Just because Pinkie Pie is on the right course now doesn't mean her previous actions have no further consequences. This is a lesson she learns in this next part of this playthrough. So, let's begin.

As I resume the game, my character awakes and arises, gets ready and leaves his room.

In the kitchen, I see, through his eyes, Pinkie Pie, Weed Whacker, Lyra, and Trixie sitting around the table, all looking worried.

I say, “Hi. Where's Vinyl?”

Pinkie Pie looks at me and says, “She's still in bed. She hasn't woken up yet.”

I ask, “Does she usually sleep for so long?”

Pinkie Pie answers, “She's a nighttime musician. She usually throws parties during the night, then sleeps during the day.”

I ask, “So, why do you look so worried?”

Pinkie Pie groans and asks, “Have you ever tried to separate a pony from a habit of drinking strong ciders or other juices?”

I answer, “No,” pause for a moment, then add, “Oh, so you're worried about her recovery?”

Trixie answers, “We're three ponies, one dragon, and one human, a team of five. If we can get Vinyl Scratch's cooperation, we're a team of six. But, that's the problem. None of us is confident that Vinyl's ready to cooperate. And, if she decides to fight against us, even with two of us being unicorns, we're worried that we won't be able to control her.”

Lyra adds, “When you thought Vinyl was going to attack you somehow with her magic, you grabbed her horn and effectively stopped her from using her magic on you. Now, to a unicorn, the horn is sacred, and, in general, a unicorn's horn cannot be touched by another pony, not even by another unicorn, unless it's with the other unicorn's horn, and then only by permission. By Vinyl's reaction when she pulled away from you, it sounds like, in some way, her horn was broken. But, you promptly healed her.”

As Lyra mentioned my character grabbing Vinyl's horn, I saw Pinkie Pie cover her mouth in shock. The pink earth pony remained that way until Lyra talked about me healing her, at which point she let her front hooves fall in front of her. Before Lyra can say anything more, Pinkie Pie asks, “Mormon, is this true? Did you grab Vinyl's horn?”

I answer, “It is true.”

Pinkie Pie growls, then says, “Well, I don't know how, but that makes a difference. Whether you intended it or not, Vinyl's probably going to be afraid of you, at last for a while. As long as you're around, it'll be easier to get her cooperation. That, or more difficult. It all depends on if she respects you or not. But, if I were a unicorn and a human had grabbed my horn for any reason at all, I would certainly not trust that human as much as I did before.”

I wait for Pinkie Pie to say more. When she doesn't, I answer, “I suppose if I were a unicorn and a human had grabbed my horn, I wouldn't trust that human either. On the other hand, not knowing what Vinyl was going to do, I felt it better to do something that would cause her to lose some of her trust in me than to end up injured or worse. I didn't know exactly what her glowing horn was going to do, and I didn't want to find out. Simply put, I acted out of self defense.”

Pinkie Pie answers, “And I understand that. We all do. I just hope it won't complicate things for us.”

Just then, I hear a door open some distance behind my character, and he turns to show me that Vinyl opened the door and is approaching.

As my character turns back to the four sitting at the table, I say, “Well, I can see that no one has gotten anything for breakfast. So, I think I'll get something from the orchard, and maybe from the vineyard and other gardens. In the mean time, Vinyl's coming.” And, with that, I have my character move to the door to the front room, open it, go through, close the door, then proceed to the front door, doing the same to it as with the kitchen door. Once outside, he proceeds to the orchard, where he goes to work harvesting a few apples and other fruits from the trees.

On the way out of the orchard, he looks up; and I can see through his eyes a long, black cloud seemingly coming from Ponyville. Presently I have my character go back inside and back to the ponies and dinosaur in the kitchen, where I say, “While I was outside, I saw this black cloud that seemed to be coming from Ponyville.”

All five faces focus on my character.

It's Pinkie Pie who asks, “Did you say a black cloud coming from Ponyville?”

I answer, “It looked like it was coming from Ponyville, anyway. If you want to see it, just follow me outside.” After that, I lead the way back through the front room through the door, close enough to the orchard to hopefully allow the others to see what I'm talking about.

As it turns out, going that far proves unnecessary. The cloud that seems to be coming from Ponyville has extended over my character's house. And, it's hiding the sun.

My character looks to the group to show me Vinyl apparently frozen in fear, the other three ponies with worried looks on their faces, and Weed Whacker seeming to recognize what's happening, evidently indicated by the expression of worry on her face.

I say, “Let's go back inside and have breakfast. Afterward, we can go to Ponyville to see what's going on.”

The five agree and head back inside. All, that is, except Vinyl, who only responds to Pinkie Pie tapping her shoulder before she nods and enters the house.

Over breakfast, a few minutes later, Pinkie Pie says, “Mormon, I hope you realize not all of us should go to Ponyville. Remember, if Vinyl's gonna break her habit, she shouldn't be near anyplace that might serve strong juices. It's best if she stays here.”

I think Vinyl's about to complain, but she's interrupted by Lyra, who says, “Well, in that case, we need somepony to stay behind to keep an eye on her.”

I say, “Well, I'll have to go with Pinkie Pie.”

Lyra says, “Well, if you're going, then I'll have to go with you, which means Weed Whacker will also have to go with.”

As my character turns to the blue unicorn, I say, “That just leaves you, Trixie.”

The blue unicorn mare, a blue-aura-possessed piece of apple in front of her face, hums in thought for a moment, then says, “Well, I could use help putting my new stage together. And, you did get more than one hammer, didn't you, Mormon?”

I answer, “As a matter of fact, I did get three.”

Trixie continues, “And, if it'll help Vinyl, I could keep her occupied while you're gone.” Again she hums with interest, then finally says, “Very well. You can leave Vinyl Scratch with me.”

Vinyl Scratch, frustrated at not having a choice, growls under her breath, then says, “Fine. I'll stay here with Trixie.”

With my character focused on the white unicorn, I say, “We're only doing this to help you. We want to trust you, but you need to earn that trust. Stay here and help Trixie build her mobile stage, and you will start earning our trust.” Not waiting for a response from Vinyl, I have my character stand up as I say, “Well, as soon as we're done, Pinkie, Weed Whacker, Lyra, let's get going.” And, that's when I realize that the fruit my character gathered is gone.

Pinkie Pie, having cheered up, says, “Okie dokie lokie. I'm ready to go.”

Lyra and Weed Whacker don't vocally respond. They just leave their chairs at the same time as Pinkie Pie, then approach my character, ready to follow him to Ponyville.

An uneventful half-hour later, the group of four are out of the forest.

I can see through my character's eyes that the cloud that seemed to be coming from Ponyville is actually coming from somewhere on the opposite side of the town.

Pinkie Pie looks at my character and says, “I need to find my friends. We'll meet at the library.”

As the pink pony runs off, I assume in the direction of the park in town, my character leads the group to the library. Once there, it's only a matter of time before the element bearers arrive, and Twilight Sparkle opens the door to allow the group to enter.

Once all are inside, Twilight turns to my character and says, “I assume you're here because of the cloud of smoke. As I told everypony else, the smoke is coming from a—“

Before the purple unicorn can finish her last statement, Fluttershy says, “Oh, please, Twilight, please don't say it.”

As Twilight groans, Weed Whacker says, “It's coming from a dragon, isn't it?”

At hearing the word “dragon,” the yellow pegasa yelps and whimpers.

Twilight, turning to the herbivorous dinosaur, answers, “That's right.”

Applejack says, “What Ah wanna know is why a dragon is here in Equestria.”

Twilight, starting to rummage through books, answers, “It's sleeping.”

I think I'm the only one, besides Twilight, Spike, and Weed Whacker, that doesn't grunt in confusion. Come to think of it, where is Twilight's dragon friend, anyway?

Twilight rephrases, “According to Celestia, the dragon's taking a nap.”

Before Twilight can say anymore, Weed Whacker says, “Which means his snoring is what's causing the cloud of smoke.”

Twilight, turning to the herbivorous dinosaur, answers, “That's right.”

Just then, I hear, from somewhere behind my character, Spike's voice say, “Now wait a minute.” As my character turns to look for Spike, he asks, “How do you know about that?”

By the time my character finds the purple dragon, he's almost nose-to-nose with Weed Whacker.

My herbivorous dinosaur friend answers, “I may not be able to breath fire, but my ancestors have come in contact with dragons that could. From them I know not to disturb a dragon with smoke coming out of his or her nostrils. No dragon likes to be awakened from such a deep sleep. For that matter, I can't imagine any creature that would like being woke up.”

That's when Pinkie Pie says, “Well, if he's smoking like that, then he needs to see a doctor. That can't be healthy for him.”

While I resist the urge to chuckle at Pinkie Pie's comment, Rarity says, “Well, at least he's not snoring fire. So, what are we to do about it?”

Rainbow Dash, perched on a shelf above the group, says, “Well, I'll show you what I plan to do.” And, with that, while Twilight Sparkle moves the bust of a horse's head around with her magic, the rainbow-haired pegasa proceeds to try and fail several times to attack it with kicks, punches, and aerial dives.

When a failed dive finally results in the blue pegasa crashing into a bookshelf, Twilight Sparkle puts the bust back in place and says, “No, Rainbow Dash.” Then, turning to the rest of the group, she continues, “We need to convince the dragon to find a different place to sleep. Princess Celestia has given us this mission, and we must not fail. If we do, Ponyville, and perhaps all of Equestria, could be covered in smoke for the next hundred years.”

Fluttershy gasps, and Rarity grunts and says, “Talk about getting your beauty sleep.”

Finally, Twilight says, “Everypony, gather supplies. We meet back here in an hour.”

As the rest of the Mane Six, including Twilight, obediently leave the library, only Pinkie Pie, Lyra, Weed Whacker, Spike, and my character remain.

I turn to Weed Whacker and say, “For this particular trip, I think it's best if you stay here with Spike.”

For a moment the little herbivore reacts with excitement, I'm guessing at the prospect of spending time with the purple dragon. Then she calms down and, with a worried look, asks, “But, shouldn't I stay with you, Pinkie Pie, and Lyra?”

I answer, “We don't need you with us all the time. In this case, I think it's best if you stay out of harm's way. We can tell you how things went when we return.”

Spike adds, “In the mean time, we have food to prepare for the trip.” Looking up at me, he asks, “Are there any foods that both a pony and a human can eat?”

Spike brought up a valid question. I answer, “I know that both humans and ponies can eat apples and carrots. Humans can also eat oats.” Pausing for a moment for effect, I continue, “I suppose if I can find some oat bread, as well as some fruits, I can prepare some sandwiches for the trip.”

My spoken plans cause Pinkie Pie to hum with pleasure, as I hear her, as though she's in a trance, say, “Apple sandwiches. Carrot sandwiches.”

Weed Whacker says, “Well, if I can't join you on this trip, could I at least help you gather what you need to make the sandwiches?”

As my character turns to her, I answer, “I suppose that'll be alright.”

Presently I hear Pinkie Pie say, “Alrighty then. Let's go find some food.”

As we leave the library, Pinkie Pie heads off, most likely to Sugar Cube Corner.

As the pink mare disappears from view on the other side of the library, I turn to Lyra, ready to ask a question.

Before I can, though, Pinkie Pie reappears from where she disappeared and, in an angry tone, says, “Mormon, if you want bread, we can get it at Sugar Cube Corner.”

Pinkie Pie does have a point. Sugar Cube Corner, the main, if not only, bakery in town, would be the logical place to go for bread.

I answer, “You're right, Pinkie. Lead the way.”

Instantly smiling again, Pinkie Pie turns a hundred eighty degrees in one bounce, then continues to bounce through the streets on her way to the bakery.

As my character, Lyra, and Weed Whacker follow some distance behind, I ask, “Do you think they also have fruit I can use to make sandwiches?”

Pinkie Pie stops at the front door of what resembles a gingerbread house and, waiting for the rest to catch up, says, “You know, I'm not sure. I know they have bread. I just don't know about the fruit, unless it's fruit filling. I guess I'll have to ask.”

Once we've caught up with the pink earth pony, she opens the door, allowing the quartet to enter.

Once all are inside, Pinkie Pie bounces up to the orange stallion at the cash register and asks, “Mr. Cake, do you have fruits here that we can use to make sandwiches?”

Mr. Cake looks down, groans, and says, “Unfortunately, no.” Looking up again, he adds, “But, we do have some flowers that'd be perfect for sandwiches.”

The pink party pony says, “No, silly. The sandwiches are for Mormon.”

As my character catches up to Pinkie Pie, I say, “Hi.”

The orange stallion freezes in fear for a moment, then recomposes himself enough to say, “You just wait here. I'll go get the bread,” before running off into what I'm sure must be the kitchen.

I look at Pinkie Pie, Pinkie Pie looks back at me, and I say, “You know, something tells me I should've stayed back at the door.”

In response, Pinkie Pie glares at me and vibrates for a second or two, then looks down and sighs, and her glare is replaced with a look of sadness when she looks up at me again and says, “Just go back to the door.”

I obey, thinking aloud, “I thought I'd already established that I wasn't going to hurt any pony here. Evidently not.”

At this point, I hear Mr. Cake's voice say, “Here's the bread. B-but, you'll have to go somewhere else for f-fruits if you wanna make s-sandwiches from it.” As my character turns to the orange stallion, I see he's focused on him.

Pinkie Pie answers, “Mormon didn't mean to scare you. He's really not a bad human. In fact, he's a really good human. He has copies of a book he reads with a lot of us ponies. And he knows a lot about that book. Also, while he has caused messes, he was more than willing to clean them up.”

While Pinkie Pie talked, Mr. Cake managed to pry his attention from my character and turn it to the pink mare. After her last statement, before she can say more, he says, “Alright, Pinkie, you've convinced me. If you trust him, then I suppose I can trust him too.”

Pinkie Pie sighs with relief, then points out various other pastries, requesting them, then produces a number of gold coins she trades for the pastries as they're placed in a bag. She then turns to me and says, “If you'll wait here, I need to get a few things from upstairs.” After that, she disappears for a few minutes. When she returns, a few minutes later, she's wearing a saddle bag on each of her sides. Looking at my character, she says, “Alright, let's go.”

At this point, Lyra says, “I know a place where they should have fruits Mormon could use to make his sandwiches.”

As she stands at the door, waiting for the rest of us to exit, Pinkie Pie responds, “Well, if we can get there and back to the library in, say, thirty minutes, then let's go.”

As my character passes the pink earth pony, following Weed Whacker, he accidentally bumps the closest saddle bag to him.

The result is a small explosion of balloons, confetti, and streamers.

At first I say, “Oops. Sorry.” Then, as my character grabs the party favors, I ask, “You're planning on throwing the dragon a going-away party?”

Pinkie Pie forces a laugh, then says, “Well, no, although that isn't a bad idea. But, I do bear the element of laughter. If I can get the dragon to laugh, maybe I can get it on our side, maybe get it to leave, you know, from gratitude?”

I know what's going to happen, but I see no reason to tell her about it. She'll find out soon enough anyway. What I say is, “Well, best of luck to you.”

Pinkie Pie responds with a sincere “Thank you, Mormon.”

By this time, Lyra has taken the lead position. As she rises onto her hind legs, I have to wonder if she's exposing parts of herself that most ponies, or at least most mares, would prefer to keep hidden. Then, she starts walking; and she reminds me of a toy poodle walking on it's hind legs. After a few steps she drops back on all fours, and I hear a zipper sound effect from her. As she looks at the other three behind her, with frowning eyes and an apologetically weak smile, she says, “Oops. Well, you couldn't blame me for trying.” She then looks ahead again and says, “Well, it's this way,” before starting in that direction.

Following the pale-green unicorn, my character looks down at Pinkie Pie; and I can see she's walking on three hooves and limping. My guess is she's using a forelimb to cover her nose. I find myself respecting her for not commenting on Lyra's flatulence, although it's clearly bothering her.

On the other hand, I can't even tell if it's bothering Weed Whacker. For all I know, she might be enjoying it; I couldn't tell either way.

All I know is, even with the message at the bottom of the screen, “The scent of various digested fruits and vegetables,” because I can't smell it, I am unphased.

After a few minutes, Lyra leads us to a restaurant with what appear to be toadstools, which serve as tables, in front of it.

By the time we've reached the restaurant, Pinkie Pie has dropped the hoof she was using to cover her face, and has been using it once again in her trotting.

Lyra turns to her three companions and says, "Pinkie Pie, if you'll get the bread out, I'll go in and ask about what they have for sandwiches.”

I say, “Just ask what they have. I'll decide what I want on my sandwiches.”

Lyra turns to my character and hears him out, then nods and says, “Alright, then.” Then, as she turns to the door of the restaurant, she adds, “I'll also ask for a knife to cut the bread.”

I watch Pinkie Pie as she searches the bag opposite the one my character had bumped, produces a knife with a long, serrated blade, then a butter knife, putting each on the toadstool table, then produces the loaf of bread, then turns to Lyra and says, “Oh, no need to worry. I brought everything I need to make sandwiches with me. Just ask about the fruits and other stuff.”

A creature I modeled, textured, animated, and programmed still manages to surprise me. I have to wonder if that on it's own is surprising.

Lyra nods and enters the restaurant, then comes out a few minutes later with a tray containing a few apples, pears, carrots, cucumbers, and a few grain stalks.

My character is the first to grab the bread knife, and I hear gasps and screams around my character as he applies the blade to the loaf of bread. As he slides it across the top of the crust, and it starts to penetrate, he looks around him; and I wonder aloud to myself, “Alright, the ponies here haven't seen a human before. So, are they really worried about me menacingly cutting slices of bread?”

Then, my character's attention focuses on Lyra, who, on the other side of the table, has a worried look on her face. His attention follows her as she circles around the table, behind Pinkie Pie, and says, “They're not reacting to you.”

My character's attention turns to Pinkie Pie, and I can see her looking down on a puddle of vomit, just as she opens her mouth and contributes to it.

As my character looks down at the puddle of thick, tan, shiny liquid, one thought crosses my mind: I'll never look at butterscotch pudding the same way again.

My character, noticing the pink earth pony starting to faint, lets go of the bread and knife and catches Pinkie Pie as she falls; and I say, “Pinkie Pie, are you alright?”

When the pink pony manages to breath again, she emits a moan, then, panting, says, “I should've said something. Even if it hurt Lyra's feelings, I should've said something.”

I hear Lyra's voice break; and as I look up at Lyra, I can see her tearing up as she says, “It's because I farted in your face, isn't it? Oh, Pinkie Pie, I'm so sorry.”

The pink pony looks up at the whimpering pale-green unicorn, then looks down again and coughs a few times, then looks up again and says, “It's alright, I'll be fine. I just need a moment.” Then, looking at my character, she adds, “Go back to making your sandwiches.” She then looks down at the puddle and coughs a couple more times.

Well, at least I know why I got to the bread knife before Pinkie Pie. Trusting that she won't fall over, I have my character let her go and return to slicing the bread.

When he's cut six slices, he lays them out with the bases facing each other, then cuts the apple first, being careful to keep the skin as he slices it width-wise through the core and places the slices of apple on one slice of bread, then covers it, once it's adequately layered with the slices of apple, with the opposite slice of bread.

He then cuts the pear the same way as the apple, puts the slices of pear on the next slice of bread, then, as with the apple sandwich, covers it with the opposite slice.

Next is the cucumber, which he cuts similarly to the apple and pear, then puts the slices on the next slice of bread, then, one last time, covers the slices of cucumbers with the last slice of bread.

As my character stacks the sandwiches, he turns to Pinkie Pie, who seems to be stronger now; and I ask, “Should I prepare some sandwiches for you?”

Pinkie Pie squees, then says, “Thanks, Mormon. Just make some fruit sandwiches for me. I'm still feeling sick right now, but I'll be better soon.”

I ask, “How many do you want?”

Pinkie Pie answers, “Four. I'll have four.”

And, that's when the janitor ponies come out, with buckets, brooms, mops, and dust pans. One of them is also holding a wet towel of some sort. The janitor ponies proceed to clean up Pinkie Pie's vomit, both off the ground, and the remnant still sticking to her mouth.

I ask, “Four of each, or four altogether?”

Pinkie Pie hiccups once, prompting one of the janitor ponies to hold a bucket under her mouth, in case she vomits again. She gestures to the janitor pony that she's fine, then says to me, “Two apple, two pear.”

I say no more, while my character proceeds to prepare the sandwiches for Pinkie Pie the way he did for himself, except he cuts the apples and pears into eighths, cuts out the core and eats it, before putting the cut apple and pear on the bread. By the time he's finished making the sandwiches for Pinkie Pie, the janitor ponies have cleaned both the floor and the outside of the pink mare's mouth of her vomit.

Not only that, but Pinkie Pie is acting as though she's feeling even better.

In the mean time, in spite of the pink party pony's protests that everything is alright, Lyra still fusses over her, pleading for forgiveness for having made her sick.

I decide to call an end to the fussing by announcing, “Well, all we need to do is put these sandwiches away, and we can head back to the library.” As my character looks at Pinkie Pie, I ask, “Are you sure you're alright?”

Pinkie Pie rises to her hooves, and, as far as I can tell, is stable on them. She answers, “Yes, I'm fine.” Then, turning to point with her nose at the bag where the loaf of bread came from, she says, “You can put the sandwiches, as well as the rest of the loaf, back in the bag here.”

At the invitation, Lyra helps put the sandwiches and the rest of the loaf of bread in the bag. After that, the group of four head back to the library.

Outside, the other five are already there, with Twilight giving them a pep talk. As she turns to look at Pinkie Pie, she says, “Good, you made it. Is everything alright?”

My character turns to Pinkie Pie to show me she's even smiling now. She answers, “Yep. Everything is okie dokie lokie. We're all ready to go.”

Then my character turns his attention to Fluttershy; and I can see, through his eyes, that she's trembling, evidently afraid of something. Of course, being a follower of the show, I know she's afraid of the dragon. But, the others won't know about that until they've made it to the cave.

As Pinkie Pie takes her position in the line, I have my character focus on Weed Whacker.

The herbivorous dinosaur looks toward the ground and says, “Yeah, I know. I stay with Spike.” And, with that, she makes her way into the library.

In the mean time, Twilight is letting the other bearers of the elements of harmony know where the dragon will be found: at the top of a mountain evidently faced by the library.

After Rainbow Dash makes a comment about how cold it'll get up in the mountains, Rarity produces a scarf, saying something about preparedness, and Pinkie Pie calls the scarf “pretty.”

As Twilight produces and studies a map, holding it with her magic, Fluttershy proceeds to offer a speech she hopes will convince Twilight to leave her, that is Fluttershy, behind.

Twilight, occupied with the map, agrees to Fluttershy's proposal, then realizes what she agreed to, and demands that she come along, saying that her gift of communication with animals will help when they confront the dragon.

Having failed at convincing Twilight, the timid yellow pegasa turns to my character and asks, “Please, Mr. Human, if you don't mind, could you talk to Twilight and get her to leave me behind?”

As my character leans toward her, I quietly answer, “In this case, I'm with Twilight. Trust me, you're going to play an essential role when we get there.” Then, as my character stands up again, I add, “And, by the way, call me Mormon.”

Then I hear Twilight growl at Fluttershy, then Rainbow Dash express her own doubts as to the yellow pegasa's usefulness.

And, as if to prove the rainbow-haired pegasa's point, Fluttershy squeals, rears up and swats at her own shadow as if to drive it away, then jumps into a bush.

In the mean time, Spike and Weed Whacker seem to have their hands full trying to control Fluttershy's animals.

Finally, Twilight groans and irritatedly says, “Come on. Let's go.”

My character approaches the bush with the hidden yellow pegasa, and I say, “You can come with me and Lyra.”

Fluttershy jumps out of the bush, and, smiling, asks, “Really?” Not waiting for an answer, she says, “Alright, then. Let's go.”

With that, Fluttershy and Lyra follow my character as he follows the rest of the Mane Six to the mountain to confront the dragon.

As the group of eight approaches the mountain, I, as well as all the others, hear a deep, loud inhale, followed by a rumbling sound; and, as my character looks up at the mountain, the trail of smoke is punctuated by a thick cloud starting at the only visible cave in the mountain and following the trail toward Ponyville.

Fluttershy yelps and jumps behind my character, whimpering timidly, “Mormon, I thought we weren't going this way.”

I answer, “I don't usually follow the crowd, but in this case it seemed like a good idea. Safety in numbers and all that.”

At my answer, Applejack pauses until I've caught up to her, then says, “Ah agree with the numbers thing and all. But you know as well as Ah do that you're here for both Pinkie Pie an' Fluttershy. Like you said, Fluttershy's gonna play an important role aggin that dragon.”

Before I can say anything, Fluttershy flies in front of my character, hovers, evidently trying to impede his progress, and says, “So the truth is out. I thought you wouldn't be going this way, but I guess I was wrong. Well, I'm going back.” And, with that, she moves out of the way of my character and starts heading back toward Ponyville.

That is, until another dragon snore convinces the yellow pegasa that she's better off sticking with my character.

As the rumbling passes, Fluttershy tells my character, having attached herself to his back, “Well, I guess I don't have a choice now. But, that mountain sure is high.”

Presently, Rainbow Dash, as much in my character's face as in that of Fluttershy, says, “Well, it is a mountain.” Then, turning around again, she decides, “I'm just gonna fly up there and have a look.”

But, before the rainbow-haired pegasa can fly up there, Applejack grabs her tail and pulls her back down.

As Rainbow Dash glares at her, Applejack says, “You can't go flyin' up there on your own. What if you get in trouble?” Turning to my character, the orange earth pony concludes, “Mormon's right. Safety in numbers.”

And, with those wise words from Applejack, the group, now at the base of the mountain, proceeds to climb; but not without a groan from Rainbow Dash.

On the way up, Rarity mentions something about dragons building their nests with jewels, and expresses interest in claiming some of those jewels.

And, that's when Lyra takes action. Moving ahead of my character, she quickly climbs to Rarity's position and says, “Now, remember, we're here to convince the dragon to find a different place to sleep, not to take his nest apart.”

To my pleasant surprise, Pinkie Pie says, “Lyra's right. Besides, if the dragon thinks we're gonna rob him, he's not gonna leave.”

And, it seems I'm not the only one who's pleasantly surprised.

I hear the difference in the tone of Twilight's voice as she says, “Pinkie Pie and Lyra are both right. We need to remain focused on convincing the dragon to leave the cave and find a different place to sleep, so his snoring can't harm Ponyville.”

As the group makes their way to and past an outcropping of rock, we once again hear the dragon snore, this time louder, indicating how much closer we're getting.

Unfortunately, this also seems to be the signal for Fluttershy to fly from my character's back.

As my character looks behind him, I call out, “Fluttershy?”

Twilight groans, looks behind her, and asks, “What now?”

As my character looks up toward the purple unicorn, I answer, “I'll handle this.” Then, my character proceeds back down to the outcropping in search of the elusive yellow pegasa.

The search takes only a short time, as I can see her pink mane sticking up over what looks like a juniper bush.

As my character walks toward the bush, I say, “Fluttershy, is everything alright?”

Fluttershy quickly answers, “Yes, everything's fine. I just need to rest.”

I say, “You've been riding on my back the whole way up the mountain.”

Fluttershy answers, “Oh, yeah, that's right.” Then she says, “Well, what about a bathroom break?”

I ask, “Didn't you go before we left?”

Fluttershy squeaks and answers, “Oh, that's right.”

I didn't know that already; so thanks for informing me, Fluttershy.

The timid yellow pegasa continues, “Just give me a minute.” Then, I hear her grunting as though she's forcing herself to have a bowel movement.

Not even the zipper sound effect.

I grunt, “Uh, huh,” before adding, “Look, Fluttershy, … “

Before I can complete my thought, I hear Rainbow Dash call out, “Hey, what're you waiting for, an invitation?”

Then I hear Pinkie Pie say, “Oh, I think I have one in my bag,” followed by a pop and a high-pitched whistling sound.

I call out, “Just let me handle it!” When I turn back to Fluttershy, I see tears streaming down her face. I restart, “Fluttershy, I know you're scared of the dragon.”

A surprised Fluttershy rises from behind the bush and asks, “Really?” Not waiting for an answer, she asks, “How do you know? I didn't mention it to anypony.”

I answer with what I suppose has become a catchphrase for me: “I have a good source for my information.” I continue, “Look, if I didn't think you were gonna be helpful, I would've let you stay back in Ponyville. But, you are the one with a gift for communicating with non-pony creatures. If you don't come along, it'll be up to the rest of us to try to convince the dragon to leave.” I pause for effect before adding, “You know, I suppose I could give it a shot.”

Now Fluttershy has a different reason to look surprised. She asks, “You, Mormon? What experience do you have with dragons?”

What I say to Fluttershy is “I have lots of experience with dragons.” What I don't say is my experience is with bearded dragons. I continue, “I'm sure I could find a way to convince the dragon to at least come out and see what his snoring is doing. I'll leave it up to him to decide whether he chooses to leave or not.”

Fluttershy asks, “Oh, but, what if he chooses to stay?”

I answer, “Well, at least I've given it my best shot.”

Just then, I hear Rainbow Dash's voice behind my character asking, “Mormon, what are you doing? We want the dragon to leave, not stay.”

As my character turns to the hovering blue pegasa, I hear Fluttershy say, “Besides, isn't it steep goin' up there? Aren't you afraid you'll fall?”

As my character turns back to the yellow pegasa, I answer, “I also have a lot of experience hiking up mountains. There is the risk, but that's what makes it fun.”

Rainbow Dash, still behind me, says, “That's the spirit, Mormon.”

Fluttershy swallows and says, “If it's alright with you, I'll look for another way up, one that doesn't have so much risk.”

Rainbow Dash, now moving past me, says, “Fluttershy, you've got wings, ya know. You can fly up there.”

Fluttershy, uncertainty in her voice, answers, “Alright, I'll try.” She then proceeds to unfurl and flap her wings.

I must say, she does pretty well. She even gets up past where Twilight is.

That is, until another snore from the dragon freaks her out.

Instantly, her wings snap into folded position again; and, without their support, she falls back towards my character.

The good news is that my character is there to catch her before she can get hurt on the rocks. The bad news is the fall reinforces her fears, making her more insistent on finding an alternative way up.

Seeing a trail going up the mountain on a roundabout course, she turns to me and says, “Thanks for catching me, Mormon.” Then, as I put her down, she says, “If it's alright with you, I'll just follow that path up the mountain.” And, she points a front hoof toward the trail.

At the same time I sigh and Rainbow Dash groans, and we both say, “Whatever.”

So, we follow our courses up the maintain: Rainbow Dash flies, I climb the cliff, and Fluttershy chooses the trail which spirals up the mountain.

When we reach the others, Twilight looks at me and asks, “Well?”

I answer, “Well, she'll be coming around the mountain when she comes.” That's right, I quoted a line from a song. In my defense, I couldn't think of a different way to put it. And, besides, I said the line, I didn't sing it.

And, aside from that, based on the way Twilight groans, “Fluttershy,” under her breath, it's clear to me she doesn't know I quoted a line from a song.

Just then, I notice Rainbow Dash looking down, evidently at Fluttershy's position.

I guess she notices me in return, as she sighs and says, “Well, it looks like she wants you, Mormon, to go with her up the trail she's found.”

I answer, “Alright, but I have to warn you. I have a feeling this is gonna—“

At that moment, I hear another dragon snore.

When it passes, I conclude, “ … take awhile.” Turning to Lyra and Pinkie Pie, I call out, “You two continue on with the rest of the group! Fluttershy and I'll catch up!”

As my character climbs down the side of the cliff, I see through his eyes Pinkie Pie and Lyra, immediately following Rarity, turn and nod in my character's direction. And, I think I see Lyra even salute me. Or was that Pinkie Pie? Or, did they both salute me? Well, whatever. I get to Fluttershy's position, and see that she's rolled onto her back, and she reminds me of what a dead cockroach is supposed to look like. No, I haven't seen such a thing; but I have heard that a cockroach will roll onto its back when it dies.

At any rate, I have to have my character wake up the now catatonic yellow pegasa without it looking like he's attacking her in some way. Thinking of no other way to do it, I have him stroke the side of her neck as I say, “Fluttershy, I'm here.” When she doesn't respond to that, I have my character set her on her hooves again, and I say, “Fluttershy, you're not getting out of it that way.”

Well, my last experiment on her proves successful.

Fluttershy blinks her eyes a few times, looks at me, then sighs and says, “I know you're right, and I know I have to go confront that dragon. If only it weren't so big. If only it were more like Spike.”

I answer, “I suppose if this dragon were more like Spike, it wouldn't be up in a mountain; but it'd probably be more difficult to move.” I wait for a response, but Fluttershy only gives me a confused look; so, I continue, “We don't generally get exactly what we want when we go into a situation, so we have to make due with what we get and what we have.”

Before I can say more, I hear Rainbow Dash call out, “We don't have time for you two to be talking! Mormon, just get her up here! We'll be waiting for you!”

Although I can hear what Rainbow Dash says, my character remains focused on Fluttershy. When the blue pegasa is finished, I say, “Well, you heard your friend. We'd better get going.” Not waiting for an answer, my character stands up again and proceeds toward the pathway spiraling up the mountain.

From behind my character, I hear Fluttershy's voice, which demonstrates that she's evidently keeping up with him, halfheartedly say, “You're right. Let's go, then.”

Just then I hear another dragon snore. I have my character turn to get a look at Fluttershy.

The yellow pegasa is evidently stronger than she would seem to want her friends to think she is. As much as the snore jars her, she doesn't freeze up or roll over in fear. In fact, after the rumbling, she resumes her march toward my character, saying, “It's alright. I'm fine.”

It seems to take us being out of view of the others for Fluttershy to say, “I've noticed more and more ponies heading through the forest. I'm guessing they're headed toward your house. And, all are carrying a book with them.”

As my character continues the march up the trail, I answer, “The book they're carrying is called the Book of Mormon. I began reading it with three stallions a few days ago, and, evidently, the group has grown since then. If you want to come and just listen, you're welcome to do so. No one reads who doesn't want to.”

I can hear the hoof-falls that let me know that the yellow pegasa is maintaining her pace behind my character; but I hear her squeak before she says, “I'm not good with crowds.”

I ask, “Didn't Pinkie Pie give you a copy of the Book of Mormon last night?”

Fluttershy says, “Well, yeah, she did; but I haven't had a chance to read it. Is it your autobiography?”

I answer, “No. It's the religious record of a people that lived in my world a long time ago. I can't tell you too much about it before we get to your friends, except that there's documentation of the Christ visiting them, and them being destroyed some four centuries later.”

Fluttershy asks, “Oh, is there a lot of violence in it? Because I don't think I could handle a lot of violence in a book.”

My character pauses for a moment, then continues, as I say, “Well, there is violence mentioned in the book. One group separates into two, and there is a lot of fighting between the two groups. But, the book isn't about that. It's about the dealings between the two groups and their God. One thing that's made clear in the book is how good humans can be, and what happens to them when they're that good; and how bad humans can be, and what happens to them when they're that bad. Basically, every action has consequences, and those consequences are clearly identified in the book.”

When Fluttershy does say something, which takes a few seconds, she says, “Well, if it's a religious record, and it has God and humans talking to each other, then I suppose I could look past the violence. When we come back, I'll have to read the copy Pinkie Pie gave me.”

Through my character's eyes I can see, as he and Fluttershy are circling around the mountain, the first evidence that we're catching up to the other ponies. In fact, I think that's Applejack's tail I'm seeing.

After a few seconds, my character and Fluttershy have reunited with the rest of the team; and I get to see, through my character's eyes, Pinkie Pie finish a game of tic-tac-toe against Rarity. From what I see, the game ends in a draw.

Applejack, seeing the duo, says, “Amazin'. Ah was a'gonna go down and git Fluttershy. But, Ah would'a dragged her by the tail, and it would'a taken at least an hour.”

Presently, Fluttershy says, “Oh, I'm sorry. If you want, we can wait here an hour.”

I can't help chuckling as I say, “I honestly don't think that's what she meant, Fluttershy.”

That's when I hear Twilight say, “Unless anypony's hungry. We can take a lunch break.”

As my character turns to the purple unicorn, she continues, “Mormon and I have something to talk about anyway.”

As Twilight Sparkle leads the way, and my character follows, I notice ponies removing their saddle bags and producing fruits, vegetables, and sandwiches from them.

Based on the evidence that Pinkie Pie is enjoying an apple sandwich my character made for her, it's clear that her appetite is back. I'm pleased to see that.

Once we're past the group, I hear Twilight Sparkle say, “First of all, about Pinkie Pie. I'm pleased with her behavior. You've been a good influence on her.”

I answer, “I'm glad you approve.” And, in all honesty, I am pleased that Twilight gave her approval.

Not long after that, Twilight and my character stop at a clear end in the path up the mountain.

Twilight turns to me and says, “And, here's the problem. As you can see, the trail up this mountain ends here. Fluttershy's made it clear that she prefers to take the trail up the mountain, but it'll mean circling around another mountain to return to this mountain before we finally get to the dragon's cave.”

My character looks to see that indeed there's another trail that begins where the path my character and Twilight are on ends. A look upward reveals that the second path leads to another gap between it and a third path that leads to an outcropping that indicates the dragon's cave.

I say, “I'm guessing you're questioning whether Fluttershy will be willing to cross those two gaps.”

Twilight answers, “Actually, I was worried more about you. Do you think you could jump across that gap?”

I answer, “Well, let's see.” Then, after my character maneuvers around Twilight, he takes a running leap across the gap, running into the cliff on the other side, but definitely remaining on the trail.

My character turns to the purple unicorn to show me, through his eyes, the fear on Twilight's face turns to relief. Clearly I don't have to say anything.

As my character makes the jump back to Twilight again, this time landing in front of the purple unicorn, she says, “Well, that answers that question. But, you're right about what you said. I am worried about Fluttershy. Do you think you could get her to cross?”

After a pause for effect, I say, “Well, if I carry her on my back while I jump, chances are she'll probably open and flap her wings instinctively on the descent, which could cause us to crash into the cliff on the other side. But, the good news is we'd make it. Of course, looking at the gap up there, which is clearly wider, her instinctive wing flapping could actually be a benefit. I'd be willing to carry her on my back both times.”

The purple unicorn smiles as she says, “Well, that solves those two problems. Let's go back and let the others know.”

I have my character nod in agreement, and the two make their way back to the main group.

As Pinkie Pie offers my character a pear sandwich and he accepts, Twilight Sparkle says, “There's a problem up ahead, but Mormon and I think we've come up with a workable solution.”

Pinkie Pie, looking up from her own pear sandwich, asks, “So, what is it, Twily?”

The purple unicorn, trotting to Fluttershy, says, “The trail ends just a little further up, but continues on the next mountain, over a gap. Then it circles around that mountain, then continues back to this mountain, over a wider gap.”

Fluttershy seems to know what's coming, as she looks away from Twilight Sparkle and says, “Oh, dear.”

Twilight Sparkle continues, “Mormon had no problems jumping the first gap, but he says he could use help jumping the second one.”

I guess what I said suggested that, although those weren't my exact words.

In the mean time, Twilight Sparkle taps the yellow pegasa on her closest wing with a front hoof, startling her somewhat. She says, “Sorry about that, Fluttershy. But, Mormon has volunteered to carry you over the two gaps. Is that alright with you?”

As she looks at my character, Fluttershy asks, “Mormon, is this true?”

I answer, “It is.”

Twilight adds, “Mormon said your instincts could harm him jumping over the first gap, but could help him over the second one. But, he said he's willing to risk it.”

I'm sure I hear a note of worry in her voice as Fluttershy says, “Oh, I don't know. I don't want to hurt Mormon.”

I answer, “I took a running leap across the first gap, and ran into the cliff on the other side. Obviously I survived, but I also learned what not to do crossing that first gap. If I carry you on my back, Fluttershy, I could probably just walk over the gap and make it safely. It's that second gap that's the bigger one. I'm thinking I could make it across with the help of you and your wings.”

And, then it happens. The zipper sound effect. And, it comes from Fluttershy.

The yellow pegasa blushes and backs to the edge of the trail as she says, “Excuse me.” Then she smiles apologetically, blushes, and raises her tail, and another zipper sound effect, this time slower, followed by the sound of a thick liquid spilling over rocks, is all the evidence any creature needs as to what's happening. A few seconds after the sounds have stopped, she lowers her head and tail, then frowns and says, “Sorry about that.”

Applejack says, “Well, as long as we don't have to step in it.”

Rainbow Dash, on the other hand, is more aggressive, too much for my taste. Presently nose-to-nose with her fellow pegasa, she says, “Honestly, Fluttershy, you couldn't have done that before we were this close to the dragon's cave?”

I have my character take the step or two toward the azure pegasa, grab her by the tail, and pull her away gently as I say, “That's enough, Rainbow Dash.” Then, ignoring her glare and protesting, I turn to Fluttershy and ask, “Are you alright?”

The yellow pegasa whimpers, but nods.

On the other hand, Rainbow Dash growls, “Mormon.”

Twilight says, “That's enough, Rainbow Dash. Mormon's right.”

As my character looks at Rainbow Dash and the members of the group she looks at, I hear voices of approval either of me or of Twilight.

Finally the azure pegasa focuses on Pinkie Pie and says, “Surely you'll side with me.”

But, the pink earth pony closes her eyes and slowly shakes her head. Opening her eyes again and pointing to my character, she says, “I'm with Mormon on this one.”

Frustrated, the rainbow-maned pegasa groans and says, “Alright, I'm sorry! Can we get going now?”

I hear Fluttershy shake herself out, and my character turns to her as she says, “I'm ready to go now.”

Twilight asks, “Is everypony else ready?”

In staggered unison, the rest of the group announces their readiness to head out.

As my character looks around, I can't help noticing that even Rarity has had the sense to produce only as much from her bags as she needed to eat, leaving herself fully ready to head out. I find myself gaining respect for the Equestrian creatures.

As he looks down, I see Pinkie Pie holding a sandwich in her mouth. With surprising clarity, she says, “This is for you.”

If this had been real, that is if a real horse or pony had been holding a sandwich in his or her mouth and offered it to me, I wouldn't have accepted it, not wanting whatever germs had been in that creature's mouth to get into mine. But, since this is a video game setting, and I won't be directly eating the sandwich, I have my character accept it; and I say, “Thank you, Pinkie.”

The pink earth pony squees in welcome after my character takes the sandwich from her mouth.

In the mean time, Fluttershy flaps her wings and flies up high enough that she's in line with my character's back, then floats into position, making her not unlike an equine, yellow-and-pink, winged backpack for my character.

A message box testifies that Fluttershy is surprisingly light on my character's back.

By this time, the other ponies have lined up, and are following Twilight Sparkle up the mountain to the apparent end of the path.

It's not long before I hear the purple unicorn's voice calling out, “Alright, all earth ponies and all unicorns that don't know a teleport spell are going to have to jump across. Pegasi can fly across, and everypony else use their teleport spell. First, Mormon, Pinkie Pie, Applejack, you come forward.”

Obediently my character and the two earth ponies move to the head of the line.

Pinkie Pie is the first to jump, or bounce, to the other side.

Applejack follows close behind, making the jump like Pinkie Pie, with minimal effort.

As the two earth ponies move aside to allow my character to make the jump, my character turns to Fluttershy's head as I say, “I'm not going to run first, but I may jump over. If you want, you may hold your wings open; but I'm thinking it'll be in the best interest of both of us if you don't flap.”

As my character looks back to the other side of the gap, I see that Rainbow Dash has already flown over to the other side, and is hovering impatiently next to Pinkie Pie.

I hear Fluttershy mutter, “Oh dear,” as my character proceeds to make a standing jump over the gap.

To my credit my calculations are correct. As Fluttershy opens her wings to assist, my character easily makes the jump over the gap, and without running into the cliff on the other side. Just a couple of steps, and he and his passenger are safely on the other side of the gap.

I hear a trembling moan from the yellow pegasa, so I ask her, “Are you alright, Fluttershy?”

She answers, “I will be, as long as we don't have to do that again.”

As my character looks up, I say, “Well, we will when we come back this way. But, further up is a wider gap we'll have to cross. I'm thinking we'll make that one as long as we work together.” Then, when I hear her start whining, I add, “Now, I'm not the only friend you've got with you.”

One thing I don't expect from the yellow pegasa at this point is for her to cry, “I don't care. I don't wanna do this anymore!”

Before I can protest, we hear another dragon snore, and Fluttershy's head disappears from my character's view.

Well, the argument is moot anyway. My character moves out of the way, allowing Lyra, then Rarity, and finally Twilight, to pass over the gap with no problems.

The group, including my character with a still-terrified Fluttershy on his back, follows the path around the mountain, where we find the trail widening next to a cliff that, considering the sun is shining on it, is surprisingly dark.

Twilight Sparkle calls a halt to the march, then turns to my character, who's following right behind her, and says, “I'm not sure about this part. I don't like the color of that cliff face.”

As my character nods, I answer, “I agree. Maybe I should check it to see if it's safe?” Then, while the purple unicorn is nodding in agreement, I have my character kneel down and remove Fluttershy from his back. After he puts the yellow pegasa down next to Twilight, I have my character proceed ahead to have a look at the cliff face.

One of the things that helps out here is that, by this time, my character, with Fluttershy's help, has finished off the apple sandwich Pinkie Pie gave him. As he approaches, I can't help noticing that the wall has several cracks in it, making it look more like flagstone than pure, solid rock. My character pushes a pointer finger into one of the cracks, then pulls it out to find it somewhat caked with soft soil.

This can only mean that whatever is holding the flagstone together isn't very adhesive, and is actually very moist. Not only that, but I wouldn't be surprised to find out that my character testing the soil has weakened the wall further.

My character returns to the group, hearing some rumbling behind him which seems to confirm my theory about what the test has done to the quality of the wall. I say under my breath, “Well, the only thing that seems to be holding the cliff face together is soft, moist soil. If we're going to get across there, we're going to have to do it as quietly as possible, so we can minimize the vibrations against that wall.”

Twilight nods and says, “It sounds like we'll also have to keep a safe distance between the rock face and us. And, I think we'll also have to go, all of us, on hoof. Foot in your case, Mormon.” Focusing on me, she affirms, “And, that means you won't be carrying Fluttershy until we get past that cliff face.”

I hear Fluttershy start whimpering again; so, as my character turns to her, I say, “We're too close to turn back now. After it's all over, we'll be returning home; and we won't have to worry about climbing this mountain any more.”

Presently Twilight says, “Come on, Fluttershy. You'll be behind me, and I'll be following Mormon.” Turning to my character, she says, “So, let's go.”

As surprised as I am that Twilight's giving my character, giving me, the lead position, I have my character nod, then proceed ahead, followed by the ponies.

My character makes it past an evidently healthy bush without disturbing it, but I can only assume either Twilight or Fluttershy aren't as lucky. All I can say for sure is I suddenly hear Fluttershy scream behind me.

The good news is the scream lasts for a second, thanks to some quick thinking on Twilight's part.

The bad news is that one-second scream is all that's needed to cause a rock slide.

As I hear the rumbling, I call out, “Everyone, back up!”

Even worse is, in spite of my effort to sound calm, the ponies are evidently more focused on the rock slide, and are thus easily panicked.

I do my best to keep the ponies from running into the slide or off the cliff, and I prove successful at it. Unfortunately, when it's all over, the path is blocked by the now-collapsed rock face.

I turn to Fluttershy and ask, “What happened?”

The yellow pegasa answers, looking behind her, “I felt something touch me on my behind. I thought something was going to eat me.” Looking at me again, but downward, she adds, “I'm sorry.”

I say, “What matters is everyone's alright.” At this point, my character looks around to confirm what I said to Fluttershy.

While my character is in the process of doing this, Twilight Sparkle says, “Well, if everypony is alright, then I guess there's just one thing left for us to do.” She swallows and concludes, “We're going to have to climb over the mess.”

At the purple unicorn's announcement, I have my character turn his back to the yellow pegasa, and I say, “Well, Fluttershy, the good news is the unstable part of the wall has fallen; so, there should be no problems with me carrying you from here on. So, do you want to climb on my back?”

The only confirmation I get is evidence of a little extra weight on my character's back, then seeing, through my character's eyes, part of Fluttershy's face. With that confirmation, my character stands up again.

In one way or another, all of the ponies demonstrate displeasure over their current predicament. But, it seems that the only ones that don't vocally complain are Twilight and Fluttershy.

As I have my character power run up the debris field, I can't divert enough attention to the pale-green unicorn until I'm at the top of the mound. But, on the way down, as Lyra is still complaining when she passes me, I have my character turn to her while I say, “Lyra, that's enough. As I recall, Fluttershy wasn't the only one panicking during the rock slide. Maybe I should've left you back at the library with Weed Whacker and Spike.”

It seems my comment about panicking ends not only Lyra's complaining, but the complaining of the rest of the ponies.

When all are safe on the other side of the mound of slidden rock, Twilight turns to the other ponies and the human. I can see a look of sadness on the purple unicorn's face as she says, “Before we go on, there's a matter we need to address.” The purple unicorn turns to my character as she says, “Mormon, you were right when you told Lyra that Fluttershy wasn't the only one that panicked. In fact, you were the only one keeping the group together and safe while everypony else was panicking.” Turning her attention to the rest of the group, she continues, “We owe Mormon our gratitude for keeping us out of the rock slide and from running off the cliff. And, I don't know about the rest of you, but I need to tell Fluttershy how sorry I am. No, I didn't say any of the things I was thinking, but I was agreeing with everypony who was complaining against Fluttershy.” Now she looks at her yellow pegasa friend and says, “So, Fluttershy, on behalf of everypony here, let me say that I'm sorry for complaining about you. You're an important part of this team, and we need to treat you with more respect.”

From over my character's shoulder, I hear Fluttershy say, “Oh, well, thank you, Twilight. But, the fact of the matter is you were right to complain about me. After all, I was the first to panic, and I was the one that caused the rock slide.”

I say, “Well, if anyone's gonna accept responsibility for causing the slide, I at least need to accept some. I poked my finger into the soil in the wall, which I'm sure made the cliff face less stable than it was before.”

Now I hear Twilight say, “Now, from your report, it sounded to me like the cliff face was ready to crumble before you touched it. But, that's not what matters right now. The fact of the matter is nopony I heard complained about you. All the complaining I heard was directed toward Fluttershy.”

There is perhaps a minute of silence, after which the first to approach Fluttershy with their sorrow at having complained against her are Pinkie Pie and Lyra. After that, since Twilight has already done so, Rarity, then Applejack, then Rainbow Dash, who is most sincere, inform Fluttershy they are sorry.

After that, and after the yellow pegasa accepts gratefully their words, the group moves ahead to the pathway leading back toward the mountain. Fortunately, the rock face is more stable for the rest of the trek along the trail.

When it comes to that wider gap, I am right in suggesting Fluttershy is going to assist me in crossing it. Her flapping wings make it so that both she and my character make it over the gap with no problems.

Applejack and Pinkie Pie cross the gap with what seems to be as little effort as when they crossed the narrower gap.

Twilight uses a spell to teleport from one side of the gap to the other.

Lyra leaps, and just barely makes it across. It's thanks to my character's quick actions that she doesn't fall into the ravine below.

Rainbow Dash, as she'd done with the narrower gap, flies over this one.

I think my biggest surprise is Rarity, who makes the leap over the gap with what seems like as much, or as little, effort as what Applejack and Pinkie Pie put into their leaps over the gap. As far as I can tell, she uses none of her magic, and doesn't run first. She just leaps and makes it over the gap.

From that point on, it's just a short walk to the dragon's cave.

Just as it was in the “Dragonshy” episode, Twilight's the first to go in, with her approach being calm persuasion.

When that fails, Rarity goes in next, attempting to flatter the dragon not only out of the cave, but out of his nest of jewels as well.

After that fails, Pinkie Pie goes in next, dressed in a gift-wrapped box, swimming flippers, and balloons, hoping to gain the dragon's attention by making him laugh. And, just like in the episode, while she succeeds in getting the dragon's attention, she fails at getting him to budge from his position in the cave.

Once she comes out, and while Rainbow Dash lists the failed approaches, I decide to have my character enter the cave, putting Fluttershy down next to Lyra, as I attempt my own approach.

My attempt doesn't go unnoticed by Rainbow Dash, who flies in front of my character and says, “Now, just a minute. I can't let you go in there. What makes you think you can succeed where ponies have failed?”

I answer, “May be I will succeed, and maybe I'll fail. But, at least I'd like to try.”

The rainbow-haired pegasa groans and says, “Whatever.” She then flies over my character's head and back to her friends. Before my character can go deeper into the cave, I hear Rainbow Dash say, “Pinkie Pie, your human had better know what he's doing.”

With that vote of confidence from the rainbow-haired pegasa, my character proceeds further into the cave, which, not surprisingly, is tall and deep by human standards, just the kind of cave where one would expect to find a dragon that could swallow my character whole.

He makes his approach to the dragon and strokes him on the nose, waking him up.

Now, I expect him to speak to Fluttershy later on; but I don't expect him to ask me now, “What do you want?”

Nonetheless, I answer, “Will you just follow me out of the cave? I just want you to see something. After that, you can make up your own mind on what you should do.”

The dragon answers, “You're probably going to be like that white unicorn, after my jewels.” He then turns away from me and adds, “No thanks. I'm staying right here.” And, while I don't actually see the action from my character's position, the change in level and color of light in the cave is suggesting to me that the dragon has just closed his eyes.

I have my character sit on a nearby rock as I say, “Very well, we stay here then. And, while I'm here, I'll provide some entertainment.”

The level and color of light have just gone back to what they were before, indicating that the dragon has just opened his eyes again. He turns to me and asks, “What do you mean, 'entertainment?'”

I remember watching in a movie about a ghost who sang a song to irritate a mystic into doing what he wanted, and I consider the same approach may work on the dragon. And, with that in mind, I start singing “I Am Henry the Eighth, I Am.”

I manage to sing the first line before I hear Rainbow Dash from outside the cave say, “Ah, for the love of the goddesses!” And, before I can move my character in position to stop her, she flies into the cave and jump kicks the dragon on the nose.

I, from my character's perspective, see the attack land; and I stop at the end of the fourth line, and end the singing with, "And, Rainbow Dash, you really shouldn't have done that."

In the mean time, the dragon responds to the assault by sneezing, then growling at the intrusive pegasa, then chasing her as she flies out of the cave.

In the mean time, as my character rises again and follows more slowly behind, I say, “Well, at least he's out of the cave.”

By the time my character joins the dragon outside his cave, the damage is already done.

Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, and Applejack are lined up against a small mesa; Rainbow Dash dazed with a small stream of blood between her eyes, and the two earth ponies holding each other, trembling, focused on the furious monster.

Twilight Sparkle and Lyra have taken positions on each side of the cave opening, and are firing magical bursts at the dragon, evidently trying to divert his attention from Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, and Applejack.

Who would've thought the pale-green unicorn knew an attack spell? But, I can wonder about how she learned such a spell later.

In the mean time, I see Rarity popping her head out from another somewhat larger plateau, probably trying to find a way into the cave to get some of those jewels. At least, that's the idea I'm getting as I'm seeing her head pop up closer and closer to Twilight Sparkle's position, until the holder of the element of generosity shows up right next to the holder of the element of magic.

This causes Twilight Sparkle to create the worst possible moment to let down her attacks as she sees her friend and calls out, “Rarity, what are you doing?”

The dragon turns to the two unicorns, … and focuses on Rarity.

Twilight closes her eyes and plants a front hoof between them.

In the mean time, Lyra uses her horn to build up a large sphere of magical energy, aims it at the dragon's ear that she can see, and fires it, in an attempt to distract the dragon.

But, the attempted attack is in vain. The dragon reaches down to grab Rarity just in time for the sphere to miss him, and fly off into space. It's the sphere's explosion that attracts the dragon's attention.

It also gives Rarity the chance she's been waiting for to run into the cave toward the dragon's nest.

In the mean time, when the dragon looks down to see Rarity has disappeared, he turns his attention to the source of the exploding sphere, ready to unleash his fury on the source.

The good news for Lyra is my character is on the same side of the cave opening as she is, so he can at least attempt to stand between dragon and pony. Or at least between dragon and Lyra.

As Rarity continues her run toward the gems that compose the dragon's nest, I call out, as my character holds out his arms, “That's enough! Twilight, go get your unicorn friend!”

From inside the cave, I hear the sound effect of tires on asphalt, followed by Rarity's voice calling out, “Mormon, how could you?”

In the mean time, Twilight Sparkle snaps out of her disappointment and obeys me, heading into the cave to collect her friend.

Before the dragon can turn his attention to the inside of the cave, I say, “Well, now that you're out of the cave, I want you to see something.”

The dragon snarls, “Let me at that mint unicorn.”

I answer, “No. Not until you've seen what I want you to see.”

The dragon snarls, “The mint unicorn tried to hit me with that energy sphere.”

I answer, “She was trying to defend one of her friends. And, all things considered, she succeeded.”

That's when I hear Fluttershy's voice, near her fellow pegasa's position, ask, “Rainbow Dash, are you alright?”

Her question is answered by a groan from Rainbow Dash.

My character's attention turns to Fluttershy now as she turns her head to the dragon and says, “How dare you?” She then turns the rest of her body around, glares at the dragon, and, flying up to his face, screams, “How dare you!?”

When I saw the episode, “Dragonshy,” I laughed at this part, thinking that a real dragon, having the yellow pegasa in his face, would've just eaten her out of the air, in one bite. This dragon is certainly capable of that. But, at the time I watched the episode, I'd never had the experience of a furious Fluttershy in my face. Yes, it was in my character's face, but that didn't change the effect. Let me tell you, the pegasa's glaring eyes are far more intimidating than you might realize. It's no wonder the dragon is so scared right now. It's not just the element of surprise that's presently working to Fluttershy's advantage.

And then she tells the dragon off. And, she's earning all sorts of respect from me right now.

The dragon, clearly frozen in fear, has no way to escape from what he's seeing. When he does get a chance to speak, he whimpers, pointing to Rainbow Dash, “But, the rainbow one kicked me.”

Fluttershy's fury subsides for the moment as she says, “And, we're very sorry for that.” But, her anger returns as she adds, “But, that doesn't give you the right to harm another creature. What would your mother think if she saw you right now?”

The mother card proves too much for the dragon, who immediately starts bawling.

He only stops crying when Fluttershy, her maternal instinct taking over, comforts him, telling him that it's his decision, not him, that's bad. Now having effectively humbled the dragon, she convinces him to move somewhere else to sleep.

But, before he leaves, he turns to my character and says, “Before I go, I should like to pay you back for what you did. So, may I take you back to Ponyville?”

I answer, “I think you would be most helpful if you could fly all my friends back to Ponyville first, starting with Twilight and Rarity.”

That's when I near Rarity say, “Oh, no.” At this point, my main hope is she hasn't gone back to trying to grab as many of the dragon's gems as she can.

As my character turns to see the two unicorns, I can see through my character's eyes that the only thing separating Rarity from the gems in the dragon's bed is Twilight holding her by her tail.

The dragon, seeing this, takes a few steps and scoops up the two unicorns, then turns to me and says, “If it'll keep the white one from stealing my wake-up meal, then these two will go first.” And, with that, and with the two unicorns in his forelimbs, he takes a running leap out of the cave and flies off to the small town with the cylindrical building at it's center.

Rainbow Dash, in the mean time, having stretched herself to full alertness, turns to me and says, “I can fly back to Ponyville.” And, with that, “the rainbow one” proceeds to do just that, following the dragon while managing to keep in his apparent blind spot.

In the mean time, Fluttershy turns to me and asks, “So, what did you do to the dragon to make him think he needed to pay you back?”

I answer, “You know, I'm not really sure.” And, right now, the fact of the matter is I'm not. I plan on asking the dragon when he takes my character back to Ponyville after the rest are back.

It doesn't take the dragon more than a minute to return, ready for two more passengers. Seeing one of the ponies missing, he asks me, “Where did the rainbow one go?”

I answer, “She decided she could fly back.”

The dragon snorts and says, “That doesn't surprise me.”

The dragon's next two passengers are Applejack and Pinkie Pie, then Fluttershy and Lyra.

While the dragon is carrying my character back to Ponyville, I ask, “So, why do you think you owe me something?”

I think I hear a smile in the dragon's voice as he answers, “You sang me that song. And, you sang it so well. Not even a dragon could've sung as well as you did.”

Evidently, my plan to irritate the dragon out of the cave failed with the choice of song, and with my singing. But, all things considered, the job of convincing the dragon to move to and sleep in another cave fell on Fluttershy, and she was successful. So, I have nothing to complain about. And, besides, we got a ride home afterward.

That's the good news.

The bad news comes when the dragon drops my character off, and I have to face a furious Rarity, who didn't get her sample of the dragon's gems.

It's Twilight who convinces her that if she'd gotten to the gems, the dragon would've gotten to her, and the team would've been missing the element of generosity.

Now, in the first playthrough, I established that, at least in this game, the elements of harmony could be passed to other ponies when their bearers couldn't hold them anymore. I suppose if Rarity had gotten a sample of the dragon's gems and the dragon had killed her, then another pony would've taken her place as bearer of the element of generosity. But, since that didn't happen, I can guess we'll never know who that would've been.

In the mean time, after hearing what Twilight said, Rarity agrees that I made the right decision having the dragon take her and Twilight back to Ponyville first.

Fluttershy, in the mean time, after cleaning and patching up Rainbow Dash, informs my character that she wants to join in the reading. Evidently her confrontation with the dragon left her with a new-found confidence. It was a real benefit to her.

And, as it turns out, Rainbow Dash also wants to take part in the reading. According to her and Pinkie Pie, she's been listening in on the readings thus far, and has taken an interest in what she heard.

And, to my pleasant surprise, Pinkie Pie has already supplied her with a copy of the Book of Mormon.

It takes less than a minute for the pegasi in town to clear the black clouds from over Ponyville, which leaves me some time to separate my character from the ponies and check out something suspiciously familiar I notice at what appears to be a tavern nearby. From the edge of his periphery I've been noticing a white unicorn with mane and tail of two shades of blue, and I'm hoping it's not the pony I think it is, one that should be at my character's home helping Trixie build a new mobile stage.

As my character approaches the white unicorn, I notice her cutie mark, two connected eighth notes, and it's clear to me who it is.

Next to her is a cup with what appears to be urine, or perhaps apple juice, inside. From what I can see, Vinyl hasn't touched it yet. In fact, it's not until my character is just a few steps from her that she picks up the cup with her magic and starts drinking from it.

As soon as my character is directly behind her, I have him kneel on one knee as I call out, “Vinyl!” Then, after she demonstrates a rather unusual method of sharing her drink with the pegasa on the opposite side of the table from her, I say, “Alright, that was the best spit take I've ever seen. Now, my question for you is why are you here?”

When Vinyl turns to me, I can see her ears are flat against her head and backward, and she's forcing a smile as she stammers, “M-m-mormon, imagine s-s-seeing y-y-you h-here. Th-things w-w-went w-w-well, I g-guess?”

Again I ask, “Why are you here, Vinyl?”

The white unicorn mare swallows hard, and her smile disappears. It's clear she at least has some idea of how much trouble she's in.

It's about this time that I hear sniffing nearby, and my character turns his head to show me that it's Pinkie Pie sniffing at Vinyl's cup.

She then grimaces as she pulls away, and she frowns as she moves in so she's nose-to-nose with Vinyl before saying, “I thought you promised me you'd stay back at Mormon's house.” At this point, I can see one eye of her's vibrate, and I don't doubt the other is doing the same thing. Her hair is also starting to uncurl, but I think it's more evidence of her emotional state than her sister Diane taking over.

Before Vinyl can respond, which she either can't or won't right now, I hear a different male voice behind my character say, “I guess it's partly our fault that this unicorn's here.”

As my character turns to the source of the voice, I see two griffons, one larger than the other.

The smaller griffon says, in the male voice I heard before, “We brought her here from a house just outside the Everfree forest because she said she could help us find out what happened to our daughter.”

I ask, “And, what's your daughter's name?”

The larger griffon, in a female voice, answers, “Her name is Gilda.”

Now, I hear Pinkie Pie say under her breath, “Oh, goddesses.”

As my character turns to look at her, I see through his eyes the pink pony is trembling, the look on her face a mixture of fear and sadness. And, I can't blame her for feeling that way. Now she's got to explain to the two griffons what she did to their daughter.

While up to this point she had her front hooves on Vinyl's hind legs to keep the two of them at eye level, now she pushes away from Vinyl and drops to the ground, then sighs before saying, “Well, this was going to come sooner or later.”

I say, “Pinkie Pie, you're dismissed to go with Gilda's parents.”

By this time, the pegasi are long finished clearing away the clouds; and Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy, as well as the rest of the element bearers, have joined the rest of us in this unplanned gathering, Lyra and Weed Whacker following close behind.

Pinkie Pie turns to my character and says, “Thanks, Mormon.” Turning to the two griffons, she says, “If you'll take me back to Mormon's house, that house where you brought Vinyl from, I have something I need to show you.” Then she turns to Rainbow Dash and says, “Dashie, if you'll come with us, you're gonna have to see this, too.”

It's clear that both Rainbow Dash and the female griffon sense something is wrong.

I expect one of the griffons, specifically the female, to ask more earnestly about their daughter.

Instead, the female griffon points a wing at Vinyl sitting at the table and asks, “What about this unicorn?”

I answer, “She'll be coming with me. You two go ahead and take Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash back to my home.”

The griffons nod.

The female lowers herself to the ground, and Pinkie Pie climbs onto her back, after which the female griffon rises again.

The male griffon lowers as well, but Rainbow Dash says, “That's alright. I'll fly.” As the male griffon rises, Rainbow Dash approaches my character and says under her breath, “Something about this scares me. Why is Pinkie Pie so serious all of a sudden?”

Before I can answer, I hear the pink earth pony call out, “Dashie, are you comin' or not?”

When the rainbow-haired pegasa refuses to move, and I see the look of fear in her face, I say, “Just go with your friend.”

For another second Rainbow Dash doesn't move. When she does finally decide to do so, she sighs deeply, then turns and joins the griffons, as they fly off toward my character's house.

As my character turns to the rest of the group, I search for and find the pale-green unicorn and say, “Lyra, if you'll lead everyone else to my house, I have something to discuss with Vinyl here.”

Lyra looks at Vinyl, who I'm guessing is looking as worried as Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, and the griffons did before they left, then back at me, then nods and says, “Alright. We'll meet you there.” And, with that, she gestures to the group of ponies and dragons to follow her as she walks toward the Everfree forest.

In the mean time, I have my character turn to Vinyl Scratch, who has turned away from my character and is manipulating the cup with her magic again. Before she can take a drink from the cup, I grab her by the forelimb I don't see and pull her away, causing her to lose her concentration, and thus her control of the cup.

As the cup falls on its side onto the table, spilling its contents; Vinyl starts to protest, then gives up and turns to the other ponies at the table and calls out goodbye to them while my character drags her away. She then turns to my character and, seeing that we're not headed in the same direction as the others, asks, “Where are you taking me?”

As my character drags the white unicorn toward the only side of the town where I haven't been to yet, I say, “Hopefully someplace where we can talk more privately.”

At this point, Vinyl Scratch doesn't say anymore, just struggles, in vain, to escape from the human who's dragging her away.

When I figure my character and the white unicorn are far enough out of town, I have my character throw her ahead of him a short distance; then I ask, “Didn't we have an agreement? Weren't you going to stay at my home so you could get over your drinking habit?”

The white unicorn rises, looks at my character, and stammers, “Well, I-I-I … “

Deciding on a different line of questioning, I ask, “Do you want my help, or not? Do you, or do you not, want Pinkie's respect? Because, if that's not what you want, you can go back to Ponyville right now.”

It's clearly my questioning of Vinyl's desire for Pinkie Pie's respect that hurts her.

Presently Vinyl's voice trembles with emotional pain as she says, “Of course, I want Pinkie Pie's respect.”

I ask, “So, why were you in Ponyville just now instead of back at my house?” When I see her either not having an answer or not willing to offer one, I continue, “I was helping you because I thought that's what you wanted. Like I said, you can go back to Ponyville now if that's what you prefer. But, if you do, chances are you're going to get yourself killed one way or another. You'll lose Pinkie Pie's respect, and you won't get it back. And, knowing Pinkie Pie as I do, she won't kill you. She just won't respect you anymore.”

I watch Vinyl Scratch as she uses her magic to pull her goggles away from her face, showing my character, and for that matter me, the fear and sorrow in her eyes.

I have my character kneel on one knee again as I continue, “But, if you return with me to my house, your friends and I will help you get over your drinking habit. Lyra is allowed to have visits from Bon-Bon, and you'll also be allowed visits from Octavia, or any other friends you may have.

“Eventually I'll dismiss you to return to Ponyville, or wherever you want to go, when I feel you're ready. As you may know, I'm making frequent visits to Ponyville nowadays. So, when I release you to return to Ponyville, I never want to see you at another bar, tavern, or drinking party again, neither do I ever want to hear about you going to such things. Right now, I'm willing to respect your wishes.

“So, right now, do you choose to come with me back to my house, or do you choose to return to Ponyville?”

At this point I'm aware that Vinyl is no longer looking at my character. In fact, she seems to be looking through him at something, or perhaps some pony, else.

The white unicorn says, “Octy, is that you?”

As my character turns to see who Vinyl is talking to, I indeed notice a gray earth pony with nearly-black mane approaching me and Vinyl. And, I can see evidence of her tail as it swishes back and forth behind her.

Octavia approaches and then passes my character, but stops right next to him, before saying, “Vinyl, you need help. This human is offering it to you, so please accept it.”

As my character turns to look at Vinyl again, I see something unexpected.

She's still emoting fear and sorrow, but she's also successfully emoting happiness, no doubt at seeing that she has Octavia's support. She turns to me and says, “If Octy can stay as well, then I'll go back home with you.”

I have my character turn to the gray mare as I ask, ”So, Octavia, is that alright with you?”

Octavia approaches and circles around Vinyl as she says, “Well, I shall have to make some arrangements in Ponyville first, but I suppose it is doable.”

At her friend's evident acceptance, Vinyl smiles and cheers, “Yay, Octy's coming, too!”

I state, “You realize, of course, that, as long as you're on my property, no alcoholic beverages of any kind will be allowed. That means no wine, no strong cider, no beer, no alcoholic beverages at all.”

At this point, Octavia is between me and Vinyl.

I notice the white unicorn's smile turn slightly evil as she points a front hoof at her friend and practically sings, “Ah, you know what that means. You won't be allowed to drink your favorite wine.”

I notice, from the edge of my character's periphery, the gray mare's tail point upward somewhat, followed by a zipper sound effect, then a splatter, suggesting to me that she may have just messed herself. As she looks at me, she looks like she may cry. Then, she puts on a stoic face as she says, “Very well. If it means helping Vinyl get over her drinking problem, then so be it.”

I find it a little difficult to tell exactly what's going through Vinyl's mind right now. I have to wonder if she was hoping for some way to get back to Ponyville before I gave permission, or if it might be something else. All I know is that she puts her hoof down and asks, “Really?”

My character focuses on the gray earth pony mare, and I say, “Well, whatever arrangements you need to make in Ponyville, you should get to them now, and we'll head through the Everfree forest when you return.”

Octavia uses a front hoof to scratch under her chin as she says, “Well, all I'll need, then, is my cello.” Turning to Vinyl again, she asks, “Do you want me to get your music system as well?”

Vinyl is evidently even more excited as she answers, “Oh, boy, do I ever! I've missed it!”

Again I speak up and say, “You also realize I'll have restrictions beyond what we'll eat and drink. Remember, my home is right next to the Everfree forest. I prefer to enjoy quiet music myself, which keeps me in good terms with my neighbors. If I think the music playing is getting too loud, I reserve the right to put an end to it. As long as the music playing is kept reasonable, I'll allow it.”

As she turns toward Ponyville again, Octavia says, “Very well. I shall be back in a few minutes with my cello, and Vinyl's music system.” And, with that, the gray earth mare begins her march toward town.

It's evidently at the point when she thinks that her friend is out of earshot that Vinyl settles into a canine-style position and says, waving a front hoof in the air, “Great. No wubs.”

My character focuses on the unicorn, and I say, “As long as you keep them reasonable, you can have your wubs.”

Vinyl uses both front hooves to rub her closed eyes as she groans and says, “I don't know how I'm gonna do this.”

I ask, “Doesn't your music system include headphones?”

Vinyl answers, “Yeah. So, what?”

I say, “As long as you keep your headphones plugged in and you're wearing them, you should be able to listen to your music while you practice, and it shouldn't cause any problems.”

Vinyl groans again, but drops her front hooves in front of her as she says, “You don't understand how it works.”

I answer, “But, I'm thinking you understand how it's going to have to work if you want to keep your music system.”

Vinyl rises again, and once again there's that familiar zipper sound effect, which comes from her, as she says, “So, you're resorting to threats now?”

I answer, “I won't harm your system, but I can't say the same for the creatures that live in the forest. They have a way of communicating their disapproval.”

Vinyl looks like she wants to argue the point further, but then Octavia arrives with the musical instruments and says, “Alright, I'm ready to go when you are.”

Vinyl turns her attention to the gray pony as she says, “Wow, Octy, that was fast.”

I have my character go ahead to the pathway between Ponyville and the Everfree forest as I say, “Well, if every pony here is ready, then let's go.”

In agreement the two ponies follow behind my character, with Octavia pulling the musical instruments behind her.

Vinyl catches up to my character and says, “You know when you stopped me from getting a drink at that bar in Ponyville? Well, you were right to do that. I shouldn't have gone back with the griffons.”

What I want to say is that she may have done the right thing, albeit for the wrong reasons, in giving Pinkie Pie a chance to meet Gilda's parents. But, then I think better of it. Best not to invite questions that Pinkie Pie should be the one to answer, not if I want to keep her respect. What I do say to the white unicorn is, “I forgive you. Why don't you go help your friend with the instruments?”

Vinyl agrees, then stops long enough for Octavia to catch up to her. She offers assistance with the musical instruments, which her friend accepts graciously; and I assume the two share the burden of the musical instruments.

The trek from where I had a discussion with Vinyl Scratch to my character's home takes more than an hour, at which point we meet up with the Mane Six, the three stallions, the two griffons, Trixie, Bon-Bon, and others, who have prepared another snack tray in anticipation of the reading later.

I can't help noticing Pinkie Pie seems to be carrying a heavy burden of her own. So, I have my character approach her; and I ask, “Is everything alright?”

The pink earth pony answers, “I hope I can put this whole Gilda thing behind me as soon as possible.”

At this point, I have my character head toward his house as I say, “Let's go inside so we can talk about it.”

Pinkie Pie doesn't say anything, but she does follow my character into the house.

Once inside, we take seats on each end of a couch; and I ask, “So, you told Gilda's parents about what you did to her?”

The pink pony answers, “Them and Rainbow Dash. I even showed them her remains.” She sighs before continuing, “The hardest part is not knowing if Rainbow Dash'll forgive me. She's my best friend, and she'll be staying. The griffons, on the other hoof, want me to tell Snips about that cupcake he ate before they leave.”

I state, “So, you haven't told him yet.”

Pinkie Pie answers, “I wanted to tell Rainbow Dash first. I didn't want her to hear it from Snips or any of the other foals before I got a chance to tell her.”

I say, “That sounds reasonable. So, when are you going to tell Snips?”

Pinkie Pie focuses on my character as she answers, “As much as I want to make friends with the griffons, the sooner the better. I'm thinking tomorrow. Now that I've told Dashie, I don't have to hide it from Snips any longer.”

I ask, “Do you want me to go with you when you tell Snips?”

Pinkie Pie answers, “I'll have Gilda's parents with me, and I don't want to alarm Snips too much; so, I think three should be enough of a crowd.”

I state, “Well, I'm sure you'll let me know how it goes, then.”

Pinkie nods and sniffles.

Just then, the front door opens; and Fluttershy enters. Seeing my character, she walks up to him and says, “If it's alright with you, I'd like to join in the reading tonight. And, I brought the copy of the Book of Mormon with me that Pinkie Pie gave me.”

I have my character stand up as I say, “That's good news. I'm happy to hear it. If you'll wait outside, Pinkie Pie and I have a few more things to talk about, then we'll come out and begin the reading.”

I watch, through my character's eyes, as Fluttershy leaves through the front door, then have my character turn to Pinkie Pie; and I ask, “Do you suppose Gilda's parents would like to read with us?”

Pinkie Pie closes her eyes and puts a front hoof between them, reminding me of Twilight, as she says, “The one thing I forgot about.”

I answer, “That's alright. You've had a lot to think about recently. I'll take care of it.” And, with that, I have my character retrieve two copies of the Book of Mormon from the closet, then make his way outside to talk to the two griffons.

When my character exits the house and looks and finds the griffons, to my surprise I see them talking with not just Princess Luna, but also Princess Celestia. As my character approaches the conversing quartet, I see the two alicorn sisters are trying to comfort the two griffons, who are clearly still distraught over the fate of their daughter.

When my character is a few footsteps away from them, I say, “Hello.”

The four turn to my character and salute him in return.

Princess Celestia, who, with Gilda's mother, is the closest of the four of us, turns to the two griffons and says, “This is our host, Mormon.”

Gilda's father turns to the white alicorn and answers, “We know. We were introduced earlier in Ponyville.” Turning back to my character, he asks, “Mormon, is that one white unicorn friend of yours in trouble?”

I answer, “Vinyl's gonna have more eyes on her, or at least I hope she will. She'll have to prove she will stick to her promise to stay here. If she can do that, I can help her.”

Gilda's mother says, “I've noticed you brought a gray earth pony mare with you and Vinyl. Is she one of Vinyl's friends?”

I answer the female griffon, “From what I understand she is. She's the 'more eyes' I was talking about. Vinyl said she'd stay here at my house if the gray earth pony, Octavia, agreed to stay as well.”

Gilda's mother responds, “Well, just so long as she won't come to harm because of us, I suppose it'll be alright.” She then notices something about my character and, tilting her head, asks, “What are you holding?”

My character looks down at the two books, then back at the griffons, then holds the books out to them.

I answer, “These are copies of a book that's come to mean a lot to me over the years. It's called the Book of Mormon. I figured, since you were staying for the night, at least, you might be interested in joining in the reading. So, I thought I'd offer you your own copies, in case you wanted to read with us.”

As the female griffon straightens her head again, the male griffon says, “Oh, we wouldn't want to impose.”

I answer, “You wouldn't be imposing. You're quite welcome to join us if you want.”

The male griffon turns away in shame, or so it appears, as the female says, “My male and I aren't good at reading languages beyond our own.”

I answer, “You don't have to read if you don't want to. If you only want to stay and listen, that's perfectly fine.”

Now Princess Celestia says, “On the other hoof, if you really want to read, I could enchant your copies of the book so that you can see the writings in your own language.”

This gets the male griffon's attention, as he turns to the female and nudges her with his beak.

The two converse with chirps and mild squawks, after which the male turns to me and, reaching out a claw, says, “Very well. We'll stay and read with you.”

I hand a copy of the book to Gilda's father, and one to her mother as the larger griffon reaches out a claw, after which the books start glowing with a white aura.

The two, in unison that surprises me again, say to me, “Thank you.” They then turn to Princess Celestia and, again in unison, say, “And, thank you.”

I'm further surprised when Princess Celestia and I, in unison, answer, “You're welcome.”

At this point, my character looks around to show me more than a dozen ponies, two dragons, and the two griffons, with no more coming.

As he looks back at the griffons and alicorns, I say, “Well, there's one more pony inside the house. Since it appears that everyone's here that's coming, I'm going to invite the pony inside the house to join us outside. In the mean time, for the past few days we've been reading this way, we've been forming a circle. You may, with those that are here, form a circle in the front yard here.”

Princess Celestia nods and says, “Very well, then.”

And, as my character heads to the house so I can invite Pinkie Pie to join in, I hear the daytime princess call out, “Alright, everypony. Let's form a circle in the front yard here. The reading will begin shortly.”

My character is reaching for the door knob when it turns, and he backs up in response as the door swings open.

I'm pleased, if not just surprised, to see Pinkie Pie carrying her copy of the Book of Mormon in her mouth as she exits through the front door.

I let the pink earth pony pass in front of my character before having him close the door behind her.

As I follow Pinkie Pie to an opening in the circle, Rainbow Dash, gesturing with an open wing, says, “Over here, Pinkie.”

The pink pony pauses for a moment, then runs to her friend and settles next to her, dropping her copy of the book next to the blue pegasa.

As my character joins in the circle between Pinkie Pie and Weed Whacker, effectively completing it, I hear Pinkie ask, “So, we're fine then?”

As my character produces his own copy of the Book of Mormon, I hear Rainbow Dash answer her friend, “Of course we're alright. What kind of friend would I be if I didn't forgive you? Besides, the six of us are a team. And, I can see that Mormon's been a good influence on you. Like I said before, I've been listening to the readings, and I've enjoyed hearing the stories. Now, I get to read with you.”

Based on the seconds of silence after Rainbow Dash is finished talking, I wouldn't be surprised if Pinkie Pie starts crying, when she does start breathing again. And, sure enough, after a sharp sniffle of an inhale, I hear the pink pony whimper, “Thanks, Dashie.”

As my character looks down to show me the two ponies, I see Rainbow Dash covering Pinkie Pie with a blue wing and nuzzling her mane in front of her ear as the pink pony leans her head against the pegasa's neck.

My character looks at the rest of the group, and I can see the two griffons between the two sister alicorns.

I wonder aloud, seeing how wide the circle is, “Is everyone going to be able to hear who's reading?”

At this point, Princess Luna answers, “I can cast an acoustic spell that should allow everypony to hear the speaker.”

I'm not the only one, it seems, that voices agreement to the proposition.

So, the nighttime princess lights her horn up, and a transparent bubble forms around the group.

After the bubble takes form, I ask, “So, can everyone hear me alright?”

A staggered chorus of affirmation echoes around the circle. I'm sure I can even hear Fluttershy clearly answer affirmatively.

With that confirmation, I state, “We'll be starting with chapter seven of First Nephi,” before asking, “So, do I have a volunteer to begin the reading?”

After what sounds like a furious rush of pages flying around, the male griffon, Gilda's father, sits up and raises a claw, reminding me of a dog begging, and says, “I would like to read first.”

I say, “You may begin with the first verse.”

If I'm reading the griffon's expression correctly, he's eager as he nods, then relaxes again and reads, “And now I would that ye might know, that after my father, Lehi, had made an end of prophesying concerning his seed, it came to pass that the Lord spoke unto him again, saying that it was not meet for him, Lehi, that he should take his family into the wilderness alone; but that his sons should take daughters to wife, that they might raise up seed unto the Lord in the land of promise.” Looking up, the male griffon says, “Now, let me see if I understand what's going on here. This human, Lehi, is out in the wilderness with his family, and his sons need to have families of their own.”

I answer, “That's right.”

The male griffon nods and continues, “I'm clearly missing something. Are Lehi and his family … wanderers or something?”

I'm about to answer the question, but Princess Celestia beats me to it as she says, “Lehi and his family used to live in a city called Jerusalem. Their God ordered him to take his family and leave the city, then ordered him to send his sons back to get some necessary records, which they did successfully. Lehi looked through the records and found out how important they were going to be.”

It's the female griffon that asks, “So, if these records were so important, why didn't this God have Lehi get the records first, and then leave? Did he forget, or something?”

Now, Lyra speaks up and answers, “Mormon explained it to us. In order to get the records, one of Lehi's sons, Nephi, had to kill the one keeping them, a human named Laban. To make a long story short, if Lehi had, under such circumstances, gotten the records and then left, the people of Jerusalem would've stopped them and brought them back, thus stopping them from reaching their destination. The records were necessary so Nephi's descendants wouldn't dwindle and perish in unbelief. But, they had to get to their destination with those records in order to keep the commandments in them. Otherwise, simply put, we wouldn't have the religious record of this people. The God that Lehi served, and that our host Mormon serves, knows what He's doing.”

The male griffon rubs the bottom of his lower jaw with a claw as he says, “That being the case, Lehi and his family would need at least a few day's head start before his sons went back to get the records they needed. If this Laban was a respected man among the people of Jerusalem, his death would've created some commotion among the people for some few days afterward. I suppose one family disappearing a few days before the death of a respected record-keeper, and then another family disappearing perhaps a week afterward, might go unnoticed by a large city, especially if the families in question weren't very large.” He then lowers the claw as he concludes, “The question then is why did Nephi have to kill Laban in the first place? But, that question can be answered another time. For now, let's continue the reading.”

I have my character nod in agreement, then turn to the female griffon and ask, “Will you read the second verse?”

Gilda's mother nods and reads, “And it came to pass that the Lord commanded him that I, Nephi, and my brethren, should again return unto the land of Jerusalem, and bring down Ishmael and his family into the wilderness.” She then looks up and says, “That works as long as this Ishmael has enough daughters for Lehi's sons, and as long as the two families are on good terms with each other. Not to mention, as long as this city, Jerusalem, has calmed down from the death of their record-keeper.”

Princess Luna reads, “And it came to pass that I, Nephi, did again, with my brethren, go forth unto the wilderness to go up to Jerusalem.”

Emerald Hill reads, “And it came to pass that we went up unto the home of Ishmael, and we did gain favor in the sight of Ishmael, insomuch that we did speak unto him the words of the Lord.”

Stunts reads, “And it came to pass that the Lord did soften the heart of Ishmael, and also his household, insomuch that they took their journey with us down unto the wilderness to the tent of our father.” Looking up, Stunts says, “Well, that was easy.”

I chuckle and say, “Yeah, I suppose, compared to when they had to get the records, getting Ishmael and his family to travel into the wilderness with them was a lot easier for Lehi's sons.”

Berry Ground reads, “And it came to pass that as we journeyed in the wilderness, behold Laman and Lemuel, and two of the daughters of Ishmael, and two of the sons of Ishmael and their families, did rebel against us; yea, against me, Nephi, and Sam, and their father, Ishmael, and his wife, and his three other daughters.”

It looks like the earth stallion is about to say something, but Bon-Bon presently reads, “And it came to pass in the which rebellion, they were desirous to return unto the land of Jerusalem.”

Lyra then reads, “And now I, Nephi, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts, therefore I spake unto them, saying, yea, even unto Laman and Lemuel: Behold ye are mine elder brethren, and how is it that ye are so hard in your hearts, and so blind in your minds, that ye have need that I, your younger brother, should speak unto you, yea, and set an example for you?”

Next is Trixie, who reads, “How is it that ye have not hearkened unto the word of the Lord?”

Vinyl Scratch seems uneasy, somehow, as she reads, “How is it that ye have forgotten that ye have seen an angel of the Lord?”

Next, Octavia reads, “Yea, and how is it that we have forgotten what great things the Lord hath done for us, in delivering us out of the hands of Laban, and also that we should obtain the record?”

Weed Whacker is next. She reads, “Yea, and how is it that ye have forgotten that the Lord is able to do all things according to his will, for the children of men, if it so be that they exercise faith in him? Wherefore, let us be faithful to him.”

I read, “And if it so be that we are faithful to him, we shall obtain the land of promise; and ye shall know at some future period that the word of the Lord shall be fulfilled concerning the destruction of Jerusalem; for all things which the Lord hath spoken concerning the destruction of Jerusalem must be fulfilled.”

Pinkie Pie reads, “For behold, the Spirit of the Lord ceaseth soon to strive with them; for behold, they have rejected the prophets, and Jeremiah have they cast into prison. And they have sought to take away the life of my father, insomuch that they have driven him out of the land.”

Next is Rainbow Dash, who reads, “Now behold, I say unto you that if ye will return unto Jerusalem ye shall also perish with them. And now, if ye have choice, go up to the land, and remember the words which I speak unto you, that if ye go ye will also perish, for thus the Spirit of the Lord constraineth me that I should speak.” Looking up, she says, “It doesn't make a lot of sense that these two, Laman and Lemuel, would want to go back to a place that's going to be destroyed.” Then, tilting her head, she asks, “But, how does Nephi know that this city, Jerusalem, is gonna be destroyed? Does he have, like, a Pinkie sense or something?”

Pinkie Pie turns to Rainbow Dash and says, “Ah, that's so sweet, Dashie,” then nuzzles her under her chin.

I answer, “Nephi isn't the only one who knows. Lehi, the father of Laman, Lemuel, and Nephi, was informed by God that Jerusalem was going to be destroyed, and he and his family had to leave. And, they're not just going a short distance away. We'll find in subsequent chapters that they'll be traveling across an ocean to a land where they've never been, where they'll spend the rest of their lives, raise families, and build up two nations. The remnants of one of these nations still exist in my time. The other, from Nephi's perspective, will be destroyed some one thousand years later. But, not before the Savior visits them.”

Rainbow Dash, evidently still curious, asks, “So, if one of these peoples is going to be destroyed anyway, what would be the purpose of putting them in another land?”

I answer, “In the time the descendants of Nephi existed in what in my time is called South America, they do a lot of good things. And, they left behind this record, which we call the Book of Mormon, which has information on what these people were like at their best, and, before they were destroyed, at their worst. As I mentioned before, these people were around to receive the Savior when he visited them after his death and resurrection in the Middle East.”

Rainbow Dash straightens her head again and says, “I have some reading to catch up on when we're done here. I did hear previous readings, but I seem to have some things missing. I'm guessing there'll be another reading tomorrow. I'm sure I'll have more questions then. In the mean time, let's continue reading.”

Taking that as her signal, Fluttershy reads, “And it came to pass that when I, Nephi, had spoken these words unto my brethren, they were angry with me. And it came to pass that they did lay their hands upon me, for behold, they were exceedingly wroth, and they did bind me with cords, for they sought to take away my life, that they might leave me in the wilderness to be devoured by wild beasts.” Looking up, she says, “Laman and Lemuel weren't very nice to their brother.”

I answer, “Now, they weren't. And, when these two families get to South America, the only thing that changes about Laman and Lemuel is they just get meaner. But, that's a story for another day.”

Applejack reads, “But it came to pass that I prayed unto the Lord, saying: O Lord, according to my faith which is in thee, wilt thou deliver me from the hands of my brethren; yea, even give me strength that I may burst these bands with which I am bound.”

Next, Rarity reads, “And it came to pass that when I had said these words, behold, the bands were loosed from off my hands and feet, and I stood before my brethren, and I spake unto them again.” Looking up, Rarity says, “From what I've read about Nephi, he doesn't seem like the vengeful type. Still, I expect he'll have some choice words to say to his brothers.”

Spike reads, “And it came to pass that they were angry with me again, and sought to lay hands upon me; but behold, one of the daughters of Ishmael, yea, and also her mother, and one of the sons of Ishmael, did plead with my brethren, insomuch that they did soften their hearts, and they did cease striving to take away my life.” Looking up at Rarity, he says, “Whatever he said to his brothers, he didn't record it here, if at all. But, whatever it was, it just got them angry at him. It took members of Ishmael's family to calm them down, I guess, so they didn't kill Nephi.”

It's at this point that Lyra speaks up and says, looking at my character, “Mormon, I remember a few days ago when you answered my question about God ordering Lehi to take his family and get out of Jerusalem, then after a few days of traveling send his sons back to get the records. You said it was Lehi who told them that they'd killed Laban. I wonder, couldn't it have been this son of Ishmael that talked to them, that said that they'd killed Laban?”

It takes me a moment of thought before I answer, “You know what, Lyra, you may be right. I'll have to look into that. Thanks.” I then turn to the white alicorn and ask, “Princess Celestia, will you continue reading?”

Princess Celestia nods, then reads, “And it came to pass that I did frankly forgive them all that they had done, and I did exhort them that they would pray unto the Lord their God for forgiveness. And it came to pass that they did so. And after they had done praying unto the Lord we did again travel on our journey towards the tent of our father.” She then turns to Rarity and says, “You were right about one thing. Nephi is not the vengeful type.”

Gilda's father reads, “And it came to pass that we did come down unto the tent of our father. And after I and my brethren and all the house of Ishmael had come down unto the tent of my father, they did give thanks unto the Lord their God, and they did offer sacrifice and burnt offerings unto him.”

I look up from the reading and say, “Well, that's the end of chapter seven. Are there any objections to moving on and reading chapter eight?” Then, after staggered statements ranging from one or two direct negative answers to my question to the majority being proposals to start the next chapter, I shift my character's attention to the female griffon, and I say, “Well, in that case, will you read verse one of chapter eight?”

The female griffon nods in agreement, then looks down and reads, “And it came to pass that we had gathered together all manner of seeds of every kind, both of grain of every kind, and also of the seeds of fruit of every kind.” Looking up, she says, “I suppose, considering they don't know what to expect in the new land they'll be going to, that it would make sense that they'd gather as many different kinds of seeds as they could find.”

Princess Luna then reads, “And it came to pass that while my father tarried in the wilderness he spake unto us, saying: Behold, I have dreamed a dream; or, in other words, I have seen a vision.” She then looks up and says, “Considering what Lehi's dreams and visions have meant up to this point, I can imagine Laman and Lemuel are probably thinking 'Uh-oh, now what do we have to do?'”

When the ripples of laughter have died down, Emerald Hill reads, “And behold, because of the thing which I have seen, I have reason to rejoice in the Lord because of Nephi and also of Sam; for I have reason to suppose that they, and also many of their seed, will be saved.” As he looks up, he says, “Sounds like good news for Nephi and Sam. I'm guessing we'll find out soon enough what Lehi saw in his dream.”

Stunts reads, “But behold, Laman and Lemuel, I fear exceedingly because of you; for behold, methought I saw in my dream, a dark and dreary wilderness.” Looking up, the unicorn stallion snorts and says, “It almost sounds like Lehi's associating Laman and Lemuel with this dark and dreary wilderness he saw in his dream.”

Again ripples of laughter, after which Berry Ground reads, “And it came to pass that I saw a man, and he was dressed in a white robe; and he came and stood before me.”

And again, it appears that before Berry Ground can say what he wants to, Bon-Bon reads, “And it came to pass that he spake unto me, and bade me follow him.”

Lyra sighs as she reads, “And it came to pass that as I followed him I beheld myself that I was in a dark and dreary waste.”

Trixie reads, “And after I had traveled for the space of many hours in darkness, I began to pray unto the Lord that he would have mercy on me, according to the multitude of his tender mercies.”

Vinyl Scratch reads, “And it came to pass after I had prayed unto the Lord I beheld a large and spacious field.”

Octavia reads, “And it came to pass that I beheld a tree, whose fruit was desirable to make one happy.”

Weed Whacker reads, “And it came to pass that I did go forth and partake of the fruit thereof, and I beheld that it was most sweet, above all that I ever before tasted. Yea, and I beheld that the fruit thereof was white, to exceed all the whiteness that I had ever seen.” Looking up, she says, “Extremely white, and extremely sweet. I've had fruits like that, after biting through a rind or a skin. But, rind and skin aren't mentioned here, so I have to wonder what kind of fruit Lehi's talking about here.”

I answer, “That's a good question. The answer to that'll come in a future chapter, or at least what the fruit represents. In the mean time, we'll continue reading.” With that, my character looks down at his book, and I read, “And as I partook of the fruit thereof it filled my soul with exceedingly great joy; wherefore, I began to be desirous that my family should partake of it also, for I knew that it was desirable above all other fruit.”

Pinkie Pie reads, “And as I cast my eyes round about, that perhaps I might discover my family also, I beheld a river of water; and it ran along, and it was near the tree of which I was partaking the fruit.”

Rainbow Dash reads, “And I looked to behold from whence it came, and I saw the head thereof a little way off, and at the head thereof I beheld your mother Sariah, and Sam, and Nephi, and they stood as if they knew not whither they should go.”

Fluttershy reads, “And it came to pass that I beckoned unto them; and I also did say unto them with a loud voice that they should come unto me, and partake of the fruit, which was desirable above all other fruit.”

Applejack reads, “And it came to pass that they did come unto me and partake of the fruit also.”

Rarity reads, “And it came to pass that I was desirous that Laman and Lemuel should come and partake of the fruit also; wherefore, I cast mine eyes towards the head of the river, that perhaps I might see them.” Looking up from her book, she says, “Something tells me that, even if Lehi does find Laman and Lemuel, they're not going to come no matter how much he calls them.”

Spike reads, “And it came to pass that I saw them, but they would not come unto me and partake of the fruit.” Then, looking up at the white unicorn next to him, he says, “Just like you said, Rarity.”

I think I see a smile on Twilight Sparkle's face as she reads, “And I beheld a rod of iron, and it extended along the bank of the river, and led to the tree by which I stood.”

Princess Celestia reads, “And I also beheld a strait and narrow path, which came along by the rod of iron, even to the tree by which I stood, and it also led by the head of the fountain, unto a large and spacious field, as if it had been a world.”

Gilda's father reads, “And I saw numberless concourses of people, many of whom were pressing forward, that they might obtain the path which led unto the tree by which I stood.”

Gilda's mother reads, “And it came to pass that they did come forth, and commence in the path which led to the tree.”

Princess Luna reads, “And it came to pass that there arose a mist of darkness; yea, even an exceedingly great mist of darkness, insomuch that they who had commenced in the path did lose their way, that they wandered off and were lost.” Not looking up this time, the nighttime princess sighs and says, “I know the feeling.”

Emerald Hill reads, “And it came to pass that I beheld others pressing forward, and they came forth and caught hold of the end of the rod of iron; and they did press forward through the mist of darkness, clinging to the rod of iron, even until they did come forth and partake of the fruit of the tree.”

Stunts reads, “And after they had partaken of the fruit of the tree they did cast their eyes about as if they were ashamed.”

Berry Ground reads, “And I also cast my eyes round about, and beheld, on the other side of the river of water, a great and spacious building; and it stood as it were in the air, high above the earth.”

This time, it seems that Berry Ground has nothing to say before Bon-Bon reads, “And it was filled with people, both old and young, both male and female, and their manner of dress was exceedingly fine; and they were in the attitude of mocking and pointing their fingers towards those who had come at and were partaking of the fruit.”

Lyra reads, “And after they had tasted of the fruit they were ashamed, because of those that were scoffing at them; and they fell away into forbidden paths and were lost.”

Trixie reads, “And now I, Nephi, do not speak all the words of my father.”

Vinyl Scratch reads, “But, to be short in writing, behold, he saw other multitudes pressing forward; and they came and caught hold of the end of the rod of iron; and they did press their way forward, continually holding fast to the rod of iron, until they came forth and fell down and partook of the fruit of the tree.”

Octavia reads, “And he also saw other multitudes feeling their way towards that great and spacious building.”

Weed Whacker reads, “And it came to pass that many were drowned in the depths of the fountain; and many were lost from his view, wandering in strange roads.”

I read, “And great was the multitude that did enter into that strange building. And after they did enter into that building they did point the finger of scorn at me and those that were partaking of the fruit also, but we heeded them not.”

Pinkie Pie reads, “These are the words of my father: For as many as heeded them, had fallen away.”

Rainbow Dash reads, “And Laman and Lemuel partook not of the fruit, said my father.”

Fluttershy reads, “And it came to pass after my father had spoken all the words of his dream or vision, which were many, he said unto us, because of the things which he saw in a vision, he exceedingly feared for Laman and Lemuel; yea, he feared lest they should be cast off from the presence of the Lord.”

Applejack reads, “And he did exhort them then with all the feeling of a tender parent, that they would hearken to his words, that perhaps the Lord would be merciful to them, and not cast them off, yea, my father did preach unto them.”

Rarity reads, “And after he had preached unto them, and also prophesied unto them of many things, he bade them to keep the commandments of the Lord, and he did cease speaking unto them.”

At this point, Princess Celestia speaks up and says, “I've read the next chapter, and it's only six verses. So, I propose we also read that chapter.”

The responses are staggered, but also mixed. But, most of the responses are in favor of Princess Celestia's proposal.

So, as my character turns to the purple dragon, I ask, “Well, in that case, Spike, will you read the first verse of chapter nine?”

it seems that Spike was one of those who disagreed with the daytime princess's proposal. He groans, but reads, “And all these things did my father see, and hear, and speak, as he dwelt in a tent, in the valley of Lemuel, and also a great many more things, which cannot be written upon these plates.”

Twilight Sparkle rubs the top of Spike's head with a front hoof as she reads, “And now, as I have spoken concerning these plates, behold they are not the plates upon which I make a full account of the history of my people; for the plates upon which I make a full account of my people I have given the name of Nephi; wherefore, they are called the plates of Nephi, after mine own name, and those plates also are called the plates of Nephi.”

Princess Celestia reads, “Nevertheless, I have received a commandment of the Lord that I should make these plates, for the special purpose that there should be an account engraven of the ministry of my people.”

Gilda's father reads, “Upon the other plates should be engraven an account of the reign of the kings, and the wars and contentions of my people, wherefore these plates are for the more part of the ministry; and the other plates are for the more part of the reign of the kings and the wars and contentions of my people.”

Gilda's mother reads, “Wherefore, the Lord hath commanded me to make these plates for a wise purpose in him, which purpose I know not.”

Princess Luna reads, “But the Lord knoweth all things from the beginning; wherefore, he prepareth a way to accomplish all his works among the children of men; for behold, he hath all power unto the fulfilling of all his words. And thus it is. Amen.”

As my character stands up, I say, “And, with that, let's call an end to the reading for tonight. Tomorrow's reading will begin with chapter ten, and we'll see whether more will be read or not after that.”

As the group rises, closes their books, and puts them away, I hear Spike say, “Finally.”

I then hear Twilight Sparkle say, “Spike!”

Next, I hear Spike say, “I'm sorry. I'm just tired right now.”

Then, I hear Fluttershy say, “I understand. My creatures can be difficult at times.”

Twilight says, “Weed Whacker helped take care of Fluttershy's creatures, and I haven't heard her complain.”

At that statement, my character looks down at the dinosaur to find her asleep.

I can only guess that the three talking have also noticed, as I hear Fluttershy say, “Weed Whacker's asleep.”

Spike says, “Weed Whacker didn't have to read anymore.”

Now, I hear Lyra say, “Nopony had to read.”

Twilight says, “That's right. If you didn't want to read, Spike, you could've just said so; and I would've read that first verse instead. I doubt Emerald Hill would've minded finishing the reading for tonight.”

I take Spike's moment of silence as an opportunity to call Lyra over to help bring Weed Whacker into the house.

While my character is hoisting the sleeping dinosaur onto Lyra's back, I hear Spike say, with more sincerity, “I'm really sorry. I guess I didn't think about that. I'll try to remember next time.”

By the time Spike's finished repenting, Lyra and I are passing behind them.

I have my character pause for a moment as I ask, “Is everything alright here?”

Twilight answers, “Yeah. Spike's just tired. He had a hard time taking care of Fluttershy's creatures, and I guess he wasn't expecting you to ask him to read another verse.”

I state, “He understands, I hope, that he could've said no, and I wouldn't have held it against him. All reading is voluntary, after all.”

Lyra, who has also paused, turns and says, “That's basically what I said.”

By this time, Spike proves Weed Whacker isn't the only dragon who's fallen asleep, as we start hearing snoring from him.

As Twilight Sparkle uses her magic to hoist the young dragon onto her back, she says, “Well, I guess we'll be heading back to Ponyville then.”

I say, “Don't forget your and Spike's copies of the book.”

The purple unicorn turns and sees that the books are still on the ground. As she uses her magic to lift them and put them in her saddle bags, she turns to my character and says, “Thanks for reminding me. I'd forgotten about them for a moment, what with Spike and all.”

I answer, “No problem. I'm glad I could help.”

Just then, I hear Pinkie Pie scream out, “Vinyl Scratch! I thought you were staying!”

Attentions are attracted to some point outside the gate, to the positions of the pink pony and her target, including that of my character, as the blue-maned unicorn says, “Oh, that's right,” in a tone I recognize as not that sincere.

And, I can see that Octavia is with her.

Those that vocalize around the two either groan or say, “Uh-oh.”

I'm one of those who says, “Uh-oh.”

Pinkie Pie noses her friend back into the yard, not unlike a truck backing a trailer into a driveway, as she says, “I want you to Pinkie promise me that you'll stay and accept Mormon's help.”

Vinyl, evidently scared now, answers, “Alright, I p-promise.”

The pink mare roars out, “Pinkie promise!”

Vinyl shouts, “Alright, I Pinkie promise! I won't try to leave anymore! I'll let Mormon help me!”

I have to wonder if the white mare with the blue mane realizes what kind of commitment she's just made. If she does know, she'll stay on my character's property and allow me to help her break her drinking habit. Otherwise, well, let's not think about that. Let's just hope Vinyl has the sense to stick to the Pinkie promise she just made.

There's just one problem I see. My character leaves Weed Whacker in Lyra's care as I approach the gate and ask, “Octavia, didn't you promise you'd stay and help Vinyl?”

The gray mare's ears droop, and she lowers her head as she says, “That's right. I'm sorry.”

Pinkie Pie moves out of the way to allow Octavia to enter again as Vinyl says, “Octy, how could you?”

Octavia's regret turns to anger as she marches toward Vinyl and says, “Hey, you were the one who convinced me to join you in trying to escape in the first place.”

I'm thinking to myself Octavia must've meant from the first place. Whatever Vinyl had said to convince her, they'd evidently tried by hiding opposite my three stallion friends.

Pinkie Pie, looking at the gray earth pony, sighs and says, “Well, I guess I'm gonna have to get a Pinkie promise from you, too.” The pink earth pony then turns to my character and asks, “What did she promise, exactly?”

I answer, “Vinyl promised she'd stay and allow me to help her on the condition that Octavia join her.” I then have my character focus on the gray earth pony as I add, “And, that did not mean joining in to help her break her promise.”

Octavia's expression morphs to fear, then once again to regret.

Pinkie Pie then turns to the gray mare and asks, “So, Octavia, will you Pinkie promise that you'll stay and help Mormon help Vinyl?”

Octavia answers, looking at Vinyl, “Yes, I Pinkie promise.”

I think Vinyl has a better chance of understanding the importance of a Pinkie promise than Octavia does. But, on the other hand, I also suspect, if she weren't influenced by Vinyl, Octavia would be more likely to keep her promises.

In the mean time, Pinkie Pie smiles and says, “Okie dokie lokie,” and bounces away from the three toward the nearly-empty snack tray. And, yes, ponies were snacking on the plant products provided during the reading. For that matter, so were my character and Weed Whacker.

As I watch the pink earth pony grab and eat a carrot stick, I hear Octavia say, “Come on, Vinyl. Let's go inside. We need to find a room where we can store my cello, and your music system.”

I decide I should have my character help Octavia and Vinyl find a place for them to store their musical instruments. But first, my character is approached by the two griffons; and the male says, “Oh, Mormon, we were wondering. Could we keep the copies of the book you gave us?”

I answer, “You're quite welcome to keep your copies. I have plenty, and I can always get more.”

The female griffon says, “Thank you. Now, is there a place around here where we can get some meat to eat?”

If there are ponies that stop and stare in horror at the griffons' request, my response very likely horrifies them even more: “I have a pond that should have plenty of fish. It's past my vineyard. As long as you don't mind going fishing, you can try there.”

It's the male griffon who says, “Again, thank you,” before the two of them fly off in that direction. Based on their direction, I'm guessing that they must've seen it when they first came to my character's house.

With them evidently satisfied, I have my character once again turn his attention to helping Octavia and Vinyl find a place to store their instruments until they're ready for them. But, their first obstacle, evidently, is the flight of stairs leading to the front porch and door.

For Vinyl and her music system, it doesn't seem to be a problem. She uses her magic to lift the system up and onto the porch.

On the other hand, there's Octavia, who's evidently having problems figuring out how to get her cello up on the porch without damaging it. Even with it in it's case, Octavia is evidently unwilling to drag it up the stairs to the porch.

The gray earth pony is evidently surprised when her cello suddenly changes angles, as she looks behind her to see my character has lifted the larger, heavier end of the case. With a word of gratitude, she then looks ahead and proceeds up the stairs to the porch, with my character following behind, matching her speed, to carry the huge string instrument to the porch, where they put it down.

My character proceeds to the front door to open it; but the door knob, suddenly possessed by an azure aura, turns on its own; and the door opens. My guess is Vinyl opened the door with her magic.

What appears to be a trio of black boxes, possessed of the same azure aura that possessed the doorknob, proceeds through the doorway, managing to easily fit through.

Vinyl follows her music system, and is in turn followed by Octavia, her cello, and my character, who kicks the door closed behind them.

Then, I hear Pinkie's voice call out, “Mormon, open the door!”

My focus had been so much on having my character help Octavia get her cello into the house, I'd forgotten about Pinkie Pie, Lyra, and Weed Whacker, and the possibility that they might follow the three, carrying the snack tray with them. Actually, come to think of it, Weed Whacker should still be asleep, and Lyra might've taken the little dinosaur into their bedroom. So, it would be just Pinkie Pie left to drag the snack tray back inside.

As soon as Octavia is satisfied with her cello's position against the closest wall, I have my character proceed to the front door and open it so that Pinkie Pie can drag in the snack tray.

As she proceeds through the door, I say, “I'm sorry about that, Pinkie Pie. I was busy helping Octavia, and I forgot about you.”

In spite of holding an edge of the tray in her mouth, Pinkie Pie is surprisingly clear when she says, “You're lucky I'm busy right now, or I'd stomp on your foot or something.”

I'm thinking my character would've earned it, too.

As Lyra enters the front room, no longer having Weed Whacker on her back, she says, “Now, Pinkie, Mormon did say he was sorry.”

Well, I'm thinking this chapter's gone on long enough. To finish it off as quickly as possible, Pinkie Pie forgives me, Octavia and Vinyl Scratch store their instruments in my character's work room, Trixie and Vinyl trade rooms so Vinyl and Octavia have a room together, again with separate beds, and the party of six have a small dinner in the front room.

As I save and close the game with everyone headed to bed, including the two griffons sharing a tent near the pond, I find myself considering adding a musical library to my program, something to entertain my guests who are staying for the present time. I do have that option available, although I haven't found a use for it, at least not yet. I can even add a video library for their entertainment, as well as my own. And, I happen to have plenty of music and videos to put in the folders so I can have my character play them. Oh, I can have the program call on such folders on the computer itself, if I want. And, once they're accessed, I can have my character use them, or even the ponies or other creatures can make use of them as they see fit. You know, I suppose, considering this is my game, I could also make document stories available—

“Mormon, just call it a night already!”

That was Pinkie Pie. How did she do that? Well, she's right, anyway. I can brainstorm later. And, come to think of it, I'm gonna have to look into the Book of Mormon Movie again and see if Lyra was right about it being one of the sons of Ishmael, the one that spoke up when Laman and Lemuel rebelled, that told them that they'd killed Laban. In the mean time, good night.

Author's Notes:

In the nest chapter, the consequences to Pinkie Pie murdering Gilda and making cupcakes of her are found to reach a little further than she thought.

Also, chapter six marks the first Sunday in the "Hey, Batter!" game. But, it's hardly a day of relaxation or rest for Mormon or Pinkie Pie.

Chapter 6: Not Quite a Day Off is not based on an episode of My Little Pony Friendship is Magic, but is a one-day side quest in the game that was opened up.

The chapters read at the end are the First Book of Nephi, chapters ten and eleven.