I resume the game, and my character wakes up, once again, to silence. Experience tells me that Pinkie Pie, Lyra, and Weed Whacker must be harvesting fruits and vegetables in the orchard, the vineyard, and the vegetable garden, respectively; and that, by the time my character gets to the front door, Pinkie Pie will most likely be waiting for him there. Deciding to go ahead with that plan, I have my character leave his bed, exit his room, closing the door behind him, and proceed to the front door.

And, sure enough, as soon as he opens it, I see, through his eyes, the pink party pony there waiting for him.

Pinkie Pie looks up at him and says, “Oh, hi, Mormy. Nice to see you.”

I reply, “Hi, Pinkie.”

As she canters through the front door and past my character, Pinkie Pie says, “As soon as we get to Sugar Cube Corner, there’s something I’d like to do. Do you think you could help the Cakes until I come back?”

I have a sneaking suspicion I know what Pinkie Pie’s planning, but I see no reason to interfere. I answer, “Sure, no problem. Be sure to come back as soon as you can.”

By the time I’m finished answering the pink earth pony, she’s already disappeared behind the couch closest to the kitchen, so, I can only hear her answer, “Okie dokie, Mormy.”

I watch, through my character’s eyes, as the door to the kitchen opens, then closes, then have him turn back to the front door to close it again. But, before I can order him to do so, I see Lyra and Weed Whacker approaching. So, I have my character remain in his place as I say, “Oh, hi, Lyra, Weed Whacker.”

Lyra responds, “Mormon, you’re awake.”

Weed Whacker asks, “So, what’s the plan after we eat?”

I answer the dinosaur, “Well, as usual, we head to Ponyville, and help the Cakes out at Sugar Cube Corner.”

As the pony and the dinosaur pass my character at the front door, Weed Whacker continues, “I hope we leave soon. I’ve been sensing a predator in the forest, one that could eat me.”

Considering the number and variety of predators and other creatures I’ve met in the forest, I find Weed Whacker’s description rather vague. I have my character close the door behind the herbivorous dinosaur, the last to enter; and I ask, “Could you be more specific?”

As my character turns to Weed Whacker, she turns to him as well; and I can see, through his eyes, she sniffles long enough to make me think she’s about to start crying, then says, “I think there’s a grown-up, rock-eating dragon in the forest, and I think he may be coming to your house.”

Considering this day is the first based on the episode “Owl’s Well That Ends Well,” that doesn’t surprise me. What does surprise me is that I haven’t encountered this dragon before. Whatever reason he has to make himself known at this point is a mystery I’m sure will be solved before the day is over. I decide to respond, “I’m sure it’ll be alright. Did you sense anger from the dragon?”

Weed Whacker whimpers, “No. I just get really nervous when I sense predators like that around.”

I say, “Let’s just get breakfast ready and eat. We’ll decide what to do after that.”

The herbivorous dinosaur only nods before turning and heading into the kitchen, where it turns out Pinkie Pie is waiting, holding the door open for the dinosaur and the unicorn.

Preparation doesn’t take long; and soon the ponies, the dinosaur, and the human are eating.

It’s actually not until the group of four are each on their last item of food that the house is suddenly shaken by a loud, heavy thud.

Immediately, Weed Whacker drops the carrot she was eating and cries out, “What was that?”

I have my character rise from his chair, and I say, “I’ll go and find out. The rest of you, just wait here.”

Lyra reaches out to Weed Whacker to nuzzle her.

But, instead of accepting the unicorn’s attempt to comfort her, the herbivorous dinosaur jumps off of her chair and runs in front of my character, positioning herself between him and the door. Holding her arms out to block my character, she looks up at him and cries, “Please, Mormon, don’t go out there. I don’t want to lose you.”

I have my character kneel on one knee in front of Weed Whacker, and I say, “At this point, we can do one of two things. We can either stay trapped in here for … who knows how long, or one of us can go out there and face whatever danger is out there. And, since this is my house, I think it’s best if I go out there and see what's going on. If it is that dragon you’ve been sensing, well, you said you didn’t sense he was angry; so, I shouldn’t have anything to fear from him. He may simply be curious. Whatever the case is, it’s better to face the problem now than be held captive by it, maybe for the rest of our lives.”

As soon as my character’s finished speaking, the herbivorous dinosaur jumps into his arms, then, through her sniffling and whimpering, says, “Alright, Mormon. J-just be c-careful out th-there.”

I have my character stroke her back and set her back in her chair, and I say, “I will be careful. Thanks for the advice.” And, as soon as Weed Whacker's back in her chair, I have my character proceed out the kitchen door, closing it behind him, through the front room and to the front door. As he opens the door, I see, through his eyes, a dragon that looks like the one Fluttershy convinced to leave, standing on the opposite side of the trail from my character’s house. The only difference is this one is green instead of red.

Before I can say anything, the dragon says, as soon as he sees me, “You must be the human that was with the ponies that convinced a friend of mine to go to another mountain to sleep.”

I respond, “That’s right. My name …”

Before I can say anything more, the dragon looks away from my character, closes his eyes, holds out a hand, palm facing my character, and says, “Name’s aren’t important right now.” He then puts the hand down, opens his eyes again, turns back to my character, and continues, “What is important is that I have the opportunity to meet the human my friend talked about.”

I open my mouth to speak, but then I notice the dragon sniffing. So, I decide not to say anything.

Just as well, since I see the dragon pull a face, making me think he may be disgusted with whatever he smelled, after which he asks, “Why do I smell the deteriorating remains of a griffon, and … burned oats?”

I have an idea of what the green dragon is talking about. But, I decide to answer, “That’s kind of a long story.” Then, in an attempt to return to the subject he had brought up before, I ask, “So, you’re friends with the red dragon that was on the mountain over there?” And, I have my character point to the mountain where the dragon had chosen to sleep before Fluttershy convinced him to leave.

The dragon looks in the direction where my character is pointing, then back at him again, and answers, “That’s correct. He was hoping to sleep there, but was interrupted when a group of ponies, accompanied by a human, entered his cave. He said one of the ponies, a white unicorn, tried to steal his gems; the human sang to him; a blue pegasus with rainbow-colored hair kicked him in the nose; and a yellow pegasus with pink hair was the one that told him off, and convinced him to go somewhere else.

"He came to me and asked if he could sleep in my cave. I told him he could, after I moved my supplies out. Since then, I moved to the forest here, and dug out another cave for myself. I hope you don’t mind if I spend some time here.”

I state, “I can’t speak for the ponies that live in the nearby village; but, as long as you don’t cause a disturbance, no one should bother you here.”

The dragon nods and says, “Good. I may visit again.” He then flies off, over my character’s house, and further into the forest.

With that dragon gone, at least for the time being, I have my character close the front door, then return to the kitchen. I notice that Weed Whacker is being comforted by Lyra. I say, "I think I may have made a new friend here in the forest.”

Weed Whacker whimpers, “Please tell me he’s not coming back here.”

I reply, “He probably will.” Then, as I see the little herbivorous dinosaur start to sob again, I add, “I’m sure it’ll be alright. He won’t be coming to eat you.”

Weed Whacker manages to stammer out, “B-but, h-he’s a b-b-big d-d-dragon.”

I state, “And, I’ve made friends with him. And, as long as I maintain that friendship with him, I’m sure he won’t eat any of my other friends, including you. Besides, he eats rocks, remember?”

Weed Whacker continues to whimper, “And—w-what—if—h-he—w-wants—m-meat?”

I answer, “My house isn’t the only source of food, and is hardly the largest. That dragon has the whole forest to choose from, more and larger creatures than what live here to hunt for food if he wants meat. If he comes here again, which is a possibility, it’ll more likely be because he wants to learn more about me. If you’ll remember that dragon Fluttershy convinced to leave a few weeks ago, it turns out the one that visited me is a friend of that dragon. Apparently one of the reasons for him coming here was because he wanted to meet me. His friend told him about how I sang to him.”

Weed Whacker relaxes somewhat, and I’m sure the next question is more out of curiosity than fear: “Do you think he’ll ask you to sing to him?”

I answer, “It’s a possibility. I guess I’ll find out the next time he comes by for a visit.”

At this point, Pinkie Pie turns to my character and says, “Well, the rest of us have finished eating. As soon as you’re done, we can head out to Ponyville.”

My character turns to his place at the table and shows me, through his eyes, that he still has an apple he has yet to finish eating. So, with my permission, he goes ahead and eats the rest of the apple. Then, after the cleanup, Pinkie Pie leads the group while my character follows at the end of the line to close doors that are opened, as they proceed out of the house and through the front gate. And, from there on, they head through the forest and into Ponyville.

As soon as the four enter Sugar Cube Corner through the back door, Pinkie Pie notices Mrs. Cake putting a freshly-baked loaf of bread on the island. She says to the blue earth mare, “If it’s alright with you, I need to go into town for a few minutes. I’ll be back as soon as I can.”

Mrs. Cake turns to the pink earth pony, smiles, and says, “Sure, dearie, you can go right on ahead.”

Pinkie Pie takes only a second to smile back and say, “Thank you, Mrs. Cake,” before she turns around and gallops out the still-open back door.

As my character proceeds to close the door once it’s clear, I ask, “So, Mrs. Cake, what do you want us to do?”

As my character turns to her again, the blue earth mare smiles as she says, “Oh, the same things you’ve been doing the last few times you were here.”

Accepting that as an invitation, the unicorn, the dinosaur and the human take their positions and proceed with their tasks.

It’s about the time that my character puts a loaf of bread in the oven when Pinkie Pie enters and approaches him. She says, “If you’ll follow me to my room, I have something to talk with you about.”

I can guess what it’s going to be, but I can also guess why Pinkie Pie wants to keep it between me and her.

Before I can respond, though, Pinkie Pie turns toward the doorway between the kitchen and the main room and says, “Mr. Cake, Mormon and I have something we need to talk about. Is it alright if we use my old room upstairs?”

As my character focuses on the doorway, I can see the orange earth stallion smile as he says, “Sure, Pinkie Pie. Go right ahead.”

Pinkie Pie takes only a moment to sing, “Thank you,” before trotting past Mr. Cake, to the stairs in the main room, and to the door of her old bedroom, where she opens it and enters, with my character following close behind her.

Once the two are inside, and the door is closed, Pinkie Pie turns to my character, sits canine-style, and says, “Now, if you’ll use that ‘soundproof’ cheat on this room, we can talk.”

Agreeing with the pink earth pony, I click on the room and say, “Soundproof on” to keep the conversation between the two of us inside the room. After that, I ask, “So, Pinkie, what did you want to talk about?”

Pinkie answers, “I went to the clinic to get a blood test. They have all the equipment there so they got the results back in a few seconds. Well, as it turns out, my blood-sugar level is where it should be for a healthy pony. But, the doctor pony said something else that made me laugh.” And, she covers her mouth with the joint of a front hoof and giggles.

I ask, “And, what was that?”

Pinkie Pie puts her hoof down again and, smiling, says, “Well, do you remember when you said that fasting was meant to be a growth experience?” Not waiting for an answer, she continues, “Well the doctor pony said he found a lot of pony growth hormone in my blood.”

That doesn’t surprise me at all, considering what I’ve heard about experiments with humans fasting. I seem to remember hearing somewhere in a scientific study that humans that did a proper fast would have a lot of human growth hormone in their blood. It doesn’t surprise me, it wouldn’t surprise me, to find that other creatures that would do a proper fast, as Pinkie Pie did, would likely have their own version of growth hormone in their blood, in fact more than usual. Evidently it worked that way with Pinkie Pie and pony growth hormone.

Before I can say as much, Pinkie Pie asks, “Is that what you meant when you said that fasting was going to be a growing experience for me?”

I answer, “Pretty much. I’ve heard that humans that have a proper fast not only have a decrease in health problems, but they also have a lot of human growth hormone in their blood. I’m not surprised that it worked similarly on you. And besides, God did promise, through Isaiah, that a proper fast would mean that the health of the one who fasted would ‘spring forth speedily’.”

At this point, Pinkie Pie does surprise me by jumping into my character’s arms and hugging him, sobbing as she says, “Thank you, Mormon. I didn’t doubt at all that I’d have a good experience fasting. I just wanna thank you for helping me through it.”

My character automatically closes his arms around the pink earth pony and hugs her in return, and I say, “I’m glad I could be of service.” Then, as she pushes away from my character, and he lets her go, I ask, “So, shall we go back downstairs again?”

Pinkie Pie slides down my character’s front to the floor again, then shakes herself out, then looks up at my character and answers, “Sure. Just remember to turn off the soundproof cheat for this room before we leave.”

I respond, “No problem,” then click on the room again and say, “Soundproof off,” then have my character open the door for Pinkie Pie and him to exit again.

As my character follows the pink earth pony down the stairs, I happen to notice, from about the upper half of my character’s periphery, the front door open, and Twilight Sparkle enter.

The purple unicorn also notices the pink earth pony and the human making their way down the stairs, as she says, “Oh, hi, Pinkie, Mormon.”

At the same time, Pinkie Pie and I say “hello” to Twilight, after which Pinkie Pie asks, “How are you?”

Smiling, the purple unicorn answers, “I’m fine. I just came by to tell you about the meteor shower tonight, and ask if you’d like to watch it with us on the hill just outside of Ponyville, just off the path to the Everfree forest.”

Pinkie Pie responds by bouncing off the stairs and toward Twilight, saying, “Oh, oh, I wanna go, I wanna go.”

I’ve seen the meteor shower in the episode, “Owl’s Well That Ends Well,” but I have yet to see it in this video game setting. And, I figure, why not? So, I answer, “Sure. As long as Pinkie Pie, Lyra, and Weed Whacker are willing, I’ll be happy to come along.”

Twilight Sparkle smiles as she says, “Well, we know that Pinkie wants to go. So, all we need to do is find out if Lyra and Weed Whacker also want to go.”

At this point, Lyra emerges from the kitchen and asks, “Go where?”

I open my mouth to answer, but Twilight answers ahead of me, “There’s a meteor shower tonight, and I just came by to ask if anypony here wanted to see it. Pinkie wants to go, and Mormon said he’s willing as long as you and Weed Whacker also want to.”

Lyra’s first response is to rub her chin with a front hoof while saying, “Meteor showers don’t come along that often.” She then puts the hoof down and turns to the purple unicorn and says, “Just a minute. I’ll go get Weed Whacker.” And, she disappears from the doorway, only to appear a second later with Weed Whacker on her back. She then asks, “What was your question again, Twilight?”

The purple unicorn answers, “I just wanted to know, how many here want to come and see the meteor shower tonight? We’ll be watching it on the hill just outside of Ponyville, near the path to the Everfree forest.”

Weed Whacker answers, “I’ve never seen a meteor shower before. Sure, I wanna see it.”

Lyra, who’s attention had been on the herbivorous dinosaur, turns back to Twilight and, smiling, answers, “I’d like to go, too.”

At this point, I say, “Well, I guess the vote’s unanimous, then.”

Smiling back, Twilight says, “Excellent.” She then turns to the orange earth stallion at the cash register and asks, “Mr. Cake, would you and Mrs. Cake like to come and see the meteor shower?”

Mr. Cake also smiles as he answers, “We appreciate the invitation. But, after the reading at Town Hall, well, we need to get the foals home and back to bed, and we just can’t leave them alone. We’re sorry.”

Twilight replies, “That’s alright, Mr. Cake. I understand.” She then turns back to the front door and says, “Well, I guess I’d better tell Spike to expect Pinkie Pie, Mormon, Lyra, and Weed Whacker to join us.” And, with that, she leaves through the front door.

Led by Pinkie Pie, my character returns to the kitchen and joins in with baking pastries.

Thus passes the rest of the day, with Lyra and Weed Whacker preparing the batter and my character putting the prepared loaves of bread and other pastries in the oven, then removing them when they’re ready.

And, in the mean time, Pinkie Pie taste tests the batter or dough to make sure it’s alright. And, as proof that she remembers the advice I gave her, she only takes small samples of the dough or batter.

After the Cakes close down Sugar Cube Corner, the group of four make their way out of Ponyville, through the Everfree forest, and back to my character’s house. And, along the way, of the things talked about among the two ponies and the dinosaur, I remember Pinkie Pie saying something about being happy that she can eat sweets without feeling sick, even if she has to limit herself.

Back at my character’s house, the four split up and harvest fruits and vegetables, then take them inside and prepare them for the reading. And, anymore, I don’t find it surprising that the visitors for the reading arrive just as the treats are ready for them. Whether intentional or not, the two events are very well timed.

This time, it’s Pinkie Pie who greets guests at the gate, while my character takes the short TV table out so that Lyra and Weed Whacker can place the tray of snacks they carry onto it.

And, as seems to have become normal over the past few days, at least since coming back from Appleoosa, the ponies and dragons have taken familiar positions around the elevated snack tray.

As soon as I see that everyone is ready to read, I have my character turn to the purple dragon, and I ask, "Spike, will you read verse one of chapter eight of Mosiah?"

The purple dragon smiles and says, "Well, I'd be happy to," before looking down into his book and reading, "And it came to pass that after king Limhi had made an end of speaking to his people, for he spake many things unto them and only a few of them have I written in this book, he told his people all the things concerning their brethren who were in the land of Zarahemla."

Rarity then reads, "And he caused that Ammon should stand up before the multitude, and rehearse unto them all that had happened unto their brethren from the time that Zeniff went up out of the land even until the time that he himself came up out of the land." She then looks up and says, "I wonder how many of those were individuals asking questions for Ammon to answer."

Applejack reads, "And he also rehearsed unto them the last words which king Benjamin had taught them, and explained them to the people of king Limhi, so that they might understand all the words which he spake."

Fluttershy reads, "And it came to pass that after he had done all this, that king Limhi dismissed the multitude, and caused that they should return every one unto his own house."

Lyra reads, "And it came to pass that he caused that the plates which contained the record of his people from the time that they left the land of Zarahemla, should be brought before Ammon, that he might read them." She then grunts with interest as she looks up, then says, "Evidently, it was important to the people of Lehi-Nephi to keep records."

I read, "Now, as soon as Ammon had read the record, the king inquired of him to know if he could interpret languages, and Ammon told him that he could not."

Weed Whacker reads, "And the king said unto him: Being grieved for the afflictions of my people, I caused that forty and three of my people should take a journey into the wilderness, that thereby they might find the land of Zarahemla, that we might appeal unto our brethren to deliver us out of bondage."

Princess Luna reads, "And they were lost in the wilderness for the space of many days, yet they were diligent, and found not the land of Zarahemla but returned to this land, having traveled in a land among many waters, having discovered a land which was covered with bones of men, and of beasts, and was also covered with ruins of buildings of every kind, having discovered a land which had been peopled with a people who were as numerous as the hosts of Israel."

Princess Celestia reads, "And for a testimony that the things that they had said are true they have brought twenty-four plates which are filled with engravings, and they are of pure gold." She then looks up and says, "We'll find out, at the end of this record of the Nephites, that Moroni, the last of the Nephites, abridged the record on the twenty-four plates, and named it the Book of Ether."

Rainbow Dash reads, "And behold, also, they have brought breastplates, which are large, and they are of brass and of copper, and are perfectly sound."

Pinkie Pie reads, "And again, they have brought swords, the hilts thereof have perished, and the blades thereof were cankered with rust; and there is no one in the land that is able to interpret the language or the engravings that are on the plates. Therefore I said unto thee: Canst thou translate?"

Twilight Sparkle reads, "And I say unto thee again: Knowest thou of any one that can translate? For I am desirous that these records should be translated into our language; for, perhaps, they will give us a knowledge of a remnant of the people who have been destroyed, from whence these records came; or, perhaps, they will give us a knowledge of this very people who have been destroyed; and I am desirous to know the cause of their destruction."

Spike reads, "Now Ammon said unto him: I can assuredly tell thee, O king, of a man that can translate the records; for he has wherewith that he can look, and translate all records that are of ancient date; and it is a gift from God. And the things are called interpreters, and no man can look in them except he be commanded, lest he should look for that he ought not and he should perish. And whosoever is commanded to look in them, the same is called seer."

Rarity reads, "And behold, the king of the people who are in the land of Zarahemla is the man that is commanded to do these things, and who has this high gift from God."

Applejack reads, "And the king said that a seer is greater than a prophet." At this point, she looks up and says, "Ah'm a'guessin' that the king mentioned here is King Limhi."

Fluttershy reads, "And Ammon said that a seer is a revelator and a prophet also; and a gift which is greater can no man have, except he should possess the power of God, which no man can; yet a man may have great power given him from God."

Lyra reads, "But a seer can know of things which are past, and also of things which are to come, and by them shall all things be revealed, or, rather, shall secret things be made manifest, and hidden things shall come to light, and things which are not known shall be made known by them, and also things shall be made known by them which otherwise could not be known."

I read, "Thus God has provided a means that man, through faith, might work mighty miracles; therefore he becometh a great benefit to his fellow beings."

Weed Whacker reads, "And now, when Ammon had made an end of speaking these words the king rejoiced exceedingly, and gave thanks to God, saying: Doubtless a great mystery is contained within these plates, and these interpreters were doubtless prepared for the purpose of unfolding all such mysteries to the children of men."

Princess Luna reads, "O how marvelous are the works of the Lord, and how long doth he suffer with his people; yea, and how blind and impenetrable are the understandings of the children of men; for they will not seek wisdom, neither do they desire that she should rule over them!"

At this point, Applejack asks, "Uh, why does it say 'she should rule over them?' What 'she' is King Limhi a'talkin' 'bout?"

It takes me a moment to look at the reference, after which I answer, "In this context, King Limhi's referring to wisdom, which, in the Nephite language, is apparently feminine."

Noting that Applejack seems to be satisfied with the answer, Princess Celestia reads, "Yea, they are as a wild flock which fleeth from the shepherd, and scattereth, and are driven, and are devoured by the beasts of the forest."

Rainbow Dash looks up and says, "I guess that means I start chapter nine." Then, before anyone can stop her, she looks into her book again and reads, "I, Zeniff, having been taught in all the language of the Nephites, and having had a knowledge of the land of Nephi, or of the land of our fathers’ first inheritance, and having been sent as a spy among the Lamanites that I might spy out their forces, that our army might come upon them and destroy them—but when I saw that which was good among them I was desirous that they should not be destroyed."

Pinkie Pie reads, "Therefore, I contended with my brethren in the wilderness, for I would that our ruler should make a treaty with them; but he being an austere and a blood-thirsty man commanded that I should be slain; but I was rescued by the shedding of much blood; for father fought against father, and brother against brother, until the greater number of our army was destroyed in the wilderness; and we returned, those of us that were spared, to the land of Zarahemla, to relate that tale to their wives and their children."

Twilight Sparkle reads, "And yet, I being over-zealous to inherit the land of our fathers, collected as many as were desirous to go up to possess the land, and started again on our journey into the wilderness to go up to the land; but we were smitten with famine and sore afflictions; for we were slow to remember the Lord our God." She then looks up and says, "So, this Zeniff wanted to go and get the land where Lehi and his family, and Ishmael's family, had landed, I'm guessing?"

i answer, "That's probably right."

Spike reads, "Nevertheless, after many days’ wandering in the wilderness we pitched our tents in the place where our brethren were slain, which was near to the land of our fathers."

Rarity reads, "And it came to pass that I went again with four of my men into the city, in unto the king, that I might know of the disposition of the king, and that I might know if I might go in with my people and possess the land in peace."

Applejack reads, "And I went in unto the king, and he covenanted with me that I might possess the land of Lehi-Nephi, and the land of Shilom."

Fluttershy reads, "And he also commanded that his people should depart out of the land, and I and my people went into the land that we might possess it."

Lyra reads, "And we began to build buildings, and to repair the walls of the city, yea, even the walls of the city of Lehi-Nephi, and the city of Shilom." She then looks up and says, "I'm guessing this is when Zeniff fell into the trap."

I read, "And we began to till the ground, yea, even with all manner of seeds, with seeds of corn, and of wheat, and of barley, and with neas, and with sheum, and with seeds of all manner of fruits; and we did begin to multiply and prosper in the land." I then state, "I'm guessing that neas and sheum are either types of grain, or maybe types of vegetables."

Weed Whacker reads, "Now it was the cunning and the craftiness of king Laman, to bring my people into bondage, that he yielded up the land that we might possess it."

Princess Luna reads, "Therefore it came to pass, that after we had dwelt in the land for the space of twelve years that king Laman began to grow uneasy, lest by any means my people should wax strong in the land, and that they could not overpower them and bring them into bondage."

Princess Celestia reads, "Now they were a lazy and an idolatrous people; therefore they were desirous to bring us into bondage, that they might glut themselves with the labors of our hands; yea, that they might feast themselves upon the flocks of our fields."

Rainbow Dash reads, "Therefore it came to pass that king Laman began to stir up his people that they should contend with my people; therefore there began to be wars and contentions in the land."

Pinkie Pie reads, "For, in the thirteenth year of my reign in the land of Nephi, away on the south of the land of Shilom, when my people were watering and feeding their flocks, and tilling their lands, a numerous host of Lamanites came upon them and began to slay them, and to take off their flocks, and the corn of their fields."

Twilight Sparkle reads, "Yea, and it came to pass that they fled, all that were not overtaken, even into the city of Nephi, and did call upon me for protection."

Spike reads, "And it came to pass that I did arm them with bows, and with arrows, with swords, and with cimeters, and with clubs, and with slings, and with all manner of weapons which we could invent, and I and my people did go forth against the Lamanites to battle."

Rarity reads, "Yea, in the strength of the Lord did we go forth to battle against the Lamanites; for I and my people did cry mightily to the Lord that he would deliver us out of the hands of our enemies, for we were awakened to a remembrance of the deliverance of our fathers."

Applejack reads, "And God did hear our cries and did answer our prayers; and we did go forth in his might; yea, we did go forth against the Lamanites, and in one day and a night we did slay three thousand and forty-three; we did slay them even until we had driven them out of our land." She then grunts and says, "Int'restin'. God didn't git 'em outta the land, He just gave 'em the strength to drive the Lamanites away."

I reply, "My guess is that's what the people there wanted. They didn't want to leave, they just wanted to drive the Lamanites out. As I said before, God gives His people what they want, whether it leads to their benefit or their destruction. That way, hopefully in time they'll learn whether they really wanted it or not."

Fluttershy reads, "And I, myself, with mine own hands, did help to bury their dead. And behold, to our great sorrow and lamentation, two hundred and seventy-nine of our brethren were slain." She then says, "It was nice of Zeniff to help bury the dead of the Lamanites that he'd killed after they'd attacked him and his people."

I respond, "Evidently, one of the things Zeniff wanted was to keep friendly relations between his people and the neighboring Lamanites." Then, before Lyra can start chapter ten, I have my character stand up; and I say, "And, I think that should be the end of the reading for tonight."

Twilight Sparkle also rises, and she says, “Mormon’s right. We need to get ready to watch the meteor shower tonight.”

As the other ponies, as well as Spike and Weed Whacker, rise, I can’t help noticing a smile on Princess Luna’s face. But, before I can mention it, I hear Princess Celestia say, “My sister and I will be watching the meteor shower from the castle in Canterlot.” And, before anyone can respond, the two sister alicorns disappear.

With the two princesses gone, I have my character turn to the purple unicorn; and I say, “I suppose my friends and I here have some preparations to make as well. We’ll meet you on that hill.” And, with that, I have my character proceed to the gate to allow the other element holders, as well as Spike, to exit.

When those six have disappeared into the forest, I have my character close the gate again, then turn to the remaining two ponies and dinosaur, who by now are on the front porch; and I say, “Well, whatever preparations we need to make we’d best get to it, then head out as soon as we’re ready.”

As my character approaches the porch, I notice Pinkie Pie rubs her chin with a front hoof and hums in uncertainty. Then, as my character gets to the first step, Pinkie asks, “Do you think we should harvest dinner now, so we can eat it while we watch the meteor shower?”

All things considered, Pinkie Pie may have a point. I have my character stop in front of the lower step, and I ask, “Lyra, Weed Whacker, what do you think? Should we harvest fruits and vegetables and clean them now so we can eat while we watch the meteor shower?”

The pale-green unicorn and the dinosaur look at each other, then back at my character; and Lyra says, “Well, since we don’t know how long the meteor shower’s going to be, that’s probably a good idea. Sure, let’s do that.” And, acting as though hers is the only one that matters, she canters down the steps, followed by Weed Whacker, on her way to the vineyard.

Pinkie Pie watches her friends move on ahead, then turns to my character and says, “Okie dokie, then. Let’s go to the orchard and harvest some fruits. You get what other fruits you want, and I’ll get the apples.”

I nod in agreement, then allow Pinkie Pie to go on ahead of my character, then have him follow her to the orchard to harvest fruits there.

As soon as Pinkie Pie is in the orchard, Diane takes over, chooses a tree, and kicks once, causing four apples to fall from it.

In the mean time, I have my character go to the apricot tree and harvest two fruits from it, then the peach tree to harvest some fruits from it, then the nectarine tree to do the same, and finally to harvest a few fruits from the pear tree. After that, I have him follow Pinkie Pie, who is now back under the control of Pinkamena, back to the house, to meet up with Lyra and Weed Whacker, who are once again on the front porch. And, it’s Pinkie Pie who opens the front door, using the curl in her forehead and allowing the group of four to enter the house.

My character has to empty his arms in the kitchen before he can go back and close the front and kitchen doors. But, after that, he joins in the team effort of cleaning and preparing the fruits and vegetables for transport to the hill where the group of four, as well as other ponies, will be watching the meteor shower. And, after that, the group proceeds out of the house and out the front gate, with my character closing doors behind them. And, from there on, it’s a trip through the Everfree forest. But, as the group exits, they turn toward the hill to their left, where they meet up with Twilight Sparkle, who’s ascending the hill, followed by Spike, to join the other ponies present to watch the display in the sky.

At this point, my main hope is that I’ve programmed the flying rocks so they all fly in the same direction. I guess I’ll find out soon enough.

As the two groups unite, I hear Twilight mention something about an almanac that’s come up missing. Having seen the episode, I know what happened; but, as usual, I see no reason to mention it. Twilight’ll find out what happened in time anyway.

In the mean time, Spike is saying, “Well, maybe someone borrowed it. Besides, you don’t need that book. You can already name all the planets and stars, ‘cause you’re super smart, and astronomically awesome.”

The purple dragon’s compliments cause Twilight to giggle before she says, “Thanks, Spike. You’re such a flatterer.”

Spike replies, “Yeah, I’m a sweet-talker.”

As the united group of six arrive on the summit of the hill, Twilight adds, “And, my number one assistant, right?”

Spike playfully points to her and answers, “Check,” then gets to work setting up a picnic complete with blanket, fruit bowl, punch bowl, and tea cups.

I, for one, find it surprising that he was able to get a bowl full of punch up this hill, especially considering that angle. Then again, video game physics.

In the mean time, I decide to follow the little dragon’s example and have my character set up a picnic for him and the two ponies and one dinosaur with him.

While he’s setting things up, I hear Twilight say, “Oh, Mormon, you didn’t have to do that.”

My character, after placing a pile of fruits and vegetables in the middle of the blanket he provided, looks up at the purple unicorn; and I say, “That’s alright. This is generally what we have for dinner anyway, and I figure we can enjoy it while we watch the meteor shower.”

Twilight smiles as she says, “Not a bad idea.” She then looks down at the pile of fruits and vegetables that have been provided and says, “Uh, so, you brought your own apples.”

I reply, “And, a few other fruits grown from trees and vines.”

Twilight adds, “And, apparently, some vegetables.”

I state, “Pinkie, Lyra, and Weed Whacker have been really helpful when it comes to gathering fruits and vegetables for meals.”

Before either of us can say anymore, I hear crunching sounds from nearby. My character turns just in time to see Rainbow Dash holding an apple with a bite taken out of it in a front hoof, as she says, “Wow, Twilight, you’re lucky to have such a rad assistant. I wish I had somepony to do whatever I told ‘em.”

Presently, I hear the eager grunting of Scootaloo, evidently not far from the rainbow-haired pegasa. My character’s attention shifts to the orange pegasa as she says, “I’ll do whatever you want, Rainbow Dash.”

My character’s attention switches back to the azure pegasa as she, with a sly expression, says, “Oh, yeah, pipsqueak? How about takin’ out the trash?” then tosses towards her the core of the apple she’s just finished eating.

Scootaloo jumps in excitement and says, “Yes, ma’am,” then grabs and runs off with the core.

I can’t help noticing the change in Rainbow Dash’s expression, leading me to wonder if she’s feeling guilty for putting Scootaloo on cleanup duty.

Then, as Lyra grabs a carrot and Weed Whacker grabs a turnip and the two start eating, Rarity approaches Twilight and asks, “Do we have Spike to thank again for this amazing spread? Isn’t he simply amazing?”

In fake humility, Spike says, “Aw, come on.” Then, after he scratches his chin for a few seconds without hearing any more remarks about him, he says, “I said, come on.”

Then, Pinkie Pie, with a front hoof, rubs the purple dragon’s head, which, based on how deep she’s getting, could include a thick layer of fat between the skin and skull, as she says, “Little Spikey-wikey. Who knew that a big, ferocious dragon could start off so cutesy-wootesy?”

Spike evidently takes it in stride.

Then, Rarity says, “Spike, you are such a little star that I had to make this little bow tie for you.” And, she produces a red bow tie studded somewhat randomly with the remnants of jewels and attached to a choker of sorts, and attaches it to the little purple dragon’s neck.

Spike eagerly accepts the gift, then says, “Gosh, you guys are embarrassing me. Stop it.” Then, he seems to realize what he just said, and apparently decides to negate it by pointing to the purple unicorn and adding, “Twilight, you’re turn.”

At this point, I’d like to mention that I’m aware that in an episode in a later season Spike’s birthday is celebrated, and he receives a bunch of presents. Then, his greedy nature takes over; and, as he starts hoarding things, he grows very rapidly. I have to wonder if Twilight is aware of this possibility, as she, focused on her assistant, says, reprovingly, “Spike, that’s enough.”

Presently, Spike agrees, “Right, that’s enough.”

Then, apparently from somewhere near the picnic area my character set up, Sweetie Belle says, “Hey, everypony, the show’s starting.”

As the six element bearers gallop to the summit of the hill, as well as Lyra and Weed Whacker, I find that I finally get the chance to see if I programmed the meteors properly. But, first, noticing that Bon-Bon is also there, next to Lyra, to watch the display in the sky, and also noticing that Applebloom jumps up on Applejack’s back, Sweetie Belle on Rarity’s back, and Scootaloo on Rainbow Dash’s back, I decide to help by picking Spike up and putting him on Twilight’s back, then picking up Weed Whacker and putting her on Lyra’s back.

The two in turn offer thanks, and I decide it’s time to see how my programming turned out. And, watching the display, well, I realize something isn’t right.

While the placement of the starting positions of the particle meteors works out well in apparent randomness, well, the ending positions turn out to be equally random. There are still “oohs” and “ahs” from the crowd watching the display, but I’m finding it troubling that the meteors aren’t all headed in the same general direction. In fact, I just noticed three meteors pass through each other without any evidence of collision. I’m going to have to go back into the programming and see if I can’t correct the problem.

It could be that I’ve vocalized my concern at the display, or it could be that Pinkie Pie just noticed my silence. All I know is I hear her voice just about under my character as she says, worriedly, “That’s not how the meteors are supposed to move, is it?”

My character turns from the meteor shower down at the pink earth pony, and I can see the look of worry on her face. I have my character pick her up in his arms; then I say, just loud enough so only she can hear, “They should be heading in the same direction, or at least radiating just slightly away from each other.”

I hear Pinkie Pie suggest, “Maybe you should make the particles follow the same path length and angle.”

I reply, “That’s what I’m thinking.”

As programmed, the shower lasts for some twenty minutes, at least in real time, during which I notice Spike starts to doze off. He even falls off Twilight, who’s apparently too absorbed in watching the display in the sky to notice the absence of her assistant from her back, then wanders over to the picnic blanket he'd set up and falls asleep—just on the edge of the punch bowl, which tips over.

When the last meteor has disappeared, I have my character place Pinkie Pie back on her hooves on the ground, and proceed to his picnic blanket to choose a fruit or vegetable to eat.

In the mean time, Pinkie Pie selects a cookie from the place on Twilight’s picnic blanket and starts eating it. Then, she hums with happiness, finishes the cookie in one bite, then says, “Hmm, wow, these cookies are de-lish!” She then turns to my character and says, “Mormon, you should have one.”

As my character’s attention turns to the pink earth pony, I reply, “Sure, don’t mind if I do.” I then have him select a tan cookie with a large, chocolate-chip-shaped, cream-colored candy on top of it and take a bite out of it.

At the bottom of the screen, I see a message box that reads, “Oatmeal cookie, vanilla drop.”

I then have my character turn to the purple unicorn, and I say, “Pinkie Pie’s right. These cookies are good.”

Smiling, Twilight replies, “Spike made them.” She then turns to her picnic setup and asks, “Speaking of, Spike, can you bring us some punch?”

I already know the answer to that question. But, just to reinforce the point, my character turns to the purple dragon, to show me that he’s curled up, snoring away, with his head in the tipped-over punch bowl. And, the glass immediately in front of his nose clouds and unclouds as he exhales and inhales, respectively.

I hear Rarity say, “Oh, poor little thing.”

My character’s attention shifts to the white unicorn, and the purple one she approaches, as Twilight sighs and says, “He’s worked himself to the bone.”

And, even I join in the laughter after Pinkie Pie says, “And now the punch has been—Spiked.”

Then, when the laughter dies down, Twilight says, “I guess that means I better get him back to the library.” She then raises the plate with the cookies and offers them to each of her friends, even offers them to Lyra, Weed Whacker, and my character.

Each one offered accepts a cookie, and, under my instructions, my character takes the cream-colored cookie with pink sprinkles.

Pinkie takes the remaining cookie, one that’s dark brown.

With all the cookies gone, Twilight then uses her magic to gather up her picnic gear and place them in the wagon that she and Spike brought with them to carry the supplies.

Ponies say their farewells and depart from the hill until only my character, the pink earth pony, the pale-green unicorn, and the dinosaur are left.

I ask, “So, shall we finish out dinner here and then head back?”

Pinkie Pie hums with uncertainty before saying, “I don’t know. We really don’t have any reason to stay here.”

Weed Whacker says, “I don’t like the idea of heading back through the Everfree forest when it’s this dark.”

Lyra states, “I can teleport us all back to Mormon’s house.”

For confirmation, I ask, “So, do you want to eat here and then go back, or go back and then eat?”

Pinkie Pie turns to Lyra and asks, “Do you think you can light your horn while we eat here?”

Lyra nods and answers, “Sure,” then closes her eyes until her horn starts glowing.

With Lyra’s pale-green aura lighting the picnic area, Pinkie smiles and says, “So, let’s have our dinner here, and then Lyra can teleport us all back.”

Lyra and Weed Whacker nod in agreement, and so the four settle down on each corner of the blanket and take what’s left of the pile of fruits and vegetables and eat until nothing remains but the parts that none of them can eat. After that, Lyra and Weed Whacker take the remains and dispose of them, then return; and Lyra teleports the group, equipment and all, back to my character’s house.

From there, once inside, each of the four heads to their rooms, giving them the opportunity to write their reports to the princesses.

In my letter, I dictate to my character about how work at Sugar Cube Corner was nothing unusual, except for Twilight coming to invite us to the meteor shower. I then dictate about how the meteor shower was an enjoyable event to watch, and how, after everyone else had departed, Pinkie Pie, Lyra, Weed Whacker, and I enjoyed a picnic dinner together before returning home again. After that, I have my character sign the letter, then roll it up and deliver it to Weed Whacker to send to the princesses. Finally, I have him return to his room and go to bed.

Once again, I have no more to say than what I’ve already said, except that I look forward to the game’s tomorrow. So, until then, I save and close the game.

Author's Notes:

Those who've seen the episode "Owl's Well That Ends Well" have a good idea of what's going to happen in the next chapter. The question is, what role will Mormon have in those events? The answer to that question, and more, in Chapter 30: Dragon vs. Owl.

The scripture reading in that chapter will be in the Book of Mosiah, chapters 10 and 11.