It seems that having no more than four creatures, including my character, living in his house is taking longer than expected to get used to. As I resume the game, I still expect to find my character waking up to either knocking at his door, or the voice of some pony or dinosaur calling him to wake up. But, it seems that my character wakes up on his own this time.

I have my character leave his bed, go to his door, and exit through it. After that, he automatically closes the door behind him; then I have him go to the kitchen, then look around to show me, through his eyes, that it’s vacant. This doesn’t surprise me. Knowing Pinkie Pie, Lyra, and Weed Whacker, they’re most likely in the orchard, vineyard, and vegetable garden, respectively. And, chances are, by the time I’ve given my character his instructions, Pinkie Pie’ll be at the front door waiting to come in. So, I decide to go ahead and enter the instructions to head out to the orchard, which my character follows, at least until he opens the front door.

I’m not surprised to see, on the other side of that door, Pinkie Pie waiting for him. As she enters, she says, “Hi, Mormy. Lyra and Weed Whacker shouldn’t be too much longer.”

And, indeed, I see Lyra coming around the corner of the house supporting kiwi fruits, grapes, and a few other fruits in midair with her magic, followed by Weed Whacker carrying vegetables in her arms. I decide to have my character wait at the door and hold it open for them. And, it’s only after they enter, thanking my character for holding the door open for them, that I have my character close the door behind Weed Whacker, the last to enter. After that, I have my character move ahead of them, to find that Pinkie Pie is already holding the door open for the unicorn and the dinosaur, and likely for my character as well.

Once all four are in the kitchen, Pinkie Pie closes the door behind them, then moves to the kitchen sink to produce from her mane the fruits she harvested and put them in the sink, while Lyra uses her magic to put her harvest, and that of Weed Whacker, in there as well. After that, I have my character put Weed Whacker in the sink, then, with Pinkie Pie and Lyra ready to cut the fruits and vegetables, I have my character in the middle ready to hand the plant parts to the two ponies after Weed Whacker has cleaned each one. Then, once the fruits and vegetables are cleaned and ready, the group of four sits around the table to eat the prepared breakfast.

As my character, Lyra, and Weed Whacker each grab a fruit or vegetable, Pinkie Pie turns to my character and says, “Uh, Mormon, I’ve been wondering about something since last night’s reading. It involves that story about the tame olive tree.”

I ask, “What is it, Pinkie?”

Pinkie tilts her head and asks, “Well, first of all, what does the tree represent?”

I can’t help smiling as I answer, “Well, the tree represents the children, the descendants, of Israel.”

Pinkie Pie grunts with interest, then asks, “And, what about the Lord of the vineyard? I noticed the word Lord was capitalized. Does he represent God?”

I answer, “That’s right. God counts all humans as His children, but he does have a family among them that He’s specifically chosen to pass His blessings along to the rest of His children.”

Presently, Lyra asks, “And, what about the servant? Who or what does he represent?”

I have to pause for a moment to collect my thoughts before I answer, “You know, looking at historical parallels, I can’t really say for sure who the servant represents, not specifically. He could represent the prophets God has chosen through the years, or he could specifically represent the Christ. I suppose I’ll have to do some research on that and get back to you on it.”

Now, Pinkie Pie asks, “So, this taking of fresh branches from the tree and planting them throughout his vineyard, my guess is that represents the descendants of Israel being spread throughout the earth. Is that right?”

I answer, “Yes.”

At this point, I watch as Pinkie, noticing that she hasn’t gotten anything to eat just yet, grabs an apple in her mouth and starts nibbling on it.

In the mean time, Weed Whacker asks, “About the spreading of the descendants of Israel throughout the earth. Has that happened in your time?”

I answer, “By the time I was born, yes, the descendants of Israel have been spread, or scattered, all over the earth. In fact, I was born when the gathering of Israel has been taking place, as well as the return of the true gospel of Jesus Christ being spread throughout the earth.”

Lyra swallows her mouthful of grape before she asks, “And, I’m guessing this gathering of Israel is represented in the story by the Lord of the vineyard ordering his servants to help him re-graft the branches back into the original tree?”

I answer, “Yes, that’s correct.”

Lyra then adds, “In the story, there’s mention of one branch that was planted in a plot of ground that was favored by the Lord of the vineyard more than the rest. Could that plot of ground represent the Americas, where you live?”

I answer, “The branch planted in that plot of ground developed two branches, one of which bore wild fruit, and the other bore tame fruit. That runs in parallel with the history of the descendants of Lehi and Ishmael, who divided into the Lamanites, who were a wild group, and the Nephites, who were more domesticated. In the story of the tame olive tree, the wild branch overcomes the tame one, and the tame branch withers away and dies. This, we will find, runs parallel with the story of the Nephites turning evil some three or four centuries after the first coming of the Christ, at which point they are destroyed by the Lamanites. Considering these two stories, and how they run parallel to each other, yes, I do believe that the favored plot of ground represents the Americas, which God has stated is most favored above all the lands on earth.”

There is a bit of hesitation before Weed Whacker asks, “And, what about all the branches going bad? Is that parallel to all the descendants of Israel becoming evil?”

I answer, “That’s correct.”

Weed Whacker continues, “And, the wild branches being grafted into the tree. Does that mean the children of God, who were not descended from Israel, held the position that belonged to Israel’s descendants for a time?”

I answer, “That is also true.”

Now, Lyra says, “So, based on the story, considering how it’s representing pretty much the history of the descendants of Israel at least from a certain point in time, I’m guessing that the time is either coming or is here, when the rights intended for Israel’s descendants are going to be taken from the other people, and given back to their rightful owners?”

I answer, “It isn’t going to happen all at once, but it is happening where I come from, yes. There needs to be a smooth transition made, so that nothing is lost that needs to be preserved.”

Pinkie Pie continues, “But, eventually the descendants of Israel are going to be reunited in one group, with all the rights intended for them only in their possession, isn’t that right?”

I answer, “That is right.”

Lyra adds, “And, they will exercise those rights as God intends them to, …”

Weed Whacker concludes, “Until they start doing evil again, at which point God’s going to destroy them.”

I answer, “That final destruction won’t come until a thousand years after the Christ has come the second time; but yes, it will happen. And, it’ll be the entire earth, not just the descendants of Israel.”

At this point, Pinkie Pie smiles at my character, at me, and says, “You know, I think you’ve answered all our questions. Thanks, Mormon.”

I respond, “I’m glad I could help.”

I lose track of what all is said after that; but eventually breakfast is eaten and cleaned up; and the group heads out to travel through the Everfree forest, on their way to Ponyville.

As it turns out, there’s apparently one more matter about the previous night’s reading up for discussion. Lyra, as my character’s home disappears from view, says, “Uh, Mormon, I have some questions about Sherem.”

The fact of the matter is I find myself enjoying discussing Book-of-Mormon-related subjects. I ask, “What do you want to talk about?”

The pale-green unicorn answers, “First of all, when he approached Jacob, he said he didn’t believe that Christ would come.”

I answer, “That is what he said.”

Lyra adds, “But, toward the end of the chapter, the end of his story, he says, or suggests anyway, that he had known, but he’d been deceived by the devil.”

I answer, “That’s true.”

At this point, Lyra asks, “So, how can somepony who knows the truth be deceived into denying it?”

I gather my thoughts for a few seconds before answering, “Later on in the scriptures, we’ll read about a man named Corihor, who we later learn was told by a lying spirit that there wasn’t going to be a Christ. He talks about how he started preaching the message because it was pleasing to the carnal mind, and he preached it until he started believing it himself. His life ends in a less dignified way than Sherem’s life does, but it’s possible that the motivations of the two were similar. Sherem, like Corihor later on in Nephite history, realized his mistake all too late, after demanding a sign. And, both confessed their errors before they died, although Sherem’s death came immediately after his confession, whereas Corihor’s death will come perhaps as much as a year after his confession.”

Presently, Lyra restates, “Oh, so, you think Sherem preached that the Christ wouldn’t come because it sounded good to uninspired minds?”

I answer, “It does make sense to me. In the Book of Mormon, specifically the Book of Jacob, Sherem spoke of hell, eternity, and eternal punishment, stating that he was afraid he’d done something for which he couldn’t be forgiven. Maybe he could, maybe he couldn’t. Maybe he was, maybe he wasn’t. But, he did confess his mistakes at the end of his life. I don’t know if that meant he was forgiven of his crimes or not, although there is the question of what a deathbed confession really amounts to in the long run. All I know for sure is that Sherem died repenting of his sins in the presence of those he’d preached to, and that repentance had a profound impression on those people.”

I think I hear disappointment in Lyra’s humming before she says, “I guess that means you don’t know any more about what ultimately happened to Sherem than I know. That is, what happened after his death.”

I answer, “That’s right.” Then, as my character looks down on the pale-green unicorn and shows me, through his eyes, the disappointment on her face, I decide to add, “But, just because I don’t have the answer doesn’t mean there is none. There are other sources to turn to for the answers to your questions.”

At this last statement, Lyra looks up at my character and smiles, then says, “Thanks, Mormon.”

That topic of conversation doesn’t take very long, ten minutes at most. And, after that, no more is said until the group emerges from the Everfree forest and heads into Ponyville.

Once the group enters the borders of the town, I, through my character’s eyes, notice a pale-azure earth pony with white mane and tail, as well as a black, white, and pink dress with a pink ribbon, looking around her. And, I particularly know who it is, not just because I modeled and painted her, but because she turns around and sees my character and friends. It’s also then that I see she’s wearing pink sunglasses in a black frame.

She’s not alone, either. There are two other earth ponies following her, each in jump suits that remind me of the costumes the Cutie Mark Crusaders wore in their musical number a few days ago. One of them looks the way I might expect Carrot Top to look if she were colored yellow green, except her tail is tied up at the end and her mane is done up so it reminds me of the Bride of Frankenstein. The other is bluish-white, with mane and tail colored like Pinkie Pie’s fur color. Her mane is evidently dressed so that some of it circles around her ears.

I’m apparently not the only one to recognize the pale-azure earth pony, as I hear Pinkie Pie call out, “Hi, Photo Finish!” And, my character turns to her to show me, though his eyes, that she’s waving at her.

My guess is Lyra recognizes her as well, as she gallops toward her.

I can only guess that Photo Finish also recognizes Lyra, as, while my character’s attention follows the mint-colored unicorn, I see her and the pale-azure earth pony meet not far from the group and exchange greetings. And, there’s something about the pale-azure earth pony’s Germanic accent that I find I kind of like.

I recognize what’s going to happen, and I figure it’s only a matter of time before Pinkie Pie recognizes it as well, if she hasn’t already. This day is going to be based on the episode “Green Isn’t Your Color,” and I don’t doubt that my character and I are going to be caught up in all that happens between Rarity and Fluttershy, as much as Pinkie Pie will be involved, anyway. And, while there’s no evidence in the show of any relations between Lyra and Photo Finish, I’ve added such a back story to my game.

At any rate, as my character, Pinkie Pie, and Weed Whacker catch up to Lyra and Photo Finish, the photographer pony joins the group on their way to Sugar Cube Corner. And, perhaps a few blocks down, as the group is crossing an intersection, it seems that the pale-azure earth pony just happens to turn her head in time to see Rarity; as I hear her call out, "Vell, who iss zat?”

I then hear Pinkie Pie say, “Oh, that’s Rarity.”

My character stops and looks down at Photo Finish to show me she’s looking to her left, then looks in that direction to show me, through his eyes, Rarity wearing a hat composed of peacock feathers tied by a blue ribbon, with two more attached at the base with what looks to me like pale-blue fur and two jewel-encrusted circles that, to me anyway, resemble eyes.

Photo Finish turns to Lyra and says, “If you vill excuse me, I musst meet zis Rarity at vonce.” And, she and the two ponies with her gallop off toward the white unicorn.

A puzzled Lyra freezes in place for a second or two, then says, “Okay. I didn’t see that coming.”

I don’t know if I dare say that I did.

In the mean time, I hear Pinkie Pie say, in a voice of worry that surprises me, “Come on. Let’s get going to Sugar Cube Corner. I think Mormon and I need to talk about something.”

The thing is, Pinkie Pie may be right. But, as the group starts walking again, I hear from behind my character Rarity scream. But, it isn’t a scream of terror. Rather, it’s one of excitement. I then hear the sound of galloping coming up behind my character. And, it’s getting louder and clearer.

My character, along with the other three, stops and turns toward the sound to show me that it’s Rarity catching up to the group. And, when she stops a few inches from my character, I can see her, through my character’s eyes, smiling as she says, “Can you believe it? That was Photo Finish! She wants to take pictures of my clothes!” She then jumps around and giggles excitedly, then asks, “So, Mormon, could I get you and your friends to help me at the boutique?”

I decide to hold off on answering until the others have had their say.

The first to answer is Lyra, who says, “I’d be happy to help.”

Pinkie Pie sounds nervous to me when she says, “Sure, Rarity, I’ll help.” And, her forced giggle makes her sound even more so. I wouldn’t be surprised if she does recognize what’s going on.

In the mean time, Weed Whacker says, “If there’s anything I can do to help, I’ll be happy to.”

At this point, I say, “Well, I guess the vote’s unanimous. Sure, I’ll be happy to assist you.”

Again Rarity jumps and squeals for joy, then says, “I have an appointment with Fluttershy right now. But, afterwards, I’ll come and get you.” She then gallops off again singing out, “See you then!”

At this point, I hear Pinkie Pie sigh. As my character turns his attention to her, she says, “Well, let’s head over to Sugar Cube Corner.” Turning to the unicorn and dinosaur, she says, “Lyra, Weed Whacker, you can go ahead and start helping Mr. and Mrs. Cake. Mormon and I need to talk. We’ll join you when we’re finished.” And, with that, she leads the group the rest of the way to the bakery.

As the group enters through the doorway to the kitchen, the first thing I see, through my character’s eyes, is Mr. Cake putting a cookie sheet on the island. He turns to the group and says, “Hi, Pinkie Pie, Lyra, Weed Whacker, Mormon. How are you?”

I open my mouth to answer, but Pinkie Pie speaks up ahead of me and says, “Mr. Cake, would it be alright if Mormon and I go to my old room for a few minutes? We need to talk about something.”

It’s not difficult to tell, from the expression on the orange stallion’s face, that he’s noticing the concern on Pinkie’s face. He answers, “Uh, sure, Pinkie Pie. Whatever you need.”

About half a minute later, when my character and Pinkie Pie are in her room, and after my character has closed the door, the pink earth pony turns to him and asks, “Now, could you use that ‘soundproof on’ cheat? I really don’t want anypony to hear what we have to talk about.” The way she’s marching in her spot, one might think she’s in some kind of hurry.

I answer, “Sure. Just a moment,” then click on the room and say, “Soundproof on.”

As soon as Pinkie Pie hears me say that, she relaxes, sighs, and says, “Thanks, Mormon.” Then, her worry evidently returning, she sits down canine-style and continues, “Now, I’m sure you’ve guessed by now that I know what’s going to happen today.”

I answer, “Yes, I understand.”

Pinkie Pie continues, “Then, you also know that Twilight’s going to make three promises today, one to Rarity, one to Fluttershy, and one to Spike.”

I respond, “Yes, I know. And, I also know that she’ll be able to keep two of the promises, because Rarity and Fluttershy’ll reveal their secrets to each other. But, Twilight will reveal Spike’s secret to a more-or-less empty room.”

The pink earth pony looks down and starts drawing circles on the floor with a front hoof as she says, “In the episode, yes.” Then, after sighing, she adds, “And, knowing that, I’m just not sure if it’s going to be worth helping her.” By this time, her ears are drooping. When she looks up at my character’s face, I can see, through his eyes, her frown as she continues, “What do I do? I know she’s going to break one of her promises. And, both of us know which one she's going to break. So, do I try to help her anyway?”

There’s something about this moral dilemma Pinkie Pie’s evidently going through, not to mention the way she’s facing it, that I find pleases me. I have my character approach her, then kneel down when he’s close enough, and stroke her neck with his closest hand; and I say, “Throughout the history of God’s dealings with His people, especially with His servants, He’s given them instructions and made two-sided promises with them, even when he knows they won’t keep their end of the deal. Still, He gives His people, those who want it, advice. That way, they have a choice in the matter whether they’ll follow that advice or not. Then, what they do with that advice is up to them.”

At this point, Pinkie Pie pushes my character’s hand away with her closest forelimb, and she seems to kind of glare at me as she asks, “So, you’re saying I should help her, even though I know she’s going to break one of her promises?”

I answer, “As long as she wants you to help her, yes.” I then have my character pull his arm away.

Again Pinkie Pie sighs as she puts the hoof down, and again she looks down and frowns, before saying, “Alright, Mormon, if you think that’s best. But, I’m going to need your help.” Then, when she looks up at my character, at me, again, she at least has the start of a smile as she adds, “I know that you’ve been keeping the promises you’ve made to me, even the ones from the previous game. So, I know I can trust you.”

At this point, I have my character kneel on one knee and open his arms to the pink earth pony, and I say, “Come here, Pinkie Pie.”

Pinkie proves her familiarity with the invitation, as she really smiles, and jumps into my character’s open arms.

My character then automatically closes his arms around her, and the two hug each other.

For the next few seconds, Pinkie Pie releases her emotions in quiet sobs before eventually pushing away from my character.

As my character opens his arms again, the pink earth pony jumps out of them and shakes herself out, then looks up at him, at me, and says, “Alright, Mormon, I’m ready to leave now.”

Taking that as his signal, my character stands up, walks to the door, and starts to open it for the pink party pony.

Just then, Pinkie Pie giggles and asks, “Uh, Mormy, aren’t you forgetting something?”

That’s when I realize what Pinkie Pie means. Again I click on the room, and this time I say, “Soundproof off.” And, after that, I have my character finish opening the door for her.

As Pinkie Pie trots through the door, she looks up at my character and says, “Let’s get going. We need to be there when Rarity comes and tells us she wants our help.”

As my character closes the door behind the two, then follows the pink party pony down the stairs, through the main room, and into the kitchen, I find myself looking forward to Rarity coming and requesting help from my character. I don’t know if that’ll include Lyra and Weed Whacker or not, but I do expect to be helpful to Pinkie Pie, at least.

It seems like just a few minutes of helping put ingredients together for loaves of bread before Rarity actually comes, evidently through the front door of the bakery, and asks, “Excuse me, is Pinkie Pie here?”

As my character turns to the pink earth pony, she sighs, then says, “Well, I guess that’s my cue.” She then turns to my character and asks, “Mormon, will you come with me? I could really use your help.”

I find I can’t help smiling as I answer, “Sure, Pinkie Pie.” And, my character follows her from the kitchen into the main room.

Once there, Pinkie Pie cheerfully says, “I’m here, Rarity.” Then, indicating my character with a head gesture, she asks, “Uh, can Mormon come along?”

The white unicorn looks up at my character, then nods and smiles as she looks back at her pink earth pony friend and answers, “Sure, Pinkie Pie, he can come along.”

Next, Pinkie Pie asks, “And, what about Lyra and Weed Whacker?”

At this question, Rarity says, “No, not this time. Just you and Mormon’ll be fine. I just need your help getting Fluttershy ready to model for Photo Finish.”

As the white unicorn turns and heads for the front door of the bakery, Pinkie Pie follows her, saying, “Okie dokie lokie.”

You know, I have yet to get tired of hearing that from her.

It’s just a few minutes’ walk from Sugar Cube Corner to Carousel Boutique, where the group enters the front door, then goes into a special dressing room, where Fluttershy is poised on a platform, wearing a black cape with pink cotton frill and a matching feathered headdress. And, on the back of the cape is a saddle apparently made of pink scales of some sort.

Also, I seem to remember this dressing room being the one the five of the element bearers used when they were putting on a fashion show for Hoity Toity more than a week ago.

Seeing the earth pony and the human, Fluttershy says, “Hi, Pinkie Pie, Mormon.”

After saluting the yellow pegasa, I ask Rarity, “So, what do you need our help with?”

The white unicorn answers, “Photo Finish is going to want to see the best I have to offer. And, I believe this cape and headdress are going to be it.”

Before I give myself a chance to think about it, I say, “Well, if anyone’s capable of pleasing Photo Finish with their designs, I’m sure you are.” Then I hear Pinkie Pie giggling, and I realize what I just said.

Then, Rarity says, “Cape-able,” chuckles, then says, “Oh, that’s very amusing, Mormon.”

Before anyone can respond further to my statement, the door opens; and Twilight Sparkle enters, carrying Spike on her back.

The purple unicorn asks, “So, Rarity, what do you need our help with?”

The white unicorn looks at Fluttershy and the clothes she’s wearing and says, “I need the help of you, Spike, Pinkie Pie, and Mormon to get this cape just right.” She then turns to the pink earth pony and asks, “So, Pinkie Pie, what do you think?”

The pink party pony makes a quick, but thorough, inspection, as much of Fluttershy’s facial expression as of the cape and headdress. Then, turning to Rarity, she says, “Uh, do you think it’s pink enough?”

Rarity has a closer look at the cape, then grunts in interest and says, “You may be right, Pinkie.” She then turns to my character and says, “Mormon, if you will, those pink diamonds, please?” and, she points to a bowl of pink, nearly transparent jewels on a dresser bar.

I have my character walk toward the bar and grab the bowl, then walk over to Rarity, who, with her magic, grabs the contents, spreads them out over the cape, then drops them onto it. Then she backs away to have a better look, then groans and says, “Oh, this is no good. Nopony can even see it.” She then approaches the purple unicorn and asks, “Twilight, could you please … ?”

Twilight uses her magic to turn on a spotlight that’s directly over Fluttershy and the platform she’s poised on.

The yellow pegasa reacts to the sudden light with a slight start.

Rarity then paces in front of the platform as she groans nervously and says, “Now, she’s going to want to see attitude, and pizzazz.”

Equally nervous, or perhaps more so, Fluttershy stammers, “A-a-attitude, and p-p-pizzazz.”

Then, the white unicorn zooms to the other side of the platform from my character, so I can only hear her say, “More light! It has to catch the sequins just right, or else it is just a disaster.”

In response, Twilight uses her magic to open the spotlight so it lights up the entire room.

In the mean time, I can’t help noticing the look on Fluttershy’s face, reflected in one of the mirrors. For a split second, she seems to be losing patience with Rarity’s demands.

Then, Rarity says, “Oh, and the headdress needs more feathers. Pinkie Pie, more feathers.”

The pink earth pony produces a basket of feathers from next to one of the stools and, carrying it in her mouth, bounces over to her white unicorn friend.

Rarity, using her magic, takes four of the pink feathers from the basket and places them in the headdress, where, from what I can see, they disappear.

My guess is they’re intended to add volume to the top of the headdress. From my character’s perspective, they don’t seem to make that big of a difference.

I hear a growl in Rarity’s voice as she says, “And sequins, more sequins.”

Dutifully, Spike grabs a bowl of macroscopic, bluish-white jewels and brings them to Rarity, who uses her magic to take perhaps half the bowl’s contents and toss it into Fluttershy’s face.

Fluttershy reacts with a startled yelp before relaxing somewhat again.

At this point, I anticipate what Rarity’s going to ask for next, and have my character grab a couple ribbons from the dresser.

And, sure enough, the white unicorn calls out, “And, more ribbons.”

I have my character take the ribbons over to the yellow pegasa and place one ribbon on each side of the headdress, then back away from her for Rarity to inspect them.

Presently, she says, “No, less ribbons.”

Instantly, Spike is there to remove the ribbons.

And, as soon as he does, Rarity says, “No, more ribbons.”

I watch Fluttershy’s expression change as Spike puts the ribbons back where my character had put them. Based on her glare, I wouldn’t be surprised if she’s thinking, “Make up your mind, Rarity.”

And, considering she says nothing more about them, Rarity has made up her mind that the two are enough. Then, she canters behind her yellow pegasa friend and, looking at the base of the cape, says, “Oh, the hem is all wrong.” Then, she calls out, “Pin cushion!”

From the edge of my character’s periphery, I see Spike leave, then come back with a bunch of pins stuck in his back. As he approaches Rarity, I can’t help thinking that to a real creature that’d be really painful.

And, as my character pans his attention to the ponies in the room, judging by their expressions, all but Rarity agree with me. And, I can only guess that Rarity just isn’t paying attention to Spike.

At any rate, the white unicorn uses her magic to remove four of the pins from the purple dragon’s back, then gestures him away with a hoof. Then, as she places the pins, she says, “Thank you all for helping me. I’m sorry to be so short with you, but I’m just so nervous.”

My character’s attention, in the mean time, is drawn to Spike as he backs away from Rarity, and almost into Twilight.

The purple unicorn, also focused on her assistant, and the remaining pins in his back, asks, “Ooh, doesn’t that hurt?”

Spike turns to her and answers, “Thick scales. Can’t feel a thing.” Then, he focuses dreamily on Rarity again and adds, “And, even if I could, there is no pain that would keep me from resisting … the most beautiful creature in the world.”

Based on Twilight’s present groan, I’m guessing she’s wondering when Spike’s crush will finally be over with. And, based on what I’ve seen, that crush has no chance of ending anytime soon, probably not for years down the line, if it ever does. In fact, from what I’ve seen, I wonder if it actually deepens.

Then, the purple dragon turns to Twilight, Pinkie Pie, and my character, and says, “I’m going to tell you three a secret, but you have to promise not to tell anyone.”

Twilight simply says, “I promise.”

Pinkie Pie, on the other hand, goes through the motions of her Pinkie promise, as she says, “Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye.”

As Pinkie Pie removes her left hoof from her left eye and opens it again, I say, “I won’t say anything about it without your permission. Although, when the time comes, I’m sure you’ll be the one to reveal it, Spike.”

Satisfied with our promises, Spike gestures to the three to approach him. He does so three times, until he thinks the two ponies and the human close enough, then says, “I have a crush on Rarity.”

At this point, I’m quite sure that Pinkie Pie’s only acting surprised before she covers her mouth, then uncovers it again and says, “We won’t say a word.”

Presently, Twilight visually groans as she says, “Give me a break. Everypony already knows how you—”

Before the purple unicorn can finish her statement, Pinkie Pie interrupts her, intruding on her personal space, as she says, “Twilight, you promised Spike you wouldn’t say anything. He trusts you, and, … well, …” She then turns to my character and says, “Uh, Mormon, I could use your help here.”

My character’s attention is drawn to Spike, who turns and looks at Rarity, then back at Twilight, and pleads to her with his eyes. I then have my character turn to the purple unicorn, and I say, “We humans have a saying, ‘An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.’”

Twilight nods and says, “Yeah, I’m familiar with that one.”

I continue, “Breaking a promise to a friend means losing that friend’s trust. And, the way to get that trust back would be to repent to that friend, and hope he, in this case, forgives you. But, it’s better to keep the promise and secret and maintain the friendship than to break the promise you made, and hope you can repair the broken friendship.”

Presently, I hear Pinkie Pie say, “Thank you, Mormon.”

Then, Twilight sighs before saying, “Alright, my lips are sealed.” Then, more cheerfully, she adds, “Though I’m pretty sure she’s going to pick up on your feelings.”

In the animated series, when the camera cut to a shot of Spike at this point, he was suddenly wearing a white tee-shirt, with a picture of Rarity in front of a red valentine. I don’t doubt that this was the producers’ way of keeping the show child-friendly.

In my game, though, there’s still the pins in Spike’s back, which, with the valentine shapes of their heads, I think adequately represent Spike’s amorous feelings toward Rarity.

I say, “In the mean time, let’s get those pins out of your back.” And, I have my character take a step toward the purple dragon and start removing the pins.

Spike takes the removal of the pins with as many grimaces as there are pins that my character removes. And, when the last pin is removed, he sighs with relief and says, “Thanks, Mormon.”

Presently the bell over the dressing room door rings, and the attention of all those present in the room is drawn to the pony, no, ponies, who have entered.

The foremost of the ponies, the one of the three newcomers I’m most familiar with, says, “I, Photo Finish, have arrived.”

In an attempt to formally greet her guest, Rarity trots toward her and says, “Let me just say, what an honor …” that is, until the blue earth pony trots past her and towards the yellow pegasa on the platform.

I can only guess that camera in the suitcase is designed to pop out automatically when the one dark-tan earth pony pushes it forward, and Photo Finish says, “Ve begin, now.”

As the photographer pony peers into one side of the camera, Rarity instantly appears opposite Fluttershy from the camera, right next to her, and excitedly, but just above a whisper, says, “Attitude and pizzazz.”

And, before the yellow pegasa can respond, Photo Finish takes her first picture, causing Fluttershy to recoil in surprise.

The blue earth pony peers from behind her camera and says, “Yes. Show Photo Finish somethink.”

In response, Fluttershy props herself up on her hind legs, posing like a typical horse statue.

Photo Finish responds to this by emphatically saying, “No.”

At the evident rejection, Fluttershy drops down to a more humbled, more submissive posture, and whimpers.

Based on the way Photo Finish says, “Yes,” I would say she likes the more timid Fluttershy better, especially considering that now’s when she takes the yellow pegasa’s picture.

In an attempt to encourage Fluttershy, Rarity rises onto her hind legs, pulls her front hooves away from each other, and grins. At least, that’s how I remember it from the episode, and have tried to replicate it in the video game.

Fluttershy takes the cue from Rarity, grinning in a way that looks, to me anyway, rather uncomfortable, and supporting her chin with a front hoof.

But, Photo Finish makes it clear that such a pose is not what she’s looking for, as she again emphatically says, “No.”

Fluttershy responds by lowering the front hoof to the ground and looking down with her eyes, and the uncomfortable-looking grin disappears.

The look of sadness seems to be what Photo Finish is looking for, as once again she says, “Yes,” and takes another picture.

Again Rarity signals to Fluttershy, this time by posing as heroically as an equine can, then smiling.

Fluttershy again takes the cue from her white unicorn friend, posing similarly to Rarity.

But, once again, the photographer pony emphatically refuses, causing the yellow pegasa to melt into a more humble, more puppy-like pose. And, once again, Photo Finish acknowledges the alternate pose as the one she wants, and takes a picture of it. Then, after taking one more picture of Fluttershy, she pulls away from the camera, points a hoof into the air, for that moment reminding me of pictures I’ve seen of the Nazi regime, and calls out, “Enough!”

Obediently, the camera disappears back into the suitcase, which is then caught by the dark-tan earth pony.

As the trio of earth ponies trots away, Fluttershy and Rarity look as though they have no idea what just happened. And, that may very well be the case.

As Photo Finish passes Twilight, the purple unicorn leans toward Pinkie Pie and says under her breath, “She hardly took any pictures.”

I watch the blue earth pony exit, followed by her assistants, before I say, “My guess is she took as many pictures as she thought she needed.”

In the mean time, my character turns his attention to Rarity, who uses her magic to remove the headdress from Fluttershy’s head.

The yellow pegasa sincerely says, “I’m so sorry. I tried my best.”

Rarity replies, “Well, the headdress is too big for you, and the cape had too much sparkle. I can’t believe I ever though I could impress her.”

Just then, the azure earth pony appears in the doorway of the room again and says, “It seems that I, Photo Finish, have found the next photo star here in Ponyville.”

By her grin, it’s clear that Rarity thinks the photographer pony’s referring to her, as she asks, “Really!?”

Photo Finish answers, “Yes, really. And, I, Photo Finish, am going to help her to shine all over Eqvestria.”

The news is appreciated, if not clearly understood, by the white unicorn and the yellow pegasa.

And, before she leaves, Photo Finish says, “Tomorrow, a photo shoot in the park, … we go.” And, with that, the azure earth pony runs out the door.

An excited Rarity follows Photo Finish and her team to, but not out, the door. She then turns to the rest of the group in the dressing room and says, “Did you hear that? I am going to … shine all over Equestria.”

Now, having seen the episode, I know that it’s going to be Fluttershy, not Rarity, that Photo Finish wants to help shine. I have to wonder if the photographer pony thinks Rarity shines enough already. I have a sneaking suspicion that I’ll have to mention that to her some time before the end of this day.

In the mean time, an evidently relieved Fluttershy says, “Oh, Rarity, I was so worried I’d ruined everything.”

Rarity responds, “Ah, never. I knew you’d be perfect.” Then, excitement overcomes her, and she starts jumping up and down—on Spike’s tail, as it turns out.

Even though he grimaces with pain each time Rarity lands on his tail, Spike still looks with adoration on the bouncing unicorn, even as Twilight drags him away so that Rarity’s no longer bouncing on his now swollen tail.

Then, I get a look, through my character’s eyes, at Pinkie Pie; and she looks worried.

The pink party pony says, “If we’re no longer needed here, Mormon and I need to be dismissed.”

Rarity, still bouncing and giggling, doesn’t seem to hear Pinkie Pie.

On the other hand, Twilight lets go of her assistant, then puts a hoof in front of him to keep him away from Rarity, then says, “You two go on ahead.”

My character follows Pinkie Pie through the door to the dressing room, but not before I hear Fluttershy say, “I’m so happy to see Rarity so happy.”

As the pink earth pony and the human make their way out of the front door of the clothing store, I say, “I’m guessing you’re worried about Rarity, right?”

After he closes the door behind him, my character turns to Pinkie Pie, who’s looking up at him, and appearing as though she may start crying at any moment. She says, “Oh please, Mormon, let’s wait until we get back to Sugar Cube Corner, back to my room, before we say anymore about this.”

I respond, “Sure.” I’m guessing I was right.

Neither of us says another word until we get back to the bakery, at which point once again Pinkie Pie asks Mr. Cake for permission to go to the room where she used to live there; and Mr. Cake agrees.

Once inside, as soon as my character closes the door behind him and Pinkie Pie, the pink earth pony turns to my character and says, “Now, do that soundproof cheat on the room.”

I nod and answer, “Yes, of course.” I then click on the room and say, “Soundproof on.”

Now satisfied, once my character turns to her, Pinkie Pie jumps into his arms and sobs, “Oh, Mormon, what are we going to do now? You know better than anypony else that Photo Finish wants Fluttershy, not Rarity.”

I have my character walk over to Pinkie Pie’s bed and sit down on it, holding the pink earth pony, then stroke her back with his available hand; and I say, “Yes, I know.”

Pinkie Pie looks up at my character and asks, “So, what are we going to do about it?”

I answer, “We’re going to let Rarity find out for herself.”

Pinkie Pie’s expression morphs into one of fearful surprise before she asks, “B-b-but, w-won’t that m-mean …”

I answer, “It’ll be a shock to Rarity, yes. And, she’ll be resentful and jealous toward Fluttershy for a while, until she finds out that Fluttershy hates getting all that attention.”

Pinkie Pie continues, “A-a-and, they’re gonna p-p-put s-so m-much stress on T-twilight, m-making her p-promise not to r-reveal to anypony h-how they r-really f-feel about the whole th-thing.”

Here’s another interesting thing about this kind of situation. Watching the episode “Green Isn’t Your Color,” I always found it fun to watch the whole situation play out, especially how Twilight has to struggle with wanting to relieve the stress between her two friends versus having to keep their secrets. However, now I get this perspective, playing the game I’ve made based on the episodes of the show; and while it’s still very interesting, it’s for a different reason. I’ve seen how stressful it is on Twilight Sparkle, but now I’m seeing it perhaps equally stressful, maybe even more so, for Pinkie Pie. In the animated series, Pinkie Pie always seemed to take these situations with a grain of salt. However, I have to wonder, how accurately to the show have I programmed Pinkie Pie? Then again, in her “Smile” song, Pinkie Pie does mention how some of her days are “dark and lonely.” Of course, with me to help her, they shouldn't be so much.

Speaking of such, pulling me out of my thoughts, I hear Pinkie Pie determinedly say, “Well, whatever we do, we have to help our friends through this. We can’t just let them face it alone.”

You know what, I couldn’t agree more with the pink earth pony. I respond, “You’re right.” I then ask, “So, what do you propose we do?”

Looking away from my character and toward the door, Pinkie Pie sighs and answers, “I don’t know. I was hoping you might have some advice for me.”

I state, “Well, we’ve already given Twilight some good advice.”

Now, Pinkie Pie looks up at my character, and I can see her smiling as she says, “Well, you gave her good advice. Thank you, Mormon.”

I continue, “The best thing we can do is remind her of that advice. And, in the most friendly way possible.”

Pinkie Pie grunts with, I think, a mixture of interest and surprise, before she says, “You know, you’re probably right about that. Normally, I would’ve gone about it growling at her. But, maybe that’s not the right way to remind somepony.” Again she sighs, then says, “Alright. The next time I hide in a bowl of cheese waiting for Twilight at the spa, I’ll think about your advice.” She then turns and jumps out of my character’s arms and onto the floor, then turns back to my character and asks, “Uh, don’t you have a song somewhere, about being a certain kind of friend?”

I think I know what song Pinkie Pie’s asking about. As I open the media player on my computer and start searching through the songs, I answer, “You know, I believe I do.”

It's not long after I say so that I find a song by Michael McLean, a song called “Be That Friend.” Just before I double-click on it, I hear Pinkie Pie say, “Yeah, that’s the one.”

It takes a few minutes for the song to play all the way through after I click on it, and after that Pinkie Pie says, “Thank you, Mormon. I really needed that.” She then turns to the door and says, “I’m ready to leave now.” She then turns back to my character again, to me, and says, “And, don’t forget to use that soundproof cheat on the room again.”

As I click on the room and say, “Soundproof off,” I can’t help thinking Pinkie Pie’s inspired somehow. Then again, I also wonder how many times in the past Pinkie Pie waited in a bowl of cheese at the spa for Twilight.

Then, as my character approaches the door, I hear Pinkie Pie say, “And, Mormon, thanks for thinking of me as inspired.”

As the earth pony and the human exit the room, I notice, through my character’s eyes, Lyra talking to Mr. Cake at the cash register. And, from what I’m hearing, she seems worried about me, or at least my character, and Pinkie Pie.

As Pinkie Pie leads the way down the stairs, followed by my character, Lyra turns to the two and says, “Oh, there you are.” She then approaches and meets the two at the bottom of the stairs and says, “We could use your help in the kitchen.”

I can hear Pinkie Pie smiling as she says, “Sure, Lyra. What’s the problem?”

I guess I’m still too preoccupied with my own thoughts to clearly hear what Lyra’s saying, something about a missing loaf of bread, or a missing ingredient, or something like that. When the three enter the kitchen, Pinkie Pie goes to work and helps Lyra with whatever problem she has; and, in the mean time, Mrs. Cake gets my character to work on the dough for the bread, or rolls, or something like that.

For the next hour or so the group is thusly occupied, until I hear Twilight’s voice in the main room of the bakery, asking Mr. Cake for Pinkie Pie and me.

Presently, I hear Pinkie Pie say, “Well, Mormy, let’s get going.” And, my character proceeds to follow the pink party pony out of the kitchen and into the main room.

Twilight, on seeing the two, says, “Oh, good, you’re here. I thought it’d be a good idea to head over to Carousel Boutique and find out how the photo shoot in the park went.”

Pinkie Pie turns to my character, flashing me a worried look.

I understand how she feels.

She then turns back to Twilight and says, “Okie dokie lokie.”

And, with that, the three, actually four including Spike, leave the bakery and head for the clothing store.

When the four get there, lead by Twilight, they enter, then head up the stairs and enter the first door to find Rarity sewing a black cloak on her sewing machine.

Pinkie Pie bounces in and shouts, “How’d it go, how’d it go?”

Rarity turns to her visitors and answers, “It didn’t.” She then tosses the cloak onto her back and ties the strap around her neck before continuing, “Photo Finish wanted to work with Fluttershy, not me.”

As Pinkie Pie flashes another worried look to my character, to me, I hear Twilight Sparkle say, “Oh, Rarity, I’m so sorry.”

Seeing Pinkie Pie plead to me with her eyes, I decide to say, “You know what, Rarity, I wonder if Photo Finish thought you were shining enough on your own.”

Rarity sighs heavily, but remains focused on her sewing machine as she says, “Thank you, Mormon, I appreciate that thought. But, I prefer to be alone right now.”

In the television shows, emotions are generally evoked by the music. And, while there is ambient music in this video game, emotions are evoked more by the expressions on the faces of the characters, as well as their vocal inflections and tones. And, as the pink earth pony and the purple unicorn exchange looks, I can see that both are worried about their white unicorn friend.

My character, as per my instructions, waits at the door; but Twilight and Pinkie decide to approach Rarity.

That is, until Spike jumps in their way and says, “You heard her.” Then, as he whooshes the two ponies and the human out of the room, he continues, “She vants to be … alone.” He then lets his hormones take over as he turns and wanders toward the white unicorn.

That is, until Twilight grabs him by the tail and drags him out of the room.

Once outside the doorway, Spike says, “What? I didn’t think she meant alone alone.”

I have my character close the door to Rarity’s room to keep Spike from going back in.

In the mean time, as my character closes the door, Twilight lets go of her dragon assistant’s tail and says, “Actually, Spike, I’m pretty sure that’s exactly what she meant.”

Then, Pinkie Pie begins, “Uh, Twilight?”

The purple unicorn turns to her and asks, “Yeah, Pinkie?”

The pink earth pony starts backing away from Twilight, forcing my character to back up as well, as she says, “Mormon and I need to head back to Sugar Cube Corner now.” She then emits a giggle that, to me anyway, seems more forced than usual before saying, “I hope you don’t mind.”

Twilight answers, “Of course not, Pinkie, go right on ahead.”

By this time, Pinkie and my character are at the stairs.

Pinkie, while still focusing on her purple unicorn friend, turns her body to the stairs and says, “Thanks, Twily.” She then turns to my character and says, “Let’s go,” then turns her head down the stairs and starts galloping down them.

My character automatically follows her as she heads down the stairs, to the front door, and outside.

Then, as the door closes behind my character, Pinkie Pie turns to him, sighs, and says, “Oh, poor Rarity.”

I nod and say, “This is going to be difficult for her. Not to mention for Fluttershy.”

Pinkie Pie answers, “And, then there’ll be Twilight.” She then looks up at my character, at me, and says, “Mormon, in this playthrough, you’ve always steered me in the right direction. And, I could really use your help right now.” She then pauses before asking, “Mormon, is there an example in the Book of Mormon of somepony needing to keep a secret?”

The reading group has yet to get to the Book of Alma, or the Book of Helaman, where it talks about the Gadianton robbers and them keeping secrets. Of course, that band of thieves and murderers lead to the destruction of the Nephites, so they would not be a good example to present to Pinkie Pie. But, on the other hand, there is an example that the group has already read about, where Nephi had to keep a secret. With that in mind, I answer, “As a matter of fact, there is an example that comes to mind.” Seeing the look of interest on Pinkie’s face, I continue, “God showed Nephi the history of the world, and told him what part he could reveal, and what part he couldn’t. He did record, at one point, that he was forbidden from revealing a certain part of what he’d been shown.”

It evidently dawns on the pink earth pony what I’m referring to, as she gasps and says, “That’s right.” She then thinks aloud, “I wonder what it was.”

I answer, “Nephi did record that he’d been shown a certain apostle, and that apostle would be shown many of the things he, that is Nephi, would see, and that apostle would be charged with recording them.”

Pinkie Pie asks, “Do you know who he was referring to?”

I answer, “At the end of the second testament, known as the New Testament, there is the book of Revelation, recorded by a man known as John the Beloved. I wouldn’t be surprised if he was the apostle that Nephi was shown, that he was referring to.”

Again Pinkie Pie thinks aloud, “Nephi did write that he’d been forbidden from recording anymore of what he’d been shown by God. So, God trusted him with the vision of what John the Beloved would be shown later on, to keep it a secret.”

I continue, “God knew he could trust Nephi to keep that part of his vision a secret. And, later on, He trusted Nephi with more of His powers, knowing that Nephi wouldn’t abuse them.”

Pinkie Pie draws some curious looks when she suddenly jumps up and shouts, “Mormon, that’s perfect!” Then, in mid air, noticing how other ponies are looking at her, she, more slowly, lowers herself to the ground, giggles somewhat nervously, and says, “Uh, as you were.” Then, she smiles up at my character, at me, and says, “Let’s get back to Sugar Cube Corner. We have work to do.”

The two of us say no more until the pink party pony and my character get back to the bakery. Then, once in the kitchen, Pinkie Pie produces a blue bowl from one of the cabinets, then pours pieces of cheese into it, then dives into the cheese. She then peers out for a moment and says, “Now, Mormon, if you’ll deliver me in this bowl of cheese to the spa, to that wooden tub where Twilight and Rarity are gonna be, and then Fluttershy when Rarity leaves, I’ll wait there for them. I’ll remember that example you gave me, and mention it to Twily when she’s asked to keep her next secrets.”

As the pink earth pony disappears into the cheese again, I have my character pick up the bowl, then take it out of the bakery by way of the back door, then plan the course to the spa, as I say, “And, remember to keep it optimistic.”

Just before I enter the course for my character to follow, I hear Pinkie Pie ask, “Uh, what do you mean?”

As my character starts following the course he’s been given, I answer, “Remember and mention only the positive effects of Nephi keeping his promise to God.”

I hear Pinkie Pie reply, “Oh, like how you said it at the end.”

I respond, “Exactly.”

The last thing I hear Pinkie Pie say before the two arrive at the spa is, “Oh. I can do optimistic. Thanks for the advice, Mormon.”

A minute or so later they arrive at the spa, where I have my character place the blue bowl, Pinkie, cheese, and all, near the wooden tub where I have it planned for Twilight to be to make a promise to Rarity, and another to Fluttershy. I find myself contemplating for a moment waiting nearby, but then I decide it’s best not to get too involved in Pinkie Pie’s plan. If she’s going to help Twilight Sparkle keep her promises and secrets, she doesn’t need me revealing her secret. So, I have my character follow the course back to the bakery.

And, wouldn’t you know it, on the way back I happen to see, through my character’s eyes, Photo Finish and Fluttershy heading to someplace evidently deeper into town than my character is headed. I decide not to bother the two, although I do overhear Photo Finish say, “Ven ve get to ze ting at ze place, ve vill capture … ze magics.”

It’s about all I can do to keep from laughing as my character continues his course toward Sugar Cube Corner. Thinking about Photo Finish’s dialect on the show, I have to wonder if it wasn’t supposed to reflect a Finnish heritage. Considering her name, it would make sense. Of course, not being familiar with anyone from Finland, I couldn’t say for sure.

At any rate, when I get back to the bakery, as my character walks in the back door, he almost walks into Mr. Cake.

The orange earth stallion asks, “Uh, Mormon, where’s Pinkie Pie?”

I answer, “She had an important appointment she needed to keep.”

I decide not to respond when Mr. Cake thinks aloud, “I’m guessing she needed to be there by herself.” When he doesn’t get an answer from me, he continues, “Well, we could use your help anyway.” He then leads my character to the island, then says, “I already have the ingredients for oat bread in this bowl. All I need is for you to mix them together.”

I answer, “Sure, Mr. Cake. No problem.” And, with that, my character grabs a nearby wooden spoon, sticks it into the bowl of ingredients, and starts mixing.

Before the orange earth stallion goes back into the main room, he turns to my character and says, “Oh, and when Pinkie Pie returns, I’m going to need her help making some cupcakes.”

I answer affirmatively, and my character continues to mix the contents of the bowl until they turn into the required thick dough.

By the time the dough is ready to go into the oven, the back door opens; and Pinkie Pie walks in. And, as my character turns to her, I can see, through his eyes, that she’s smiling.

The pink earth pony approaches my character and says, “You know what, Mormy, your advice worked! I think Twilight might just keep all her promises now!”

I ask, “So, she accepted Nephi’s example?”

Pinkie Pie smiles and answers, “She thanked me for it!”

I state, “Well, that’s good to hear. Now, Mr. Cake said he needs your help making some cupcakes.”

Like the head of a typewriter capturing lines of typing, Pinkie Pie looks right to left, then quickly right again, a few times with her eyes as she says, “Well, I guess I better get to helping him then.” She then focuses on my character as she adds, “But, I expect Twilight to come soon, with some idea on how she can help Fluttershy get out of the modeling business. And, I want you to be there to help us.”

The fact of the matter is, for the same reasons Pinkie Pie expects her, I also expect Twilight to come. I decide to ask, “What exactly do you need my help with?”

The pink earth pony answers, “Well, you’ve given me such good advice, I’m sure you’ll have good advice for Twily, too.”

Pinkie Pie may be right. I do have some good advice I think Twilight can use. In the animated series, in the episode in fact, Twilight uses her magic to manipulate Fluttershy into doing things that make her repulsive, which could in reality, similarly to the way it does in the show, work against their cause. It seems to me that if she can restrain her instincts to causing her yellow pegasa friend to do things that only make her boring, then she could do more to help her out than harm her. I respond, “As long as she welcomes my advice, I’ll be happy to give it.”

Again Pinkie smiles at my character, at me, and says, “Thank you. You already know from the episode what all secrets she’s keeping, so I just have to tell her you have a good source. Not only that, but we’ve been living together for three weeks now; and even longer than that in reality. So, Twilight’ll think that all of that living together just means I’m rubbing off on you. You should be fine.”

Pinkie mentioning reality makes me wonder about something. But, there’ll be time for that later, when this playthrough is over. In the mean time, I ask, “So, when Twilight comes, shouldn’t Lyra and Weed Whacker be dismissed?”

From behind my character, I hear Weed Whacker whine, “But, I wanna stay.”

At the same time, Pinkie Pie answers, “You’re probably right. They don’t know about the secrets Twilight’s keeping, and it’s best they be kept among us.”

While Pinkie Pie is speaking, my character turns to the source of Weed Whacker’s voice to show me that she and Lyra are standing behind him. And, I note that Weed Whacker is the only one that’s groaning. Apparently Lyra understands.

In the mean time, Mr. Cake comes in and, seeing the pink party pony, says, “Ah, I thought I heard your voice, Pinkie. I just need your help icing some cupcakes. They’re in the oven right now, and as soon as they come out and have cooled off, I need your help putting icing on them.”

Pinkie grins sincerely at the orange earth stallion and answers, “Okie dokie lokie.”

And, wouldn’t you know it, it’s about then that a message box at the bottom of the screen reads, “The smell of lemon.”

At that point, Mr. Cake turns to the oven and says, “As a matter of fact, it smells like the cupcakes are just about ready to come out now.” He then turns to my character and asks, “Uh, Mormon, will you take them out of the oven for me?”

My character automatically searches for an oven mitt and puts it on one hand as I say, “Sure, no problem.” He then walks over to the oven, opens the door, reaches inside with the mitted hand, and pulls out the tray of cupcakes. Then, holding them above the oven, he closes the door with his free hand, then walks to the island, where he puts the tray.

Come to think of it, weren’t there also a couple loaves of bread in the oven? And won’t the recipients of those loaves wonder why they smell and taste like lemon?

After accepting thanks from Mr. Cake, I have my character go ahead and remove the loaves of bread from the oven, and put them on top.

After a few minutes, two things happen, if not simultaneously, then really close to each other. Twilight arrives, entering through the back door; and Mrs. Cake calls out to her husband, telling him the foals’ diapers need changing.

Worriedly, Mr. Cake turns to my character and Pinkie Pie and asks, “Uh, do you think you could take over icing the cupcakes?”

Once again, I answer, “Sure, no problem.”

Twilight adds, “I’ll be happy to help.”

An eager Weed Whacker calls out, “Me too, me too.”

Mr. Cake smiles and says, “Well, it looks like my pastries are in capable hands and hooves then. This shouldn’t take very long.” And, with that, he leaves the kitchen on his way to the nursery.

In the mean time, I have my character turn to Lyra; but she seems to be one step ahead of me, as she says, “I’ll go ahead and take Weed Whacker for a walk around town.” She then picks up the herbivorous dinosaur with her magic and places her on her back, then trots to and out the back door.

After watching the pale-green unicorn disappear out the back door, Twilight turns to Pinkie and asks, “So, what about Mormon?” And, in the mean time, she takes an icing bag with some of her magic, and, with more of her magic, fills it with icing from a nearby bowl.

As my character proceeds to turn the tray of cupcakes over, then right the cakes, Pinkie Pie whispers, “It’s alright. He already knows.”

Under her breath, Twilight says, “He knows about my promise to Spike. He and you made the same promise. But he doesn’t know about the promises I made to Rarity and Fluttershy. And that’s what this is about.”

Pinkie leans in close to Twilight and whispers, “Actually, he does know about them.”

Presently, Twilight calls out, “What!?” Then, realizing she spoke louder than she’d intended, she covers her mouth with a front hoof.

Pinkie Pie adds, still whispering, “He didn’t hear it from me, but he does have a good source for his information.”

Twilight removes her hoof from her mouth and calmly says, “Oh.” She then sighs and says, “Well, in that case, I guess it’s alright.” As she starts applying icing to the first cupcake, she says, “Well, we know that Rarity’s envious of Fluttershy because Photo Finish wants Fluttershy to ‘shine across Equestria.’ And, Fluttershy hates being a model.”

Pinkie Pie asks, “Yeah, so what about it?”

At this point, let me mention that I’m guessing Twilight must have quite a lot of experience icing cupcakes, as she’s already done three of them now, and they look really good.

At any rate, she continues, “Well, in our last talk together, after that last time you helped me keep my secret to Rarity, Fluttershy told me that if nopony was interested in her anymore, then maybe Photo Finish would find somepony else with … ‘the magic.’ And, that gave me the idea for what I could do to help her.” And, as she speaks, I can hear the tone in her voice rise with her excitement.

Pinkie Pie asks, “So, Twily, what’s your plan?”

Twilight answers, “Fluttershy has a fashion show late this afternoon. I was thinking, I could hide behind the curtain, then use my magic to make her look unattractive to the ponies in the audience. Don’t you see? On her own, Fluttershy could never do anything unattractive.” At this point, Pinkie Pie takes over icing the cupcakes as Twilight continues, “But, if I use my magic to help her do something unattractive at her next fashion show, no one’ll ever want her to model again. And if Fluttershy no longer has to be a model, Rarity will no longer have to be jealous of her; and I’ll no longer have to keep their secrets!” She then claps her front hooves together as she concludes, “It’s the perfect plan!” She then pulls my character down to her eye level with her magic, while she pulls in Pinkie Pie similar to how Spike had done, and says, “Now, I don’t want either of you telling anypony about it.” In a worried tone, she asks, “Promise me you won’t tell anypony?”

At this point, Pinkie Pie does a pantomime display of zipping her mouth closed, dropping a key into a hole she digs, covering the hole, drawing a house over the hole, and moving into the house.

When the act is over, Twilight, evidently somewhat confused, slowly asks, “So, you do promise, or you don’t?”

As though she doesn't feel she needs to do so, Pinkie answers, “Uh, yes.” She then turns her head upside down as she adds, “Obviously.” Then, she turns her head right side up again and repeats her pantomime act as she narrates, “That’s why I zipped my mouth closed, then locked away the key, then dug a hole, then buried the key, then built the house on top of the hole where I buried the key, then moved into the house on top of the hole.”

Twilight looks up, rolls her eyes, and says, “Obviously.” She then turns to my character and asks, “And, what about you, Mormon?”

I answer, “I also promise I won’t say anything.”

Pinkie Pie adds, “And, I know you can trust Mormon, Twily.”

I add, “But, I do have some advice for you.”

Immediately, Pinkie Pie jumps and squeals, “Yes!”

Twilight turns to her pink earth pony friend and tilts her head in curiosity.

Pinkie immediately lowers herself to the ground, smiles and laughs nervously, and says, “Uh, go on ahead, Mormon.” And, again she laughs nervously.

As Twilight turns back to my character, I continue, “It seems to me that you need to handle the situation delicately. You’re gonna want to make her look uninteresting, not disgusting. After all, it’s been my observation and experience that ugly is just another level of interesting.”

At my statement, Twilight looks away from my character and sighs before flatly saying, “You know, that’s also been my observation and experience.” She then turns back to my character and asks, “So, what do you think I should do?”

I answer, “Well, under normal circumstances, if Fluttershy were extremely nervous about something, what would she do?”

Twilight answers, “Well, she’d freeze up. Like a couple of weeks ago, when we had to get that dragon out of that mountain. Every time the dragon snored, well, you were there at the time, Mormon. You remember how she panicked.”

I answer, “That’s true.” I then add, “So, couldn’t you just manipulate her into acting especially nervous, then suddenly freezing under the pressure?”

The plan seems to dawn on Twilight as she gasps and says, “You know, Mormon, you’re right! That might just work out for the best!” She then gallops for the door, stopping only for a moment to turn to my character and say, “Thanks for the advice, Mormon,” before disappearing through it.

As my character turns to the pink earth pony, she says, “There! I knew you would give her good advice.”

Before I can answer, I hear the door open behind my character, and Lyra’s voice say, “I just saw a poster in town, talking about a fashion show starring Fluttershy.” As my character turns to the pale-green unicorn, she asks, “Could we go see it?”

Pinkie Pie, holding the icing bag in her mouth, turns to my character and says, “You go ahead with Lyra and Weed Whacker. I’ll finish up here, and hopefully I can catch up to you. Just see if you can help Twilight keep her promises, alright?”

I answer, “Sure, no problem,” before following the mint-colored unicorn carrying the herbivorous dinosaur out the door.

Lyra leads the way to a building in a part of town that I designed, but I never had a reason to go there until now.

Lyra takes her position behind Photo Finish, while I have my character take a position in the pathway between stands, to one side so he doesn’t stand in the way of Rarity when she comes.

Among the ponies I see in attendance are Doctor Whooves, Ataahua, Colgate, Bon-Bon, and Berry Punch. And, it seems that Lyra, Weed Whacker, and my character have arrived perhaps a few minutes early, as the fashion show hasn’t started yet.

As some upbeat ambiance music starts, from behind my character I hear Rarity’s voice say, “I guess it’s time to see what all the fuss is about.”

Once my character turns to the white unicorn, I can see that she’s wearing what looks to me like three capes, each of a different color, each with jewels on the visible edges at least, and feathers on the top cape. The capes are attached to her neck by a blue collar, and Rarity’s also wearing a feathered hat on her horn, keeping her mane back away from it.

I say, “Oh, hi, Rarity. How are you?”

She sighs and says, “As well as can be expected, I suppose.”

My character turns back to the stage, and shows me, through his eyes, Fluttershy looking like she’s about to exit stage left. I say, “Well, it looks like your friend’s out on stage now.”

From her grunt of displeasure, I expect, if my character were to turn to her, I’d see, through his eyes, Rarity snobbishly pointing her nose in the air.

In the mean time, I watch as the yellow pegasa makes her way a few steps onto the catwalk. Then, she starts to glow purple, then starts trembling uncontrollably, then stops moving altogether.

My character remains focused on Fluttershy, so I can only hear Rarity hum with interest.

Back on the catwalk, I watch as Fluttershy seems to struggle to move, although I can’t be sure if her trembling is due to her battling against Twilight’s magical control, or if it’s entirely Twilight. Then, like a statue, she falls over, immobile.

As members of the audience gasp and the music stops, I hear Rarity say, “Oh, no.”

My character turns to the white unicorn to show me, through his eyes, the worried look on her face. I ask, “Rarity, what’s wrong?”

As Rarity gestures to my character to approach her, I hear a different voice with a British accent say, “If I’d wanted to see an outfit on something that doesn’t move, I’d’ve gone to a clothing store.”

In the mean time, Rarity moves behind the set of stands opposite where my character’s standing.

My character follows her until she stops.

Apparently in a position of safety, she says, “What have I done?”

I ask, “Rarity?”

The white unicorn continues, “I wanted her to fail, but I didn’t want her to die.”

I state, “I wouldn’t say it was that bad. She was still breathing.” And, last I saw her, I did see her torso expanding and contracting, indicating that she was still breathing.

Back to Rarity, she says, “B-but, I can’t just leave her like this. Not when she’s doing something she loves so much.”

Now, I know, as well as Twilight and Fluttershy, that the yellow pegasa is not at all happy with her present career path, and where it’s taking her right now. But, Fluttershy has to be the one to let Rarity know about it, not me. So, I just allow the white unicorn to run back between the stands and call out, “Bravo, bravo,” and stomp her front hooves in applause.

The voice with the British accent, the one that had mentioned a clothing store before, asks, “‘Bravo?’ A pony has frozen up and collapsed on stage, and she says, ‘Bravo?’”

Rarity continues, “Such … attitude! Such … pizzazz! Why, she’s obviously sending the message that those clothes are to die for!”

At Rarity’s last statement, it’s all I can do to keep from laughing.

In the mean time, another voice with a British accent asks, “Who is saying these things?”

Another voice gasps and says, “It’s her, that unicorn in that gorgeous cape and headdress. Now that is a pony who clearly knows a thing or two about fashion.”

The voice that asked the question says, “Well, if that fabulous pony likes it, then I do too!” And, she starts cheering, while I hear more stomping in applause. And, I hear more voices join in on the hoof-stomping and cheering.

Then, after a few more seconds, Rarity approaches my character behind the stands, sighs, and says, “Thank goodness her career is saved.” She then looks up at my character and says, “Now, I need to go backstage and see if Fluttershy is alright.”

I decide to have my character follow her, and I say, “I think you may find that things are a little different than what you think.”

My statement came before Rarity could come out from behind the stands to a different pathway. She pauses and turns to my character before asking, “Why, whatever do you mean, Mormon?”

I answer, “I’m going to leave that for Fluttershy to tell you. Best you hear it from her.” I figure just because I didn’t make any promises doesn’t mean I shouldn’t keep Fluttershy’s secret. I do believe it’s best that Rarity hear it from Flutteshy herself.

From inside my headphones, I hear Pinkie Pie’s voice say, “Good answer, Mormon.”

In the mean time, my character follows the white unicorn as she resumes her course out a back door, I’m guessing opposite the one she entered, and proceeds down the hallway.

She approaches an earth pony backstage, one that bears a striking resemblance to Pinkie Pie under Diane’s control, and asks her where Fluttershy’s dressing room is. After that, and getting the directions from the pink pony, she follows the directions to the room in question.

As she opens he door, with my character following close behind her, Rarity, seeing her yellow pegasa friend, hurriedly asks, “Fluttershy, are you alright?”

Fluttershy grins after a second and says, “I’m great. I’m a super famous fashion model. Why wouldn’t I be great?”

I can’t help noticing Twilight, who, in the mean time, looks very much stressed out. She starts to answer, “Because you ha—” then stuffs her front hooves into her mouth.

I say, “Twilight, maybe you should come with me. Clearly Rarity and Fluttershy have something that the two of them need to talk about.” Then, I have my character focus on the white unicorn and the yellow pegasa, and I say, “We’ll leave you two alone now.”

As Rarity talks about her feelings about watching Fluttershy on the catwalk, what she calls the runway, Twilight removes her front hooves from her mouth and trots past her two friends. Then, as, to Fluttershy’s evident surprise, Rarity admits feelings of jealousy, Twilight, walking back down the hall with my character, says, “Thanks, Mormon. I had no idea keeping secrets could be so stressful. And I have to keep three of them.”

I respond, “Well, Rarity and Fluttershy are revealing their secrets to each other now. Best to leave them alone while they do that.”

And, indeed, I hear Fluttershy confess her feelings of hatred toward being a model.

In the mean time, Twilight says, “You know, Mormon, if you hadn’t come, I would’ve thought I’d have to reveal all of their secrets. It never really crossed my mind that they’d reveal them to each other.”

I reply, “Yeah, when it comes to secrets that two friends want to keep from each other, it’s best that those two friends reveal their secrets to each other. And, sometimes they just need a little encouragement to get them started.”

Just then, Photo Finish gallops past the human and the purple unicorn saying, “Excuse me.”

Any further conversation between the two ends then and there; as I hear Photo Finish, at Fluttershy’s dressing room door, say, “The way you conveyed your message was brilliant! I’fe already got six photo shoots lined up for tomorrow alone.”

I then hear Fluttershy say, “I’m sorry, Photo Finish, but I don’t think I’ll be able to make any of them.”

Surprised, Photo Finish asks, “Vat?”

Then, Rarity and Fluttershy high-five each other and say, “We go,” then pass by the stunned photographer pony, giggling.

Confused, the azure earth mare innocently asks, “Vat just happened?”

As the white unicorn and the yellow pegasa make their approach, Twilight says, “Well, that just leaves me with one secret left to keep.”

As she continues her approach, Rarity says, “Well, if you’re talking about Spike’s crush on me, then you needn’t worry. I’ve known about that since the first day you came.”

Twilight smiles in relief for a moment at not having to keep secrets any longer, then asks, “So, why don’t you say anything to him about it?”

Rarity answers, “Because, it’s so nice to have a stallion around that’ll do whatever I ask without any questions.”

Then, Fluttershy asks, “So, how did you know about Spike’s feelings toward you?”

Rarity answers, “Well, for instance today, only a creature in love with another would stick pins in his back and pretend they don’t hurt.”

Twilight wonders aloud, “So, does that mean I don’t have to keep Spike’s secret?”

I answer, “I suppose that’s between you and him. If you want to talk to him about it, then that’s up to you. But, I suggest you do that either in the library or at Carousel Boutique. Just discuss it while it’s only between the two of you.”

About this time, I happen to notice, from the edge of my character’s periphery, Lyra approaching, carrying Weed Whacker on her back. And, Pinkie Pie’s with them.

Twilight smiles up at my character and says, “That’s a good idea. I may just go and do that.”

Lyra asks, “Do what?”

Presently Pinkie Pie worriedly waves her front hooves in front of her toward the purple unicorn and mouths the words, “No, Twilight, no.”

But, since I can’t see for myself, I can only guess that Twilight has her eyes closed so she can’t see. It’s the only thing I can think of that could explain why Twilight doesn’t notice Pinkie’s actions when she says, “Oh, nothing you need to worry about. Just me talking with Spike about his secret crush on Rarity.” And, I can only guess that it’s then that she opens her eyes and sees the look of grief on Pinkie Pie’s face; as she covers her mouth with a forelimb. She then turns to my character so I can see, through his eyes, the grimace on her face.

As she turns back to Pinkie Pie, I can’t help noticing tears starting to stream down the one side of the purple unicorn’s face I can see, as well as from Pinkie Pie’s eyes, as the pink earth pony says, “Oh, Twilight, and you were doing so well.”

In the mean time, Lyra, clearly seeing the look on Twilight’s face, develops her own look of worry and shock as she slowly says, “I … wasn’t supposed to know about that, was I?”

I state, “The most dangerous time for a secret is when its keeper feels the safest.”

Twilight whimpers, “Oh, what do I do now?”

I have my character kneel on one knee next to the purple unicorn and put a hand on her back, and I answer, “Well, Twilight, if you hope to maintain the relationship between you and Spike, then there’s really only one path for you to take.”

Twilight turns to my character, sniffles, and asks, “And, what’s that?”

I answer, “Tell him what you did as soon as possible, and ask him to forgive you. The secret meant a lot to him, and so do you, which is why he shared the secret with you. If he wants to keep the friendship between you two alive, then he will forgive you.”

Then, from behind my character, I hear Photo Finish say, “I, Photo Finish, and my makeup artists and dressers, heared somethink ve veren’t intented to hear. So, I promise you that I, Photo Finish, vill say nothink about it.” She then calls out, “Ef’rypony, come on out!”

At her call, earth ponies from four rooms surrounding the group of five enter the hallway.

The azure earth pony continues, “How many off you heard vat dis unicorn said about her friend Shpike?”

Almost without exception, every earth pony raises a forelimb.

Seeing this, Photo Finish calls out, “Now, hear dis! I vant you to promise me dat you vill nefer refeal vat you heard dis unicorn say about her friend Shpike!”

In unison, after the ponies drop their raised hooves, they call out, “I promise!”

I notice, from the edge of my character’s periphery, Photo Finish nod as she says, “Goot. Das iss goot.” She then marches toward Twilight and continues, “Now, I vill holt you to dat promise. Iff I hear off any off you zay anyting off dis matter, you vill be immediately fiet, iss dat undershtoot?”

From around my character I hear a chorus answer, “Yes, we understand.”

Now on the opposite side of the purple unicorn from my character, Photo Finish says, “Goot. You are dismissed.” She then leans toward Twilight and says, “Your zecret iss zafe vit us.”

I can’t help smilling as I hear Twilight say, “Oh, thank you, Photo Finish.” She then turns to my character, then Pinkie Pie, then Lyra and Weed Whacker, and says, “I guess I’d better get going then.” And, with that, she leads the way out of the photography building.

As my character follows the purple unicorn out of the building, I can’t help thinking about how Photo Finish really earned my respect when she did what she did. I have to wonder how many people that run a business the way Photo Finish does would, after hearing a secret the way she did, have their entire crew promise not to reveal it, on penalty of the termination of their job if they were to reveal the secret. And, considering how much they respect her, it wouldn’t surprise me to find that they’ve had similar situations to this before.

In the mean time, outside the building, Twilight turns to the two ponies, one dinosaur and one human, sighs, and says, “Well, I guess I’d better go and let Spike know what happened here. Mormon, I hope you’re right, and that he does forgive me.”

I state, “I’m sure you’ll let me know, you’ll let all of us know, at the reading.”

Twilight starts to smile as she says, “Everypony that needs to know.”

Then, suddenly Pinkie Pie gets a worried look on her face and starts prancing in her spot as she says, “Oh, I nearly forgot about something.” She then turns to my character and asks, “Mormon, can you wait here with Lyra and Weed Whacker? I wanna invite Photo Finish to the readings.”

I answer, “Sure, no problem. Go right ahead.”

Pinkie Pie smiles and says, “Thank you, Mormon. I’ll be right back.” And, with that, she disappears in a cloud of dust.

I then hear Twilight giggle sincerely and say, “Yeah, that’s Pinkie for you.” As my character turns to her, she sighs and adds, “Well, I’d better get over to the library. See you at the reading.”

I answer, “See you there.”

Then, I notice Rarity turn to Fluttershy and ask, “So, where would you like to go now, the spa for a soak in a hot tub, or to Town Hall to wait for the reading tonight?”

Fluttershy lowers her head and looks away from Rarity as she answers, “Oh, well, whatever you want to do is fine with me.”

Rarity looks up into the sky for a moment, then back at Fluttershy, and says, “Well, we still have some time. Let’s go to the spa.”

Fluttershy smiles and answers, “Alright then.”

And, with that, the white unicorn and the yellow pegasa head off to the spa.

Just a few seconds later, Pinkie Pie is back in another cloud of dust, smiling and saying, “She accepted! She’s coming!”

I can’t help smiling as well as I say, “That’s good to hear. She knows where the readings are held now, right?”

Pinkie Pie nods as she answers, “I told her they’re held at Town Hall.”

I consider, since Rarity seems to think there’s plenty of time for a soak in a hot tub at the spa, there should be plenty of time for the group of four to do something while we wait for the time of the reading. I ask, “So, Pinkie Pie, Lyra, Weed Whacker, what do you want to do in the mean time?”

The two ponies and the dinosaur seem uncertain about what to do next, until I hear Photo Finish behind my character say, “If you haff a moment, let us go to ze town shqvare. I haff zome qvestions I neet anzert.”

The two ponies and the dinosaur seem either undecided or uncaring; so, as my character turns to the azure earth pony, I answer, “I suppose that’ll be alright.”

Photo Finish’s response is to point a hoof ahead of her, once again reminding me of depictions of the Nazi regime, and say, “Vunderbar. Ve go!” And, with that, she trots off on a course to town square. And, until they get to the familiar outdoor restaurant, no one in the party of five says anything.

It’s only after all have been seated around a table and ordered something that Photo Finish says, “Alright. Now, normally, ven I choose a model, she iss exzited to be one. But, Fluttershy vas not.”

Presently, Pinkie Pie says, “Yeah. Fluttershy was never one to like publicity.”

Photo Finish asks, “Zo, vy did she agree?”

At this point, I decide to answer, “She felt obliged by her friend, Rarity. You see, Rarity thought you were going to help her shine across Equestria, not Fluttershy.”

Then, Pinkie Pie adds, “But then, you decided you wanted Fluttershy to shine instead of Rarity.”

Photo Finish replies, “Ja. I had noticed her makink ze clothes for Sapphire Shores, ant I figuret she shines enough on her own.”

I state, “It might’ve helped if you’d let her know that was why you were redirecting your attention to Fluttershy.”

The way Photo Finish says, “Ja, you were probably right,” she sounds like she’s groaning. Then, she asks, “Zo, is zat vy she qvit all of a zodden?”

I answer, “That was after Rarity confessed to Fluttershy that she was jealous of her modeling success, and after Fluttershy confessed to Rarity that she hated being a model. You came in just after they made a deal to never hide their feelings from each other again.”

Photo Finish concludes, “Und, after dat, zere vas no vay I vas goink to shtop her from qvittink.” She then sighs before adding, “I nefer vant a model to feel uncomfortabil.”

I state, “I understood you have genuine feelings for your employees when you had your make up artists and dressers make that promise. You really helped Twilight out there.”

The azure earth pony shrugs and says, “Und, how coot I not? She’t broken a promise zat meant much to zomepony zat meant much to her.”

I state, “It was very thoughtful of you.”

Before more can be said on the matter, I hear the voice of Bon-Bon behind me ask, “So, where’s Fluttershy right now?”

As my character turns to the cream-colored pony, Photo Finish simply answers, “She qvit.”

It’s about the time that she says, “Oh. Well, in that case, never mind,” when I notice Berry Punch is with her.

I find it strange, as I watch them, through my character’s eyes, trotting off. I’d always thought that Lyra’s cream-colored earth pony friend had more depth to her than that. As my character turns back to Photo Finish, I say as much to her.

Photo Finish sighs and says, “Ja, ja, zat is ze natures of ze fans of ze fashions.”

Now that I think about it, that does make sense when I take into consideration what that one pony said after Fluttershy, under Twilight’s control, froze up and collapsed, and then, after Rarity’s cheering. That one pony had said, “Well, if that fabulous pony likes it, then so do I.”

When I don’t say anything for a few seconds, Photo Finish tilts her head slightly and says, “You probably vonder vy I continue to pursue a career, zervink zuch a feekle matter, no?”

It takes me a few seconds to push away the funny mental image of Photo Finish pursuing or serving fecal matter. When I do finally manage to do that, I answer, “The question does come to mind.”

The azure earth pony nods once, then says, “Vell, ven an employee zuczeeds, zere iss no greater revart in ze vorlt.”

I don’t say this aloud, but, after my experiences as a missionary, I think I can come up with rewards that could top a successful modelling career. Or, at least experiences that’d produce such rewards.

It’s now that Lyra asks, “So, Photo, what’ll you do now?”

Matter-of-factly, Photo Finish answers, “I, Photo Finish, shall fint another pony I can help to shine across Eqvestria. Another pony vit whom I can make … ze magics.” And, as she says those last two words, again she gives that stereotypically Nazi salute.

I decide to say no more than, “Well, I wish you the best, then.”

I suspect that Photo Finish was going to respond with grace to my statement. But, our orders arrive before she can do so. So, the group enjoys a meal together, before leaving to go to Town Hall.

As the party of five heads down the road, an azure pony with white hair approaches them. When she’s close enough, she turns to my character and says, “Hi. My name is Lucky Charm. I’ve heard about these readings hosted by a human, and I was wondering if I could attend one of them.” She then asks, “You are the human that hosts those readings, isn’t that right?”

I answer, “As a matter of fact, yes, I am. And, you are very much welcome to come to the readings. In fact, we’re headed to the Town Hall to tonight’s reading right now. Would you like to join us?”

Lucky Charm smiles and nods vigorously as she answers, “Oh, yes.” Then, she asks, “So, it’s alright if I join you then?”

I can’t help smiling as I answer, “Yes, you are quite welcome to join us.”

As Lucky Charm takes a place next to Photo Finish, I notice her cutie mark is a couple of linked horse shoes, one a pale pink, and the other something of an off yellow.

The party of now six makes its way to the Town Hall, where Mayor Mare is opening the doors.

Photo Finish turns to my character and asks, “Zo, vere are ze books for ze readink?”

I answer, “They’re just inside the door, to your left.”

Lucky Charm asks, “Oh, and can we keep our copies?”

Now, it’s Pinkie Pie who cheerfully answers, “Sure, go right ahead.”

And, wouldn’t you know it, that’s when Twilight arrives, carrying an unhappy-looking Spike on her back.

I ask, “So, how did it go?”

The purple unicorn sighs, motions to her rider with her head, and flatly says, “See for yourself.”

As Twilight turns her head away from him again, he waves a clawed hand toward her head and growls, “Well, what do you expect? I trusted you with one of my secrets, and you betrayed me.”

Twilight whimpers, “I know, Spike. And, I know I was wrong to do that. Can you ever forgive me?”

Spike seems to fight against his instincts as he says, “Well, … I …” Then he groans as he turns to my character and says, “I could use some help here.”

As the group enters the main room of the Town Hall, I look to the senior earth pony and ask, “Mayor Mare, is there a room in here where Spike and I can talk?”

The earth-tan pony looks at my character, then at Spike, then back at my character, and, moving past the two, says, “Follow me.” And, with that, she enters a certain door.

Before I allow my character to follow her, I have him turn to my two pony friends, and my dinosaur friend; and I say, “Pinkie Pie, Lyra, Weed Whacker, if you’ll stay here and try to comfort Twilight, I’ll have a talk with Spike and see if I can do anything to help him.”

While my character turns away from them, I hear them agree.

After that, the human and the purple dragon follow Mayor Mare down a hall to a room, where she opens the door.

As she points inside with a forelimb, she says, “This is a room that I use to discuss business with other ponies. It should serve you just fine.”

As my character and Spike enter the room, I say, “Thanks, Mayor.” And, I can only assume the mayor pony closes the door behind my character once he’s in the room with Spike.

As the purple dragon takes a position on one side of the room and my character takes a position on the opposite side from him, I hear Spike ask, “So, how do I forgive Twilight? She broke her promise to me.”

I answer, “I’d imagine most people at this point would say, ‘You just do.’ But, that’s not really an answer, it’s something one would say when he or she doesn’t have the answer. Here’s what I think.

“Twilight repented to you, meaning that she knows what she did to lose your trust, and she wants you to trust her again, and is willing to do what it takes to get what trust back. It seems to me that to forgive is to let the one who lost your trust, in your case Twilight, know that you want to trust her again, and are willing to do what it takes to do that. And, it seems to me that in order to learn to trust someone else again, in your case Twilight, the first thing you need to do is stop holding her offense against her. Don’t even mention it again.

“The second thing you need to do is help Twilight be the best creature she can be, and the way to do that is to continue to serve her the way you did before her offense. At some point in the future, she may trust you with a secret, in which case the best thing you can do is keep the secret.”

As I speak, I notice that Spike starts holding his head as though he has a headache. After I talk about him keeping a secret that Twilight might trust him with, he closes his eyes, waves his hands at my character, and says, “Alright, just a minute, just a minute.” Then, he opens his eyes again and holds his hands out as though accepting some solid object from my character as he asks, “So, you want me to do to Twilight the exact opposite of her offense?”

I answer, “That’s right.”

Spike shakes his arms out as he continues, “And, that’ll be part of forgiving her?”

Again I say, “That’s right.”

For a second or two Spike clenches his fists and growls before he opens them again and shouts, “Do you realize how difficult that’s going to be!?”

I answer, “There are times when doing the right thing isn’t going to be easy. But, it won’t help a relationship to keep an offense alive between two creatures that really care about each other. One of them is going to have to let go of that offense, and the sooner the better. If you really care about Twilight, and want your relationship with her to continue, and even grow stronger, then you’ll take my advice.”

It seems that my statement about keeping an offense alive in a relationship really hit Spike hard. For a few seconds he’s silent. Then, when he does speak again, he mumbles, “Alright, I’ll take your advice.” Then, as he gets to his feet, he adds, “It won’t be easy for me, but I’ll try.”

I have my character rise as well, then I say, “Work at it, and keep working at it. The more you practice, the easier it’ll get, or at least the more you’ll get used to it.” I then have my character open the door again as I continue, “You know, far too often in fictional works, at least for my taste, I’ve heard the words, ‘I forgive you,’ used improperly as a weapon of sorts, which, I think, does more to damage a relationship than do anything to help it. It seems to me that if those three words are going to be used that way, then it’s better to not use them at all, just demonstrate forgiveness.”

As the human and the dragon leave the room together, I can’t help noticing, when Spike looks up at my character, at least the beginning of a smile on his face as he says, “Thanks, Mormon. I’m glad I could talk with you about my problem.”

I simply answer, “I hope my advice helps you.”

No more is said between us as my character and Spike make their way back through the hallway and to the main room of Town Hall. And, as they walk through the door, I can’t help noticing something close to fifty creatures, including Pinkie Pie, Lyra, and Weed Whacker, in the room.

In fact, Pinkie Pie bounces toward my character and cheerfully says, “Hi, Mormon. I think all the guests have arrived.” And, close behind her is Twilight, who is more subduedly cantering.

Presently, Spike runs to her, wraps his arms around her closest foreleg, and cries, “Oh, Twilight, I do want to forgive you! I want to trust you again!” And, with that, he buries his face in her shoulder.

I watch, through my character’s eyes, as Twilight closes her eyes, wraps her other forelimb around her dragon assistant, and says, “Thank you, Spike. I want you to trust me again.” Her voice trembles as she says that, and I see a tear roll down her face.

I think even Pinkie Pie starts to tear up. I at least hear her sniffle and say, “Oh, Twilight. Oh, Spike.”

I give the unicorn and dragon time to separate before I ask, “So, shall we get to the reading, then?”

It’s Twilight who nods and, smiling, answers, “Sure. Let’s do that.” and, with that, she leads the way to the reading group, which is almost entirely composed of ponies.

As the group of readers sees my character approach, they spread out and form a circle which touches the steps to the stage, where my character will evidently be.

The circle envelops the human, the earth pony, the unicorn, and the dragon, who separate to other parts of the circle, save for Twilight and Spike, and take their positions.

Before the reading begins, Princess Luna gives a brief summary of what the group had read in the first two Books of Nephi, and in the Book of Jacob.

I have my character turn to the photographer pony, and I ask, "Photo Finish will you begin the reading with the Book of Enos, verse one?"

The azure earth pony smiles and nods, then looks down and reads, "Behold, it came to pass that I, Enos, knowing my father that he was a just man—for he taught me in his language, and also in the nurture and admonition of the Lord—and blessed be the name of my God for it—"

Next, Lyra reads, "And I will tell you of the wrestle which I had before God, before I received a remission of my sins." She then looks up and wonders aloud, "He got a remission of his sins for wrestling in front of God?"

I hear Princess Luna chuckle, then answer, "I think not, Lyra, not as you imagine anyway. Let us read further, and we shall understand better."

Weed Whacker reads, "Behold, I went to hunt beasts in the forests; and the words which I had often heard my father speak concerning eternal life, and the joy of the saints, sunk deep into my heart."

I read, "And my soul hungered; and I kneeled down before my Maker, and I cried unto him in mighty prayer and supplication for mine own soul; and all the day long did I cry unto him; yea, and when the night came I did still raise my voice high that it reached the heavens."

At this point, I hear Lyra say, "Wow. He prayed for an entire day? He was really determined, then."

Mayor Mare reads, "And there came a voice unto me, saying: Enos, thy sins are forgiven thee, and thou shalt be blessed."

Zecora reads, "And I, Enos, knew that God could not lie; wherefore, my guilt was swept away."

Princess Luna reads, "And I said: Lord, how is it done?"

Princess Celestia reads, "And he said unto me: Because of thy faith in Christ, whom thou hast never before heard nor seen. And many years pass away before he shall manifest himself in the flesh; wherefore, go to, thy faith hath made thee whole."

Twilight Sparkle reads, "Now, it came to pass that when I had heard these words I began to feel a desire for the welfare of my brethren, the Nephites; wherefore, I did pour out my whole soul unto God for them."

Spike reads, "And while I was thus struggling in the spirit, behold, the voice of the Lord came into my mind again, saying: I will visit thy brethren according to their diligence in keeping my commandments. I have given unto them this land, and it is a holy land; and I curse it not save it be for the cause of iniquity; wherefore, I will visit thy brethren according as I have said; and their transgressions will I bring down with sorrow upon their own heads."

Rarity reads, "And after I, Enos, had heard these words, my faith began to be unshaken in the Lord; and I prayed unto him with many long strugglings for my brethren, the Lamanites."

Fluttershy reads, "And it came to pass that after I had prayed and labored with all diligence, the Lord said unto me: I will grant unto thee according to thy desires, because of thy faith."

PInkie Pie reads, "And now behold, this was the desire which I desired of him—that if it should so be, that my people, the Nephites, should fall into transgression, and by any means be destroyed, and the Lamanites should not be destroyed, that the Lord God would preserve a record of my people, the Nephites; even if it so be by the power of his holy arm, that it might be brought forth at some future day unto the Lamanites, that, perhaps, they might be brought unto salvation—" She then says, "You know, Enos here isn't the first to ask for this, I don't think. And, considering we have this record, evidently the prayers concerning it were answered 'yes.'"

Rainbow Dash reads, "For at the present our strugglings were vain in restoring them to the true faith. And they swore in their wrath that, if it were possible, they would destroy our records and us, and also all the traditions of our fathers."

Applejack reads, "Wherefore, I knowing that the Lord God was able to preserve our records, I cried unto him continually, for he had said unto me: Whatsoever thing ye shall ask in faith, believing that ye shall receive in the name of Christ, ye shall receive it."

Big MacIntosh reads, "And I had faith, and I did cry unto God that he would preserve the records; and he covenanted with me that he would bring them forth unto the Lamanites in his own due time."

Granny Smith reads, "And I, Enos, knew it would be according to the covenant which he had made; wherefore my soul did rest."

Applebloom reads, "And the Lord said unto me: Thy fathers have also required of me this thing; and it shall be done unto them according to their faith; for their faith was like unto thine."

Sweetie Belle reads, "And now it came to pass that I, Enos, went about among the people of Nephi, prophesying of things to come, and testifying of the things which I had heard and seen."

Scootaloo reads, "And I bear record that the people of Nephi did seek diligently to restore the Lamanites unto the true faith in God. But our labors were vain; their hatred was fixed, and they were led by their evil nature that they became wild, and ferocious, and a blood-thirsty people, full of idolatry and filthiness; feeding upon beasts of prey; dwelling in tents, and wandering about in the wilderness with a short skin girdle about their loins and their heads shaven; and their skill was in the bow, and in the cimeter, and the ax. And many of them did eat nothing save it was raw meat; and they were continually seeking to destroy us."

Sleeping Beauty reads, "And it came to pass that the people of Nephi did till the land, and raise all manner of grain, and of fruit, and flocks of herds, and flocks of all manner of cattle of every kind, and goats, and wild goats, and also many horses."

Wind Walker reads, "And there were exceedingly many prophets among us. And the people were a stiffnecked people, hard to understand."

Cold Hands reads, "And there was nothing save it was exceeding harshness, preaching and prophesying of wars, and contentions, and destructions, and continually reminding them of death, and the duration of eternity, and the judgments and the power of God, and all these things--stirring them up continually to keep them in the fear of the Lord. I say there was nothing short of these things, and exceedingly great plainness of speech, would keep them from going down speedily to destruction. And after this manner do I write concerning them."

Snails reads, "And I saw wars between the Nephites and Lamanites in the course of my days."

Snips reads, "And it came to pass that I began to be old, and an hundred and twenty and nine years had passed away from the time that our father Lehi left Jerusalem."

Warm Heart reads, "And I saw that I must soon go down to my grave, having been wrought upon by the power of God that I must preach and prophesy unto this people, and declare the word according to the truth which is in Christ. And I have declared it in all my days, and have rejoiced in it above that of the world."

Rarity's mother reads, "And I soon go to the place of my rest, which is with my redeemer; for I know that in him I shall rest. And I rejoice in the day when my mortal shall put on immortality, and shall stand before him; then shall I see his face with pleasure, and he will say unto me: Come unto me, ye blessed, there is a place prepared for you in the mansions of my Father. Amen."

Rarity's father looks up and says, "I guess that means I start the Book of Jarom," then looks down again and reads, "Now behold, I, Jarom, write a few words according to the commandment of my father, Enos, that our genealogy may be kept."

Berry Ground reads, "And as these plates are small, and as these things are written for the intent of the benefit of our brethren the Lamanites, wherefore, it must needs be that I write a little; but I shall not write the things of my prophesying, nor of my revelations. For what could I write more than my fathers have written? For have not they revealed the plan of salvation? I say unto you, Yea; and this sufficeth me."

Stunts reads, "Behold, it is expedient that much should be done among this people, because of the hardness of their hearts, and the deafness of their ears, and the blindness of their minds, and the stiffness of their necks; nevertheless, God is exceedingly merciful unto them, and has not as yet swept them off from the face of the land."

Emerald Hill reads, "And there are many among us who have many revelations, for they are not all stiffnecked. And as many as are not stiffnecked and have faith, have communion with the Holy Spirit, which maketh manifest unto the children of men, according to their faith."

Namby Pamby reads, "And now, behold, two hundred years had passed away, and the people of Nephi had waxed strong in the land. They observed to keep the law of Moses and the sabbath day holy unto the Lord. And they profaned not; neither did they blaspheme. And the laws of the land were exceedingly strict."

Twist reads, "And they were scattered upon much of the face of the land, and the Lamanites also. And they were exceedingly more numerous than were they of the Nephites; and they loved murder and would drink the blood of beasts."

Silver Spoon reads, "And it came to pass that they came many times against us, the Nephites, to battle. But our kings and our leaders were mighty men in the faith of the Lord; and they taught the people the ways of the Lord; wherefore, we withstood the Lamanites and swept them away out of our lands, and began to fortify our cities, or whatsoever place of our inheritance."

Filthy Rich reads, "And we multiplied exceedingly, and spread upon the face of the land, and became exceedingly rich in gold, and in silver, and in precious things, and in fine workmanship of wood, in buildings, and in machinery, and also in iron and copper, and brass and steel, making all manner of tools of every kind to till the ground, and weapons of war—yea, the sharp pointed arrow, and the quiver, and the dart, and the javelin, and all preparations for war."

Diamond Tiara reads, "And thus being prepared to meet the Lamanites, they did not prosper against us. But the word of the Lord was verified, which he spake unto our fathers, saying that: Inasmuch as ye will keep my commandments ye shall prosper in the land."

Octavia reads, "And it came to pass that the prophets of the Lord did threaten the people of Nephi, according to the word of God, that if they did not keep the commandments, but should fall into transgression, they should be destroyed from off the face of the land."

Vinyl Scratch reads, "Wherefore, the prophets, and the priests, and the teachers, did labor diligently, exhorting with all long-suffering the people to diligence; teaching the law of Moses, and the intent for which it was given; persuading them to look forward unto the Messiah, and believe in him to come as though he already was. And after this manner did they teach them."

Sweet Tones reads, "And it came to pass that by so doing they kept them from being destroyed upon the face of the land; for they did prick their hearts with the word, continually stirring them up unto repentance."

Drum Roll reads, "And it came to pass that two hundred and thirty and eight years had passed away—after the manner of wars, and contentions, and dissensions, for the space of much of the time."

Lotta Pipes reads, "And I, Jarom, do not write more, for the plates are small. But behold, my brethren, ye can go to the other plates of Nephi; for behold, upon them the records of our wars are engraven, according to the writings of the kings, or those which they caused to be written."

Hoity Toity reads, "And I deliver these plates into the hands of my son Omni, that they may be kept according to the commandments of my fathers."

Mr. Cake looks up and says, "I guess I'll start reading the Book of Omni, then." And, with that, he looks down again into his book and reads, "Behold, it came to pass that I, Omni, being commanded by my father, Jarom, that I should write somewhat upon these plates, to preserve our genealogy—"

Mrs. Cake reads, "Wherefore, in my days, I would that ye should know that I fought much with the sword to preserve my people, the Nephites, from falling into the hands of their enemies, the Lamanites. But behold, I of myself am a wicked man, and I have not kept the statutes and the commandments of the Lord as I ought to have done." She then looks up and says, "I find it surprising that he'd admit that. Even among us ponies, it's difficult to admit when we've done something wrong."

Colgate reads, "And it came to pass that two hundred and seventy and six years had passed away, and we had many seasons of peace; and we had many seasons of serious war and bloodshed. Yea, and in fine, two hundred and eighty and two years had passed away, and I had kept these plates according to the commandments of my fathers; and I conferred them upon my son Amaron. And I make an end."

Lucky Charm reads, "And now I, Amaron, write the things whatsoever I write, which are few, in the book of my father."

Carrot Top reads, "Behold, it came to pass that three hundred and twenty years had passed away, and the more wicked part of the Nephites were destroyed."

Berry Punch reads, "For the Lord would not suffer, after he had led them out of the land of Jerusalem and kept and preserved them from falling into the hands of their enemies, yea, he would not suffer that the words should not be verified, which he spake unto our fathers, saying that: Inasmuch as ye will not keep my commandments ye shall not prosper in the land."

Bon-Bon reads, "Wherefore, the Lord did visit them in great judgment; nevertheless, he did spare the righteous that they should not perish, but did deliver them out of the hands of their enemies."

Photo Finish reads, "And it came to pass that I did deliver the plates unto my brother Chemish."

Lyra reads, "Now I, Chemish, write what few things I write, in the same book with my brother; for behold, I saw the last which he wrote, that he wrote it with his own hand; and he wrote it in the day that he delivered them unto me. And after this manner we keep the records, for it is according to the commandments of our fathers. And I make an end."

Weed Whacker reads, "Behold, I, Abinadom, am the son of Chemish. Behold, it came to pass that I saw much war and contention between my people, the Nephites, and the Lamanites; and I, with my own sword, have taken the lives of many of the Lamanites in the defence of my brethren."

I read, "And behold, the record of this people is engraven upon plates which is had by the kings, according to the generations; and I know of no revelation save that which has been written, neither prophecy; wherefore, that which is sufficient is written. And I make an end."

Mayor Mare reads, "Behold, I am Amaleki, the son of Abinadom. Behold, I will speak unto you somewhat concerning Mosiah, who was made king over the land of Zarahemla; for behold, he being warned of the Lord that he should flee out of the land of Nephi, and as many as would hearken unto the voice of the Lord should also depart out of the land with him, into the wilderness—"

Zecora reads, "And it came to pass that he did according as the Lord had commanded him. And they departed out of the land into the wilderness, as many as would hearken unto the voice of the Lord; and they were led by many preachings and prophesyings. And they were admonished continually by the word of God; and they were led by the power of his arm, through the wilderness until they came down into the land which is called the land of Zarahemla."

Princess Luna reads, "And they discovered a people, who were called the people of Zarahemla. Now, there was great rejoicing among the people of Zarahemla; and also Zarahemla did rejoice exceedingly, because the Lord had sent the people of Mosiah with the plates of brass which contained the record of the Jews."

Princess Celestia reads, "Behold, it came to pass that Mosiah discovered that the people of Zarahemla came out from Jerusalem at the time that Zedekiah, king of Judah, was carried away captive into Babylon."

Twilight Sparkle reads, "And they journeyed in the wilderness, and were brought by the hand of the Lord across the great waters, into the land where Mosiah discovered them; and they had dwelt there from that time forth."

Spike reads, "And at the time that Mosiah discovered them, they had become exceedingly numerous. Nevertheless, they had had many wars and serious contentions, and had fallen by the sword from time to time; and their language had become corrupted; and they had brought no records with them; and they denied the being of their Creator; and Mosiah, nor the people of Mosiah, could understand them."

At this point, I hear Berry Ground say, "Now, back when we were reading in the first book of Nephi, when we were reading chapter three, there was the question of why God would have Lehi send his sons back to Jerusalem to retrieve the records on the brass plates when he could just as easily have had them get the records before they left Jerusalem. Then, when we were reading chapter four, we learned that God wanted them to have those records because if they didn't, Nephi's descendants would dwindle and perish in unbelief; and that encouraged Nephi to get those plates by killing Laban.

"Well, now we have an example of a people that left and came to the Americas without the necessary records, and they were dwindling and perishing in unbelief. They weren't descendants of Lehi, but they were evidently former residents of Jerusalem. The records that Lehi had sent his sons back to get are clearly proving to be more useful than, I suppose, Lehi and Nephi could've predicted." He then turns to the white unicorn next to him and says, "You may continue reading now."

Rarity nods, then reads, "But it came to pass that Mosiah caused that they should be taught in his language. And it came to pass that after they were taught in the language of Mosiah, Zarahemla gave a genealogy of his fathers, according to his memory; and they are written, but not in these plates."

Fluttershy reads, "And it came to pass that the people of Zarahemla, and of Mosiah, did unite together; and Mosiah was appointed to be their king."

PInkie Pie reads, "And it came to pass in the days of Mosiah, there was a large stone brought unto him with engravings on it; and he did interpret the engravings by the gift and power of God."

Rainbow Dash reads, "And they gave an account of one Coriantumr, and the slain of his people. And Coriantumr was discovered by the people of Zarahemla; and he dwelt with them for the space of nine moons."

Applejack reads, "It also spake a few words concerning his fathers. And his first parents came out from the tower, at the time the Lord confounded the language of the people; and the severity of the Lord fell upon them according to his judgments, which are just; and their bones lay scattered in the land northward."

Big MacIntosh reads, "Behold, I, Amaleki, was born in the days of Mosiah; and I have lived to see his death; and Benjamin, his son, reigneth in his stead."

Granny Smith reads, "And behold, I have seen, in the days of king Benjamin, a serious war and much bloodshed between the Nephites and the Lamanites. But behold, the Nephites did obtain much advantage over them; yea, insomuch that king Benjamin did drive them out of the land of Zarahemla."

Applebloom reads, "And it came to pass that I began to be old; and, having no seed, and knowing king Benjamin to be a just man before the Lord, wherefore, I shall deliver up these plates unto him, exhorting all men to come unto God, the Holy One of Israel, and believe in prophesying, and in revelations, and in the ministering of angels, and in the gift of speaking with tongues, and in the gift of interpreting languages, and in all things which are good; for there is nothing which is good save it comes from the Lord: and that which is evil cometh from the devil."

Sweetie Belle reads, "And now, my beloved brethren, I would that ye should come unto Christ, who is the Holy One of Israel, and partake of his salvation, and the power of his redemption. Yea, come unto him, and offer your whole souls as an offering unto him, and continue in fasting and praying, and endure to the end; and as the Lord liveth ye will be saved."

Scootaloo reads, "And now I would speak somewhat concerning a certain number who went up into the wilderness to return to the land of Nephi; for there was a large number who were desirous to possess the land of their inheritance."

Sleeping Beauty reads, "Wherefore, they went up into the wilderness. And their leader being a strong and mighty man, and a stiffnecked man, wherefore he caused a contention among them; and they were all slain, save fifty, in the wilderness, and they returned again to the land of Zarahemla."

Wind Walker reads, "And it came to pass that they also took others to a considerable number, and took their journey again into the wilderness."

Cold Hands reads, "And I, Amaleki, had a brother, who also went with them; and I have not since known concerning them. And I am about to lie down in my grave; and these plates are full. And I make an end of my speaking."

Snails says, "I guess that means I start reading the book of the Words of Mormon," then reads, "And now I, Mormon, being about to deliver up the record which I have been making into the hands of my son Moroni, behold I have witnessed almost all the destruction of my people, the Nephites."

Snips reads, "And it is many hundred years after the coming of Christ that I deliver these records into the hands of my son; and it supposeth me that he will witness the entire destruction of my people. But may God grant that he may survive them, that he may write somewhat concerning them, and somewhat concerning Christ, that perhaps some day it may profit them."

Warm Heart reads, "And now, I speak somewhat concerning that which I have written; for after I had made an abridgment from the plates of Nephi, down to the reign of this king Benjamin, of whom Amaleki spake, I searched among the records which had been delivered into my hands, and I found these plates, which contained this small account of the prophets, from Jacob down to the reign of this king Benjamin, and also many of the words of Nephi."

Rarity's mother reads, "And the things which are upon these plates pleasing me, because of the prophecies of the coming of Christ; and my fathers knowing that many of them have been fulfilled; yea, and I also know that as many things as have been prophesied concerning us down to this day have been fulfilled, and as many as go beyond this day must surely come to pass—"

Rarity's father reads, "Wherefore, I chose these things, to finish my record upon them, which remainder of my record I shall take from the plates of Nephi; and I cannot write the hundredth part of the things of my people."

Berry Ground reads, "But behold, I shall take these plates, which contain these prophesyings and revelations, and put them with the remainder of my record, for they are choice unto me; and I know they will be choice unto my brethren."

Stunts reads, "And I do this for a wise purpose; for thus it whispereth me, according to the workings of the Spirit of the Lord which is in me. And now, I do not know all things; but the Lord knoweth all things which are to come; wherefore, he worketh in me to do according to his will."

Emerald Hill reads, "And my prayer to God is concerning my brethren, that they may once again come to the knowledge of God, yea, the redemption of Christ; that they may once again be a delightsome people."

Namby Pamby reads, "And now I, Mormon, proceed to finish out my record, which I take from the plates of Nephi; and I make it according to the knowledge and the understanding which God has given me."

Twist reads, "Wherefore, it came to pass that after Amaleki had delivered up these plates into the hands of king Benjamin, he took them and put them with the other plates, which contained records which had been handed down by the kings, from generation to generation until the days of king Benjamin."

Cheerilee reads, "And they were handed down from king Benjamin, from generation to generation until they have fallen into my hands. And I, Mormon, pray to God that they may be preserved from this time henceforth. And I know that they will be preserved; for there are great things written upon them, out of which my people and their brethren shall be judged at the great and last day, according to the word of God which is written."

Silver Spoon reads, "And now, concerning this king Benjamin—he had somewhat of contentions among his own people."

Filthy Rich reads, "And it came to pass also that the armies of the Lamanites came down out of the land of Nephi, to battle against his people. But behold, king Benjamin gathered together his armies, and he did stand against them; and he did fight with the strength of his own arm, with the sword of Laban."

Diamond Tiara reads, "And in the strength of the Lord they did contend against their enemies, until they had slain many thousands of the Lamanites. And it came to pass that they did contend against the Lamanites until they had driven them out of all the lands of their inheritance."

Octavia reads, "And it came to pass that after there had been false Christs, and their mouths had been shut, and they punished according to their crimes;"

Vinyl Scratch reads, "And after there had been false prophets, and false preachers and teachers among the people, and all these having been punished according to their crimes; and after there having been much contention and many dissensions away unto the Lamanites, behold, it came to pass that king Benjamin, with the assistance of the holy prophets who were among his people—"

Sweet Tones reads, "For behold, king Benjamin was a holy man, and he did reign over his people in righteousness; and there were many holy men in the land, and they did speak the word of God with power and with authority; and they did use much sharpness because of the stiffneckedness of the people—"

Drum Roll reads, "Wherefore, with the help of these, king Benjamin, by laboring with all the might of his body and the faculty of his whole soul, and also the prophets, did once more establish peace in the land."

At this point, I have my character stand up; and I say, "And, with that, we'll end tonight's reading. And, I have an announcement for you. I'm thinking it's time for you, who live here in Ponyville, to take control of the readings here from now on." I'm not really surprised at the complaints and groans at my announcement, but I continue, "I appreciate having included you in these readings, but I think there are enough of you now that you can continue these readings among yourselves. So, I'm handing control of the readings here in town to my three friends, Emerald Hill, Stunts, and Berry Ground. You can split up into your own reading groups as you see fit, or continue to read as one group, whatever you prefer. It'll be all up to you from now on. I just encourage you to continue discussing what you read. You may come to me with questions you may have that none of you in the group can answer, but the readings here after tonight are under your control. Thank you. Good night."

When I finish talking, Pinkie Pie and Lyra immediately approach my character; and Lyra asks, "Mormon, why are you doing this?"

I have my character kneel on one knee in front of the two mares, and I answer, "Like I said, it seems to me they can handle the readings on their own from now on."

Worriedly, Lyra asks, "But, what if they can't?"

I answer, "That'll be up to them. If they want the readings to continue, then they'll find a way for them to continue."

I then hear Mayor Mare next to my character ask, "Don't you enjoy reading with us anymore?"

As my character turns to her, I answer, "Reading with you has been really enjoyable for me. But, it seems to me that, well, as long as I'm reading with you, the reading will probably have a tendency to move too fast. There's a lot of material that's worthy of discussion, and I have to wonder if my presence is making it difficult for discussion of the material to take place. For instance, there haven't been many who have commented on what was read this time, in spite of there being a lot of material worthy of discussion. If I'm holding that back, then it may be time for me to step aside and allow you to read, and discuss what you read amongst yourselves."

Mayor Mare looks down and says, "I hadn't thought you'd felt that way about it." She then looks up at my character again and asks, "Couldn't you give us one more chance?"

I answer, "It seems to me that this reading group is strong enough to stand on its own. It doesn't, or at least it shouldn't, need me anymore."

The mayor pony continues to stare up at my character, and it looks to me as though she could start crying at any time. Finally, after a few seconds, she sighs, then says, "Alright, Mormon, if you think that's best, then so be it. It has been an honor to have you lead these readings." And, with that, she turns and canters off.

I then hear Pinkie Pie ask, "You are still going to have readings, aren't you?"

My character turns to her, and I answer, "I do still plan to have them, yes. Just with a smaller group, and at my house again."

Lyra starts to smile as she asks, "Oh, could I be a part of that group?"

Pinkie Pie adds, "Me too, me too."

I answer, "A group isn't really a group unless there are two or more. As long as you live with me under my roof, yes, you are part of that group."

I then hear Princess Celestia ask, "And, what of me and my sister? Can we be part of your smaller reading group?"

As my character looks up at them, I answer, "You are quite welcome to. And, I would also welcome the other element bearers, besides Pinkie Pie, into that reading group. Just so long as an entire town isn't traveling through the Everfree forest to read at my house, then traveling back through there to return to their homes. I don't want to put that many lives in that much danger." And, I have my character stand up once again. And, that’s when I notice Applejack behind Pinkie Pie.

She steps forward and says, removing her hat with a front hoof and holding it in front of her, “Uh, Mormon, Ah’d like to invite you, along with Pinkie Pie, Lyra, and Weed Whacker, to come with us t'Appleoosa. Ah’m a’movin’ one of my apple trees over there, and, Ah could use as much help as Ah could get. Would you like to come with? Ah’ve already invited Twilight, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Rainbow Dash, and they’ve agreed.”

I answer, “Well, if Pinkie Pie, Lyra, and Weed Whacker are willing to go and help you, then sure, I’ll come with.”

Pinkie Pie is the first to speak; and, turning to her friend, she says, “If you’re movin’ a tree to Appleoosa, I’m guessing we’ll be going by train?”

Applejack nods and answers, “That’s right, Sugarcube.”

Pinkie Pie then turns back to my character and, tilting her head, asks, “Then, where are you gonna sleep?”

Applejack’s smile immediately morphs into a frown, and she puts her hat back on her head and says, “Oh, yeah, that’s right. Ah hadn’t thought ‘bout that.”

Then Lyra says, “That is right. Passenger sleeping quarters are designed for ponies, not humans.” Focusing on my character now, she concludes, “You probably wouldn’t be able to fit in one of those bunk beds.”

Having had some time to think about the predicament, I answer, “I suppose I’ll have to sleep on the floor of one of the cars.”

At this statement, Applejack swallows hard and says, “Ah really don’t like that idea.” She then asks, “What if somepony had to enter real fast like, and ended up trippin’ over ya while y’all were a’sleepin’?”

I answer, “I suppose that’d be one way to wake me up.”

A chuckle escapes Pinkie Pie, until Applejack says, “Yeah, a painful way.”

It’s then that Weed Whacker says, “Well, if there’s any way that I can help, I’d be happy to come with.”

Then, Lyra says, “Well, I can’t allow Weed Whacker to go on her own. I’ll come with you.”

Pinkie Pie, still focused on my character, straightens her head and says, “Well, Mormon, I’m leaving my decision up to you. If you wanna go, then I’ll go with you.”

Now, I know that Pinkie Pie is going to play an important role in the story of the next couple of days, which are going to be based on another episode; and in order to play that role, she’s going to have to be there. And, maybe I can have some influence on her. So, for me, especially considering that Lyra and Weed Whacker have already decided they want to go, the choice is that much simpler. I answer, “Well, sure, I’ll be happy to go with.”

At my answer, Pinkie Pie jumps into the air and shouts, “Yes! We’re all goin’ to Appleoosa!”

Just then, I hear Princess Celestia, who I’d forgotten was still there, say, “Well, in that case, I shall transport you to your home so the four of you can get ready to leave on the train.” And, with that, the white alicorn nods and closes her eyes; and her horn starts to glow and sparkle. Then, the group of five, in one frame, find themselves in front of my character’s home.

It’s Pinkie Pie who says, “Well, let’s get ready so we can get back to Ponyville and go with Applejack and the others.” And, she leads the charge into my character's house.

The preparations don’t take that long, at least not for my character, who just packs some of his bedding into a bag designed for travel. And, it seems that the preparations are just as simple for Pinkie Pie, Lyra, and Weed Whacker.

It seems that Pinkie Pie has thought ahead, and provided a bag with copies of the Book of Mormon for the trip. I guess that means she expects a reading to take place there, perhaps with Applejack’s cousin Braeburn as well as the other townsfolk there.

Once the group is back outside, Princess Celestia transports them in one frame back to Town Hall, but outside this time.

Somehow, I’m not surprised to see that Rarity has packed a mountain of things to take with her.

At any rate, as the daytime princess teleports away, the group of nine makes its way to the train station, where each gets a ticket, then boards the present train headed for the desert town. And, the group’s belongings, save for my character’s bedding, are packed in a chamber under one of the passenger cars.

In the mean time, Applejack is carefully instructing the workers on how to move an apple tree into the caboose and lay it down on the bed provided without damaging it, that is, the tree.

The worker ponies there also decide that the best place for my character to sleep on the way to the desert town is on the floor of the caboose with the apple tree. And, I see no reason to argue with them. After all, the caboose which houses the tree for the trip is evidently roomy enough to allow a human to sleep on the floor, at least one the size of my character. And, once the train starts moving, my character unpacks his sleeping gear; and Applejack starts reading a bedtime story to her tree, something about an apple tree growing from a sapling to a full-grown tree.

Then, just as Applejack finishes telling the story, Rarity enters. Seeing the farmer pony closing the book she was reading, the white unicorn asks, “Applejack, were you reading a bedtime story to … an apple tree?”

Applejack’s response, after a nervous laugh, is, “Uh, well, you know, bein’ replanted in a whole new place is very upsettin’ for a tree. And, Bloomberg here is one of my favorites.”

After a momentary pause, Rarity puts a front hoof down and says, “Not fair, Applejack.” She then whines, “You’ve got a luxurious private sleeper car for a tree, while I am crowded and cramped in the same car with all the other ponies. How am I supposed to get my beauty sleep?”

At this point, I have my character hold his arms out, the palm of each hand facing a pony, and I say, “Alright, that’s enough out of both of you.” Then, focusing on the white unicorn, I add, “I’m sure, Rarity, that you care just as much about the clothes you make as Applejack cares about the trees she raises and the fruit she gets from them.”

As I have my character put his arms down again, Rarity sounds offended when she responds, “Well, of course I care. But, at least the clothes I make are mature enough to not need a bedtime story.”

At this point, I can’t help but laugh at what Rarity just said.

Confused, the fashionista pony asks, “And, just what is so funny?”

Wanting to keep this session decent, I control my laughter just enough to say, “It’s kind of a long story.”

I think Applejack also understands, as she also chuckles. Then, as Rarity glares back at her, she regains her composure and says, “Now, remember, Bloomberg’s the main reason we’re makin’ this trip. He needs his rest for when we give 'im as a gift to my relatives in Appleoosa.”

Rarity grunts derisively before saying, “You talk about it as if it’s your baby, or something.”

That seems to offend Applejack, as she immediately gasps and says, “Who’re you callin’ a baby? Bloomberg’s no baby.” She then rushes to the apple tree and, rubbing its leaves with a front hoof, says, the way a mother would typically say to her infant, “Don’t wet ol’ Wa’ity make you aww saddy-waddy. Bwoomberg’s a big, stwong appo twee, yes he is.”

And, she continues on that way until a disgusted Rarity leaves the car, saying, “It’s ol’ Wa’ity who’s all saddy-waddy.”

Then, when it’s just the orange earth pony, the apple tree, and the human in the car, Applejack turns to my character and asks, “Can you believe Rarity’d say such a thing about my Bloomberg?”

I answer, “Well, in her own way, although perhaps not the most respectfully, she was acknowledging how much you care for your apple trees, especially Bloomberg.” I then have my character slip under his covers as I say, “You have nothing to worry about. I’ll take care of him.”

As my character closes his eyes, I can only hear Applejack say, “Thank you, Mormon. Ah really appreciate that.” Then, I hear the hoof falls past my character as Applejack proceeds out of the room and, I suppose, into the car with the rest of the ponies in the group.

I decide that it’s not quite time for me to save and shut down the game, as there is one more thing that needs to be taken care of.

Actually, make that two things. Weed Whacker, seconds after Applejack leaves, enters and nudges my character awake, then hands him a clipboard and pen, reminding me about the report to the princesses.

So, I have my character take the writing equipment from the herbivorous dinosaur, then write down the highlights of the day, including the discussion over breakfast about the story of the tame olive tree and the symbolism of all that was mentioned, the discussion on the walk through the forest about Sherem, and how Pinkie Pie asked for my advice throughout the day on how to help Twilight Sparkle keep her promises. I also include how, at the moment she felt the safest, she broke the promise she’d made to her dragon assistant, Spike. One of the things I include is how I advised Twilight on how to repent to Spike, and how I advised Spike on how to forgive Twilight. Princess Celestia’s faithful student did demonstrate how, as I’d said, the most dangerous time for a promise is when its keeper feels the safest. Then, after signing the letter and rolling it up for Weed Whacker, I hand it back to her; and she promptly bites it, causing it to disappear.

Then, as the herbivorous dinosaur exits the caboose, Spike enters, grumbling something about ponies being too noisy. Seeing my character ready to sleep on the floor, he asks, “Could I sleep with you tonight?”

Knowing what he means, I answer, “You can sleep wherever you want.”

As he snuggles, I assume, against my character's back, Spike says, “Sorry, I tend to snore a bit.”

As the purple dragon dozes off, I respond, “That’s alright. So do I.”

Now I decide to save and end the game. Evidently one of the longer ones I’ve had, who knows but that the game’s tomorrow will be even longer than this one? I guess I’ll find out.

Author's Notes:

The end of this chapter is the beginning of a series of chapters, which include 23, 24, and the beginning of 26, that are based on the episode, "Over a Barrel." In the next chapter, Bloomberg the tree and Spike the dragon aren't the only ones captured by the bison on their first day traveling to the settlement. This and more in Chapter 23, The Complaint of the Bison.

The reading will be among a small group, and will be the Book of Mosiah, Chapter 1.