have my character stand up again, I say, “So, shall we go to the kitchen and see what's for breakfast?”

Pinkie Pie jumps off of my character's bed and, walking with him, says, “No problem. Berry Punch, Carrot Top, and I already have breakfast ready in the front room.”

As my character opens the door to his room, I hear Pinkie Pie say something about fruits from the orchard and vineyard, and vegetables from the garden. Human and earth pony make their way to the front room through the kitchen, take positions on the couch facing the front door, and have breakfast with Lyra, Berry Punch, Carrot Top, and Weed Whacker. And, after that, my character, Pinkie Pie, Lyra and Weed Whacker head out, leaving Berry Punch and Carrot Top to tend the grounds, with Scout keeping guard.

After an uneventful hour's trek through the Everfree forest, we come out hearing Rainbow Dash evidently coaching her fellow pegasa, Fluttershy, on the art of cheering.

Three times Rainbow Dash encourages Fluttershy to cheer louder, and after two short quiet cheers, Fluttershy noisily inhales, then emits a still very quiet, yet slightly extended, “Yay.”

Exasperated, Rainbow Dash sighs, then turns away from the yellow pegasa. And, that's when she sees the group of four, lead my character. As the group of four stop, the rainbow-haired pegasa says, “Oh, hi, Mormon, Pinkie Pie, Lyra, Weed Whacker. What's up?”

I answer, “Not much. So, I'm guessing cheering practice is going well?”

Rainbow Dash answers somewhat under her breath, “It would, if Fluttershy knew how to cheer.”

I can't help noticing Fluttershy lowers her head. Evidently she heard what Rainbow Dash said about her cheering, and it's hit her pretty hard.

And, it's evident that Rainbow Dash isn't beyond sensing the impact her statement has had on her fellow pegasa, when she turns around and sees her. Approaching the now distraught yellow pegasa, Rainbow Dash says, “Ah, I'm sorry, Fluttershy.”

She looks up at her rainbow-haired friend and says, “No, Rainbow Dash, I'm sorry, for not being a good cheerer.”

Again Rainbow Dash sighs, then turns to my character and says, “Well, Mormon, maybe you can help.”

I answer, “Well, I'm not good at cheering, but I guess I could give it a shot.” I then have my character fold his arms in front of him, and I say, simply and slightly louder than Fluttershy, “Go, Rainbow Dash.”

The rainbow-haired pegasa closes her eyes, plants a front hoof between them, and shakes her head. After a second or two she puts the hoof down and opens her eyes again, then turns to my character and says, “When you said you were 'not good' at cheering, I didn't think you were going to be that not good.”

It's all I can do to keep from laughing when I see, through my character's eyes, Rainbow Dash react that way. After she speaks, I answer, “I did say, 'Go, Rainbow Dash.'”

The rainbow-haired pegasa opens her wings and flies up and hovers at eye level to my character, and glares into his eyes. But, somehow, her glare doesn't strike me as anywhere near as scary as Fluttershy's did in a previous playthrough. The blue pegasa says, “Yes, you only said, 'Go, Rainbow Dash.' But, you didn't put any meaning behind your words, any passion.”

I must admit, seeing Rainbow Dash react the way she does is making this kind of fun for me. In my best imitation of surprise, I respond, “Oh, passion. I guess I forgot about that.”

I have to wonder if my words have sunk in when the blue pegasa asks, “And, what's with you folding your arms like that?” I think my words do start to sink in when she groans, then descends to the ground, then says to my character, “Alright, let's try this again, and this time with passion, and louder!”

Now I have my character unfold his arms and let them hang at his side before I say, as I had before, “Go, Rainbow Dash.”

Hearing the lack of change in my voice, Rainbow Dash growls for a second before saying, “You're not listening,” then raising her voice as she continues, “Do it again, and this time louder, and with passion!”

As I inhale, I consider slowing down my cheer. But, I decide against that, at least for now, and instead repeat the cheer as I'd said it before, “Go, Rainbow Dash.”

At this complete repetition of what I'd said, Rainbow Dash starts digging a hole in the ground under one hoof and growling, which, from what I can see at the left edge of my character's periphery, seems to be causing Fluttershy to back away. I must admit, it is looking like Rainbow Dash may blow a fuse as she looks at me, snorts, and says, “I'm giving you one more chance, human. I want you to cheer, and this time, say it with passion, and louder!” And, she points her head upward when she shouts “louder.”

I sustain a tone as I inhale raspily. In fact, I dare say I prove it's possible to sing inhaling. Then, I hold my breath as I contemplate whether I want to answer Rainbow Dash literally, that is, say, “It with passion, and louder.” Then I make my decision. I open my mouth, and slowly say, “Gggooo, Rrraaaiiinnnbbbooowww Dddaaassshhh.”

I must admit, cheering that slowly was fun for me.

On the other hand, it was clearly not so much fun for the rainbow-haired pegasa to hear, as she groans and falls over backwards.

As my character watches Rainbow Dash, I ask, “So, did you like my cheer?”

Rainbow Dash responds by pointing towards Ponyville with one hoof and saying, “You know what, just ... go. Go to Ponyville, go back to the Everfree forest, go to Canterlot, go to Manehattan, I don't care. Just ... go.”

I have my character turn to Pinkie Pie, and that's when I notice, through his eyes, the look of disillusionment on her face.

The pink earth pony starts walking toward Ponyville as she sighs and says, “Let's just get going to the library so we can help Twilight put her books away.”

I decide not to say anything, just follow Pinkie Pie towards the library. I'm guessing she's read ahead in the game's script, and thus knows what we, or at least she, will be doing next.

As we enter town, Pinkie Pie says, “I know you were just having fun with Rainbow Dash, but you could've been just a little more respectful of her. Remember, she's going to Cloudsdale today to compete in the Best Young Fliers' competition.”

Well, that settles it. Either Pinkamena or Diane, I suspect Diane, has been reading ahead in the game's script. Still, she's right.

I admit that to Pinkie Pie, then I ask, “Do you think I should go tell her I'm sorry?”

Pinkie Pie continues on to the library as she says, “You'll get your chance later. For right now, let's just go to the library.”

I don't answer vocally, just have my character follow Pinkie to the tree house of books. And, I assume, so do Lyra and Weed Whacker.

When we get there, Pinkie Pie just opens the door to the library. And, as my character follows her inside, I can't help noticing stacks of books on the floor, as well as empty shelves.

Then I hear Twilight Sparkle's voice, and my character turns to her as she says, “Pinkie Pie. Mormon. Lyra. Weed Whacker. You're just in time to help me and Rarity and Applejack clean these books up.”

I answer, “I'm glad to be of service.” Immediately, my character moves toward an empty shelf; and I ask, “So, where do you need my help?”

I'm sure I hear the purple unicorn smile as she says, “That bookshelf'll be a good place to start. I'll pass you a book and you put it on the shelf. Then I'll pass you another book, and you put it next to the first book, and we'll continue on from there.”

I decide to react with patience as I say, “Sure, no problem.”

Twilight passes books to my character, Rarity to Spike and Weed Whacker, and Lyra to Pinkie Pie and Applejack. Thus, the unicorns join forces to pass books to the rest as they put them on the shelves. And, in a matter of minutes the books are in the order Twilight Sparkle has decided on back on the shelves.

When the work is done and the dragons and earth ponies are descending to the floor again, Twilight says, “Thank you so much for helping me clean up these books, guys. It was a crazy weekend of studying.”

I turn to the purple unicorn and watch her speak. I'm about to reiterate that I was happy to help, when I see her turn to the window and grunt in curiosity. Then, I realize what's going to happen, and I have my character grab the closest pony to him and jump out of the way, just in time for Rainbow Dash to crash through the window and knock all the books off the shelves. I turn to the book shelves I'd helped set up to see Twilight, then Pinkie Pie, then Applejack, emerge from different areas of the new mess. I have my character look down into his arms to see Lyra there. And, I hear Spike and Weed Whacker groan, then Lyra say, “Thanks for rescuing me, Mormon.”

I set the pale-green unicorn back on her hooves on what looks to me like a sufficiently stable pile of books as I say, “Glad I could help.”

Then, I hear Fluttershy's voice at the window say, “Rainbow Dash, you rock.” Then, my character turns to her just in time to show me, through his eyes, the yellow pegasa look up and quietly cheer, “Woo-hoo,” just before she looks down at the mess and asks, “Did my cheering do that?”

Just then, I notice, on the lower edge of my character's periphery, Rainbow Dash emerge from a pile of books, chuckle apologetically, and say, “Sorry about that, ladies.” Then, seeing my character, she asks, “Mormon, what're you doin' here?”

Twilight answers, “He was just helping me put books away.” Then, I'm sure I hear her say, under her breath, “That is, until you knocked them all down again.”

Angrily, Rainbow Dash says, “Well, I hope he was more helpful to you than he was to me.”

Twilight asks, “Really? What happened?”

The rainbow-haired pegasa points a hoof at my character and says, “He did a cheer that made Fluttershy sound encouraging.” Then, she does a really good impression of me as she says, really slowly, “Gggooo, Rrraaaiiinnnbbbooowww Dddaaassshhh.” Then, using her regular voice again, she says, no, growls, “I mean, what kind of cheer was that?”

I can't help laughing at Rainbow Dash's impression of me. Then, a dirty look from Pinkie Pie gives me all the incentive I need to regain my composure, enough for me to clear my throat and say, “Yeah, I was just having some fun.”

Rainbow Dash turns her glare away from my character as she grumbles under her breath, “Well, at least one of us was having fun.” And, I'm sure I hear a note of sarcasm as she says that.

I stammer a bit as I say, “Yeah, I-I'm sorry about that.” Then, I ask, “So, what brings you here?”

I hear Rainbow Dash sigh before she says, “I was practicing my routine for the Best Young Fliers' Competition in Cloudsdale, and I messed up.” Looking at her four non-pegasa friends, she says, “I wish you guys could come and see me compete.”

Curious, Twilight asks, “What's the Best Young Fliers' Competition?”

With her normal enthusiasm, Pinkie Pie answers, “It's where all the greatest pegasus fliers get together and show off their different flying stats.” She then runs around the library as she says, “Some are fast!” After a few seconds of doing her impression of a race car, she stops and says, “And, some are graceful.” Then, Pinkie Pie's grace fails her as she slips on one book, then stumbles over more for a few seconds before falling into another pile.

As my character proceeds to help the fallen earth pony to her hooves again, Applejack says, “Golly. Ah'd love to see you strut your stuff in that competition.”

Rainbow Dash smiles and says, “Yeah, I wish you guys could be there.” Nodding toward her fellow pegasa, she adds, “Fluttershy's a great support, but her cheering isn't exactly inspirational.”

I open my mouth to say something, but Pinkie Pie beats me to it as she says, “Ooh, I'd love to see you make a sonic rainboom. It's like, the most coolest thing ever. I mean I've never actually seen it, but come on, it's a sonic rainboom. How not-cool could it possibly not be?”

In a way, I tend to believe Pinkie Pie when she says she's never seen a sonic rainboom. At least, not while knowing what it was. In the episode “Cutie Mark Chronicles,” on which a later day will be based, Pinkie Pie will tell the story about how she got her cutie mark. She was stuck outside when she saw a sonic rainboom, or at least the effects of it, but I'm sure even her twin sister Diane wouldn't have known what the flaming, rainbow-colored circle was what she was seeing, and just called Pinkamena out to see the colorful display, knowing it'd make her happy. We'll see the evidence of that lack of knowledge soon enough. And then, she'll be able to testify that she's seen a sonic rainboom, on two separate occasions.

In the mean time, Twilight says, in honest curiosity, “What's a sonic rainboom?”

In a split second Pinkie Pie is invading the purple unicorn's personal space as she answers, “You really need to get out more.”

I'm guessing I'm going to have to address that at some point.

In the mean time, Pinkie Pie jumps into a windowed alcove, one where I might expect Rainbow Dash to perch, and continues, “The sonic rainboom is legendary.” She then jumps off of her perch into another pile of books as she says, “When a pegasus like Rainbow Dash gets going so fast, boom!” As books scatter in all directions, Pinkie Pie continues, “A sonic boom and a rainbow happen all at once.”

I wouldn't be surprised if Pinkie Pie's picturing the event as the shock wave from the sonic boom manifesting at the same time as a rainbow, very likely attached to Rainbow Dash.

But, again, in the mean time, Applejack complements her fellow earth pony's speech with: “And, Rainbow Dash here's the only pony ta ever pull it off.”

Rainbow Dash, her ego having gotten a nice massage from the praise of her earth pony friends, says, “It was a long time ago. I-I was just a filly.” And, she forces a slight chuckle at the end.

Pinkie Pie, still on her high, asks, “Yeah, but you're gonna do it again, right?”

At this point, I begin to detect a hint of fear in the rainbow-haired pegasa's voice as she says, “A-are you kidding? I'm the greatest flier to ever come out of Cloudsdale. I can do sonic rainbooms in my sleep.”

I know, from having watched the episode “Sonic Rainboom,” that Rainbow Dash's latest attempt at the legendary event failed, resulting in her crashing into the library. But, I see no reason to reveal that to any of the ponies present. Still, I can understand why she's not so confident in her abilities as she's suggesting she is.

In the mean time, Twilight Sparkle says, “Wow. If you pull that off, you'll win the crown for sure.”

Rainbow Dash's excitement returns as she says, “The grand prize is an entire day with the Wonderbolts! A whole day flying with my life long heroes. It'll be a dream come true!”

And, yes, in case you, the reader, are wondering, I do hear Fluttershy say, acting as though she's shouting it out, “Yay.” My guess is, being aware of an audience, she's as loud as she's going to get.

At this point, I contemplate doing my own cheer; but then I decide against it.

Instead, I'm satisfied with the rainbow-haired pegasa glaring to her fellow pegasa, then turning to the others in the room and saying, “I'm gonna rest now. Don't wanna over-prepare myself, you know.” Then, after a nervous chuckle, she turns to Fluttershy and says, “You, on the other hand, better keep practicing.” Then, strutting toward the window, the blue pegasa continues, “I need a cheering section to match my spectacular performance.” And, with that, she takes off and flies out through the window, or at least the hole where the window used to be.

Fluttershy watches her fellow pegasa for a second before turning to the rest of the group and saying, “She's practiced that move a hundred times, and she's never even gotten close to getting it right.”

Before the yellow pegasa can continue, I ask, “Is it really that difficult for a pegasus like Rainbow Dash to break the sound barrier?”

Fluttershy pushes away from the window, then turns to and approaches my character as she says, “I've seen her. She can fly fast enough, and she gets only so close. But then, just as she gets to the point where she can break through, she just stops, and then she bounces off of the barrier.”

While she speaks, I can see, through my character's eyes, the worry in those of the yellow pegasa.

She looks down as she says, “I just don't know if I can cheer loud enough to help her.” She then turns away from my character and flies to the window, then turns back to him one more time and says, “The best part of her routines is when she makes the clouds spin.” Then, she turns to the window again and flies out of it, either following Rainbow Dash or heading back to her cottage.

With the timid yellow pegasa gone, Twilight Sparkle says, “Well, guess we better get this mess cleaned up, … again.”

As Twilight gets started sorting out the mess of books, Rarity prods her in the backside with her horn and says, “Go on, go on.”

Twilight glances back at her fellow unicorn and asks, “Go on, what?”

Rarity answers, “Find a spell that'll get us wingless ponies into Cloudsdale. Did you see how nervous she was?”

Applejack asks, “Nervous? Have you spit your bit or something?” She raises a front hoof and stomps with it as she continues, “She was tootin' her horn louder than the brass section of a marchin' band.”

Should I be surprised that Applejack is demonstrating less sensitivity and empathy than I'm feeling towards Rainbow Dash?

Rarity answers the orange earth pony, “Oh, puh-lease. I've been to enough fashion shows to recognize stage fright when I see it. We've got to find a way to be there for her.” She then shoves her fellow unicorn with her rump into the stack of books she's been preparing as she says, “Now, go on.”

Now, I respect and appreciate Rarity for wanting to be there to support her friend, Rainbow Dash. But, having seen the episode “Sonic Rainboom,” and having based this particular day on that episode, I know what's going to happen when Rarity gets her own pair of wings. And, once Rarity gets her butterfly wings, I plan on being there to remind the white unicorn of why she has them. And, if that means telling her a couple stories that don't seem related and relating them to her, then that's what I'll do.

In the mean time, after Twilight yelps in pain from the impact with the books, she emerges, growls, and asks, “How am I supposed to find a flight spell in this mess?”

I suppose it only makes sense that, after Rarity talked about 'wingless ponies,' the first thing Twilight'd think of would be a spell on flight.

And, that's when Pinkie Pie answers, “A flight spell? One sec.” She then runs to the shelves where my character had been helping put books away, then kicks a turquoise book, which lands open, to Twilight, and says, “Page twenty-seven.”

Twilight uses her magic to turn to the suggested page.

Applejack looks to Pinkie Pie and asks, “How'd ya do that?”

Pinkie Pie answers, “It landed on my face when Rainbow Dash knocked me into the bookcase.”

Ah, the wonders of timing.

I hear Twilight say, “Here it is.” Then, as my character turns to look at her, she continues, “A spell that'll allow earth ponies to fly for three days.”

At this point, I'd like to note that Twilight did say the spell was for earth ponies. I can only guess, since the spell is successfully used on Rarity, that Twilight managed to adapt the spell for her unicorn friend.

Twilight continues, “Ooh, it looks really difficult. I'm not sure I can do it.”

Rarity says, “You've got to try.”

Twilight asks, “Okay, but, who's going to be the test subject?”

The two earth ponies in the room exchange looks, evidently unsure about wanting to be test subjects.

I have to wonder, at this point, how many people who've seen this episode, and previous episodes, remember the Pinkie promise, and wonder why Pinkie Pie doesn't volunteer. While this isn't part of the canon of the show, I'm not all that surprised, considering the incident more than a week ago, when Gilda's parents came and had Pinkie Pie repent to Snips, who'd eaten a cupcake made from Gilda's meat. Of course, even then, it was Gilda's father, as I remember, who was taking Pinkie Pie on the ride there. All things considered, I'm sure Pinkie Pie just wants to earn her wings.

Then, I hear Rarity say, “I will.” As my character focuses on the white unicorn, she continues, “For Rainbow Dash, I'll go first.”

Remember when I suggested that Twilight managed to adapt the spell for Rarity? Well, this is why I think so.

Twilight says, with uncertainty, “Here goes.” Then, her horn glows and sparks; and ribbons of blue energy circle around Rarity, enveloping her and raising her into the air.

I think I see surprise in the white unicorn's face while this is happening.

The blue energy, frequently twinkling as though it contains glitter, continues to wrap around Rarity as Twilight grunts, evidently struggling to keep the magic energy under control.

Then, a sphere of energy emerges from Twilight's horn and explodes, knocking the purple unicorn backward into her earth pony friends and Lyra.

While Twilight was working on the spell, I think I saw, through my character's eyes, Spike and Weed Whacker running upstairs to the bedroom, probably to hide under Twilight's bed.

At any rate, when the residual energy clears away and Pinkie Pie, Applejack, Twilight and Lyra can focus again, I'm probably the only one not surprised to see Rarity hovering in the air, thanks to her new butterfly wings.

Twilight, the first speak, gasps and says, sounding almost intoxicated, “I think it worked.”

In curiosity, Rarity looks behind her and asks, “It worked?” Then, seeing the wings supporting her weight, she rises an inch or two higher as she shouts, “It worked!” Then, with unexpected skill to rival Rainbow Dash and excitement to rival Pinkie Pie—

“Hey! Mormon!”

That was Pinkie Pie again. I have to wonder if Diane is somehow able to interpret the sound of my scribbling as I'm taking notes. Whatever the case is, Pinkie Pie's still glaring at me. And, I know she's glaring into my character's eyes at me.

At any rate, as I was saying, Rarity does a few loop-d-loops before settling onto the ground again.

When the white unicorn finally lands, Twilight approaches her and, after panting a few times, says, “Now, Rarity, I want you to remember that these wings are made of gossamer and morning dew. You've got to be careful with them.”

Rarity giggles and says, “Oh, but of course, darling.”

Considering this as evidence that Rarity seems to be forgetting why she wanted to be the test subject for the flight spell in the first place, I decide to have my character take a step toward her as I say, “I'm thinking now's as good a time as any to tell you a couple stories, or at least tell you one and remind you of another.”

Rarity turns to my character and asks, “Yes, Mormon?”

I clear my throat and say, “First of all, seeing you with those wings reminds me of a story from Greek mythology, of a man named Icarus. He was given shoes with wings made of wax attached to them. He was also given a warning about them, that if he flew too close to the sun, those wings could be destroyed.

“Well, one day, I guess he was showing off, because he did what he was warned not to do, and flew really close to the sun. Too close, in fact. Then, his wings melted away, and he fell into the sea and drowned.”

Rarity gives me a clueless expression as she says, “An interesting story, but I fail to understand how it relates to me.”

I continue, “Second of all, do you remember the story of Lehi's dream from the Book of Mormon?”

Rarity smiles and chuckles as she says, “Why Mormon, you're not making any sense.”

More insistently, I ask, “Do you remember?”

At this point, Rarity swallows hard, then answers, nervously, “Yes?”

I ask, “Do you remember the building in Lehi's dream?”

Rarity nods slowly, as she says, “The pride of the world. It collapsed with a great fall.” Then, after a moment of thought, she asks, “Mormon, are you threatening me?”

I have my character reach out and stroke the white unicorn's neck as I answer, “I'm warning you. I just want you to remember why you have those wings. As long as you don't go showing them off, and you remember that you have those wings so you can support Rainbow Dash, you'll be able to keep them for three days. But, if you don't rein in your pride, you'll lose those wings, and your fall will be great.”

I think I see understanding in Rarity's eyes, even if it isn't complete.

She swallows hard again, then says, humbled, “Thanks, Mormon. I shall try to remember that.”

Presently, I hear Twilight ask my character, “So, Mormon, what about you?”

It's Pinkie Pie who answers, “Oh, you don't need to worry about him. He's got that cheat, Cloud Nine, that he can use to make clouds solid so he can walk on 'em.”

So, not only does Diane read ahead in the game's script, she also knows about the cheat codes I've provided for gamers. And, she can read my handwriting just by listening to me write. The good news is, while Pinkie Pie may know about the cheat codes, she won't be able to make use of them. At least, I hope not.

Anyway, after giving the pink party pony a questioning look, Twilight Sparkle shakes her head, then says, “Well, whatever. I doubt I'll be able to try that flight spell again for a while; it's too exhausting for me, too dangerous.” Looking at the other three ponies, she asks, “Any idea what spell I can use to help the rest of us, one that isn't so dangerous and exhausting?”

And, that's when I hear Lyra say, “You know, I learned this one spell which helped me keep traction on slippery surfaces. It's really simple, and I'm sure you could modify it for walking on clouds.” As my character's attention focuses on the pale-green unicorn, she concludes, “I could teach it to you, Twilight, and maybe you could modify it.”

Twilight nods and says, “Sure, let's do that.”

As the purple and pale-green unicorns get together, Pinkie Pie turns to my character and says, “Mormon, you go into the hallway to the basement and use your Cloud Nine cheat, and Lyra and Twilight'll use their traction spell, once they modify it, on the rest of us.”

My character nods in agreement, then heads through the doorway to the hallway leading to the basement where Twilight's lab had been, and most likely still is. Once past the hallway a few steps down, he stops, giving me the chance to use the Cloud Nine cheat that Pinkie Pie had mentioned.

Basically, my making use of the Cloud Nine cheat simply involves me opening the cheat menu, finding the cheat, and clicking on the box to make a check mark appear inside it. And, in the mean time, I'm sure Twilight's learning the traction spell from Lyra, and modifying it so that she can use it on herself and the others so they can walk on clouds like pegasi can.

And, as far as I can guess, the lesson and the job are complete by the time my character comes back through the door back into the library. At least, that's my assumption when I emerge through the door and hear Twilight say, “Alright, done. I guess we'll know if it worked when we get to Cloudsdale.”

It's Pinkie Pie who says, “So, what are we waiting for? Let's get going!”

And, it's Lyra who says, “Uh, shouldn't we get these books cleaned up first?”

Twilight Sparkle looks around at the books scattered on the floor, then turns to her fellow ponies and my character and says, “Lyra's got a point. We need to get these books cleaned up first.”

And, that's when Spike emerges from under Twilight's bed and says, “Oh, that's alright. I'll get the books cleaned up, and you can go ahead to Cloudsdale.”

Twilight looks up at her assistant and asks, “Are you sure, Spike? I could use the cloud-walking spell on you and Weed Whacker, and both of you could come. After all, don't you want to help Rarity support Rainbow Dash?”

I watch, through my character's eyes, as Spike's pupils turn into pink valentine shapes, and a silly smile forms on his face. Then, he shakes himself out of it and says, “As much as I'd love to, I don't like the idea of walking on clouds. I'd much rather stay here and clean up the books, if it's all the same to you.”

Evidently, even Spike can sound like Fluttershy at times.

I turn to my herbivorous dinosaur friend and ask, “And, what about you, Weed Whacker?”

She emerges from under Twilight's bed and answers, “I'm with Spike on this one. I wasn't meant to fly, and I wasn't designed to walk on clouds like a pegasus. I'll stay here and help Spike clean up the books.”

As my character turns back to the purple unicorn, she says, “Well, I guess that's settled, then. My balloon is just behind the library. If we can all fit in it, then we're all on our way.”

And, that's when Rarity chimes in with: “Except for me.” She chuckles as she adds, “Remember, I have wings.”

Twilight smiles and says, “Yeah, that's right.” She then makes her way to the front door of the library as she says, “Well, let's get going.”

The rest of us voice agreement, and the group follows the purple unicorn out and to her balloon.

As it turns out, there is plenty of room in the balloon for all the ponies without wings, as well as the human, to fit in the basket, and the manipulation of video game physics allows the balloon to carry the load without the whole thing falling apart.

With Rarity flying next to the balloon, the group begins to make it's way up into the sky, and towards the cluster of clouds that makes up the pegasi's city.

Seeing her fellow unicorn's eagerness, Twilight turns to Rarity and says, “You can go on ahead and let Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy know we're coming.”

Rarity smiles back at Twilight and says, “Thank you,” then flies on ahead to one of the larger clouds.

The rest of the group float on in the balloon behind the eager, butterfly-winged unicorn, when I hear Rainbow Dash's voice saying, “Rare? The sonic rainboom is way more than rare.”

Having seen the “Sonic Rainboom” episode as frequently as I have, I know Rainbow Dash thinks she's answering Fluttershy's question on the subject.

I hear Fluttershy correct her, “No, Rarity?”

After a few seconds, as the balloon starts to emerge from below the cloud, I hear Rainbow Dash ask, “Rarity, are you … flying?”

Then, as the balloon emerges from the cloud, and the group can see what's going on, I watch Rarity drift in front of the evidently surprised pegasae as she says, no, sings, “I most certainly am. Aren't my wings smashing?”

It's almost all I can do to keep myself from vocalizing agreement with the literal interpretation of her question.

The excited unicorn continues, “Twilight made them for me. I just adore them.” Then, evidently seeing the surprised expressions on the faces of her two pegasa friends, Rarity asks, “Why so shocked? We couldn't leave our favorite flier without a big cheering section.”

By this point, Twilight's balloon is preparing to land.

In the mean time, Rainbow Dash asks, “We?”

It's clear to me that the two pegasae have been so focused on Rarity that they haven't noticed the balloon the rest of the group has been riding in. That is, not until I answer, to their surprise, “Me oui oui, mademoiselle.”

I think my sense of humor is lost on the clearly shocked Rainbow Dash, who says, “I … I-I can't believe it!”

As the balloon lands and I have my character step backwards out of the basket, I hear Fluttershy say, “It's incredible.”

In the “Sonic Rainboom” episode, the balloon emerges from the cloud and parks in front of Rarity, Rainbow Dash, and Fluttershy. The way I have the game programmed, Twilight guides the balloon, with her magic, to a spot just far enough away from the edge of the cloud so that it's not likely to fall over; and Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy walk, while Rarity flies, to where the balloon is parked.

I'm not sure which Rainbow Dash sees first: my character coming from behind the balloon, or Pinkie Pie jumping out of the basket and landing on the cloud. Whichever it is, I hear Rainbow Dash call out, “Wait!” until she sees that Pinkie Pie remains on top of the cloud's surface. Then, as the other ponies jump out of the basket, Rainbow Dash says, “How'd you do that? Only pegasus ponies can walk on clouds.”

Pinkie Pie, cartwheeling past the two pegasae, says, “Pretty cool, huh?”

Twilight answers, “Lyra, here, taught me a traction spell, and I just modified it so I could use it on us so we could walk on clouds.”

Rainbow Dash, seeing me, gets this disappointed look on her face, and a matching tone in her voice, as she asks, “You too, Mormon?”

Pinkie Pie bounces back to my character's side and giggles, then says, “No, silly. Mormon just used his Cloud Nine cheat.”

Now confused, Rainbow Dash says, “Uh, yeah.” Then she shakes herself out of her confusion and says, “Anyway, what about Rarity?”

It's the white unicorn herself who answers, “Twilight found a spell that allows earth ponies to fly, and she modified it and used it on me.”

Twilight continues, “It was too tiring to use more than once, and that's where Lyra's traction spell came in.”

Then, Applejack says, “And, we came to cheer you to victory.”

Presently, Rainbow Dash says, “To be honest, I was starting to get just the teeniest, tiniest bit nervous. But, I feel a lot better now that you guys are here.” Then she pauses for a moment before saying, “Hey, we've got some time before the competition. Why don't Fluttershy and I show you around Cloudsdale?”

Rainbow Dash's proposition is met with cheers of agreement from around the group.

I must admit, while I have seen the tour from the perspective of the camera in the animated series, I wouldn't mind having a more personal tour of the cloud city, or as personal as I can get form a gamer's perspective. I think I even say as much while the ponies are cheering. And, with that, my character follows the ponies as, with Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy in the lead, they proceed on into the city.

At the edge of one cloud, Rainbow Dash says, pointing toward several buildings apparently supported by clouds, “Here it is, the greatest city in the sky.”

While the unicorns and and earth ponies answer with oohs and ahs, I say, “Fascinating.” And, as far as I'm concerned, whether from the perspective of the camera in the cartoon or my character in this video game, it is fascinating to see the buildings supported by clouds, and pegasi flying among them.

Then, as I hear more oohs and ahs coming from Rarity, my character turns to the group to show me, through his eyes, that she isn't among them anymore. He then looks around and finds her looking at her reflection in a mirror. Evidently she's gotten a better perspective of her wings from her reflection.

I groan under my breath, “Rarity, this isn't supposed to be your show.”

I then realize the other ponies have moved on when I hear Rainbow Dash say, “Some of the greatest pegasi in history came from Cloudsdale.”

I call out to the white unicorn, “Come on, Rarity! Let's catch up with the others!” and have my character proceed to catch up with the group.

I hear a male voice, which somehow sounds familiar to me, say, “Those wings are gorgeous.” I have to wonder, was that the pegasus that, pulling a wagon full of hay, ran into the moving carriage that Ataahua was in charge of?

In the mean time, I hear Rarity answer the pegasus, “Why, thank you.”

As the white unicorn flies on ahead of the group, Twilight says, “Now, be careful with those wings, Rarity. Remember, they're made from gossamer and morning dew, and they're incredibly delicate.”

Lyra adds, “And, it wouldn't hurt you to remember Mormon's warning as well.”

Rainbow Dash looks behind her at the rest of the group and asks, “And, what warning was that?”

I answer, “I warned Rarity that if she doesn't rein in her pride, she'll lose her wings, and have a great fall.”

At this point, Rarity circles around behind the group, then comes in for a landing a couple of steps ahead of my character, then says, “Oh, you two needn't worry about me. After all, I'm sure these wings can't get worn out from too much attention.”

I state, “And, Rarity, I promise you I won't be the one to take away your wings. Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye.” Yes, I made a Pinkie promise. In this case, I figured it was appropriate.

And, I guess I should've expected the ponies ahead of my character to stop and look at him in surprise, with Pinkie Pie being the most surprised.

After a few seconds, Applejack breaks the tension by saying, “Uh, since we're up here, Ah'd sure like to see where the weather's made.”

Rainbow Dash answers, “Great idea!”

Remembering what happened in the episode, and having worked to produce the same effect in this game, I know how things are going to turn out, and how it won't be so great when Rarity takes a close-up look at some hanging snowflakes. But, I see no reason to let the group know about it. Let them experience it for themselves when the time comes.

In the mean time, Rainbow Dash takes a running leap and starts flying as she calls out, “Come on, everypony, to the weather factory!”

Pinkie Pie leads the cheering, while Fluttershy leads the gallop, as the ponies catch up to Rainbow Dash on their way to the factory.

One thing I'll say about Rainbow Dash, she's got great control of her wings when she flies. And, she's being considerate of her friends who don't have wings, as she flies only fast enough so that they can gallop to catch up to, and keep up with, her.

At the rate the group moves, my character included, it's just a few minutes before the group reaches a white building with rumbling, sparking, dark clouds sparsely floating over it.

As the group enters one of the buildings, Rainbow Dash says, “This is where they make the snowflakes. Each one is hoof-made. And, as you can see, it's a delicate operation.”

And, on cue, Rarity flies up to two snowflakes, one with six branches and another with eight, and, looking at them, says, “Oh, these snowflakes look even better from up here.”

And, as I expect, the breeze from her wings causes snowflakes to fly from their tables and all over the room, producing an indoor snowstorm.

As pegasi run to reclaim the snowflakes and complain about the interruption, Rainbow Dash says, “We'd better move on before Rarity ruins winter and causes a drought.”

Presently we hear the sound effect of the light shattering of glass, indicating that a snowflake has landed and shattered on the ground.

Another snowflake lands on my character's nose and immediately melts.

I answer, “Good idea,” then call up to the white unicorn, “Come on, Rarity, let's get outta here!”

As the group exits from where it entered, I watch, through my character's eyes, as Rarity, realizing she's caused the fiasco, descends and apologizes and nervously giggles as she follows the rest of the group out. And, it seems that she can't help stepping on a few fallen snowflakes on her way out.

Rainbow Dash, waiting at the entrance, glares at Rarity as she walks past.

Rarity, in response, just lowers her head as she wanders past her rainbow-haired friend.

As Rainbow Dash takes her position at the head of the group again, I hear Pinkie Pie say to my character, “Mormon, you knew Rarity was going to do that, didn't you?”

I answer, “Yes, I did.”

The pink earth pony asks, “And, you didn't try to stop her?”

I ask in response, “And, how was I going to do that?”

After a second or two, Pinkie Pie sighs and whispers in response, “I guess you've got a point.”

Then, I hear Rainbow Dash sigh and say, “Let's just head over to the next building.”

The group, including a crestfallen Rarity who, for the moment, is content with strolling among the rest of her friends, proceeds into a building where there are waterfalls of colors separated into the familiar rainbow spectrum.

Rainbow Dash, leading the group, says, “And, here's where they make the rainbows.”

Somehow, when I hear the blue pegasa say that, I can't help thinking of a story by a famous comedian, telling a story about a trip to the dentist. And, looking up at a particular exit point, where one spectral stream evidently begins, I can't help thinking about the title of a familiar dark fan fic, featuring the leader of this tour.

In the mean time, I watch, through my character's eyes, as Pinkie Pie dips a front hoof in one pool, pulls it out again, and takes a taste of the spectrum.

Now, I'm reminded of the familiar Skittles slogan.

But, Pinkie Pie finds out that the rainbows produced at the weather factory have a different flavor, as her face changes colors backwards through the spectrum, and she shoots flames out of her mouth. When that passes, the shocked earth pony gasps and whispers, “Spicy,” then gallops off.

As the other ponies laugh, Rainbow Dash says, “Yeah, rainbows aren't really known for their flavor.”

I have my character turn to where Pinkie Pie ran off, and I say, “I guess I'd better see if she's alright.”

As my character turns and starts walking after the pink earth pony, Rainbow Dash says, “You go on ahead. We'll wait here for you.”

After a few seconds, I find Pinkie Pie just outside the building, munching on a piece of cloud, evidently trying to calm her burning mouth down. As my character walks up next to her, then kneels on one knee and puts a hand on her back, I ask, “Are you alright?”

In response, Pinkie Pie turns to my character and half-climbs onto his supportive leg, then coughs a couple times, then wheezes, “Oh, Mormon, I thought it was going to be fruit-flavored.”

I can't help laughing as I stroke Pinkie Pie's back. When I've sufficiently regained my composure, I say, “Well, your friends, our friends, are waiting for us back inside when you're ready.”

Pinkie Pie takes a few unsteady breaths, which make me wonder if she's crying right now. But, that question seems to be answered when she looks up at me and says, “Thanks for coming out here for me, Mormon.”

Noting that her voice sounds normal now, I ask, “So, you ready to go back to the group now?”

Pinkie Pie inhales and exhales deeply a couple more times, then pushes away from my leg and says, “Yeah, I think so.” She then turns to the building and says, “Let's go back inside.”

Seeing the pink party pony ready and willing, I have my character follow her back into the rainbow building and back to the group, where the rest of the ponies are, as Rainbow Dash promised, still waiting for the return of my character and Pinkie Pie.

All, that is, except for Rarity, who, it seems, has decided to take her own tour further into the rainbow building.

As she returns to the group, three pegasi, all males, all dressed as though for construction, are following her.

The apparent leader of the trio, a chocolate-brown pegasus with white-chocolate mane and tail, is saying, “Oh, where'd you get those wings? I want a pair.”

Evidently she's back to her old self again. Those wings, while still attached to her back, have clearly gone to her head.

In the mean time, the chocolate pegasus, evidently noticing the group, says, “Woah, look, it's Rainbow Crash again!”

The one immediately behind him, a butterscotch-colored pegasus with mane and tail somewhat more brown than the body fur of the leading pony, eyes covered as much by the helmet, I suppose, as his mane, answers, “Yeah, Rainbow … uh … ghi-ah-um … Crash!” And, I think he's just trying to cover his vocal stumbling with his laugh at the end.

Rainbow Dash asks her butterfly-winged friend, “Rarity, what're you doing talking to these guys?”

Rarity, floating towards her blue pegasa friend, answers, “Oh, they were just admiring my wings, Rainbow Dash.”

Remember what I mentioned about Rarity's wings going to her head? I rest my case.

The chocolate stallion tells Rainbow Dash, “Yeah, you should forget the sonic rainboom, and just get yourself some wings like these!”

I have to wonder if he's referring to his own wings, as he flaps them before he finishes his statement and laughs, along with the two other pegasi. Come to think of it, their behavior is stereotypical of school bullies.

Before any member of any group can say more, or at least any other member, I have my character walk toward the three winged stallions.

The chocolate stallion, seeing my character approach, nervously says, “Uh, who, and what, are you?”

I answer, “You don't need to be scared of me. I'm a human, and you can call me—”

Just then, Pinkie Pie excitedly calls out, “Mormon!”

The chocolate stallion starts to cower as he asks, “Uh, wh-what do you w-want?”

I answer, “I'm not going to hurt you. I just want to see if I can guess your names.”

The chocolate pegasus turns and looks at his friends, then back at my character, and I'm guessing he's disguising his fear when he clears his throat, straightens up, puffs out his chest, and says, “Oh. This oughta be good for a laugh.”

I add, “And, even if I prove to be wrong, I'll just make my guesses my nicknames for each of you.”

At this point, all three of them voice agreement, tinged by nervousness.

The first one I look at is the chocolate pegasus.

His build is what I'd expect from a winged stallion, with his coloring and cutie mark being his most defining features. His cutie mark, by the way, is an adjustable weight that a human would lift with one hand.

After a momentary pause, I say to the winged chocolate stallion, “I'm guessing your name is Dumb Bell.”

He laughs derisively as he answers, “Not even close.”

I answer, “Still, I think it suits you for a nickname.” I then turn my character's attention to the butterscotch pegasus.

Again, the type of build I'd expect from a pegasus. And, again, his coloring and cutie mark are his most defining features. His cutie mark is a trio of basketballs in the formation of an equilateral triangle.

I tell the butterscotch pegasus, “My guess is that your name is Basket Case.”

This time, all three of them laugh, and the butterscotch pegasus asks, “Where'd you come up with that?”

I simply answer, “Again, fitting nickname.” Then, I turn my attention to the last of the three pegasi.

This one is, once again, typical of the type of build I'd expect from a pegasus, with gray coloring, and mane and tail closer to black. His cutie mark is a trio of footballs, again forming an equilateral triangle. Come to think of it, doesn't Rarity's father also have that as his cutie mark?

I tell this pegasus, “And, as for you, I'm thinking your name is probably Touch Down.”

This time, there's no laughter. Instead, the gray pegasus says, “You know, I think you got mine … right.”

I answer, “Had to happen at some point. It fits you. And, if it weren't your name, it'd still be an appropriate nickname for you.”

As my character returns to the element bearers, I hear Touch Down answer, “Uh, thanks,” followed by the sound of flapping wings, suggesting to me that the trio are flying off.

And, that's when I notice the distraught look on Rainbow Dash's face.

Fluttershy says, “Come on, everypony, let's go see how clouds are made.” As the group starts moving, the yellow pegasa says to Rainbow Dash, “Don't listen to them. You're gonna win that competition for sure.”

In the mean time, I have my character fall in place at the end of the line before he starts walking.

The blue pegasa answers, “Are you kidding? I can't do the sonic rainboom. And, just look at these plain, boring, old, feathered wings.”

At this point, I speak up and say, “It seems to me that your plain, boring, old, feathered wings have served you well in the past, Rainbow Dash. And, I think you'll find that when you're in the service of your fellow ponies, and you've forgotten your fears, you'll have no problems doing a sonic rainboom.”

Rainbow Dash looks back at my character and, sniffling, says, “Thanks, Mormon. That means a lot to me.” And, considering the look on her face, I'd say she's sincere about that.

As Rainbow Dash turns ahead, I notice Pinkie Pie look back at my character and say, “You know what, Mormon. That was a really nice thing to say to Dashie.”

I answer, “She sounded like she needed the encouragement.”

Presently, Pinkie Pie says, “That, and you've already seen what happens.”

I decide, beyond smiling, not to respond to Pinkie's last statement.

The cloud production building of the factory is probably just a minute or two from the building where the rainbows are produced.

Before either Fluttershy or Rainbow Dash can say anything about the machines in the room, we hear commotion; and my character turns to show me, through his eyes, Rarity once again showing off for a group of pegasi, one of whom, a mare, looks a lot like Fluttershy, save for shorter, more curly mane.

Clearly milking the moment for all it's worth, Rarity asks, “What, these old things? Go ahead, everypony. Photos are encouraged.”

Twilight Sparkle walks up to the hovering unicorn mare and says, just above a whisper, “Rarity, we're supposed to be helping Rainbow Dash relax, remember? Put your wings away and stop showing off.”

Rarity rises above the groups as she says, “Oh, how can you expect me to put away perfection?”

Now, I can't argue that the sunlight shining through Rarity's butterfly wings does put on a pretty display of light. But, at the same time, Twilight has a point.

I state, “You're also forgetting my warning.”

But, the warnings of human and fellow unicorn seem to be lost to Rarity among the oohs and ahs of the crowd. And then, Rarity notices how the sunlight is shining through her wings, and she emits an excited, almost manic giggle.

I and my character are distracted from the floating unicorn by Twilight asking, “Rainbow Dash, are you okay?” My character turns and focuses on the purple unicorn and the blue pegasa; and I can see, through his eyes, that Rainbow Dash is letting her fear of failure get the best of her.

Twilight continues, “You don't look so good.”

Rainbow Dash says, “Of course. Why wouldn't I be okay?” Looking to the side, she adds, “Everybody's so in love with Rarity's wings that they won't even notice when I totally blow it in the Best Young Fliers' Competition.”

And, to make matters worse, a pale-purple pegasa with pink mane and a rainbow cutie mark steps forward and says, “Hey, there's an idea. You should enter the competition.” And, having seen the “Sonic Rainboom” episode, I know said pegasa is talking to Rarity.

I keep my character's attention focused on Rainbow Dash, so I can only hear when Rarity answers, “There really isn't any pony that uses her wings quite like me. Perhaps I should compete.”

And, that's when Rainbow Dash rises quickly and says, “What?”

The only evidence that I get that Rarity is drifting out of the sunlight is when I see the colors move to one side.

As the other ponies follow Rarity out of the cloud-making building, the other four element bearers gather around Rainbow Dash, who asks, “What am I gonna do?” Looking down, she adds, “I'll never win the competition now.”

I have my character take a step toward the blue pegasa and put a hand on her back, just below her neck, an action which seems to startle her. I say, “I'm sorry if I alarmed you, but I just wanted to say that you're letting your fears get the better of you. When it's your time to shine, I'll be there to support you, and so will the rest of your friends. And besides, I think you're overestimating Rarity's flying abilities.”

When the rainbow-haired pegasa looks up at my character, she looks like she's about to cry.

I continue, “And, speaking of Rarity, even she'll have a role to play in your success.”

I get the idea that her smile, at this point, is more forced than anything else. She doesn't say anything, just rests her head on my character's knee.

And, the other four element bearers stroll toward her with their own expressions of encouragement and support.

After being the center of an equine group hug, Rainbow Dash pushes away from my character's leg and says, with more confidence, “Thanks, everypony. Now, let's get to that competition.”

As the group of five ponies and one human begin their trek out of the weather factory and to the stadium where the competition will be held, Twilight Sparkle turns to my character and says, “Wow. You're giving words of support to Rainbow Dash that I couldn't give her.”

I answer, “I'm happy to be of service.”

Just then, Pinkie Pie asks, “Uh, where's Lyra?”

My character looks around to show me, through his eyes, that Lyra seems to have disappeared from the grounds of the cloud-making building.

I say, “Uh-oh.”

The rest of the ponies look up at my character, and Applejack asks, “What's wrong, Mormon?”

I answer, “I wonder if Lyra followed the crowd of pegasi to wherever Rarity's headed.”

That's when Pinkie Pie echoes, “Uh-oh,” and gallops off in the direction of the group of pegasi.

In the mean time, Twilight Sparkle says, “If that's the case, then they're probably headed to the stadium where they'll be holding the Best Young Fliers' Competition.”

Applejack says, “Well then, we best be headed there, too.”

The group of four follow Pinkie Pie out the other side of the cloud-making building, galloping, with Rainbow Dash in the lead, at least until they're a few paces outside. Then, Rainbow Dash quickly slows down and comes to a stop.

The rest of the group follow suit, and Twilight Sparkle asks her blue pegasa friend, “Alright, Rainbow Dash, what's wrong? We need to get to that stadium.”

Rainbow Dash whines, “Ah, what's the point, anyway? I'm not gonna win.” And, that's when she collapses, buries her face in the cloudy pavement in front of her, and silently starts to sob.

At this point, I have my character take a step toward her and stroke the side of her neck with his closest hand; and I say, “I'm guessing something happened?”

As the cloud immediately under Rainbow Dash darkens, she looks up at my character and says, “Nothing happened. That's the problem.”

I say, “I mean, since you got to Cloudsdale. I could tell you were nervous back in the library, but nothing like this. Tell me, what's wrong?”

Rainbow Dash looks down as she sobs, “When … when Fluttershy and I … got here, we … were met by those … three guys from … earlier.”

I ask, “What about them?”

The blue pegasa continues, “What they said … didn't bother me. When they left, … F-fluttershy said, … she said, …”

At this point, I have my character put a pointer finger under the rainbow-haired pegasa's chin and lift it up lightly, gently forcing her to look up at him; then I ask, “What did she say, Rainbow Dash?”

Sniffling, she answers, “She said, 'Just because … you failed the sonic rainboom … a hundred thousand times … in practice doesn't mean …”

I encourage, “Yes, 'doesn't mean.'”

Rainbow Dash sniffles some more as she timidly continues, “… doesn't mean you won't … be able to do it … in front of an entire stadium … full of impatient, … super critical sports fan ponies.”

As far as I can tell, this is the first time in the My Little Pony Friendship is Magic series something like this happens, but it isn't the only time. Fluttershy, in an attempt to encourage Rainbow Dash, said something that, in fact, did the exact opposite. Later on, in the fourth season, Pinkie Pie will do the same to Fluttershy, in a very loud, very screechy voice. That is, in the animated series. Depending on the success of this game, that is depending on how enjoyable I find it, I may expand it to further seasons, including the fourth season where Pinkie Pie uses similar tactics on Fluttershy to try to encourage her to sing in front of an audience. But, right now, it's clear the damage to Rainbow Dash's resolve has been done.

I say, “I'm sure she didn't mean to scare you.”

Rainbow Dash retorts, “I know she didn't mean to scare me. But now, I don't know what to do. Should I go and compete and humiliate myself in front of all those sports fan ponies? Those three bullies already think the sonic rainboom isn't real. What if I can't do it again?”

I answer, “You know the sonic rainboom is possible, because you've done it before. And, Fluttershy is right about one thing. Just because you haven't been able to do it in practice doesn't mean you won't be able to do it when it really matters. And, trust me. It will matter now that Rarity's part of the competition.”

Rainbow Dash looks up at my character again and asks, “Well, what did you warn her about, exactly?”

I answer, “I told her about a Greek myth, a man named Icarus who was given shoes with wings made of wax attached to them. In spite of the warnings he was given, he flew too close to the sun; then the wings on his shoes melted, and he fell into the sea and drowned.

“I also reminded her about Lehi's dream, and the floating tower in that dream; and she remembered how it fell.

“After that, I warned her that if she didn't rein in her pride, she was going to lose her wings, like Icarus, and, like the floating building, she'd have a great fall.”

Rainbow Dash asks, “And, what does that have to do with me?”

I answer, “When she's falling, she's gonna need someone, a friend, to catch her. And, when that time comes, if you're part of the competition, you'll be there to perform your greatest work when it isn't the most important to you.”

The blue pegasa, now no longer crying, simply says, “Mormon, please don't take this the wrong way, but what you said doesn't make a lot of sense.”

I state, “That's alright. Let's get going to the stadium so you can compete. Just as Fluttershy had an important role to play in moving that dragon, you'll have an important role to play in the competition. All that I've said to you will make sense to you soon enough.”

Now, Rainbow Dash rises up on all fours, sighs, and says, “Alright. But, I'm holding you to your word, Mormon.” And, with that, she gallops on ahead, encouraging the rest to keep up with her.

The run from the weather factory to the stadium takes about as long as a run through the Everfree forest takes.

There, the group finds Pinkie Pie and Lyra waiting for them, with information that Rarity was allowed a last-minute registry because she was a friend of another competitor, specifically Rainbow Dash.

Speaking of which, the group dismisses her to go to the waiting room while the rest of the group are shown to a stadium platform directly under the one for special guest spectators.

I remember how Rainbow Dash said she'd hold me to my word. I hope she means she'll remember all I told her, and will take my advice. But, it's not just what Rainbow Dash said that I'm thinking about. I also find myself entertained by the thoughts of the costume Rarity wore in the “Sonic Rainboom” episode, and her makeup, which, it seems to me, made her look more like a clown than anything else. I'm sure I preserved the absurdity of that in my modeling and painting job. I'll see for sure when the two come out and perform.

As I notice Rainbow Dash peeking out nervously from the white curtain, I hear the announcer say, “Ladies and gentle colts, please rise and join me in welcoming our beloved Princess Celestia!”

I don't think any member of the group is able to look up and see the daytime princess and her two guards descending into the guests' platform directly above them. But, to me anyway, it doesn't matter. If I want to see it, I can always watch the episode.

After a few seconds, the announcer continues, “Please welcome our celebrity judges for the Best Young Fliers' Competition, the Wonderbolts!”

As my character watches the announcer, I am able to see six clothed pegasi fly over him, each trailing gray smoke or steam behind him or her, as they rise into the sky. The gray trail fizzles out as the six line up, perform a circle in the air, meet in the center of that circle, then fly off, producing an explosion and a fireworks effect. They then fly to a nearby platform, where three of the six land, and the other three take their places in an upper tier above the audience.

After this display, the announcer continues, “And now, let's find out who will take the prize, as this year's best young flier!”

I already know who it'll be, but that doesn't mean I should not want to watch the competition anyway. I've found that, whether it's in movies, television, video games, books, or even stage plays, the journey frequently tends to outshine the destination.

The first performer to come out is a gold-colored pegasa with pink mane and tail.

I can't help noticing her cutie mark is hidden by a piece of paper or parchment with a number on it, in this case “1.” Remembering the episode, I still have to wonder if, in these competitions, enumeration really is more important than identity.

At any rate, the gold pegasa manages to take a cube-shaped cloud and punch it until it looks like Princess Celestia. While sculpting is something I couldn't do, I can't help wondering if this contestant isn't pandering to the princess. Still, it is a really good likeness.

The second one to come out is a brown pegasus with darker-brown mane and tail. I can't help noticing that his cutie mark isn't so well hidden as that of the first contestant. Considering what can be seen of the cutie mark indicates it's an hourglass, it isn't surprising that many would wonder if this isn't the pegasus version of Doctor Whooves. Maybe it is, maybe it isn't. As far as I know, everyone's guess has an equal chance of being right.

At any rate, the pegasus comes out and, with the help of a cloud nearby, makes horns, facial hair, and other parts, and imitates various figureheads in Equestrian history, or so I assume. And, based on the response of the audience, he does a really good job of it, or at least a really crowd-pleasing job.

The third one to come out, a juvenile, coal-black pegasa with contrastingly white wings, mane, and tail, has cue cards, which clearly pleases Twilight Sparkle. But, that's as pleasing as she gets, as, just a few seconds into her speech, which, in all honesty, isn't very exciting, she starts crossing her hind legs, as though she needs to expel something. And, her bodily needs become all too distracting, as she hesitates and repeats her last two words every few seconds. And, from then on, things go from bad to worse for her.

She starts urinating, then drops the cue cards in favor of grabbing her tail and pulling it under her, futilely trying to hide her shame from her audience. Now panicking, she opens her mouth, only to belch loudly and expel the contents of her stomach. Then I hear a zipper sound effect from her, and she finally drops her tail, covers her face the best she can with her front hooves, turns back to the curtain, and flies into it, bawling and leaving a falling trail of feces behind her.

I must admit, I feel sorry for the filly. Having prepared as much as she clearly did, only to literally choke like that. While in every competition there's at least one bad performance, it's sad that it had to happen to one so young as her. Hopefully she can make a comeback, and treat this failure as a growth experience.

The fourth to come out is a reddish-tan stallion with yellow mane and tail, and the number seven over his cutie mark. He comes out and, starting close to Princess Celestia, rolls fifteen times, spiraling from the one side of the stadium to the other, with his back to the inside of the spiral.

I must say, from my position, as my character watches, it almost seems, by the fifth or sixth loop, that the stallion is losing control of his stunt; and, by the end, I'm pleasantly surprised that he isn't dazed as he pulls out of the last loop. It's a performance I applaud, just as much as the ponies in the audience.

The fifth to come out, not to my surprise, but to my pleasure nonetheless, is Ataahua, who has the number six over her cutie mark. If there's one thing that surprises me about her performance, it's that she seems to manage to incorporate her clumsiness into her dance, putting on something of a tai-kwon-dodo style performance. I find it surprisingly appropriate to the nickname I gave her.

The sixth to emerge is the Fluttershy look-alike I first saw at the cloud-construction room of the weather factory. She has the number five over her cutie mark. She uses clouds to set up an obstacle course, and then races through the obstacles without damaging any of them. And, the whole performance takes less than a minute.

The seventh is a completely green mare with the number ten over her cutie mark. She races around the stadium, then manages to stumble over nothing I can see at the start of her fifth lap, but recovers and completes three more laps before celebrating as though she won first prize in a race.

I guess, since she was the only one racing, for all intents and purposes, she did come in first place. Still, I have to wonder if she was telling the story of a famous pegasus athlete or something like that with her performance.

The eighth, who happens to have the number eight over her cutie mark of three clovers, is a gray pegasus with dark-gray mane and tail. Seeming uncertain at first, nonetheless he jumps and flies upward, disappearing above the platform above my character, and thus not allowing me to see all he does. As near as I can tell, he dives downward to approximately the bottom edge of the stadium, then manages to pull out of the dive, at which point I hear groans of disgust from the audience. I only find out as he's going back through the curtain, and I see the shiny, dark green stain on his backside. I have to wonder if he realized that he messed himself as he was pulling out of his dive.

The ninth, with the number nine over his barbell cutie mark, is none other than Bulk Biceps. How he manages it I can only attribute to video game physics; but, while hovering in the middle of the stadium, he tosses a barbell on one side from one front hoof to the other and back a few times, then, while still holding it in his mouth, flexes for the audience.

The tenth, with the number eleven over her cutie mark, is the elderly mare who'd said she could watch Rarity all day. She comes out with a ball of yarn and, in a matter of two or three minutes, manages to knit a sweater for an adult pony from it.

The eleventh, with the number twelve over his cutie mark of three blue horseshoes, is a yellowish-tan stallion with brown mane and tail. Pretty much all he does is fly around the stadium, shaking hooves with as many mares as he can find that'll shake hooves with him. Not quite so respectable, in my opinion, as the performance of the elderly mare that came before him.

The twelfth, a blue-purple mare with mane and tail of two shades of pink and the number thirteen covering her cutie mark, comes out with a frozen hexagon and, within a minute, sculpts it into a twelve-branched snowflake, with alternating long and short branches radiating from the center, the long branches all the same, and the short branches all the same. An impressive feat, although probably not appropriate to a sports event. Then again, there were at least two others that weren't appropriate to a sports event as well.

The thirteenth, a light-blue stallion with dark blue mane and tail and the number fourteen mostly covering his cutie mark, gathers a bunch of small clouds and combines them into one large cloud, then, with one kick, knocks it out of existence. The process takes all of the one minute he's given, and, while not original, is surprisingly interesting to watch.

Finally, for the fourteenth event, both Rarity and Rainbow Dash emerge from the curtain: Rarity wearing a dress that looks like a purple tiger fish and makeup that, in my opinion anyway, makes her look like a clown; and Rainbow Dash who's only wearing the number fifteen over her cutie mark.

While I hear the ponies talk about how Rarity seems to be doing some kind of fancy dance number to what I recognize as a waltz, my character's focus is on Rainbow Dash, where I want it. And, whereas in the cartoon she emerged looking more timid than Fluttershy, in this game she comes out looking surprisingly confident.

The first part of Rainbow Dash's performance involves her weaving through columns of clouds. And, I must say, she does very well at it. That is, until she runs into the last column and bounces into the edge of the platform where her friends and my character are.

While she three stallion bullies are laughing at her, I say, “It's alright, Rainbow Dash. Remember, you only fail if you give up.”

The azure pegasa smiles and salutes my character, then looks away and says, “Time for phase two.” And, with that, she flies off.

The second part of her performance is to go up to some carefully placed round clouds and circle around them, spinning them around Superman-style. She manages to get five or six spinning that way, until she's knocked away by a piece of one of the clouds, which immediately spins toward the platform immediately above where the group of five are.

I seriously doubt, considering it's a cloud, that it would've caused damage to any spectator it might've hit. The fact that it disappeared when it landed just above Princess Celestia, at least in the episode, is enough of a suggestion of that for me. Still, I'm sure it was not what Rainbow Dash had intended. The worst thing that could've happened doesn't, as Rainbow Dash manages to regain control of her flying. Still, it looks like she's starting to panic.

I call out to her, “It's alright! It's just two mistakes! You can recover!”

Rainbow Dash makes it clear that she heard me, as she turns to me and once again salutes. Now, it's time for the last part of her performance.

In the mean time, I hear Rarity say, “Now for my grand finale. I'll fly up to the sun, and beam my beautiful wings over the whole city of Cloudsdale.” Then, I hear her gasp before she concludes, “Oh, they'll be talking about it for years!”

At this point, I bury my forehead in my hands and ask, “Ugh, Rarity, didn't I warn you about reining in your pride?”

But, at this point, there's really nothing I can do to stop her. From what I remember of the episode, both she and Rainbow Dash rise above the stadium, Rainbow Dash faster and higher than Rarity.

I remove my hands from my forehead just in time to see, through my character's eyes, the white unicorn rise up in front of the sun and say, “Look upon me, Equestria, for I am Rarity!”

Again I hide my forehead in my hands, and this time my face with it, as I say, “You sure are.” And, knowing how things'll turn out, I'm sure whatever the citizens of Cloudsdale will be saying about her, she won't want to hear it.

Then, as I hear Pinkie Pie say, “Uh-oh, twitchy-twitch,” I remove my hands from my face, just in time to see Rarity's butterfly wings disappear in flames and fall away as ashes.

She hovers there just long enough to notice her wings are gone and say, “Uh-oh,” before she plummets through the hole in the middle of the stadium and towards the ground below.

In this game, it isn't the judges that jump to rescue Rarity; it's the three Wonderbolts in the audience. And, they're just as successful in rescuing the falling, panicking white unicorn in the game as the judges were in the cartoon, all three being knocked out by Rarity's flailing.

I hear Pinkie Pie say, “Mormon, do something.”

I have my character turn to her, and I say, “I will. Ki tahi au.”

As the scene freezes, I have my character look out from under the platform above him and focus on the rainbow-haired pegasa, and I say, “Continue,” then call out, “Rainbow Dash, Rarity needs you!”

The azure pegasa stops in mid-air, then, seeing her unicorn friend falling, dives toward her, calling out, “Hold on, Rarity! I'm comin!”

While I hear Fluttershy near my character say, “I can't look,” I, on the other hand, can't help watching, through my character's eyes, as Rainbow Dash dives downward toward the falling ponies.

Then, I notice something interesting happen. And, just because I've seen it done as many times as I've seen this episode, and I've duplicated it successfully in this game, that doesn't make the effect any less exciting for me to watch. And this comes after I see, from the corner of my character's periphery, Pinkie Pie's ears flop, then her knees twitch, and finally her eyes flutter.

Just as in the episode, Rainbow Dash seems to be enveloped in a translucent bullet, which seems to thin into an arrow head. And, Rainbow Dash keeps on going, maintaining her speed, until she breaks through, producing a circular shockwave lit up with flames of red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple, doubly in that order around the inside of the circle.

As the shockwave radiates away from the point where Rainbow Dash broke the sound barrier, I know she manages to catch both Rarity and the falling Wonderbolts before they can hit the ground, then immediately shoots upward to the Cloud-iseum, as I remember Fluttershy calling it, producing a rainbow over the stadium before rising from underneath and coming to a hovering stop just on the edge of the track, where other pegasi come to collect the three Wonderbolts and Rarity, allowing Rainbow Dash to land.

You know, whereas I remember Fluttershy seeming to borrow Pinkie Pie's voice as she cheers for Rainbow Dash, establishing that she did indeed produce a sonic rainboom, I seem to have blocked out that cheer as I watch the event through my character's eyes in the game.

I do remember it's Princess Celestia who dismisses the five in the platform immediately below her to go to that level and meet Rainbow Dash and Rarity as the crowd cheers.

It takes a minute or two to get to their positions[ and once he's there, I have my character hold out his hands to accept charge of Rarity while Twilight Sparkle goes to get her balloon from where she'd left it.

As the two pegasae holding Rarity hand her over to my character, I hear Rainbow Dash say, “You know what, Mormon, you were right about everything!”

A humbled Rarity says, “Yes, Mormon, you were right, about everything.” And, somehow, I get the feeling her crying is sincere as she says, “Oh, I'm so sorry I failed you.”

I answer, “Now, you didn't fail. As long as you learned your lesson, you didn't fail.”

Rarity continues, “Oh, you were right! I should've reined in my pride! And, now my beautiful wings are gone, and I'll never get them back!”

I respond, “Now, you knew your wings were temporary when you first got them, and Twilight told you what they were made of, and that you'd only have them for three days at the most.”

Then I hear Rainbow Dash say, “But, you were right about something else.” As my character turns and focuses on her, she continues, “When I was waiting backstage, I switched my number with others so they could go ahead of me. As encouraging as you were, I was still scared to come out here. But, then there was that little filly that came back crying about having gotten sick and messed and wet herself in front of everypony. I traded numbers with Derpy Hooves so I could stay behind and comfort the filly, and, while I was doing that, I forgot about my worries about doing the sonic rainboom. By the time it was my turn, I wasn't worried at all.

“And, there's one more thing. You may be a lousy cheerer, but you gave me the best words of encouragement I could've gotten out here. And, when you told me Rarity was in trouble, well, her life is more important to me than doing a sonic rainboom. And, strangely enough, I think that helped me the most in actually being able to do one.”

At this point, I speak up and say, “About that. When you broke the sound barrier, the shockwave you produced was outlined with rainbow-colored flames.” I then ask, “Was that the sonic rainboom?” I already know the answer to the question; but still, for Pinkie Pie's benefit, I feel it important to ask.

Rainbow Dash grins as broadly as she can as she answers, “It most certainly was!”

Now, Pinkie Pie says, “So, I guess I have seen a sonic rainboom before, back on the rock farm when I was stuck outside. And, now I've seen another one!”

Rainbow Dash giggles, then says, “So, Mormon, what did you think?”

I answer, “Well, a sonic boom never looked so good.”

Just then, I hear a surprisingly familiar voice next to my character say, “Hi, Rainbow Dash.” My character turns to show me, through his eyes, Ataahua right next to him, as she continues, “I just came to congratulate you on that sonic rainboom. It was beautiful.”

Rainbow Dash chuckles, then says, “Thanks, Derpy.”

I say to the gray pegasa, “You know, Ataahua, you put on a pretty impressive performance, too.”

Rainbow Dash looks at my character, then at Ataahua, then back at my character, and asks, “So, what did she do?”

Ataahua answers, “I just danced around the stadium.”

I state, “And, while Ataahua was dancing, she turned her clumsiness into a strength when she knocked over different things and caught them and put them back, and even bounced off various other things and kept dancing like it was part of the performance.”

I then hear Ataahua say, “But, human.” My character turns to her to show me, through his eyes, a look of sadness on her face, as she says, “That was part of the performance.”

You know, getting that bit of information just makes what I saw of her performance all the better. I tell her, “I didn't mean to hurt your feelings. I was just saying that I liked what I was seeing. And, by the way, you can call me Mormon.”

At that comment, Ataahua smiles as she says, “Well, in that case, thanks, Mormon.” Then she tilts her head as she asks, “But, why do you keep calling me Ataahua?”

At this point, I hear Rainbow Dash state, “I've been wondering that myself.”

I'm not surprised that Rainbow Dash isn't familiar with the nickname I gave the gray, yellow-haired pegasa. But, I can only guess the Derpy Hooves I met back in my second day in the game wasn't the Derpy Hooves I'm meeting right now. In fact, the Derpy Hooves I'm talking with right now may be the same one who was part of that accident a couple days ago when Twilight Sparkle was trying to figure out the Pinkie sense.

I answer, “Ataahua is a Maori word. It means 'beautiful.' I just thought it was an appropriate nickname for you, especially considering that performance you put on in the stadium.”

Ataahua straightens her head, then smiles and says, “Oh. Well, I kinda like it. If you want to call me that, then go ahead.” She then rubs her face against my leg, not unlike a cat, and says, “Thank you, Mormon.”

Just then, I hear Lyra say, “Uh, by the way, Mormon, Twilight's coming with the balloon.”

I have my character turn to Lyra, and I open my mouth to say something. But, I'm interrupted by the shadow of Twilight's balloon, and my character turns to see it land, and Twilight jump out of it.

She then says, “You can put Rarity in the balloon now.”

I have my character nod, then maneuver Rarity so he can put her on her hooves in the balloon.

When the white unicorn is settled in the balloon, she turns to me and says, “Thanks, Mormon.” Then, not giving me a chance to respond, she turns to her friends and says, “I want to apologize to all of you for getting so carried away with my beautiful wings.” She chokes up when she mentions her wings. Then she continues, “I guess I just lost my head.”

Among the words of forgiveness offered by the other element bearers, Pinkie Pie's statement, “We still love you,” sticks out most in my mind. In the episode, she said that without my influence, and her saying that in this video game suggests to me that Pinkie Pie doesn't always need my influence to say the nicest things to her friends. But, my influence doesn't hurt.

Rarity continues, focusing on Rainbow Dash, “And, I'm especially sorry that I was so thoughtless as to jump into the contest at the last minute after you had worked so hard to win it.” She then asks, “Can you ever, ever forgive me?”

Rainbow Dash answers, “Ah, it's okay. Everything turned out alright, right?” And, whereas in the episode she says, “I just wish I could've met the Wonderbolts when they were awake,” in this game, she says, “I guess I didn't need to worry so much about doing a sonic rainboom after all.”

In either case, she doesn't notice, until she's finished talking, the hoof that taps her on the wing of hers that I can see. She turns her head, then the rest of her body, then freezes and gasps.

My character turns to see the source of the hoof, to show me, through his eyes, the six Wonderbolts standing, facing Rainbow Dash. Arranged in an equilateral triangle formation with three in the back row, two in the middle, and one in the front, the six soldier-salute Rainbow Dash.

The one in the front, a mare with, from what I can tell of what's not hidden by her suit, yellow fur, with mane and tail of two shades of orange, looking almost like fire from her head, neck and behind, says, “We want to congratulate you, Rainbow Dash, for saving our team mates.”

Presently, Rainbow Dash says, “Oh my gosh,” and repeats that phrase some four times, each time raising the tone in her voice.

I say, “Yeah, it looks to me like you could use some training in handling a falling pony in full panic mode.”

The three Wonderbolts in the back row, as well as Rarity, lower their heads in shame.

I have my character reach out to Rarity and stroke her neck.

In the mean time, the mare in the front turns to the three in the back and says, “Yeah, we'll work on that as soon as we get back to base camp.”

Just then, I hear Twilight Sparkle say, “Princess.”

And, my character turns to show me, through his eyes, Princess Celestia, with two of her guards, behind him.

As my character turns all the way around to face the daytime alicorn, she says, “Hello, Twilight Sparkle. And, hello to your friends, too.”

Presently, Rarity says, “Princess Celestia, I'm sorry I ruined the competition.” Turning to her pegasa friend, she continues, “Rainbow Dash really is the best flier in Equestria.”

Princess Celestia answers, “I know she is, my dear. That's why, for her incredible acts of bravery, and her spectacular sonic rainboom, I'm awarding the prize for Best Young Flier to this year's winner, Ms. Rainbow Dash.” And, with that, she places a golden, winged tiara on the rainbow-haired pegasa's head.

Immediately on receiving the tiara, Rainbow Dash opens her mouth to speak; but she can only repeat, “Oh my gosh,” several more times, even while three of her friends pick her up and carry her away.

I have my character focus on Princess Celestia, and I smile and say, “Isn't it nice to know that she isn't without something to say?”

Princess Celestia chuckles, then turns to Twilight and asks, “So, Twilight Sparkle, did you learn anything about friendship from this experience?”

Twilight answers, “I did, princess. But, I think Rarity learned even more than me.”

Rarity states, “I certainly did. I learned how important it is to keep your hooves on the ground, and be there for your friends.”

Princess Celestia smiles and says, “Excellent. Well done, Rarity.” She then turns to my character and asks, “And, Mormon, have you learned anything about unicorns from this experience?”

I answer, “Well, one thing I've observed is that unicorns, or at least Rarity, have a tendency to get carried away when they get something they want, and may even forget why they wanted that gift in the first place.” I then have my character turn to Lyra, still next to me, as I ask, “Is that the case with all unicorns?”

The way the pale-green unicorn reacts, I'm guessing I put her on the spot. She looks away from my character and rubs her closest front hoof to him over the other front hoof, and hesitates, “Uh, … well, …”

I have my character turn back to the daytime princess as I continue, “And, there's another thing.”

Princess Celestia blinks and asks, “Yes?”

I say, “A lot of humans, at least in my world, would wonder why you didn't make a move to rescue Rarity. But, I think I understand why you didn't.”

The white alicorn starts to smile again as she asks, “And, why do you think that is?”

I answer, “Well, for one thing, it was Rainbow Dash's time to shine, not yours. While I'm sure you could've rescued Rarity easily enough even while she was panicking, you must've also known that Rainbow Dash would've known what to do.

“And, second of all, I'm guessing there's a rule against ponies in authority showing partiality to a particular competitor in events like this one.”

Princess Celestia responds, “Well, yes, it was Rainbow Dash's 'time to shine,' as you called it. She was, after all, worried about being able to perform a sonic rainboom in front of an audience. But, when her friend was in trouble, she let go of her fear and, in an effort to rescue her friend, did what she feared she couldn't do. And, as a result, she's more confident in her own abilities.”

By this point, I see, from the edge of my character's periphery, that Applejack, Pinkie Pie, and Fluttershy have nearly completed their victory lap around the stadium, carring the still excited Rainbow Dash the whole way. So, I decide not to say anymore.

As the ponies maneuver around behind the balloon, they come to rest on the opposite side of the Wonderbolts from the balloon, and put Rainbow Dash back down on the cloud surface.

Rising up on her hind legs, the blue pegasus shouts, “This really is the best day ever!” and raises her front hooves in victory.

Presently, a familiar stallion's voice says, “Uh, hey, Rainbow Crash,” causing her to fall to all fours again and turn around to find who called her.

Then, as my character turns to show me, through his eyes, the trio of bully stallions, Basket Case nudges his chocolate friend and says, “Dash.”

Taking the correction, Dumb Bell says, “Oh, uh, sorry, Rainbow Dash. We just wanted to congratulate you on winning the competition.”

Rearing up on his hind legs and kicking his front ones some, Basket Case adds, “That sonic rainboom was awesome!”

As Basket Case falls to all fours again, Rainbow Dash says, “Uh, thanks, guys.”

Dumb Bell then says, “Uh, we're sorry we gave you such a hard time before.”

I'm beginning to think that Dumb Bell, at least, isn't such a bad pony after all. And, I hear the flapping of wings behind my character, suggesting that the Wonderbolts have taken off.

Rainbow Dash answers, “Ah, that's okay. Don't worry about it.”

Dumb Bell asks, “Hey, do you wanna hang out with us?” He adds, “Maybe you could show us how you did that incredible trick.”

Rainbow Dash flies off toward the team of six pegasi as she says, “Sorry, boys. But, I've got plans.”

You know, as frequently as I've watched the episode, I've wondered, why, as Rainbow Dash flies off with the two stallion Wonderbolts, does the scene end with the first five notes of the Simpsons theme?

Well, whether I get the answer to that question or not, one thing's clear now. It's time for the rest of the group to head to their homes. While Fluttershy hovers next to the balloon, the rest climb into the basket. Then, all salute Princess Celestia farewell, and Twilight drives the balloon back to Ponyville, landing it behind the library.

But, the group seems to include one more pegasa.

As my character gets out of the basket, Ataahua approaches him and says, “I just wanted to thank you again for the compliment.”

All I can think to say in response is, “You're welcome.”

Then, Pinkie Pie asks, “So, Derpy, we have readings on the other side of the Everfree forest, where Mormon lives. Would you like to come with us and join in?”

To me, anyway, the gray pegasa's hum suggests interest in Pinkie Pie's proposition. Then, she says, “Maybe some time later. I've seen how many ponies go to the reading, and it looks crowded. Maybe some day I will join in. But, not now.” And, with that, she salutes both Pinkie Pie and my character, then turns and flies off.

As, through my character's eyes, I watch the pegasa fly away, I hear Pinkie Pie say, “Well, it was worth a shot anyway.” Then, as my character looks down at her, she asks, “So, what do you wanna do next?”

I answer, “Well, I suppose the first thing we need to do is pick up Weed Whacker. I wonder how she and Spike are doing with the library clean up.”

Applejack says, “I'd better get back to the farm, make sure Big Mac hasn't hurt himself again.” And, she heads off toward Sweet Apple Acres.

Rarity says, “Well, I best be heading to the boutique to see how things are there. Who knows what Sweetie Belle and her friends have gotten themselves into?” And, she heads off to Carousel Boutique.

Fluttershy says, “I need to get back to my cottage and see how my critters are doing.” And, she flies off toward the Everfree forest.

Seeing her friends get back to their businesses, Twilight turns to my character and Pinkie Pie and says, “Well, I guess Mormon's right about one thing. We need to find out if Spike and Weed Whacker have finished putting away the books yet.” And, she leads my character, Pinkie Pie, and Lyra around to the front of, then into, the library.

Once inside, sure enough, all the books and scrolls have been put back in place on the shelves. Spike and Weed Whacker made good use of their time. But, I don't see them in the main room of the library.

I'm guessing it's Lyra who uses her magic to close the door behind my character.

Twilight, still in the lead, says, “Spike and Weed Whacker are most likely in the kitchen right now. Just follow me.” And, with that, she leads the group to and into the kitchen, where, sure enough, Spike and Weed Whacker are having a snack together: Spike having a bowl full of gems, and Weed Whacker having a salad.

Spike, with the perfect vantage point to the door, and seeing the purple unicorn, says, “Twilight! Did you have a good trip?”

Presently, Weed Whacker, facing away from the door the group entered, turns to the group and calls out, “Mormon! Lyra! Pinkie Pie!” and jumps off her chair and runs to Lyra.

Smiling and strolling further into the kitchen, Twilight answers, “We sure did. Rainbow Dash won first prize. She managed to pull off a sonic rainboom and saved Rarity from herself.”

For the time Twilight was talking, Weed Whacker and Lyra have been nuzzling each other. They pull away from each other, and Weed Whacker says, “Well, it's good to see you back. So, I guess we're heading back to your home, Mormon?”

I answer, “I suppose, after we visit the Cakes at the clinic.”

And, that's when I hear Twilight say, “Well then, go on ahead. Weed Whacker and Spike did a good job cleaning up all the books.”

I hear Weed Whacker say, “Thanks, Twilight.”

So, Pinkie Pie, Lyra, Weed Whacker, and my character make their way out of the library and head over to the clinic to visit the Cakes and see how they're doing.

The group gets to the clinic in time to meet Mr. Cake, who seems to be returning after having visited somewhere else.

It's Pinkie Pie who says, “Mr. Cake, it's nice to meet you.”

The orange stallion turns to her and says, “Oh, Pinkie Pie. It's nice to see you, too.”

Pinkie continues, “We just came by to see how you and Mrs. Cake are doing.”

Mr. Cake says, “Well, that's very nice of you. I just got back from checking up on Sugar Cube Corner. No line of customers this time. And, the place looks nice and clean. You did a good job yesterday. Thanks. And, by the way, Mrs. Cake and I are doing just fine.”

I state, “Well, that's good to hear.”

Then, Lyra asks, “So, when is Mrs. Cake expected to foal?”

Mr. Cake answers, “Most likely in the next few days. Dr. Horse says Cup is doing really healthy, and we can look forward to two healthy foals.”

The news about the foals doesn't surprise me, but it does seem to surprise Pinkie Pie, Weed Whacker, and Lyra.

The group talks for a few more minutes until Mr. Cake decides he needs to go back inside and get back to attending to his wife.

The group of four head out of Ponyville, then back to the Everfree forest and on to my character's house.

There, Carrot Top and Berry Punch come to meet them from the garden and vineyard.

Carrot Top asks, “So, we gather things went well?”

I open my mouth to answer; but it's Pinkie Pie who, after taking a deep, noisy breath, says, “It sure did. It didn't start that good, because Mormon made Rainbow Dash think he's a lousy cheerer. Then, we headed over to the library and helped Twilight put the books away. Then, Dashy flew through the window and knocked me into the bookcase, and all the books fell off of the shelves again. Then, she told us that she was going to compete in the Best Young Fliers' Competition, and Fluttershy said that Dashy couldn't do a sonic rainboom. Then, Rarity told Twilight to find a spell that'd get us flightless ponies into Cloudsdale so we could support Dashy. Then, Rarity got wings, and Lyra taught Twilight a traction spell, and Twily modified it so us ponies could walk on clouds.”

At this point, Pinkie Pie takes another deep breath before continuing, “Mormon has a cheat that allows him to walk on clouds, and so all of us were able to go to Cloudsdale to cheer on Dashy. But, then Rarity got obsessed with her wings, and Dashy got so, so scared of losing the competition. Mormon warned Rarity that she needed to rein in her pride, or she'd fall like the building in Lehi's dream, and told Dashy that she'd do a sonic rainboom when it wasn't the most important thing. Well, as it turns out, everything Mormon said came true. Dashy and Rarity had the last performance, and they did theirs at the same time. Then, Rarity flew too close to the sun and lost her wings, and Dashy did a sonic rainboom saving Rarity and three Wonderbolts she'd knocked silly. Now, Rainbow Dash is spending time with the Wonderbolts because she's the best young flier now.” That being the end of her story, Pinkie Pie proceeds to collapse and pant.

Well, it's clear what impact the experience had on Pinkie Pie. It's been a memorable event for all of us.

Berry Punch says, “Well, it sounds like you had quite the adventure.”

Lyra responds, “That's for sure. What Pinkie Pie didn't mention is that during their joint performances, when Rarity was falling, Mormon called out to Rainbow Dash and told her Rarity needed her help. Also, before then, as we were heading to the weather factory to take a tour, Mormon Pinkie-promised Rarity that he wouldn't be the one that'd take away her wings.”

So, now it's evident what impact the experience had on Lyra.

Weed Whacker says, “I stayed behind with Spike at the library, and helped him clean up books. Unlike pegasi, even winged dragons can't walk on clouds. And, neither Spike nor me wanted to get hit with a spell that'd let us walk on them.”

Carrot Top focuses on my character and asks, “So, Mormon, how did you know those things were going to happen to Rainbow Dash and Rarity?”

I answer, “I have a good source for my information.”

Berry Punch grunts and says, “We should've guessed that'd be your answer.”

I have my character open the front gate and allow the other three to enter ahead of him, then follow them inside, then close the gate behind him, before I ask, “So, how've things been going around here?”

Carrot Top answers, “Nothing as exciting as your adventure. Just the usual gardening.”

Berry Punch looks up into the sky, then says, “On that subject, we should probably start gathering fruits and vegetables for the reading this evening.”

Carrot Top nods and says, “In that case, I'll head out to the vegetable garden.”

Weed Whacker says, “I'll go with you.”

As Carrot Top and Weed Whacker head in that direction, Berry Punch says, “I'll head out to the vineyard.”

Lyra turns to the red-purple earth pony and says, “I'll go with you and help.”

As Berry Punch and Lyra head toward the vineyard, I have my character turn to Pinkie Pie, and I say, “I guess that leaves us with orchard duty.”

By this point, Pinkie Pie has caught her breath. She gets back up on her hooves and says, “Okie dokie lokie. As soon as we're in the orchard, I'll get Diane.”

And, with that, the pink earth pony and my character head to the orchard. And, as soon as my character has climbed over the fence and Pinkie Pie has jumped over it, I notice, through my character's perspective, that Pinkie Pie's mane and tail immediately straighten, and her mane falls to one side of her head.

Diane then looks up at my character and says, pointing to the closest tree. “I'll go ahead and buck apples out of this tree, and you can collect them.”

I have my character nod in agreement, after which he follows Diane Pie to the tree she pointed to, and Diane proceeds to kick the tree with her hind legs.

To her credit, twelve apples fall out of the tree; and my character gathers them up.

While in the orchard, the two also harvest a few pears and peaches. Then, after that, while my character holds the harvested fruits, Diane hands control of Pinkie back over to Pinkamena, indicated by her mane and tail immediately curling again. Then, she bounces over the fence and waits and encourages my character to toss her some of the fruits he's holding.

To the pink party pony's credit, she manages to catch the fruits thrown to her in her mane and tail.

Once it's clear my character has just enough fruits that he can get over the fence without dropping any, he does so; and he and Pinkie Pie head back to the house.

In fact, everyone meets there, and my character opens the door to allow the others to enter first, after which he enters and closes the door behind him.

Pinkie Pie leads the way to the kitchen door, where, to my surprise, she uses the curl in her forehead to grab the nob and open the door, allowing the rest of the group to enter behind her. And, my character, the last to enter the kitchen, closes the door behind them.

Similar to a previous arrangement, Weed Whacker takes charge of cleaning the harvested fruits and vegetables, which I hand out to Carrot Top, Berry Punch, or Lyra for them to slice up; then they hand the pieces of fruit and vegetables to Pinkie Pie so she can put them on the platter provided for her. And, once again, the arrangement resembles a crown of sorts.

The entire process takes maybe half an hour, after which the question comes up which of us should take our bath or shower first. By vote, it's decided that Pinkie Pie and my character should shower first, my character in the bathroom closest to his room, and Pinkie Pie in the other one. The next two should be Weed Whacker in the bathroom closest to her room, and Carrot Top in the bathroom closest to hers. And, that leaves Lyra and Berry Punch, each in the bathroom closest to their rooms.

Pinkie Pie and my character, as it turns out, are finished just in time for the first guests to arrive; and, while Weed Whacker and Carrot Top take their showers, Pinkie Pie goes out and greets guests. And, my character carries the platter out about the time that Lyra and Berry Punch are heading to the bathrooms to take their showers.

By the time my character makes it out there and places the tray, I see, through his eyes, quite a lot of ponies talking, including, to my pleasant surprise, Drum Roll, Lotta Pipes, and Sweet Tones. Seeing those newcomers, I have my character go back inside and get three more copies of the Book of Mormon from the closet, then take them to the three friends of Vinyl Scratch.

When my character is just out the door, Pinkie Pie intercepts, taking the books from him and delivering them to the three newcomers. This doesn't surprise me, nor does it surprise me to see Rainbow Dash absent from the group, considering she's likely taking full advantage of her prize for winning the Best Young Fliers' competition. But, now, the ponies and dragons are forming a circle around the fruit tray, preparing for the reading.

It's Carrot Top that announces, “We still need to wait for Lyra and Berry to finish with their showers. When they've come out, then we'll begin the reading.”

At that moment, I decide to have my character go back inside and see if the two ponies are out of the shower yet. And, he goes inside and takes a few steps into the front room and turns to show me, through his eyes. a dripping-wet Berry Punch in the hallway, just out of the bathroom.

The two just stand there and stare at each other for a second or two before Berry Punch screams and runs back into the bathroom. Not exactly the best of circumstances, but I figure there's one thing my character can do to rectify the situation.

Under my directions, he heads to the closet closest to the bathroom where Berry Punch is hiding, gets a dry towel from it, then turns to and knocks on the bathroom door; and I say, “I'm sorry about what happened. I know how important it is to you ponies to be seen at your best. I just came in to see if you and Lyra were ready for the reading.” At this point, I have my character put the towel at the door so Berry Punch can reach out and grab it, and I add, “Here's the towel for you. I'm leaving it here at the door.” I then have my character head back to the front room.

As my character enters the front room, the front door and the kitchen door open at the same time.

From the outside Carrot Top enters, while Lyra sticks her head into the front room from the kitchen. Simultaneously, the two ask, “Is everything alright?”

I answer, “Everything's fine. I just accidentally caught Berry Punch at a less-than-ideal moment.”

Lyra asks, “What happened? You didn't see her soaked, did you?”

I slowly answer the pale-green unicorn, “Well, as a matter of fact, …”

I don't have to say anymore, as it's clear to Lyra and Carrot Top what happened.

Carrot Top gallops to the door to the bathroom to check up on her friend.

Lyra, who I happen to notice is dripping water from her head onto the floor, asks, “Did you tell Berry Punch that you're sorry?”

I answer, “I did, in fact. And, I put a towel on the floor next to the door so she could grab it.” I then have my character turn to where Carrot Top has stopped at the door, and, seeing her pick the towel up, I add, “I'm guessing Carrot Top's gonna take it in to her.”

I hear Lyra say, “I'll be back in a minute, and hopefully Berry Punch'll be out as well.” I then hear what I'm guessing is the kitchen door close.

My character turns to the kitchen to show me, through his eyes, that the door is indeed closed.

While I wait for the three ponies to join my character in the front room, I decide to have him sit on the couch where he can see them enter, the one facing the kitchen door.

As it turns out, like Lyra said, it's a minute after she closed the kitchen door before she comes back through it again. A second later I hear a squishing sound, then I hear Lyra gasp and say, “Oh, sorry about that. I'll get the towel I used on myself and dry this up.”

I decide not to say anything.

By the time Lyra's finished, Carrot Top, followed by Berry Punch, walks into the front room and takes a position on the other couch.

Just a few seconds afterwards, Lyra also comes in and takes a position on the couch where my character's sitting, approximately next to him, then turns to the two earth ponies and says, “I heard Mormon said he was sorry for seeing you in a less-than-ideal moment?”

Berry Punch answers, “Yes, he did.”

Lyra continues, “So, everything's alright, then?”

Berry Punch focuses on my character for a moment, then turns to Lyra and says, “Yes, everything's fine now.”

At this point, I say, “Good. Because, our guests are in a circle out on the lawn right now, ready to begin the reading for tonight.”

Now, Carrot Top says, indicating her and Berry Punch, “Well, in that case, we'd better get our books and join you outside.” And, with that, they jump off the couch and head to their room.

Now, I hear Lyra say, “I must say, I'm pleasantly surprised by you.” As my character turns to her, she asks, “How did you know about how we like to be seen only at our best?” Then, she puts a front hoof on my character's hand and says, “No, never mind. Knowing you, you'll say you have a good source for your information.”

I smile and say, “That's right.”

And, it's only taken our brief exchange for the two earth pony friends to get their books and join my character and Lyra in the front room again.

Before they can say anything, Pinkie Pie appears in the doorway and says, “Well, you four better get out here. The crowd's getting restless.”

I have my character stand up and walk toward the door; and Carrot Top, Berry Punch, and Lyra follow him. Then, my character lingers at the door while the three ponies exit and start making their way down the stairs, and he closes the door behind the four of them.

When the five take their places in the circle, I ask, “Do I have a volunteer to give a summary about what we've read so far?”

Berry Ground rises and says, “While we were waiting, I already offered a summary of what we've read. I hope you don't mind. “

I answer, “Well, as long as the newcomers to the reading are up-to-date on the story, that's perfectly fine with me.” I then have my character turn to Vinyl Scratch's friends, and I say, “We're starting with chapter fifteen of the Second Book of Nephi. Would any of you like to start the reading?”

Drum Roll says, “I'll start.” She then looks down and reads, “And then will I sing to my well-beloved a song of my beloved, touching his vineyard. My well-beloved hath a vineyard in a very fruitful hill.” She then looks up and says, “I didn't think this chapter was going to start with a love song.” Then, she turns to Sweet Tones and says, “You read the next verse.”

Sweet Tones nods, then looks down and reads, “And he fenced it, and gathered out the stones thereof, and planted it with the choicest vine, and built a tower in the midst of it, and also made a wine-press therein; and he looked that it should bring forth grapes, and it brought forth wild grapes.”

Next, Vinyl Scratch reads, “And now, O inhabitants of Jerusalem, and men of Judah, judge, I pray you, betwixt me and my vineyard.”

Octavia reads, “What could have been done more to my vineyard that I have not done in it? Wherefore, when I looked that it should bring forth grapes it brought forth wild grapes.”

Colgate reads, “And now go to; I will tell you what I will do to my vineyard—I will take away the hedge thereof, and it shall be eaten up; and I will break down the wall thereof, and it shall be trodden down;”

Bon-Bon reads, “And I will lay it waste; it shall not be pruned nor digged; but there shall come up briers and thorns; I will also command the clouds that they rain no rain upon it.”

Lyra reads, “For the vineyard of the Lord of Hosts is the house of Israel, and the men of Judah his pleasant plant; and he looked for judgment, and behold, oppression; for righteousness, but behold, a cry.”

Weed Whacker reads, “Wo unto them that join house to house, till there can be no place, that they may be placed alone in the midst of the earth!”

I read, “In mine ears, said the Lord of Hosts, of a truth many houses shall be desolate, and great and fair cities without inhabitant.”

Mayor Mare reads, “Yea, ten acres of vineyard shall yield one bath, and the seed of a homer shall yield an ephah.”

Zecora reads, “Wo unto them that rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink, that continue until night, and wine inflame them!”

Princess Luna reads, “And the harp, and the viol, the tabret, and pipe, and wine are in their feasts; but they regard not the work of the Lord, neither consider the operation of his hands.”

Princess Celestia reads, “Therefore, my people are gone into captivity, because they have no knowledge; and their honorable men are famished, and their multitude dried up with thirst.”

Twilight Sparkle reads, “Therefore, hell hath enlarged herself, and opened her mouth without measure; and their glory, and their multitude, and their pomp, and he that rejoiceth, shall descend into it.”

Spike reads, “And the mean man shall be brought down, and the mighty man shall be humbled, and the eyes of the lofty shall be humbled.”

Rarity reads, “But the Lord of Hosts shall be exalted in judgment, and God that is holy shall be sanctified in righteousness.”

Rarity's father reads, “Then shall the lambs feed after their manner, and the waste places of the fat ones shall strangers eat.”

Rarity's mother reads, “Wo unto them that draw iniquity with cords of vanity, and sin as it were with a cart rope;”

Fluttershy reads, “That say: Let him make speed, hasten his work, that we may see it; and let the counsel of the Holy One of Israel draw nigh and come, that we may know it.”

Applejack reads, “Wo unto them that call evil good, and good evil, that put darkness for light, and light for darkness, that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!”

Applebloom reads, “Wo unto the wise in their own eyes and prudent in their own sight!”

Big MacIntosh reads, “Wo unto the mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink;”

Granny Smith reads, “Who justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him!”

Pinkie Pie reads, “Therefore, as the fire devoureth the stubble, and the flame consumeth the chaff, their root shall be rottenness, and their blossoms shall go up as dust; because they have cast away the law of the Lord of Hosts, and despised the word of the Holy One of Israel.”

Warm Heart reads, “Therefore, is the anger of the Lord kindled against his people, and he hath stretched forth his hand against them, and hath smitten them; and the hills did tremble, and their carcasses were torn in the midst of the streets. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still.”

Snips reads, “And he will lift up an ensign to the nations from far, and will hiss unto them from the end of the earth; and behold, they shall come with speed swiftly; none shall be weary nor stumble among them.”

Snails reads, “None shall slumber nor sleep; neither shall the girdle of their loins be loosed, nor the latchet of their shoes be broken;”

Cold Hands reads, “Whose arrows shall be sharp, and all their bows bent, and their horses’ hoofs shall be counted like flint, and their wheels like a whirlwind, their roaring like a lion.”

Hoity Toity's servant reads, “They shall roar like young lions; yea, they shall roar, and lay hold of the prey, and shall carry away safe, and none shall deliver.”

Hoity Toity reads, “And in that day they shall roar against them like the roaring of the sea; and if they look unto the land, behold, darkness and sorrow, and the light is darkened in the heavens thereof.”

At this point, Berry Ground looks at my character for confirmation, and I have him nod in response. Then, Berry Ground smiles, then looks down again and reads, “In the year that king Uzziah died, I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple.”

Stunts reads, “Above it stood the seraphim; each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly.”

Emerald Hill reads, “And one cried unto another, and said: Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of Hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory.”

Namby Pamby reads, “And the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke.”

Twist reads, “Then said I: Wo is unto me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips; and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of Hosts.”

Scootaloo reads, “Then flew one of the seraphim unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar;”

Sweetie Belle reads, “And he laid it upon my mouth, and said: Lo, this has touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged.”

Cheerilee reads, “Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then I said: Here am I; send me.”

Silver Spoon reads, “And he said: Go and tell this people—Hear ye indeed, but they understood not; and see ye indeed, but they perceived not.”

Filthy Rich reads, “Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes—lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and be converted and be healed.”

Diamond Tiara reads, “Then said I: Lord, how long? And he said: Until the cities be wasted without inhabitant, and the houses without man, and the land be utterly desolate;”

Carrot Top reads, “And the Lord have removed men far away, for there shall be a great forsaking in the midst of the land.”

Berry Punch reads, “But yet there shall be a tenth, and they shall return, and shall be eaten, as a teil tree, and as an oak whose substance is in them when they cast their leaves; so the holy seed shall be the substance thereof.”

Lotta Pipes reads, “And it came to pass in the days of Ahaz the son of Jotham, the son of Uzziah, king of Judah, that Rezin, king of Syria, and Pekah the son of Remaliah, king of Israel, went up toward Jerusalem to war against it, but could not prevail against it.” He then looks up at my character and says, “I assumed it was alright for me to start chapter seventeen?”

I answer, “That was perfectly fine.” I then have my character focus on Drum Roll, and I say, “And, you can go ahead and read the second verse.”

After nodding and vocalizing agreement, Drum Roll reads, “And it was told the house of David, saying: Syria is confederate with Ephraim. And his heart was moved, and the heart of his people, as the trees of the wood are moved with the wind.”

Sweet Tones reads, “Then said the Lord unto Isaiah: Go forth now to meet Ahaz, thou and Shearjashub thy son, at the end of the conduit of the upper pool in the highway of the fuller’s field;”

Vinyl Scratch reads, “And say unto him: Take heed, and be quiet; fear not, neither be faint-hearted for the two tails of these smoking firebrands, for the fierce anger of Rezin with Syria, and of the son of Remaliah.”

Octavia reads, “Because Syria, Ephraim, and the son of Remaliah, have taken evil counsel against thee, saying:”

Colgate reads, “Let us go up against Judah and vex it, and let us make a breach therein for us, and set a king in the midst of it, yea, the son of Tabeal.”

Bon-Bon reads, “Thus saith the Lord God: It shall not stand, neither shall it come to pass.”

Lyra reads, “For the head of Syria is Damascus, and the head of Damascus, Rezin; and within threescore and five years shall Ephraim be broken that it be not a people.”

Weed Whacker reads, “And the head of Ephraim is Samaria, and the head of Samaria is Remaliah’s son. If ye will not believe surely ye shall not be established.”

I read, “Moreover, the Lord spake again unto Ahaz, saying:”

Mayor Mare reads, “Ask thee a sign of the Lord thy God; ask it either in the depths, or in the heights above.”

Zecora reads, “But Ahaz said: I will not ask, neither will I tempt the Lord.”

Princess Luna reads, “And he said: Hear ye now, O house of David; is it a small thing for you to weary men, but will ye weary my God also?”

Princess Celestia reads, “Therefore, the Lord himself shall give you a sign—Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and shall bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.”

Twilight Sparkle reads, “Butter and honey shall he eat, that he may know to refuse the evil and to choose the good.”

Spike reads, “For before the child shall know to refuse the evil and choose the good, the land that thou abhorrest shall be forsaken of both her kings.”

Rarity reads, “The Lord shall bring upon thee, and upon thy people, and upon thy father’s house, days that have not come from the day that Ephraim departed from Judah, the king of Assyria.”

Rarity's father reads, “And it shall come to pass in that day that the Lord shall hiss for the fly that is in the uttermost part of Egypt, and for the bee that is in the land of Assyria.”

Rarity's mother reads, “And they shall come, and shall rest all of them in the desolate valleys, and in the holes of the rocks, and upon all thorns, and upon all bushes.”

Fluttershy reads, “In the same day shall the Lord shave with a razor that is hired, by them beyond the river, by the king of Assyria, the head, and the hair of the feet; and it shall also consume the beard.”

Applejack reads, “And it shall come to pass in that day, a man shall nourish a young cow and two sheep;”

Applebloom reads, “And it shall come to pass, for the abundance of milk they shall give he shall eat butter; for butter and honey shall every one eat that is left in the land.”

Big MacIntosh reads, “And it shall come to pass in that day, every place shall be, where there were a thousand vines at a thousand silverlings, which shall be for briers and thorns.”

Granny Smith reads, “With arrows and with bows shall men come thither, because all the land shall become briers and thorns.”

Pinkie Pie reads, “And all hills that shall be digged with the mattock, there shall not come thither the fear of briers and thorns; but it shall be for the sending forth of oxen, and the treading of lesser cattle.”

At this point, I have my character turn to Warm Heart, and I say to her, “Go ahead and start reading chapter eighteen.”

At my encouragement Warm Heart smiles and nods, then looks down and reads, “Moreover, the word of the Lord said unto me: Take thee a great roll, and write in it with a man’s pen, concerning Maher-shalal-hash-baz.”

Snips reads, “And I took unto me faithful witnesses to record, Uriah the priest, and Zechariah the son of Jeberechiah.”

Snails reads, “And I went unto the prophetess; and she conceived and bare a son. Then said the Lord to me: Call his name, Maher-shalal-hash-baz.”

Cold Hands reads, “For behold, the child shall not have knowledge to cry, My father, and my mother, before the riches of Damascus and the spoil of Samaria shall be taken away before the king of Assyria.”

Hoity Toity's servant reads, “The Lord spake also unto me again, saying:”

Hoity Toity reads, “Forasmuch as this people refuseth the waters of Shiloah that go softly, and rejoice in Rezin and Remaliah’s son;”

Berry Ground reads, “Now therefore, behold, the Lord bringeth up upon them the waters of the river, strong and many, even the king of Assyria and all his glory; and he shall come up over all his channels, and go over all his banks.”

Stunts reads, “And he shall pass through Judah; he shall overflow and go over, he shall reach even to the neck; and the stretching out of his wings shall fill the breadth of thy land, O Immanuel.”

Emerald Hill reads, “Associate yourselves, O ye people, and ye shall be broken in pieces; and give ear all ye of far countries; gird yourselves, and ye shall be broken in pieces; gird yourselves, and ye shall be broken in pieces.”

Namby Pamby reads, “Take counsel together, and it shall come to naught; speak the word, and it shall not stand; for God is with us.”

Twist reads, “For the Lord spake thus to me with a strong hand, and instructed me that I should not walk in the way of this people, saying:”

Scootaloo reads, “Say ye not, A confederacy, to all to whom this people shall say, A confederacy; neither fear ye their fear, nor be afraid.”

Sweetie Belle reads, “Sanctify the Lord of Hosts himself, and let him be your fear, and let him be your dread.”

Cheerilee reads, “And he shall be for a sanctuary; but for a stone of stumbling, and for a rock of offense to both the houses of Israel, for a gin and a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem.”

Silver Spoon reads, “And many among them shall stumble and fall, and be broken, and be snared, and be taken.”

Filthy Rich reads, “Bind up the testimony, seal the law among my disciples.”

Diamond Tiara reads, “And I will wait upon the Lord, that hideth his face from the house of Jacob, and I will look for him.”

Carrot Top reads, “Behold, I and the children whom the Lord hath given me are for signs and for wonders in Israel from the Lord of Hosts, which dwelleth in Mount Zion.”

Berry Punch reads, “And when they shall say unto you: Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep and mutter—should not a people seek unto their God for the living to hear from the dead?”

Lotta Pipes reads, “To the law and to the testimony; and if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.”

Drum Roll reads, “And they shall pass through it hardly bestead and hungry; and it shall come to pass that when they shall be hungry, they shall fret themselves, and curse their king and their God, and look upward.”

Sweet Tones reads, “And they shall look unto the earth and behold trouble, and darkness, dimness of anguish, and shall be driven to darkness.”

At this point I have my character stand up, and I say, “And, I think that should be all for tonight. Thanks for coming. Tomorrow we'll begin the reading with chapter nineteen. Until then, I hope you have a safe trip to your homes.”

As the members of the circle rise, among them the three friends of Vinyl Scratch rise and approach my character.

I ask them, “So, did you enjoy the reading?”

Drum Roll answers, “Well, I know I did.”

The other two voice agreement.

I open my mouth to speak, but it's Vinyl's voice that I hear say, “I'm happy to hear that.” As my character closes his mouth again and focuses on the white, blue-haired unicorn, she asks, “So, does that mean you'll be coming back?”

Sweet Tones turns to her and answers, “We came here to keep the promise we made to Pinkie Pie. But, since we did enjoy reading, yes, we will come back again, tomorrow.”

At this point, I say, “I'm pleased to hear that.” As my character divides his attention among the four of them, I continue, “I've already let you know where in the book tomorrow's reading will begin. You can go ahead and read that chapter in preparation for the reading, and even read further ahead than that. You may also want to start from the first chapter of the First Book of Nephi, so you can catch up with the rest of the group. Basically, you may read wherever you want in the Book of Mormon.”

Drum Roll smiles at my character and says, “Thanks. We might just do that.” And, with that, she leads the musical trio toward the front gate and joins, with the other two, the rest of the group leaving my character's property.

Vinyl Scratch lingers just long enough to say, “I guess that means you have more regular readers in your group.” Not waiting for a response, she turns and joins her friend, Octavia, in the line out of the front gate.

I hear Carrot Top's voice, next, say, “I missed seeing Rainbow Dash. Where is she?”

My character turns to focus on her, and I answer, “You remember when Pinkie Pie and Lyra told you about how Rainbow Dash won that Best Young Fliers' competition?”

Carrot Top answers, “Yeah. So, what about it?”

I say, “Well, one of her prizes for winning that competition was spending a day with the Wonderbolts.”

Now, Carrot Top's ears perk up, her eyes widen, and she says, “Oh, that's right.” Then she relaxes again, and says, “I guess when she comes back from that she's gonna need to catch up on her reading.”

I respond, “I suppose so.”

It takes a minute or so for the princesses and Hoity Toity and his servant to gather together before they teleport out, and for the other ponies that aren't living with my character, as well as Spike, to exit his property and head back into the forest on their way back to Ponyville.

After that, the six that remain take the now empty platter into the house, and my character cleans it. After that, the six head out and harvest more fruits and vegetables, then head inside and prepare and have them for dinner. After that, they separate to their bedrooms. Or, most do.

I don't realize until she says something that Pinkie Pie's followed my character. As he opens the door to his room, I hear Pinkie Pie say, “Mormon, wait. If you'll let me, I have a few questions I want to ask you about in your room.”

I have my character stand inside the doorway and hold the door open for the pink earth pony as she enters, then close the door behind her. After that, as I watch, through my character's eyes, the pink earth pony jump up on his bed, I ask, “Is there something the matter, Pinkie?”

The pink earth pony turns to my character, settles into a sphinx-style position, and answers, “I do have a few questions, like I said.”

I have my character walk to his bed and sit on it next to the pink earth mare, and, having him stroke her on the side of her neck, I ask, “So, what are they?”

Pinkie Pie looks up at my character and says, “First of all, during that competition in Cloudsdale, before Rarity started falling, my tail started twitchin'. Then, when Rainbow Dash dove down to catch Rarity and those Wonderbolts, just before she did that sonic rainboom, my ears flopped, then my knees twitched, then my eyes fluttered. I was just wondering, in the episode based on that event, I wasn't shown doing those things, was I?”

I'm not sure what I can attribute this question to, although I did watch the episode, 'Sonic Rainboom,' before I continued the game this time. I answer, “No, you weren't.”

Pinkie Pie asks, “So, why did you have me doing those things in this game?”

I answer, “Those are some of the ways Diane communicates with you. The twitching tail is her way of telling you that something or someone is about to fall, and someone could get hurt. And, it makes sense to me that you'd get that warning just before your friend Rarity fell.

“Then, the ear flop, knee twitch, then eye flutter is her way of informing you that the sky is going to be graced by a beautiful rainbow, isn't that right?”

Pinkie Pie answers, “That is true. And, the sonic rainboom and the rainbow she produced afterwards were beautiful.” Then, after a momentary pause to think about what I said, she concludes, “So, that demonstration of my Pinkie sense was just for continuity's sake?”

I answer, “Pretty much so, yes.” My character now stops stroking Pinkie Pie's neck, just before I ask, “So, do you have any more questions?”

Pinkie Pie answers, “Just one about something we read this evening.”

I ask, “What's that?”

Pinkie answers, “First of all, I'll make the assumption that the Lord was speaking to Ahaz through Isaiah.” Not waiting for an answer, she continues, “He ordered Ahaz to ask for a sign from him, and Ahaz said he wasn't going to tempt the Lord. Is it normally the case that asking for a sign from God is, as Ahaz suggested, tempting Him?”

I answer, “In the scriptures, there are people who say they won't believe until they get a sign from God that He exists. That kind of faithless request is the kind of test that gets those individuals in a lot of trouble, and there are cases where such a request has led to at least one individual getting struck with something, and eventually dying from it.

“Then, there are other signs requested as an affirmative answer to a prayer, where the one praying, frequently a prophet, exercises faith by placing some type of object and inviting some kind of divine intervention on that object. Those prayers of faith are the kinds that are answered with blessings.”

Pinkie Pie pauses for a moment to process what I said, then says, “So, Ahaz was questioning his own faith, is that it?”

I answer, “I don't know if it was necessarily that. I have to wonder if God saw that Ahaz was in need of something, and wanted Ahaz to ask Him for it. In the mean time, Ahaz may have been thinking that a request for a sign was an assumption of a lack of faith, and he was going to bring a curse on himself by making such a request. Thus seeing it only in that way, Ahaz refused; and his disobedience on this matter just made things worse for him.”

Pinkie Pie continues, “And, he was given a sign anyway.” Again not waiting for an answer, she continues, “If he'd understood the invitation, what do you think Ahaz could've done to make the best of it?”

I pause to think about Pinkie's question for a moment, then answer, “Well, I suppose he could've gone to his family and asked them if there was anything they might've needed. Of course, on the other hand, his kingdom was already in trouble. He might've asked God for further guidance, or assistance otherwise, in the problems he was having. He could easily have asked for a sign in faith, and it would've been answered, and he would've been blessed for it.”

Pinkie Pie looks away for a moment, then turns back to my character, to me, and asks, “About this child, Immanuel, who was going to learn to choose good over evil by eating butter and honey, was Isaiah talking about the Christ?”

I answer, “Yes, he was.”

Pinkie Pie smiles and says, “I thought as much.” She then rises and jumps off my character's bed, then walks to the door, before turning and saying, “Thanks. That's all the questions I had for tonight.”

As I watch, through my character's eyes, the pink earth pony open the door, I respond, “I'm glad I could help. Don't be afraid to come to me with any more questions you may have.”

Pinkie Pie just turns and smiles at my character before leaving and closing the door once she's outside.

You know, I think it's about then that the significance of Pinkie Pie's cutie mark dawns on me. Hopefully I'll get the chance to discuss it with her in the near future. In the mean time, I have other things to do. The significance of the pink earth pony's cutie mark can wait until our next meeting.

My letter to the princesses is basically a review of what I reported to Princess Celestia at the end of the Best Young Fliers' competition, more for Princess Luna's benefit than anything else. After delivering the letter to Weed Whacker to send to them, I have my character to go bed.

As with all the episode-based days to date, this one has been an enjoyable exercise in experimenting on how I could influence events. And, I expect the game's tomorrow to be just as much fun. So, until then, I save and close the game.

Author's Notes:

The next chapter, which is going to be based on the episode "Stare Master," Mormon and the guests at his house are going to be the first to get an introduction from a visiting cockatrice, after being warned by Zecora. So, it'll be up to Mormon to warn anyone heading into, or others living in, the Everfree forest about the danger.

This and more in Chapter 17, "Avian Medusa."

The chapters in the reading toward the end of Chapter 17 will be the Second Book of Nephi, chapters 19 through 23.