Now, before I resume the game, let me say that I don't expect any major changes to my character's second encounter with Lyra. I still startle her by talking to her through the communications device my character'll be using. On the other hand, I plan on having assistance as I talk to the unicorn in the dungeon. So, with that in mind, let's resume.

As I open the second game file, I hear knocking at the front door.

My character gets up, opens his bedroom door, makes his way to the front room and door and opens that door to see Princess Celestia there once again.

I say, “Hi.”

The white alicorn nods and says, “We need your help at the castle in Canterlot. My sister Luna and I suspect a threat approaching, and we could use your help taking care of it. Will you help us?”

I ask, “Could you give me more information on this threat?”

Princess Celestia answers, “We suspect another acquaintance of yours, a unicorn named Lyra, may be planning to break into our castle. We are aware of her fascination with humans, and Luna has informed me of dreams she sensed from her, about going into the human world and leaving Equestria behind. She thinks Lyra could go so far as to make sure no one follows her.”

I ask, “Is there a way from here to the human world?” I haven't forgotten the answer to the question; it's just important that I ask.

Princess Celestia nods and answers, “We have a magic mirror that serves as a doorway that opens to a high school in the human world. The other side of the doorway is the base of a statue, and any pony that goes through comes out human in the other world. I've heard that Lyra brought a hammer, and we suspect that she'll use it to destroy the mirror. We do not believe Lyra understands the kind of world she could enter; and we worry for her life if she gives herself no way of coming back. So, will you help us?”

I still can't help thinking of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at the mention of the mirror, and that song when I hear about the hammer. I answer, “Sure, I'll help you. What exactly do you want me to do?”

The white alicorn says, “Thank you. We just need you to do whatever you can to keep Lyra from getting to the mirror. We have lots of security equipment in the castle, but that doesn't mean we're completely secure.”

After a moment, I say, “I have to get some equipment from here, then I can join you at the castle, if that's what you want.”

Princess Celestia nods again, then says, “We've also decided to offer you an assistant.”

Once again I know the answer, but it's important that I ask the question, “What assistant? Who's going to assist me?”

The white alicorn princess starts to back away from me as she answers, “She bears an element of harmony. And, I'm guessing the two of you are friends by now.”

As she backs a few more steps to reveal my assistant, I'm not really surprised to see the pink earth pony. I am honestly pleased to see her again as I say, “Pinkie Pie.”

The pink pony smiles and responds, “Hi, Mormom. I'm happy to see you, too.”

This is part of the reward I intend for pointing the party pony in a more constructive course of action. While I doubt everyone who plays this game will take the interest in Pinkie Pie that I take, she is the one, beside the gamer, who stars in this game. What happens to Pinkie Pie, and what she does, are the deciding factors in whether the gamer wins or loses. But, I'm getting off track.

Princess Celestia says, “I'm happy to see that I am right about the two of you. So, Mormon, you get the items and tools you need, then you and Pinkie Pie meet us at the castle in Canterlot. I'll see you there.” And, with that, she disappears.

Presently Pinkie Pie approaches my character and asks, “So, can I help you with anything?”

As my character backs into the house to allow the pink pony to enter, I answer, “I don't know for sure. All I need to get are my tablet, a surveillance camera, a listening device, and a microphone. I have those things around the house, and I can find them easily enough on my own. Can you think of anything else I might need?”

As Pinkie Pie enters the house, she answers, “Well, once you stop Lyra, I think you're gonna need advice on how to talk to her. When you told the stallions about your experience eating horse meat, you made one of them sick. Lyra's fascinated with humans, and I don't think it'd be a good idea to discourage that. Don't tell her about your horse meat experience. It'll trouble Lyra, but it'll be harder on Luna. But, you know that already.” By this point, the pink earth pony has made her way to the couch facing, more or less, the front door.

In the mean time, my character has closed the door behind her.

Pinkie Pie jumps up on the couch, settles down, and continues, “It may be alright to let her know about human omnivory, but it may also be a good idea to let her know about other aspects of being human that ponies won't be used to, that may not even be part of being a pony. Anything on that order you think you could mention?”

In the My Little Pony Friendship is Magic animated series, Pinkie Pie often demonstrated abilities, intellect, and wisdom that most wouldn't expect her to have, and I've tried to incorporate that into her character in this game. Thus, here I have the pink earth pony offering really good advice to the gamer. And, I'm convinced that the pink party pony has somehow read the previous game file and discovered what I'd told Lyra in that game. Could I have programmed her better than I thought? Whatever the case is, she asked me a question; and I answer it, “Well, unlike most creatures, humans aren't relegated to a single season to reproduce. And, whether it's the case with ponies or not, while humans can control them, we do have strong reproductive instincts. Humans also seem to have a talent for being destructive, especially to themselves and to each other. Not everything that a human eats or drinks is good for that human, although there are a lot of things a human can eat and drink that are good for him or her. On the other hand, humans have invented a lot of good things, have done a lot of good things.” After a momentary pause, I conclude, “I suppose the best thing I can do is ask her why she wants to be a human. If she wants to become a human simply because they have hands, then it's probably best that she remain a pony, since there is more to being a human than hands. If she wants to do all the good things humans have done, she may want to try doing those things as a pony first. There are likely limits to what a unicorn can do, that don't limit a human. On the other hand, there may be things that limit a human that don't limit a unicorn. In short, I need to know why she wants to be a human before I can know what to do next.”

It seems to take a few minutes for the pink earth pony to process what I said to her. Still settled in her chosen spot on the couch, she taps her chin with a front hoof, then finally looks at my character again and says, “It sounds to me like you already have some good ideas about what to talk about with Lyra. Start off by asking her why she wants to be a human, and her answer should let you know where you need to take the conversation next.” Then, rising again and jumping off the couch, she says, “So, let's get to work and get those items you mentioned. What were they again? A tablet? A surveillance camera? A listening device? A microphone?”

I answer, “That's right. Have you seen those things before?”

Pinkie Pie hums in contemplation for a moment, then scratches the back of her head with a back hoof, then answers, “The camera sounds familiar, and I'm sure I've seen a microphone before. As for the other two items, I don't know. A listening device can be just about anything. And, a tablet can be a container or shape of medicine, a slab of rock with writing on it, or something else that doesn't seem to belong with the other items you mentioned.”

As my character moves toward the door opposite the closet, then opens it, I say, “In that case, you come with me. You can look for the camera and the microphone, and I'll look for the listening device and the tablet. If I find the listening device and tablet first, I'll help you find the camera and microphone. But, somehow I'm thinking it'll be easier for you to find the camera and microphone.”

As the pink party pony approaches my character, she smiles and says, “Okie dokie lokie.”

In the hallway, the two make their way to the first door on my character's left and enter a room with what looks like a mess of wires, boxes, boards, and other items on desks against each of the four walls.

I choose a desk against the adjacent wall closest to the door, while Pinkie Pie chooses a desk opposite the door.

I have no problems finding the tablet and listening device, and I even find a bag to carry the items. My character puts them into the bag, then turns to Pinkie Pie; and I ask, “Did you find the camera and microphone?”

As the pink pony turns to me, she looks like she's about to cry as she answers, “I haven't been able to find anything yet.”

At the moment I asked the question, my character looked up and allowed me to see, through his eyes, the microphone right in front of her. When she talks about not having found anything, I say, “Oh, I don't know about that. The microphone is right in front of you.”

Pinkie Pie perks up as she turns to the desk again and asks, “The microphone?” Then, seeing what no doubt looks to her like a silver-colored lollypop, she points to it with a front hoof and, turning to me, asks, “You mean this?”

I answer, “That's right.”

Grinning, the party pony says, “Well, I guess I found one of those things after all.”

As my character looks around, I say, “The camera shouldn't be too far away from the microphone.”

Pinkie Pie, looking around the desk with the microphone, asks, “So, what does this surveillance camera look like?”

Wouldn't you know it, I see the camera, not on the desk where Pinkie Pie is looking, but on the desk next to it. As my character walks over to the desk and picks up the camera, I answer, “It looks something like this.”

As the pink pony looks and sees what my character is holding, she says, “Oh. I guess you found all the items after all. You didn't need my help then, I guess.”

As my character puts the camera, then the microphone, in the bag, I say, “I wouldn't go so far as to say that. You were helpful.”

The party pony, her mane starting to droop, asks, “How? All I did was ask a question.”

I answer, “Yes, you did. And, that question was helpful.” I then watch Pinkie Pie turn to me before continuing, “You'd be surprised at how helpful even just asking a question can be. I've had times when all I had to do was start asking a question, and I wouldn't have to finish that question before I found the answer. I don't know if I could've found all the items I needed if you hadn't been here to ask about them first. At least, not so quickly. Thank you for your help, Pinkie. Shall we head for Ponyville?”

Pinkie Pie squees, and her mane fluffs up again, when she hears me thank her for her help. Having been cheered up by what I say, she says, “Sure. If we have everything we need, then let's go.” And, with that, she leads the way back into the hallway, to the front room, and to the front door.

My character follows behind, closing doors along the way. He opens the front door, allowing the party pony to exit first, then follows and closes the door behind them.

Once the two have left the front porch, I ask, “Before we leave, how about an apple for each of us?”

At this point, Pinkie Pie turns to my character and, giving him a strange look, asks, “An apple?”

I answer, “I haven't had anything to eat, and I thought I, at least, could use something before we leave, or perhaps for the trip. Of course, if you've already eaten, then I could just get an apple for myself.”

The pink earth pony starts to snicker as she says, “Now, wait a minute. You mean to tell me that you eat apples for breakfast?” The way she puts it does sound kind of funny.

But, I answer, “I've eaten various fruits for breakfast, not just apples.”

At this point, Pinkie Pie bursts into full-out giggles.

Watching the earth pony rolling in the grass, I say, “I'm guessing you've never had fruit for breakfast?”

The pink pony seems lost in her mirth. I hear her say, “Apples for breakfast. I've gotta tell Twilight about that one.”

As my character turns to the orchard, I say, “I just need a few minutes to get the apple. Then we'll head out.” Then, leaving the party pony on the lawn, my character heads for the orchard to retrieve the fruit.

It doesn't take very long for my character to find and pick a nice, big, red apple from the nearest tree, after which he returns to Pinkie Pie's position.

When she sees my character holding the apple, Pinkie Pie expresses surprise as she says, “You mean you really are going to eat an apple for breakfast?”

I don't answer vocally; but as my character heads to the gate to open it, he takes a bite from the apple. He then moves aside to allow Pinkie Pie to go ahead of him.

I can't tell if the pink earth pony's attitude toward having apples for breakfast has really changed, but I hear her say, “Wow,” as she passes my character and heads into the pathway.

My character follows close behind, just pausing for a moment to close the gate, and the human and pony make their way through the forest on their way to Ponyville.

One thing I must say about the Everfree Forest: As long as it takes to travel through it, it's never boring. And, it's not just the voices of the creatures living there. I find my attitude toward the Everfeee Forest not unlike the attitude of Wesley from the Princess Bride toward the Fire Swamp, except, for all intents and purposes, my character does live in the Everfree Forest. Still, the forest does have a charm of it's own, at least as far as I can see. And, now, knowing that I'm wandering from the story for just a moment, I do have to wonder how well an ROUS would do in the Everfree Forest, and how well an Equestrian timber wolf would do in the Fire Swamp. What a crossover that'd be.

We finally make our way out of the forest, and head into town, where we come across a group of ponies gathering around a traveling stage. I can't help stop and have a look at the well-designed stage, although Pinkie Pie seems to want me to keep going. Just then, I hear an introduction, in which a female voice announces some pony known as “the Great and Powerful Trixie.” It's clear to me where the emphasis goes, as the voice rolls the r's in the words “Great” and “Trixie.” Presently, an azure pony with mane of layered pale blue and white appears, dressed in a light-purple cape and pointed hat, both with stars, circles, and sparks(?) decorating them. As I watch, it's clear she can really put on a display. She clearly has different ways of emphasizing what she says, as she finishes her next sentence with a fireworks display.

But, it's evident that not all of the ponies are impressed by what they're seeing from Trixie. I hear various voices from the Mane Six talking about the evils of showing off. And, it's clear to me that what Rainbow Dash says is a cover for her verbal mistake, as she offers what I can tell is an insincere heckle to the performer.

And, that's when I hear Trixie say the words that evidently ring in many fans' ears when they think of her: “Well, it seems we have some neigh-sayers in the audience.”

Now is when I decide to say under my breath, “You know, you'd think that, she being a horse, and having worked around horses all her life, she'd be used to neigh-sayers by now. But, is she that way? Evidently, the answer to that question is, well, neigh.” Considering Trixie opened the pun up for use, I figure it's alright to run with it. What I don't take into consideration, actually what surprises me, is that Trixie proves she's actually heard me.

Presently, I hear the azure pony's voice directly in front of me say, “First of all, I am not a horse, I am a pony.” My character looks in the direction of the voice to show me Trixie cast her hat aside with a front hoof, revealing her horn, as she continues, “We are all ponies! And, second of all, I am used to neigh-sayers.” She then casts her cape aside, revealing her tail is the same color as her mane, as she continues, “I was just about to accept the challenge from the rainbow-maned pegasus, and the purple unicorn as well. But, if you want to challenge me first, I would be happy to accept your challenge.”

I take a moment for my character to look at the audience, which now has its attention trained on him and the azure unicorn. My character turns his attention to Pinkie Pie, and I see the fear in her face as she shakes her head at me.

Evidently Pinkie Pie thinks I'm going to accept Trixie's challenge.

As my character turns back to the azure unicorn, I answer, “Now, let's get one thing straight. I'm not here to mess with a traveling stage show, and I'm not here to get messed with by the performer. I have better things to do. And, I didn't realize you'd hear what I said. I had intended humor in what I said, but evidently it didn't work for me. If I offended you, I didn't mean to.”

As my character turns away from the azure unicorn, I hear her say, “So, you're going to cower out of the challenge? I guess that makes sense. Who would, who could, stand up to the magic that defeated an Ursa Major?”

As I hear Pinkie Pie worriedly chant “Keep going, keep going, keep going,” I say, “I don't have time for this,” and my character starts walking away from Trixie, who is still taunting my character, still taunting me.

Just then Princess Luna appears in front of me and says, “I'm here to transport you and Pinkie Pie to Canterlot Castle. Do you have any business here?”

My character turns back to the azure unicorn, who is growling and snorting at him, then back to Princess Luna; and I say, “I have no business here. Let's get going.”

The dark purple alicorn nods; and one frame later, she, Pinkie Pie and my character are at the entrance of Canterlot Castle. I can only assume that Trixie must've called out that the matter between me and her is not over yet.

But, that's not important right now, as Luna immediately leads us into the castle and to a room that I remember from the first game. Again I produce items from the bag, describing them to my audience as I place them on the table, starting with the tablet and ending with the transmitting device. As with the first game, I make the request to be teleported to the entranceway where Lyra is likely to enter, holding the transmitting device, and place the device on the ground where Lyra will be stopping before she enters through the door.

As I'm once again teleported to the room, I request that the surveillance camera be placed on the wall opposite the door that leads to the room where the mirror is. I suggest that the tablet will have to show the door so that I'll be able to see Lyra entering, or at least trying to enter, when she does so.

Luna accepts the camera and tablet and disappears for a minute or two, then returns with just the tablet, which she returns to my character.

I can see in the tablet a clear image of the door, indicating that the nighttime princess, and no doubt those she chose to help her, did a good job. There's nothing more to do until nighttime.

Seeing that all is ready, Princess Celestia says to my character, “I'm going to return you to Ponyville now, but I want to keep Pinkie Pie here for a while. She'll return when we're our business is finished.” And, with that, in the space of one frame I'm out of the room and back in Ponyville, where Trixie is proving a better show-off than Rainbow Dash.

As soon as she sees me, she disappears off the stage and appears in front of me, then says, “So, you're back. Are you going to challenge the great and powerful Trixie now?”

I answer, “That's not why I'm here. But, when you're finished here, I'd like you to join me on a walk. I'll be heading to my house on the other side of the Everfree Forest, and I would appreciate some company.”

For a moment the azure unicorn has a puzzled look on her face. Then she shakes it off and says, “Alright, let me get this straight. You mock the great and powerful Trixie, then you want her to walk with you through a dangerous forest on your way home?”

I answer, “That pretty much covers it, yes.”

Trixie growls for a few seconds, then says, “Fine. But, you'd better have a good reason.” And, with that, she returns to her stage to request further challenges.

After some discussion about how another unicorn should challenge Trixie, Rarity steps forward, on the assumption that they're suggesting she challenge Trixie next. When she refuses to accept, Trixie makes some comment about the style of her mane, which causes her in her fury to accept.

As the white unicorn walks onto the stage and uses her magic to change the curtain into a dress, she talks about how a unicorn needs style and elegance.

Trixie's response is to turn Rarity's mane into a literal rat's nest, which causes her to run off crying in disgrace.

When Trixie challenges Twilight Sparkle next, she refuses and instead chooses to leave. So, with no more challenges, Trixie closes her stage and, as the crowd disperses, teleports to my character's position again.

As she uses her magic to once again dress herself in her cape and hat, she says, “Whatever reason you have to inconvenience the great and powerful Trixie, it better be something important. Let's get going.”

As the unicorn and human make their way out of Ponyville, I'm aware that my character and Trixie have been joined by two more unicorns, Snips and Snails.

As my character turns to them, Snails pleads, “Could we please follow you? Please, please, please?”

I'm guessing a lot of readers might find it entertaining to see the two unicorn runts get eaten by timber wolves, or bears, or any other predatory creatures that might be living in the forest; but, I'm not one of them. I decide it'd be safer for all concerned if they not come with us. What I offer them is a different reason why I don't want them following my character and Trixie: “I have something to discuss with Trixie, and only with Trixie.”

Snips tries to interject when I mention having something to discuss with Trixie, but the two accept when I say it's only for Trixie. They return, most likely to guard Trixie's stage, distraught, leaving my character and Trixie to make our way towards the forest.

As we pass Fluttershy's cottage, Trixie asks my character, “So, does this have anything to do with how I treated the rainbow pegasus and the white unicorn?”

I answer, “While I'm sure you could've conducted yourself better, no, that's not what I wanna discus with you.”

As we get past the cottage and enter the forest proper, instantly Trixie freezes in place and says, “You're not going to call out an Ursa Major, are you?”

I answer, “No, that's not why we're going through here. I generally respect the creatures here, and they respect me in return.” Then, I add, “There are a lot of dangerous creatures in the forest. Unless you want to get eaten, you'd better stick with me. And, you need to relax. If the creatures smell your fear, they may decide to act on it.”

The azure unicorn stammers, “N-now, now, wh-what makes you think I'm af-fraid? I'm the G-great and P-powerful Trixie, after a-all.”

I think to myself, what indeed. Especially after her forced, nervous chuckle. I say, “Just keep up with me. Like I said, the creatures here respect me as long as I respect them. And, they'll likely leave you alone as long as you're with me. It's been that way with other ponies that've accompanied me through here.”

Trixie seems about ready to say something more, but a roar from behind her startles her, and she runs ahead of me along the path.

My character had better catch up to her, just to make sure she's alright. And, that's what he does. Running after her, he manages to catch up with her perhaps a few hundred feet along the trail, where the azure unicorn has stopped, and is now just panting. As her breathing slows, she turns to my character and says, “Alright, you win. You can survive better in this forest than I can. I admit it. Now, let's get out of here.”

I answer, “That's not why I wanted you to come with me. Once we get to my house, I'll explain what I want. In the mean time, let's get going.”

As my character moves ahead of the azure unicorn, I hear her groan before her hoof-falls start to match my character's footsteps again.

We spend maybe forty minutes walking in the forest before we come out the other side. Then, it's another minute before we reach my character's house.

As soon as he and Trixie are inside the gate, my character turns to her; and I say, “Now for what I wanted to talk about. You were right, back in Ponyville, when you said I made fun of you. I shouldn't have done that. I'm sorry. Will you forgive me?”

As my character looks into Trixie's eyes, I can see the honest surprise in them. She says, “I-I … I've never had somepony repent to me before. Never before has anypony admitted having done something wrong. And, it wasn't a pony, but a human, that admitted to wrongdoing.” She turns away from me and starts walking toward the house as she continues, “If you hadn't admitted to mocking me, then said you shouldn't have done so, I wouldn't have a reason to forgive you.” Then, turning to my character again, she concludes, “But, you've given me a reason; so, yes, I do forgive you.”

I respond, “Thanks.” Then, as my character stands up again and starts walking to the house, I continue, “Now, I'd like to give you a gift, something that's come to mean a great deal to me over the years. It's a book.”

The azure unicorn tilts her head and says, “A … book?”

I answer, “That's right. If you'll wait out here, I'll go in and get it. It shouldn't take too long.”

Trixie straightens her head again and says, “Alright.”

The process of my character entering the house, going to the closet, retrieving a copy of the Book of Mormon, then returning to the front door and to Trixie's position takes probably less than a minute.

As the blue unicorn accepts the book, she looks at and reads the front cover: “The Book of Mormon, another testament of Jesus Christ.” She then looks at my character and says, “I don't know if I'll have time to read this, but I'll just have to see. Thanks, I guess.”

I answer, “You're welcome.” Then, as my character walks to the front gate, I ask, “So, shall we head back to town?”

Trixie opens the book and turns pages with her magic as she says, “Sure. My traveling stage is still there, or at least it should be.”

I don't say this aloud, but I wouldn't be surprised if Snips and Snails are, in fact, guarding it. As my character opens the gate, allowing the azure unicorn to exit, I say, “If you plan on sticking around, I'll be having a reading of the book at my house with a few of Ponyville's residents. You may join in if you want.”

Trixie, once outside the gate, turns to my character and says, “Mine is a traveling performance. I don't know where I'll be heading next, but I doubt I'll be staying in Ponyville for much longer. As long as I have my traveling stage, I'll have a place to call home as I travel from one place to another.”

By this point, my character is outside the gate, and has closed it behind him. As he makes his way to the pathway, accompanied by the azure unicorn, and on into the forest, I say, “If you decide to travel through the Everfree forest on your way to your next destination, you can stop by here for a while. The reading will begin as soon as everyone is present and ready. We'll be reading chapter three of First Nephi, and probably chapter four, depending on questions that come up.”

Just then, the thought strikes me that I need another copy of the Book of Mormon. So, I stop and turn to Trixie and say, “I just realized I need to get something. If you'll wait here for a moment, I'll go get it. It shouldn't take too long.” And, before Trixie can answer, I order my character to run back to the house and retrieve another copy of the book, then run back to Trixie.

Again the process takes less than a minute, and Trixie and my character are back on the trail through the forest and back to Ponyville.

Along the way, the azure pony turns to my character and asks, “So, what did you need to get?”

I answer, “I just had this feeling that I needed to get another copy of the book I gave you.”

Trixie grunts and says, “So you have multiple copies of this book. Doesn't that lower the book's value?”

I answer, “Not at all. It could be that the book will be as valuable to the pony or other creature I hand it to as it is to me. Such is the nature of the word of God.”

Trixie, suddenly frozen in place, nearly falls, as does the book she momentarily loses magical control over. Recovering, she says, “The word of God?”

I continue, “The Book of Mormon is the religious record of a people that started out as a family that lived in Jerusalem six hundred years before the birth of the Christ. The father of the family was commanded by God to leave their home to escape the impending captivity of Jerusalem, although his sons were to return a few days later to retrieve records on brass plates, then again to retrieve another family. They traveled through the wilderness on their way to the Red Sea, where they built a ship and sailed to a land they'd call Bountiful or Nephi, but that in my time is known as South America.

“From there, the story follows the combined family as it divides into two separate peoples, one a godly people known as the Nephites, the other an evil people known as the Lamanites. But, they don't always remain that way. At one point, the Lamanites become good, and the Nephites become evil. Then, in the years between the birth of the Christ, and his visit to these peoples, they combine again to defeat a common enemy.

“The reason the book is known as another testament of Jesus Christ is that he visits this people some three and a half decades after his birth, and a few days after his crucifixion and death in the Middle East. By this point, his church is already established among these people, but he comes to make modifications to the law, replacing practices that are meant to anticipate his first coming with practices that commemorate the reason for his birth, life, and death. He leaves them to visit more of his people, leaving the combined Nephites and Lamanites to continue following his commandments.

“For some three or four centuries after that, the people in the Americas continue on, eventually turning evil again and dividing back into the Nephites and Lamanites. The Nephites become worse than the Lamanites and are eventually completely destroyed by them, leaving one man to complete the record.

“There's also a record of a people that preceded the Nephites and Lamanites, which survived some two thousand years, whose population fluctuated wildly in size as they cycled between good and evil, and eventually destroyed itself, leaving one survivor, their last king, to meet and die among the next people who would inherit the Americas next.”

Considering we're both walking, I know Trixie couldn't have fallen asleep. And, a look from my character to the azure unicorn confirms it. So, I can only assume she expects to hear more of the story after I stop talking. When she hears no more for a while, she says, “I had no idea there was so much to this book. I'll try to find time to read it, maybe even travel to your house to join in the reading. You say chapter three of First Nephi?”

I answer, “That's right. And, you're welcome to join us if and when you find the time.”

Trixie says, “I suppose I'll start reading the book now. I can use my magic to detect danger, so you don't have to worry about that. On the other hoof, if the creatures respect you as much as you say, then I won't need to worry about them attacking us.”

I say, “You may want to start with the introduction, which includes the testimony of three witnesses who helped translate the book, the testimony eight witnesses who were allowed to handle the gold plates that originally contained the record, and the testimony of the one who translated the book, Joseph Smith Jr.”

Trixie responds, “I'll go ahead and do that.”

No more is said between the two of us, as the azure unicorn walks and reads at the same time.

I have to give her credit. She doesn't seem to need her eyes as she maneuvers around obstacles in her path while she reads.

I can't say how much she reads during the time we walk, although she finally closes the book as we arrive at Ponyville, about half an hour after leaving my character's house. A few minutes later we arrive at Trixie's mobile stage, guarded, as I figured, by Snips and Snails.

As the two bow in front of the azure unicorn, Snails says, “Oh, Trixie, thou Great and Powerful, we've been guarding your stage that you might entertain us with another show.”

While it's all I can do to keep from bursting into laughter, I'm sure my character doesn't convey that. Just as well, as he and Trixie exchange glances. In the exchange, I can see the azure unicorn's ears twitch, suggesting nervousness.

She turns back to the two unicorn runts and says, “Uh, thanks. You're dismissed. I have work to do.”

Just then, I hear the voice of Twilight Sparkle say, “Mormon, I have some questions for you.”

As my character turns in the direction of the voice, I see her, Pinkie Pie, at her side, looking at my character. I say, “Very well. Do you want to ask your questions here, or somewhere else?”

The purple unicorn answers, “If you'll follow me to the library, I'll ask my questions there.”

As my character looks around him, I notice that Trixie is no longer present. Then, I hear Snips say, “She said her magic once stopped an Ursa Major. Let's go get one. I wanna see that.”

I turn to the short, corpulent unicorn and say, “That's not a good idea, trust me. In fact, if you've learned to trust me, you'll go back home instead.”

Both unicorns look at my character with blank expressions, then run off along the path that Trixie and I took out of the forest, heading in to search for the Great Bear.

I groan and say, “Evidently they haven't learned to trust me after all.” Then, as my character turns to the purple unicorn, I say, “Well, I guess I have nothing else to do. Let's go to the library.” And, with that, my character follows Twilight Sparkle and Pinkie Pie there.

Once inside the library tree, the purple unicorn turns to my character and says, “Princess Celestia has informed us that you seem to have an interest in Pinkie Pie, perhaps an interest in earth ponies in general. Is this true?”

I pause for a moment. I did program this moment into the game, just in case the gamer found and chose to use the game-changing method to save Pinkie Pie. I have my reasons for taking an interest in earth ponies in general, and specifically in the pink party pony, which I plan on disclosing to Twilight Sparkle now. But, my reasons are not likely to be the reasons of other gamers that choose to play this game. I answer, “The short answer is that I see more potential in earth ponies than in any other type.”

The purple unicorn tilts her head as she asks, “More potential. Could you explain that?”

I answer, “I have stories of Equestria, those of the recognized history, starting with you learning about the story of Nightmare Moon and the prophecy of her return, and continuing on from there. But, there are alternative stories, putting characters from Equestria into situations they'll likely never exist in, and theorizing how they might respond to them. In fact, the story being told here is one of those alternative stories.

“One of these stories tells of Pinkie Pie holding Rainbow Dash captive and cutting her to pieces until she dies, harvesting her internal organs to make cupcakes.” I listen and watch as Twilight straightens her head and gags; and when nothing more happens, I continue, “There are other stories, which tell about pegasi and unicorns building factories, pegasi to process failed pegasi for colors, and unicorns to process failed unicorns to recycle their magic. These stories suggest to me how evil the authors believe the ponies can get.”

Before I continue, the purple unicorn, again expressing disgust, asks, “And you want to see them become that evil?”

I answer, “No, I don't. Quite the opposite, in fact.” I pause for a moment before continuing, “In my world, I heard somewhere that if a human could release all the energy in his or her body in one destructive explosion, such an explosion would destroy much of the human world, as well as the human that exploded. But, if that same human can tame that energy and channel it into more constructive behaviors, that human's potential becomes so much greater.

“Now, the Equestrian world, and the ponies that live in it, are the creation of humans, and creations tend to take on the qualities of their creator or creators. Now, that being the case, I wonder if Equestrian ponies don't have this quality in common with humans, that is similar potential to do evil, and to do good; to become like the devil, or to become like God.

“The story I mentioned about Pinkie Pie reminds me of something mentioned in a book, of which Pinkie Pie has a copy, in which an abominable practice among a people prior to their destruction is described in a letter. While there are parallels, there are sufficient differences between the two stories that suggest to me that what Pinkie Pie does to Rainbow Dash isn't quite as bad as the abomination that, at least in part, lead to the destruction of an entire people. Still, based on what I've gathered from the stories I've mentioned, while unicorns and pegasi are building factories to process each other and themselves for magic and colors, Pinkie Pie is getting her hooves dirty doing something even worse.

“I have to wonder, if that's the extent of their potential to become so demonic, compared to that of a human, might their potential to become godly be similar? If earth ponies in general, and more specifically Pinkie Pie, can practice something that comes so close to an abomination that destroyed a nation, what practices can she do that could be equally close to practices that lead to another people being raised into heaven?”

It takes a few minutes for Twilight to process all I said, before she says, “I think I understand. You don't want to see ponies at their worst, you want to see them at their very best. You don't want to see the worst of humanity in us, you want to see in us humanity's best.”

I answer, “That's right.”

I think the news hits Pinkie Pie the hardest, as she seems frozen in place, her irises and pupils just barely visible, her ears flat against her skull. Her hair doesn't straighten out, although I have to wonder if it will.

Twilight Sparkle, not initially noticing her friend's condition, turns to her and says, “Well, we have our work cut out for us, but I think … “ She trails off as the sight of a frozen Pinkie Pie starts to sink in. Pushing the pink earth pony's cheek lightly with a forelimb, and nearly pushing her over, she says, “Pinkie Pie?”

But, she has no time to explore the party pony's condition any further, as heavy footfalls can be heard getting closer.

With my character focused on the purple unicorn, I say, “I think you'd better go out there and take care of the problem brewing outside. I'll take care of Pinkie Pie in here.”

The purple unicorn says no more to me, just runs out the door to take care of the Ursa Minor that Snips and Snails led into town so Trixie could control it with her magic, thinking it was an Ursa Major.

In the mean time, I approach the pink earth pony and stroke her cheek, asking, “Pinkie Pie, are you alright?”

She turns to my character slowly and says, “I-I-I … I had no idea.” She then grasps my character's hand with her forelimbs and, gripping it close to her face as she rubs her cheek against it's back, and starts sniffling.

I answer, “Now you know why I'm willing to invest so much into you.”

Now, Pinkie Pie sobs as she says, “To think, you want to see me do so much good because you've heard of me doing such a bad thing. How can I live up to that?”

Again I answer, “That's why I gave you a copy of the Book of Mormon. I want to help you.”

Presently the pink pony jumps into my character's arms and hugs him tightly. Her voice seems unable to work as she whispers, “You said you love me, but that much?” Her evident trembling causes my character to vibrate as well, making it difficult for me to see through his eyes.

Before either of us can say anything more, I hear Luna's voice ask, “Is there anything wrong?”

Pinkie Pie immediately separates from my character, allowing him to focus on the nighttime princess.

I answer, “Let's just say Pinkie Pie knows why I'm so interested in her.” A look at the party pony shows that she's rubbing her eyes with her front hooves, and at best, when she does show her eyes, she can manage a trembling smile.

Princess Luna, seeing Pinkie Pie trying to show a happy face, says, “Well, if all is well, we need you at Canterlot Castle. The time is almost here.” And, before pony or human can respond, in the next frame they're inside the room at the familiar castle.

My character turns to the pink earth pony, and I ask, “Are you going to be alright?”

Pinkie Pie looks at my character and, holding a front limb up, like a dog holding a front paw up for someone to shake it, says, “Now that I know you … now that I know how much … “ Pinkie Pie finds herself unable to say the words. Then her mane and tail straighten out, her mane flowing to one side, and Diane says, “What my sister is trying to say is she'll be fine now that she knows how much you love her.” Again she pink pony's mane and tail curl, and Pinkamena says, “Yea, what Diane said.”

Princess Celestia, reclining nearby, asks, “Diane?”

I answer, “It's kind of a long story.” Changing the subject, I ask, “Don't you need to lower the sun first?”

The white alicorn arises and answers, “That's right. Lyra won't even try if she thinks it's still daytime.” And, with that, she points her horn at the sun.

As Princess Celestia's horn glows, my character turns just in time to see the sun descend behind the mountains.

As my character returns his attention to the daytime princess, she says, “There. Now we just need to wait.”

Evidently we don't need to wait for too much longer, as I hear light hoof-falls outside the window. As my character looks out the window, I notice a strangely mobile bush approaching behind the pegasus guard.

The bush slowly makes it's way behind the guard, and directly over the spot where I put the transmitting device. Not long afterward, the bush seems to sprout the head of a pale-green unicorn, one with pale-azure-and-white mane. The bush next sprouts a pale-green hoof, then another, the second one holding an audio-cassette player.

Lyra scratches an ear with the evidently empty hoof, then uses it to open the player in the other hoof and make sure a cassette is inside. After that, she abandons the false bush and disappears through the door.

As my character turns to the two princesses and the party pony, I say, “Well, all we can do now is wait. Lyra's pretty smart, and it'll be just a matter of time before she reaches the door to the room with the mirror.” And, with that, my character grabs the tablet and turns it on, then touches a few areas of it so that the camera's view of the door shows up.

Pinkie Pie, evidently more composed now, asks, “Can I have a look?”

As I vocalize agreement, my character kneels down next to her, holding the tablet so she can see it.

After a while, she says, “Nothing's happening. How boring.”

I answer, “Waiting for something to happen is frequently not the most exciting thing you can imagine, but it proves well worth it when something finally does happen.”

Before the party pony can say anymore to my character, Princess Celestia says, “So, Pinkie Pie, what can you tell me about what Mormon finds so interesting about you, or about earth ponies in general?”

Again, I'm sure my character can't convey my smile as I watch, through my character's eyes, the unchanging scene of the door.

In the mean time, Pinkie Pie approaches the white alicorn and says, “Well, based on what Mormon said, and how Twily understood it, he thinks I, and maybe all earth ponies, can do more good than any other race. And, he wants to see me do that.”

Princess Celestia asks, “And, why does he think that?”

Pinkie Pie settles down into a sphinx-style position as she answers, “He's heard of a story about me doing something really bad to Dashy.” She sniffles, trying to stifle a sob, before continuing, “He thinks we're like humans, and thinks we can do things that are even better than the bad things he's heard I could do, maybe things just as good as what humans can do.”

As the pink pony starts sobbing again, Pirncess Celestia asks, “Not to belittle humans, especially not around a human, but how good can they be?”

Through her sobs, the pink earth pony says, “Mormon has this hero, called the Christ—“

Before Pinkie Pie can say more, the white alicorn says, “That's enough. I understand now.” She then asks my character, “Mormon, is this true?”

I answer, “It is.”

I hear Princess Celestia's voice above my character, suggesting she's now up on all fours, as she says, “Testing such a theory will require a lot of work, and a lot of time. Are you willing to do that much?”

I answer, “I am.”

After a momentary pause, the daytime princess says, “Well, if you are indeed willing to put forth the effort to test your theory, then I look forward to seeing the results. So, with that in mind, I'm giving you permission to perform your experiment on Pinkie Pie. Because it'll mean doing things that'll be for her best, be for the best of everypony, I want you to give me daily updates on your progress.”

As she sobs a few more times, Pinkie Pie squeaks, “Really?”

Just then I see the pale-green unicorn in the view of the camera. I say, “Just a minute. Lyra's at the door.” With that, my character stands up and positions the tablet opposite the microphone from him. As the ponies gather around him, I wait until the mint-colored pony is ready to put a key in the hole. At that moment, I yell into the microphone, “Raira, kei te aha?” which, in English, is, “Lyra, what are you doing?”

The response from the pale-green pony is the same as in the first game. She rears back on her hind legs and whinnies loudly in surprise and terror. In fact, the sound of her whinny can be heard in this room.

Pinkie Pie, who'd been sobbing before, now bursts out into uncontrolled giggles.

I don't blame her. I find myself laughing as well. And, I also hear chuckles from Princess Celestia.

On the other hand, Lyra is surrounded by guard ponies, and, as she relaxes, I somehow find myself able to see a yellow puddle developing under the pale-green unicorn.

The guards, maneuvering around the puddle of what I'm guessing is the unicorn mare's urine, seize Lyra and drag her away, still managing to reshape the puddle.

Before my character can shut down the tablet, I have him take the microphone and hold it up to his mouth before I say, “Rattled.”

I don't think even Pinkie Pie understands the reference, although she still giggles.

On the other hand, we can hear what I can only assume are epithets coming from the pale-green unicorn leaking upward from the floor of the room.

As my character turns to the two alicorns, I say, “I'm thinking now's the time for me to visit Lyra. And, if she wants, Pinkie Pie can come with me as well.”

The pink party pony, hearing my invitation, stops laughing and, puzzled, says, “Wait, what?”

The two princesses rise, and Princess Luna says, “I can arrange it, but Lyra'll have to remain in her cell and under guard during the visit. Still, after the way you served us, I believe we owe you that much.”

Pinkie Pie rolls away from my character onto her hooves, then looks at me and says, “Now hold on. You're sure you want me to go with you?”

I answer, “Unless there's a reason you shouldn't, sure.”

The party pony turns to Princess Celestia.

The white alicorn princess says, “Like Mormon is so fond of saying, it's up to you. Business between us is over, for now. So, do you want to visit Lyra with Mormon?”

Pinkie Pie turns to my character, then back to Princess Celestia, then answers, “I do want to visit Lyra, whether it's with Mormon or not.”

As my character stands up and walks to Princess Luna, Princess Celestia says, “Then go on ahead.”

The pink earth pony bows to the white alicorn, then follows my character as the three leave and head toward the dungeon.

As with the first game, it's a matter of minutes traveling through hallways, getting permission from guards, and getting doors unlocked and open before Princess Luna, Pinkie Pie, and my character make their way to the prison cell where the pale-green unicorn is being held.

As with the first game, Lyra, as soon as she sees my character, says, “So, it was your voice I heard in my ear. Where were you?”

I answer, “I was in a room with Princesses Celestia and Luna, and Pinkie Pie here.”

Just then, I hear a sniffing sound coming from Pinkie Pie. As my character looks at her, she covers her nose and groans, “Eww, Lyra, did you wet yourself?”

I have my character turn to the party pony while I say, “Pinkie, if you don't want me to make Lyra feel bad, then you should set an example and not make her feel bad either.”

As I hear a zipping or ripping sound coming from Lyra's direction, I watch the pink earth pony as she lowers her head and looks down, her ears and mane appearing to melt, as she says, “You're right. I'm sorry.”

I turn back to Lyra, and watch her peel off the dark gray pajama suit she's been wearing. I notice a darker, shiny line on the side of each leg, meeting at the crotch, indicating that Lyra had indeed urinated. As I see the light-green unicorn cast the suit aside, I ask, “Are you alright?”

Lyra looks at the suit, which takes on a pale-green aura and comes to life.

The suit stretches as flat as it can, except for the crotch, which folds. The suit rises, so the crotch is level with my character's head, then presses against the bars of the prison, causing some of the unicorn's urine to leak onto the bars.

Lyra asks, “What do you think?” before letting the suit drop. Then she continues, “Now I know what you meant when you talked about unicorn burglars being easy to rattle. I have yet to figure out how you got your voice to sound in my ear. What language were you speaking, anyway?”

Before I can answer, Princess Luna asks, “Unicorn burglars?”

My character turns to the dark purple alicorn, and I say, “It's a long story.” Then, after my character turns back to Lyra, I answer, “That was Maori,” then ask, “So, why is it so important to you that you become human?”

I hear Princess Luna say under her breath, “A good question.”

The pale-green unicorn pauses for a second after hearing the nighttime princess's statement, then answers, “I want hands.”

I pause for a moment. I already know why Lyra wants hands, but I still ask the question to move the story forward. I say, “Hands? You want to be a human so you can have ... hands?”

Lyra lowers her head and answers, “I can do a lot of good with my magic, and I know that. And, I can use my magic to sense things. I can make my own tools and clothes, I can control food so I can eat it.” She then looks up at my character again as she continues, “But, there are things that I could do only if I had hands. Without hands, I can't play woodwind instruments, not and make them sound right. While I can make shapes from dirt and other materials, sense how hot or cold things are; I can't leave a hand-print, a fingerprint, on the shapes I make. At best, I can leave a hoof-print. But, so can everypony else.” Looking away again, she asks, “Do you remember when Doctor Whooves asked what type of pony you wanted to be? You said you'd want to be an earth pony.”

I hear a few hoof-falls, and my character looks to see Pinkie Pie approach the bars of the cell, no longer holding her nose. She pushes herself into a standing position, then props herself on the bars of the cell, each hoof on a bar, then says, “I know why he would prefer to be an earth pony. He thinks earth ponies can do more good than any other pony race.”

Lyra turns to Pinkie Pie and says, “Mormon said that he'd choose to be an earth pony only if he had to be a pony, and only if he could choose what race he could be. Don't you see? Mormon prefers to be a human.”

Pinkie Pie nods and answers, “Well, duh. He was born a human, so why wouldn't he want to spend the rest of his life the way he started it?”

Presently the light-green unicorn kicks the suspended bed with her hind legs and says, “That's right. Mormon gets to stay a human, and I'm forced to be a unicorn.”

My character turns to the dark-purple alicorn, and I ask, “Forced to be a unicorn?”

Princess Luna, looking back at my character, says, “I have heard nothing of this. Perhaps my sister, Tia, will have the answers.”

As my character turns back to the pale-green unicorn, a thought comes to me. I ask, “So, if you could walk out of this prison right now, what would you do?”

Lyra sighs and answers, “The first thing I'd do is seek the first opportunity to take a bath. I need one after you scared me, Mormon.” She then continues, “Then, I'd try for that mirror again. But, this time, I'd be more careful. I'd try to find a way into that room without letting you know I'm there.”

Now, Pinkie Pie starts giggling. After a moment, she says, “That's going to be harder than you think.”

Lyra sighs as she says, “You're probably right about that.” She then turns to my character and adds, “I don't know how you saw me, but as soon as I find out, I'll know where to begin to avoid it.”

I ask, “And, what if I were assigned to take care of you?”

Lyra gasps. She backs away one pace, slips on something behind her, and falls into something of a canine-style sitting position. She asks, “You?” Then she rises again, snorts derisively, and says, “You'd just remind me of something I can't have, not again.”

Clearly, whether it's true or not, Lyra believes she was once a human, and is stuck being a unicorn. For the sake of this story, she's designed to be a unicorn, and her studies of humans have made her wish, even believe, she had been a human. But, it's important to play the role I've been given, the role I've made for myself in this game. I'll get the truth from Princess Celestia. Then, I'll accept custody of the pale-green unicorn from them. And, somehow, I wouldn't be surprised if I get to take care of Pinkie Pie as well. After all, it is how I programmed this game.

I answer, “I'll see what I can do. But, I want you to know, as long as you're in my care, you'll have more freedom than you have right now. I may even let you visit your friend, Bon-Bon, as long as I'm with you. I'll be there to remind you, not of what you can not have, but of what you can have. I just want to be one of your friends.” My character starts backing away from Lyra's cell when I remember something. I say, “Oh, and one more thing.” As my character produces the book from his inventory, I continue, “I have something for you. It's a book that's come to mean a lot to me over the years.”

The pegasus guard pony holds out a hoof and says, “I'll take that for a moment.”

As my character hands the book to the guard, I say, “I understand.”

Princess Luna, noticing the cover, says, “That looks like the book thou gave to my sister. She gave me a copy of the book. Is that not the Book of Mormon?”

I answer, “It is. I thought Lyra might like to have a copy of it, something to read while she's waiting in here.”

Lyra responds, “That's ... thoughtful of you.”

The guard, in the mean time, opens the book, flips through the pages, then holds it by its binding and shakes it out. When he's convinced that nothing's hiding in the book, he hands it back to me and says, “It's safe. You may pass it to Lyra now.”

I accept the book back with a word of gratitude, then slide it through two of the bars to Lyra, who seizes the book with her magic and pulls it to her, opening it to the first page and starting to read aloud: “The Book of Mormon, another testament of Jesus Christ.”

I say, “You may want to read the introduction first, which includes the testimonies of three witnesses who helped translate that book, eight witnesses who held the gold plates of the original record, and the testimony of the translator of the record, Joseph Smith Jr.”

As my character, Princess Luna, and Pinkie Pie turn to follow the guard out, I hear Lyra say, “I'll do that. Thank you.”

In another few minutes we're back in the room with Princess Celestia.

Once there, with the door closed, as my character focuses on the white alicorn, I say, “Lyra suggested she was once human, and was turned into a pony.”

Princess Celestia answers, “I'm thinking that's a product of her studies of humans. She's always been a unicorn, and humans have always fascinated her. Did she say why she wants to be a human?”

I answer, “Something about us humans having hands, and being able to do things with them that she can't do with her magic.”

The white alicorn then says, “I would prefer not to keep Lyra in jail. And, since she has taken such an interest in humans, and since you are a human, I think it'd be best if you take care of her from now on, at least until she's served her time.”

I say, “I'm a male human. If I get custody of Lyra, she'll learn a lot, if not everything, about male humans, or at least about me. To learn about female humans, she'll need a female human to learn from.”

Princess Celestia says, “We have no female humans available to assist you. But, if it'll keep Lyra from attempting to enter the human world again, and damaging royal property in the process, and if you can be trusted to respect her, then I will release Lyra to your custody.”

Being this is the second game, and for that reason the game I intend to win, the question of what would happen to her should Pinkie Pie be lost no longer applies. And, I expect to get to take care of Pinkie Pie as well, anyway.

I answer, “I would be honored to accept custody of Lyra.”

At my response, Princess Celestia turns to her sister and says, “Go get Lyra, but don't tell her why we're summoning her. For that matter, just tell the guards that she is wanted for an audience with you and Princess Celestia.” Then, as Princess Luna disappears, Princess Celestia turns to Pinkie Pie and asks, “How would you feel about helping Mormon take care of Lyra?”

The pink earth pony points to herself with a forelimb and asks, “You want me to help take care of Lyra? Do you think she'll be a problem?”

The white alicorn answers, “I think it'd be a good idea to prepare for such a possibility. But, there's another reason why I want you to help Mormon. If he's to run his experiments on you, then you should be there to be experimented upon. I doubt they'll hurt you at all. In fact, I think you may enjoy them. He wants to bring out the best in you, and I want to see him succeed. So, will you help him?”

The pink pony looks up at me for a while, studying me, then looks back at Princess Celestia, and says, “He's already given me a copy of the Book of Mormon, and Princess Luna knows I've already read a chapter with him and other ponies. I expect him to continue with that, and I look forward to finding out what happens to Nephi next. So, sure, I'll help him.”

I find myself smiling at the reference to Nephi.

In the mean time, Princess Celestia turns to my character.

Before she can say anything, though, Princess Luna appears in the room again, with the pale-green unicorn next to her, putting Lyra in between the nighttime princess and my character.

Seeing this, Princess Celestia rises again and says, “Ah, you're just in time.” Then, turning to the pale-green unicorn, she says, “Lyra Heartstrings, by order of Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, you are hereby remanded to the custody of Mormon. And, Pinkamena Diane Pie will assist him in taking care of you.”

Lyra turns to me, evidently noticing me for the first time since being teleported into the room, then turns back to the white alicorn and says, “Princess Celestia, are you sure about this?” She then turns to the dark-purple alicorn and says, “And, Princess Luna, are you also sure? Because, I'm not.” Then, dividing her attention between the two alicorns, she continues, “Don't do this to me. I promise I won't try to go to the human world again. Just don't leave me in his control.”

As my character turns his attention to Princess Celestia, who looks like she's ready to say something, I say, “Let me talk to her.” I then turn to Lyra and say, “You don't need to worry. I won't hurt you. You've wanted to learn more about humans, right? Well, consider me your chance to learn from a human firsthand, or, in your case, first hoof.” Noticing the book on her back, I add, “Also, this evening, we'll be reading the third chapter of First Nephi, at least. You don't have to read with us, but we would appreciate your company and input. So, what's your answer?”

Lyra has stopped begging, but is now whimpering.

In the mean time, as my character turns his attention to Princess Celestia, the daytime princess says, “You will send me daily letters informing me of what you learn about humans, especially from living with one.” As with the first game, what looks like a white clipboard with a parchment on it drifts toward my character as Princess Celestia continues, “This device has been enchanted so that it'll never run out of parchment. This way you can write as much as you feel you need to.” This time, it doesn't surprise me to see a small, bipedal, herbivorous dinosaur appear from behind Princess Celestia as she continues, “This dragon has been enchanted to send letters to me and my sister, and receive them from us. She will bite down on them to send them to us, and letters from us will appear in her mouth. We will be making requests from time to time, offering assignments as opportunities arise. Are these instructions understood?”

As I hear Lyra crying, I decide to answer for both, for all, of us, “Yes, we understand your instructions.”

The dinosaur waddles up to me and says, “My name is Weed Whacker. I am honored to be of service to you.”

I'm still thinking there's some evidence of a sense of humor involved in the dinosaur's naming.

In the mean time, Pinkie Pie takes a step toward the dinosaur and, using a front hoof to stroke her on her head, says, “Aww, isn't she cute? She reminds me of Spike.”

Accepting the attention from the pink party pony, Weed Whacker says, “Well, thank you.” she then turns to my character and reaches out a hand.

My character takes and shakes the offered hand, and the dinosaur sticks out her tongue and touches it to the knuckle of his middle finger.

The dinosaur then turns to Pinkie Pie again and sticks her tongue out and touches the pink pony's nose with it.

In the mean time, my character accepts the clipboard, which is hovering in front of him, with one hand, while putting the other hand on Lyra's back.

In response, the pale-green unicorn rears up on her hind legs and shouts, “Don't touch me!”

As soon as Lyra calms down, Princess Celestia says to her, “Lyra, if you refuse, you will return to your cell where you will get only enough food to keep you alive. You're imprisonment will be at least as long as your time with Mormon would be, three years, during which time you will have limited contact with your friends. You will also be fitted with a device that'll keep you from using any of your magic.”

As my character watches the expression on the pale-green unicorn's face, I can see she's more troubled by the loss of her magic than getting minimal food.

Weed Whacker says to her, “Lyra, listen to me. I want to be of service to you, Mormon, and Pinkie Pie; but I can't do that if you insist on serving your time in jail. Your human friend is a good one, and wants as much as I do what's best for you. So, do you choose no freedom in jail, or do you choose limited freedom with your human friend Mormon and your pony friend Pinkie Pie?”

Another effect of choosing the right course is that, with the pink earth pony to assist the gamer, her name is added alongside the gamer's name in situations like this where she'll help him or her.

My character and Lyra look into each other's eyes, and I find myself unable to tell what's going through her mind, although it's evident she's studying my character. After a few seconds, she asks, “Do you promise to not eat me?”

Since I haven't told Lyra the story about the horse meat, this question comes as something of a surprise. Still, I answer, “I promise I won't eat you. I only want to be one of your friends.”

The pale-green unicorn turns to Princess Celestia again and asks, “If Bon-Bon wants to visit me, will that be alright?”

Princess Celestia answers, “That'll be up to Mormon. You'll be in his custody, meaning you'll be living at his house, with him.”

Lyra turns to my character again, and I say, “I'd welcome visits from your other friends. And, as I said to a trio of stallions, I make it a rule of thumb to not kill and eat my friends.”

Lyra forces a chuckle, then sniffles, then says, “Well, if that's one of your rules, then I can live with that.” She then turns to the white princess again and says, “Alright. I'll go with the human. And, I agree to send letters to you about what I learn about him.” After a momentary pause, she asks, “Are you also interested in humans?”

Princess Luna answers, “Mormon has shown us a side of humans we didn't expect to see, a positive, constructive side. Thou hast shown a great interest in humans. What better way for us to learn about them than from thee? Wilt thou help us learn about humans?”

As my character watches the pale-green unicorn, I can see her smile; and she's also tearing up again. She bows to Princess Celestia, then Princess Luna, and says, “I will be happy to help you learn more about humans. Yes, I will allow Mormon to take care of me.”

At Lyra's acceptance, Princess Celestia smiles; then she turns to Princess Luna and nods.

The next thing we know, Princess Luna, Lyra Heartstrings, Weed Whacker, Pinkie Pie, and my character, along with the clipboard Princess Celestia gave us, are in the library; and I can't help noticing how quiet it is outside.

Princess Luna says, “Twilight Sparkle has already taken care of the Ursa Minor that Snips and Snails led into Ponyville. You'll find Trixie surveying the damage to her stage.” At this point, my character's tablet, possessed by a grayish aura, hovers toward my character as Luna continues, “Also, here's your tablet.” Finally, as my character accepts the tablet, she says, “Thank you for your assistance, Mormon.” And, with that, the nighttime princess disappears.

As the remainder of the group leaves the library, lead by my character, Lyra asks, “Was that thing, the tablet, Princess Luna gave you what you used to watch me?”

I answer, “It's one of the devices. Also, you should have a device in one of your ears. I used the device so you'd hear my voice without seeing me.”

Lyra uses her magic to detect the foreign object in her ear, removes it, studies the small device, then destroys it, before glaring at my character and saying, “I don't ever want you to use such a thing on me again.”

I answer, “I don't want to have to use such a thing on you again. It was fun seeing you jump half out of your skin, but I'd rather not have to use such a device to take your freedom from you again.” Just then, as my character looks around, I see Trixie sitting canine-style over a pile of wood. Then, I remember that's where her mobile theater used to be.

Before I can say anything, I hear the azure unicorn say, “I can't believe it's gone. My home's been destroyed.” Then, she pushes some of the broken planks aside and sees something that evidently surprises her. She picks it up in her teeth and lays it on the wood, and I see it's the copy of the Book of Mormon I gave her. She says, “After my home's been destroyed, why is this book still around?”

I approach her, and I guess I startle her, as I say, “I'm sorry about your home. It looks like my gift to you survived.”

Trixie glares up at my character and says, “I've lost everything except this. Where am I gonna go now?”

I answer, “You can come with me and my friends. I've lead you to my home before, and now there'll be more with us. You can search for materials to build a new mobile theater, if you want, and I'll be willing to help. In the mean time, you can stay at my house as long as you want. You can even put on one of your shows, if you want.”

The azure unicorn's glare morphs into surprise, and she starts to tear up as she says, “I didn't expect you to offer me that. You really are a good human.” Presently she shakes off her emotion and asks, “So, are you going to have a reading at your home?”

I answer, “That's the plan. Start with chapter three of First Nephi, and, if there are any questions that warrant further reading, continue on from there.”

Trixie pauses for a moment, then smiles and says, “I'll be honored to join you, to participate in the reading. I've read the testimonies and description, and even read a few chapters from First Nephi. Of course, that was during our walk through the forest. I couldn't read much during the attack from that Ursa Minor.”

I say, “That's alright. As I've said before, if you have any questions, you may bring them up during the reading this evening.”

Now Weed Whacker speaks up and asks, “Could I have one of those books?”

As my character turns to the little dinosaur, I answer, “We'll have to go to my house on the other side of the forest. But, sure. I have plenty of copies anyway.”

Weed Whacker eagerly asks, “Well, what are we waiting for? Let's get going.”

As my character looks at each member of the group, I say, “Well, if there are no objections, shall we get going then?”

The unicorns and the earth pony each voice agreement, and thus, with my character in the lead, the group begins the walk out of Ponyville, then to and through the Everfree forest.

As the group enters the forest, Lyra expresses concerns about attracting wild creatures; but there turn out to be no encounters. All members of the party: pony, dinosaur, and human, make the trip without any problems.

Once they get to my character's house, he opens the gate to allow them to enter, then closes it after all have entered, then leads the group to the front door, which he opens to allow all to enter, then closes it behind them again afterwards.

Once inside, my character offers a brief tour to the group, showing rooms on each side of the front room attached to hallways, with Lyra pointing out her familiarity with the bathroom across from my character's bedroom, and Pinkie pointing out her familiarity with the work room.

Once the tour is over, Lyra proceeds to the bathroom I'd lead her to and prepares and proceeds to bathe.

In the mean time, Pinkie Pie asks, “Are you going to provide snacks like you did last time?”

I answer, “I wouldn't mind getting some help, but sure.”

Trixie asks, “So, where do you keep your snacks?”

As my character turns to her, I answer, “I have an orchard, a vineyard, and a vegetable garden. Anyone who wants to join me can gather what they want from one of those places, then bring them back; and we can cut them up in the kitchen.”

Holding her head up as high as she can, Trixie says, “The Great and Powerful Trixie does not harvest fruits and vegetables.” Then, lowering her head again, she adds, “But, under the circumstances, I don't feel so great and powerful anymore; so, I'll help. You say you have a vineyard?”

I find it difficult to restrain myself from laughing as I say, “That's right. It's next to the orchard.”

Weed Whacker says, “My kind are great at digging up roots. I'll look into your vegetable garden, if that's alright with you.”

Before I can answer, “Pinkie Pie says, “I'll stay inside and wait for Lyra to come out of the bathroom.”

I wait for further statements. When there are no more, I say, “That leaves me with the orchard then. Now, even though I have plenty growing on my property, it's still a good idea to just pick what you figure three stallions, two unicorn mares, one earth pony mare, one dragon, at last one alicorn, and one human are likely to eat. And also, remember that these are for snacks. So, if everyone is ready, let's get to work.”

My character leads Trixie and Weed Whacker outside, where he points out the vegetable garden to Weed Whacker, and the vineyard to Trixie, then heads for the orchard.

I find it surprising that Weed Whacker seems to take the longest to return. When she does come back, she has at least one carrot, one parsnip, one beet, one onion, one radish, and one of each of perhaps two or three other types of vegetables from the garden. She seems to have no more than, I'd say, three of each type of vegetable.

All the fruits that Trixie has picked she's carrying with her magic. These include grapes, a few types of berries, and some kiwi fruits.

I, in the mean time, have gathered a few apples, pears, apricots, peaches, nectarines, and plums.

It's Trixie who uses her magic to open the door for us to enter, then closes the door when we're all inside. She does the same with the kitchen door.

Once inside, the azure unicorn says, floating one of the kiwi fruits toward me, “I found a vine in your vineyard growing these strange, green, fuzzy fruits. What are they?” Evidently Trixie hasn't heard of them.

I answer, “Those are kiwi fruits. It looks like you picked those at just the right time. Nicely done.”

As she uses her magic to place the fruits on the table, the azure unicorn answers, “Thank you. I just picked some of them because I hadn't seen them before.”

Before I can say anymore, Weed Whacker says, “I've never seen so many different types of roots in one place before. I thought I'd get some of each so I could try them.”

As my character, at my request, gets out three knives, I say, “You're welcome to sample what you harvested while you're preparing them for snacks. They just need to be bite-sized. That is, small enough that they can be bitten easily.”

One of the knives becomes possessed by an azure aura and floats toward Trixie as she says, “I would like to try tasting one of those kiwi fruits. I doubt I'd like the skin, but I may like the fruit.”

My character places one of the knives on the opposite side of the sink from where he plans to work, then takes each vegetable from Weed Whacker and places it in the sink. When he's finished, he points the faucets over the vegetables and turns it on, allowing it to rinse off the roots. He then picks up Weed Whacker and places him next to the sink, past the knife. As he hands a carrot to the herbivorous dinosaur, I say, “You'll need to rinse off each root under the running water here. Then you can cut them up.”

Just then, I hear Lyra next to my character ask, “Are you sure it's a good idea for such a young creature to be handling a sharp object like a knife?”

As my character turns to her, I hear Trixie say, “She's right. Your dragon could hurt herself or somepony else. Maybe you should have your dragon just take care of cleaning the fruits and vegetables, and Lyra can cut them up.”

After a momentary pause, I answer, “That is a better idea. Thanks for the advice.” As my character turns to Weed Whacker, I ask, “Would you prefer to just do the cleaning?”

The herbivorous dinosaur looks at the knife, then back at my character, and says, “I think so, yes.”

As my character turns to Lyra, I say, “Well, in that case, if you'll take over cutting up the vegetables Weed Whacker cleans, I'll provide a platter for a snack tray.” And, with that, my character goes to a cabinet and produces a large platter and sets it in a corner, where pony and human should be able to get to it easily.

That's when Trixie, using her magic, moves the berries and grapes to the sink and places them on the vegetables and says, “Well, if Weed Whacker is going to do the cleaning, she can clean the fruits I picked; then, I'll cut them into snack-sized pieces.”

As my character turns to the little dinosaur, I ask, “Is that alright with you?”

Weed Whacker, looking at my character, answers, “As long as the roots don't end up tasting like the fruits, I'm fine with that. Are you going to have me wash off the fruits you picked as well?”

My character looks at the fruits he picked, then back at the little dinosaur; and I say, “Sure, if you don't mind.”

Accepting that as an invitation, Weed Whacker proceeds to grab fruits from my character's pile, rinse them off, then hand them back to him so he can cut them up.

Just then, Pinkie Pie enters the kitchen. Seeing us ready to work, she gasps long and exaggerated, then says, “Can I join in? Is there anything I can do?”

My character turns to the empty platter, and I say, “If you want, you can arrange the snacks on the platter there.”

With three surprisingly high and fast hops, the pink earth pony gets to the platter, saying, “Oh, yes, yes, yes!” at the rate of one hop per yes. Once there, she says, “Just hand me the fruit or veggie, and I'll put it on the platter.”

And thus the machine begins to work.

Weed Whacker rinses off the items and hands the tree fruits to me, the vine fruits to Trixie, and the vegetables to Lyra, for each of them to cut up or otherwise prepare, then hand to Pinkie Pie so she can arrange them on the platter.

The process takes no more than an hour, resulting in a platter somewhat resembling some kind of royal crown.

I have to wonder if Rarity's talent for organization hasn't rubbed off on Pinkie Pie.

Before I can say anything to that effect, I hear a knock at the door.

Switching mental tracks, I say, “Well, we've gotten the snacks prepared just in time. I'll go answer the door.” And, with that, my character makes his way out of the kitchen and to the front door, opening it to see the three stallions, evidently led by Berry Ground.

Smiling, the earth pony says, “Mormon! Are you ready?”

I answer, “We'll have to see if Princess Luna will show up this time, but we do have a few more joining us this time. Just take your places on the lawn, and I'll come with the other ponies and all that'll be joining us in the reading.”

Just then, I hear the kitchen door open; and my character turns to show me, through his eyes, the ponies and dinosaur joining forces to carry the snack platter.

As my character turns back to the stallions, I say, “And, here come my other guests with the refreshments.”

Berry Ground nods, then turns around, as do the two other stallions; and the three proceed to take positions in the center of the front yard.

My character backs away one or two paces, holding the door open for the three ponies and dinosaur to carry the snack platter outside.

Just before the four can head down the steps, I ask, “Weed Whacker, did I get you your copy of the Book of Mormon?”

The herbivorous dinosaur turns and answers, “No, you didn't.”

I say, “Well, in that case, I'll get you one right now.” And, with that, my character walks away from the front door and heads to the closet to retrieve a copy of the book for her. After that, he walks to and through the front door, then to the group, who have formed a circle around the snack tray, and hands the book to Weed Whacker. At this point, I ask, “Trixie, Lyra, Pinkie Pie, do you have your copies with you?”

Each of the three look at each other, then agree that they left their copies of the book in the front room while they helped prepare the snacks. Before my character can say or do anything, the three run to the front door and enter, then come out a few seconds later, each with a copy of the book.

Before they can retake their positions in the front yard, Princess Luna appears with her copy of the book. Looking at my character, she asks, “Am I late?”

I answer, “No, actually you're just in time. We're about to begin the reading.”

As the nighttime princess takes a position, settling next to Stunts, she says to my character, “Twilight Sparkle wrote about you. She wants to study you and your type of friendship.”

I respond, “I'm sure Pinkie Pie will be able to help her learn more about how I make friends, and what I think friendship is, while I show that to her. For that matter, I'm sure Lyra and Trixie will also be learning from me for the time they stay here.”

As I watch through my character's eyes the three mares take their positions, with Weed Whacker taking a position between me and Pinkie Pie, I hear Princess Luna say, “Tia and I, that is, Princess Celestia and I, would like you to learn about Lyra as well, and send regular reports on what you learn about unicorns from her.”

I think aloud, “That does make sense. If Lyra's going to learn about humans from me, it only makes sense that I should learn about unicorns from her.” I then answer the dark-purple alicorn, “I'll be honored to do so. And, I'm sure I'll learn about earth ponies from Pinkie Pie, as well as learning about unicorns from Trixie and other unicorns.”

I hear Trixie say under her breath, “I don't expect to stick around for much longer than it takes me to build a new home. But, in the mean time, I suppose it won't hurt to allow Mormon to observe me.”

Lyra speaks up and asks, “Will Mormon be studying unicorns in general, or specifically me?”

Turning to the pale-green unicorn, Princess Luna answers, “Mormon will be learning about thee, learning about unicorns by observing thee. But, it'll help him to learn from others about unicorns in general, as well.”

Presently Lyra asks, “Won't that give Mormon an advantage, having so many unicorns to study, while I just have just one human to study?”

The nighttime princess answers, “Thou has been studying about humans in books, right? I think that will equal things out between you two.”

As my character looks around at the other ponies, I can see they seem to be getting restless. So, I say, “So, tonight we'll be reading chapter three of First Nephi. Will anyone volunteer to begin?” Once again noticing no one willing to volunteer, I have my character turn to Weed Whacker, who I ask, “Will you begin?”

Before he can answer, I hear Trixie say, “I would like to begin.”

As my character turns to the azure unicorn, who's sitting between Princess Luna and Lyra, I say, “Well, if you want, then go ahead.”

I have trouble interpreting the sound I hear from Weed Whacker as Trixie begins reading, “And it came to pass that I, Nephi, returned from speaking with the Lord, to the tent of my father.”

Noticing Trixie seems to have no comment on her verse, I have my character turn to Lyra.

Pinkie Pie, sitting next to her, says, “You're next, Lyra.”

Before the pale-green unicorn can read the second verse, as my character looks around at each of the characters, I say, “And, please feel free to have some of the snacks while we read.”

Accepting my invitation, unicorns and alicorn use their magic to take pieces of fruits and/or vegetables, while other ponies grab snacks with their mouths or front hooves, and Weed Whacker grabs a piece of turnip with her hands.

My character gets a handful of grapes.

Before she obtains a piece of carrot, Lyra reads, “And it came to pass that he spake unto me, saying: Behold I have dreamed a dream, in the which the Lord hath commanded me that thou and thy brothers should go unto the house of Laban, and seek the records, and bring them down hither into the wilderness.” Looking up, she says, “Now, just a minute. Didn't the Lord order Lehi to take his family out of Jerusalem? Laban's back there, in Jerusalem, isn't he? Couldn't Lehi have obtained these records before leaving? I don't mean to sound disrespectful or anything, but it seems kind of short-sighted on the Lord's part to send Lehi and his family out of their home town to journey for a few days, and then send his sons back to get those records.”

I answer the pale-green unicorn, “You've brought up an interesting point, and asked some good questions. Let's keep reading. The answers will come soon enough.”

Before I can say more, Pinkie Pie reads, “For behold, Laban hath the record of the Jews and also a genealogy of my forefathers, and they are engraven upon plates of brass.” Looking up from the book, she says, “This doesn't answer Lyra's question.”

Before I can respond, Princess Luna says, “The answers don't necessarily come in the very next verse. Be patient, for the answers will come soon enough.”

Now Weed Whacker reads, “Wherefore, the Lord hath commanded me that thou and thy brothers should go unto the house of Laban, and seek the records, and bring them down hither into the wilderness.”

I read, “And thou, behold thy brothers murmur, saying it is a hard thing which I have required of them, but behold I have not required it of them, but it is a commandment of the Lord.”

Berry Ground, next to me, reads, “Therefore go, my son, and thou shalt be favored of the Lord, because thou hast not murmured.”

Emerald Hill reads, “And it came to pass that I, Nephi, said unto my father: I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them.” Looking up from the book for a moment, the pegasus nickers and says, “I find it interesting that Nephi, while not knowing how he's going to get the records from Laban, is still willing to do it. He knows they're going to need the records on the brass plates, and I guess he has some idea of how he's going to get them. And, his brothers are going with him, suggesting that it's going to take all of them to get those records. I look forward to finding out what happens next.”

Stunts, having had time to swallow his carrot snack, now reads, “And it came to pass that when my father had heard these words he was exceedingly glad, for he knew that I had been blessed of the Lord.” Not looking up, the male unicorn says, “Lehi got that from Nephi's willingness to do what he was told. I find that interesting.”

Princess Luna reads, “And I, Nephi, and my brethren took our journey in the wilderness, with our tents, to go up to the land of Jerusalem.”

Trixie reads, “And it came to pass that when we had gone up to the land of Jerusalem, I and my brethren did consult one with another.”

Lyra reads, “And we cast lots—who of us should go in unto the house of Laban. And it came to pass that the lot fell upon Laman; and Laman went in unto the house of Laban, and he talked with him as he sat in his house.” Presently the pale-green unicorn scratches the back of her neck with a forelimb as she asks, “They cast lots?”

I answer, “Evidently they decided that one of them should go, and couldn't decide which one it should be. I don't know what the pony equivalent would be, or even if you ponies have an equivalent; but they probably drew straws, or used some other kind of lottery method, to decide who should contact Laban and request the brass plates from him. Evidently, whatever it was they used, Laman got the odd item.”

Pinkie Pie reads, “And he desired of Laban the records which were engraven upon the plates of brass, which contained the genealogy of my father.” Looking up at my character, she asks, “Why do I have a bad feeling about this?”

Before I can say anything, Weed Whacker reads, “And behold, it came to pass that Laban was angry, and thrust him out from his presence; and he would not that he should have the records. Wherefore, he said unto him: Behold thou art a robber, and I will slay thee.” Turning to Pinkie Pie, the herbivorous dinosaur answers, “Maybe that's why.”

The pink pony turns to Weed Whacker and says, “I think there's more to it than that.” Turning to my character, she says, “Please continue.”

I must say, I'm happy to see Pinkie Pie demonstrating some manners. Before I read, though, I say, “Now, there's some importance to those words, 'Behold thou art a robber, and I will slay thee.' But, that's for later verses.” At present, I read, “But Laman fled out of his presence, and told the things which Laban had done, unto us. And we began to be exceedingly sorrowful, and my brethren went about to return unto my father in the wilderness.”

Before reading the next verse, Berry Ground says, “I couldn't blame them for feeling that way.” Then he reads, “But behold I said unto them that: As the Lord liveth, and as we live, we will not go down unto our father in the wilderness until we have accomplished the thing which the Lord hath commanded us.”

I have to wonder if Emerald Hill gets some idea of what Berry Ground is preparing to say. Before the earth stallion can say it, the pegasus reads, “Wherefore, let us be faithful in keeping the commandments of the Lord; therefore let us go down to the land of our father's inheritance, for behold he left gold and silver, and all manner of riches. And all this hath he done because of the commandments of the Lord.”

Stunts reads, “For he knew that Jerusalem must be destroyed, because of the wickedness of the people.”

Princess Luna reads, “For behold, they have rejected the words of the prophets. Wherefore, if my father should dwell in the land after he hath been commanded to flee out of the land, behold, he would also perish. Wherefore, it must needs be that we flee out of the land.”

Trixie reads, “And behold, it is wisdom in God that we should obtain these records, that we may preserve unto our children the language of our fathers.”

Lyra reads, “And also that we may preserve unto them the words which have been spoken by the mouth of all the holy prophets, which have been delivered unto them by the Spirit and power of God, since the world began, even down unto this present time.”

Pinkie Pie reads, “And it came to pass that after this manner of language did I persuade my brethren, that they might be faithful in keeping the commandments of God.”

Weed Whacker reads, “And it came to pass that we went down to the land of our inheritance, and we did gather together our gold, and our silver, and our precious things.”

I read, “And after we had gathered these things together, we went up again unto the house of Laban.”

Berry Ground reads, “And it came to pass that we went in unto Laban, and desired him that he would give unto us the records which were engraven upon the plates of brass, for which we would give unto him our gold, and our silver, and our precious things.”

Emerald Hill reads, “And it came to pass that when Laban saw our property, and that it was exceedingly great, he did lust after it, insomuch that he thrust us out, and sent his servants to slay us, that he might obtain our property.”

At this point, Weed Whacker says, “Alright, let's see if I understand what's been happening so far. First Laman goes to see Laban to get the records, and Laban drives him out, calls him a thief, and threatens to kill him. Then, Nephi and his brothers gather up all their treasure and bring it to Laban, hoping to purchase the records, and Laban decides he wants to keep their stuff and the records. Is that right?”

I answer, “That pretty much covers it, yes.”

Weed Whacker growls under her breath and says, “Laban suggested that thieves should be killed. Now, he's the thief. It seems to me, then, that Laban deserves—“

Before Weed Whacker can finish his thought, Berry Ground turns to his unicorn friend and says, “Stunts, let's continue the reading.”

I can only suspect that Berry Ground has already read chapter four, and knows what's going to happen to Laban.

In the mean time, Stunts reads, “And it came to pass that we did flee before the servants of Laban, and we were obliged to leave behind our property, and it fell into the hands of Laban.” Looking up, he says, “Well, there we have it. Like Weed Whacker said, Laban's a thief now. It sounds like things aren't gonna go well for him from now on.”

Princess Luna reads, “And it came to pass that we fled unto the wilderness, and the servants of Laban did not overtake us, and we hid ourselves in the cavity of a rock.”

Lyra reads, “And it came to pass that Laman was angry with me, and also with my father, and also was Lemuel, for he hearkened unto the words of Laman. Wherefore Laman and Lemuel did speak many hard words unto us, their younger brothers, and they did smite us even with a rod.”

At this point, Princess Luna asks, “Why would Laman and Lemuel be angry with Sam and Nephi? It was Laban that stole their property.”

I answer, “Most likely, it was because they as much as handed everything they had left in Jerusalem to Laban, and still didn't get what they came for. It was Nephi that suggested the transaction after Laman failed to get the records.”

Princess Luna adds, “Something tells me that I don't want to know what exactly Laman and Lemuel said to their younger brothers. It's enough that they were mean. But, then they beat up on them, and with a stick no less.”

I agree with the dark-purple alicorn, “Laman and Lemuel weren't very nice.” Then, more generally, I add, “Now, I'd like to take this time to mention what I believe to be the relationship between Laman and Lemuel. Frequently, in works of fiction, I've seen pairs of characters, where one is the leader, which I believe was the role that Laman took on, and the other is the follower, which I believe was the role that Lemuel accepted. Evidently, this occurred outside the fictional world as well. But, because this is the first non-fictional account of this kind of relationship I've read about, when I come across this kind of pairing in fictional works, I like to call it a Laman-Lemuel relationship.” Then, as my character turns to the pink earth pony, I ask, “Pinkie, will you continue reading?”

Pinkie Pie nods and reads, “And it came to pass as they smote us with a rod, behold, an angel of the Lord came and stood before them, and he spake unto them, saying: Why do ye smite your younger brother with a rod? Know ye not that the Lord hath chosen him to be a ruler over you, and this because of your iniquities? Behold ye shall go up to Jerusalem again, and the Lord will deliver Laban unto your hands.”

Weed Whacker reads, “And after the angel had spoken unto us, he departed.”

I read, “And after the angel had departed, Laman and Lemuel again began to murmur, saying: How is it possible that the Lord will deliver Laban into our hands? Behold, he is a mighty man, and he can command fifty, yea, even he can slay fifty; then why not us?” Looking up, I say, “Well, that's the end of chapter three. Are there any questions? Shall we keep reading, or end it here for the night?”

At this point, Lyra rises to all-fours stance and says, “If it's alright with everypony else, I'd like to continue the reading. This chapter is ended and I still have an unanswered question.”

I ask, “Are there any objections?” As my character looks at each of the ponies, and at Weed Whacker, I see that all are eager to hear and read what happens to Laban, except, evidently, for Berry Ground. But, since the majority are willing to continue the reading, I turn to the stallion earth pony and ask, “So, will you begin reading chapter four?”

Berry Ground sighs, but nods and reads, “And it came to pass that I spake unto my brethren saying: Let us go up again unto Jerusalem, and let us be faithful in keeping the commandments of the Lord; for behold he is mightier than all the earth, then why not mightier than Laban and his fifty, yea, or even than his tens of thousands?”

Again Princess Luna speaks up, this time saying, “Did Nephi think Laban could command tens of thousands of humans?”

I answer, “Maybe, and maybe not. It's possible that Laban could've commanded such a large army, and it's possible that Nephi was exaggerating. The point is Nephi was demonstrating his faith in God by what he was saying, as well as the fact that he was willing to go back in there.” Seeing that Princess Luna is evidently satisfied, I have my character turn to the pegasus; and I ask, “Emerald Hill, will you read the next verse?”

Emerald Hill nods, then reads, “Therefore let us go up, let us be strong like unto Moses; for he truly spake unto the waters of the Red Sea and they divided hither and thither, and our fathers came through, out of captivity, on dry ground, and the armies of Pharaoh did follow and were drowned in the waters of the Red Sea.”

Stunts reads, “Now behold we know that this is true; and we also know that an angel hath spoken unto you; wherefore can we doubt? Let us go up; the Lord is able to deliver us even as our fathers, and to destroy Laban even as the Egyptians.”

Princess Luna reads, “Now when I had spoken these words, they were yet wroth, and did still continue to murmur; nevertheless they did follow me up until we came without the walls of Jerusalem.”

Trixie reads, “And it was by night; and I caused that they should hide themselves without the walls. And after they had hid themselves, I, Nephi, crept into the city and went forth towards the house of Laban.”

Lyra reads, “And I was led by the spirit, not knowing beforehand the things which I should do.”

Pinkie Pie reads, “Nevertheless I went forth, and as I came near unto the house of Laban, I beheld a man, and he had fallen to the earth before me, for he was drunken with wine.”

Weed Whacker reads, “And when I came to him I found that it was Laban.”

I read, “And I beheld his sword, and I drew it forth from the sheath thereof; and the hilt thereof was of pure gold, and the workmanship thereof was exceedingly fine, and I saw that the blade thereof was of the most precious steel.”

Berry Ground swallows hard before reading, “And it came to pass that I was constrained by the Spirit that I should kill Laban; but I said in my heart: Never at any time have I shed the blood of man. And I shrunk and would that I might not slay him.”

I'm sensing that there's definitely something wrong with my earth stallion friend. I have my character turn to him, and I ask, “Are you alright?”

Berry Ground turns to me, and I can see tears in his eyes as he says, “If it's alright with you, I'd rather not do anymore reading.” I can see and hear him start to sob now.

As my character strokes the earth stallion's neck, I answer, “You don't have to read anymore if you don't want to.” I then turn to Emerald Hill and ask, “Will you read the next verse?”

As the pegasus nods, presently Berry Ground rises, backs away, turns away from us, and gallops toward the fence a couple paces. It seems that, whatever his problem is, it's worse than I thought, worse than he's letting on.

In the mean time, Emerald Hill reads, “And the Spirit said unto me again: Behold the Lord hath delivered him into thy hands. Yea, and I also know that he had sought to take away mine own life; yea, and he would not hearken unto the commandments of the Lord, and he also had taken away our property.”

Stunts reads, “And it came to pass that the Spirit said unto me again: Slay him, for the Lord hath delivered him into thy hands.”

As we hear gagging and splattering sounds from Berry Ground's position, followed by moaning, Princess Luna reads, “Behold the Lord slayeth the wicked to bring forth his righteous purposes. It is better that one man should perish than that a nation should dwindle and perish in unbelief.”

Trixie, evidently troubled by the sounds coming from Berry Ground, still manages to read, “And now, when I, Nephi, had heard these words, I remembered the words of the Lord which he spake unto me in the wilderness, saying that: Inasmuch as thy seed shall keep my commandments, they shall prosper in the land of promise.”

Lyra reads, “Yea, and I also thought that they could not keep the commandments of the Lord according to the law of Moses, save they should have the law.” As she looks up and toward Berry Ground, it's clear she has some concerns about him. I can see, through my character's eyes, based on how her lips are moving, that she also wants to ask about the earth stallion, but she can't vocalize the words.

Pinkie Pie, also concerned, turns to my character.

I simply nod for her to continue.

The pink earth pony looks down at her book and reads, “And I also knew that the law was engraven upon the plates of brass.”

Weed Whacker reads, “And again, I knew that the Lord had delivered Laban into my hands for this cause—that I might obtain the records according to his commandments.”

I read, “Therefore I did obey the voice of the Spirit, and took Laban by the hair of his head, and I smote off his head with his own sword.” After gasps and whinnies of surprise and horror die down, my character looks up as I say, “So, there we have it. Indeed, Laban became a thief, or maybe he'd always been one. Whatever the case was, he got the punishment he'd prescribed for thieves.” As my character focuses on the pale-green unicorn, I say, “Lyra, you asked if Lehi couldn't have gotten the records before leaving Jerusalem. Perhaps he could've done that, and then left. But, in my world, we have what are called movies or moving pictures, a relatively new way of telling stories. One of these is a movie called the Book of Mormon Movie Volume One, in which actors play the roles of Lehi, Sariah, Laman, Lemuel, Sam, Nephi, and others, as they replay the experiences, including this one, told by Nephi, from the time Lehi and his family leave Jerusalem to the time they arrive in the continent we know as South America, then the division of Lehi's family, and in general the origins of the Nephites and Lamanites. In this movie, because Nephi provided such detail to this experience, the producers of the movie provided equal detail to the actors in what they could do with the roles they were given. After this, when Nephi and his brothers have returned to their father with the plates, Laman and Lemuel want to go back to Jerusalem, thinking their father is wrong about the city being destroyed. This isn't written in the Book of Mormon, but in the movie Lehi tells them, 'You killed Laban.' It took me hearing those words to realize why the Lord ordered Lehi to take his family and leave Jerusalem, then, after a few days of journeying, send his sons back for the plates.

“God knew Nephi would have to kill Laban in order to get the records on the brass plates. He knew Lehi would have to lose all his property in order to get those records. If Lehi and his family had, under those circumstances, left Jerusalem with the brass plates, it would've aroused the suspicion of the Jews, and they would've chased after them and brought them back to Jerusalem. Then, one way or another, they wouldn't have been able to escape, they would've either been killed by the Jews or hauled away with the other Jews in Jerusalem by the Babylonians that would destroy Jerusalem and take the residents captive or kill them. There would've been no Nephites or Lamanites, no people in the South American continent to found the Church of Jesus Christ in the Americas, no people for the Christ to visit there, and ultimately no Book of Mormon. That's why the Lord ordered Lehi to leave Jerusalem first, then send his sons back to retrieve the brass plates. God knows what he's doing, even when we don't understand it.”

It seems that I got so invested in my explanation that I couldn't hear the hoof-falls of the earth stallion behind me. All I know is after I finish testifying of this basically being evidence of the truth and importance of the Book of Mormon, I hear Berry Ground's voice behind my character say, “I hadn't thought of it that way.” As my character turns to him, he continues, “I read that verse you just read, and my only thoughts were of what I would've done in Nephi's place. I hadn't read anymore than that because I kept thinking that I wouldn't have been able to do what he did, even if it meant my descendants would've dwindled and perished in unbelief.” As the earth stallion settles into a sphinx-style position next to my character again, he continues, “Like you, I didn't have that one piece of the puzzle to make the picture complete.” Focusing on my character, he concludes, “I'm fine now. If it's alright with you, I'll read the next verse.”

I answer, “You're quite welcome to. But, first I have one more thing to say.” As my character turns to the other readers, I say, “We're pretty much halfway through this chapter. Shall we finish the chapter, or end the reading here for the night, and come back to it tomorrow?”

It's Pinkie Pie who says, “I say we finish the chapter.”

The other readers voice their agreement, so I turn to Berry Ground and nod for him to read.

The earth stallion nods back, then looks down into his book and reads, “And after I had smitten off his head with his own sword, I took the garments of Laban and put them upon my own body; yea, even every whit; and I did gird on his armor about my loins.”

Before Emerald Hill reads his verse, he says, “Since we know that Nephi and his brothers do get the brass plates, we just need to know how they get them.” Then he reads, “And after I had done this, I went forth unto the treasury of Laban. And as I went forth toward the treasury of Laban, behold, I saw the servant of Laban who had the keys of the treasury. And I commanded him in the voice of Laban, that he should go with me into the treasury.”

Stunts reads, “And he supposed me to be his master, Laban, for he beheld the garments and also the sword girded about my loins.” Looking up, he says, “I'm not really sure what to think of this servant of Laban right now. Although, considering it's nighttime, the darkness must've provided the perfect cover, hiding Nephi's details, so all he'd need to do, after having dressed in Laban's clothes, was to just sound like Laban.”

I answer, “That's pretty much right.” Then, I nod to Princess Luna to read the next verse.

The nighttime princess nods back before reading, “And he spake unto me concerning the elders of the Jews, he knowing that his master, Laban, had been out by night among them.”

Trixie reads, “And I spake unto him as if it had been Laban.”

Lyra reads, “And I also spake unto him that I should carry the engravings, which were upon the plates of brass, to my elder brethren, who were without the walls.”

Pinkie Pie reads, “And I also bade him that he should follow me.”

Weed Whacker reads, “And he, supposing that I spake of the brethren of the church, and that I was truly that Laban whom I had slain, therefore he did follow me.”

At this point, Berry Ground says, “It sounds like this Laban had a lot of respect among the Jews, if he held such a position in the church among them.”

I answer, “He very likely did,” before reading, “And he spake unto me many times concerning the elders of the Jews, as I went forth unto my brethren, who were without the walls.”

Berry Ground reads, “And it came to pass that when Laman saw me he was exceedingly frightened, and also Lemuel and Sam. And they fled from before my presence; for they supposed it was Laban, and that he had slain me and had sought to take away their lives also.”

Emerald Hill, after chuckling for a moment, reads, “And it came to pass that I called after them, and they did hear me, wherefore they did cease to flee from my presence.” Looking up from the book, the pegasus asks, “Isn't what Nephi just did going to let Laban's servant know he isn't Laban?”

Stunts says, “Indeed,” before reading, “And it came to pass when the servant of Laban beheld my brethren he began to tremble, and was about to flee from before me and return to the city of Jerusalem.” Looking up, he says, “Now, if they let Laban's servant go, chances are he's going to alert everypony in the city, and their chances of escape are going to disappear instantly.”

Princess Luna reads, “And now I, Nephi, being a man large in stature, and also having received much strength in the Lord, therefore I did seize upon the servant of Laban, and held him, that he should not flee.”

Trixie reads, “And it came to pass that I spake unto him, that if he would hearken unto my words, as the Lord liveth, and as I live, even so that if he would hearken unto our words, we would spare his life.” Looking up from the book, she says, “I get the feeling that these words, 'as the Lord liveth, and as the speaker lives,' hold some great significance to Nephi.”

I answer, “That's Nephi's way of making a very powerful, very sacred promise. I guess you could say it's equivalent to a Pinkie promise.”

Pinkie Pie perks up and says, “Oh really?”

I answer, Oh, yeah.”

The pink earth pony says, “I take Pinkie promises very seriously. If this type of promise that Nephi made is the same as a Pinkie promise, then Nephi's very serious about keeping it.”

Before I can respond, Lyra reads, “And I spake unto him, even with an oath, that he need not fear; that he should be a free man like unto us if he would go down in the wilderness with us.”

Pinkie Pie reads, “And I also spake unto him, saying: Surely the Lord hath commanded us to do this thing; and shall we not be diligent in keeping the commandments of the Lord? Therefore, if thou wilt go down into the wilderness to my father thou shalt have place with us.”

Weed Whacker reads, “And it came to pass that Zoram did take courage at the words which I spake. Now Zoram was the name of the servant, and he promised that he would go down into the wilderness unto our father. Yea, and he did tarry with us from that time forth.”

I read, “Now we were desirous that he should tarry with us for this cause, that the Jews might not know concerning our flight into the wilderness, lest they should pursue us and destroy us.”

Stunts speaks up now and says, “A valid concern, based on what Mormon said about them.”

Berry Ground reads, “And it came to pass that when Zoram had made an oath unto us, our fears did cease concerning him.”

Emerald Hill reads, “And it came to pass that we took the plates of brass and the servant of Laban, and departed into the wilderness, and journeyed unto the tent of our father.” Looking up, the pegasus says, “And, that ends chapter four.”

As my character looks up, I say, “Well, if there are no further questions that require further reading, I move we call an end to it for now.”

This time it's Princess Luna who says, “I have enjoyed reading with you. But, now I must raise the moon. So, I have no objections to ending the reading for the time being.”

Lyra says, “I'm fully satisfied with the answers to my questions. I can wait for tomorrow to read the next chapter.”

Other statements follow a similar train of thought.

Hearing general agreement, my character, followed by everyone else, closes his copy of the Book of Mormon. Then, as he stands up and puts the book in his inventory, I say, “Well, in that case, tomorrow we'll be at least reading chapter five of First Nephi. Until then, this reading is ended.”

As the others rise, I happen to notice that the snack tray is half the height it was before. Evidently the readers were more willing to accept the snacks this evening than they were last night.

Before she leaves, Princess Luna says, “You've demonstrated an understanding of this book that I hadn't expected. It really has been a pleasure joining thee in this reading. I thank thee for allowing me to participate.”

I answer, “You're welcome to come any place and time we have a reading.”

The nighttime princess says, “I shall read chapter five, so that I may be prepared for the next reading.” And, before I can answer, she disappears.

Next is Berry Ground, who approaches my character and says, “I need to thank you as well. I really was stuck in that fourth chapter before I came to the reading and heard you talk about why Lehi had to leave Jerusalem with his family, and then send his sons back. I needed to hear you talk about that. Now I'm ready to read more of the Book of Mormon. Thank you.”

I answer, “I'm glad I could help. But, I think the one you should really be thanking is Lyra. Evidently my agreeing to take care of her was a better decision than I thought. If she hadn't had that question to ask, I wouldn't have had a reason to answer it, and I guess I wouldn't have been able to solve your problem as well, at least not during the reading. But, your input has been valuable as well.”

I can see that the earth stallion is getting ready to ask a question, but then the other two call for him that it's time to leave; so he salutes me goodbye and turns and heads off toward the Everfree forest. Before he leaves, though, he turns to my character and says, “Oh, by the way, is Pinkie Pie going to need a guide back to Ponyville?”

From behind my character, I hear the party pony's voice say, “No, I'll be staying with Mormon for a while. In the morning he'll walk with me to Ponyville, and I'll go back with him in the evening. I have to stay here and help him take care of Lyra. But, thanks for offering.” After Berry Ground and my character salute each other goodbye, I turn to Pinkie Pie, who says, “You know, Trixie is not as bad as I thought she was. You can study Lyra, but I wanna study Trixie.”

I answer, “That's up to you. But, Trixie's only gonna stick around until she finishes building her next mobile theater. After that, she'll be heading off.”

Pinkie Pie sighs somewhat heavily, then says, “I know. But, at least I can make friends with her while she's here.” Then, turning back to the two unicorns, who with Weed Whacker are preparing to take the platter in, she says, “I'd better help with the platter.” And, with that, she's off to join in carrying the snack tray.

As the four creatures proceed to carry the platter of snacks to the porch, I decide my character should at least help by opening the door, and holding it open to make it easier on the four. So, as per my instructions, my character moves ahead of the quartet to the front door, opens it, and holds it open as they proceed to carry the platter of leftover snacks into the house. Once they've made it inside, my character closes the door behind them, then proceeds to the kitchen door to do the same thing.

This time, Lyra and Trixie join forces, using their magic to raise the platter above the table, then lower the platter onto it.

I suggest, “Since we have these leftover snacks, why don't we have them for dinner tonight?”

The four answer by sitting in chairs around the table and taking from the remaining pile of snacks.

Pinkie Pie stops herself before she can eat the grape she's chosen, and says, “Wait a minute.” When the others have stopped, she continues, “I think we're forgetting something.”

The two unicorns and Weed Whacker look at each other, then at my character, and Lyra says, “That's right. Mormon doesn't have a place to sit.”

As the pale-green unicorn proceeds to leave her chair and search for one for my character, Pinkie Pie says, “That's true, but it's not what I meant.” As soon as Lyra stops, the pink earth pony continues, “We've forgotten to offer a prayer on the food. I think we need to have it blessed before we eat it.”

Now here's a pleasant turn of events. Pinkie Pie has thought of blessing the food, something I haven't thought of.

As Lyra returns to the chair she left, Pinkie Pie turns to my character and says, “Mormon, will you offer a prayer over the food?”

Normally, it's the man of the house who asks for volunteers, or invites someone to bless the food. But, in this case, I don't mind. Once Lyra is back in her chair, all bow their heads, and I pray, “Heavenly Father, we thank thee for this food and ask thee to bless it, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.” A simple prayer, but adequate for its purposes.

Pinkie Pie is the first to say “Amen,” followed by the other three, and the four go back to eating.

In the mean time, my character gets his own plate, gathers some of the snacks, and proceeds to eat them.

Among the five the snacks aren't completely finished off before all are satisfied.

Lyra and Weed Whacker occupy one bedroom at the end of the hallway from the kitchen while Pinkie Pie occupies the bedroom right next to it. Trixie, on the other hand, occupies a bedroom on the other side of the house, on one side of the hallway attached to the front room, opposite my work room.

My character occupies his bedroom, where he proceeds to write his letter to Princess Celestia: “I've found that accepting custody of Lyra is more beneficial than I'd first thought.

“Perhaps Princess Luna has already informed you about this, but it's good to have more than one witness to these things. Anyway, Lyra had a question during the reading, which required reading not just the third chapter of First Nephi, but also the fourth. She wanted to know why God would have Lehi leave Jerusalem with his family, then send his sons back to get some necessary records after traveling in the wilderness for a few days.

“You may have read this already, but in the third chapter Nephi and his brothers go back to Jerusalem, and Laman is the first chosen to try to obtain the records from Laban. In return, Laban chases Laman away, calls him a thief, and threatens to kill him. On the second attempt, all four of them gather their remaining treasures from their home and offer them to trade for the records. In return, Laban chases them off, keeps their treasure for himself, and refuses to give up the records, thus becoming a thief.

“After a hot argument among the four, leading to blows, Nephi goes in alone, and is obliged to kill Laban, among other things because without those records his descendants would dwindle and perish in unbelief, and the only way to get those records is to kill Laban.

“Here I chose to answer Lyra's question, that, in one telling of the story I'm familiar with, after they've gotten the records and brought them back to their father Lehi, when Laman and Lemuel want to go back to Jerusalem, one of the things Lehi says to them, which isn't written in the Book of Mormon, is, 'You killed Laban.'

"As I explained to Lyra, and to everyone else there, I needed to hear that before I understood why God had ordered Lehi to take his family out of Jerusalem and travel for a few days before ordering him to send his sons back. As I explained to the other readers, God knew Nephi would have to kill Laban in order to get the records, and he knew it would also mean trading all their property to get them. If those events had transpired before they left Jerusalem the way they did afterwards, if Lehi had left Jerusalem after thusly obtaining the records, the Jews in Jerusalem would've gotten suspicious of them, and would've taken them and brought them back. One way or another, they would've been unable to leave Jerusalem when it was captured and destroyed by the Babylonians. There would've been no Nephites and Lamanites. There would've been no Church of Jesus Christ founded in the Americas, and there would've been no people for the Christ to visit there, and ultimately no Book of Mormon. Like I said to the readers tonight, God knows what he's doing, even when the rest of us don't understand.

“One of the readers, a stallion earth pony named Berry Ground, was having problems getting past the point when Nephi killed Laban, saying that if he'd been in Nephi's place, he would've doomed his descendants to dwindle and perish in unbelief, rather than kill Laban. Thanks to Lyra's question and the answer I was able to provide, Berry Ground got his own answers, and is willing to go back to reading the Book of Mormon.

“I owe you thanks for giving me the opportunity to take care of Lyra.

“Signed, Mormon.”

As my character leaves his room to head to that of Lyra and Weed Whacker, as it turns out the herbivorous dinosaur is leaving their room, evidently to head to that of my character. As they meet in the middle of the hallway, my character hands the letter to Weed Whacker, who immediately bites it, sending it to the princesses.

After that, my character returns to his room and prepares for and goes to bed.

There's been more to this part of the playthrough than I thought there'd be, a lot more. But, it has been satisfying. I find, as I save and quit the game, that I'm looking forward to playing it next time. So, until the game's tomorrow.

Author's Notes:

In the next chapter, which isn't based on an episode of FIM, Mormon discovers that the secret life of a certain musical pony is not a happy one. In fact, he sees at least some of the effects that binge drinking has on her. And, Pinkie Pie enlists his help in beginning the musical unicorn's reformation. This and more in Chapter 4: DJ Poison3.

The reading at the end of the chapter will be of chapters five and six of First Nephi.