I might as well mention that the minor changes don't end with the end of the first day. And, at the same time, there are things I don't change at all on the second day. I make no changes to the first encounter with Derpy Hooves, who I still call Ataahua. I make no changes to the journey through the Everfree forest with the three stallions. I make no changes to Lyra's first visit to my character's house. I make no changes to my character visiting the home of Vinyl Scratch and Octavia with Lyra to play video games. And, I make no changes to my character eating the griffon cupcake.

The first change, however minor, comes when my character visits the basement of the factory for the second time.

One of the changes I make, before entering the basement, is to make sure a box is available next to the doorway so Pinkie Pie can get it quickly and bring it down with her into the basement.

My character still picks up Gilda's skull, and I still begin the Shakespearean speech relating to the skull. This time, though, it goes this way: “Alas, poor Gilda. I knew her, Pinkie Pie. Not as well as I would've liked to, although, I suppose, in a way, I'm closer to her now after her death than I was when she was alive. I suppose I'll have to assume I really did win that roaring contest with her. But, at least I have the photo of her at the party as a souvenir.” I still refer to it as channeling Shakespeare, and it's still an effective way of getting the pink earth pony's attention as she enters the basement. And, I still say that she and I need to talk about the griffon cupcake.

Diane Pie still asks, “So, what did you think about the cupcake?”

I still say, “Well, in the sense that the meat was well prepared and seasoned, and had a pleasant flavor, it tasted just like chicken.”

Diane Pie still says, “I'm glad you liked it. I could make more if you want.”

I still say, pausing for the pink pony's responses at the appropriate moments, “But, having said that, this is not the sort of thing I would've expected from you.”

Diane Pie's response doesn't change: “What do you mean? You said you liked the cupcake.”

I make a minor change here when I say, “That's not the point,” then when I see the gray pegasa tied behind Diane Pie, I ask, “Is that who I think it is, Derpy Hooves?”

Diane Pie tries to excuse herself with: “You said you liked the griffon-flavored cupcakes. I thought I'd try pony-flavored next.”

Here's where I make the game-changing statement: “No, just no. You're supposed to be making friends with other ponies, not pastries of them. The Pinkie Pie I know and love doesn't make her friends, doesn't make other ponies, doesn't make other creatures, into cupcakes. And, the Pinkie Pie I know and love certainly doesn't sacrifice her friends, or any other creature for that matter, to false gods.”

I can see the change taking place in the pink earth pony, and not just the shift in mane- and tail-style as Pinkamena takes control. The look of shock on her face, as much at the description of her actions as something related to idolatry as my saying that I love her, as demonstrated in her expression, has clearly left a great impression on her, leaving her immobilized in her place. As she starts to recover, she says, “I-I-I … h-how can you say that? I-I didn't intend it th-that w-way.”

I answer, “Well, that's what it looks like. Pinkie Pie, what were you thinking?”

Pinkie Pie's eyes vibrate in her head as she says, just above a whisper, “You … love … me?” Now her lower jaw starts to quiver, and I can see tears forming under her eyes.

As my character automatically stands up, I say, “If I've misread what I'm seeing here, now's your chance to let me know. There's a box just next to the door of the shed outside this basement. One thing you can do is grab that box and bring it down here. I'll help you clean up Gilda's remains.

“But first, I think you need to release Derpy. Let her know what you were going to do to her, and give her the choice whether she forgives you or flees in fear. Even if she chooses to flee, there's the chance that she'll forgive you later on, as long as you don't try to stop her.

“And, as for the griffon cupcakes, what's left of them should go in the box with Gilda's remains. I have a place at my house where they can be buried. Pinkie Pie, will you do this?”

Pinkie Pie sniffles hard and rubs the end of her nose with a forelimb before nodding.

Knowing how important this type of promise is to the pink earth pony, I ask, “Will you Pinkie promise?”

Her voice cracks several times, but Pinkie Pie manages to speak out, “Cross my heart … hope to fly … stick a cupcake … in my eye,” performing the ritual actions that go along with the words. After that, she starts sobbing.

As per my instructions, my character opens his arms to the pink earth pony; and I say, “Come here.”

Accepting the invitation, Pinkie Pie drops the rope she'd used to tie and drag Ataahua to her present position, then runs and jumps into my character's arms, sobbing and sharing the hug.

After a few seconds, the restrained pegasa starts to wake up from her evident anesthesia.

As my character pushes the pink mare away, I notice that once again Diane has taken control.

The straight-haired mare backs away from him and says, “Thank you, Mormon. Things will be better from now on, but you still have a lot of work ahead of you.” After that, she returns control back to the distraught Pinkamena.

I say, “It looks like Derpy's waking up now. You'd better get her back upstairs and get those ropes off of her. If you want, I'll help.”

Pinkie forces a chuckle before saying, “Thanks for the offer. But, I'm the one that tied her up, and I should be the one to free her.” After that, she climbs the stairs to just above the gray pegasa and proceeds to drag her back up, and away from the basement.

After a few seconds, I hear Ataahua's voice say, “Wh-wh … where am I? Pinkie Pie, what am I doing here?”

A few seconds later, I hear a grieving Pinkie Pie say, “Derpy, I have a confession to make to you.”

Ataahua's voice says, “Pinkie Pie, what's wrong?”

Pinkie Pie says, “I was going to fasten you to a wall. I was going to … oh, Derpy, I was going to kill you!” Again she starts to sob.

Ataahua's voice betrays her surprise as she asks, “Kill me? Why?”

Pinkie Pie continues, “I was going to make … cupcakes out of you.”

Now, Ataahua's voice sounds skeptical as she asks, “Cupcakes? Don't you mean muffins?”

Through her sobs, Pinkie Pie cries out, “Oh, Derpy, you don't understand!”

Ataahua pauses for a moment, then says, “Wait a minute. Why were you going to make pastries of me?”

I decide it's time to help the pink earth pony. Following my instructions, my character ascends the stairs just enough so that he can be seen from his shoulders up above the floor; and I say, “Hi, Ataahua.”

The gray mare's attention turns instantly to me as she says, “Mormon, why are you here?”

I answer, “Pinkie Pie felt she had a debt to pay to me, and went about it the wrong way. She was going to kill you and make you into pastries to serve to me. She misunderstood a story I'd told to a group of stallions I'd met when I first came to Ponyville.”

Now alarmed, Ataahua, backing away from me, says, “You were going to eat me?”

I answer, “I promise you, I would not have eaten you.”

I think my promise relaxes the frightened pegasa, if only by a minimal amount. She turns to the pink earth pony and asks, “Pinkie Pie, how could you think of doing such a thing?”

Whimpering, Pinkie Pie begs, “Oh, Derpy, I'm so sorry. Can you ever forgive me?”

I state, “I made her promise to let you go and tell you what she was going to do to you, then give you the choice whether to forgive her or to flee in fear. I made her Pinkie promise. As you can see, she's kept her end of the deal. Now, it's up to you to choose what you will do.”

The gray pegasa, focusing on my character, hovers maybe an inch off the ground as she chuckles and says, “You just sounded like Zecora.” As I laugh in agreement, she then turns to Pinkie Pie, still crying on the ground, and says, “Well, while you were the one that drugged me and tied me up, you're also the one that untied me and confessed what you were going to do. And, you kept a promise made to Mormon, who must be a friend of yours.” Landing again in front of the pink mare, Ataahua says, “I haven't been too badly hurt, and even if I had been, as long as I survived, I could forgive you. And, seeing that I am alive, I do forgive you.”

I get a look at Pinkie Pie's face as she looks up at Ataahua, and I can see that her tears of grief have become tears of joy and gratitude. But, there's also something else that catches my attention. Through my character's eyes, I can see a long streamer curled up, the end resting on the ground, from each of Pinkie Pie's nostrils, blue from one nostril, yellow from the other. I can't help laughing as I look at her. She looks like she has a strange, long, thin, half-blue-half-yellow handlebar mustache coming from her nostrils.

More focused on Ataahua than me, Pinkie Pie squeaks, “Oh, thank you, Derpy, thank you. You have no idea what that means to me.” And, with that, she jumps into the gray pegasa's forelimbs, knocking her onto her back.

I'm surprised to see that Ataahua doesn't struggle to get back up, or get out from under the grateful pink earth pony. Instead, she says, “Well, I think I do have some idea,” before hugging her in return.

Now, Pinkie Pie's crying turns to honest laughter, which Ataahua shares.

After a few seconds, Pinkie Pie backs away from Ataahua and says, “Well, I have more work to do here. You're free to go.”

Leaning toward my character, the gray pegasa states, “Well, based on what Mormon said, I always was. But, I do have something I need to do back in Ponyville. I'll see you later, Pinkie Pie.” She then rolls to her hooves and trots to the door. Before she leaves, though, she turns to my character again and adds, “And, I'll see you later as well, Mormon.” Not waiting for an answer, she exits through the door, hitting a shoulder on the doorway before she can finally leave the factory and head back toward Ponyville.

Pinkie Pie, still sniffling, manages to smile at my character as she says, “Well, that's taken care of. Now, let's take care of Gilda's remains.”

As I watch the pink party pony circle around my character to get the box, I say, “Excellent,” before ordering my character to duck back into the basement.

As I wait for the pink earth pony to join me with the box, once again my character picks up the griffon's skull. Looking through my character's eyes into the empty sockets of Gilda's skull, I suddenly notice the image of Gilda superimposing itself over the skull.

Before I can react, I see and hear the griffon say, “You're not as lame as I thought. I misjudged you. I can't forgive Stinkie Pie for killing me, but I can respect you for keeping her from killing anyone else. You can take my remains to that burial place you mentioned, the one on your property.”

Just then, I hear Pinkie Pie drag the box down the stairs, and watch her drag the box next to Gilda's remains. As she turns to look at him, she asks, “Are you alright?”

My character first turns his attention to the pink earth pony, then back to the skull in his hand, and I can see the image of Gilda's face has now disappeared. As he turns back to Pinkie Pie, I answer, “I'm just fine. Let's get to work.”

The pink party pony eyes my character suspiciously, until he puts the skull in the box; then she grabs individual bones in her mouth and puts them in the box.

With the help of my character the process takes a few minutes, and the bones maybe fill the box only halfway.

Then, as Pinkie Pie drags the box in her mouth toward the staircase, I say, “Let me help you with that.” And, with that, my character stands up and proceeds toward the other end of the box, ready to pick it up.

As she starts to climb the stairs backwards, I hear her say something that sounds like “Maef moof,” which I'm sure is just Pinkie Pie trying to express gratitude through a mouthful of wood.

Once we're out of the basement, I have my character close the doors; after which I say, “Now, let's let this be the last time we ever visit this place.”

Pinkie Pie places her end of the box gently on the ground, approaches me, and, looking at the closed doors, says, “I agree. If only I'd known beforehand how you felt about me, I wouldn't have even killed Gilda. But, what's done is done. Let's get out of here.”

I answer, “First we need a lid for this box. Just because we know what's in it doesn't mean everyone we meet while moving this box has to know.”

Looking up at me, Pinkie Pie tilts her head and asks, “So, Mormon, where are we going to get the wood for the lid?”

As my character slowly looks around the room, I'm suddenly aware of a long plank of wood near the wall opposite the one with the doorway. My character approaches it, and I notice it seems to be the perfect size to fit over the top of the box containing Gilda's remains. Of course, in the process of designing the world of this game, I'm the one who placed it there. As my character grabs the plank and returns to the box, I say, “I believe I've found a lid for the box.”

Watching my character carry the long piece of wood, Pinkie Pie says, “Well, that does look like it'll fit. But, let's be sure.”

In a few seconds, my character arrives with the piece of wood and puts it on the top of the box. Apparently to the pleasant surprise of Pinkie Pie, the piece of wood fits perfectly over the top of the box, making a perfect lid.

Pinkie Pie simply nods to my character, then attempts to find a way to grab a corner of the box in her mouth. Unfortunately, with the top of the box secured, there's no way she can grab the box and effectively lift it up.

Noticing her struggle, I think for a moment and say, “Well, I guess we'd better find some wheels for this box. Maybe there's a vehicle we can find or make to carry it.”

At my statement, the pink pony starts bouncing around the room and says, “I know where one is, I know where one is!”

I say, “So, let's go and get it. Is it nearby?”

Pinkie Pie stops bouncing and says, “Of course. The past times I came here, I always passed it. There's a small wagon just past this shed.” And, with that, she bounces out the door and off to one side.

As my character runs to keep up with the re-energized pink party pony, I see her bouncing next to a small wagon, which reminds me of one of those wagons used either to carry seedling plants to spots in a garden, or for children's recreational activities. It does look like it'd be just the right size. Just the way I designed it.

As my character approaches the pink earth pony, I notice one minor problem. Weeds have grown through openings in the bottom of the wagon, and around the wheels. The problem is just complex enough that it takes a few minutes for my character to untangle the weeds from the wagon and allow it to move again. And, as rusted as the joints in the wheels appear to be, they're surprisingly mobile. So, my character drags the now-free wagon to the box containing Gilda's remains, which my character easily hoists on top of the wagon.

With Pinkie Pie to keep the wagon and box stable, my character spends half an hour dragging the load from the factory to Sugar Cube Corner in Ponyville.

It's Pinkie Pie who enters the bakery to retrieve the griffon cupcakes.

As I wait for her, I hear her call out, “Snails, stop right there! You can't have any of those cupcakes!”

I then hear Mrs. Cake's voice ask, “Pinkie Pie, what are you talking about?”

I hear Pinkie Pie answer, “I'll explain later. But, right now, the pink cupcakes are off limits. I'll be taking them now.”

I then hear protests, and Pinkie Pie saying, “I'm sorry about this. But, it's important that I take these cupcakes out of here. Please, understand.”

Just then, I see what I assume to be the back door open up, and Pinkie Pie comes galloping out with the large tray of pink cupcakes. Seeing me, she says, “Get the box ready. These are comin' in hot!”

As much as I want to laugh at the statement, I understand what she means.

My character works on the lid, and is able to get it open just as Pinkie Pie gets there with the griffon pastries. In a matter of seconds the cupcakes are dumped into the box, after which my character closes the lid, which instantly secures itself.

From behind Pinkie Pie a squeaky voice says, “Ah, couldn't I have even one of them?” That's when I see a skinny, juvenile orange unicorn with long neck and limbs, green mane and tail and the picture of a snail on the hip of his that I can see. I know who it is.

Pinkie Pie answers, “I'm sorry, Snails, but this batch has got to go. I'll make a fresh batch later, but these need to be buried before they hurt somepony.”

Now I hear another voice, deeper, betraying a toothy impediment, complaining, “But, I had one already, and it tasted fine to me.”

As my character searches for the source of the new voice, finally he focuses on another unicorn, this one shorter than Snails, a somewhat-blanched green color, with a mane and tail of darker orange than the coloring of Snails, perhaps half the height and twice the width of the orange unicorn colt, with the picture of a pair of scissors on the visible hip. As soon as I see this pony, who I recognize as Snips, I hear a rumbling sound, and he starts to rock right and left, a spaced-out expression on his face, and he groans and says, “Ugh, I don't feel so good.”

Knowing what's going to happen, I have my character grab the little unicorn and pick him up under his chest, and cover his eyes. I then say, “Pinky Pie, will you open the box?”

The pink pony does so, just in time for the little green unicorn to open his mouth.

My character holds Snips so his face is aimed into the box as the unicorn starts vomiting.

As a result, the contents of the little unicorn's stomach land in the box, on top of the cupcakes and other remains of Gilda already inside. When Snips is finished emptying his stomach, my character puts him down again; and Pinkie Pie once more closes the box.

As my character removes his hand from the green unicorn's eyes, he turns to my character and cries, “I don't get it. I saw you eat one, and you didn't get sick from it.”

My character kneels down in front of Snips, and I say, “Right now, the only explanation I can give you is that I'm a human, and humans are omnivorous. You'll get a better explanation later.” Then, as my character stands back up again, then turns to Pinkie Pie, I say, “Well, we'd better get going now.”

As my character proceeds to pull the wagon toward the outskirts of town, with Pinkie Pie to keep it balanced and centered, I hear Snips ask, “Miss Cheerilee, what's omnivorous, and what's it have to do with why the cupcakes were alright for the human to eat, and not for me?”

After a few seconds, I hear a female voice, which sounds more mature than that of Snips and Snails, call out, “Alright, everypony! This field trip is over! We're heading back to the school now!”

As I hear moans of disappointment from younger-sounding voices, I also hear Pinkie Pie cry, “Oh, what've I done?”

I answer, “It's alright. I think we've minimized the damage.”

Neither of us says anymore as we make our way out of Ponyville and toward the Everfree forest. By the time we're passing by Fluttershy's cottage, Pinkie Pie has stopped crying; but, as we see Fluttershy taking care of a family of weasels(?), her question on seeing us indicates to me that Pinkie Pie is still feeling bad about her actions.

The timid yellow pegasa approaches the human and earth pony and asks, “Pinkie Pie, are you alright?”

I answer, “It's just a matter between me and her that needs to be taken care of. Nothing for you to worry about.”

Fluttershy stops before she can cross the bridge. But, when we've nearly entered the forest, I hear her call out, “I hope you feel better, Pinkie.”

After a few seconds of following the path into the forest, I hear Pinkie Pie say, “I don't know if I'll ever feel better.”

I find myself unable to think of a response to the pink earth pony's comment. While I'm aware of the burden being guided through the forest, I'm not personally pulling it; my character is. There is something troubling about the environment of the Everfree forest, but that doesn't solve the mystery, either. Whatever it is that seems to keep me from thinking of what I can say to comfort Pinkie Pie, it doesn't stop my character from continuing to pull the wagon with what for all intents and purposes is Gilda's coffin through the forest and to my character's house.

Instead of heading through the gate, my character follows the path a little further to the intersection, then turns to a path that leads past the house and back toward the family history center. Following the path beyond that, the party of two enters a cave, at which point the path starts going downward. After a few minutes the path levels out again and widens, at which point my character stops walking. As he produces a flashlight, which just happens to be in his inventory, and turns it on; the cave lights up, showing what appear to be bunk beds of stone in the walls along the path. He continues on a little further, in spite of the screams of fear coming from Pinkie Pie. Finally, upon entering a room at the end of the path, my character stops; and I say, “Alright, here's where I'll keep Gilda's remains. I think we'll leave the wagon here, too.”

Hearing me say that the wagon will stay in the room with Gilda, Pinkie Pie, saying nothing, just turns and gallops back to the entrance of the cave as fast as she can. So much for laughing at the things that scare her.

In the mean time, as soon as my character lets go of the rope, then while he stands over the box with Gilda's remains, I say, “Well, Gilda, I'm guessing you wouldn't have expected your remains to end up in my care. But, neither did I. And, all this after you talked about not wanting to spend your time with lame-os.”

Over the box I see a transparent Gilda appear, and hear her say, “You're nowhere near as lame as those ponies. I don't mind having you keep my remains. And, as for you eating a cupcake made from some of my meat, I can think of no creature I'd rather have eat me than you.” After that, the apparition disappears, leaving my character alone once again.

As my character walks out of the room, and out of the burial cave altogether, I find myself thinking of what this'll mean for the future. Having told Pinkie Pie that I love her, and having effectively let her know the error of her ways, I know things are going to be better this time around. The only question is how much better will it get? That question will be answered in due time. Right now, I have a gift to offer the pink mare, and an invitation to the next reading.

At the entrance of the cave, I find Pinkie Pie evidently waiting for me. She says, “I'm sorry I couldn't stay in there. Yes, I know I'm supposed to laugh at my fears, but I just didn't feel like it down there. I can't explain it. All I know is I won't kill anymore creatures, and I won't kill any of my friends. I promise. Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye.” Again, she goes through the actions as she Pinkie promises.

I answer, “That's good to hear. Now, if you'll follow me to the house, I have a gift for you, and an invitation.”

That seems to raise her spirits. Immediately she starts bouncing around me and chanting, “I'm gonna get a present, I'm gonna get a present.” Then, she stops and, tilting her head, asks, “What are you gonna give me?”

As my character starts heading toward the house, I answer, “It's a book, a special one, a book that's come to mean a lot to me over the years.”

The pink pony doesn't go back to bouncing, she just canters next to me as she asks, “What's this book called?”

I answer, “It's called The Book of Mormon.”

Pinkie Pie pauses for a moment, then trots back up to me and asks, “This isn't your autobiography, is it?”

I chuckle before answering, “No, it's a book of scripture. It's the ancient record of two peoples that start out as one family that leaves their home in the Middle East and travels to a continent they call Bountiful or Nephi, but what is known in my time as South America. After the family splits up, the resulting two peoples have many fights between them, and the people that starts out as good becomes bad at one point, while the people that starts out bad becomes good at the same time. At one point, the two peoples unite for a while, in time for the Christ to visit them and give them a new set of laws for them to follow. Then, for a few centuries after that they follow those laws, until one generation stops following them, and from there on things go downhill. The united family group divides again, and the one that's named for the originally good group goes so bad that they're eventually and completely destroyed. The one remaining member of the people named for the originally good people makes a final record of the group when they were at their best, a chapter about activities that lead to their destruction, and leaves a promise to the reader in the last chapter on how they can know that the record is true.

“There's also a record of a group that preceded these two peoples, how they made it to the Americas, how their population fluctuated wildly over a few thousand years as they went through cycles of good and evil, and how they eventually and completely destroyed themselves, leaving one member, their last king, to meet the next group to inherit the land.”

By the time I've finished describing the story, my character and Pinkie Pie have arrived at the front door of the house, having turned the corner to walk on the sidewalk just past the edge of the house.

Pinkie Pie, waiting at the door, says, “Wow. Obviously you've read the book all the way through. How many times have you read it?”

I answer, “You know, I've lost count. Enough times that I have a favorite story from the book, which I'm sure we'll get to read eventually. If you'll wait here, I'll go ahead and get it.”

My character opens the door and enters the house, then closes the door behind him. Once inside, he makes his way to the closet, opens the door, and grabs a copy of the book to give to the pink party pony. Then he turns around, to find Pinkie Pie immediately behind him.

I call out, “Woah, how did you get in here?”

Pinkie Pie covers her mouth with a front hoof and giggles, then puts the hoof down and says, “Well, duh, I got in through the door,” pointing to the front door.

I ask, “Weren't you supposed to wait outside while I got the book?”

Pinkie Pie, looking at the front door, asks, “I was?” Then, turning back to my character, she says, “I thought you wanted me to wait inside your house. If you wanted me to wait outside, you should've said so. Oh, well, I'll remember it for next time.”

Well, since she's there, I figure she might as well receive the book.

As my character holds out the copy of the Book of Mormon, I say, “Well, here it is. I've already started reading the book with three stallions. If you want to join in, I'm sure they'll likely be coming some time soon. Yesterday, we read the first chapter of First Nephi. You can go ahead and read it now, or any time you like. We'll be reading the second chapter this evening. You may also read the introduction, which includes testimonies of witnesses that helped in the translation of the record, witnesses that were allowed to handle the original gold plates that contained the record, and Joseph Smith Junior, who was given the record to translate in the first place.” Pausing for a moment, I add, “You know, I probably should've extended that invitation to the three stallions, as well.”

Hearing my last statement, Pinkie Pie tilts her head and asks, “Who are these three stallions?”

I answer, “I'm sure you know them. Berry Ground, Stunts, and Emerald Hill.”

Pinkie Pie, straightening her head again, accepts the book from me, then, starting to glare, says, “Wait a minute. Didn't you tell them a story that made one of them sick?”

I answer, “That's right.”

Before I can say more, Pinkie Pie adds, looking away from me, “And then they come and read with you.” After a few seconds, she inhales rather noisily, then turns to me and, smiling, concludes, “That must mean you made up!”

Again I answer, “There's a principle I've taken from my experiences with 3D modeling and animation: if I make a mesh, I should be the one to clean it up.” And, for those who ask, yes, it is a play on the word mess.

I can only guess Pinkie Pie gets the connection, as she once again covers her mouth with the front hoof and giggles. After a few seconds, she drops the hoof again and, looking at the book, says, “Well, if I'm going to be able to keep up with the four of you, I'd better start reading. You said you'd be reading chapter two of First Nephi?”

I answer, “That's right. And, if you have any questions, you can bring them up during the reading. As I said to the stallions, if I can't answer a question, it may be that someone else could. And, it's also possible that you could have the answer to a question that one of the stallions has, or one that I have.”

The pink pony had opened the book and started turning pages when I mentioned about having questions of my own. Hearing that, she looks up at me again and tilts her head and asks, “Wait, didn't you say you'd lost count of how many times you read this book?”

I answer, “That's correct.”

She looks down at the book, then back up at me again, and says, “Well, that must mean that either you can't count very high before losing count, or this book is more complex than I realized. But, if it's come to mean so much to you, it must be a good book.”

I answer, “It contains the word of God, so yes, it is a good book. And, there is a lot of complexity to it. As many times as I've read it, I learn new things from it each time. While prophecies in the book are given in clear language, this is the religious record of a people that existed for some one thousand years, and thus it spans generations of humans. I encourage you to read it, whether it's with me and the stallions, or by yourself.” I add in admission, “I don't completely understand the Book of Mormon either, so part of the reason for the readings is so that I can learn to understand it better. That, and it helps me to see the stories in the book from different perspectives. And, your perspective on the stories we'll be reading is going to be just as valid as that of myself, those stallions, or the perspectives of any other ponies, or other creatures for that matter, that'll be reading with us in the future.”

At this point, Pinkie Pie closes the book and thinks aloud, “My perspective.” I'm not sure how to read this change in the pink earth pony's behavior, not even when she asks, “Is there something specifically about me that you find interesting?”

As I've mentioned before, I do find earth ponies of particular interest; but, I must admit, I am specifically interested in Pinkie Pie. And, while I could answer honestly, I have to wonder how I could guide the information afterwards so I wouldn't have to reveal the details about the game in which she's starring. And, I don't want to lie to the pink earth pony, not even this fictional version of her. Of course, on the other hand, it could be she's only asking to confirm her suspicions, and won't probe further. I find myself considering the possibility that she could somehow discover the reasons for herself, without probing me with questions. She's an unpredictable character in the animated series, and I've made her an unpredictable character in this game as well.

Finally, I decide to answer honestly, although incompletely, “Let's just say that I've read and heard things about you, and I want to learn more about you because of those things.”

I'm surprised when, instead of asking more questions, the pink party pony starts tearing up. She sniffles, rubs her nose with a forelimb, then says, “Thank you, Mormon. Thank you for being honest with me. It means a lot to me that you want to learn more about me. I hope I can be a good teacher, a good example, for you.” With that, she opens the book again and proceeds to turn pages, then read what I recognize as one of the testimonies.

I can't say for sure, but I think she's starting with the testimony of the three witnesses. I decide to leave her to her reading, while I decide to go out to the orchard to gather some fruits, and maybe to the garden for some vegetables, to make snacks for my character and his guests as we read.

Somehow, I'm not surprised, as soon as I reach the orchard, to find Princess Celestia there.

The white alicorn says, “I've noticed you've been leading ponies from Ponyville here. I've also noticed they returned later, carrying books with them.”

I answer, “Yesterday, three stallions and I started reading a book.” I then ask, “You're Princess Celestia, right?”

The white alicorn answers, “You don't have to be so formal here. We're not in the castle, and no other ponies are around. You may call me Celestia, or Tia, whichever you prefer.”

It's worth noting, at this point, the importance of how the white alicorn princess instructs the one playing the game. If she invites the gamer to refer to her informally in informal circumstances, as she's done to me at this point, that's one of the best indications that the gamer is on the right path. If she speaks of her preference to be referred to more formally in formal circumstances, that's an indication that the gamer is on the wrong course, and could lose if he or she doesn't change course soon.

I say, “As you wish, Tia.”

The white alicorn princess then asks, “So, is Pinkie Pie here as well?”

I answer, “She is. Do you want to meet her?”

Celestia answers, “I trust her with you. One thing I'd like to know about, though, is what are the books the stallions were carrying?”

I answer, “They're copies of a book that means a lot to me, the Book of Mormon.” I then ask, “Would you like a copy?”

The white alicorn princess answers, “I would appreciate a copy. If I'm going to see ponies walking around with this book, I would like to know what it contains.”

I state, “Right now, I'm gathering some fruits for refreshments for the three stallions that'll be coming for a reading of the book. When I'm ready to go inside, you can follow me; and I'll get you a copy. And, if you'd like to join us, we'll likely start as soon as the three stallions arrive.”

Celestia answers, “I appreciate the offer, but I have duties at the castle. I'll accept a copy of the book and read it when I get back and have the first opportunity.”

By this point, my character has gathered what I figure are enough apples, so he starts heading back to the house.

On the way, I ask, “Oh, and do you think your sister, Luna, would like a copy of the book?”

It's a few seconds before Celestia answers, “I suppose she probably will, especially after seeing me reading it. It would be a good idea for you to give me two copies of the book that I can bring back with me.”

I state, “That shouldn't be a problem. I have plenty of copies.” By this point, my character has made it to the front door, and now opens it.

As my character enters the door, Celestia says, “I'll wait out here for you to get the books.”

My character places the fruits on the coffee table, approximately next to Pinkie Pie, while he proceeds to the closet to retrieve the books.

In the mean time, as soon as she hears the voice, the pink earth pony turns toward the doorway and says, “Oh, hi, Princess.”

I don't see it, but I assume Celestia nods as she answers, “Hello, Pinkie Pie.” I then hear her say, “I notice the book isn't limited to the stallions.”

As my character gets two copies of the Book of Mormon, I answer, “I saw nothing wrong with offering Pinkie Pie a copy of the book.”

As my character turns back to the doorway, I notice that, while Celestia hasn't entered, she is sticking her head through the doorway. As she looks at me, she says, “Seeing the bearer of the element of laughter reading the book makes me all the more curious about it.” Then, when my character reaches her with the two copies, she says, “I appreciate this. You can be sure I'll read this, and give a copy to my sister.” With that, a white aura envelops the books, which disappear with the white alicorn.

As my character turns to get the apples off the coffee table, Pinkie Pie says, “You even have Princess Celestia interested in your book. Is anypony else going to be interested?”

I answer, “I wouldn't be surprised.”

I then hear the pink party pony ask, “What are those apples for?”

I answer, “I thought I'd offer refreshments to anyone interested in having a snack during the reading this evening.”

As my character proceeds into the kitchen, I hear Pinkie Pie, surprisingly close behind him, sigh and say, “If you're going to throw a party, you need to do it the right way.” Before I can respond, she continues, “You need candy and cupcakes and balloons and streamers and punch and games and all sorts of fun stuff.”

I wait for Pinkie Pie to say more. When she doesn't, I answer, “The three stallions seemed to enjoy reading the first chapter of First Nephi yesterday evening. I'm sure they'll enjoy reading the second chapter this evening.”

The pink earth pony groans before saying, “You're not getting the point. And besides, you're gonna need a lot more ponies for it to work.”

By this point, my character has gotten a knife out of the drawer and started cutting up the apples.

I answer, “My objective here isn't to throw a big party. My objective is to make my guests feel welcome while we read.”

At this statement, I hear Pinkie Pie utter an extended “Oh.” Then, after my character starts cutting out the core from each slice and eating the core, she says, “Of course, you're going to need more than apples to make it really fun.”

After a moment, I say, “You may be right. I also have a vegetable garden behind the house. If you want, you can dig up some carrots, or other vegetables ponies will like to snack on while they read.”

At my announcement, the pink earth pony growls low and just barely audible before saying, “Fine. I'll go back to reading.”

As Pinkie Pie returns to the front room, I'm left to wonder to myself what just happened. I know the pink earth pony grew up on a rock farm, and I have to wonder if rocks are easier to harvest than vegetables. It's also possible that Pinkie Pie has had no experience harvesting vegetables, and what I said offended her on that level. It could also be that she did have experience with harvesting vegetables, just none that she enjoyed. Whatever the case is, it's clear I need to talk with her about it before the stallions arrive, some time soon.

After having prepared the first apple, I have my character put the knife down and go back into the front room and sit on the couch just behind the pink pony. Once he's there, I ask, “Pinkie Pie, did I say something that offended you?”

The pink pony says nothing, just continues reading.

When I get no response from the question, I say, “It's just your response when I mentioned the vegetable garden. Did you have a bad experience with vegetables or a vegetable garden?”

At this question, I hear a thump which I can only interpret as Pinkie Pie closing the book as hard as she can.

She then turns to my character and shouts, “I've had no experience with vegetable gardens, alright? I grew up on a rock farm! If you know anything about me, you should know that!”

I have my character pat an area next to him as I say, “Come up here.” Then, once the pink pony jumps up onto the couch and lays down next to my character, I have him stroke the side of her neck as I say, “I didn't know you had no experience with vegetable gardens. If I had known about that, I wouldn't have said anything about it.” After another second, I say, “I don't know how different harvesting rocks is from harvesting vegetables, but I'm guessing there is a difference. If I made you feel bad, I didn't mean to.”

Presently the pink earth pony props herself up on my character, uses her front hooves to adjust his head so I can see only her face, then puts a front hoof below where I can see, most likely over my character's mouth. When she's sure I won't say anymore, she says, “I know you didn't mean to hurt my feelings. I guess I shouldn't have gotten so mad.” At this point, she removes her hoof from my character's mouth, or at least to where I can see it again, and backs away, dropping to all fours again, and says, “It's just that none of my memories of working on the rock farm are any fun. Is it fun picking vegetables?”

I answer, “It can be.” I have my character look out the nearest window, and I can see the light outside indicating sometime between day and night. As he turns back to Pinkie Pie, I add, “If you want experience in a vegetable garden, we'll have to wait until tomorrow, in the morning. You can spend the night here, if you want, and tomorrow morning I'll teach you how to harvest vegetables.”

Pinkie Pie answers, “Thanks for the offer, but I think I'll leave picking veggies to you. Something tells me I wouldn't be very good at it, anyway.”

I answer, “You're probably right. Your gift is in throwing parties.” I pause for a second before continuing, “So, how does harvesting rocks work?”

Pinkie Pie answers, “You'll have to ask Diane about that. I could get her, if you want, and if she's willing.”

Before I can answer, I hear a knock at the door. Responding to that, I say, “I'm guessing the stallions are here.” My character stands up, then turns to Pinkie Pie; and I say, “I am curious about how a pony would go about harvesting rocks. Maybe after the reading you could answer some of my questions. In the mean time, we'd better get to welcoming our guests.”

Pinkie Pie jumps over the back of the couch, somehow avoiding getting hurt, then says, “I'll go cut up the rest of the apples.” And, before I can respond, she disappears through the door to the kitchen.

My character makes his way to the front door and opens it, to see Berry Ground, with Stunts and Emerald Hill behind him.

I say, “It's nice to meet you. We're going to have another pony reading with us. Right now, she's preparing some refreshments. She'll be out when she's ready.”

Stunts nickers and thinks aloud, “I wonder who it is.”

Just then, I hear the door to the kitchen open. As my character turns to focus on the source of the sound, I see the pink earth pony coming in with a plate full of sliced apples in her mouth.

At first she says, “Ah wewy … “ then puts the plate on the floor before saying, “I'm ready with the snacks when everypony else is ready to read.”

I find myself smiling as my character approaches Pinkie Pie to retrieve the plate of apple slices from her, and I say, “That's just fine. I'll take the apples, and you can get your book.” Taking that as a cue, my character kneels down to pick up the plate.

Pinkie Pie nods, then runs to her copy of the Book of Mormon.

As my character stands up again and turns to the stallions, I can see the reverence in Berry's eyes. I find this understandable. Pinkie Pie's a bearer of an element of harmony. For a pony from Ponyville, or from anywhere else in Equestria, I'd imagine, meeting her or any other member of the Mane Six would be equivalent to me meeting a general authority. Or, that's the nearest parallel I can find. I say, “Now, if you'll go back to the lawn, Pinkie Pie and I'll join you, and we'll all read then.”

The three stallions obey, and Pinkie Pie and my character follow close behind. Once outside, Emerald Hill says, “Please forgive us. We were delayed at Fluttershy's house. Her pet, Angel, was running wild, and wouldn't let us into the forest. That rabbit can be really mean when he wants to be.”

I ask, “Is everyone alright?”

Emerald Hill answers, “We're fine.”

I say, “Well, in that case, shall we begin?”

Before any of the stallions can answer, I hear a mature, female voice next to my character ask, “May I join thee?”

As my character turns to see the origin of the voice, I see a dark-purple alicorn with, I'd say, light-blue mane. I recognize her as Princess Luna. I answer, “As long as you have a copy of the Book of Mormon, you're welcome to join us in the reading.” My character looks around to see all the ponies present and ready to read. As my character turns back to the dark-purple alicorn, I say, “We'll be reading chapter two of First Nephi. Would you like to begin?”

Princess Luna answers, “I'd be honored.” Then, as she joins one side of the circle and my character joins another side, she produces a copy of the Book of Mormon, turns a few pages, then reads, “For behold, it came to pass that the Lord spake unto my father, yea, even in a dream, and said unto him: Blessed art thou Lehi, because of the things which thou hast done; and because thou hast been faithful and declared unto this people the things which I commanded thee, behold, they seek to take away thy life.”

My character turns to see Pinkie Pie between my character and Princess Luna. I ask her, “Will you read the next verse?”

The pink earth pony nods, answering, “Okie dokie lokie,” then turns to her book and reads, “And it came to pass that the Lord commanded my father, even in a dream, that he should take his family and depart into the wilderness.” She then looks at me and says, “When we're finished with this, I'm gonna have to read the first chapter.”

My character nods, and I say, “I'll read the next verse,” before continuing, “And it came to pass that he was obedient unto the word of the Lord, wherefore he did as the Lord commanded him.”

Emerald Hill, next to me, reads the next verse: “And it came to pass that he departed into the wilderness. And he left his house, and the land of his inheritance, and his gold, and his silver, and his precious things, and took nothing with him, save it were his family, and provisions, and tents, and departed into the wilderness.”

Berry Ground, the next in the circle, reads the next verse: “And he came down by the borders near the shore of the Red Sea; and he traveled in the wilderness in the borders which are nearer the Red Sea; and he did travel in the wilderness with his family, which consisted of my mother, Sariah, and my elder brothers, who were Laman, Lemuel, and Sam.”

Stunts, between Berry Ground and Princess Luna, reads, “And it came to pass that when he had traveled three days in the wilderness, he pitched his tent in a valley by the side of a river of water.”

Princess Luna then reads, “And it came to pass that he built an alter of stones, and made an offering unto the Lord, and gave thanks unto the Lord our God.”

As my character looks at the alicorn, I get the feeling she has a question or comment. But, before either of us can say anything, Pinkie Pie reads, “And it came to pass that he called the name of the river, Laman, and it emptied into the Red Sea; and the valley was in the borders near the mouth thereof.” She then looks up at my character and says, “Your turn now.”

As my character looks at the pink pony, I say, “Just a moment.” Then he turns to Princess Luna, and I ask, “Do you have a question or comment?”

The alicorn answers, “I just find it interesting that this Lehi builds an alter and offers sacrifice. I have not heard of such a thing in a thousand years.”

I say, “I'll continue reading now,” before I read, “And when my father saw that the waters of the river emptied into the fountain of the Red Sea, he spake unto Laman saying: O that thou mightest be like unto this river, continually running into the fountain of all righteousness!”

Now Pinkie Pie asks, “Wasn't Laman already a good guy?”

I answer, “Not really. We'll find out later that he and his brother Lemuel need to be coerced to do the right thing. Then, when they get to South America—“

Before I can say more, Pinkie Pie puts a front hoof on my character's arm and says, “Don't tell me. I prefer to read it on my own. I just wanted an idea about what Laman was like.”

I state, “You asked a good question, one that deserved an answer. But, we do learn more about what kind of people Laman and Lemuel are later on.” Then, as my character turns to Emerald Hill, I say, “Go ahead and read.”

The pegasus nods, then reads, “And he also spake unto Lemuel: O that thou mightest be like unto this valley, firm and steadfast, and immovable in keeping the commandments of the Lord!”

Berry Ground then reads, “Now this he spake because of the stiffneckedness of Laman and Lemuel; for behold they did murmur in many things against their father, because he was a visionary man, and had led them out of the land of Jerusalem, to leave the land of their inheritance, and their gold, and their silver, and their precious things, to perish in the wilderness. And this they said he had done because of the foolish imaginations of his heart.”

At this point, Pinkie Pie says, “Well, this explains why Lehi said what he said then. I'm not close to my dad either, but I don't think that makes me a bad pony. After I got my cutie mark, after throwing my first party, I just felt I'd be better off away from the rock farm, better off with ponies in a city, or at least in a town.” She then turns to her copy of the book and reads, “And it came to pass that my father did speak unto them in the valley of Lemuel with power, being filled with the Spirit, until their frames did shake before him. And he did confound them, that they durst not utter against him, wherefore they did as he commanded them.” Now, Pinkie Pie looks up at me and says, “Just like you said.”

I have my character nod before I read, “And my father dwelt in a tent.” I then look up and say, “Well, how's that for a long one?”

The ponies in the circle laugh for a few seconds before Emerald Hill reads, “And it came to pass that I, Nephi, being exceedingly young, and also having great desires to know of the mysteries of God, wherefore, I did cry unto the Lord, and behold he did visit me, and did soften my heart that I did believe all the words which had been spoken by my father; wherefore, I did not rebel against him like unto my brothers.”

Berry Ground then reads, “And I spake unto Sam, making known unto him the things which the Lord had manifested unto me by this Holy Spirit. And it came to pass that he believed in my words.” Presently he nickers and says, “The oldest two are the bad guys, and the youngest are the good guys.”

Stunts then reads, “But, behold, Laman and Lemuel would not hearken unto my words; and being grieved because of the hardness of their hearts I cried unto the Lord for them.”

Princess Luna reads, “And it came to pass that the Lord spake unto me, saying: Blessed art thou, Nephi, because of thy faith, for thou hast sought me diligently, with lowliness of heart.”

Pinkie Pie reads, “And inasmuch as ye shall keep my commandments, ye shall prosper, and shall be led to a land of promise; yea, even a land which I have prepared for you; yea, a land which is choice above all other lands.”

I read, “And inasmuch as thy brethren shall rebel against thee, they shall be cut off from the presence of the Lord.”

Emerald Hill reads, “And inasmuch as thou shalt keep my commandments, thou shalt be made a ruler and a teacher over thy brethren.”

Berry Ground reads, “For behold, in that day that they shall rebel against me, I will curse them even with a sore curse, and they shall have no power over thy seed except they shall rebel against me also.”

Finally, Stunts reads, “And if it so be that they rebel against me, they shall be a scourge unto thy seed, to stir them up in the ways of remembrance.”

My character closes his copy of the book, prompting the ponies to close their copies as well; and I say, “Tomorrow we'll be reading chapter three.” It's then that I notice the plate of apple slices hasn't been touched. As my character points out the plate, I say, “I'd prepared the apples for everyone to snack on during the reading. But, I suppose they can be eaten after the reading just as well.”

My statement is taken as the necessary invitation, as some slices of apple rise, surrounded by two different colors of aura, indicating either Stunts or Princess Luna was accepting them. Other slices are grabbed either by pony forelimbs or by pony lips.

My character turns to the nighttime princess as she bites off half the apple slice hovering at her mouth.

She comments, “You chose well,” before adding, “I must return to the castle now to raise the moon. I thank thee for allowing me this opportunity to take part in the reading. The next time I have an opportunity, I shall gladly accept.” And, with that, she, the slices of apple she chose, and her copy of the Book of Mormon disappear.

After that, Pinkie Pie turns to the three stallions and says, “Could I go with you through the forest? Once we're out, I can make it home on my own.”

Berry Ground answers, “That's fine with us.” And, with that, the four ponies make their way out of the gate, with Berry Ground lingering behind to close it, and they head off into the forest.

I find that some part of me had hoped Pinkie Pie would stay. She could've slept on the couch, or in one of the bedrooms other than that of my character. But, she made her decision. She'll be fine with the three stallions.

I look forward to her visiting again tomorrow, that is the game's tomorrow. But, in the mean time, my character cleans up the plate of apple slices, gets some food for himself, prepares and eats it in the kitchen, then returns to his room and retires to his bed. After that, I save and close down the game.

Not bad for my second game day. While I've set Pinkie Pie on the right course, as Diane said, I have my work cut out for me to keep her on that course. But, I expect that work to be well worth it, and very fulfilling. So, as I've already written in my notes, until the game's tomorrow.

Author's Notes:

Expect the next chapter to based on the episode, "Boast Busters." In that chapter, Mormon meets and influences a visitor to Ponyville, Trixie. But, as with a chapter from the first volume, he foils Lyra's plot to break into Canterlot Castle to enter the human world and break the mirror to keep others from following her. The story of how Lyra comes to live with Mormon doesn't change very much, although he is very much influenced by Pinkie Pie in his conversation with Lyra. So, until early January, when I release Chapter 3, "Experience with Two Unicorn Mares."

The reading at the end of the chapter will be the third and fourth chapters of the First Book of Nephi.